Pilar wakes up in the middle of the night to find Lance's spot in bed empty.  Sitting up in bed, she sees that he is sitting at the window looking out into the darkness.  Pilar switches on the light beside her.  

 

"Lance?"  She calls to him as she gets out of bed.  "Couldn't sleep?"

 

"No.  I'm sorry if I woke you."

 

"You didn't.  I wasn't sound asleep, anyway, and then I noticed you weren't in bed beside me.  Worry about Falcon Crest?"

 

Lance sighs.  "What else?  I'm mad as hell, and scared too, Pilar.  I honestly thought were were long past the days when we had to worry about losing Falcon Crest.  If only Grandmother were here.  It's in times of crisis like this that I miss her most."

 

"Yeah,"  Pilar says.  "Angela would know what to do, for sure.  But honey, don't count Richard out yet."

 

"Come on, Pilar.  Do you really think Richard Channing is gonna give up his newspaper to save Falcon Crest?"

 

"Falcon Crest is part of his heritage......his CHILDREN'S heritage."

 

"And so is the paper.  I guess now, all we can do is wait for Richard's decision."

 

Pilar puts her arms around her husband and embraces him.  

"Damn right, I am,"  Richard says.  "I can't believe this is happening.  Jeremy Lord a bastard son of my father's?  And now the son of a bitch offered me a choice......either I sell him the newspaper that my father left me, or my family loses control of all of Falcon Crest to him and Vicky.  I have to choose between my father's legacy and my mother's?  Damn that man."

"I'm sorry, Richard.  Is there anything I can do?"

Richard turns and looks at her with a smile.  "Well, you became my wife, and that's definitely something.  I finally feel as if I have someone by my side again for the first time since I lost Lauren."

"I intend to always be by your side,"  Katherine says.  "And together, you and I are going to make ALL of the people who've wronged us pay.  Including Jeremy and the Ewings.  I'm just still blown away by the fact that Jeremy is your half-brother."

"All the time you were married to him, he never mentioned his father?"  Richard asks.  

"No.  His father was something Jeremy didn't like to talk about.  All he told me was that his father had died several years before we met.  I did get to know his mother quite well, though."

 

"And what was she like?"  Richard asks.  

 

Before Katherine can answer his question, her cell phone rings.  "Hold that thought," she says.  She picks up the phone from the nightstand beside her bed and answers:  "Hello?"

 

 

 

 

"Katherine, this is Jim Tatum,"  says the man on the other end of the line.

Joseph is working at his desk in his new office at Gioberti & Sons Shipping that morning and is looking over some contracts.  He buzzes his new secretary.  "Kelly, could you please bring me the Mitchell contract?"

 

"Yes, sir,"  Kelly says.  A moment later, Kelly walks into Joseph's office with some papers.

 

"Thanks, Kelly."

 

"You're welcome.  Ummm, Mr. Gioberti......your brother met with Mr. Mitchell early this morning, and he got him to sign the contract.  There's a copy."

 

Joseph looks at her.  "My brother did WHAT?"  He asks, annoyed.  "He met with Bob Mitchell?  That was supposed to be MY account."

 

"I know, and I'm sorry, Mr. Gioberti,"  Kelly says.

 

"Kelly, look, how many times do I have to tell you....you can call me Joseph."

 

Kelly smiles.  "Yes, sir.  Joseph."

 

"I think I need to go talk to my brother,"  Joseph says, standing to his feet. "Thank you, Kelly, you can go."

 

Kelly smiles again, then turns and walks out of the office.  

 

Angry at his brother's interference, Joseph walks out of his office and over to his brother's.  He knocks on Chase's door.

 

"Come in,"  he hears Chase say.

 

 

 

 

 

"Chase, what the hell do you think you're doing?"  Joseph asks.

Chase smiles.  "Well, big brother, I'm sitting at my desk doing my job," he says sarcastically.  "Or did you have something more specific in mind?"

 

"You know good and well what I'm talking about, LITTLE BROTHER.  Bob Mitchell?  That was MY account and you stole it out from under me?"

 

"I didn't steal anything, big bro.  Bob Mitchell has been a client of Gioberti & Sons for four years.  He wanted to meet with someone in the company he knows, such as Dad, or myself.  Since you've been off doing your own thing the last few years, Mitchell doesn't know you from Adam, so he would've been uncomfortable."

 

"Come on, Chase, you know that's complete bull,"  Joseph says.  "You're so threatened by my presence here that you'd do anything to make me look bad, including stealing my account."

 

"My God, you're paranoid,"  Chase says, standing.  "You really are.  You think I'd really go that far?"

 

"I know you would.  But it's not gonna work.  I'm here at Gioberti & Sons to STAY, little brother.  Get use to it."  Joseph gives his brother an angry look, then turns and walks out of the office.  

 

Chase smiles.  "I wouldn't count on getting too comfortable around here if I were you, Joseph," he says after his brother is gone.

As Kevin is getting dressed, Emma walks from the bathroom into the bedroom of her suite at the Omni Hotel.  She looks at him for a moment.  "You've hardly said a word since I told you about the baby yesterday," she says.

 

"I'm sorry,"  Kevin says.  "I'm just.........I wasn't expecting that."

 

"I know.  Neither was I.  Kevin, I know this comes as a shock to you.  And I know that you're not ready to be a father yet."

 

Kevin looks at her, then takes her by the hand.  "I love you, Emma.  And this child........this child is part of you.  Part of both of us.  This news caught me off guard, and I'm sorry if my reaction gave the impression that I'm not happy about it.  I am.  And it's not like we're teenagers.  We're both adults, and I want to do the right thing."

 

"The right thing?"  Emma asks.

 

"Yes,"  Kevin says.  "Emma, I wanna marry you."

 

"Marry?  Kevin, I........"

 

"Just, let me finish.  I love you.  And, I think you love me, too, or you wouldn't have come here.  I've spent the last decade of my life living in the fast lane.  Partying, drinking.  Traveling.  I mean, I've never even held a real job.  But now, Emma, I'm 29-years-old.  It's time I settled down and became a responsible man, especially NOW."  Kevin smiles.  "My God, I can't believe it.  I'm gonna be a father.  I can't wait to tell my family this news.  So, Emma Ryland.......will you?  Marry me?"

 

Emma remains silent for a moment as she looks at him, the guilt of her lie beginning to weigh on her mind.  "Kevin, I.........I don't know.  Marriage, this is a huge step."

 

"I know it is.  And I don't expect an answer right away.  Take your time and think about it."  Kevin puts his arms around Emma and embraces her.  As she lays her head on Kevin's shoulder, a tear rolls down Emma's cheek.  How could she marry Kevin, knowing that the real father of her child is Lucas Krebbs?

 

"Richard?  You're kidding.  What was Jeremy's first wife doing with Richard Channing?"

 

Vicky sighs.  "Well, here's another shock.......Katherine and Richard are now MARRIED.  They both showed up at Falcon Crest last night, and announced to us that they are now husband and wife."

 

"Oh, wow,"  says Cole.

 

"Anyway, Katherine and Jeremy's second son did not die as she led Jeremy to believe.  He's alive, and well, and living in Dallas,  Texas.  He's 22 now.  Jeremy went to see him a couple days ago."

 

"Vicky, this, umm, this whole thing is a lot to digest,"  Cole says.

 

"Well, big, brother, you, uh.......you haven't heard anything yet.  Because here is the REAL shocker.  Jeremy's biological father was Douglas Channing."

 

Cole's mouth falls open in shock.  "Douglas.......Douglas CHANNING was your husband's father?  Douglas Channing, who was also Richard, Julia, and Emma's father?"

 

"That's the one."

 

"Then, Jeremy and Richard are........."

 

"Yeah,"  Vicky says.  "Half-brothers.  That's why we came here, Cole.  Because Jeremy wanted to take from Richard what he feels is partly his."

 

"Vicky, how long have you known about this?  That Douglas was Jeremy's father?"

 

"Since we were married."

 

"What?  All these years, and you kept this secret?" Cole asks, running his hand through his hair.

 

"Jeremy wanted to wait until the timing was right to make his move."

 

"His move against Richard Channing?  Vicky, I don't like this.  I don't like this one bit, and the more I'm hearing, the less I'm liking it.  Richard Channing is a ruthless and dangerous man."

 

"I know that and so does Jeremy.  But my husband is equally powerful as Richard.  In fact, he already has Richard's back to the wall.  Jeremy managed to loan Emma's daughter, Angela St. James, the money that was needed to save Falcon Crest from going under.  And now, he's using that to bargain with Richard........Part of Falcon Crest in exchange for Richard's newspaper......the paper that was started by Jeremy's father, Douglas."

 

Cole walks over to his sister.  "Vicky, I REALLY do not like this at all.  Richard Channing does not bargain."

 

"Cole, part of this is for US.  Our grandfather, Jason, owned part of Falcon Crest, and that was left to our father.  Remember all those years Angela Channing tried to drive Dad and our family from this Valley?  All the terrible things she did?  Angela never stopped until Dad was dead.  Well now this is our chance to get back what is rightfully ours.  Our half of Falcon Crest.  Jeremy's doing this as much for me as for himself."

 

"Are you sure about that, Vicky?"  Cole asks.  "Because it sounds to me like Jeremy is only in this for himself.  Y'know, when you introduced me to your husband, I really liked him.  But now, after hearing all this and hearing the things that he's done.........I don't think Jeremy Lord is any better than Richard Channing."

 

Vicky looks at her brother.

 

"As long as one of 'em is you.......you bet,"  Nick replies with a smile.

 

Gabby and Alex walk into the room, Gabby carrying a medium sized wrapped gift box.  "Here, this is for you,"  she says, handing him the gift.

 

"Hey, what's this?"  Nick asks.

 

 

 

 

 

"Why don't you open it and find out?"  Alex asks.

 

Nick smiles, then rips into the gift paper and opens the box.  Reaching in, he pulls out a hat, and a shirt.  He unfolds the shirt and looks at it, reading the caption on the front of the shirt:  "I'm a fighter."

"And you are, ya know,"  Gabby says.  "Nick, you are the strongest person I know.  You're going to beat this cancer.  I just know you are."  

 

A sad look cross the faces of both Nick and Alex as they exchange looks, both knowing that Nick's cancer is worse than Gabby realizes.

 

Gabby notices the looks the two boys exchange.  "Hey, what's going on, you guys?  Why the sad looks?  Nick WILL beat this cancer.  I know he will.  Because like that shirt says, you're a fighter.  Right?"

"I love it, and my room's really awesome.  It's big, and I love having my own bathroom,"  Alex says.  

Jeremy smiles.  "Wonderful.  I'm very glad you like it here.  Where's your mother?"

"She's upstairs."

"Alright,"  Jeremy says as his cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "Hello," he says.

 

"Jeremy.......Father........it's Austin.  I'm in trouble," says Jeremy's other son, Austin Wentworth, on the phone.

 

"Why?  What's wrong?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"I was arrested last night.  I'm out of jail now, but, I'm really scared."

"Alright, try not to worry.  I'll come,"  Jeremy tells him.  "I'll be there tomorrow."

 

"Thanks.  Mom is here with her new husband.  This guy Richard Channing.  But, I just needed to talk to you."

 

"Austin, I'm very glad you phoned me.  That makes me very happy.  Listen, you try and get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow.  Goodnight."  Jeremy ends the call and puts his phone away.

 

"Who was that, Dad?"  Alex asks, a curious look on his face.  "Who's Austin?"

 

Jeremy looks at his youngest son, unsure of how to answer the boy's question, and unsure to tell Alex about the older brother Alex never even knew existed.

Richard and Katherine walk into her mansion in Dallas that night after getting her son Austin out of jail following his arrest on suspicion in the murder of Jan Pierce.  Upon walking in, Katherine heads straight for the bar and pours herself a drink.

 

"Are you alright?"  Richard asks, walking over to her.

 

She sighs deeply.  "No, Richard, I'm not.  I can't believe this is happening.  My son, arrested for murder.  And did you hear how bitterly he sounded?  I wish I could've convinced him to come home with me, instead of staying alone at that hotel."

 

"Austin is an angry young man right now.  The kid's been hit with a lot of surprises lately.  Finding out after all these years who his father is, and that he has an older brother he never knew existed.  Then on top of all that, he's hit with the shock of our marriage.  Maybe I shouldn't have come."

 

"No, Richard,"  says Katherine.  "I'm very glad you did come to Dallas with me.  I honestly don't think I could get through this on my own."

 

Richard smiles, then puts his arms around his new wife, embracing her.  

 

 

"So, man,"  Eric says.  "I guess, uh, with that little announcement last night that your father is my Grandma Julia's brother, that would make us cousins, right?"

 

 

"Yeah, I guess it does,"  Jonathon says.  

 

"So, that's all your Dad's really after?  Uncle Richard's newspaper?"

 

"That, and the part of Falcon Crest that once belonged to my stepmom Vicky's family."

 

"So, what if Uncle Richard decides not to take your father's little ultimatum?  He turns MY family out of the only home we've ever known?"

 

"Look, bro, you're taking this up with the wrong Lord,"  says Jonathon.  "My father is the one you need to be asking.  NOT me."

 

"So, what?  He just sends you out to do his dirty work, and then doesn't confide the details to you?"  Eric asks.  "I don't buy that for a second.  You're his son, and obviously his  trusted henchman.  He sent you to set up my rather dimwitted cousin Angela.......oh, excuse me, OUR rather dimwitted cousin........and get her to borrow that money from him just so he could pull the rug out from under her.  Then he sent you to do his dirty work and call in that loan."

 

Jonathon stops his workout and looks at Eric.  "Dude, like I said, you want answers......ask my father.  I did a job my father asked me to do, because I am his son.  But I'm no one's errand boy, or henchman."  He grabs his towel and starts to walk out.  

 

"Jonathon,"  Eric calls to him.

 

Jonathon stops and turns back to Eric.  

 

"If you really believe that,"  Eric says. "Then you're about as dumb as Angela.  And I doubt you're ever gonna be any more than your father's errand boy."

 

"And what exactly are YOU, cousin? I've heard that you've spent most of your life rebelling, in and out of jail. Never gave a damn about Falcon Crest until now.  Yet here you are on your parents' behalf."

 

Eric smiles.  "You know, dude, you're right about one thing.  I never did care about Falcon Crest.  In fact, I use to think my family would be better off without Falcon Crest.  But I don't really feel that way anymore.  See, I grew up, and I came to realize how much that winery means to my family, and I'll stand with them against anyone who tries to take it away from us.  You're new to this family.  And that's something you need to learn.  We fight among ourselves, but we always stand together against outsiders."

 

"Well, we'll see if the whole family feels that way when dear old Uncle Richard makes his choice between Falcon Crest, or his precious newspaper."  Jonathon smiles, then turns and walks out.

 

"This sounds bad.  Okay, so what did I do?"  Alex asks.

 

"You didn't do anything,"  Vicky says.

 

"Alex, this is not bad,"  says Jeremy.  "Son, I want you to listen to very carefully.  This might be rather difficult for you to understand."

 

"Oh God.  You guys are getting a divorce."

 

"No, it's nothing like that.  Alex, you and Jonathon have another brother."

 

"What?  Dad, what are you saying?  Another brother?  So, what happened?  You and Mom have another kid?"

 

"No.  Your mother........is not Austin's mother."

 

"Austin.  The Austin who called you?"  Alex asks.

 

"Yes.  I didn't know of Austin's existence until very recently."

 

"How old is he?"

 

"He's 22."

 

"Dad, I'm trying real hard to understand this.  He's 22.  That was before you and Mom got married, right?  So, you weren't married to Austin's mother?  What?"

 

"Alex, your father WAS married to Austin's mother.  He and Jonathon had the same mother."

 

"Yes,"  Jeremy says.  "Jonathon and Austin's mother and I separated when Austin was born.  She left, and she told me that Austin had died at birth."

 

"You mean........for 22 years you had this other son out there that you didn't even know about?  You thought he was dead all this time?"

 

"That's right."

 

"But, where was he?  You said his mother left.  Dad, I always thought your first wife died."

 

"No, son.  She is very much alive."

 

"So, where is Austin?"

 

"He lives in Dallas, Texas."

 

Alex stands to his feet and walks across the room to the window.  

 

"Sweety, are you alright?"  Vicky asks.

 

Alex turns back to his parents.  "I just can't believe it.  I have another brother.  Dad, I wanna meet him."

 

Smiling, Jeremy walks over to his son.  "And you will."

 

"On the phone, you told Austin you were coming to Dallas?"

 

"Yes.  He's in some kind of trouble."

 

"What kind of trouble?"  Vicky asks.

 

"I'm not exactly certain,"  Jeremy replies.  

 

"I wanna come with you,"  Alex says.  

 

"Son, I don't think....."

 

"Please, Dad."

 

"We'll all go,"  says Vicky.  

 

Jeremy looks at her and nods.  "Alright."

"You're wrong, Kevin.  I do,"  Emma says.  "I do love you."

 

"And what about Lucas?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Lucas is part of my past, Kevin.  YOU are my present, and my future.  You, and this baby."

 

Kevin looks at her for a moment and then smiles.  He sits up in bed and kisses her.  "You are the most beautiful and amazing woman I've ever met."

 

"And you're a pretty amazing man, Kevin Channing.  And, to answer your very important question.......yes.  I'll marry you."

 

Kevin's smile grows wider.  "Really?  You'll marry me?"

 

"Yes."

 

"You've just made me the happiest man alive.  And the luckiest."  Kevin kisses her again.  "Let's get dressed.  I wanna go over and tell my father and Michael and Angie."

 

"And Elena......let's not forget Elena,"  says Emma.  "I just know she's gonna be thrilled to death to have me for a sister-in-law."

 

Kevin laughs.

 

"Yes.  Victoria, Alex, and I are flying to Dallas today, and I'd like for you to come with us.  I'm going to see your brother.  Austin."

 

"Then you told Alex about him?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"Yes, last night,"  Jeremy says.  "Austin phoned me.  He's in some sort of trouble, and I'm going to see if I can help."

 

"And what about Falcon Crest and The Globe.  You gave Richard Channing 72 hours to make his decision."

 

"Well, if need be, I will extend the deadline.  I'm sure Lance Cumson and the others at Falcon Crest would be very grateful.  Right now, your brother is more important to me than Falcon Crest of The Globe.  Will you come with us?"

 

"Dad, I really don't know,"  Jonathon says.  

 

"Do you have anything better to do this weekend?"

 

"No, I don't have anything more important to do, but......"

 

"Jonathon, Austin is your brother,"  Jeremy says.  "I want the two of you to get to know one another.  I'm asking you.......come with us."

 

Jonathon sighs.  "Okay, fine.  I'll come.  When are you leaving?"

 

Jeremy smiles.  "Be at the house in two hours," he says, then quickly leaves.

 

After his father is gone, Jonathon walks over and takes a seat on his bed.  "Dallas.  To meet a brother I never even knew was alive until a few days ago.  Just great."

As Michael gets dressed that morning, Elena lies in bed watching him.  "You know, you never told me how your trip to Dallas went, and exactly what you went there for."

 

Michael turns to her and smiles.  "My trip was very......productive.  And, hopefully soon we'll begin to see the fruits of my labors."

 

Elena gets off the bed and walks over to him. "Michael, I don't like this.  I don't like this at all.  John Ross is a very formidable enemy.  He doesn't play by any rules."

 

"And neither am I,"  Kevin says, taking a seat on the sofa in their bedroom.  "Honey, I know what I'm doing."

 

"I just don't want this to backfire."

"It's not gonna backfire, Elena,"  Michael says. "We're gonna get your son back from that jackass.  I met someone while I was in Dallas.  Someone who hates John Ross as much as we do.  And, someone who wants to see John Ross and Krystina apart."

 

"Who?"  Elena asks.

 

"A guy named Brad Stone.  He wants Krystina Ewing for himself, and, I think I convinced him that breaking those two up would be in all our best interests."

 

"And exactly how are you going to go about breaking them up?"

 

"You just let me worry about, sweetheart,"  Michael says with a smile.  "You just concentrate on getting ready to be a full-time mother to your little boy."

 

Elena looks at her husband, worried that Michael is biting off more than he can chew coming up against John Ross.

 

Kevin and Emma walk into the house hand in hand.  "Hello?"  Kevin calls out as they walk into the foyer. "Anybody home?"

 

Kevin's sister Angie comes down the stairs.  "Hey, Kevin.  What's up?"

 

"Where's everyone?"

 

"Michael and Elena are upstairs."

 

"And where's Dad?"  Kevin asks.

 

 

"Dad is in Dallas with his new wife,"  replies Angie.

 

"Excuse me?  His new WHAT?"

 

"His new wife.  Katherine Wentworth."

 

 

"Your father MARRIED my crazy Aunt Katherine?"  Emma asks.

 

"Yep.  Yesterday.  Came as quite a shock.  But then again, I should know by now that NOTHING should come as a shock in this family.  Now, was there something that you two wanted to tell us?"

 

"Uh, yeah,"  Kevin says.  "Sis.......Emma and I are getting married."

 

"You're WHAT?"  Asks Michael, he and Elena standing on the stairs.  The two proceed down the stairs and into the foyer.  

 

"You heard me, big brother.  Miss Emma Ryland has consented to be my wife."

 

 

"Well, Elena, aren't you going to congratulate me and welcome me into the family?"  Emma asks.

 

Elena looks at her for a moment.  "Congratulations," she finally says, reluctantly and with little sincerity.

 

"Thank you,"  Emma says with a smile.  "Hard to believe, isn't it?  After all our history and everything, you're going to be my sister-in-law."

 

Elena looks at Emma, unhappy at the prospect of having her as a member of the same family.

Nick gets out of his shower late that morning, having come home from the hospital for the weekend until he had to go back for his next round of chemo the next week.  As he grabs a towel and begins to dry his head, he notices something feels strange.  He looks down at the towel and sees that it is covered with very short hairs.  HIS hairs.  He reaches his hand up and touches his hand, but all he feels is smooth skin.  Turning around, he takes another towel and wipes the mirror, which has fogged over from the steam of the shower.  He looks at his reflection in amazement and sadness.  What had been left of his hair after his cut, was now gone, and his head was as bald and smooth as it could possibly be.  Nick again touches his head.  He begins to cry at this latest attack on his young body by the cancer and the chemotherapy he was having to take to prolong his life.  He hears the doorbell ring.  

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, his mother, Susan Fairchild, opens the front door after several rings of the doorbell and finds Gabby on the porch.  "Hello, Mrs. Fairchild."

 

"Oh, Gabby, please come in,"  Susan says.  

 

"Thanks.  I knew Nick was coming home for the weekend, so, I wanted to come by and see him someplace besides that hospital."

 

"He's up in his room,"  Susan says.  "I think he's taking a shower.  Come on, let's see."

 

"Thanks,"  Gabby says with a smile.  She follows Nick's mother up the stairs and down the hall to Nick's bedroom.  Susan knocks on her son's door. "Nick, honey, Gabby's here to see you."

 

"Come in,"  they hear Nick say softly.  

 

"Go on in,"  Susan says with a smile. 

 

"Thanks, Mrs. Fairchild,"  the girl says.  As Susan walks away, Gabby opens the door and walks into Nick's room, where he is sitting on the floor, having just slipped on his shirt, and wearing the hat she had bought for him.  "Nick, are you alright?  What's wrong?"

 

"When I was drying my head after taking a shower, what was left of my hair fell out,"  Nick says.  

 

"Nick, you're every bit as handsome as ever to me,"  Gabby says, gently touching his head.  

 

"Gabby, I thought I was past being scared.  But, last night, I hurt.  My bones, they hurt so bad I couldn't sleep.  They had to give me a pain shot.  And this morning, I had to take two pills for pain.  And then now, with my hair falling out........for the first time since the first night they told me I have cancer..........I'm really scared. Gabby, I'm so scared."

 

Her heart breaking, Gabby embraces the boy she loves and holds Nick as he breaks down in tears.  Not knowing what to say to ease his fears, Gabby simply holds him as she, too, begins to cry.