Lassiter's Complex
Krista and Leo are returning from the restaurant they were scoping out as a wedding reception venue. Paul shows up and asks them if they've settled on the venue. Krista liked it, but Leo says they're going to enjoy checking out a range of venues before deciding.

LEO: You only get married once. Present company excluded.

Paul turns the conversation to the topic of an engagement party - he'd like to host one for them. Leo and Krista had tentatively decided not to bother, but Paul insists they have to have a party to mark the occasion, and insists on organising it. He suggests tomorrow (!) and Krista and Leo declare that they're both free, though not really considering whether anyone else might be or might like more notice!

Sebastian turns up and Krista asks him how the Narcotics Anonymous session went. He says it was good, but not easy to 'spill your guts to total strangers'. Seb asks if he's interrupted something, and Paul explains about the engagement party. Seb asks what Krista and Leo want him to do for the occasion, but Leo tells him not to worry - he has enough going on. But Seb is keen to get involved and give them his ideas.

KRISTA: Yeah, absolutely. I'd love to know what you think.
LEO (strained): Yeah, of course.

No 22
Paul is telling Terese about the engagement party for Krista and Leo, explaining he's just going to be inviting family and close friends. Terese says she'll be there. She's a bit distracted, and explains it's because Nell is about to arrive. And while she can't wait to have Nell here...

TERESE: I'm not sure how she's gonna feel about us (...) She was very invested in me and Toadie. And he's not exactly your biggest fan, and she's very protective of me.
PAUL: Hmm, but I think I might've scored a few brownie points by saving Sonya's foundation. I mean, that was a big deal for her, wasn't it?
TERESE: Yeah, sure. Oh, look, maybe I'm just overthinking it. I just want her to feel like this is home.

Paul suggests Terese bring Nell to the engagement party tomorrow, to help her feel like part of the family. Terese looks uncertain, but Paul promises her it will be fine!

Lassiter's Complex
Leo and Krista are outside the hotel chatting to Aaron and Byron; they want them both to come to the engagement party tomorrow. Byron and Aaron agree to try and come along, but make their apologies for Sadie and Nicolette, who aren't in the episode!

LEO: Yeah, well, it's last- minute, so a lot of people won't be able to make it.

Which sort of begs the question of why do it that way, but naturally this is not explained! Krista hints that Aaron should bring a 'plus one', clearly having Rhett in mind. But Aaron seems quite against the idea.

AARON: It's a family thing! It's... it's way too soon for that.
KRISTA: But it's not like he's a stranger. I mean, I'd love for him to be there.
LEO: Yeah, invite him as one of our friends. We haven't seen him since Boylesque.

Aaron tries to make excuses, but Krista warns him that if he doesn't invite him, Rhett might think he's not interested again. Aaron looks conflicted.

No 22
Nell has arrived and Terese is helping her move her things in. Nell's also brought something she's made for the light display event at the school; apparently Jane has said it's fine to include it, as long as they get it to her first thing.

NELL: What did I miss, apart from JJ rudely flying to New York the moment I get back?
TERESE: Oh - well, you know what? I do have something to tell you. Why don't I make us a cuppa, and I will fill you in?

Nell looks curious.

Harold's Café
Krista, Leo, Seb and Paul are chatting about ideas for the engagement party. Seb suggests including food from all the places she's travelled. This prompts Krista to suggest mini pork pies (!) Leo doesn't look pleased that Seb is involved in the decision- making.

Krista hopes the party doesn't clash with Seb's shift at the café tomorrow. We see Paul silently register this. Seb seems unsure that he's ready to work at the café - he can carry plates with one hand but isn't sure about the rest of it. But Krista assures him that Nicolette knows he's injured; Leo adds that Nic wouldn't have said yes if she didn't think he could handle it.

Paul asks what time Seb's shift is tomorrow - Krista explains it's mid- morning till after the lunchtime rush. Paul feigns disappointment, and says the only way the hotel kitchens can accommodate them tomorrow is if the party is a champagne brunch - meaning Seb won't be able to attend. Leo silently realises that Paul is cutting Seb out deliberately, but Krista seems oblivious.

SEBASTIAN: That's alright. I can celebrate with you another time. And Leo.

Seb stares in Leo's direction with a half- smile. It feels like he's onto what Paul is up to, as well.

No 22
Terese has told Nell that she and Paul are back together. Nell doesn't exactly look happy, or surprised.

TERESE: I know it's a lot to take in.
NELL: No. I mean, everyone knows how Paul's been after you for ages, so...
TERESE: True. But it probably feels very fast for you.
NELL: Dad was the one who broke up with you. And it's your life, so (...) as long as it's what you want... then I'm happy for you.
TERESE: Why wouldn't it be what I want?
NELL: Umm... I know you've been feeling... lonely, after breaking up with Dad and us all leaving. And I'm guessing Paul was just hanging around, and saying all of the right things...
TERESE: Mm... You know, I was really angry with your dad for a very long time. And I only just let that go recently, and... it let me think about what my life could look like now. And I realised that I really want Paul back in it again.
NELL: Okay. I mean, I guess he did save the foundation, so...
TERESE: You know this doesn't change me wanting you to be here, okay? You are my number one priority, Nell.

Terese explains that Paul has invited them to Leo and Krista's engagement party tomorrow, and asks if Nell is happy to go. Nell hesitantly confirms she'll go.

Penthouse
As they chat over a glass of whisky, Leo is checking with Paul that it was okay to invite Rhett to the party along with Aaron. Paul says it's good if Aaron is feeling comfortable bringing someone new around.

LEO: It'll also help get the numbers up after you bumped out Seb.
PAUL: Yeah, let's just call that convenient logistics, eh?
LEO: Sure, dad.
PAUL: Oh, come on. Don't pretend that you want him there. Leo, you should be able to celebrate your engagement without having to stomach him latching onto Krista.
LEO: No, I'm not worried about that. He's like a brother to her, and I'm gonna stop getting wound up about it.
PAUL: That was very good, mate. Nearly believed you.

702 Eclipse Apartments
The next morning, Krista is showing off the glamorous dress she's wearing for her engagement party to Seb, who does his best to keep his eyes in their sockets.

KRISTA: What do you think? Too much?
SEBASTIAN: That old rag?

Krista apologises about the timing of the party; she'd have loved for Seb to be there. Seb says it's fine, as he's thought about a way he can make up for his absence.

SEBASTIAN: I was thinking about that time we had to work off our debt at that place in Le Marais.
KRISTA: Yes. Because my dad was ignoring me, again.
SEBASTIAN: And we had to make a thousand of those little pastry puffs.
KRISTA: Oh! The profiteroles glacée à la lavande! [lavender- glazed profiteroles!]
SEBASTIAN: Ooh! Très bien, mademoiselle!
KRISTA: Merci, monsieur.
SEBASTIAN: Well, I was thinking I could make those for you. As a present...
KRISTA: Aww!
SEBASTIAN: While I'm on my shift at the café.
KRISTA: Oh (!)
SEBASTIAN: No, Nicolette already said she's fine with it. As long as I work around the customers, and I save some for her.

Krista says it's a really sweet thought, but would be a lot of trouble.

SEBASTIAN: You're worth it. Obviously I wanted to get you diamonds, but I'm a little bit short.
KRISTA: That's alright. This is better.

Penthouse
The place is decked out with balloons and party food. Leo, Krista, Paul and Abigail receive the first guest, Byron. Terese and Nell arrive shortly afterwards, and Nell looks unimpressed as Paul and Terese suck face. But she's polite to Paul when he welcomes her back, and says it's good to be here. Abigail comes over to Nell and asks if she wants to see her drawing; and naturally, Nell does, so they head off to Paul's desk area together.

PAUL (to Terese): See, told you! Nothing to worry about.
TERESE: Hmm.
PAUL: You can occasionally say that I'm right - I won't get a big head about it. Promise.

Harold's Café
Seb appears to be getting started with his lavender profiteroles, but breaks off to serve a customer. Meanwhile, Aaron, Rhett and Isla are having a coffee before they head to the engagement party together. They're running late but Isla is determined to finish her colouring in on the card she's made for Krista and Leo. Aaron is apologetic to Rhett, saying he wouldn't usually bring Isla, but it's a special case.

RHETT: No, I get it... Yeah, I just - I'm not very good with kids.
AARON: Really? I think you'd pick it up.

But Rhett looks uncomfortable and changes the subject to how nice it was of Leo and Krista to invite them. While he's serving at a table, Seb overhears Aaron saying that Krista and Leo are the perfect couple, and looks annoyed.

Rhett continues to look uncomfortable as Isla shows Aaron the card and they talk to each other. Noticing Rhett looking awkward, Aaron asks if he's okay. Rhett says it's 'just my allergy playing up'. They decide to head off to the party, Rhett still looking uncomfortable.

Penthouse
The engagement party is now well underway, with Aaron, Rhett and Isla having now turned up too. Paul decides to make a short speech.

PAUL: Leo and Krista - I've been privileged to see firsthand just how much you care for and love each other. And I know life doesn't always go according to plan - but you both know the value of what you found. And if you hang onto that, everything else will just work itself out. I wish you both all the happiness in the world, I really do. To Leo and Krista.

Everyone raises their glasses.

LEO: Thanks Dad. Now, most of you guys know we weren't too keen on having an engagement party ourselves. But Dad insisted, because of course he did - and I'm actually really glad he did. Cos I couldn't be happier, or prouder, that this incredible human has agreed to marry me. Krista - every day you give me something new to admire and love about you. You really do make my life complete. And I can't wait to call you my wife.

They kiss, and everyone cheers and claps. But at this point Krista gets a message from Seb - apparently he's having a 'malfunction'. She explains about the profiteroles he's making for her as an engagement present; Leo doesn't seem impressed that he's doing this while on shift at Harold's! Krista needs to go and help Seb sort it out, but promises Leo she'll be back very shortly. He accepts this but looks peeved when she's gone.

PAUL: Where's she off to?
LEO: Don't ask.

Leo stalks off. Meanwhile, Terese congratulates Paul on a 'beautiful' and 'heartwarming' speech. Paul laps it up and they smooch some more. In the background, Nell looks unimpressed again.

Harold's Café
Seb is having a meltdown in the kitchen as he struggles with the recipe for the profiteroles for Krista - while at the counter, a queue of impatient customers is forming, which Seb is ignoring! Krista stands nearby like a lemon giving Seb advice on the recipe (!) while the customers keep ringing the service bell. Krista goes to get Seb another egg (!) but in so doing she slams the fridge door into his injured arm, causing him to yell out.

Seb is seemingly in a lot of pain, but asks Krista to go and tend to the angry customers.

Penthouse
Back at the party, Abigail asks where Krista is - Leo assures her she'll be back soon. Meanwhile Rhett and Aaron are chatting, when Aaron sees Isla trying to get a drink, so goes over to help her. Rhett looks uncomfortable again as he watches them. When Aaron returns to Rhett, he notices a glassy look in his eyes. Aaron assumes it's Rhett's allergy playing up again - but then Rhett makes a confession.

RHETT: I have a daughter, too. Seeing you with Isla, just... I haven't seen her for a long time. It's complicated... and probably not very good party conversation.
AARON: Fair enough.

Meanwhile, Terese approaches Paul and Byron and asks if either of them have seen Nell. She appears to have left the party...

Lassiter's Lake
Nell is sitting on a bench by the lake when Terese finds her and sits down for a chat. Nell admits she didn't want to ruin the party for anyone, so 'ghosted'.

TERESE: Why would you ruin the party? Nellyfish, what's going on?
NELL: This is gonna sound so stupid. But seeing you and Paul together, I guess it made me realise that our family is over, and that it's never gonna go back to the way it was.
TERESE: Oh, Nell...
NELL: And I guess... some small part of me was kind of hoping that if Dad got himself together, then you two might... But that's obviously not gonna happen.
TERESE: Sweetheart, I am so sorry.
NELL: No, don't be. Dad made his choices.
TERESE: Yeah, but it was a big change for you and Hugo too. It was so hard for you both.
NELL: Also... I'm worried about you and Paul. I don't want you to get hurt again.
TERESE: Oh, come on - I wouldn't be with him if I thought that was gonna happen.
NELL: But I've heard you and Dad talking - I know what Paul can be like. And I don't think he's a good person.
TERESE: ... Well, obviously I don't agree. And he saved the Foundation, remember?
NELL: Okay, well, maybe he's not bad *all* the time. But it doesn't mean he's good for you.

Terese doesn't really know what else to say, so draws Nell into a hug instead.

Harold's Café
Krista has finally cleared the queue of customers, and Seb thanks her for staying so long - at which point she realises she's been away from the engagement party for a full hour and a half. Krista rushes off back to the party. Once she's gone, Seb helps himself to a biscuit from one of the jars, and looks smug.

Penthouse
While hotel staff clear away the party food, Leo is standing nearby, annoyed and wondering where Krista has got to. Paul comes over and asks him the same question - but at that point Krista returns, and tells Leo the story about hurting Seb's arm with the fridge door and having to stay to help him, as Nicolette was out at a supplier visit. Leo doesn't seem impressed.

KRISTA: I'm sorry - time just got away from me.
LEO: Yeah. Well, it hasn't been much of a party without the bride- to- be.

Krista makes an apology to the remaining guests - Byron, Aaron and Rhett - who also look awkward about her long absence, and make their excuses to leave. Aaron has things to organise for Lights Up, but Rhett asks him if they could have a chat first, about what he told him earlier. Aaron asks Leo if Isla can stay here while he and Rhett talk, and Leo agrees. As everyone else leaves, Krista apologises again to Leo, but he still looks peeved.

The Waterhole
Rhett and Aaron are having a chat, as Rhett explains how he came to have a daughter.

RHETT: It took me a while to discover who I was. And while I was trying to figure it out, I had a one- night stand with a woman. And when she found out she was pregnant, we both freaked out. I really tried to do the right thing, but... she got married when our little girl turned one, and she pretty much told me she didn't want me around anymore; it was too confusing for everybody.
AARON: But you... you are her father.
RHETT: Well, honestly, I... I think at the time, it suited me to pretend like it never happened. But... over the last few years, I've just been thinking about our girl, Tilly. I asked for contact, but they said I'd missed my chance. Now... I get it, you know? They've got their own family to worry about. Last time I tried to reach out to them, they'd moved, and... I don't know where they are anymore.

Rhett is quite upset and apologises, but Aaron tells him not to.

RHETT: I just keep thinking about everything I've missed out on, so... yeah. I guess when I saw you with Isla, I...
AARON: Yeah. I know.
RHETT: I mean, it's okay. I know that she's safe, and she's loved, and... that's all any kid needs, right? I mean, as long as she has a good life, then nothing else matters.

Feeling a lot of empathy, Aaron says Rhett's name, before stroking his face and leaning in to kiss him.

AARON: Sorry, I...
RHETT: Don't be. I'm not.

Ramsay Street
Paul pulls up in his car and chats to Terese; he wants to know if she found out why Nell took off from the party.

TERESE: We had a big talk.
PAUL: And?
TERESE: She told me that it hurts to see us together.
PAUL: Ah.
TERESE: Look, I just think this is gonna take some time, Paul. And I'm really sorry, but until she settles in... I think it's gonna be best if you stay away from the house.

Paul looks surprised and annoyed!

Coming up on Neighbours
- Nicolette tells Aaron that she and Yaz are back on; he tells her to be careful as he doesn't want her getting hurt
- We see Yaz snooping around Ramsay Street
- Yaz is on the phone; she says her failure to find evidence at Warrawee doesn't mean Holly's telling the truth
- Yaz finds Holly conducting a 'purging ritual' - she's about to condemn a photo of Heath to the barbecue!