Eyes closed again, P's lead into the Abbott living room - where she's delighted to see a huge Christmas tree (that Jack announces they'll be decorating).

Vikki whines to Nick at the club. Petty or not, she wanted Billy to stay in jail (missing his daughter's first Christmas). Missing the way she and JT 'used to be' (no secrets), she hopes he'll join her in Dubai. A smiling JT arrives with Reed - and all turn to scowl at the 'revolting' pair of Sharon and Adam. Oh look - our 'fan club's here' Sharon fills Adam in - and declines leaving.

Back at CL's, Daniel thanks everyone in turn - his lawyer and wife - the Fisher's - his Mom ~hug~ - Daisy. But where's Amber? There she is - screaming up a storm in the car that Deacon's unable to start. What the hell!? He just filled the tank up! And as Amber escapes, he too hops out (to give chase).

At RS, Billy types away on his laptop (as a worried Chloe hovers). Billy reads his article aloud - all about his stint in jail (and the freaks inside) - all for 'journalistic integrity'. Though Chloe orders him to delete it (lest he upset the Judge), Billy's proud that he stuck to his principles - stood by what he believed in. But as he merrily spins Chloe about, one angry juror marches in. You ratted me out to the Judge, you bastard! she rants.

A commercial break does nothing to calm the juror down - her Christmas is ruined! Billy denies ratting her out - he went to jail to protect her. I did NOT reveal my source! Not buying it, the furious juror will tell 'the whole world' that Billy Abbott's word means nothing. As she marches back out, an astounded Billy calls Rafe - to find out who could have undermined him (though it would have been easier to just turn around and see the word 'busted' written across Chloe's forehead).

At the club, the Hellstrum's wait in line for Reed's turn to sit on Santa's lap. JT suggests they have the sitter pick Reed up - so they can dine together. Sounds fabulous, Vikki agrees.

As Sharon reads the menu out to Adam, Nick drops by their table . The fish is good - and yes, Daniel's out. Good - Adam wouldn't wish that on anyone. You were guilty, Nick points out (then is scolded by Sharon). Nick's not 'starting' anything - just stating a fact. Wanting to move on (from his mistakes) Adam has some ideas for the Dubai deal. Nick's not receptive (but WOULD like to talk to Sharon about the snowmobile Noah wants). And when Adam talks of riding a snowmobile in Kansas, Nick again shuts him down - no one asked you. His son's 'off limits'. They'll talk more later - enjoy your dinner.

Jack plugs the lights in - but the fun part's reminiscing about the ornaments. Ah, here's one with history (that Jack made in 4th grade). P reveals that her brother had an evergreen allergy - and that they weren't wealthy (but fake tree or not, Mom and Dad made Christmas special). This one's elegant, P admires. John gave that ornament to Traci the year Colleen was born - but there's no need for P to be 'sorry' (Jack tears up).

Talking to Noah and Eden, Daisy claims she wasn't freaked out by the rat - it was from a pet store. Huh? Eden points out that she couldn't have known that at the time - right? 'Whatever' - as Daisy shrugs it off (and walks off), Lauren comes over to chat. And when Eden suggests Daisy's behind the rats, Noah and Lauren both scoff - no way. Lauren doesn't think it possible - Daisy didn't even take a break. Nevertheless, Eden can't help but distrust her.

Returning to the patio, Daniel wasn't able to find Amber (which everyone, except Phyllis, finds odd). She continues to eat her cake as Daniel gets no answer when calling Amber's cell.

That's because Deacon's chased Amber to a barn/stable - vowing she'll never see 'those people again'. THEY'RE starting a new life together - Deacon, Amber and L'il D. Yes, L'il D. Honey, it was never just about me, Deacon sounds all sincere (and Amber thankfully shuts up).

The tree now decorated to perfection, Jack thinks of his father - and asks about P's folks (who are both dead). She doesn't see much of her brother (and never had a family of her own). It's not too late, Jack encourages.

With Reed perched on Santa's lap, the Hellstrum's allow the elf to give him a lollipop. Santa loves this age - kids grow up so fast. And after Reed's photo's taken, it's time for Mom and Dad to join in. Overcoming their awkwardness, the Hellstrum's smile for the camera ~click~ Oh, what a precious moment.

Adam notes that Sharon didn't finish her dinner - saving room for dessert? Or is she upset that he overstepped with Nick (in trying to find common ground - with snowmobiles)? Sharon's not upset - it's just that Nick IS Noah's father - she's actually impressed they didn't come to blows. Adam IS trying - for her (and Noah). You make me want to be a better man.

Back in the stable, Deacon swears everything he did was for L'il D (who still asks about Amber - all the time). Near tears, Amber's touched - really? She assumed he forgot her by now. No one forgets you, Deacon continues - L'il D still thinks of her as his Mom. Daniel marches in - whatever you had planned is OVER, my friend. How the hell did you find us? Deacon would never hurt Amber. But Phyllis would - SHE set this whole thing up, he tattles.

Nick arrives at CL's - party's over already? The Fisher's confirm it is - first Amber disappeared - then Daniel and his Mom. Handed the phone Phyllis left behind, Nick answers it - and hears from Paul that Deacon, Amber and Daniel are in the barn on Old River Road - and Phyllis just pulled up ~click~ What the heck's going on? Nick furrows his unibrow.

Having the apartment to themselves, the Baldwin's kiss and cuddle on their sofa (and share yet more adorable Fen stories). The kissing is interrupted when Eden and Noah come (for her reusable shopping bag). Having been told about Eden's distrust of Daisy, Mike ran a mini background check. She's an excellent student - hasn't missed a day - has no criminal record. No one's saying Eden's paranoid - but she may be wrong about Daisy.

At RS, Billy ends his call with Rafe - then updates Chloe that some 'lousy fink' described the juror to the Judge. How the hell could this happen? It makes no sense. Billy finally notices Chloe's squirming. OMG! Look at me! It was YOU, wasn't it!? Did you really do this to me!? Chloe couldn't look any more guilty.

Armed with a spare key, Noah and Eden leave the Baldwin's to their 'snogging' - we won't interrupt next time. Oh, how quickly kids grow up. Snogging? Lauren used to call it 'making out'. Mike called it 'pitching woo'. Whatever it is, the Baldwin's take it into the bedroom. Daisy sneaks out (of somewhere) - to pick up and read the faxed police report conveniently left on the coffee table.

With Jack's help, P places the angel atop the tree. How's that? Absolutely breathtaking - and Jack ain't talkin' about the tree ~kiss~

Back at the club, JT and Vikki's wonderful dinner comes to a screeching halt when the subject of Dubai comes up. JT DOES have a problem with Vikki going - and taking Reed. He can't go along - he has a job, responsibilities. And when Vikki hints that he never mentions what exactly he does for Mr McCall, JT's indignant - has she ever once ASKED what he does? JT gets no respect - he's just free 'child care'. It's Vikki's turn to be indignant - has JT ANY idea how hard she's tried to make things better? Bottom line, JT will NOT allow Vikki to take Reed out of the country. I'm his mother! And I'm his father! And Vikki's wrong if she thinks JT won't fight her on this.

Ridiculous or not, Deacon insists Phyllis blackmailed him to take Amber away. What's she holding over his head? Putting it all together, Deacon panics - this is a set up! The gas tank was empty - Boy Wonder knew where to find them. And listen - the cops are on their way. You're all in on this together! Sucks to be on the receiving end doesn't it? Daniel smirks. I'm outta here, Deacon runs - directly into Nick and Paul. You're under arrest for the kidnapping of Amber Moore, the officer ignores Deacon's protest as he's cuffed. Phyllis then hands over the cell phone (with Paul explaining that it ties him to the murder in the alley). Read his rights as he's hauled off, the words Deacon shouts out hit their mark with Amber - 'You know who you're really hurting'.

We did it! Phyllis hugs Daniel and Amber (who hands Paul his super duper 'spy necklace'). It's got a GPS device, it's explained to Nick. It was fun! Phyllis grins. Thanked by all, Paul heads off. Phyllis suggests a celebration - but Amber's tired (and the only one not smiling, Nick, thinks they need to talk). And while both Romalotti's leave, still thrilled about Deacon's arrest, Amber's smile doesn't quite reach her eyes (as she can't stop thinking about L'il D).

Inside the barn, Nick's unimpressed that Phyllis kept the whole escapade a secret - he only found out because Paul called (and assumed he was in on it). He's disappointed and hurt. Oh really - well Phyllis thinks Nick a hypocrite - how many secrets is he keeping from HER right now? Like that Adam and Sharon are sleeping together (and how it drives him crazy)? And Nick WOULD be going crazy - if he could see Adam and Sharon, kissing under the mistletoe as they exit the club.

Billy continues to ream out Chloe (for crippling his credibility). And while he's sure Rafe would have gotten him out, Chloe insists it could have taken months. Knock off that 'Delia crap'! Billy snaps. A 'thank you'!? he scoffs. Here's your thank you - Clear your crap outta MY office - you're FIRED!

So - when WAS Nick gonna tell Phyllis about Adam and Sharon? Don't turn this around, Nick scowls - this is about PHYLLIS keeping secrets. Yes - Phyllis did - and it's OVER - unlike the Sharon issue (which goes on and on). You punched Adam in the face, Phyllis reminds (and got him as a partner) - all because he's with your ex wife. YOU hid that. Nick only kept that 'useless information' because her son was facing life in prison. Who CARES who Sharon's sleeping with? YOU do! Phyllis barks - and can't even talk about it - and THAT scares the hell outta her.

Next: Still at RS, Chloe shouts back at Billy - these walls have seen bigger, badder tantrums than yours ... You're wonderful, Adam grins at Sharon. Tossing his coat, he manages to knock over (and shatter) the beloved Cassie drawing (which causes a horrified Sharon to gasp and cover her mouth) .... Honesty is straight out the window, Nick still accuses. Then we're back to where we started, Phyllis looks disappointed.

My Thought's: How environmentally conscious Eden is to return for her reusable shopping bag - never mind the gas wasted to drive home (or does Noah's car run on used vegetable oil?)... You were SO graceful out there, Jack gushes over Dr P. Her tiny circles could hardly be considered 'graceful'. How big is that pond 2 X 3 feet? Jack makes it sound like Dr P's Michele Kwan - doing triple axles n' stuff. If her skating background is with a hockey stick - 'grace' isn't even necessary ... Inadvertently funny line of the day goes to Nick (who eyes Sharon as he says 'the fish here is pretty good'). Um - what's he trying to say? He may as well have wrinkled up his nose and sniffed audibly a few times ... Huh? Adam wouldn't wish incarceration on 'anybody'? But didn't he go to great lengths (and was convicted himself) for trying to put his own father behind bars for life? I guess he means anyone other than Victor ... If the Baldwin's insist in 'snogging' in the living room, isn't it better that Noah and Eden knock and ring the bell (to announce their arrival) - as opposed to walking in on a scene that could scar them forever? ... Poor poor Vikki - she felt like 'crap' for breaking JT's trust in her - how crappy does she think it feels to be on the other end? ... Aww - how nice that Noah's getting a snowmobile for Christmas. What a spoiled brat. Has the kid ever held a job? Must his folks buy him every mode of transportation he 'begs' for? What's next? A hovercraft? .... Isn't it weird that visitors, specifically women - wearing very short skirts - are permitted to sashay around the jail's communal visiting room (isn't that like putting a box of donuts out at a Weight Watchers Meeting?) ... Doesn't Chloe know ANYTHING about 'freedom of the press' - Billy can write anything he wants about his stint in jail (and even the Judge if he so chooses) ... The juror was already brought in, questioned - and bailed out? Yet Heather said Daniel's hearing might take a day or so? How exactly does the juror plan to tell 'the whole world' that Billy's a rat - take out ad space in RS? ... Why WAS Nick so late getting to Daniel's party? Was listening to Vikki whine more important? Of course he has reason to be upset - but so too, does Phyllis (though you'd think she'd be more concerned about losing her cell phone - in case her daughter needed her) .... Odd how Adam's blindness comes and goes (today he needs Sharon to read the menu - and list off who's at the club). Oh well - now that he's really blind, Sharon really doesn't need to out and buy mistletoe - she can hang up anything leafy and green - like some parsley or catnip ... Not sure why JT feels he's used for ' free child care' (while Vikki's wheeling and dealing for Newman no less). For one, it's HIS kid too. Two - Vikki's no longer 'wheeling and dealing' for NE - and Three - the child spends most of his time with a nanny anyway. Perhaps JT has an issue with the 'free' part - maybe he expects to be paid for watching his own son? ... Vikki continues to whine that she can't work for NE in town - cause she's to lay low - does she think there's no internet access in Dubai? ... If Traci's ornament was so 'special' (and given to her by John), why isn't she putting it on HER tree? ... An artificial tree? Jack balks. Yes, they DO exist Jack (and are quite popular among us common folk - even those who don't suffer a dreaded allergy to 'evergreens') ... You make me want to be a better man? Isn't that a line from 'As Good As It Gets'? Oh well - Sharon seems impressed. We'll see how she feels if Adam ever quotes a more appropriate Nicholson line - like, 'The truth! You can't handle the truth'! ... With Lauren being 'terrorized', why isn't Mike a bit more concerned that Eden's managed to lose a key to their home? And they must be the only family in GC who don't have a spare key conveniently placed outside (I seem to recall Kevin once finding it above the door jamb). Hey - maybe Daisy swiped Eden's key? How else would she get inside the Baldwin home? It's not a huge place- can't imagine how her presence went undetected .... Obviously, Amber's concern for 'L'il D' will ensure she helps Deacon. But is L'il D the only kid who's not aging rapidly? 'Little Eric' was actually born in the Spring of 1999 (making him 10). Incidentally, Noah was born in 1997 (so, if aged accordingly, L'il D would be around 15) - which really ain't so 'little'. That said, I'd be surprised if they aged Amber (by saddling her with a teenage kid) ... Yeah - I get that Billy's angry - the whole block must know it - but why fire his most experienced worker (and staunchest supporter)? Plus - with Chloe unemployed, he'll have to increase his child support payments .. Who CARES who Sharon is sleeping with!? Nick spouts. He shouldn't - now. Maybe he should have cared a few months ago - when Sharon was having random, unprotected sex.