Available on one 8 hr vhs tape or two 4 hr dvd-rs

Ric & Alexis #2  August 17 - December 1, 2004 - 7 hrs 59 mins

Ric continues to taunt Sonny about his children, prompting Sonny to issue a warning that Ric stay away from the Corinthos kids or else Sonny will kill him. Ric replies that Sonny is the only danger to his children, and that he'll make it his mission to put Sonny in prison in order to save the kids. Carly attempts to defend Sonny, but he grabs her arm, and then the two leave. Alexis walks up and asks Ric if he really thinks Sonny's children will be safer with him behind bars. Ric and Alexis continue to discuss the situation over lunch at Kelly's, and Ric assures Alexis that all of Sonny's children will be far safer with Sonny put away.

After Nik has shot Mary, Ric questioned Nikolas and Emily about the events of the previous night. Ric demanded to know what happened. Emily defended Nikolas' actions. Ric called Alexis to help Nikolas. He told her things did not look good for Nikolas. They both recounted what had happened. Nikolas claimed responsibility for what he had done and told Ric that if he had to, he would do it again. Emily left, and Nikolas continued to defend his actions. Ric apologized to Alexis for having arrested Nikolas. Alexis told him that Alcazar would seek revenge for Sage's death.

Alexis arrives at the PCPD to confer with Nikolas. As Lorenzo slams out of the interrogation room, Ric stops Lorenzo and warns Lorenzo not to try to go after Sage's killer on his own. Lorenzo angrily retorts that he expects to make sure that Ric throws the book at Mary Bishop (she killed Sage thinking she was Emily). After Ric warns Lorenzo again to stay away from Mary, Lorenzo storms out of the squad room.

Alexis tries to convince Ric that the District Attorney's office should only charge Nikolas with attempted manslaughter, but Ric reminds Alexis that many witnesses heard Nikolas promise to kill Mary only moments before Nikolas grabbed Mac's gun and shot Mary as Mary was walking away from Nikolas and Mac. Alexis insists that Nikolas shot Mary only to protect Emily. Ric accuses Alexis of asking him for a personal favor. Later, Nikolas is being released on bail and will only be charged with attempted manslaughter. Ric tries to convince an incredulous Alexis that his decision to be lenient with Nikolas had nothing to do with Alexis's impassioned plea for leniency for her nephew!

Ric calls Sonny over to the police station. He informs him that the police believe that Justus is helping Faith hide out somewhere since he disappeared when she did from the Quartermaine estate. He asks Sonny if they can trace his accounts in case Justus tries to get money from them to help in Faith's escape. Sonny tells Ric that Justus doesn't work for him any longer and that he will not let him near his accounts since he doesn't trust him to use them to nail him for some charges. Ric tells him he isn't interested in getting him on anything right now. Sonny doesn't believe him and points out that Ric needs him in his life to feel important but not vise-versa.

Lucky and Ric visited Mary at GH. She wanted to know why they hadn't brought Connor to see her. They repeatedly told her that Connor had died in the war. Outside the room, Lucky said to Ric that he was sure Mary was only pretending to be crazy. Ric met Alexis at the courthouse. He told her about going after Justus due to his affair with Faith and that obvious conflict of interest. The judge told Justus that he was to find another attorney to represent Faith. He asked Alexis. She recognized that he was in love with Faith and agreed to take the case, much to Ric's chagrin.

Ric runs into Alexis at the Court House and mentions that Justus will not be able to represent Faith because Justus clearly has a conflict of interest where Faith is concerned, since attorney and client have been bed buddies. Ric uses the opportunity to direct the conversation toward a discussion of passionate affairs between colleagues, and then smugly observes that he obviously will not have to worry about Alexis taking Faith's case off of Justus's hands because Alexis is afraid that she might lose to Ric in court!

Later, Justus is surprised when the judge agrees with Ric and rules that Justus does have too much of a conflict of interest to be representing Faith. Justus then goes to Alexis and pleads with Alexis to represent Faith. Alexis reminds Justus that, since Alexis was once married to Jax, Ric could also argue that Alexis had too much of a conflict of interest to be defending Faith against the charge of shooting Jax. Justus argues that Ric would never bring that issue up because Ric would be eager to have another chance to prove that he could win a case while opposing Alexis in court. Justus argues that Faith only wants a chance to start a new life and that Alexis is Faith's last hope. Ric is obviously elated when Alexis finds Ric and announces that she is taking Faith's case. Ric smugly accuses Alexis of taking Faith's case just to get next to Ric again! When Alexis predicts that she will win Faith's freedom easily so long as Ric is prosecuting the case, Ric warns Alexis that, as soon as Faith is free, Sonny will probably order Faith murdered!

After Mary's death, Jason runs into Ric as he tries to leave the police station. Ric corners him and asks him what he told Emily when he was talking to her alone and why she refuses to tell the police anything after she was originally going to cooperate with them. Jason tells him that Emily doesn't have to talk to anyone. Ric tells him that he is making her look more suspicious by being around there and persuading Emily not to cooperate. Alexis tells Jason that he is making it worse for Emily by telling her not to talk to the police. Jason refuses to listen to them and tells Ric to stay away from Emily.

Alexis attempts to get Ric to go easy and not charge Nikolas over his shooting of Mary. Ric refuses to go along with her, however, and tells her to prepare for court. Alexis presents Alcazar to Ric as a potential suspect in the murder of Mary Bishop, but Lois inadvertently realizes what's going on at the station and stops Alcazar from talking to either lawyer. She yells at them about their bias and allows Alcazar to leave the interrogation room without answer any questions.

Alexis spots Jason and Samantha when they arrive at the hospital for the birthing seminar. Alexis informs Jason that he will be receiving a subpoena to testify in Faith's trial. Alexis explains that Faith is pleading diminished capacity and will testify that Faith shot Jax by accident because Faith was in fear of her life following threats that Jason had made to kill Faith. Samantha accuses Alexis of using this ploy because Alexis wants to get Sonny's attention by dragging Jason into court. Alexis explains that she only took Faith's case as a favor to Justus Ward, but Sam doesn't accept any of Alexis's reasons.

At the PCPD, Ric is surprised when Steven Lars informs Ric that Steven is looking for a job. When Ric tells Steven Lars that there are no openings for a forensics expert at the PCPD, Steven Lars intrigues Ric when Steven hints that he is able to deliver what Ric wants. When Ric continues to give Steven the brush off, Steven mentions that he has relatives in Port Charles and Ric realizes that Steven Lars Webber is Elizabeth's brother and, therefore, Ric's former brother-in-law! Steven admits that he know all about Ric's vendetta against Ric's mob-boss brother, Sonny Corinthos. Although Steven hints that he would be able to help Ric, Ric leaps to the conclusion that Steven might be moonlighting with Internal Affairs and suggests that Steven return to Manhattan. Later, Durant calls Ric and tries to convince Ric that he is being presented with a golden opportunity to hire a forensics expert like Steven Webber, but Ric also gives Durant the brush off.

At the hospital, Alexis becomes alarmed when the doctor reports that he believes that Kristina will need eyeglasses. An agitated Alexis bursts into Ric's office and demands that they discuss Faith's case immediately. Ric protests that their meeting was scheduled for the following week and accuses Alexis of inventing reasons to spend time with Ric. Ric suddenly guesses that Alexis is upset about something else and Alexis blurts out her worry that Kristina will need glasses. Alexis unburdens her fears that other children will ridicule Kristina if she has to wear glasses at such a young age.

Alexis confides that she believes that one of the reasons that she overcompensates now is because she was picked on at a tender age. Ric tries to reassure Alexis that Kristina will be adorable, even if she is wearing glasses. When Alexis remains unconvinced, Ric confides that he believes that intelligent women are very attractive. Ric suddenly kisses Alexis and they end up in a steamy embrace. Ric and Alexis get carried away with the passion of the moment and end up on Ric's desk. At just that moment, Durant walks in and Ric and Alexis make a desperate scramble to get off of Ric's desk.

 John Durant introduces himself to Alexis. Alexis is totally embarrassed and just shakes his hand without telling him her name. She takes off. John Durant tells Ric that he should hire his former forensic pathologist since it looks like he needs all the help he can get since Port Charles has built a reputation for being inviting to the mafia families in the state. Ric asks him why he is trying so hard to push Steven Webber into working for the police. Later, Ric finds Steven outside of Kelly's talking to Carly. Ric is polite to Carly. Carly tells Ric she has not interest in talking to him. Ric tells her he came to talk to Steven. Steven suggests they talk somewhere private. Ric tells him that he doesn't mind if Carly hears what he has to tell him. Ric tells Steven he has been hired and welcomes him to the PCPD.

Alexis warns Sonny about trying to intimidate her client. Sonny tells her she needs to button up her blouse as it is unbuttoned enough to be embarrassing. Sonny taunts her about her apparent fling with Ric and asks her if she had sex with Ric on his desk. Ric overhears Alexis lie to Sonny and tell him how great a lover Ric is and how he rocks her body and soul. Sonny enjoys their banter. Ric comes up behind Alexis and tells Sonny that Alexis is a great lover as well as a great attorney. Durant overhears the three of them talking from afar. Ric leaves them to talk. Alexis tells Sonny that he and Ric have something else in common, they are both egotistical pigs. Alexis goes to see Faith. Faith tells her she will accept the plea bargain for the charge of aggravated assault and will agree to the sentence of 7-10 years with the possibility of parole in two years. Alexis tells her she will do her best.

Later, Alexis tells Faith that she did her best but the judge sentenced her to the maximum of ten years in prison. Faith is upset even more when Alexis informs her that the judge refused to allow her to be paroled in two years and that Faith will have to serve the 10 years completely. Faith accuses Alexis of not trying her best at all and that she wants her to spend the ten years in prison because she shot Jax. Alexis refuses to respond to her. Faith starts to walk toward her in a threatening manner. Alexis knocks on the door to get a cop to let her out of the room. The cop grabs Faith's arm and escorts her out of the room. Faith sees Ric and Sonny standing there and accuses them of setting her up as well and promises to get revenge on them all when she gets out. Justus tells Faith to be quiet before she makes things worse for herself. Faith is escorted to the van to go to prison. Ric asked Sonny how long it would be before Faith was found dead.

Felicia found a nurse who claimed to have seen somebody enter Mary's room the night of the murder. The nurse told Ric that she saw Emily go into Mary's room. Mac wondered about the convenience of the nurse's testimony. Ric ordered that Lucky be suspended for saying that he was sure Emily had not gone into the room that night.

Ric and Alexis have dinner at "The Cellar" also that night. Alexis wants to discuss what he plans on doing now that Skye has escaped from prison. Ric is more interested in analyzing what she said to Sonny about how he arouses her. Alexis tries to discuss business but Ric keeps staying on the subject of their attraction. Alexis tells him that she only told those things to Sonny for affect and nothing more. Ric doesn't believe her. Elizabeth and her brother Steven show up there to have dinner and stop at their table to say hi. Ric introduces Steven to Alexis and how he is Elizabeth's older brother and a doctor who specializes in forensics. Elizabeth is surprised that Ric and Steven know each other already. Ric tells them that he just hired Steven to work part-time as a forensic specialist for the PCPD.

Alexis asks Ric about his feelings for Elizabeth now that she is back with her baby that he almost ended up raising as his own. Ric tells her that his marriage to Elizabeth was over for a while now but that he still deeply cares about Elizabeth. Elizabeth overhears their conversation as she is leaving after Steven gets paged. Alexis tries to avoid talking about their attraction and instead ask about how he feels about Elizabeth overhearing them talk about her. Ric silences her with a kiss. She kisses him back after resisting him for a second or two.

Helena and Tracy threw a surprise engagement party for Emily and Nik at Wyndemere. In attendance were Elizabeth, Monica, Ned, Ric, Alexis, Justus, Dillon, and Georgie. Nikolas was not pleased that Ric was there since Ric was trying to prosecute the engaged couple for Mary's demise. Alexis told them that she had a plan, and she tried to convince Ric that the happy couple couldn't have committed the crime. Elizabeth questioned Ric regarding his motives for being with Alexis, wondering if it was all about Sonny. Helena and Tracy arrived, followed shortly by Lucky. Lucky announced that he had Nurse Harris in a safe place and that she had lied about seeing Emily the night of Mary's murder, only giving false testimony after being paid by Tracy and Helena. Lucky gets word that Nurse Harris is in the hospital from an overdose. Ric warns them that without her testimony, her admission to being paid off by Helena and Tracy will only be hearsay. The party rushes to the hospital; Lucky and Ric try to get Donna to admit again that she was paid off. She gets as far as admitting that she lied, but then dies just as Nikolas enters the room.

Jax and Skye are interrupted when Ric knocks persistently at the door. After Skye scrambles into hiding, Jax lets Ric in and pretends to be shocked when Ric announces that Skye escaped from prison and that Ric has good reason to suspect that Skye might be hiding out with Jax. Jax first reminds Ric that the District Attorney needs a warrant to search Jax's apartment, then Jax suddenly changes his mind and invites Ric to go ahead and look around. Jax reminds Ric that Skye has three or four other ex-husbands, but Ric reminds Jax that Jax was the only ex-husband who seemed visibly upset when Skye was convicted.

As Ric quizzes Jax, Jax admits that, while he might consider hiding Skye, he would be even more worried that aiding and abetting Skye would endanger Jax's relationship with Courtney. After Ric makes a hasty inspection, Jax tries to convince Ric that Skye would have skipped the country by now and Ric confides Ric's belief that there would be no hope of Skye clearing herself by returning to Port Charles.

Alexis is worried about Kristina, though, even though the doctor had said she was fine. Ric suggested that Alexis take Kristina for a second opinion. The three went to the hospital, and Steven examined Kristina. His results were not alarming, either, but, once Ric was alone with the doctor, Ric demands that the doctor tell him the truth he hid from Alexis. Steven tells Ric that he really is just somewhat concerned, and doesn't want to alarm Alexis in case its nothing, but some of Kristina's tests were on the borderline, and caused him to take notice.

Before they can discuss it further, Alexis returns with Kristina, and Steven goes back to his rounds. Alexis is instantly suspicious and asks Ric what they are keeping from her. Ric tells her they were discussing another topic and that she needs to relax. Later, Alexis tracks Ric down again and demands to know what is wrong with her daughter. Ric again denies he and Steven were discussing Kristina, but Alexis won't buy his story and confesses her concern that she's the one making the baby sick. Ric calls her neurotic, and before she can ask more questions, he pulls her into a kiss.

On the docks, after a near miss running into Alexis, Skye sadly comes face to face with Ric. Ric informs Skye that no one has seen Luke since Luke ran out on Skye during her trial, months ago. Ric advises Skye that it is not likely that Luke would have been planning to meet Skye on the docks, as Skye believes. When Ric quizzes Skye about Jax helping her, Skye denies that Jax knows that she is in town. Ric convinces Skye to give herself up. As Skye and Ric arrive at the Port Charles Police Department, reporters mob them. Alexis arrives and thanks Ric for giving her a heads up about Skye's apprehension.

 Ric informs Alexis that Warden Bradford from Pentonville has demanded that Skye be returned to Pentonville immediately. Alexis points out that Skye would have used her chance to leave the country if Skye was really guilty of killing Duncan. Alexis appeals to Ric to drag his feet on returning Skye to prison as a personal favor to Alexis. Ric decides that Skye's files could be conveniently misplaced, and buries them in a pile of old files, thereby delaying Skye's transfer. After Alexis leaves to try to drum up evidence to clear Skye, Jax returns and offers to post bail for Skye, but Ric reminds Jax that, because Skye is an escaped felon, there could be no bail releasing Skye. Ric suggests that Jax drop his efforts to have Skye released before reporters get wise to the fact that Skye was hiding out at her ex-husband's apartment.

Edward and Heather arrive and Edward offers to make a large donation to Ric's next election campaign if Ric makes sure that Edward's family is treated fairly, but Ric reminds Edward that attempting to bribe a public official is risky business. Alexis confers with Skye and suggests that they have Luke's letter re-examined for other clues, such as DNA evidence that could prove that someone else was involved with the letter, perhaps even forcing Luke to write the letter. Ric and Alexis put in a call for Dr. Steven Webber to examine the letter. Alexis and Ric explain to Steven Weber that they are looking for evidence that Luke was forced to write the letter, accusing Skye of being responsible for Duncan's death.

Sonny takes Michael to GH after he hurts his arm after a soccer game. The pediatrician looks at his arm to try and determine if it could be broken. Alexis shows up on the same floor with Kristina in her arms. She approaches them and tells the pediatrician that Kristina has a fever again and a rash on her chest and back. Dillon tells Alexis that she should tell Dr. Steven Webber about Kristina since he helped to save Morgan's life before. Steven Webber shows up and Alexis repeats Kristina's symptoms to him. Steven tells her that they will check Kristina out. Alexis demands he find some answers to what is wrong with Kristina.

Later, Steven asks Sonny if he knows who Kristina's father is. Sonny tells him he knows so Steven tells him that he should notify the father in case they need him. Alexis asks Sonny what Steven told him and asks Sonny if Morgan has the same symptoms as Kristina has. Sonny asks her why she would think Morgan would have the same symptoms as Kristina when they aren't related. Alexis isn't happy when Steven comes back and tells her that Kristina's tests came back within normal range and tells her not to worry too much. Alexis demands to know what is really wrong with her daughter. Sonny suggests that she call Ned. Alexis tells him that Ned is out of town and couldn't help her anyway.

Ric shows up at Durant's hotel room angry. He asks Durant why he told the press that there was going to be a press conference tonight to announce some task force against organized crime. Durant tells him that they will tell the press that they are after Alcazar not Sonny but that really they will go after Sonny. Ric's cell phone goes off. He answers it. Sonny tells him to come to GH right now because Alexis needs him. Ric realizes that Durant had a woman in his room. The woman happens to be the hit woman that Alcazar hired to kill Durant and set up Sonny for his murder. She had slept with Durant the night before. She leaves them to talk. Durant admits that he wants to use the press conference to stay in town longer to try and stay close to Carly.

Carly goes over to see Alexis. Alexis asks her to find out somehow what Sonny's medical history is to see if Kristina inherited some kind of illness or not. Carly warns her that if she asks Sonny too many questions he is going to get suspicious. Ric goes to the hospital and see how Alexis is frantic with worry over Kristina. He tells her to calm down and let the doctors do their jobs and assures her that they will find out what is wrong with Kristina. Steven tells Alexis that he wants to keep Kristina overnight for observation. Alexis asks him if there is something seriously wrong with Kristina.

Ric thanks Sonny for calling him about Alexis. Ric asks Sonny if he would be willing to give him his medical history if he ever had a child who was sick and needed that information. Sonny tells him he would do anything for a child and that Ric should know that. The tests showed that Kristina had a virus that should subside within a few days. Steven behaved as though he feared there was more wrong. Ric mentioned to Steven about a childhood friend who was constantly sick and finally diagnosed with leukemia. Steven would not admit any of his fears to Ric. Sonny visited Alexis and Kristina, at Michael's urging, to check the little girl's condition.

Durant and Ric started the press conference, with Alcazar and Jason among those in attendance. The hit woman continued posing as a reporter. Carly walked onto the scene, and Durant urged her to join him on stage. Finally, she did. As he hugged her, Lana fired shots at Durant. Carly and her father both fell to the ground! Alexis sees the press conference events as well, and immediately accuses Sonny of trying to murder Ric. Later, when Ric confronts Sonny over the shooting, Carly angrily defends Sonny. It's Ric's announcement about the gun being found in Jason's coat that stuns Carly.

Unable to find a way to explain his business to his son without lying, Sonny goes to the chapel and prays for God's assistance. Ric overhears his brother's prayers and tells Sonny that he must lie to Michael to protect him from the type of man that Sonny is. Sonny tells Ric that he doesn't care about his opinion, but Ric reminds Sonny that he's a murderer, and admitting that to Michael would ruin the boy's life.

As Ric arrives at the hospital with some treats for Alexis and Kristina, Ric stops to ask Steven if any of Kristina's tests suggest there might be anything seriously wrong with the little girl and Alexis overhears part of their conversation. Steven rushes to reassure Alexis that Kristina's physicians have no reason to believe that any evidence of a serious situation will develop in Kristina's case. After Steven leaves, Ric tempts Alexis with breakfast goodies and Alexis falteringly admits that she has come to care about Ric and invites Ric to share breakfast with Alexis and her daughter.

Ric tries to convince Jax that Skye's life is in danger from any trigger-happy rookie on the beat so long as Skye is on the loose. Ric argues that Jax should cooperate with Ric in getting Skye off the streets and safely into custody if Jax truly cares about his ex-wife. Courtney contacts Alexis and asks Alexis for help in getting Jax released. Alexis gets Ric in a private conference and reminds Ric that not even Ric believes that Skye is guilty. When Ric reminds Alexis that that makes no difference, since the police can prove that Skye spent a considerable amount of time in Jax's apartment. Ric is pleasantly surprised when Alexis actually agrees with him.

Alexis goes on to remind Ric that Alexis's ex-husband has a noble desire to protect damsels in distress. Then Alexis further shocks Ric when she observes that Ric may be more like Jax than even Ric realizes. Ric suddenly gives in and agrees to release Jax. Later, as Ric is processing the papers for Jax's release, Courtney approaches Ric and asks if the district attorney's office has considered any suspects other than Jason in the attempt on Federal Prosecutor John Durant's life.

As Emily and Kristina sit in the chapel and Emily happily fills Kristina in on the details of Emily's upcoming wedding, Helena approaches Emily and Kristina with a knife in her hand. At that moment, Alexis arrives at the door of the chapel and sees Helena poised behind Emily and Kristina. Alexis thwarts her plans by showing up just in time to stop her. Helena pulls the dagger on Alexis when Nikolas shows up to stop her. She holds the knife to her throat and threatens to kill her if Nikolas doesn't back off and let them go. Nikolas follows them to the elevators.

One of the elevators opens and Ric is inside it. Ric sees what Helena is doing and freezes in panic. Helena orders him to back off the elevator to let her on with Alexis or else she will slit her throat. Ric waits for the right moment when Helena is the most vulnerable and knocks Helena and the dagger down on the floor. Alexis jumps off the elevator but it closes with Helena inside alone with the dagger. Nikolas runs down the stairs to catch her. Ric orders an APB out on Helena. Emily and Nikolas talk later about postponing their wedding right now. Alexis won't allow them to cancel their wedding plans because of her. Ric tells them all he thinks that Helena killed Mary Bishop and tried to frame Emily and that she killed the nurse she paid off too.

Ric, Emily and Nikolas caught Tracy at Wyndemere trying to steal back the Book of Curses. They questioned her to see if she knew of Helena's current whereabouts, but Tracy said she did not. Ric announced that Emily was no longer under suspicion for Mary's death, assuming Helena responsible instead. Ric also learned that Helena's plane was over the Atlantic, with no flight plan filed with the airport. Ned visited Alexis at the hospital and told her that he would have returned from his business trip earlier if she had let him know about Kristina. She insisted that Kristina was getting better and about to be released and that there was nothing he could have done.

When Alexis took Kristina home, Ric came to visit, and they noticed bruises on Kristina's arms. Alarmed, they rushed her back to the hospital. Steven performed additional tests and came to a conclusion about the little girl's illness. As he told Alexis and Ric, Sonny was standing nearby, hearing that Kristina was in need of a bone marrow transplant!

Alexis is utterly devastated by the news that her daughter requires a bone marrow transplant, and Steven quickly has her tested as a potential donor. Carly hears the news of Kristina's condition, and asks Alexis if she's going to tell Sonny the truth. Alexis feels she still has options, and begs Carly to trust her judgment that Sonny does not yet need to find out the truth. Carly hopes Alexis knows what she's doing, but clearly grows concerned about the situation.

Ned arrives, prepared to be tested himself, and warns Alexis that the doctors will realize he is not Kristina's biological father. Alexis remains convinced that she will be a donor match, but she is further crushed when Steven tells her that she's not. He tests Ned, and later asks Alexis if she's aware that Ned is not Kristina's real father. Alexis hesitates, causing Steven to realize that she knew the truth, and he quickly urges her to stop worrying about keeping it a secret and to do what's best for her daughter's well being.

Alexis continues to be distraught over Kristina's dire condition. Steven admonishes her secrecy, and begs her to find Kristina's real father to be tested. Ned tells Brooke Lynn of Kristina's condition, and unaware of the little girl's true parentage, Brooke Lynn insists upon being tested as a donor match. Alexis is grateful if not uncomfortable with Brooke's sacrifice, but everyone knows the results will come back as not a match. Alexis calls Nikolas to be tested, and is further devastated when he proves to also not be a match for Kristina. Ric remains a constant in Alexis's time of need, and she turns to him and wonders that her actions will cause her to lose her daughter one way or the other.

Carly goes to Alexis again to inquire about the status of informing Sonny that he's Kristina's father, but Alexis continues to hold out on it until the last minute. Concerned for Kristina's well being, Carly confides to Steven that Sonny is her real father. She asks him to allow Alexis to make the decision unless things take a turn for the worse, in which case he's to tell Carly so that she can break the news to Sonny. Later, she sits on the docks and worries about Kristina's situation. Sonny happens upon her, and offers her comfort, telling her they'll find a donor for the little girl.

Steven meets with Ric and Alexis in Kristina's room and encourages Alexis to make sure that all of Kristina's close relatives are tested. After Ric and Steven leave, Alexis confides to Kristina that she believes that Ric is a good guy. Jason runs into Ric and is surprised when Ric asks about Sonny's attitude toward Samantha's unborn child. A suddenly suspicious Jason warns Ric not to try to use any of Sonny's children against Sonny. Sam stops by Kristina's room and asks Alexis if there is anything that Sam could do to make the situation better. Later, Alexis asks Steven how old a child must be to donate bone marrow and Steven replies that a child would have to be at least one year old. Steven again urges Alexis to approach Kristina's biological father as soon as possible so that Kristina's father and his relatives can be tested for matching bone marrow. Alexis assures Steven that her daughter's welfare is always uppermost on her mind.

Jason arrives at Kristina's room at Alexis' request, Alexis reminds Jason that it was Alexis who represented Jason when Jason sued for custody of Michael after the Quartermaines learned that A.J. was Michael's biological father. Ric arrives in the hallway and, overhearing part of Alexis's conversation with Jason, Ric leaps to the conclusion that Alexis is about ready to spill the beans about Kristina's paternity to Jason. Ric rushes forward, pretending that he believes that Jason is harassing Alexis. Before Alexis can 'correct' Ric's 'mistaken' assumption, Steven arrives with the news that a donor for Kristina has been found. Alexis is relieved and tells Jason that she just wanted to thank him for having the bone-marrow test done to help Kristina. Jason leaves. He arrives at Sonny's.

Alexis talks to Ned and thanks him for being a father figure for Kristina. She apologizes to him for keeping him away from Kristina as well as keeping her from his family as well. Alexis tells him that she almost told Jason that Sonny was Kristina's father. Ned is thankful she didn't. Nikolas shows up at Kristina's room. He hears them talking about Sonny and asks her if Sonny is bothering her. Alexis lies and tells Nikolas that they were really discussing how great Ric has been to her and Kristina. Alexis denies that there is anything more to her relationship with Ric than friendship. Nikolas and Ned don't buy it.

Sonny hears a distraught Alexis arguing with Steven. He approaches them. Steven tells him that the woman who was a bone-marrow donor for Kristina was killed in a car accident on the way to the hospital. Steven tries to reassure her that they will find another donor and that someone out there will be a match. Alexis makes a full confession to Ric, who promises to keep the secret that Kristina is Sonny's daughter.

Carly arrives at the hospital and tells Alexis that she, not Alexis, will be the person to tell Sonny that he's Kristina's father. Before she goes, though, she berates Alexis for the months of bullying and threats that Carly had to take from her, and she angrily chastises Alexis for not allowing her to be truthful to Sonny when they reconciled. Alexis apologizes for the situation that she put Carly in, but tries to explain that she simply wanted to protect her daughter. Carly counters that Alexis really just wanted to have everything her way. Carly continues that now that she has caused a horrible situation, she will have to pay the consequences. A terrified Carly runs off to tell her husband the truth.

Meanwhile, Ric is still smarting from not being a donor match and being unable to help Alexis keep the truth from Sonny. After Jax warns Alexis to not go on the run with Kristina once she's better, Ric offers her a new solution to her problems: he has a restraining order drawn up to keep Sonny from Kristina, and he asks Alexis to marry him.

Carly arrives at the penthouse tearful and grows increasingly upset when Sonny asks again what is wrong. He asks her if she's in trouble, and she says yes. He then reminds her that he'll do whatever he has to do in order to help her, and she asks him to get himself to the hospital quickly. When Sonny wants to know why, Carly tearfully tells him that he needs to be tested as a donor match for Kristina because he's her father.

Ric proposes to Alexis, and she is stunned at the lengths he's willing to go to help her keep Sonny away from Kristina. Ric tells her that he is willing to marry her for Kristina's sake in case a custody trial occurs, but also because he cares for her. Alexis admits she cares for Ric, too, but suggests they have a marriage of convenience for everyone's sake. Ric refuses, telling her that he will not be a part of such a relationship, and they need to begin to build on the feelings that they already have for each other. Alexis finally agrees, and is happy to have Ric to lean on in her time of need. Ric goes to the hospital chapel to wait for the justice of the peace who will conduct their impromptu vows, and he turns to see that Liz is in the doorway, realizing that he will soon marry someone else.

A devastated Carly admits not only that Sonny is Kristina's father, but also that she's known for months. Sonny remains calm for the most part, and decides that the situation will have to be discussed after he checks in on Kristina. On his way to be tested, he notifies Courtney and Mike and has them come to the hospital to be tested as well. Jason joins them as Sonny announces that he's Kristina's father, and all are stunned to find out that Carly told him the news.

Steven informs Sonny that he, Mike, and Courtney are all unsuitable matches for Kristina, so Sonny decides that Morgan will have to be tested. He is clearly angry at Carly for keeping the truth from him, and he goes into Kristina's room to see his daughter. There, he tells her that he's her dad and that once she's better they will get to know each other. Alexis walks into the room, and is stunned to see that Sonny is there. He ignores her and continues to talk to Kristina, and Alexis realizes that Carly has told him the truth.

As Ric waits in the hospital chapel with the wedding bouquet he bought for Alexis, he hears someone Alexis, reports that the Justice of the Peace will be arriving soon. Then Ric turns towards the chapel doors, and looks a little surprised when he realizes that it is Elizabeth and not Alexis who has entered the chapel. He tells her that he is marrying Alexis. She is curious about why they are getting married with Kristina so ill. He explains that Sonny is Kristina's father.

Sonny visits Kristina in the little girl's Hospital room and begins promising Kristina that they will be together for the rest of Sonny's life. Alexis arrives in time to hear Sonny making plans and asks to speak to Sonny outside, but Sonny brushes aside Alexis' request, insisting that he needs to spend some time with his daughter. After Sonny leaves Kristina's room, Alexis reports that there is no word about another donor. Sonny reports that Sonny, Mike and Courtney were not matches for Kristina, so Carly is bringing Morgan to the Hospital. As Alexis tries to thank Sonny, Sonny coldly assures Alexis that she should know that Sonny and his family would all want to do everything possible to help save Kristina's life.

Ric arrives while Sonny is still speaking and begins to tell Sonny that Ric and Alexis appreciate Sonny's gesture. Sonny coldly declares that none of this concerns Ric. However, Ric replies that it does concern Ric, because Ric and Alexis plan to be married that evening. Alexis, Ric and Sonny engage in a heated conversation as Alexis tries to convince Sonny that if he genuinely cares about his daughter, Sonny would want Kristina to be protected from her father's violent, mobster life.

When Carly arrives with Morgan, Alexis tries to remind Carly that Carly not so long ago pleaded with Alexis to help Carly keep custody of her own children when Sonny was determined to make sure that Carly never saw her children again. But Carly coldly informs Alexis that Alexis can no longer use the 'mother card' with Carly. When Ric lets slip that he wants to protect Kristina from Sonny's mobster lifestyle because Ric had not been able to save his own mother from Sonny's violent lifestyle, Sonny angrily vows that Sonny will have his daughter with him. When Sonny observes that Ric's marriage to Alexis is probably an attempt to keep Sonny out of Kristina's life, Ric sharply reminds Sonny that the only thing that ever seems to come out of Sonny's mouth are words like 'me,' and 'mine.' Ric points out that the only thing that seems to mean anything to Sonny are what or who 'belongs' to Sonny. Sonny brushes off Ric's arguments and hurries Carly and Morgan away to be tested.

After Sonny, Carly and Morgan leave, Alexis breaks down and cries on Ric's shoulder. Later, in the chapel, as they wait for the Justice of the Peace, Ric asks Alexis if Alexis has changed her mind about marriage, now that Ric's animosity toward his brother has surfaced again. Alexis assures Ric that everyone has baggage and reminds Ric that Alexis' 'baggage' is a matter of public record, which Alexis fully expects Sonny to use against Alexis in court. Alexis confides to Ric the grief she experienced when her sister died because Kristina was caught in the crossfire of one of Sonny's wars, and that they are doing the right thing to protect baby Kristina from a similar fate. Alexis assures Ric that she still believes that their marriage is the right thing to do, and they seal their bargain with a kiss. Later, Ric and Alexis exchange vows in the Hospital Chapel and Ric assures Alexis that, no matter what anyone else throws at them, they will be able to get through it because they are together. Alexis assures Ric that she is prepared to believe in miracles and hope for the best.

Sonny goes to see Kristina in I.C.U. He asks her if she has ever been to the ocean and promises to take her when she gets better. Alexis overhears him talking to her. She asks if she can talk to him outside. Alexis asks Sonny not to see their daughter right now since Kristina doesn't know him and she is already in a strange place already. Sonny tells Alexis that he isn't going to be kept away from his daughter anymore. Alexis starts crying and tells him she doesn't want to start a custody battle and that the main reason she kept Kristina away from him was that she was worried for her safety because of his dangerous lifestyle. Sonny tells her that she never thought about how he would feel about being a father and that now she is making decisions without his say.

Ric comes over and tells Sonny to back off and think about what is best for Kristina and not himself for a change. Sonny tells Ric to stay away from his daughter. Alexis leaves them to argue and goes to check on Kristina. Sonny accuses Ric of using this situation to get back at him once again. Ric tells Sonny that he cares about Kristina and will fight him in court if he has to keep Sonny away from Kristina. Sonny tells Ric that Kristina is his child and no one takes what belongs to him ever. Sonny goes to the hospital chapel to pray for Kristina. He pleads with God to spare Kristina's life since she doesn't deserve to die because he was her father.

Steven shows up to talk to him about alternative treatments for Kristina. He tells Sonny about chemotherapy and another more risky treatment, using stem cells from Sam's baby's umbilical cord to create new bone marrow for Kristina if there is a match. Alexis shows up at the chapel to find Steven and overhears him talking to Sonny about the stem-cell treatment using Sam's baby. Alexis tells Sonny that they need Sam to agree to it and go for it. Sonny asks to speak to Alexis alone. Alexis tells Sonny that Sam's baby is there only hope and they need to try this. Sonny tells Alexis that Sam needs to agree to this since it is her baby too and there is a 10% risk to the baby if you induce labor. Alexis goes back to see Kristina and Ric. She tells Ric about Steven's treatment idea. Ric tells her that Sam would have to agree to this first since it is her baby.

Sonny tells Sam about this new alternative treatment using the stem cells from Sam's baby's umbilical cord. Sam hears about the 10% risk to the baby for problems if the labor is induced. Sam asks Jason for his opinion. Jason tells her if it was just him to consider he would take that risk but that it's her baby at risk and she has to make that decision. Sam is torn since she wants to help Kristina but is worried about the risk to her baby. She reluctantly tells Sonny that she can't put her baby at risk.

Alexis was thrilled as she told Ric the news of the stem cell solution. Ric was not so sure that Sonny would risk the life of another of his children to save Kristina. Sam told Sonny that she would gladly risk herself for Kristina but that she could not take the 10% chance of harming her baby by inducing labor early. Sonny was visibly saddened, but he understood her decision. Speaking with Jason, Sam continued to wrestle with the choice. Sonny told Alexis the news, and she freaked out, telling Sonny to make Sam do it. Later, Alexis found Sam alone in the chapel and begged for her help. The discussion was intense and highly emotional. Finally, Sam screamed out that she would help. Suddenly, she clutched her stomach in pain. Something was wrong with the baby!

Sam is wheeled into the operating room, followed by Jason and Alexis. As an unconscious Sam goes into surgery, Jason unleashes his anger at Alexis for causing Sam to collapse. Sonny is shocked when he hears the news, and he immediately blasts Alexis as well. Steven emerges from the OR and assures them all that no one is to blame for the situation, but warns that Sam has a ruptured placenta and is in serious danger. Sonny and Jason immediately ask about the baby, and Steven tells them that the baby is at risk and an emergency caesarian will have to be performed immediately.

Alexis is fearful that her actions caused Sam's collapse, and she tells Ric what happened. Ric immediately asks Steven about the situation, and Steven reiterates that Alexis had nothing to do with Sam's situation. Ric then inquires as to whether the stem cells will be viable for Kristina if the baby dies, and Steven assures him that they will. Sonny walks up behind Ric and prepares to start a fight, but Carly interrupts them to tell Sonny that Sam's baby has died. Sonny shouts out in grief, and both Ric and Carly clearly feel pain for him. Ric leaves to return to Alexis and tell her that the baby has died. He tries to ease her panic by letting her know it had nothing to do with her, but he prepares her that she is going to have to now ask Sonny for the stem cell donation.

Jason returns to the operating room to sit with Sam, and Alexis and Ric approach Sonny and Carly outside in the waiting area. Realizing she has no more time to waste, Alexis tries to carefully deal with the situation of the stem cells. She apologizes profusely for Sonny's loss, but he rips into her and tells her that she's selfish and cold. Alexis begs him to think about the fact that Kristina is also his daughter, and that she, too, will die if he doesn't act soon. Steven enters the lobby with them all, and warns Sonny and Alexis that the stem cells from the baby's cord need to be processed immediately if they are to remain viable for Kristina.

Alexis begs Sonny to sign over his dead daughter's stem cells in order to save Kristina. Sonny in turn blasts Alexis for her selfishness, and tells her he wants to be left alone to grieve. Alexis reminds Sonny that Kristina is also his daughter, and that she will die if he doesn't act soon. Ric tries to comfort Alexis, but once Steven emerges to discuss the situation, Alexis is relieved to hear Sonny give his permission to use the stem cells that are needed. Steven immediately begins processing the tests, and plans to have Kristina's infusion the next day. Sonny then demands to see Kristina, and although Alexis tentatively tries to get him to stay out of her room, he warns her that he'll see as much of his daughter as he likes. He sits with Kristina for a while, and tells her that he doesn't know if he can forgive the people who want to keep him away from her, but he promises he'll see her every day from now on.

As Alexis gets Kristina prepared for surgery, Sonny arrives. As Alexis begins to fill Sonny in on Kristina's condition, Ric arrives and asks Sonny to leave Alexis and Kristina alone until the surgery is over. When Sonny stubbornly refuses to leave, Ric produces a restraining order, which orders Sonny to stay away from Kristina. Storming out of Kristina's room, Sonny angrily rips up the restraining order, but Ric warns Sonny that tearing up the document will not do anything to change the fact that the law has ordered Sonny to stay away from Kristina. Sonny angrily warns Ric that Sonny plans to wreck anyone who stands between Sonny and Sonny's daughter. Alexis leaves Kristina's room and begs Sonny and Ric to stop threatening each other, but Sonny coldly informs Alexis that he is stating a fact not merely making a threat.

After Sonny leaves, Alexis demands to know why Ric produced the restraining order at just that moment. Ric explains that he just did not want Sonny to show up, as they were ready to take Kristina into surgery and cause an emotionally draining scene, which is precisely what Sonny did. As Alexis agrees that she appreciates Ric's concern, they are interrupted by Nikolas, who assures Alexis of his support. Steven arrives shortly afterward to take Kristina to surgery. Sonny catches up with Ric and Alexis as Steven wheels Kristina into surgery. Even as Ric assures Alexis that Kristina will be okay, Alexis breaks down in tears and cries on Sonny's shoulder.

As Ric waits outside Kristina's room for news, Ric is surprised when Elizabeth brings Ric a cup of his favorite coffee and assures Ric that everything will be fine. When Ric suggests that maybe Kristina and Cameron could play together some day, Elizabeth agrees that she would like for that to happen. Ric confides that he has been thinking a lot about what Elizabeth said earlier in the chapel about Ric's marriage to Alexis being all about Sonny. Ric admits that Ric still hates Sonny, even though Sonny's daughter is now Ric's legal stepdaughter. Elizabeth replies that she believes that Ric has an awful lot of love to give to Kristina and that, whatever Ric's motivations were in the past, Liz can see that, right now, today, the concern that Ric has for Kristina is sincere and has nothing to do with Ric hating Sonny or wanting to hurt Sonny but, rather, is a genuine interest in helping a little girl. Elizabeth assures Ric that Liz does bit believe that Ric is using Kristina to get back at Sonny, because Ric is better than that. When Liz realizes that Ric is having difficulty replying to her, Liz assures Ric that she will let him know when the procedure is over and leaves. Later, when Ric and Alexis arrive at Kristina's room, following Kristina's surgery, Alexis is stunned to find that Sonny is not only already with Kristina but that Sonny is telling Kristina that, when the little girl leaves the Hospital, Kristina will be going home with Sonny.

Sonny visits Kristina in her room. Alexis and Ric overhear Sonny telling Kristina that when she gets better she will live with him someday. Alexis approaches him and tells him that he will not be taking their daughter away from her. Sonny steps out of the room to talk to Alexis and Ric. Alexis asks Sonny to not say things to Kristina because it will scare her right now. She tells Sonny that she doesn't doubt he loves his children and wants to protect them but she feels he can't ever protect them with his lifestyle and pleads with him to stay out of her life for good. Sonny tells Alexis and Ric he will not be kept away from his child. Alexis asks Ric to help protect her daughter and fight Sonny but do it with grace and not out of revenge against Sonny. Ric tells her that he is going to fight Sonny for the right reasons this time, to protect her and Kristina and he promises to make sure Sonny doesn't get custody of Kristina. Sonny goes home.

Alexis shows up to visit Sam. She thanks Sam for helping to save her daughter's life. Sam asks her what she is talking about. Alexis realizes her mistake and doesn't know what to say. She ends up telling Sam that they took her baby's stem cells to help save Kristina. Sam looks accusingly at her and asks her if her baby had to die to save Kristina's life. Meanwhile, Sonny shows up to see Kristina but Ric tells him he can't go in to see Kristina because he is enforcing the restraining order he has against him to be near Kristina. Sonny ignores Ric and tries to enter her room. A cop is guarding her room. Ric informs Sonny that if he tries to step into Kristina's room he will have him arrested.

As Jordan wages a war of words with Alexis and Ric, Kristina's condition takes a turn for the worse. Sam blames Alexis for forcing the surgery that caused her baby's death. Jason sets the record straight, telling Sam that it was Sonny who authorized the removal of stem cells from her baby's umbilical cord. Sam is shaken by the news and accuses Sonny of being glad that their baby didn't make it.

Alexis and Ric are terrified when doctors rush into Kristina's room and begin inspecting the girl. Their fears are heightened when they wheel her off to the OR, and Steven tells them that she's bleeding internally. Sonny is notified of Kristina's turn for the worse, and he rushes to find Alexis and Ric in the room. Ric blasts his brother for the fact that Kristina began to cough up blood while Sonny's lawyer was harassing them about the custody case, but Alexis tells both men to give it a rest. After Steven returns to tell them that Kristina is better and on the mend, Sonny demands to be there when she wakes up. Alexis calmly reminds him that Kristina doesn't feel well and is frightened, and regardless of blame, she does not know who Sonny is, and he might make the situation worse. Sonny finally allows Kristina's well being to be put first, and agrees that Alexis should be the one who Kristina sees when she wakes up. Jason takes Sam to see Kristina, she resists, but Jason forces her to look through the window as Kristina recovers from her emergency surgery.

In Kristina's hospital room, Alexis tells Kristina that Ric will be going home with them and is rewarded by a smile from her recovering daughter. When Ric arrives, Ric informs Alexis about the memorial service for Sam's baby. Alexis expresses her desire to go to the service with Ric. Ric vetoes Alexis' suggestion, explaining that any public eruption between Alexis and Sonny before the custody hearing could be harmful to Alexis and Ric's position. When Alexis asks why Ric wants to attend the service, Ric explains that, even though Sonny is unwilling to acknowledge their family connection, Ric is family. Alexis succeeds in persuading Ric to let Alexis accompany him to the service, explaining that she feels it is necessary to honor the little girl who was so instrumental in saving Kristina's life.

The assembled mourners are all surprised when Durant arrives. Mike coldly informs Durant that he is not welcome there, but John argues that Carly needs her family today, as much as Sonny needs his. As Samantha and Jason enter the church, Sam confides to Jason that she suddenly feels peaceful for the first time since her baby's death. Ric and Alexis arrive after the service begins and slip quietly into a back pew. However, Samantha spots them. When Sam turns around and looks directly at Alexis, Alexis suddenly gets up and leaves and Ric follows her. While the minister talks about love, Sonny shoots a hateful glance at the departing couple.

Outside, Ric catches up with Alexis and expresses his belief that it may be that the best way for them to honor Sam's child and the gratitude they feel for the gift of life that the baby gave to Kristina would be to keep their distance from the grieving mother. When Ric and Alexis return to Kristina's Hospital room, Alexis thanks Ric for trying to warn her about attending the memorial service while there is so much hostility between Alexis and Sonny. Ric assures Alexis that she had good intentions, even if Sonny or Sam might never understand her motives. Ric reminds Alexis that she did her best and Alexis's best saved Kristina's life. Later, Ric is thrilled when Kristina gives him an unexpected, impromptu kiss.

Ric shows up on the docks. He is looking for the person who tipped him off about some important file that he had for him. Ric sees a man standing on the docks and asks him if he called him with a tip about some important file. The man tells him he didn't call him and leaves. John Durant watches Ric from afar to see if he falls for the bait he left. Ric sees a business envelope laying on the bench and goes over to pick it up. The big envelope has his name written on the front. Ric looks at the contents inside. Alexis talks to Kristina before she is brought out her room for more tests. Steven tells her that they are just going to check and see how the bone marrow is working and if it is producing enough red blood cells to indicate whether Kristina is on the mend or not.

Later, Sam goes to see Kristina in her room. Jason shows up to her room and finds she isn't there. He finds her in Kristina's room. Jason comes in and talks to Kristina. Alexis finds them there. She asks to speak to Sam outside the room. She apologizes to Sam for what she said to her that day and asks for her forgiveness. Sam seems to accept her forgiveness. Alexis asks her why she came to see Kristina. Sam tells her she wanted to feel close to her own daughter by being near someone she helped. Alexis tells her she understands why she would want to see Kristina but tells her that Kristina is still too weak to have visitors who she doesn't know. Jason tells her that they were just visiting and they leave.

Later, Ric shows up to see Alexis and Kristina. Alexis tells Ric that she is afraid that once Kristina is well and out of the hospital Sonny will fight her for custody. Ric tells her that he may have the evidence to put Sonny away for good this time. However, Ric is reluctant to use the evidence against Sonny right now since Sonny is still grieving for his lost child and that it would be cruel to go after him right now. Alexis disagrees with him and tells him he must do his job and arrest Sonny before he can buy some judge to allow him partial custody of Kristina. Ric suggests they should still hold off for a while. Alexis insists he arrest Sonny now.

Ric meets with Durant on the docks. Sonny and Jason meet with his new lawyer, who wants to bring up the fact that Alexis harassed Sam like she did in court to help portray her as an unfit mother. Sonny refuses to allow her to do that in court since he can understand why Alexis would do that since she was distraught and brings up that what happened to Sam wasn't really Alexis fault. His lawyer tells him that now is not the time to use kid gloves since Alexis won't do the same in court. His lawyer tells him that she is already going to have Carly and Michael take the stand in his defense as a good father.

Carly heads to the docks. Durant sees her hiding around the corner while he is talking to Ric about the evidence he has against Sonny in his possession. Durant does an about-face and tells Ric to destroy the evidence since it doesn't come from a reliable source and that he will make a fool of himself in court by presenting the evidence in court. Ric asks Durant if he is saying this to protect his daughter. Durant denies it. Ric tells him that Carly will be fine and will be better off without Sonny. Durant tries to persuade Ric to drop the evidence. Ric is adamant that he has concrete evidence that looks legitimate enough to bring charges against Sonny. Ric takes off. Carly comes over to Durant and asks him to try and stop Ric from using the evidence. Durant tells her he will try his best but Ric seemed determined to arrest Sonny. Sonny shows up at the hospital to see Kristina.

Alexis sees him in the hallway as he is getting ready to go into Kristina's room. She asks him leave Kristina alone for now since she is so tired and weak still and doesn't know him. Sonny tells her he won't allow her to push him away since he is her father and has rights. Alexis pleads with him to put Kristina's needs before his own and let her rest. Steven comes over and tells them that from the tests he ran on Kristina it looks like the bone marrow is working. Sonny thanks Steven for saving Morgan first and then saving his other daughter's life and tells him he won't forget what he has done for him. Ric, Lucky, and another uniformed cop show up. Sonny asks Lucky what he is doing there. Lucky tells him he is sorry but he came to arrest him. Sonny thinks he is being arrested for the restraining order Ric got to keep him away from Kristina and tells Ric that he had that restraining order revoked. Ric tells him he came to arrest him on other charges such as tax fraud, extortion, and money laundering. Sonny looks at Alexis accusingly.

Alexis joyfully celebrates a happy birthday with Kristina, and decides to show her daughter the new falling snow. She goes to the roof of the hospital to get some, and finds a collapsed Sam unconscious on the cold ground. Alexis manages to get Sam back in the hospital, and saves her from hypothermia and death. Jason arrives and immediately accuses Alexis of harming Sam, but Sam and Dr. Meadows assure him that Alexis in fact saved Sam's life. Jason asks Sam why she'd do what she did, and she apologizes and says she wanted to be sure her daughter got into Heaven. She tells him that she can't handle the pain, and that it won't go away, and Jason reminds her that it will take her time and that it won't be easy.

Ric warns Sonny that regardless of who gave him the evidence, he has it and it will put Sonny away for a long time. Ric expresses remorse at having been handed the proof of Sonny's misdeeds, and having to do it right after his daughter died. Sonny doesn't buy Ric's sympathy, and tells him that he'll get out of it. Justus interrupts the meeting, demanding time with Sonny. Sonny agrees to allow Justus to represent him, and Justus tells him if he can find evidence that the file on Sonny was obtained illegally, he can have it thrown out. Ric suddenly rushes back into the room, demanding that Sonny admit to having Ric's apartment set on fire. Sonny is oblivious to what happened, but Ric tells him it's too convenient, and then he goes off to find the file. Justus and Sonny think they got lucky and likely the file was burned. Both assume Jason set the blaze, but later Jason tells them that he had nothing to do with it and Sonny wonders who he now owes.

Ric confronts Carly in Steven's hospital room, and says he's certain she is behind the fire at his apartment. Carly admits to nothing, but Ric points out that despite her looming divorce from Sonny, Carly still loves her husband and would protect him at all costs. Steven demands that Ric stop harassing Carly and leave his room. Later, he asks Carly if she is still in love with Sonny, but she tells him that love is not enough for her relationship, and that it has run its course and is now over. Carly then wonders why Steven rescued her and covered for her, and it's clear that he has feelings for her.

After the fire is put out at Ric's apartment, Alexis secretly enters the living room and finds Sonny's charred file. She steals it and goes to make copies of the evidence against him. On her way, she runs into Sonny's attorney, Jordan, who assures Alexis that Sonny can get custody of Kristina. Alexis counters that she has no doubt that Kristina will remain where she belongs-with her. Back at the station, Sonny wonders to Jason about who might be the person to set the fire. Neither can come up with an answer.

Alexis shows up at Sonny's penthouse after Carly leaves, and she pulls out the charred file of evidence against him. She hands him the file, but warns him to not set fire to it because she has several copies planted all over town. Sonny asks her what she wants from him, and she demands that he get on the stand at the custody hearing, and do for her what he did for Carly. Sonny is confused, but Alexis presses him to stand up in front of the court and tell them that Kristina belongs with her mother. She warns Sonny that if he doesn't do what she's asking, she will hand his file over to Ric and have him sent to prison.

Sonny tries to give Steven a reward for saving Carly’s life. Steven coldly declares that he does not want Sonny's money and did what he did for Carly, not for Sonny. At that moment, Alexis arrives and, overhearing Sonny's statements about the money, Alexis accuses Sonny of attempting to bribe Steven. Sonny brushes aside Alexis's accusations and storms away from Steven's room. However, Alexis follows Sonny and quietly reminds Sonny that Alexis has copies of the file which incriminates Sonny in many, many criminal activities and Alexis is prepared to hand that file over to Ric unless Sonny guarantees that Alexis will have sole custody of Kristina. Sonny reluctantly agrees to go along with the plan that Alexis proposes for Kristina.

However, before Sonny can leave, Ric spots Alexis and Sonny together and accuses Sonny of harassing Alexis. Sonny brags that he will eventually be successful in gaining custody of Kristina, no matter what else Ric and Alexis have planned to keep Sonny from his daughter. Sonny warns Alexis about Ric's obsession with getting even with Sonny. After Sonny smugly saunters away, Ric asks Alexis what her plans are for their marriage, once Alexis has obtained sole custody of her daughter. Alexis assures Ric that, although she appreciates Ric's efforts to protect her, there are just some things that Alexis needs to deal with on her own. Alexis also assures Ric that she has come to trust and depend on Ric for his support and is actually enjoying being married to Ric, because Alexis knows that Ric genuinely cares about Alexis and about Kristina.

Later, Ric visits Steven and accuses Steven of being the arsonist on Sonny's payroll who started a fire in Ric's apartment to get rid of the incriminating file that could send Sonny to prison for many years to come. Steven directs Ric to Steven's scorched jacket in the closet and shows Ric a screen for toxins from the Weston case. Steven insists that Steven had gone by Ric's apartment to drop off the report, saw the smoke, and kicked in the door of Ric's apartment in an effort to save Ric's life. Ric refuses to believe Steven's story and points out that if Steven is not the one who set the fire, then Steven is covering for the real arsonist, Carly.

Carly spots Alexis when Carly arrives at the hospital and Carly urges Alexis to compromise with Sonny. However, Alexis refuses to listen to Carly's sudden moralizing. Alexis coldly reminds Carly that it was not so long ago that Carly blackmailed Alexis to represent Carly as Carly fought for custody of Carly's own two sons.

Jason slips into Durant's apartment to plant an illegal bug. Soon afterward, John returns home and quickly receives a visit from Ric. Ric tells John that if John was the source of the incriminating file, then John needs to give Ric any copies that John may have kept for insurance, so they can prevent Sonny from getting off the hook once again.

Alexis assures Kristina that no one will be able to interfere with their life together ever again. Alexis interrupts Sonny and Sam as Sonny is saying goodbye to Sam, and she later reminds Sonny that he needs to have a "change of heart" during his testimony, and ask that Alexis get full and permanent custody of Kristina. Jason interrupts them, and Alexis reminds them both that if the tables were turned, Sonny would be doing everything to hold onto Kristina. She leaves the apartment, and Jason goes over to check on Sam. Sam agrees it's time to get rid of the baby's stuff, and so they box it up and give it to Max to be donated. Jason asks Sam if she's all right, and she tells him that it's the hardest thing she's ever had to deal with.

Ric threatens John to give him another copy of the file or he'll arrest Carly for arson. John, not knowing that Jason is listening to the device that was planted in the apartment, admits nothing to Ric and tells him that Carly was with him. Ric brings John to the station to give his account of the time with Carly, and then compares it to Carly's story. Thanks to John's earlier warning on the situation, Carly is able to answer all of the questions exactly as John did, and Ric is forced to release her. Ric admits to Alexis that he doesn't think he can locate another copy of the file, and Alexis tells him to leave it alone. She says she thinks Sonny will have a change of heart, and Ric realizes that Alexis has the file and is using it to blackmail Sonny.

Ric and Jordan spar over the custody battle, and Alexis calls Jordan on her accusations that Alexis is an unfit mother to Kristina. Jordan reminds Alexis she lied about Kristina's paternity, but Alexis vows to keep her daughter safe from Sonny. Later, Sonny visits Kristina in the hospital and gives her an advent calendar. Ric witnesses the moment, and rather than interrupt, he asks to be a part of it. He listens intently as Sonny tells Kristina that his mother gave him a calendar every year, and Ric begs to hear more about the things their mom did for Sonny as a child. Alexis comes upon the gathering, and promptly pulls Ric away. She warns him that Sonny knows Ric's weakness is wanting his brother to love him, and she implores Ric to not allow Sonny to use that in gaining custody of Kristina.

Alexis finds Sonny at GH, Rick and Kristina looking at an Advent calendar together. Alexis calls Ric aside and warns Ric that Sonny is being his most charming for a reason, Sonny knows that Ric wants Sonny's approval and Sonny is willing to exploit Ric's weakness to have Kristina. Ric counters by reminding Alexis of everything that Ric has done recently to guarantee that Kristina will remain where the little girl belongs, with her mother. Sonny confides to Kristina that Sonny believes that Kristina will soon be living with her very own father.

Ric cautions Alexis about making a scene in front of Kristina in a public place like the hospital and assures Alexis that he is trying to make everything okay for Kristina. Ric coaxes Kristina into taking a walk with him and Alexis informs Sonny that the custody hearing has been moved up and Alexis expects Sonny to 'suddenly' decide, while on the witness stand, that Kristina belongs with her mother or Alexis will return the incriminating file to Ric. Alexis also warns Sonny that all of Sonny's talk about Kristina going home with Sonny is frightening and confusing to the little girl. Alexis reminds Sonny that Kristina will be a target to all of Sonny's enemies, but Sonny insists that he only wants what is best for his daughter.

After Sonny leaves, Ric returns and announces that he needs to return to the office. Alexis suddenly begs Ric to stay with her for a few minutes. Alexis reassures Ric that she knows that he is doing everything he can protect Alexis and Kristina. While sharing a kiss, Alexis expresses her hope that everything will be okay as soon as the custody hearing is over and Sonny is out of their lives for good.

Alexis arrives at PCPD to go with Nikolas to the wedding. Alexis arrives at the church and goes to the Bride's Room to inform Emily that Nikolas has arrived. Alexis tearfully thanks Emily for giving Nikolas the home that Nikolas has always wanted but has never been able to have.