Walking into Jimmy's, Billy grabs some paper napkins - his white flag. There's no way they should be fighting over Mac having Cane and Lily's kid. Running around the bar, Mac hugs him. Billy's relieved to assume she realizes it's an insane idea. WHY would he apologize? Billy heads off to make a pot of coffee - ready to spend the entire night making her see it's a crazy idea.

Nina looks through the window into Chance's room (where Chloe's at his bedside). Philip carries Delia around - Chloe's been here all night, he comments. So has Philip - and that means a lot to Nina (and it will to their son). As Chance sleeps, Chloe babbles away to her 'soldier' - Delia's here - she missed him at breakfast. This isn't fair, she mutters - getting under her skin then bailing out like this. I'm getting under your skin? Chance weakly responds - joking that he'd have woken up hours ago if she said that.

The Baldwin's enjoy breakfast with Eden and Noah - and are pleased to see that the kids are a good influence on one another. Things are looking up for the Newman's - who Noah thinks are in a semi good place right now. MOST of your family, Eden corrects.

Cut to the ranch - where Ashley reminds Abby that she's grounded - not even allowed to go study with Noah and Eden (who're welcome to come THERE and study). Fine, Abby removes her coat. Ashley's off to meet with Abby's teacher - and then dropping by Jabot. With Adam out of town, Abby's not to get any ideas - the staff will call if she tries to leave the ranch. Ignoring Abby's snarky comments, Ashley gives her a parting kiss - have a nice day. No sooner does her mother leave, Abby exits the front door after her.

At CL's, Daniel informs he's signed the marriage license - no backing out now. Amber bubbles in - now there's just the guest list, cake, flowers, music. Kevin sits to point out that the wedding's all about the bride? It's not like HE wanted to get married in an ashram. Daniel isn't impressed to notice 'that guy's' still working here. That guy is Kevin's brother - and he's trying to start his life over. He almost cost Daniel HIS, and will try to ruin Kevin's life, Daniel's sure.

Nina comes in to kiss Chance - no more playing hero, she chides. Groaning in pain, Chance boasts that he served three tours in Iraq - he can handle some punk with a butter knife. With the nurses coming to prep Chance for more tests, Chloe takes Delia out. Yes - she's be back. Can't get rid of me now, she grins. After Philip leaves, Nina reports that he never left Chance's side. Neither did Chloe, Chance replies. Near tears, Nina's just glad he's alright.

Shaking the teacher's hand, Ashley corrects that it's 'Ms Abbott' again. Ms McGuire thinks that explains a lot. They commiserate over Abby's rough year - losing her adoptive father - her sister - and now the divorce. But Mrs McGuire's concerned - Abby's behind in homework, daydreaming or picking fights in class (when she's there that is). She's a teenager, Ashley points out the obvious - not that she's making excuses. Isn't this par for the course?Not really - and if Abby doesn't bring her marks up asap, she'll fail the entire term. Mrs McGuire would hate to see Abby hit 'rock bottom' like that. Thinking this too extreme, Ashley gets snarky with the teacher - Abby needs someone to support her - not expect the worst from her. Thank you very much - I'll take it from here, Ashley clip clops out (and in the hallway, checks her phone - uh oh - a call from the ranch).

Amber's back with Daniel - prattling on about the wedding - when the doves are released, the orchestra will play 'When A Man Loves A Woman'. Abby (along with Daisy) interrupt - you guys planning a wedding? The discussion's cut short when Eden pokes her head in - hey - we gonna do this or what? They better go - before the hall monitor busts them. See? Noah told Eden that Abby would show up to study. Study? Abby and Daisy snicker. Do you even WANT to graduate? Eden has to ask. And Noah warns Abby not to get grounded again - not with Kyle Wilkens about to ask her out. OMG - the hottest guy at Walnut Grove! Daisy's impressed. Watching Ryder, Abby's over high school guys - she wants someone older, more worldly (as Noah and Eden look at her like she's sprouted horns).

Back inside, Ryder knows Daniel wants him gone - how CAN he let it go? When he's putting Kevin in the position of having to choose - between his best friend and the brother he barely knows. Don't sweat it, Kev shrugs it off - he's used to awkward positions. Oh good - here's Mike - to say Ryder's trail's set for November 5th. If they can verify his alibi, it won't even GO to trial, Kev's optimistic. But Ryder's decided to take his chance with the jury. Just leave it alone, he snaps at Kevin (who wonders why Ryder can't just tell them where he was the night of the shooting). As Ryder huffs off, Kevin's left to sum up what Mike's NOT saying (that Ryder doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt).

Worldly? That guy's out on bail, Noah informs Abby. For murder, Eden adds. You can do better, Daisy joins in - and what's wrong with high school guys anyway, right Eden? Right. And as the trio head off to school, Abby stays put (I'll catch up). Unbuttoning her sweater and unpinning her hair, Abby wastes no time trying to strike up conversation with Ryder. Nearby, Mike IS worried that Ryder won't share his alibi. Fine - give him a chance - but it might not be the happy ending THEY had. Given his experience, Mike DOES have a theory on why Ryder won't sharing his alibi - he's guilty.

While Billy can't believe Mac would want to help that 'con man' have a baby, Mac points out that it would be Lily's baby too. Yes - Billy wants Lily to have something wonderful to look forward to - but not something carried by HER for nine months. Yes, Billy goes after what he wants - buying a magazine's hardly the same has carrying a baby. He can't watch Mac get huge and deal with her late night cravings for nine months - just to hand off the kid to some Crocodile Dundee wannabe. Mac gets to the bottom of Billy's problem - that the first baby she gives birth to won't be HIS.

Lauren greets Daniel and Amber (who denies the wedding's gonna cost too much - Kay's offered the grounds - she's designing her own dresses (that Lauren will a deal on material for) - and thanks to her LA connections, the Kings of Leon are gonna play at the reception! They'll have a DJ too - and what about hang gliding off the roof of the Chancellor mansion!? Amber wants the wedding to scream Amber and Daniel (who'll be screaming alright). Wishing a pouting Daniel 'good luck' Lauren goes off to call Eden's teacher.

Back at the counter, Abby's still hitting on Ryder. And when Kevin comes along to gripe that Ryder didn't fix the espresso machine, Abby sniffs - excuse me - I'm kinda talking here. Yeah, well - excuse ME but Ryder's working - and you're supposed to be in school. As Abby huffs off, Kevin scolds Ryder for flirting with jail bait. You did what? Lauren frowns.

Bringing four large coffee's (assuming the ladies were still there), Philip offers to leave Chance to rest. But Chance invites him to stay (promising he won't bark, or bite his head off). Philip quips that he got stabbed to avoid their breakfast. Chance then groans in pain.

In the lounge, Nina tells Chloe that she can go home. She heard what Chloe said to Kay last night - maybe you DO care, she concedes - but it doesn't mean she's over Billy. Chloe IS - and is gonna prove it. When Philip comes out shouting for a doctor, Nina rushes off (while Chloe also looks worried).

Mac explains the baby wouldn't be hers either - but a gift to two people who've been kind to her. Billy would do it for Lily - but not Cane (and lists reasons why). Mac reminds that Cane turned down the Chancellor fortune - and won't change her mind. Billy also worries he'll fall in love with any baby she carries - and will then watch it go to a man he hates. Once was enough. If Mac can't understand that, he can't help her (and out he marches).

Back at CL's, Ryder denies he was flirting with 'that girl'. Kevin apologizes - but knows he pulled some crazy stuff on girls who didn't deserve it. Just because Kevin was a jerk, doesn't mean Ryder will. We may be blood, but we're NOT twins, Ryder storms off. Kevin wonders if Ryder's doomed to make the same mistakes HE did. No, Lauren answers - but hasn't changed her mind on Ryder (who's still a 'rat').

Nina tells Philip that Chance was just low on pain meds - they've replaced his IV bag. Philip realizes Nina must have seen Chance in pain numerous times - watching him grow up. He's just not used to it. And Nina was right - he DOES always run. When he came back, Philip expected to rejoin his little family - and when Chance didn't welcome him with open arms, Philip complained about it - to Nina, of all people. He had no right to expect a second chance - and isn't sure there's even a possibility (of a relationship between him and Chance).

In Chance's room, he holds Delia - Mommy finally admitted I got under her skin - took her long enough, he confides. Chloe has an envelope with a bow on it - and look, she finally signed the divorce papers - she's no longer Mrs Billy Abbott. Chloe now sees what she has in Chance - everything she's always wanted. You're 'it' for me, she leans in for a kiss.

Mike stops by the ranch to get Ashley's signature - the ranch is yours. Ashley confides that Abby's having trouble with the separation. If it helps, Eden's always been snarky with Mike (who's pleasantly surprised to hear she only says nice things about him). It took her forever to crack a smile at the dinner table, Mike concludes. And when Ashley confides grounding Abby, Mike talks about listening to Eden - instead of putting his foot down. And when Abby arrives, she's surprised to see her Mom home (having received a call that she left the house). Why aren't you in school? Blocking Abby's path to the staircase, Ashley asserts that gym and study hall IS indeed a VERY big deal.

Still on the patio, Amber will call off the dove wrangler - and the Kings of Leon - and just have a 'run of the mill' wedding. Daniel takes her phone - he just doesn't think they need a big spectacle. Amber knows she's going a bit overboard - but after her recent almost wedding (to Deacon) - and since both have said 'I do' before, she wants everyone to know it's for keeps. Good enough - Amber gets whatever she wants. Lauren's pleased to see they've made up - and has some dress designs on her phone to show Amber (who covers Daniel's eyes). And as the ladies head off giggling, Kevin races over - if Ryder's alibi holds up, Daniel's back in the defendant's seat. Either way, someone Kevin cares about goes on trial for murder.

Billy's happy to hear Chance is doing well - and is Delia here? (as he could use HIS spirits lifted too). Opening the door, Billy seems unnerved at the sight of Chloe and Chance snuggling in bed - playing with Delia - all three looking as happy as can be.

Ashley relays her interesting talk with Ms McGuire - she's concerned too. Now sit down - talk to me, like you used to. Oh how Ashley misses those days. You mean before you locked yourself in your room and cried all day? Abby snaps - can I just go? Ashley really wants to help - but Abby claims she doesn't need any (nor care about how mid terms will effect her future). What's gotten into you? Ashley gives Abby a little shake. Abby then gripes about Ashley trying to be her friend - instead of her mother. And WHICH 'father' loves her - the one who's dead - or the one Mom drove out of the country? Ashley's mouth hangs open - why are you trying to hurt me this way? 'Whatever', Abby stomps off - ignoring her mother's orders to stay and talk.

Back at CL's, Mike wonders why Eden and Noah aren't at school. Misplaced backpack? He'll keep an eye out for it - anything for his little sister. Unaware of Eden's puzzled stare, Mike then shares his good mood with Lauren ~kiss~. He's there to meet with a potential client. Lauren then approaches Eden - after a talk with her teacher, THEY need to talk.

Mac joins Mike to discuss surrogate motherhood. No, not for her and Billy - she wants to BE a surrogate. Mike explains it's a difficult process - she'll need to consider the people in HER life who'll be effected. Oh, they're already effected, Mac grins. Mike would be happy to sit down with whomever's gonna be taking care of her through this. There's 'no one' - Mac's doing this on her own.

Billy hangs around Delia's stroller until Chloe comes out with her. There you are - you and Mommy playing Florence Nightingale? Billy remarks on Chloe not leaving the hospital - then claims to be there to check on Chance. It's so horrible that he got stabbed. Is that it? Chloe and Delia have to get back for more 'war stories' (sans gory details, she assures). Billy admits he's having trouble with his daughter being so comfortable with 'another guy'. You'll always be her father, Chloe assures - but Billy needs to accept the possibility of there being a step father (just like Chloe accepts that there might be a stepmother in the picture). And as Chloe heading back into Chance's room, Nina comments that he needs some sleep. That's fine - Delia needs a nap too. Say good bye to Uncle Chance, Chloe waves Delia's arm. When Nina explains it's in the 'parent's handbook' that parents are supposed to hover, she turns to find Philip's ducked out. He left again, didn't he? Chance weakly comments. He'll be back, Nina assures - but doesn't look convinced.

Still at CL's, Lauren questions Eden of the debates she's been having with her teacher - you want to abolish Columbus Day? Technically, he didn't discover America, Eden explains. At least she cares - unlike some people - like Abby (who's trying to 'hook up' with Kevin's brother). Making a beeline over to the counter, Lauren watches as Daisy warns Abby to stay away from Abby - unless he wants to see how statutory rapists are treated in the sate pen. Lauren then tells Mike about the new girl she hired - she just did something so impressive and unexpected. Her positive impression is only getting better.

In the patio, Daniel suggests Ryder doesn't have an alibi cause he's guilty. Kevin thinks he may be protecting someone. Flashing back to an altercation with Ryder, Daniel worries that if Ryder 'slips away' there won't be a happily ever after - for anyone.

Next: Could I talk to you a second? Ashley asks of Adam. No - it's not NE business - it's something entirely different .. Mike confronts Ryder - I think you're guilty lying about this alibi - or you're covering for someone ... Daniel tells Amber - I do have something I gotta tell you....

My Thoughts: It DID seem like Daisy gave Ryder a rather long stare (rumours stated they'd be connected - perhaps brother and sister) ... This is NOT my reality - or my daughter's, Ashley snaps at the teacher (like the ghost seer is an expert on 'reality') ... Noah only has good things to tell Ashley about Mike and Eden's relationship? Given their limited interaction (despite Noah living at the ranch for months) - it's hard to believe they had any conversations about Noah's girlfriend (and Abby's right about that - Ashley did spend most of her time crying in her room) ... With Ryder's trial scheduled for November 5th (?) it'd be a good time for Ryder to start talkin' about this supposed alibi he has ... With all this talk of Mac having a baby, it's surprising that it hasn't been mentioned that this wouldn't be Mac's first pregnancy. Having miscarried JT's baby years ago, would she even be a prime candidate for surrogacy? Would she want to risk that pain again? And risk wasting Lily's only two eggs? It's also odd that Billy claims he'd fall in love with any baby Mac carried - he didn't exactly fall in love with Delia (while she was in Chloe's womb - and not even for weeks after) ... With his coffee shop usually full of high school kids, how does Kevin know Abby's school schedule? Perhaps she has a spare period that morning? ... Actually - Kevin wasn't a 'jerk' towards young girls - he was an internet predator - a disease carrying statutory rapist ... Amber wants 10 kids? Great - is that including L'il D? Clearly she's forgetting that while in LA, she was told by a doctor that she'd likely not be able to even have any more children (unless she steals some more of em) .. She might wanna rethink hang gliding off the Chancellor mansion roof too - with a dress on and all. And won't the guests be thrilled when pelted with dove crap ... Why did Billy feel the need to ask Chloe if Delia's there (at GCM) - duh - you're standing beside her stroller .... Nice to hear Noah comment that Sharon 'still feels bad' about that (her disapproval of his relationship with Eden) - though Eden's yet to get an apology (for being framed for stealing books) ... Yes Mac's a potential client - but I can't see HER paying for the privilege of carrying the Ashby's baby (so Mike shouldn't be counting his cash just yet) - and since when is a lawyer concerned with a surrogate's 'support' team? Shouldn't that be the parents to be?