In the jail's communal lounge, Billy's still in his jumpsuit - while Daniel's in his civvies - and waiting for the paperwork that'll 'spring' him. And though Daniel scoffs at Billy standing by his 'principles', he vows he's no 'unethical bastard' - and will stay in this 'rat hole' rather than give in to the 'bully' Judge.

At the mausoleum, Chance and Chloe are ready to head out - with her needing (and getting) repeated validation that she did the 'right thing'. Chance is proud of Chloe (who fears the wrath of Billy). Now, let's go (to Daniel's welcome home party).

Lauren's surprised when led to a candle lit table at the club - didn't we agree to skip our anniversary? Apparently not (even though it's a few days late). Glasses are raised - to many more years of wedded bliss ~clink~ ~kiss~ And at a nearby table, a woman watches the scene on her camera.

On the CL's patio, Jack finds Dr P reading an article on Tucker McCall (who's calmed down after Ashley's pep talk). Phyllis bursts on the scene (to give Dr P a cool greeting - then invite Jack to hang around for Daniel's party). Back inside, Phyllis drags Amber away from the Fisher's. No need for her to come pick Daniel up - she can stay and decorate etc. And as Amber blathers on to Jana about banners and streamers, Deacon hovers outside. Phyllis flashes back to her offer - then joins Deacon - he'll get the phone when SHE gets a text message confirming Amber's out of town.

Back on the patio, Jack bops his head to his Dad's favourite song (as jazzed up Jingle Bells). Oh how wonderful Christmas was for Jack as a child. Dr P can relate - but in her line of work, the holidays statistically mean suicides and depressions (and being glued to her cell phone - hoping it doesn't ring). Part of the job, she shrugs it off. But as she goes for some sugar, Jack makes a call - I need you to do a few things for me.

Phyllis arrives to pick Daniel up ~hug~ Hey Billy. Amber? She's at CL's - let's get outta here. Daniel pauses to thank Billy - for everything - 'need anything, lemme know', the men shake hands. Just guy stuff, Daniel tells a nosy Phyllis (who lingers to scowl at Billy).

As Amber fusses over a banner, Kevin warns that Daniel will be there any minute. Jana then updates Daisy that Yes, Daniel's getting out (thanks to Eden finding that gym bag). As the pair go off for tea, Amber welcomes Chance and Chloe (who then discuss Billy). But as Chloe's about to fess up to naming the source, Chance interrupts her - need any help with the sign? He then quietly warns Chloe to keep the info to herself. Chloe agrees- Billy can never, ever know.

Vikki visits the jail - she's not there to see Daniel - she wanted to see how Billy's liking his new accommodations. Billy's getting what he deserves - didn't she warn him not to mess with her? Shoulda taken it seriously, huh?

The Baldwin's rehash the good times - and the bad (thanks mostly to 'outside influences'. Ah, but love conquers all. Lauren mentions Sheila - the woman who ruined her life. Sheila's dead, Mike reminds. But then who's the woman spying on them at the next table?

Suddenly a perfectionist, Amber directs the Fisher's as they hang her banner. YOU'RE 'tilted', Kevin finally grumbles. Daniel arrives to declare if 'perfect'. Squealing, Amber leaps into his arms ~kiss~ Jack comes in to shake Daniel's hand - and introduce Dr P (who 'gets that' all the time). Eyes on me, Phyllis demands (then thanks everyone who came to the dump - and the love of Daniel's life - Amber). Aside, Jack comments on Phyllis' attitude towards Amber (and doesn't buy the 'change of heart'). With barely a glance in Dr P's direction, Phyllis sends Jack off to his 'plans' (which is news to Dr P). Kevin's left to serve Daniel a 'Romalotti Special' (as a nervous Phyllis stares at her cell phone - and Amber all over Daniel).

At the club's bar, Deacon's on the phone with his Dad - he's checked out of the club and on his way. Where the hell are YOU going? Ryder sidles up to demand.

Eyes closed, Dr P's instructed to take just a few more steps. Now open. This is beautiful, she gasps (at the lights strewn around a skating rink). Jack guessed at her size - but can have more skates sent over right away. Turn off your phone, Jack orders - put yourself in my hands. He's gonna give her back the spirit of Christmas.

As Daniel's party continues, it's explained to Daisy that the evidence WILL have the charges fully dropped. And while Chloe credits the land fill search team, Chance praises Mrs Newman - a terrific mother. She's amazing, Amber hops up to hug Phyllis (who then credits Daniel's incredible wife - her daughter in law). She's the best daughter in law anyone could have. To Amber, she leads the toast (as Jana and Amber marvel at the crazy 'love fest').

Deacon informs Ryder that he's headed back to California - getting off this merry go round before it crashes. Never mind that Ryder's Mom won't like it - Deacon doesn't answer to her (and neither should Ryder) Stand up to that bitch, he storms out. Mike comes over to remind Ryder about the terms of the restraining order - he's in violation if he doesn't leave.

Billy won't cave in to Newman bullying techniques - he merely printed the truth. And he's not being 'punished' - RS and the website are doing better than ever. Thanks to Vikki he's a martyr (and looks good in orange). Vikki scoffs - he's seen as a jerk (not a hero). Go shopping, Billy dismisses her - go fight with your husband, bite the heads off small children. The Newman's are NOT 'off limits' to Billy. If Vikki doesn't want to appear in RS again, she better be a nun. And when Vikki threatens to knock his teeth straight, Billy stares her down - this could get messy, sweetheart.

Ryder's not hassling anyone - just chill. And when Lauren comes over to ask about his 'intense' conversation with Deacon, Ryder snarls - mind your own damn business! Chance comes along to 'handle it'. Ryder walks or he'll be taken out in handcuffs. At the door, Ryder looks completely unnerved by a text message he receives - you're playing it perfectly, baby. XO Mama Bear. And as Ryder looks about nervously before leaving, the mystery woman sets her phone on the table.

Jack'll be doing flying sit spins in a few minutes - but for now, will fall on his ass (much to Dr P's delight). You got the 'sit' part down pat, she quips. With just a bruised dignity, Jack coaxes Dr P onto the ice (where the two glide tentatively). But it's soon revealed that Dr P's been playing Jack (whom she circles laughing) ~kiss~

Vikki checks her watch - time to get back to her life (having seen enough of how much Billy's sucks). She taunts Billy about not seeing Delia - too bad. The guard then comes in to announce Billy's been sprung. Lead the way, Billy grins. I did it - I'm free, he prances out.

Back at Daniel's party, Phyllis assures her son that she'll always be there for him - oh yeah, and Amber (who comes over to kiss her hubby). Chloe gets a call from Billy - get over to RS right away ~click~ And after she and Chance leave, Kevin and Daniel are stunned when Ryder shows up.

Now seated on a bench, Dr P reveals her first kiss occurred on the ice - at age 11. Jack? He was 5. Maybe he was 'born a player', but Jack's now a one woman man. And judging by the kiss, that one woman is Dr P.

What are you DOING here? Kevin asks of Ryder. He's just there to make things right with Daniel - and will leave after talking to him. Stay away from my son, Phyllis blocks the way. As Daniel calls off his Mom, Amber rants about what Deacon having Daniel hurt in jail. And though it's pointed out that Deacon's not there to threaten him, Ryder still 'can't' give them HIS side of the story. After Ryder slinks out, Kevin apologizes to Daniel (while Amber rants - I could kill him for ruining the party). Phyllis then sends her off to get a gift from her car - while she stays to have pictures taken with Daniel. She's fine, she assures Daniel ~hug~

The Baldwin's agree that Ryder's hiding something - but let's enjoy the evening. Before Lauren can open Mike's gift, the waiter brings over some champagne - from an anonymous person wishing them a happy anniversary.

Now on the decorated gazebo, Dr P is indeed in the Christmas spirit - the skating, the music, the alcohol - it's wonderful. But Jack has more surprises in store - skating was just a warm up.

Arriving at RS, Chloe's stunned to see Billy with his feet on his desk - that's fantastic. Billy's under the impression that him not giving in paid off - and plans to write an article on it. Vikki marches in - wondering who Billy paid off. That's what Newman's do, Billy has principles. Hop to it - go create some scandals - he's got magazines to sell. Before stomping out, Vikki threatens to wipe that smirk off Billy's face - permanently - if he comes after her again. Billy grabs his laptop - NOT giving up that juror's name is the best thing he ever did - this is gonna be fun (though Chloe's face indicates differently).

On the CL's patio, Ryder whines to Kevin about getting kicked out of everywhere - he's not bothering anyone. You're bothering EVERYONE, Kevin corrects - his family have told him to cut Ryder lose - but he keeps fighting for him. But why couldn't he do this ONE thing - and not show up tonight. Maybe Ryder DOES need to crash and burn (like he did). Jana thinks removing Ryder's safety net might get him to talk. And as Ryder marches inside (past Daisy), he gripes 'this sucks - I'm sick of being the bad guy' - and FYI - 'she's' in GC.

Ready to leave, Mike's sorry their anniversary didn't go as planned. Lauren's nervous about the champagne (which they returned unopened). But one good thing came out of tonight - they're now sure Ryder's behind everything. So - no need to even mention the 'S' word. Lauren thanks Mike for being her love - best friend - protector - the greatest husband ever ~kiss~ And as they leave arm in arm, the mystery woman looks at a photo of the Baldwin's (taken earlier in the evening).

At CL's counter, Phyllis anxiously awaits Deacon's text. Daniel startles her - let's see those photos. With a kiss, Daniel thinks it very cool - the way she and Amber have gotten close. Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Deacon forces a shrieking Amber into his car.

Next: With a crowd listening in, Daniel asks Phyllis were Amber is - I thought she was just going out to the car ... Mike tells Noah and Eden that Lauren told him Eden wasn't sure Daisy was trustworthy - so he ran a little background check ... Billy and Chloe turn in surprise - when the big mouthed juror comes to blast Billy - you ratted me out to the Judge, you bastard!

My Thoughts: Vikki declares the Newman's off limits (as fodder for RS)? If it weren't for the Newman's, there'd be nothing but ads in the rag - Billy only ever writes articles on the Newman's - he may as well rename the magazine 'Newman Style' ... Why does Phyllis always have to demand 'all eyes on me' - like she's addressing her grade 2 class? ... Lauren's right about 'shady' brothers - and Mike's 'con' of a father - but don't forget that Mike's jail stint lasted longer than anyone else's (possibly in GC history) ... Sheila 'ruined' Lauren's relationship with Scotty for many years? Yeah well - nice that you're SO very close now ... Oh what a knee slapper Lauren tells - of Fen in the 'ladies room' telling horrified ladies that 'boys have peanuts'. 'That boy's not right', Mike says (which I guess can be blamed on his primary caregiver - the nanny) ... Oh Mike - when will you learn? No one ever REALLY dies in GC. But having seen Sheila's dead body (as shot by Lauren and authenticated by Paul) - Mike makes it sound like she's ONLY ruled out as a suspect because they're now convinced Ryder's responsible .... Knowing that Chance is kinda touchy about Chloe's feelings for Billy - why would Chloe go on and on about needing to keep her mind off Billy? And maybe Chance needs to have 'you're right' tattooed across his forehead (to validate the ever needy Chloe) ... Jack may feel 'young, happy and carefree' on skates - but he looks decidedly 'old, uncoordinated and like a newborn giraffe on ice'. If he and Ashley used to skate there, how could he be so completely useless at it. Maybe if he weren't wearing a heavy trench coat (and would it kill him to trade in the suit for a pair of jeans for once?). Since you couldn't see their icy breath - it's perhaps not even cold enough for the pond to be iced over (and therefore unsafe to skate upon). Is that the same pond Noah and Eden went skating on? (where Noah crashed through the ice?) ... Is it Lake Elizabeth? The lake both Colleen and her Dad happened to drown in? Wherever they are, it's convenient that there's electrical outlets in the trees. Who does one call to leave their cozy homes to go string lights all about - and set up snacks and hot beverages (at the drop of a hat no less)? Nice that Dr P appreciates the alcohol - guess she doesn't mind drinking and driving either (good thing - cause it's a favourite past time of Jack's). Since Dr P's drinking booze - and didn't protest Jack shutting her phone off, I assume she's not on call. Is she THAT dedicated that she'd keep her cell on in case of a suicide? But not dedicated enough to resist the man her favourite client's obsessed with? .... Jack on the Queen, Vikki somehow manages to coach Billy's solitaire game - from 20 feet across the room ... After clip clopping all over town, Vikki now would rather sit and stare at Billy playing cards than go home to be with her miracle child? She'll do anything to get out of being a Mom. What's next? A trip to Trimbles Bookstore to get some books on Dubai? The club for some of Gina's famous lasagna? Why wouldn't she make an appearance at Daniel's party? And you'd think his lawyer might drop by (even though the Baldwin's are STILL celebrating their anniversary - almost) - and where's step Dad Nick? ... What ARE the odds of accidentally running into someone you've got a restraining order against - TWICE in one night? ... Billy can walk through ANY one of these doors (according to Daniel) to freedom. Not sure that's the case - ALL the door's can't be exits. Presumably, one leads back to the cells - and another's the bathroom or closet (which would be good doors to avoid) .... Phyllis sure didn't look impressed that Dr P was gonna be at Daniel's party - but I guess when you throw a party in a public place, you kinda lose some control over who attends ... NOW Jana and Amber are discussing streamers and banners? How about planning the party BEFORE the party actually starts - instead of while it's underway? And NOW Jana's gonna make cookies? Must be the kind you scoop the dough out of a tube (not that there's anything wrong with that) ... Obviously, you're a 'terrific' mother, Chance raises his mug to Phyllis. Guess he isn't aware that she was once deemed unfit and lost custody - that Daniel was raised by a man with no biological connection to him whatsoever.