Michael Surprises Lauren, Victor and Nikki Reminisce and Jack and Diane Make Big Plans as Three Romantic Evenings Unfold

At the Abbott mansion, Diane comes down the stairs to Jack telling her they’re not going out to dinner… there’s been a change of plans. He’s in a tux and hands her a martini. They toast. Jack kisses her hand and tells her he loves her.

Jack and Diane Discuss the Remodel

Jack goes on about how impressed he is about the remodel. He’s grateful for everything she’s done. He expresses his love again and Diane returns the sentiment. She tells him the renovation was a gift. Jack tells her she’s an Abbott through-and-through now. They kiss. Jack wants to make the most of this evening… they’ll soon have a house full of Abbotts when Ashley and Traci return to see the house. Diane balks, “So soon?” Jack asks, “What’s wrong?”

Diane just wasn’t expecting them to be back so soon. Ashley doesn’t pull any punches. Jack tries to reassure her. Diane wants them to love the changes as much as he does. She reminds him Billy thought that their father was gone from the home. It’s the last thing she wanted. Jack insists it’s beautiful. She came through in spades and honored their father’s legacy. He told Billy that John Abbott is in their hearts. “Everywhere we go is home and none more beautiful than this home.” He says Billy will be apologizing. Diane understands how important the house is to all of them… that’s why she’s worried what his sisters will think.

Jack vows his sisters will applaud Diane’s sense of style and taste. He wants to say something to her. There are times they take their unconditional love for each other for granted. To see it though her eyes, it’s something rare. She’s honored that love and it’s been eye-opening for him. He couldn’t love her anymore if he wanted to. Diane plants a big kiss on him and asks a little favor. She doesn’t want him to tell his sisters to go easy on her. She wants to know how they really feel. Jack tells her it doesn’t matter what they say. She infused this house with warmth and love… it represents her now as much as him or anyone else. He sees great things ahead for their clan and she’s a foundational member. “You are the most important Abbott to me.”

They slow dance again and Jack asks Diane if they could take some time off since things are so good at Jabot. “Why don’t we take that honeymoon we never had?” Diane thinks that sounds amazing. He tells her they can go anywhere. “This is for you.” Diane replies, “This is for us.” They kiss. Diane thinks this is his best idea ever. “We are so doing this.” There’s just one problem… how do they decide where to jet off to? Jack thinks they can go to multiple places. She thinks it sounds like heaven. He wants to give her heaven… for the rest of their lives. They express their love and embrace.

Victor and Nikki Discuss Claire

At the Newman ranch, Victor has champagne chilling and Nikki asks what’s going on. He wants to start her birthday celebration early, and mentions Claire asked him to help plan her party. They toast and Victor says, “To my forever young, beautiful wife.” Placing his hands on Nikki’s shoulders, he says, “I love you.” Nikki had no idea he was planning this. Victor admits it’s selfish… he loves to see her face when he surprises her. Nikki will never get tired of it. They go on about him and Claire planning the party of the decade.

They sit and Nikki talks about how amazing Claire is. She gushes about her progress at work. She predicts a corner office for her future. Victor is very proud of her, but this evening is about her. Nikki teases about how many candles will be on her cake. Victor sees it as a celebration of her strength after all she’s gone through. He admires it. They toast again, and then Victor puts on music for them to slow dance.

After dancing, Nikki recalls the younger version of herself that fell head over heels for Victor. They were the best days of his life. Nikki marvels that they were so deeply in love, no one could ruin what they had. Victor wonders if this is a pitch for Claire and Kyle. Nikki says she shines when she mentions his name. Victor’s convinced he’ll break her heart, and he won’t allow it. Nikki reminds him some had trepidation about them. Victor’s sure Kyle will self-destruct and hurt their granddaughter. He’s glad they’re not moving in together. Nikki agrees they should slow things down. That’s as far as her agreement goes, however.

Nikki wants Claire to be happy, and if that’s with Kyle, so be it. If they move in together, it’s their decision and no one else’s. That’s all she’ll say on the matter tonight. Victor pulls out a gift box and she gushes, “Ooo, an early birthday gift.” They kiss. Nikki opens a locket with a photo o her, Victoria, and Claire, engraved, “Strength, courage, beauty.” She will cherish it always. Victor puts it around her neck, and she tells him this is a wonderful beginning for her birthday.

Nikki remembers when Victor introduced her to caviar. He always makes her feel special. Victor loves to celebrate her. She notes they’ve been through a lot, but are more in love than ever. Victor says they’ve survived it all. “I love you.” She loves him too. They recall when they met in the strip club. Victor was mesmerized. Nikki muses, “And you were so mysterious and handsome.” They express their love again and kiss

Lauren and Michael Discuss Victor

Lauren enters the empty jazz lounge and waves at the piano player. She reads a note from Michael, “Let me remind you how much I love you.”

Michael appears and embraces her from behind. He says he adores her and kisses her neck. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” They kiss and Lauren tells him “this” is very romantic, whatever “this” is. He tells her “this” is a special evening for him to pamper her. He moves in for another kiss and Lauren stops him. She wants to know why he’s doing this. She accuses him of trying to divert her from the fights they’ve been having over Victor. Lauren tells him he’s amazing at sweeping her off her feet, but he’ll have to work hard to make up for that infuriating loyalty to his boss. Michael thinks he’ll surprise her.

Lauren reminds Michael that she knows him better than anyone. He reminds her of the surprise he pulled off the night he proposed. She remembers the casino he set up… she made one of the biggest gambles of her life saying “yes”. It’s paid off… so far. Michael recalls she was upset with him that night too. He couldn’t open up. She taught him how to love. He asks to let the evening play out. Lauren will humor him. Michael’s sure he’ll surprise her tonight. “But first…” He goes over and makes her drink behind the bar. “I bought out the Club just for us.” Lauren’s charmed, but she won’t let him distract her with smoke and mirrors. Michael promises they’ll have a frank conversation, but they can do it with a warm ambiance. He hands her a martini and the toast.

Lauren gives Michael an “A” for effort. He proposes a toast to his scintillating, intelligent wife. Lauren tells him this is a lovely warm up. Michael wants to dance, so they head to the dance floor, and he swings her around and kisses her cheek. She admits she’s intrigued and can’t wait to get to the surprise. Michael will start at the end and work his way back. He says, “I am sorry.”

Lauren appreciates his apology, but it doesn’t change things. Michael wants to tell her a story…she’s heard it before; lived it actually. Lauren grabs her drink. He reminds her of the first time he went to work for Victor. She recalls that he blackmailed him. Michael assures her it will all make sense when he finishes. They go over him being put in a Peruvian prison as Lauren rants about the things Victor has put him through. Now, he’s asked him to betray his friends. Michael realizes he’s been Victor’s pawn all these years. He owes him a great deal, but he owes her more. He’s been gambling with her trust and happiness. He won’t lose that for not putting her first. Lauren gasps, “Are you ready to walk away from Victor?”

Michael confirms he’s going to break away for good. Lauren reminds him he’s said this before and been pulled back in. Michael gives her his word. She is everything good, kind, and real in his life, and he was a fool to jeopardize that. They embrace as Lauren’s eyes filled with tears. She admits this was the best surprise possible. They express their love and embrace. Lauren can’t believe Michael will finally be free of that man and his chaos. She admits, however, that she’s terrified as to how Victor will react when he tells him.