In bed, Audra confides that something she covered up for Tucker is being used to force her into talking the Newmans into a certain merger that would put us both out of a job. Who’s the threat? Kyle asks. Adam.
‘Third degree’ out of the way, Abby insists on doing the traditional something old, something new… Both wishing Dina was there, Mother and daughter share a weepy hug.
Abby’s downstairs with the guests about 10 seconds when Ashley calls her over to the stairs. Informed that everyone’s there except Jack, Diane and Traci, she insists the wedding start without them – now. She waves at Tucker and is handed her bouquet as the latecomers arrive. Did we miss anything? Jack asks.
At the ranch, Victor comments that Ashley’s going ahead with this sham of a wedding. We have bigger problems, Nikki reports – Nate and Audra.
Still in bed, Audra doesn’t want to share what Adam’s holding over her. He’s asking me to convince the Newmans to merge his new company with Newman Media. Kyle might have another way she can play it.
Jack hopes they didn’t hold anything up. We were going to do it without you, Ashley says – let’s begin – again. Here comes the bride plays as Abby walks her Mom down the short aisle. Dearly beloved, the Minister begins.
Since neither the bride or groom have written vows, they’ll wing it. Oh how they heated each other. Why are we doing this? Because we’re in love. After the Minister pronounces them husband and wife, they kiss – then chat with the applauding guests. Welcome Tucker into the family, Ashley prods Jack. He’ll let his wife speak first.
Back at the ranch, Nikki elaborates. As soon as Victor went to Germany, Nate and Audra both brought up the merger. They’d clearly compared notes. Nate wants to impress you but why would Audra push for something that’d result in her demotion? Who stands to benefit the most? Adam.
Audra likes the way Kyle’s mind works and wishes she’d thought of his ‘brilliant’ plan. It’ll put power and protection on your side; someone who’s been in your position and won’t judge you for it. Audra will get on it as soon as she gets off Kyle (pun intended)
Audra shows up at the ranch – she’s sorry to interrupt the Newmans night. I didn’t expect to see you. I live here! (Nikki somehow manages to look down her nose while remaining seated) Your son, Adam, has me backed against a wall and I don’t know what to do about it, Audra says.
I wish you all the best, Diane and Ashley exchange a fake/awkward hug. The champagne passed out, Devon jokes that holidays will be easier since they’ll only have to visit one house. Tucker toasts his bride – we’ll be partners in every sense. Abby looks suspicious and, aside, Billy tells Chelsea that he sees things clearer now – don’t worry, I won’t make any mistakes. Kyle arrives – sorry I’m late. Jack hands Ashley her wedding gift. Reading the paperwork, she’s surprised – you’re giving me my company’s assets back? What’s the catch?
My Thoughts: If Diane was sincere about wanting a truce with Ashley, should would have given her the gift of staying home for an hour while Jack attended the wedding …. Why does Devon always feel the need to announce who’s calling him? First Abby – then ‘it’s work’? Why the hell would Tucker or Victor care? Whatever would Devon do without call display? ‘Gotta get this – unknown number’.. Is there no grander room in the Chancellor mansion to act as a wedding venue? The bride actually had to walk across the front foyer to meet Tucker. Her vows would have been heard by all if she uttered them from the staircase. I get that daytime budgets aren’t huge – but all it’d take is 3 walls and a framed photo of Katherine in the background to remind us all (like we have no short-term memories) that they’re at the Chancellor Estate …. Ashley and Tucker’s vows were very convincing. She has had a lot of practice. She’s said ‘I do’ so many times (now 7) that ‘for now’ should be tagged on.