Chris lists the facts in their favour. Against them – Abby left Dom with Devon. They could say that Chance is incapable of being Dom’s Father. Is Chance up to defending his mental state on the stand? Yes, Abby speaks for him. WE are Dominic’s parents. Chance can’t lie; Devon’s absolutely right.
Back on the patio, Noah asks to take a break – his Dad’s giving him a lot of details to make note of. OK, Nick has a question – he noticed how deflated he looked when Tessa and Mariah left.
Tessa lied; she and Mariah aren’t at Society for a meeting. Are we celebrating tonight? Hoping so, Tessa gets down on bended knee. Are you doing what I think you’re doing? Mariah’s stunned.
Nick suspects Noah’s feelings for Tessa are resurfacing. Noah would never do that to his sister’s girlfriend. She’s beautiful, talented – you’ve been working closely; it would be natural. Noah sighs – you don’t think Mariah noticed do you?
On bended knee, Tessa expresses her love for Mariah and pops open a velvet box to display a ring – marry me, Mariah. This is the part where you say ‘yes’. Mariah can’t answer – there’s something she needs to tell Tessa.
Now alone, Chance hugs Abby and continues to share his agony. I can’t lie in court. Abby wouldn’t want him to – she wants him to get better. We can’t give Devon permanent legal rights to our son. Chance sides with Devon. I’m broken. My wounds have healed but I have nothing left to give to Dominic. It’s the right thing to do.
Abby’s sorry – she had no idea how much pain Chance was in and wishes she could make it go away. There’s no need for you to feel guilty. Dom will always be our son; Devon just wants to add love. Dom’s lucky to have three people who love him more than life. He knows this wasn’t part of the plan – think of what we could lose; what we would gain. I need time to heal; don’t you want that?
Back from their run, Devon gets a call from Abby – she and Chance have talked; we’d like to meet with you again.
Noah tells his Dad not to worry – he won’t make an ass of himself – he knows Tessa’s happy with Mariah. He’ll just focus on work, family and having some fun.
Mariah stands Tessa up to express her love and gratitude. Yes, to a lifetime of us – yes, yes, I’ll marry you. Tessa slips the large green stone (emerald) ring onto Tessa’s finger ~kiss~