Photo Credit: Adam Campbell

Nicole and EJ return to the house, hugely celebratory, confident that EJ will be named mayor after the recount. He’s curious about how she managed to pull off this promised upset – but she’s strangely reticent to talk about it, insisting she doesn’t want to dwell on it and would rather focus on his achievement. He expresses concern about Lexie now that Abe’s been accused of ballot tampering. Later, EJ and Nicole celebrate by making love… Afterwards, while EJ sleeps, Nicole makes a cryptic call regarding his victory, warning someone she knows what they did Abe comes home to Lexie, stunned to find her packing. He knows she’s angry and disappointed and pulls out all the stops to explain himself. But Lexie feels they’ve come too far in their relationship for him to have been lying to her. They were supposed to be past all that. And now she’s faced with having to admit to their son that his father isn’t the man of integrity and character she’d claimed he was. Abe knows he has no defense except that he was trying to save Salem from having EJ installed as mayor, and pleads with her to find a way to work this out. But Lexie is too disappointed, too wounded, and says she intends to leave and take Theo with her. Abe preempts by saying he’ll move out instead.

Brady comes to Madison, almost against his better judgment – ready to hear why she lied to him all this time about her marriage to Ian. A pained Madison recounts the story of her relationship with this charismatic man, and Brady is thrown to learn that while she may have started out loving him, that love was not necessarily returned. Ian played around on her consistently … but with one woman in particular: Kate. Growing emotional, Madison reveals Ian has a hold over her that even she’s not quite able to explain … all she knows is he’s controlling and she can’t assert herself with him. Even given all this Brady doesn’t understand why she hasn’t divorced Ian … and that’s when Ian himself arrives to declare: because he won’t allow it … ever!  Earlier, Ian visits Kate and their connection is palpable, even as she attempts to resist it. They kiss but she pulls away. He tells her there’s never been anyone like her, insisting they share something and she knows it, too. She as much as admits it but states her resolve to return home to her husband … and put Ian in her rearview mirror. He knowingly tells her that may be easier said than done. She goes home, rattled. There she finds a mysterious note from Stefano claiming he had to leave town unexpectedly … and will be in touch.

Marlena and Rafe separately arrive at Sami’s to see the kids, who have already left for school. Sami is cool to Rafe, and Marlena encourages them to talk and work things out. Sami bristles at her mother’s interference, and Rafe leaves, not wanting to fight. After he’s gone, Marlena and Sami get into a heated argument. Marlena encourages her daughter to make things right with Rafe. Sami once again dredges up all the old wounds of the past. Marlena calls Sami on her selfishness and the argument escalates until Marlena finally tells Sami that she is doing to Will exactly what Sami has always accused Marlena of doing to her. Sami reacts, suspecting Marlena knows about her and EJ. She demands her mother explain herself. Jack brings Abigail to Jennifer and facilitates reconciliation between them. Jennifer finally gives Abigail her blessing to take the modeling gig with Madison’s company. Abigail leaves and Jennifer praises Jack for how he’s changed and declares not only that she loves him, but that she wants the two of them to get back together. Jack surprises her by saying all he’s ever done is hurt her and he’s sure he will again, so he thinks it’s better if the two of them just remain good friends. He’s not doing this because he doesn’t love her, but because he does. He gives her a warm embrace and then goes, leaving behind a devastated Jennifer.

Austin and Carrie are determined to make things right in their marriage. They decide not to return to Switzerland but do decide to get away for a romantic weekend together. Austin leaves for the University and Carrie goes to her old office to retrieve some papers. When Carrie arrives at the office, Rafe is there and they both fight their strong attraction. Meanwhile, Austin has called Abigail to his office and tries to apologize for hurting her. He tells her he’s terribly sorry, but he still loves his wife. Abigail is angry at first, but then takes a different tack. She tells Austin if he wants to save his marriage, he needs to be honest with Carrie and tell her everything, including that he and Abigail slept together. Abigail offers to go with him and be there when he does – much to Austin’s horror.

Sami accuses Marlena of having some inside information on her. Marlena tries to protect Will, but he interrupts the confrontation and confirms he told his grandmother Sami slept with EJ. Guilty Sami lashes out at both of them, believing Will wants to hurt her and that Marlena relishes thinking the worst of her after all the years Sami spent guilting Marlena about her relationship with John. Marlena works hard to get Sami to see that’s not the way it is at all. She’s concerned about the burden Will has been carrying and about Sami, Rafe and their family. Emotional Sami breaks down in her mother’s arms. Marlena also tries to persuade Will to forgive Sami because what happened is not entirely her fault. Sami and Marlena almost reconnect … until Marlena counsels Sami to tell Rafe the truth about sleeping with EJ. Sami vehemently refuses, believing it will jeopardize her marriage. Marlena and Will disagree, arguing it’s wrong for Sami to let Rafe blame himself for ruining their marriage when he kissed Carrie. When Sami still refuses, Will isn’t surprised, accusing his mother of being selfish to the core.  Ian drops in on Victor, Maggie and Brady, claiming he wants to mend fences. They are begrudgingly impressed when he presents a brilliant business plan for Titan, but the jury is out until he implements it. Quinn returns Countess Wilhelmina products to Kate, explaining he’s working with Madison now. Kate has a showdown with Madison, who delights in having usurped her deal with Quinn since no contract was signed. Kate doesn’t understand why Madison is so determined to destroy her … until Ian shows up and Kate is shocked to realize they are married. She realizes Madison knew about their past affair and is resentful. An ugly confrontation between rivals builds as Ian observes. Kate brings up Brady, but Madison counters, making Ian and Kate aware that she knows this isn’t the first time they have seen each other since he arrived in town. Privately, Madison warns Ian he has taught her well. Later, Madison comes face-to-face with Brady. Meanwhile, Victor confirms to Maggie he’s been off his game since they got married, but assures he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Abigail challenges Austin to tell Carrie the truth about their affair. Carrie walks in on their conversation. Abigail comes dangerously close to telling Carrie the truth, until Austin sweeps her away for lunch. Abigail runs into Quinn over lunch at the square and flirts with him to make Austin jealous. Austin is concerned in spite of himself, and warns Abigail to stay away from that guy. Abigail tells Austin if he plans to stay married, then she’ll do what she pleases, with whom she pleases. Marlena, Will and Sami continue to face off. Marlena urges her daughter to tell Rafe she slept with EJ – before it destroys her family. Sami refuses to listen and after Will leaves, she accuses Marlena of turning her son against her. Marlena defends herself and then also leaves.

Will joins Sonny at the pub, where he opens up about his mother cheating on Rafe with EJ. Rafe privately overhears and is stunned. He storms over to the loft, where he confronts Sami. In hugely emotional scenes, Sami explains what happened – how she and EJ were only trying to escape their pain over Johnny’s supposed death. Rafe doesn’t buy her excuses and lashes out at her for her deception. He’s amazed at how hypocritical she was to kick him out over his kiss with Carrie when she did much worse. Sami begs Rafe to give their marriage another chance – to keep their family together – but Rafe insists the damage she did was too great. Sami says she still loves him, but he claims she’s not capable of love and leaves. EJ surprises Nicole with a romantic picnic by the fireplace for their one year wedding anniversary. He also wants to celebrate her helping him win the mayoral election, which is now official. They talk about their future and make love. Then EJ gets down on one knee and “proposes” to Nicole with a new ring. He says he wants to start over, do their marriage right this time. Nicole tearfully accepts – just as an angry Rafe begins banging on the front door. Earlier, Rafe tells John, Bo and Hope that none of his contacts can get Bo and Marlena into Alamainia. John and Hope will have to travel alone to get their divorce. When Marlena joins the group, they discuss how John and Hope could be walking into Stefano’s trap. But they resolve to still go – that day. John and Marlena, and later Bo and Hope, share sweet goodbyes. Then John and Hope head for the airport, wary of what lies ahead.

After Will shares his secret with Sonny, the guys head over to a party at the town square. Will meets a cute guy and wanting to forget his troubles, gets drunk during a drinking game. Later, an inebriated Will suddenly pulls the cute guy into a kiss – much to Sonny’s surprise.  At the DiMera mansion, EJ has just “re-proposed” to Nicole when Rafe arrives outside, furious off having learned Sami had sex with EJ. Sami tries to stop him but he bursts inside and physically attacks EJ. Sami and Nicole restrain him. Nicole learns that Sami and EJ had sex. She feels hurt and betrayed, lashing out at EJ and Sami. The four of them engage in a heated, angry confrontation. Nicole throws her ring back at EJ and leaves. Rafe also goes, still angry and disgusted by Sami’s actions and subsequent lies. EJ is driven to find Nicole and get her back. But before he does, he demands to know from Sami who told Rafe the truth. Sami doesn’t answer him, but exits quickly. EJ tries to call Nicole but she ignores the call. Suddenly, a man’s hand touches Nicole on the shoulder and she spins, surprised at who it is. At his office, vulnerable Rafe is surprised by Carrie’s arrival. They lock eyes. Meanwhile, Sami storms into Marlena’s townhouse, interrupting her and Will. She accuses her mother of telling Rafe the truth. At the Horton town square, Will breaks from his kiss with Neil (the cute guy) and realizes Sonny has seen it. He rushes off. Sonny pursues and tells Will he only wants to help. Will refuses to talk – he can’t deal with this now. He goes to see Marlena and confides in her that he kissed a guy. Marlena is supportive and understanding, telling Will she loves him and will support him no matter what. Just as it seems Will is about to come out and admit to being gay, Sami interrupts.

Bo, Marlena and Carrie discuss continuing attempts to get Bo and Marlena permission to go to Alamainia to be with John and Hope. Carrie admits it seems unlikely they will be able to go and they all know it’s because of Stefano. They worry John and Hope could be walking into a trap. Bo asks Carrie what’s going on with her and Austin. Carrie at first reacts angrily to his questions, but finally opens up to her uncle about her conflicted feelings for both Austin and Rafe. She’s trying to make things work with Austin, but what if she’s really in love with Rafe? Bo counsels that in the end she has to listen to her heart. Later, Bo leaves a message for Hope, telling her he loves her and can’t wait until she’s in his arms again.  At the airport, John and Hope’s flight has been delayed. They speculate about what dangers could be in store for them in Alamainia. Throughout, a mystery man watches them closely. Hope trips and falls into John’s arms and there’s a hint of their old attraction to each other.