Susan's
Susan is full of shock and disbelief having read Darcy's letter and well, who can blame her. Someone furiously knocks on the door, so she quickly slides the letter into a diary and opens the door to Lynnie. She opens up with "You will not believe what Darcy has told me..." as he left one of his infamous calling cards but Lyn has her own issues to vent. Apparently Max is a wee bit upset at Steph for buying these expensive baby clothes, but honestly! The man doesn't understand fashion (with those shirts) and besides, Steph probably won't get another chance to get all excited again. She mentions how tense the situation the baby situation is...and Susan kinda blanks out. She had the letter out but in the end decided to slide it back into the diary. Lyn suddenly realises that Darcy had left some kind of calling card and wants to know SO bad but Suse declines to tell her. As it's not such a huge deal afterall...Lyn is not buying this (it is HER afterall, she won't tell anyone!) but Susan simply shrugs it off. Lynnie gets a look of hurt on her face at this snub.

Hoylands'
We are at the Hoylands where Steph is indeed going gaga over the designer baby clothes she bought for Ashley. They are just SO cute! Max is less than thrilled with the prospect of so many designer clothes and she'll just grow out of them quickly anyway. Bah, just the attitude that Karl had with Izzy's baby clothes! Summer and Bree are on her side. Steph reasons she hardly spends money on herself, so this way it evens itself out! (I like her logic...) Excited, she tells Max they should go dress Ashley right now so she'll have a special "coming home" outfit. Max is all sensible and all because they are going to see her tomorrow...but grants Steph's wishes and grabbing all of the outfits, run out the door.

Stinger jumps down onto the couch near the girls, as he's been waiting around for Boyd (once raiding the Hoylands' kitchen!). Though the girls have to scoot off as well because Summer has to practise the piano...Bree is helping her out as a "motivational coach". Boyd arrives home and he and Stinger head outside to talk about Janae.

Outside Hoylands'
Stingray came over to talk about Janae...why did Boyd just dump her like that? Boyd is just the teeniest bit confused, did Stinger go all big-brother on him and warn him away? He's had time to think about it...and believes Boyd would be a great influence, but instead he has treated her like she's worthless. Led her on. Why? To stroke his massive ego? Boyd gets a wee bit defensive and states he's got a lot going on. Stuff Stinger would not understand. But he wants to understand dammit! He's a mate. Boyd sighs and finally admits it's about Ashley. No, not another chick, Kayla's baby.

Hospital
Ashley is dressed in her brand new bright pink designer outfit and looks oh-so cute. Steph is absolutely smitten, even calling her divine! (this from a woman who says motorbikes are divine, hehe)

STEPH: She's just so cute.
MAX: (looking at her) You're cute.
STEPH: Ah, be serious Max.
MAX: (deadpan) I am.

Kayla spots them cuddling Ashley and notices her new outfit as well. She declines to come in and Max asks if she's still okay about the adoption, as the papers will be finalised tomorrow. Nah, is Kayla, why would she change her mind now? She does ask if Boyd is alright with it as she hadn't seen him for awhile. She looks a little saddened when Max says he's absolutely fine with it now.

The General Store
STINGRAY: ...'Cos babies are gross! I should know, I live with one! When they're not pooing, they're screaming. And when they're not screaming, they're spewing. And when they're not spewing...

Boyd says he gets the point, but Stinger doesn't believe so. They are about to turn 18 and should be out partying and living it up! Boyd disagrees that a few parties has no comparison on what raising a baby and being an influence is. He hadn't told Max and Steph yet cause...he needed more time. Even though he's unsure of his feelings for Kayla, they both love Ashley. Boyd isn't content with being just her brother 'cause well, he feels a part of Ashley. He was there for the birth and she truly feels like his. Stingray can't believe Boyd would want to be a father at 17, he knows how screwed up things can get. Look at his own parents. Boyd shoots back he won't be a lousy father! Stinger fires back like he took Serena seriously? Like he took bodybuilding seriously? This is simply another fad! Boyd insists it's not, but Stingray asks what will happen come 2 years when he's stuck at home with a screaming baby and a chick he can't stand?

Scarlet Bar
Susan walks in and spots Karl at the bar. He waves and she awkwardly waves back. She joins Lil at the table, who is happily munching away on snacks. They both watch Izzy greet Karl with kisses and leave. Lil asks them how long they leave, which is about a month. She remarks it's a nice get-away and Izzy agrees, it's been a hard year and they deserve a break. When they leave, Lil shoots her evil glare in their direction, amazed at Izzy's audacity!

LIL: I would love to wipe the smile off her face.
SUSAN: Ahh. I have something that would do more than that.
LIL: What?

(Susan looks away)

LIL: What!?
SUSAN: I don't even know if it's true...
LIL: What? Oh come on Susan, when I have ever blabbed one of your secrets?
SUSAN: Alright, alright. (lowers her voice) The baby that Isabelle lost...
LIL: Mmm. Karl's baby
SUSAN: No...
LIL: (realisation) Ooh! Izzy had another pregnancy?
SUSAN: (disbelief) No! (whispers) The baby that Isabelle lost when she was with Karl...
LIL: Karl's baby?
SUSAN: No!

LIL: (lightbulb moment) Oh my. You mean Karl's not the father?

(Susan silently nods)

LIL: Wow...

Scarlet Bar
Lil wants to know when Susan is going to Karl but Susan is very hesitant to believe her nephew's words. She loves him...but can't completely trust him. While they look very hush-hush, wink-wink, Lyn and the Hoyland gang waltz in and Lynnie looks rather upset to see how close they look. Of course they're sharing some juicy secret that Susan didn't let her in on. Doh. Lil says that Darcy wrote a letter...so she needs to see it. While she reads coffee granules, she can also read vibrations! Duh!

They walk past the Hoyland table and Lyn invites them both over to celebrate Ashley! However, again Lil and Susan look knowingly towards each other and decline, as they've already had enough to drink. They leave, leaving Lyn a bit snubbed. Again. Aww!

The gang get their drinks, Steph all giddy that they're finally going to get Ashley. Max makes a small speech about how they will finally welcome a new Hoyland member to their household: a sister, grandchild and (looking at Steph) a baby of their own! Steph grins and thanks her mother for her love and support, joking she'll also have some babysitting for her. Summer and Bree also agree to look at baby Ashley but Max laughs that when it comes to babysitting or going to the blue-light disco...Boyd, not being able to withstand the Ashley cheeriness, abruptly ups and leaves, excusing himself to go see Stinger.

Hospital
Kayla is sitting on her bed when Boyd knocks on the door. She blankly replies Ashley is in the nursery and has not checked on her. It's the nurses' job. Boyd apologises for ignoring her...he hasn't changed his mind but rather needed time to think about it all. And...he really wants to do it. He promises. Kayla is still uncertain but Boyd mentions how he was talking to a mate about whether they loved each other and he realised they hadn't even kissed! Kayla looks thoughtful and looks at Boyd, suggesting they should try it. Of course you should, that'll help folks. Meh. Anyway, Boyd sits on the bed and they both look nervous, but quickly kiss each other. It wasn't so bad, so they begin to kiss for longer.

Susans'
Lil is blown away by the letter and does not believe he was lying, as the tone was too sincere. Susan needs to tell Karl ASAP! His whole life is based on a lie. However, Susan is really unsure...Izzy will just deny it and she will be painted as the vindictive ex-wife out for revenge...well, not that Izzy hasn't painted her that already.

Well, PlanB it is! Getting hard proof, grab Izzy's medical records! Susan is skeptical, how? And it's illegal! Well duh Susie-doll, they don't get found out. (thanks Lil) Susan is still unsure, what is the point of ruining Karl's life? It does not matter what they link about Izzy, he loves her. Lil slyly responds it's only 'cause he has nowhere else to go...Susan pretty much rolls her eyes. She would not take Karl back under ANY circumstance, let alone this. Lil tries another angle: he'd see the REAL Izzy and be cured of his head-in-the-sand routine. Susan points out that Lil is not cured of Paul just because she simply found out the truth. She sighs, what is the point? Lil replies that Susan still loves him...as a friend. And as a friend, deserves to know the truth!

Hoylands'
Summer and Bree enjoy a sleepover on the fold-out-couch. Bree loves sleeping in other peoples bed as a) they are much more comfy than her own and b) she hates sharing a room with Janae. They both start fantasising what Summer's room will be like at music school. Summer wants a plasma tv, stereo...but realistically theories it'll be a girls-only dormitory. Bree squeals that there'll be like a boy's dorm next door and they'll sneak over at night...some fella for Summer who also plays the piano and they can do cute duets! Summer however is adamant not to have a boyfriend who plays the piano 'cause things will get competitive and just ick. She wants a boyfriend to play a brass instrument. Bree laughs, the boy will have big strong lips...to play the trumpet. They both giggle some more and Bree agrees she's been hanging out with Janae way too much. A pillow fight follows as well as more giggling.

Hospital
Boyd and Kayla are spooning and she blissfully sighs, having not had a cuddle for a long time. He gently strokes her forehead, though looks a little unconvincing.

The General Store - outside
Susan and Lil have their morning coffee...although Suse is a bit too coffeed out from last night! They spot Karl near the medical office and Susan warns Lil not to say one word. Karl pops over and wants to ensure his going away won't affect the school. He offers to find a replacement counsellor but Susan waves it off, insisting he enjoy the trip. Before he leaves, Lil blurts out...he hopes he is all cashed up. It's a big investment! Karl nods he's fine but Lil of course continues. It's not just the finance, but a big investment on his relationship...Karl responds it's all good. Thank you very much Liljana! He goes and Susan dryly thanks her for the support.

Izzy kisses him good morning and they are interrupted as Stinger (dressed in the pink lycra courier outfit haha) bumps into them both on his bike. They're both particularly amused by the outfit, though Izzy more so.

IZZY: Cute uniform!
STINGRAY: (defensive) It's mine, okay! You're not having it.
IZZY: Oh that's okay why would I want it when you look so good in it. Oh and it's great to see much more of you too. (she pinches his butt)

Stinger looks horrified and rides away. Karl laughs that Izzy is horrible, but she's sure he can handle it.

Back to the women...Susan grabs the letter and...rips it up in half. She is leaving things at it is. Lil is dumbfounded but Susan insists it is all water under the bridge and does not wish to talk about it ever again.

Hospital
Boyd slowly wakes up when Kayla wheels Ashley in. She slowly picks up her daughter, grinning that mummy and daddy are here. Boyd goes a bit quiet as it's still a little weird but he's sure he will learn to love it.

Hoylands'
Bree is going through Summer's designated breaks and exercises as the two debate about which piece Summer should play for her entry exam. One is more difficult yes...but she will surely impress the judges. Steph comes bounding in, so excited about the day! Summer wants to go, but she can't as she's got school and besides, it's just the official stuff for the moment BUT Ashley will definitely be home when she gets home from school. They both go and Bree, quite happy and cute yells out a long goodbye.

Hospital
Kayla is stroking Ashley's head as Steph and Max arrive and is startled to see them both. Boyd arrives with coffees and Max urges him to leave, as the official will soon arrive! Kayla tells him she hadn't told them yet and was waiting for him...

BOYD: Ashley is no longer up for adoption.
STEPH: What?
BOYD: Kayla and I want to be together. We're gonna raise Ashley as our own.