Today is the big day for Maxie, Lulu, and Dante. Maxie is surprised when Alexis arrives with a contract. Lulu says it is just a formality. Maxie signs it. Mac is worried that Maxie will regret her decision halfway through the pregnancy. Alexis says he should be proud that Maxie has grown up to be such a remarkable woman. When Maxie is prepped for the procedure, she wonders where Spinelli is. Spinelli asks Ellie why she has been avoiding him. She says she isn't interested in being with a man who wants to be with someone else. She reveals that he heard his conversation with Maxie when he told her how thrilled he was when she revealed her love for him. He tells her that if she had eavesdropped a little longer, she would have heard that that scenario was speculative about if he hadn't met Ellie. He says he told Maxie that he wants a him tell Maxie that he wants a future with Ellie. They kiss and make up. She agrees to be his date on Christmas Eve. Spinelli's watch alarm goes off. Ellie notes that it is about the time for Maxie to come out of her procedure. She asks if he wants to call Maxie. He says no, Maxie is in good hands. Sonny tracks down Carly to tell her that AJ set him up to look bad in front of Michael. Carly wants to go confront AJ. Sonny says he already did and that AJ was proud of what he did. He tells her that the one thing that Michael wants most from them is for them to let him make his own decisions. He says he thinks they should stay out of it because AJ will eventually dig his own grave. Alexis sees Carly in Kelly's and notices that she seems upset. She tells her AJ's antics won't turn Michael away from her because she is a good mother. Carly says that is quite a compliment coming from someone who hates her. Michael asks AJ if he set up Sonny. AJ admits that he did. Michael tells AJ that he can't hurt him because he doesn't even know him, and now he isn't sure that he wants to. AJ says it was a stupid, impulsive decision, but he just wanted Michael to see that side of Sonny. Michael says Sonny should not have attacked AJ even if he was provoked. He says he has that kind of temper, too, and that he knows how hard it is hard to back down. He tells AJ to stop trying to turn him against his parents. AJ agrees to try. Sonny goes to the hospital to support Dante, Lulu, and Maxie. Dante tells his parents that they should know in a few days if the pregnancy is going to happen. Connie and Todd look for Johnny at his penthouse, but he isn't there. He has gone to talk to Starr. He tells her that he is going to turn himself in and that he has to tell her something before it is in the newspapers. Todd wonders why Connie is so worried about Johnny confessing when it will only prove that she didn't kill Cole and Hope. She reveals that the hole in Kate's memory is the only thing keeping them from being integrated. Todd calls Carly and asks if Johnny is with her. She says she has no reason to talk to Johnny. He calls Starr. She tells him that she is busy talking to Johnny. He feigns a heart attack and Starr goes running. Todd tells Connie that they will have to stop Johnny permanently. Todd hurries to get to the office before Starr. Starr realizes that he was faking. Johnny calls Carly and asks her to come over to talk. Connie hits him over the head.
Starr: They say that it gets better with time. And it does. Life goes on, and you find things to care about. But you never stop missing the people that you lost. I'll never stop missing you. [Knock on door] Johnny: Hey. Starr: Johnny? What are you doing here? Johnny: Is Michael home? Starr: No. Why do you need to talk to him? Johnny: I don't. I got to talk to you. Johnny: I just want to tell you how sorry I am. Carly: You have said everything that you ever need to say to me. Johnny: [Clears throat] I haven't told you the real reason I married Connie. Sonny: You're not gonna believe what the son of a bitch A.J. did now. A.J.: Ready to plot of our takeover of ELQ? Michael: No, not yet. I need to ask you something. A.J.: Yeah, sure. Ask away. Michael: The other day at the gym, did you set my dad up? A.J.: Who told you this? Michael: I sent a message to my dad, telling him I was coming to the gym. You were there. You could have seen it. A.J.: Michael, I don't -- Michael: Just answer the question. Did you see the message and intentionally goad my dad into beating you up, knowing I was gonna walk in? Maxie: Hey! Um, are you here to see Ellie? Spinelli: Actually, first and foremost, I'm here to see you. Maxie: Really? Spinelli: Yeah, well, today's the -- today's the big day. Um, do you -- do you feel ready? Maxie: As ready as I'll ever be. Mac: Hey. Maxie: Oh, hey. Mac: Guess we should get going. Maxie: Oh. Say goodbye to my vacant uterus. Spinelli: I have the utmost faith that it's all gonna work out. [Sighs] [Tapping] Lulu: Sorry. [Chuckles] Maxie: Hey! I-I got your message. But shouldn't we meet in pre-op? Dante: Uh, we got some time. Lulu: There's something that we kind of wanted to talk about. Alexis: Hi. Sorry I'm late. Family crisis. Did I miss anything? Maxie: Uh, no. But apparently I did. What's going on? Connie: Johnny's not upstairs either. Todd: So where the hell is he? Connie: How the hell would I know, Todd? Todd: How could you not know? You're his wife. You're not abreast of his comings and -- okay. No, it doesn't always mean that. You know, it can also mean "aware of." Connie: I know "abreast" is, Todd. Todd: I'm sure that you do. Connie: Look, I'm very worried, okay. Johnny's been drowning in his guilt. What if he's out somewhere, unburdening his soul? Johnny: Can I come in? Starr: Yeah. Sure. Johnny, you're acting really strange. What is this about? [Michelle] When I first discovered that I had sensitive teeth, Connie: No, you see, Johnny told me was going to the cops. He said he was gonna confess. Todd, we got to go down there right now. No, I'm serious. Todd: No, no. Let's think about this. Hey! Hey! Hold on! I'll -- I'll call my guy. Connie: What guy? You have a guy? Todd: Yeah, I have a guy at the PCPD. What, you don't? Connie: No. Todd: Oh. Shame. Um, hey! Wow. It's Todd Manning calling. I was wondering if -- I'm good. Thank you. How are you? Okay. Look, is Johnny Zacchara in lockup? No. All right. Well, has he been there at all in the last couple of days? Okay. If he shows up, you'll call me, right? Thanks, smitty. You're the be -- thanks, jonesy. You're the best. Connie: So he didn't go to the station. Todd: No. Connie: Thank God! Todd: Yeah. Looks like your boy was just blowing smoke. Connie: Yeah! I knew it. I knew it all along. Johnny talks a big game, but he's not gonna admit he did anything to Starr. He doesn't have the cojones. Starr: I have a confession. I'm really glad that we had our talk the other day. Don't get me wrong. I'm still very confused about everything, but I -- and God knows I wish you hadn't married Connie -- anyone but her after what she did to Cole and my little girl. And I think that I'm starting to understand why you had to do that. Johnny: I wish that were true. Starr: Well, you married Connie because she had some sort of leverage over you. Johnny: Yes, but I never told you what it was. Starr: And you don't have to. Johnny: Yes. Starr: I told you that. We don't ever have to talk about it ever again. Johnny: Yes, Starr, we do. Look, I know you think you got this whole thing figured out, but -- and, yes, it does have something to do with Anthony, but -- Starr: Well, then what is it? What are you trying to tell me? Spinelli: [Sighs] Ellie. Ellie. It pleases me to see you looking so well. Ellie: Why wouldn't I be well? Spinelli: Well, I've phoned you numerous times, left messages, and I haven't heard anything back. Ellie: Well, I've been very busy. Not unlike now, actually. I need to get this to Dr. Westbourne immediately. Olivia: [Gasps] Are those, uh -- is that my potential grandbaby in there? Ellie: Yes, these are the fertilized eggs. And, yes, they are all human. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to deliver these. Olivia: Okay. Uh, your friend was in an awfully big hurry to get away from me just now. Spinelli: Not from you. From me. Dante: We just want you to sign something. Mac: What kind of something? Alexis: It's just a boilerplate agreement -- standard in surrogacy arrangements. Just lays out the rights and obligations of all parties. Maxie: Oh, well, we talked about the surrogacy thing. We know what's involved. Lulu: Yeah, we do. Maxie: So why are you getting all legal on me, then? Alexis: Maxie, no one's getting "all anything" on you. It's just a good idea to have a contract put in writing. Maxie: In case I break it. That's it. You don't trust me, right? Dante: [Sighs] Carly: What happened? Sonny: A.J. showed up at the gym. I was working out with Shawn. Carly: Boxing? Sonny: Yeah, we decided to do a few rounds, right. Carly: You and A.J. Sonny: Yeah -- Carly: What'd you do, have Shawn just throw him in the ring? Sonny: It was consensual. We were just gonna have a friendly match, spar a little bit, and that's -- Carly: I bet. I bet. Sonny: He set me up. Carly: What happened? Sonny: Uh, the weasel knew that Michael was gonna go to the gym, so he said some things to me to set me off and then, you know, for me to go after him. Carly: And so Michael would walk in and see everything. Sonny: Well, he told me that he was gonna steal my kid away, and, you know, what was I supposed to do? Carly: You hammered him, huh? Sonny: Yeah, I did hammer him. And you know what? You would have done the same thing. Carly: Probably right. I regret I wasn't there to see it. Sonny: Thing is, Michael was. Carly: Okay, um, I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but, uh, how did Michael react? Sonny: Not well. Michael: When I showed up at the gym, my dad was hitting you pretty hard. A.J.: Pretty hard? Michael: Was that your plan all along? A way to turn me against my father? A.J.: Michael, I went to the hospital, remember? I mean, do you think I would intentionally risk serious injury? Michael: I don't know what to think, because you're not being straight with me. Just tell me, did you see the text message and decide to manipulate the situation? Sonny: The more time you spend together, Michael's gonna figure out that you're basically just the same weasel that you were back then. A.J.: I came back here, and I faced the charges that were against me -- Sonny: You let your mommy buy you out of your troubles, like you always do. And this little stunt you pulled at the boxing gym just proves that you have not learned anything. You are gonna self-destruct. A.J.: Not this time. Sonny: I know, I know. And this brand-new life that you say you want, I won't even have to lift a finger, 'cause all I have to do is wait. And you know what, junior? I'm a patient man. Michael: A.J., I just want the truth. A.J.: The truth is -- yes, I did. Lulu: Of course we trust you. Maxie: Doesn't really seem like it. Lulu: This is a formality, Maxie. I swear. Dante: And it's just as much for your protection as it is ours. Maxie: How's that? Dante: Well, if something were to happen to me and Lulu, you would be in no way obligated to care for our child. Alexis: Think of it like a prenup, Maxie. I mean, no one likes a romance killer, but everyone is glad for the safety net in the end, and this way, everyone can go forward without any concern. Mac: It's all pretty straightforward. You know, Dante and Lulu signed it. I don't see any reason for you not to. Dante: We wouldn't have asked you to carry our child if we didn't have faith in you. Maxie: [Sighs] Okay. Lulu: Yeah? Maxie: Yeah. Let's get this show on the road. Sonny: I don't regret giving, you know, A.J. what he deserved. I just wish I didn't play into his hands. Carly: 'Cause Michael blamed you. Sonny: He says he doesn't even know me anymore. Carly: That's it. Sonny: Where are you going? Carly: I'm gonna go find A.J. and stop him. He's not gonna ruin Michael's life. Sonny: You've got to sit down. Carly: We've got to trip him up somehow, Sonny. Sonny: You need to sit down. I already got in his face. He was proud of himself. Carly: He admitted to setting you up? Sonny: Lot of good it did, 'cause Michael wasn't there to hear it. Carly: He never will be. He's never gonna let himself look bad in front of Michael, even if it means lying through his teeth! That bastard will never confess. Michael: You knew I was on my way to the gym. A.J.: I saw your text to Sonny. I had a pretty good idea what you'd walk in on. Michael: Idea?! You made the whole thing happen! A.J.: No, no, Michael, it's not like -- Michael: No! I can't believe I actually fell for your garbage. A.J.: It's not garbage Michael. I would have -- Michael: You haven't changed at all, have you? You know what the worst part is? They warned me. My mom, my dad -- they told me you were gonna pull something, and it was just a matter of time. A.J.: You have every right to be upset. Michael: Honestly, I'm more embarrassed. After everything you put me and my parents through, I was still willing to listen to you and, hell, even work with you to see what we are to each other. I mean, how could I be so stupid? A.J.: I don't think it's stupid. Michael: You know what A.J.? No, you can't hurt me, because I don't even know you. And now I'm not even sure I ever want to. Todd: I don't see why you're so wound up. Johnny goes to the cops, I'm the one that's gonna go to jail. You -- you'll come out smelling like roses, which might be a pretty good idea for you. I don't know what it is that you're wearing, but it's very, very, very -- Connie: You don't understand, Todd. Todd: No, I do understand. If Johnny confesses to causing the accident -- I could lose my daughter. She could never speak to me again. But you -- it's good for you. You're no longer a child killer. You're in the clear. Connie: I don't want to be in the clear. Todd: Why would you not want to be in the clear? Connie: You're not the only one that's gonna lose everything, Todd. If Johnny confesses, my life is over. Literally. Starr: This secret has to do with Anthony. So was I right? Did you -- Johnny: Yes. Yes, all right? I killed my grandfather. I've been hiding it for so long, and I'm finally gonna turn myself in. But there's something I got to tell you first. Starr: Why? We've already had this discussion. Johnny: [Sighs] Starr: Your grandfather was a horrible man. He lied to you your entire life. I can only imagine how far he pushed you. Not to mention him running off and leaving me when Cole and hope were still trapped in that car. We could have had time to save them. I'm not sorry that he's gone, Johnny, and I'm sure a lot of people feel that way. Johnny: This is hard. Please just stop. I didn't come here so you could make me feel better. Starr: Then why? Johnny: Because there's something I got to tell you, something you need to hear before the police, before the papers, before -- before anybody. Starr: You're about to turn yourself in for murder. What could be more important? Johnny: The rest of the story. Connie: Johnny admits what he did, I'm gonna lose all my leverage. Todd: I get it. I'm sorry. For a minute there, I forgot your ridiculous scheme. Connie: He is my husband, and he's the only one that can commit me. Todd: Do you really think he's gonna do that? Connie: Yes, Todd. I caught him researching the subject the night we got married. If he goes down, I'm going down with him. Todd: Wow. Sucks to be you, doesn't it? Connie: Yeah, it does. And if Sonny finds out -- oh, God. He's gonna be in my face every five seconds trying to get Kate back. Todd: Right. Connie: The hole in Kate's memory is the only thing keeping me around. So if Kate figures out that she didn't cause this accident, she -- she'll come back, maybe. I don't know. Even if for a couple hours, she'll run to a shrink, and he'll integrate her completely, maybe, this time. So she'll get her sanity card, and I'll be -- I'll be gone. Todd: I get it. You're in this as deep as I am, aren't you? Connie: I'm in this deeper than you, Todd. What are we gonna do? Todd: I don't know. What are we gonna do? Johnny almost confesses to Carly. He almost confesses to Starr. What if he decides to finish what he started? Starr: The rest of the story? Johnny: Yeah. Starr: W-what? Johnny, did -- did you kill someone else? Johnny: [Sighs] I can't tell you how much I regret it. Alexis: I hope it didn't bother you that I wrote up that agreement. Mac: Hey, it was the right thing to do for everyone. Alexis: But you're not thinking of everyone right now, are you? Mac: What if this is a huge mistake? What if Maxie wakes up five months pregnant, alone, and regrets her decision? Alexis: Then it'll be a tough four months for her. But I don't think that's gonna happen. Mac: Why? Alexis: Don't look now, but your obstinate, mischievous daughter has become a remarkable young woman. And what she's doing is a beautiful thing, to allow a devoted couple to become parents. And you should be proud of her. Mac: I am. Alexis: But it doesn't stop you from worrying. Mac: One thing about Maxie -- she never ceases to surprise me. Lulu: I can't believe this is happening. We could get pregnant any day now. Dante: Mm-hmm. Don't. Olivia: What?! What? I didn't say anything. Dante: No, you're doing that furrowed-brow thing. Olivia: Don't say "fur"! Dante: Yeah. See? You still got puppies on the brain. Olivia: I don't. I don't. I do not. I'm thinking only happy thoughts, you guys. Lulu: Me too. Hey. Mac: Hey, sweetheart. How you doing? Maxie: Pretty good. Lulu: A-are you ready for this? Maxie: Where's Spinelli? Spinelli: Ellie! Ellie: Are you following me? Spinelli: Yes. If you don't mind me being so forward, what are you -- what is it you're doing? Ellie: I'm getting lunch. Spinelli: Yeah, but we always partake together on Wednesdays. You knew I was at the hospital. Why didn't you find me? Or perhaps the more pressing question -- why are you running from me? Ellie: Because. Spinelli: That's not quite the answer I -- Ellie: Because I would rather not be with a man who wants to "partake" with someone else. Michael: I'm done. A.J.: Michael, wait. We've got to talk about this. Michael: And what is this? A.J.: Michael, nothing in life is black and white. I thought you understood that. Michael: Yeah, I thought I understood a lot of things. A.J.: Listen, I know I've got no right to expect this, but please give me a chance to explain. If you still want to walk out that door afterwards, I'm not gonna try and stop you. Michael: Yeah, you're right. You won't. A.J.: Stop, please! Please. It doesn't hurt just to listen. Michael: [Scoffs] You got five minutes. A.J.: Okay. Sonny: Michael's determined to give A.J. a shot, right? Carly: Seems to be. Sonny: I say we let him. Carly: What are you talking about? What, pretend like A.J.'s not lying to his face? Sonny: What has Michael wanted from both of us more than anything? Carly: [Sighs] For us to let him make his own choices. Sonny: Right. Now, we get in the middle of this, right, and we force him to do what we want him to do, it's just -- we're just gonna alienate him. Carly: Then what the hell are we supposed to do, Sonny? Sonny: We let A.J. screw it up, like he always does. I told him to his face he's gonna self-destruct. Carly: So Michael sees A.J. crash and burn, he knows that it's all A.J.'s fault. Sonny: [Sighs] [Cell phone rings] I got to get this. Sonny: Go ahead. Carly: Hey, Todd. Todd: Carly. What's up? Carly: Not much. What's up with you? Todd: Uh -- this and that. Hey, um -- you don't happen to be with Johnny right now. Carly: Zacchara? Todd: Yeah, that Johnny. Carly: Why the hell would I be with him? Todd: Okay. So -- so no. Carly: Uh, yeah. That's a no. Why? Todd: I don't know. I mean, I know that he was bothering you the other day. I just wanted to make sure you're all right. Carly: Oh. Um -- thank you, but I'm fine. Todd: Okay. Sonny: What was that about? Carly: I have no idea. Connie: Told you. Johnny hasn't gotten to Carly. Todd: Yeah. I get that. Just wanted to make sure he didn't get ahold of Starr. Starr: You're serious, Johnny? You murdered someone else? Who? Johnny: Ah! I've been holding this in for so long now, it's -- there's something I need to tell you first. [Cell phone rings] Starr: Hold on. Sorry. It's my dad. I should just -- Johnny: Please. We should have this conversation. Starr: It'll only take a second. Dad? Todd: Hey, Starr. Uh, hey, you busy? Starr: Yeah, Johnny's over. We're in the middle of something. Todd: Uh, you, uh -- you need to stop what you're doing and -- and -- and come here! Starr: Why? Todd: Uh -- I'm -- Starr: Dad? Todd: [Grunts] [Gasping] I'm having, uh, a heart attack! [Gasping] Spinelli: This "someone else," are you referring to Maxie? Ellie: Unless there's another woman you wish to choose over me. Spinelli: There is no other woman. There's no Maxie. Ellie: Just stop! Damian, just stop it! I heard you. Spinelli: Heard me what? Ellie: I heard you tell Maxie how happy you were when she revealed her love for you. It was a dream come true. Those were your words. And then I heard you say that you wanted to scream, "yes! Of course I love you! Of course I would chose you!" Spinelli: Ellie -- Ellie: Do you deny it? Spinelli: No. Ellie: [Sighs] I couldn't stand to hear any more, so that's when I left. Spinelli: I'm very sorry -- Ellie: Are you sorry because of what you said, or are you just sorry because I heard you say it? Spinelli: I'm sorry because you didn't hear the rest. Ellie: What "rest"? Olivia: I'm so sorry, honey. Spinelli took off after the lab tech. Ellie, I think her name is. But don't worry. She promised me that those eggs were 100% -- Dante: Hmm. Olivia: Nothing. We're gonna -- we're gonna get started now. Lulu: Hey, are you okay? Maxie: Yeah. Spinelli got to wish me luck earlier, so it's fine. Mac: Yeah, she's right here. Hold on. Someone else wants in on that. Maxie: Mom? How are you feeling? [Sighs] I-I wish you were here, too, but it's okay. I have a whole cheering section. No, I'm not really scared. I'm more excited. Nurse: I don't mean to interrupt, but Dr. Westbourne's waiting. Maxie: Got to go, mom. Time to get knocked up. I love you, too. Mac: Yeah, I'll call you when she's done. Maxie: Ready? Dante: Are you ready? Lulu: We're gonna be with you the whole time. Speaking of which, you better get suited up. Maxie: Guess I'll catch you on the flip side. Mac: I love you, sweetheart. Olivia: I'm pulling for you guys. Lulu: [Chuckles] Okay. Olivia: You! Maxie: Oh! Olivia: Now you guys get out of here! Go! [Sniffles] And now my favorite part. We wait. [Chuckles] A.J.: Michael, I could have lied. I could have said I never saw the text. I could have said I didn't goad Sonny into losing his cool. But that's not the kind of man I want to be. Michael: How about the man who set up my father? Do you ant to be him? A.J.: No. No. I'm sorry. I-I -- I fell back into old patterns 'cause I got scared. Michael: Scared of what? A.J.: Scared of losing you. I mean, I know I don't have you. And, man, I know we've got a long way to go to build a relationship, but it's more than we've ever had. And the thought of it slipping away, I just -- I -- this wasn't some evil plan that I concocted, you know. I didn't go to the gym for that. As a matter of fact, I went there to ask Sonny for a truce, to tell him that there was enough room in your life for both of us. Hell, I extended my hand to the guy. But when I saw an opportunity to show you who he really is, yeah, you're damn right I took it. Carly: What if A.J.'s smarter than what we give him credit for? He was gone a long time. What if he's learned something? Sonny: You got to trust Michael. You know, we raised a good kid. He's gonna figure out who A.J. Is sooner or later, right? Just give him time. Carly: How can you be so calm? Sonny: I'm calmer than you. That's a fact. Carly: I know. I just mean -- Michael's angry with me. But at least someone's not trying to take my place. Sonny: I believe in our son. Carly: He is, you know. He's yours. And the wonderful man that Michael has turned into has nothing to do with A.J. And everything to do with you. Sonny: And Jason. Carly: And Jason. Sonny: I got to go. I got to go to the hospital. Carly: Oh, gosh, that's right. Lulu's implantation. I totally forgot about it. Sonny: Yeah, with any luck, I'm -- my son is about to become a father. Carly: [Laughs] Hey, please tell Lulu that I wish her my best and give her a hug for me, okay? Sonny: I'll try. Carly: If she'll let you. [Chuckles] Sonny: Hey, you know what? Michael's gonna be okay. You know why? The real A.J. Can't hide forever. Carly: [Sighs] Starr: Dad?! Todd: [Gasping] Starr: Can you hear me?! Oh, my God! Todd: [Gasping] Office! Starr: Okay, just -- just take an aspirin, and I'm gonna call an ambulance. Todd: No, no, no, no. Uh, hurry! I did that. You -- [Gasps] Can you come? Starr: Yes, I'll be there in a minute. Todd: Okay. Hurry up. Connie: Was that a heart attack or a hair ball? What the hell was that? She bought that? Todd: She doesn't know about Johnny. Carly: How do you know that? Todd: Because I know that. Because she answered the phone. And because when she answered the phone, she didn't sound like a girl whose entire life had been obliterated. Connie: Good call. Todd: This is not working. Connie: What? Todd: We need to figure out a way to stop Johnny permanently. Connie: What do you mean? Todd: I think you know what I mean. Connie: All right, but I think we got a bigger problem at the moment, Todd. Does this look like your office? Todd: Got to go. [Door slams] Connie: Permanent solution. What to do? What to do? Starr: Oh, my gosh! Johnny: You okay? Starr: Johnny, I'm so sorry. This is a huge emergency. Whatever you had to tell me, it can wait. Johnny: No, it can't. Not anymore. A.J.: This may be hard for you to understand 'cause you don't have a child, but the torture that I went through knowing that Sonny was raising you, knowing that he and Carly were taking every single opportunity that they could find to paint me as the devil -- Michael: You never did anything to prove them wrong. A.J.: Michael, I did some bad things, reprehensible things, but so did the guy that you grew up with. Michael: I know my dad's not perfect, okay. He's far from it. I know. A.J.: Right, but here's the thing. You were raised to love and to respect him. And at the same time, Carly and Sonny -- they groomed you to hate me. Think about it, man. The only side that you have ever heard is their side. Now, what I did in the ring, it was dumb, it was stupid, but it was my attempt to try and get you to see just a little bit of my side, to get you to see the Sonny I know. Michael: What, by provoking him? A.J.: He reacted exactly the way I knew he would -- with threats, with violence. That guy is a bully. Think about it. There was a lot that he could have done when we were in the ring together. He could have ignored me. He could have walked away. I didn't beat myself up. Michael: I know. I was there. A.J.: Michael, he could have killed me. And don't think for one second that he wouldn't have. Look, I-I couldn't fight back before. And I know what I did was stupid, and it was impulsive, and that was my dumb attempt to try to fight back now. I would do anything -- anything -- to have a shot at being a dad to you. I really just hope I didn't trash that. Spinelli: There was a time when I would have done anything to obtain Maxie's love. But then I met you. Ellie, I -- I see a future for us. And that's what you would have heard had you eavesdropped for longer. Ellie: [Sighs] So you're truly, truly over Maxie? Spinelli: You know, you're not the first person to ask that if it weren't for Ellie, would I have accepted your declaration of love and fallen into your arms, and -- the answer is yes. If I hadn't met Ellie, I would be with you. Yes, I -- I chose you. You're the one I want to be with. Ellie: For real? Sorry! I just -- I always hear people use that term. I just wanted to give it a try. Spinelli: No, it was -- yes, for real, as they say. You know, I was -- I was gonna ask you something over lunch, but I can't wait another minute. Ellie: What is it? Spinelli: Would you do me the honor of spending Christmas Eve with me? Sonny has this party -- Ellie: Yes! Spinelli: Yeah? Ellie: Yes! Yes, yes, I would love to be your date for Christmas Eve! And Christmas and New Year's and valentine's day. Spinelli: You made me very happy. Ellie: Yeah, and you me. Sonny: Hey. Olivia: Hey. Sonny: Where's everybody? Olivia: They're in with Maxie right now. It's being done as we speak. Sonny: Damn it. I wanted to be here to show my support, you know. Mac: Pressing business keep you away? Olivia: They know that you support them. It's your money that's making the whole thing possible. Sonny: Yeah, but I just wanted to say, you know, good luck in person. You know what I mean? Olivia: Is that really all that's bothering you? We got a lot of time to wait out here, so -- Sonny: I'm in the dog house with Michael 'cause I don't -- Olivia: Don't say that word! Mac: [Clears throat] Don't ask. Johnny: Hey, Connie? [Sighs] Thank God. [Sighs] All right, John, you're doing this today. Or else it's never getting done. Starr: Dad?! Dad?! Dad, I'm here! Dad?! Todd: [Grunts] Whoa. [Sighs] Starr: Dad, where are you?! Dad?! Dad?! Todd: [Groaning] Starr: Dad?! How did I miss you?! Are you okay?! Todd: Oh, Starr! Starr: You're still alive! Oh, thank God! Todd: Is that you?! Starr: I'm right here! Oh, my God. Good-bye, dry skin. [Beeping] Ellie: What was that? Spinelli: I-I didn't hear anything. Ellie: No, it's -- oh, it's the alarm on your watch. Spinelli: Oh. Hmm. Ellie: Oh, it's, um, it's right about the time Maxie should be getting through her procedure. You just wanted to be reminded. Spinelli: I-I did. Yeah. Ellie: Do you want to call her? Spinelli: No. Ellie: See how she's doing. Spinelli: No, no, she -- she doesn't need me. She's in good hands. Olivia: Oh! Well? Lulu: Everything went great. Maxie's resting, and Mac's with her. Sonny: Sorry I wasn't here on time. I tried, but the -- Dante: No, no, you're here now. Olivia: So -- so what happens next? What do we do now? Lulu: Well, I don't know. I don't think we have to wait that long. Dante: No, I think a couple days we hopefully announce that we're gonna be parents and you guys grandparents. Sonny: Who would have thought, huh? Olivia: It really is amazing, isn't it? Lulu: [Chuckles] Dante: Yeah, it is. Michael: As much as I hate what you did, you're right. He attacked you. Shouldn't matter that he was provoked. A.J.: [Sighs] Thank you. Michael: I have a temper, too. I know what it's like when that switch gets flipped. It's really hard to back down. A.J.: Yeah. Michael: Look, my father -- yeah, he's violent. But he's never been a bully. He's had to fight for everything that he's got. That's -- that's a different thing. A.J.: Okay, I understand. Michael: [Sighs] I'm just so sick of getting jerked around. A.J.: Michael, what can I do to make this up to you? Michael: No more setups. No more trying to turn me against my parents. Look, no matter what they've done, they've given me a great life, and they love me, okay. So you can't -- you can't make me hate them. A.J.: Okay. I-I just -- I want a chance with you. Michael: As long as you promise no more lies. A.J.: Look, I'm gonna try my best not to fall into old patterns. But I got to tell you, I lie sometimes. I mean, everyone does. You know, I don't want to make a promise that I'm not gonna be able to keep. Michael: That's fair, I guess. A.J.: I'll tell you what, though. I'll, uh, I'll make another promise. I'm gonna be a better man. I'm gonna be a man that you can be proud of, and I promise I won't lie to you. I just hope that's enough to keep you in my life. I know I might regret this -- but are you okay? Carly: Well, yeah, I mean, besides A.J. trying to steal Michael away from me and Sonny, I'm great. Yeah. Alexis: I know. Sonny told me about the A.J. situation. Carly: Bet you had a good laugh at my expense, huh? Alexis: No, I didn't. You and Sonny are Michael's parents. Michael knows that. And however else I may feel about you, you're a good mother, Carly. Carly: Well, that's pretty huge coming from someone who hates me. Alexis: "Hate" is a strong word. Carly: Really? Alexis: Let's not ruin the moment. Take care. Carly: Thank you. [Cell phone rings] Carly: Hello? Johnny: [Sighs] I didn't think you'd pick up. Carly: Johnny. Johnny: Carly, I got to talk to you now. Carly: Uh -- why? Johnny: Just please. I'm at my place. Will you please come over? Carly: If you have anything to say to me, you can say it over the phone. Johnny: It's got to be done in person. Starr: Why isn't the ambulance here yet?! Todd: [Weakly] I have no idea. Starr: I can't just sit here and not do anything. Todd: [Grunting] Take it easy! Easy! Starr: No, I have to help you! Dad, I -- Todd: [Laughing] I'm ticklish there. Starr: No way. Todd: What? "No way" what? Starr: You have got to be kidding me! You're faking it?! Todd: Um -- Starr: Dad, I -- Todd: Not entirely. I-I -- Starr: Oh, really? So you just made a miraculous recovery?! Todd: Maybe you're just really good at CPR. Starr: Do you have any idea how much I was freaked out?! I thought you were dying! Todd: This isn't exactly a picnic for me either, with the -- Starr: Say it to my face. Say these words to my face. You were faking a heart attack! Todd: I wasn't -- I was faking a heart attack. But I do have heartburn. I had a really big meal. Starr: What the hell is going on with you, dad?! Todd: [Groans] Gah! Johnny: [Sighs] I wanted to talk to you the other day about Connie, about marrying here and everything, but we were interrupted. Carly, I'd really like to finish that conversation. Carly: I don't know. I don't know, Johnny. Johnny: I'm begging you. It's really important. Carly: I have to think about it. Johnny: [Sighs] [Glass shattering] Connie: Whoops.