CASSIE, VICKI, AND NICK remain at Nikki's bedside. Nikki tries to wake up. She moans in her sleep and Nick thinks she is asking for his father. He tells her that Dad isn't here right now, but he will be here soon.

VICTOR tells Diane that he has a chance to fulfill Nikki's dream to have a reunited family, but he won't be able to do it without her help and cooperation. "You want to marry her?" Diane asks, incredulously.

"Only to fulfill the wish of a dying woman," Victor assures her. "Nikki is dying. Afterwards, we will remarry and continue our lives as before."

"You want to divorce me and remarry your former wife? How can you ask this?"

CHRIS, dressed in the lowest cut gown imaginable, arrives at Gina's with Danny. Gina shows them to their special table near the dance floor and leaves them alone.

MARY drops by to check on Paul. She guesses that he is having second thoughts about Christine. Paul agrees and says that he never should have asked her to move out. Of course, you should have, Mary tells him. Where is your pride? Paul tells her that pride keeps him company every night when he is home alone watching television. He then tells his mother to stay out of his life; she is only making matters worse. When Mary tells him that she will do anything for him, he tells her to get out of his office. He doesn't need this aggravation.

Mary leaves and Lynn enters. She informs Paul that Chris and Danny are having dinner at Gina's right now. Maybe this is the right time to swallow his pride and muster up the courage to tell Chris that he was wrong.

OLIVIA is remembering her conversation with Dru when Neil stops by to talk. He tells her that his marriage is over. Olivia tells him that she knows that her sister loves him, but he says she loves her career more. He says he has tried and tried to work things out with Dru, but she wants the world. Olivia tells him that Dru doesn't understand why she has to choose between marriage and career. She has been offered an amazing opportunity, she tells Neil, but Neil answers that this amazing opportunity comes with an amazing cost for his family. Olivia tells him that Dru wonders why his attitude is the only one that is right. Neil says that Dru feels that her way is the only way. "You are both so bull-headed!" Olivia exclaims.

Neil says that he has fought like hell to save his marriage, but Dru wants---no, needs---to be a celebrity. He thanks Olivia for all of her support and for trying to talk sense into Dru, but it is over. He isn't even angry any more. Olivia says that it breaks her heart that the two of them are turning magic into ashes. The time will come when both of you will regret it.

DRU gets a visit from Malcolm who is dressed in "gang" fashion. She tells him right up front that she was making changes in her life and doesn't have much time for him. He tells her that he is there to make her an offer that he hopes she can't refuse. He tells her first that Sid paid a visit to him and he had some serious nerve. Sid wanted him to persuade her to take his job offer and leave her husband. Dru tells him that Sid isn't like that, but Malcolm isn't buying that.

Malcolm tells her that if she stayed here in GC, she would be able to work without traveling all over the world. There is a big summer project coming up and if he asked, he feels sure he could get the budget enlarged enough to have shoots in Florida and maybe even Nassau. He is sure he could convince Neil to go along with it. She could have the best of both worlds. Definitely it is better than what Sid offers.

Dru tells him that she has accepted Sid's offer already. She is going on the tour. "Then you can kiss your marriage good bye," Malcolm tells her. Dru says that she is tired of doing everything for Neil; she wants to do something for herself. She also feels that when she comes back, Neil will have changed his mind. Maybe he will be willing to meet her halfway. It will never happen! Malcolm tells her. He begs her to call Sid and tell him she has changed her mind. Dru won't do that, but she wishes that Malcolm would wish he well. "Well, if you are going to do this anyway, then all I can say is, YOU GO GIRL!" Malcolm gathers her in a tight embrace.

AT THE HOSPITAL, Nikki wakes up again. She struggles to speak and slowly the words come out. "Joshua . . . Where . . . is . . . Joshua? Where is . . . my husband?"

VICTOR continues. "I know I am asking the impossible. But Nikki is dying. This is the last thing I can do for her so she can die in peace. I implore you, help me make her wish a reality."

"We have only been married such a short time now," Diane whispers through her tears. "And now you want to divorce me. How can you ask me to give up my husband and my marriage?"

"I ask you to do this for a dying woman," Victor answers. Diane wonders how this can even be done, and Victor tells her that there are ways. He would have to leave the country and he would need her permission. "Will you do this? If you won't do it for Nikki or for me, will you do it for Victoria and Nick? If you do this one unselfish act, I promise you that I will never forget it."

AT GINA'S, Christine and Danny finish their dinner and talk about old times. They were great times! They both agree. She admits that she never thought a big rock star like him would ever look twice at her. He tells her that he fell head over heels in love with her---even though she was underage, he stalked her until he had her. He asks her if she will dance with him and she agrees.

They are still dancing when Paul comes in. Danny is telling her she feels wonderful in his arms when Paul taps him on the back and announces that it is his turn. Danny turns to Chris and asks if she told him they would be here. Christine can't hide her joy at seeing her husband and tells Danny that Paul is a detective; she is sure he knew how to track them down. She begins dancing with Paul while Danny returns to the table and fumes while making faces at the couple on the dance floor.

On the dance floor, Paul holds Chris tightly and tells her that it feels good to have her back in his arms again.

NICK tells Nikki that Joshua isn't here. "Soon?" she asks. Casey comes close and tells her to hang on. She is doing fine but she needs to be strong and fight. "I'll try," Nikki whispers. ". . . so tired" Nick steps up and tells her that they need her. She has to hang on. As Nikki slips away again, Vicki observes that this is a good sign. When she sees Casey's face, she becomes afraid. "Isn't it?" she pleads.

Casey pulls them over to the far side of the room. "Your mother is extremely critical," she reminds the kids. "She has lost a tremendous amount of blood and her vital signs still aren't stable. You have to be prepared."

"How do we tell her that Joshua is dead?" wonders Nick. "We can't do that, can we? If we do, there is no telling how she will react. She may not even want to live." I'm scared, admits Vicki. Where is Dad? Nick furrows his brow and says that dad should be here. What could have pulled him away from Mom at a time like this? From across the room, Nikki whispers Joshua's name.

DIANE looks longingly at her husband. "If this is something you are determined to do, what can I say?"

"I will forever be indebted to you," Victor says as he pulls her into his arms. The phone rings and it is Wally. Victor tells him to prepare the plane. They are going to fly to the Dominican Republic tonight. They will be there for a few hours then they will fly home. "Do you want to come along?" Victor asks his wife.

"No!" She replies. "I am uncomfortable with this enough. How can I go along with you."

"How can I reassure you? It is so wonderful of you to do this for that woman who is dying and for my children. These will be the loneliest hours I have ever had to face in my life."

PAUL and Christine return to the table laughing. Paul sits down with them. He tells Danny that they were having so much fun that they couldn't have come back any earlier. Sorry to leave him sitting all alone. Danny reluctantly offers Paul some wine and Paul happily accepts. He makes a toast to his beautiful wife; he doesn't remember ever seeing her so lovely as tonight. When Paul admits that he hasn't eaten tonight, Danny generously to have his sister make him something and serve it at his table. Paul tells him thanks, but he will stay at the table with him, Danny, and Chris.

Chris is ready to leave. There ensues an argument about who will escort her home. As the argument escalates, Chris tells them that she is going to the ladies room while they fight it out. After she leaves, Danny tells Paul that he is way out of line. Paul innocently ask why. He is just offering to take his wife home.

As they are wondering what is keeping Chris so long, Gina arrives to tell them that Chris has gone home by taxi, but she ordered a round of drinks for them. What do you want to order? Paul orders arsenic. Danny says to make his a double.

DIANE tells Victor that she understands his reasons. He is doing a compassionate thing but it doesn't make it easy for her. "To know that you are the person that is making this possible means so much," Victor tells her. "I cannot stop you, Victor, but I have to tell you that it is tearing my soul out. You know how much I love you. I won't stand in your way if you are determined to do this."

JILL is dressed in eveningwear when Keith suggests they go out to the movies. Jill reminds him that they have an invitation already; Tricia has invited them to her first dinner party. Keith says he didn't forget; he just doesn't want to go. He begins to rant about Ryan having all the benefits of marriage without the responsibilities. He will just have to miss the party.

Jill is annoyed that he would disappoint Tricia like that. He tells her that she can go and make his excuses. "I am going," Jill tells him, "but I refuse to make your excuses. Do what you want to do, but handle it yourself." Jill picks up her coat and is headed out the door when she turns back. "You know, for a man still in his prime, you sure are an old fogy!"

RYAN AND TRICIA are busy getting the apartment in order for their dinner party. Tricia is nervous and thinks that maybe she should have had the dinner catered instead of cooking herself. What if she burns it or over seasons or something? Ryan promises her that everything will be perfect; he has even ordered some special wine for the occasion.

KEITH calls and tells Tricia that he is feeling a little under the weather and won't be able to attend her dinner party. I hope that is okay with you, he says. "No, it is not okay, Dad," Tricia says, sadly. "I don't believe you are ill. You just don't want to come to my party. No matter what you say, you can't deal with Ryan and I living together. I hope you change your mind, but I will be disappointed if you don't."

EVERYONE gathers for the party---Megan and Alec are already there when Jill makes her arrival. She admits that Keith may not come. Tricia holds the food for a few minutes in case he makes it.

Finally, it looks as if Keith isn't coming, so everyone takes his or her seat at a beautiful table. When the doorbell sounds, Ryan answers, expecting it to be the wine he ordered. However, it is Keith with a large bouquet of flowers for the "lady of the house."

DRU visits her sister to say goodbye. When Olivia begins to harp at her about making the biggest mistake of her life letting an incredible man like Neil get away, Dru tells her that she would appreciate it if she would just drop it. She is leaving tonight and would like to spend her final hour's just saying goodbye. Olivia agrees and tells her sister that she will miss her. They agree to keep in touch by phone often.

Dru tells her sister that once she is gone, Neil will be in that apartment all alone and vulnerable. "I know you have feelings for my husband," she says. When Olivia objects, Dru tells her to be honest with herself. Olivia wants to end this "off the wall" subject and get back to saying goodbye. She promises that she and Malcolm will be there when she leaves for the airport.

MALCOLM comes home calling for his "hot Mama." He admits that he knows that Dru is leaving tonight. It is such a shame that this has to happen because those two share something special. He hopes their bond is strong enough to survive. Taking Olivia in his arms, he tells her, "Olivia, you, our marriage, our family mean everything to me!"

In Dru's apartment, Neil is reading a book to Lily while Dru watches on. When the story is over, Lily begs for another. Dru tells her that they don't have enough time. She sends her to her room to finish putting her things in the take-on bag.

Dru tells Neil that part of her is not happy, but she feels that this is the best thing for them right now. She wishes she could be different. She wishes she could be a stay-at-home wife and mother---she tried, God knows she tried---but through it all, she never stopped loving him. That is what makes this so hard. Neil tells her that he understands, but when she comes home again, his life may be different. He is even having second thoughts about her taking Lily. This upsets Dru. She reminds him that they discussed this. This will be an exciting time for Lily and it will be good for her. But, I will miss my baby girl, Neil tells her.

It is getting late. Everyone has gathered to tell Dru and Lily good bye. Amidst tears and hugs, the final good byes are said. The phone rings. It is the doorman letting them know that the limo is waiting for them. Neil hugs and kisses Lily with tears in his eyes while reminding her that Daddy loves her very much. Lily hugs Nate and takes her mother's hand. Dru and Neil exchange a long kiss. Dru and Lily are all the way to the door when suddenly, Dru rushes back and gives Neil one last kiss. As he walks out the door, Neil is crying.

JACK returns to the Newman apartment to find Diane very upset. Even though she tells him over and over that she doesn't want to get into it, he pushes her until she gives in. "You are never going to believe what I agreed to do for my husband!" She exclaims.

Diane tells Jack of Victor's request. Jack is astonished. "He actually asked you for a quickie divorce?"

"He said it would mean everything to his children and to Nikki if the family is reunited when Nikki dies," Diane answers.

"I would have liked to see his face when you told him to shove it," Jack laughs. When Diane doesn't answer, he goes on. "Please tell me you are not considering this!"

"Victor is on the way to the Dominican Republic as we speak," Diane admits.

Jack wants to know why she would agree to this plan. Diane tells him that if she had refused, he would have resented her.

"That is just like the man. Always has to make the Grand Gesture. He is the King of Gaul!" Jack is ranting about the apartment. Suddenly, he stops. "I just realized something. This means you are no longer married---or won't be in a few hours. You are a free woman. This is the best news I have heard in a month!" He grabs her roughly and pulls her to him. He gives her a big kiss, then with a huge grin on his face, he dances out of the apartment.

VICTOR is sitting on the plane in mid air thinking about his last conversation with Diane. "Thank God for your understanding," he whispers. "Now it is up to you, my darling Nikki."

In the Dominican Republic, Victor meets with a lawyer and an administrator. He tells them of his special circumstances. Once he has finished, he takes an oath that everything in the document is the truth. The administrator tells him that he will grant the divorce. He signs both documents, one in English and one in Spanish, then affixes the seal. "Mr. Newman, you are now a divorced man," he announces as he hands him the documents. "Thank you," Victor replies. "I assure you that I do not take this matter lightly."

Back in the air, Victor tells Wally to get them back to GC as quickly as possible; time is critical. "God willing we will be together before the day is out. Husband and wife again," he says. He takes a jewelry box out of his pocket and opens it. He looks at the diamond eternity ring inside. He begins to recall the first time he and Nikki were married and the vows that they exchanged. Afterward, he whispers, "I pray to God that I get there in time."

AT THE HOSPITAL, Nikki becomes restless. "We are losing her, aren't we?" Vicki asks. "WHERE IS DAD?" Nick screams as he heads over to the bed. "He should be here. What if she . . ."

Nikki calls for her husband, Joshua. She wants to know where he is, but Casey tells her that he can't be here. "Something terrible happened, sweetheart, and Joshua was killed. Joshua is dead."

Nikki can't believe what she is hearing. What happened, she wants to know. "Joshua is dead? My husband is dead?" Nikki begins to cry and her heartbeat accelerates. Nikki continues to groan and ask why. How? She asks. Casey tells her that it shouldn't have happened; it was a horrible accident.

Nikki opens her eyes and sees Nick. She thinks it is Joshua and begins reaching for him as she calls out his name. Casey tries to get her to lay back down and calm herself, but she won't. Suddenly, she codes; her heart rate is a flatline. The children rush to the bedside and call out her name. The nurses have to push them aside to get to Nikki. CPR is started while Nick holds back a hysterical Victoria who is calling for her mother.

VICTOR calls Diane from the jet to tell her that he has the divorce. Diane assures Victor that she understands and understands what he is trying to do. "You are an incredible woman, Mrs. Newman," he tells her softly.

"I'm not Mrs. Newman at the moment," she answers sadly.

"My darling, you are my wife in every way that counts; a piece of paper cannot change that. It won't be long and we can be remarried." He tells her that they are losing the signal; will she call the hospital and tell the children that he is on his way there?

Diane calls the hospital and a nurse answers. She can't talk because Nikki is in cardiac arrest. In the background, Diane hears the orders and the urgency of the medical team. Diane hangs up the phone in shock.

SHARON is pacing around the apartment. Doris tells her that she should go back. She understands that it was unpleasant, but she should remember that she has an obligation to be there for her mother-in-law. Sharon agrees, but waffles back and forth. She could make it worse for Nick. Doris tells her that no matter what Nick says or does, later he will remember that she was there for him.

As she is thinking this over, Cassie comes into the room. She wants to know how Nikki's mother is doing. She would like to go to the hospital with Sharon to see her. Sharon patiently explains that she can't go to see Nikki. She is very sick and she is in a room where only the immediate family can visit. Too bad, Cassie says. When she is sick, she likes having company. Sharon suddenly decides that she will go to the hospital after all and she will give Cassie's best wishes to Nikki. "Will you say hi to Nick for me?" Cassie asks.

TRICIA AND RYAN'S first dinner party is almost over. She is receiving compliments from everyone gathered around the table. Jill tells her that it was a "rousing success," while Keith tells her that she is a fabulous chef.

AFTER ALL THE GUESTS ARE GONE, Tricia tells Ryan that she is so happy; their first party is successful and she believes that her Dad is finally accepting their relationship. Ryan sees things differently. He thinks Keith is just playing it smart—after all, he doesn't want to lose his daughter. He doesn't like me, Ryan points out, and he certainly doesn't accept him. But no matter what happens, he won't let it come between the two of them.

JILL tells Keith that she is proud of him for showing up at the dinner party and for being such a good sport all through dinner. He tells her not to pin any medals on him; his jaw aches from biting his tongue all night. He says that the entire night was about Tricia playing house without a commitment from Ryan. Ryan is a loser with two failed marriages under his belt!

As Keith continues to rant, Jill tries to show him Tricia's side. She points out that to play it safe is to sit on the sidelines and lose all the joy and adventure life has to offer. She wouldn't wish that emptiness on anyone.

VICTOR arrives at the courthouse and meets with Dr. Hunt, John Silva, and Tom Prescott, the attorney for the county clerk. The judge arrives and they begin by swearing in both Victor and Dr. Hunt. They explain to the judge that they are asking that the state statute requiring a six-month wait after a divorce before remarriage be waived in this case. Victor explains the situation in detail, swearing that if his ex-wife could testify, she would tell them that her dearest wish was to reunite the family. The doctor swears that he has reviewed the medical records and talked to the attending physician and everything Victor says is true.

Mr. Prescott says that the county clerk would like to see the statute upheld, but he is standing by to go along with whatever the judge decides.

DIANE opens the door to Jack. She tells him that she called the hospital and they told her that Nikki had gone into cardiac arrest; she even heard them working on her in the background. "Dear God," gasps Jack. "They told us to be prepared, but how can you ever be prepared for something like this. I feel like part of me just died. Even after the divorce, we remained friends. She was my confidant. I don't believe I ever stopped loving her. I can't believe she is gone!"

Diane says that it is obvious that Victor didn't make it there in time. Jack says that there are some things that even THE GREAT MAN cannot pull off.

"It breaks my heart that Victor wasn't able to do this one last thing for Nikki. It was his one chance to make some good come out of this horrible, senseless crime. My husband can move mountains, but he wasn't able to save Nikki. He is unique and wonderful—more—but he is still just a man."

"Lucky man, at least he still has you to comfort him. I hope to God he realizes what a wonderful, selfless woman he is married to." Jack tells her.

"We aren't married at the moment," she tells him. "But I assume we will straighten that out right away."

Jack observes that they will probably be having a funereal before another wedding.

VICKI AND NICK watch through the window as the medical team work to save Nikki's life. "She is gonna make it! She has to!" Nick says.

In the room, Nikki receives yet another shock to her heart. Suddenly a blinding, white light envelops Nikki. Time begins to move slowly and is represented in black and white. Nikki is in her home at the ranch. As she walks into the room she sees her family standing there. Slowly, she approaches her waiting family. First, she goes to Casey and the two sisters embrace. Next, she goes to Sharon. She brushes her hair back from her face and puts her arms around her. They share a long embrace. She then kisses her grandson on the face and looks down upon him for a long interval. Nick, dressed in a suit and tie, wait. There are tears in his eyes as his mother approaches. They embrace. Tears are streaming down Vicki's face. Nikki lovingly brushes her hair, then pulls her into her arms. Now the family disappears. In the blinding light she sees her husband, Josh. He reaches out his hand for her and with a smile, she comes toward him. Just as their hands are about to meet, she hears her name called in a loud and commanding manner. She turns. Victor stands there looking at her. He is dressed completely in black.

She is back in her hospital room. The doctors have given up and are about to call the time of death when suddenly the monitor begins to beep again. Surprised, the nurse tells the doctor that they have a heart rate.

One of the doctors has to hurry downstairs. As he rushes out of the door, Nick shouts, "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING? You can't quit on my mother!" CASEY tells the kids that Nikki is fine for the moment, but they still have to be prepared They have only bought a little time. Nick says he will never be prepared. He can't imagine where his dad is; what if she hadn't made it? Casey goes for coffee. Vicki suggests that Nick call Sharon, but he tells her that that is the last thing he needs.

SHARON arrives to be with Nick, but he is out for the moment. She is talking with Victoria when Nick comes back in. When he see Sharon, he stops and gets one of his "mad" looks on his face. Sharon goes to him and speaks. You look tired, she says. "Gee, thanks!" Nick replies. She tells him she is so sorry about his mother, but all he will say is "me too." I am trying to meet you half way, she pleads, but Nick coldly tells her to just go and be with the kids. He walks away. Seeing what is going on, Vicki comes over and tries to make excuses for her brother. Maybe I should just go, she says. Nick clearly would rather I were not here. With shoulders slumped, Sharon leaves.

VICTOR finally arrives. The children tell him about Nikki's heart attack. Victor tells them he just got here in time. As he heads for Nikki's room, Nick asks him what he got here in time for. Victor doesn't answer, but just goes into the room.

Victor sits by Nikki's bed until she opens her eyes and sees him there. Am I dreaming, she asks. She is glad that he is there. She tells him that Joshua is dead. She asks Victor if he will make the arrangements for Joshua's funereal and Victor tells her that he will.

"I could always count on you," she weakly whispers. "Joshua is dead and I am all alone now."

"No, my darling, you will never be alone again. I will always be there for you. You never need to be alone again."

Victor tells her that he wants them to be a family again. How can that be, Nikki asks. Am I still dreaming? Victor answers that it this very real. He wants the four of them to be a real family. He wants to marry her. She tells him that she cannot marry him; she cannot understand. Does everyone think I am dying?

That is not why I am doing this, he tells her. It is what I want; it is what the children want. Do you want this, Nikki?

This is all that I ever wanted, she tells him. Oh, Victor, I feel so at peace now. Victor, I have always loved you.

I have always loved you too, my darling, Victor tells her as he kisses her hand. Do you want to marry me now?

Oh, yes, she sighs. Yes, I do. Victor leans over and kisses her gently on the lips.