In the mausoleum's back yard (the annual Memorial Day cook-out taking place), Chance tells Philip to say put - then chases after an emotional Nina. Manning the BBQ, Jill and Kay notice the exchange. Have fun dammit, Kay orders.

Watching Nina march out the front door, Chloe stalls Chance - 'someone' spent hours getting ready. Look at you, Chance gushes over Delia. And how did Nina look? It's never easy sayin' good bye to your kid, Chloe responds.

Joining Paul at G-worm, an out of breath Heather stuns him with the news that she's leaving town.

Sam's all ready to go to the festival - we better 'haul butt'. Sharon tried - but she just can't go.

The forensic's guy assures Nick and Adam that the town festival traffic won't interfere with the stretch of road the 'alleged' accident occurred. Alleged!? Adam gets all pissy - Sharon did NOT commit suicide. And as the guy goes to fetch the files, Nick tries to calm Adam down. What are YOU doing here? he snaps (when Diane strolls in).

Adam also wondering why she's there, Diane's just trying to help. Ordering Diane to go home, Nick doesn't appreciate her using his wife's memory to ingratiate herself to yet another wealthy man. She's with Adam - and that's that. Diane's not there to use anybody. Let's focus on why we're here; Sharon, Adam suggests.

Sharon tells Sam that she's anxious - people will be curious about her. Will he explain to Piper? Only if Sharon let's herself down and doesn't show up. Sure would be a shame to miss the award winning pie, he leaves her to dwell on it.

Heather's just leaving town to handle the Newman IPO (in Mike's place). It's definitely not a permanent move. She'll be staying with her Mom (and leaving this afternoon - to get a jump on things). OK, maybe Heather's leaving early because of Chance. Encouraged to go to Kay's party, Paul's not sure he's the one to support Nina right now. Heather being Nina's target is unfair - but true.

Chloe and Chance explain to Delia that he's going away for a while - but here's a bunch of books to read while he's gone. Chloe then takes a photo of the pair. And after Ester takes Delia, Chloe wonders if he's leaving because Heather broke his heart. Chance clarifies that THEIR relationship was more than just a fling - we were incredible - off the charts. Chance is leaving because the army is important to him. Chloe's glad - that they're finally friends ~hug~

The forensic's guy hands over the police report and photos - a team's going over the car and the scene. Informing that the cause of death was changed after the DA read Sharon's letters, Nick wants the word 'suicide' erased from Sharon's name. She'd never take her own life.

At the fair, Sam unpacks the cooler - explaining that Sharon's having a rough day. They'll tell her all about the fair when they get home. Or right now, Sharon appears (much to Piper's delight - and Sam's).

Back at the mausoleum, Jill and Collin wish they could make this holiday easier on Nina. Meanwhile, the 'blue star' banner leads Kay to mope to Murphy (who talks of his days as a marine - his Mom hanging the blue star for him). They'll pray for Chance.

Inside, Chance frets to Philip about Nina's anger at Heather coming between her and Paul. If only he could make it easier for them all. Philip discreetly leaves when Nina returns - and through her tears, expresses how proud she is of Chance - confident he'll come home. Oh, how lucky he feels - to have been raised by such a wonderful Mom ~hug~

The forensic guy heading over to the accident site, Nick accepts the invitation to tag along (but seeing it once was more than enough for Adam).

At the fair, Sharon muses that everyone in town's come over to say Hi to Sam. Everyone loves him, Piper enthuses of the humble vet (then tells a sappy story that doesn't surprise Sharon one bit).

Seeing Collin get the cold shoulder from Kay and Philip, Chloe quips - tough crowd - give it some time. They might like me? 'Like' is pushing it. Jill then comes over to snarl about Chloe suing Billy for custody. You should be happy about spending more time about her, Chloe figures. Refusing to let Chloe ruin her day, Jill saunters off. Then - watching Nina and Philip chat, Jill praises Chance's ability to bring people together (then threatens to scratch Chloe's eyes out if she takes Delia away from Billy). Chance asks a favour of Jill - keep an eye on Nina (who marches over when Heather arrives - with Paul. I thought I made it clear you're not welcome here).

As the crowd gathers, Nina tells Kay that 'they' were just leaving. Don't go, Chance stands between the pair (to say HE invited Heather; who he then leads inside). Paul appeals to Nina - who still blames Heather for her 'losing' Chance.

Inside, Chance disagrees that Nina has a right to be angry at her. He thinks Heather going to New York is a good thing - and he's doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's a soldier. Yeah, we're OK. Enjoy New York. And you dodge those bullets ~hug~

Sharon's enjoying her pie - and the day. And now it's time for Fanny's competition. Hang on - whether Fanny wins or not, Sharon knows she's the best lamb in San Pueblo.

Off to the accident scene (then home), Nick merely glares when Diane chirps 'have a safe flight'. And what would Adam like to do now? Diane's sincerely sorry - she knows he loved Sharon. Yeah - the festival might be fun. Adam appreciates Diane coming - but Nick was right - there's no place for her there (and so, leaves her looking like a woman who just struck out - twice).

Briefly discussing his relationship with Nina, Paul's sorry to hear there's no change in Tucker's condition. Yes, Kay wants him to continue his search for Tucker's son (who may be a toddler, teenager or an adult). And with Tucker's international connections, this son could be anywhere. Kay will give Paul Tucker's files - so he can start his search.

Inside, Chloe's not impressed to hear that Heather's passing her custody case onto another lawyer. Heather refuses to be Chloe's punching bag - and when Paul comes to ask if she's ready to go, answers with a firm 'definitely'.

Back outside, Jill advises Nina to get angry (instead of sad) - remember how you hated me - when you were pregnant? Both are soon laughing.

Kay instructs Chance to call her if he needs anything - she knows 'a couple of Generals'. Nina joins them - time for Chance to grab his gear. All put on a brave face. No tears, Chloe forces a smile.

On the airplane, Nick's unpleasantly surprised when Diane buckles into the seat next to him. Looks like we'll be stuck together for a while, she grins (informing that Adam's still in San Pueblo). It's Nick's choice - they can talk like they used to - or - he can completely ignore Diane.

Sam, Piper and Sharon fuss over Fanny (wearing her first place ribbon). And as Sam and Piper go to buy cotton candy, a stunned Sharon looks petrified - when she sees Adam stroll in.

Now at CL's, Paul and Heather are grabbin' a sandwich, before picking up her bags - then it's off to the airport. I'll be back before ya know it, Heather smiles.

Back at the party, Murphy's struggling with the flag when Chance comes out in his soldier uniform - and in turn, gives everyone weepy hugs and hand shakes. Giving him a kiss, Chloe couldn't send him off without some lip block. All watch as the American and lone blue star flag is raised.

Next: My fiance, she died in the accident, Adam (with a floral bouquet) tells a bearded guy (who asks - any chance there was a mix up?) .. I've been seeing Cane - I see him ALL the time, Lily stuns Neil ... I'm in charge here - don't forget it, Caleb's mother sets him straight.

My Thoughts: Today, I'd just like to say that I, a Canadian, who's never known anyone in the armed forces - had a tear in my eye as Murphy raised those flags. So, I know it will effect many of you reading today. I hope all your sons and daughters, husbands and wives; all the brave loved ones that you are incredibly proud of (if not afraid for) - come home safely. Most especially, my thoughts today are with my dear friend's son, Kyle.

My child, you glow in uniform
In pride I live, my heart so warm

I have such precious thoughts cascade
Some old, some new, not one will fade

How hard that day we said good-bye
The joy, the pain, etched in my eye
 
You left to serve our country well
My perfect one, my tears did swell

No better soldier could there be
For in my love, that's all I see

Oh how I pray for you each day
Be safe, be well, God guide your way

I keep your home in wait with me
Your Mom will guard it faithfully

How great the day when you'll return
We'll talk and talk, night-lights to burn

My Soldier's Mom, is who I am
While you do proud, for Uncle Sam

Roger J. Robicheau