Deacon's delighted that Nikki's back at G-worm (to arrange dinner plans after he finishes his shift). Paul interrupts - it's urgent. Nikki lead off, Deacon watches her react to Paul's bad news. Shell shocked, Nikki returns to Deacon - she's back.

Meanwhile, in her orange jumpsuit, Meggie's lead (and locked into) another cell. Ahh - fresh GC air, she snarls.

At the ranch, Victor pauses over a framed photo of Nick - flashing back to seeing him and Diane kissing (in the tackhouse). Diane needs him to sign off on the blueprints - as she goes to pick up Kyle. But first, Victor announces that he wants them both to move in with him (a prospect that Diane doesn't look all that excited about).

Nick brings Summer and Kyle back to the tackhouse (where the sitter's busy in the kitchen). Yes, she can stay later - so they can go skating. As she heads up to check on Faith, Nick pulls his outdated equipment out of the closet (to be scoffed at by Kyle).

Philip ends his call with Dr Nate - then discusses how to keep Chance a secret from Collin (until the trial). He and Jill are in the other part of the house, Kay assures (as Nina brings Chance home). Chris and Paul are also there - as Ester faints at the sight of Chance. It's me - I'm alive, he states the obvious. Pausing to hug Chance, a delirious Ester's lead off for an explanation (by Philip). As Nina and Paul slowly take Chance upstairs, Chloe arrives to hear that he'll be recuperating at the mausoleum. Any news on Ronan? No, judging by Chris' face.

While Chris barks into her phone (angry that no one's giving her info on Ronan), Kay and Philip send a reluctant Chloe up to check on Chance. Upstairs, Nina and Paul help Chance settle in (though Mom's hovering tells him that she's worried about Ronan). Everything will be OK, he reassures a weepy Nina (who then leaves with Paul). Moments later, Chloe arrives, with an awkward 'hey'.

Attempted murder, fraud - aggravated battery etc. etc. Rafe reads off Meggie's long list of charges. Yes, she's in big trouble (with witness statements from credible sources - like Victor). Bottom line, Meggie should consider a plea bargain (which she chuckles at).

At G-worm's bar, Nikki updates Deacon (that the Alaskan authorities couldn't make the charges against Meggie stick - so it's 'our' turn). NOT 'sorry', Nikki's all excited to go confront Meggie (for closure). Deacon disagrees, strongly - their future is 'closure'. Nikki s'poses he's right - but must go warn Victor (and so leaves Deacon to look mighty nervous).

Back at the ranch, Diane wonders 'what's the rush'? She and Victor are just getting reacquainted. The carriage house is close enough. Victor reminds that they were once married - what's the problem? Diane's trying to create a stable environment for Kyle. Jack will freak - she doesn't want to get caught up in their feud. Victor doesn't give a damn about Jack. Move in with me - end of story. An ultimatum? No, Victor's preference.

Re-taping Nick's hockey stick, Kyle wonders what it was like for Nick - growing up in boarding school. Nick missed his folks - but it made him independent. Kyle wishes HE was independent - his Mom worries about him so much. Yes, he and his Mom look out for one another. Who else will?

Diane suggests they see where their relationship goes - before making decisions. Yes - she wants to be with Victor, but is it the best thing for both of them? Nikki's visits - no - it never IS a good time (but this is important, she barges in). Nikki wanting a private discussion, Victor prefers Diane stay (though she leaves to go check on Kyle). Now alone, Nikki reports that Meggie's back. That supposed to intimidate me or what? Victor barks as he pouts himself a shot.

Copping a plea isn't Meggie's style. OK - then Rafe better get to work. After he leaves, Deacon arrives - orange isn't your colour. Meggie wonders if he's still 'hittin' Nikki. Shut your mouth, Deacon snarls. And if she breathes a word about their 'little arrangement' he'll tell all (ensuring she stays behind bars for a long time). Everything WE did, Meggie reminds as Deacon exits.

Chance pats his bed - sit. Chloe's more awkward - being in his room (and on his bed). Chance thought they were 'OK'. Yes, but Chloe's been avoiding telling him something - she's seeing someone.

Could Ronan have been kidnapped - is he alive? Nina frets. Chris gets a call - he what!? There's no way. Ok - thanks ~click~ She then informs that Ronan ordered his own transfer. It was HIS decision to leave.

Nikki's stunned - does Victor not want to see Meggie punished? Will he not use his considerable influence to ensure that? Victor's done his part - the cops have enough evidence. Nikki lists Meggie's crimes - leaving Murphy dead - ruining their relationship. Victor's 'moving on'. Now, show yourself out, he focuses on his phone. By the way - he's asked Diane to move in with him. He has better things to do that worry about Meggie. Ok then, Nikki lets herself out.

Outside, Diane smiles through the window - as Nick plays with the kids. Kyle welcomes his Mom in. And as the kids skip upstairs, Diane's happy to hear Nick's taking Kyle skating (Jack and Victor aren't exactly Gretzky and Lemieux). She's very sorry - and didn't want Nick to find out about her and Victor like that. He's asked them to move in - but Di's gonna decline. Not on my account, Nick hopes.

Perched on Chance's bed, Chloe tells him that she's seeing Kevin - and it's really good. Serious? No - she's not ready for that just yet. God no - she's not with Ronan (Heather can have him). Chance isn't ready to condemn him yet.

Nina's not happy with Chris - all you people do is lie! Philip's not happy either - but his anger's directed at Ronan. Paul calms Nina down - we must face the possibility that Ronan took the liver and ran. No, Nina cries in Paul's arms - unable to believe they've been used.

Kay delivering the news that Ronan had his transfer arranged for quite some time, Chloe KNEW it. He played me? Chance is understandably pissed. Meanwhile, downstairs, Nina's also struggling with the news - was it all a lie? She picks up a copy of her book 'Out of Thin Air' - realizing they're right - I don't know who he is.

Still at the tackhouse, Diane knows what she wants - and it's not Victor. Hard for Nick to believe that (after last night's announcement). Hooking up with her was a mistake - one he won't make again. Diane's indignant - how can he compare her to Sharon? Kyle and Summer come down - to be assured that no one's yelling. Their skating plans now off, Kyle sulks out - bye! That leaves Summer to hug Nick - you OK Daddy?

The next visitor Meggie receives is Nikki (who accuses her of betraying her - after literally giving her the shirt off her back). You seduced my husband - ruined my sobriety - left Murphy for dead - all for money. Meggie never meant to harm anyone - and there's no proof of these allegations. Wouldn't Nikki have tasted the alcohol for heaven's sake? Shut up bitch - Nikki WILL see justice served. Asked about her bartender friend, Nikki snarls that it's none of Meggie's business. Now stay out of my life!

At home, Victor's on the phone (asking Mike to get him info on Meggie McLean). She can't run around free. Diane home with Kyle (who sulks off), says there's no need to continue their discussion - she's made her decision.

Drinking beer alone at G-worm, Nick orders one for the thirsty Chris (who gripes about Ronan's cruelty). Nick was betrayed too. Not by Sharon (who he got to see proposed to last night). Sharon makes mistakes - but she's not malicious. The woman Nick's talking about IS. He thought it'd be different - guess he's learned his lesson.

Nikki arrives at Deacon's with the official announcement that she'd like to get rip roaring drunk (but has brought a bottle of non alcoholic wine). Oh look - Deacon's got the candlelit table set for two. Good - Nikki'd rather stay in. Neither are hungry (for food that is) ~kiss~

Back at county lock up, Meggie's given a file. Glasses on, she flips through the papers (and reads an article detailing Nikki being with Deacon at G-worm Valentine's Day)

Ready to leave G-worm, Chris is glad she ran into Nick. Whomever's got him so upset - it's clear he likes her a lot. No, Nick hates her. I stand corrected, Chris leaves Nick to scowl.

So - will Diane be moving in tonight or tomorrow? Annoyed by his confidence, Diane's answer is yes - but (due to Kyle), wants separate rooms (for now). Victor declares her a good mother. He'll have the staff move her stuff tonight. Tomorrow, Diane corrects. ~hug~ Victor's sure they'll both be happy (though, over Victor's shoulder, Diane's eyes are on a photo of Nick).

Chance relays Ronan's pre op visit - offering him a chance to bail out. But, he knew he wouldn't (because of Nina). Kay still feels Chance did the right thing. But now - Chance wants to find Ronan, rip him open - take back his liver.

Downstairs with Paul and Philip, Nina won't give up on the son she's searched for for so many years. She needs more info. Cut to Ronan - in a hospital bed, filling the word 'sucker' into the crossword he's working on. Suddenly angered, he tosses the newspaper across the room.

Next: Tell me it's not true - you're not actually marrying him again, Ashley scowls at the smug Sharon and Adam (seated at G-worm) ... I think I want out - for real this time, Abby informs Vikki ... Kyle beams. Mom and I are moving in today, he announces brightly. Yes - and Victor couldn't be more pleased. Also at the ranch, Nick's smile is more of a grimace.

My Thoughts: Just yesterday, Nikki was all nervous about dancing with Deacon (lest they draw attention). Yet today, she has no qualms about kissing him in the middle of G-worm (guess Deacon has Victor's announcement to thank for that) .. And why does she continue to visit Victor (who's made it abundantly clear that he doesn't want to see her). And why did Victor feel the need to announce that he'd asked Diane Jenkins to move in with him? ... Why is Summer jumping all over the light gray sofa with her winter boots on? And how nice that she has a 'new computer' in her room ... Deacon's gonna take Nikki 'wherever she wants to go' - yet they end up dining in his shabby motel room? He really shouldn't make that offer if he doesn't have the cash flow to back it up ... Meggie's orange jumpsuit sure does look neatly starched and fresh from the dry cleaners. Not faded out at all - or wrinkled, like she's been lounging around in it all day ... You going somewhere? Victor stupidly asks - as Diane grabs her purse and puts her coat on. Why does Diane look instantly nauseous whenever Victor makes reference to their relationship? While in bed, does Victor mistake her expression for one of ecstasy? ... Maybe Nick should have ensured that the babysitter could stay later BEFORE he 'promised' to take the kids skating ... Can't blame Kyle for laughing at Nick's skates - they do look like they're circa 1960 (kinda odd considering how loaded Nick is) ... Oh please - my 19 year old stepson had half his liver removed in September - and it took him 3 days before he was able to stand unassisted. No way Chance would be able to manage stairs (with an estimated 130 staples holding his torso together ... And now Ester's in on the worst kept secret EVER (Chance being in the witness protection program). What's next? He drops by CL's for coffee? ... Why didn't Victor's attorney inform him that the woman who drugged and almost tricked him into marriage has been returned to GC? And what secrets does Deacon have left to tell on Meggie? Aren't 'those people' already aware of what she did to them? ... How could Ronan have ordered his own transfer? Wasn't his official status still 'fired'?