In Jabot's boardroom, Kay and Neil are 'poised to move forward' - but first, Kay wants to bring in someone who'll be of great help to the 'prep team'. Enter Kevin (for a big hug). Um - could Neil have a word with Kay? No - that'll have to wait - so Kay can update Kevin on CI going public - and give him his assignment. It's confidential, the dissaproving Neil stresses sternly.

The Bardwell's visit Mike to grill him on what's going on at CI. How's HE supposed to know? You're on your own, he holds the door open. Apparently, the Cayman pay off wasn't enough for the Bardwell's. So, what now? On to plan B.

At CL's, JT's obviously far too busy and important to listen to his wife whine about not going back to work at NE. Making some obligatory sympathetic noise, JT then hushes her to take a call from his boss (who wants a progress report on the GC office).

While Chance enlists Ester's help in a surprise for Chloe, she and Billy are back in the old RS 'digs' (even if he does miss the jukebox and peanut shells on the floor). Billy explains that the next cover will be a 'goodwill towards men' theme - featuring Rory Gleeson. Yes, as in Gleeson Pharmacuticals. Interesting, Chloe opines - she's beautiful, wealthy - and a one woman peace corps. But smacking Billy upside his head with a rolled up paper, Chloe thinks it stupid to use a magazine cover to win Mac back.

When Mac comes over to report the embryo transplant's to take place tomorrow, the Ashby's are overjoyed - nothing can stop us now. Oh yes it can, Mac disagrees - if we don't take care of it today.

JT apologizes - when the boss calls ya gotta take it. And Vikki's told not to count on things slowing down when the new office is up and running either. She then lets JT in on Kay's stock offer - it's an opportunity anyone would kill to be part of. JT looks like he couldn't care less.

Told that he'll be working with the accounting team - and will be reporting to Neil, Kevin knows he wouldn't be Neil's choice - but will do a good job, just you watch. I won't let you down, he promises (as he excuses himself to take a call from Gloria). And as a suspicious Neil pauses to listen, Kevin won't let her come pick him up there - meet you at the club. Good - Glo can't wait to hear all about his new job.

Meanwhile, in the boardroom, Kay praises Neil for his restraint (re: Kevin). He can't help but worry that Kevin's a loose cannon - with a well connected brother - and Gloria's like a shark when it comes to money - she'll torture the poor kid (who hopefully not let her down).

Glo's ordered all Kevin's favourites - and a bottle of bubbly. She and Jeff are so proud of him (being back in the big leagues). And what will he be doing in the ivory tower? Kevin claims not to know what 'the buzz' is - nor can he steer them towards any investments. Ah ha - this isn't a celebration - it's an interrogation, Kevin digs into his food none the less (and makes it perfectly clear that he won't be in on any of their schemes). As he marches out, Glo assures she won't give up until she finds out what's going on.

Billy's just trying to sell magazines. Quite the pitch - but Chloe warns it won't win Mac back (though it's fun watching him grovel - kinda borders on stalking). Done with his denials, Billy admits that until Mac's actually pregnant, there's an open door.

Mike's joined Mac at the Ashby's - the technicality is the paperwork. Though Mac waives compensation, the Ashby's are responsible for expenses not covered by insurance. 'The carrier' will do her best to deliver a child - or children (there ARE two embryo's after all). She'll lay off the drugs and alcohol. Abstaining from sex (as per the IVF team) won't be a problem for Mac either. Blah blah blah - the carrier will have no rights or duties pertaining to the child - will not seek visitation etc. etc. Mike lays it out in plain English - at the moment of birth, the baby's Lily and Cane's (which causes all three to look constipated).

Still at CL's, Vikki likes the idea of investing in CI - though JT's not convinced - isn't she supposed to lay low? Why not hold off? And when Vikki reminds that she knows more about the business world, JT gets all huffy - why ask his opinion? She'll do whatever the hell she wants anyway.

Chloe's delighted when Chance drops by RS. He has a treat for her. And when Billy releases her for the day, Chloe grins - feast your eyes people, this is what a real gentleman looks like. Though she's behind Billy's idea 100%, Chloe doubts it'll win Mac back.

The Ashby's want their baby to know Mac (whom they'd like to be Godmother) - and if Lily dies, she'll be more important to the baby. Mike leaves it up to them - but who knows how they'll feel in the future - everyone must be protected. If Lily dies, Cane will decide what role Mac plays in the child's life. How could they possibly cut Mac out (after what she's done for them)? Declining time to think it over, Mac signs the papers - followed by Lily, then Cane. All giggle and hug - it's done!

Billy leaves a message for Mac - having something to tell her that she'll be happy to hear. Chance brings Chloe home for the first part of her surprise. He's getting a 'commendation' (for going above and beyond the call of duty). Ester's giddy that Chance is declared a hero. There'll be a 'pinning ceremony' in an hour, Chance announces - and he'd like Chloe to come with him. Ester brings out a garment bag - full of dresses sent over by Lauren. Since he's getting something today, he wants Chloe to have something too. Chloe's not sure how to react - no guy's ever done anything like this for her. And to cheesy music, Chloe tries different outfits (with all finally agreeing on a blue designer dress. Ester's delighted that Chloe's feelings for Chance are the real deal.

JT apologizes - he's just distracted by work. And as he goes to get more coffee, Neil joins Vikki for a chat - laying low? How's that working out for her? Can he possibly lure her over to CI? There's a LOT going on. No? Can't blame a guy for trying. And when Neil moves off, Vikki looks resentful (as JT sits back down).

Without divulging the IPO, Kevin complains to Mike about Gloria's badgering. What if she finds out and Neil thinks it's me? Hmmm - Mike has an idea to throw Glo off the scent.

Now alone, Cane flips through the paperwork - signing them took more out of him than he expected. Lily's so impressed - without blinking, Mac gave up 9 months of her life (with nothing to show for it). Yes - Lily's thinking of her Mom. The transfer might not take - but for now, the Ashby's will pretend they'll get everything they want.

Mac sulks into the empty RS - and hears Billy gave the staff a break. He then announces he's putting Rory Gleeson on the cover. Mac 'likes it' - it'll be good for the magazine (and Billy). Her news? The embryo transfer's tomorrow. Billy doesn't want her to go - how do you feel? Yes - he DOES want to hear it. Mac's psyched - and scared (that she'll let Lily and Cane down).

Kay's on the phone - track down Neil - she got a call from the SEC and so needs to speak to him immediately. Meanwhile, arms folded, Mike scolds the Bardwell's for plying Kevin with cheese puffs in a bid to worm classified CI info from (at risk to his personal and professional future). Of course Glo cares - she's Kevin's mother. Mike lets them think he's giving them the info - hoping they'll keep it to themselves. Not to worry - the Bardwell's won't say a word. They're all ears (and smiles) when Mike agrees to tell them what they want to know.

Looking dapper in full uniform, Chance is 'wowed' by a classy looking Chloe. Of course she'll stand next to him when his photo's taken for the Chronicle. She's never been the girl the guy wants in the picture is all.

Billy encourages Mac - of course she'll get the job done. No matter what happens, the Ashby's will be grateful. Thank you, Mac rewards Billy with a kiss.

The Ashby's continue to plan JR's life (with Lily being mother of the bride the way her Mom couldn't). Colleen had to be right - one day she WILL hold her baby. Our dream WILL come true. Yeah, Cane agrees ~hug~

Mike lays it on thick - no one outside CI is supposed to know this - they're purchasing a nanotech firm outside Berlin. Jeff scowls at the paper Mike hands over - I can't even pronounce this. Mike insists they keep it under wraps - once this acquisition goes through, the stock's gonna triple. Remember, Mike concludes - Kevin MUST be protected. And when Kevin comes out, a smug Mike reports that Gloria was reaching for her cell phone heading out the door. Nano tech? Mike read it in an article. Who knows if the stock's worth anything. Now, go make Kay proud.

In the boardroom, Kay sounds all worried as she tells Neil he better sit down - then hoots loudly - we've been approved! Fantastic! Neil calms himself down to remind that she's putting 25% of her company up for sale - now's the time to discuss any reservations she may have. Nope - it's full steam ahead - Yes! Yes! she cackles.

Tucker McCall is on the phone with JT (who eyes the oblivious Vikki across the table)- it's official - CI is in play.

Next: Jana grills Ryder - This woman you're protecting - does she protect you (the same way Kevin does)? ... I don't know anything about that, Ryder tells Daisy. Whatever he says, he's totally lying, she assures him ... As the blonde from the alley leaves RS with a seductive smile, Mac confronts Billy - you slept with her (she asks rhetorically).

My Thoughts: Chance was going 'above and beyond the call of duty' when he went for muffins at the local coffee shop - and was easily taken down (without any attempt at self defence) by a thug with a 'butter knife' - a robber so dumb that he robbed the place at peak time - full of witnesses, in broad daylight and without any attempt to disguise himself. No get away vehicle in sight, the punk was easily caught as he ran into the alley. Chance should be awarded the Idiot Cop Or The Year Award .... With the CI honchos always meeting at Jabot (as the show's too cheap to create a set for a company that a major storyline's to revolve around) - it's a wonder there's not 'buzz' and rumours (one can hear all the way in New York) about JABOT ... Calm down Neil - you're not letting Kevin in on the Caramel secret - CI going public is the worst kept secret since ..well... I dunno ... Not sure why Kay continues to insist that only key executives, friends and family are allowed to buy the highly sought after CI shares - perhaps Mitchell could explain the word 'public' with a little more clarity. If Kay wants to pick and choose who buys the shares - why doesn't she just put stock in peoples Christmas stockings? ... What? Another do-gooder? This one ladling out soup in Sudan? Will she and Mac have a battle of the selfless saints? Like some WWE event? They can swat at one another with their halo's? ... Mac doesn't know how she'd live with herself if she wasn't able to provide the Ashby's with a perfect little baby? Puh-lease. I almost hope the kid's born with an extra toe or sumthin' ... Looks like JT came back froom New York a completely different person. He left a loving father and husband who scoffed at the 'suits' - and came back a mini-Victor. Looks like he's not as disinterested in CI going public as he'd have his oblivious, wimpering wife think ... The ominous music clearly indicates that Mac will indeed bond with the baby she's set to carry for 9 months (or considerably less before an urgent elevator/snowstorm delivery if history re-re-repeats itself). Nice that she can say, without any hesitation - that she won't be having any sex in thenext 9 months (cause the IVF folks say so). isn't there some kind of conflict of interest with Mike representing both parties in this surrogacy agreement? Who will he represent when it all falls apart? ... Nice that Lily dreams of walking her daughter down the aisle (though she might go traditional - and have her father walk her down the aisle - or into the living room) - but what if the kid grows up to elope? Like Lily did?