At Leo’s hotel, Doug III stops by to try to fence Alice Horton’s diamond necklace. Leo questions whether the necklace is real and soon realizes it is. Suspicious, Leo asks Doug how he knew to come to him. Doug evades the question but insists he needs Leo’s help. Leo asks if Steven Olsen stole the necklace, but Doug admits it was him. He reveals he’s Doug Williams’ grandson and explains that he didn’t want to take the necklace. When Leo asks why he did, Doug confesses that he needs to pay off a debt and recounts how he stole it. Doug says he wants to return the necklace, but fears it would look suspicious if it suddenly reappeared. Desperate for help to pay his debts and start over, he begs Leo for assistance. Leo, who insists he doesn’t fence anymore, finally offers to connect Doug with someone who might help. Doug leaves.
At Ava’s room, Brady arrives for their date. While getting ready, Brady realizes the tickets for their event are missing. Ava suggests Kristen might have taken them. Brady tries to buy more tickets but finds they’re sold out. They decide to stay in instead, having dinner and watching The Nutcracker on TV. As they get to know each other, they grow bored of the ballet, change the channel, and agree to watch A Christmas Story. They enjoy the movie until the Wi-Fi goes out. Brady asks for a “do-over” date but says he still had a great time. They share a kiss on the cheek and say goodnight. Later, Ava receives a mysterious text from an unknown sender asking about her date.
At the Black household, Tate finishes a phone call with Holly when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Sophia, who announces they need to talk—she’s pregnant. Stunned, Tate listens as Sophia explains she’s taken multiple tests to confirm it. Tate offers her water as she expresses fear about telling her parents, who are staunchly pro-life. She reveals she’ll need their consent for an abortion, which they would never allow. Tate promises to support her, no matter her decision. Sophia suggests keeping things discreet during winter break so no one finds out, especially Holly. Tate assures her they’ll face the situation together, but when he mentions Holly, Sophia becomes upset, feeling overshadowed by his focus on her. After apologizing, Tate reiterates his commitment to helping her. Sophia admits she wasn’t sure he’d step up but seems reassured as she leaves.
Later, Brady returns home and asks Tate if everything is okay. Tate says it is, though he keeps Sophia’s pregnancy a secret. Brady mentions his failed date with Ava, and they commiserate over the evening.
In Horton Town Square, Maggie meets with Holly. Maggie encourages Holly to enjoy her relationship with Tate, but Holly expresses doubts, mentioning that someone got in her head—Leo, who made jaded remarks about relationships. Maggie advises Holly to focus on the present and not worry too much about the future. She also discusses the importance of safe sex and protection. Holly assures her grandmother that she and Tate aren’t at that point yet but admits she wishes Tate and Sophia hadn’t slept together. She explains how Sophia blackmailed her and pursued Tate, making her feel insecure. Maggie reminds Holly that Tate chose her and suggests Sophia may be regretting her actions. She also emphasizes that sex has consequences. Holly thanks Maggie for her advice. As they leave, Sophia approaches, wishes them a Merry Christmas, and walks away.
At the Horton home, Jennifer returns and talks with Julie. Jennifer thanks her for letting the family use their grandmother’s time capsule but soon shifts the conversation to Doug III. She asks how long he plans to stay and expresses concern about him possibly taking advantage of Julie. Jennifer reveals that Hope doesn’t trust Doug and finds it suspicious that he appeared out of nowhere. Julie counters that Hope confirmed his identity, though she admits Doug was recently released from jail. Jennifer, surprised, presses for details, but Julie says she doesn’t know the full story. Jennifer suspects Doug may have stolen the missing necklace, but Julie dismisses the idea, pointing out that Doug met her at St. Luke’s. When Jennifer tries to argue, Julie shuts her down. Doug enters with cookies, acting charming toward Julie. Jennifer looks on with suspicion as Doug appears to butter Julie up.
Comments