Romance, Heartache, and Shocking News Shake Salem
Tate and Holly’s Valentine’s Plans Take a Turn
At the Brady Pub, Holly vented to Tate about their pile of homework leading up to Valentine’s Day. She playfully teased him about his plans, but Tate insisted the only thing on his agenda was spending the day with her. When she pressed for details, he revealed they’d be going to their special spot—the Horton Cabin. Holly was surprised Maggie had given Tate the key, knowing she might worry about what they’d be up to. Tate joked about his big plan to "start a fire"—before they caught the ferry home.
When Tate reassured Holly they could do whatever she wanted, she made it clear he already knew what she wanted most. Tate asked if she was sure, not wanting to pressure her. Holly turned the question back on him, referencing his past with Sophia. Both confirmed they wanted to be together and kissed—until Sophia suddenly appeared. She wasted no time revealing she might have found a couple to adopt the baby.
Sophia shared that a couple from her church, struggling to conceive, was considering adoption. Even better, her mom knew them and approved. While Tate was relieved by the news, his enthusiasm dimmed when Sophia said the couple wanted to meet immediately. She urged him to join her at Horton Town Square. Tate hesitated, looking to Holly, who encouraged him to go—but once he left, she sighed in frustration.
Leo’s Career Hits a Roadblock
At the Body and Soul office, Leo packed up his belongings, lamenting the loss of both his writing career and his reputation. Just then, Doug arrived, ready for work as Leo’s new assistant. However, Leo quickly clarified that his first day would also be his last—he’d been fired.
Doug and Leo exchanged apologies for their mutual unemployment. Doug assured Leo he still planned to pay him back, but Leo waved it off. When Doug revealed he had already given Holly Leo’s advance salary, he awkwardly offered to ask for it back. Leo refused, telling Doug to consider it “severance.”
Doug insisted Holly and he were just friends, but Leo wasn’t convinced. He jokingly warned Doug not to let news of his generosity spread, since he had a “curmudgeonly” reputation to uphold.
Johnny and Chanel’s Future Plans
In Horton Town Square, Chanel greeted Johnny with a kiss. He assured her he was feeling much better, but his mood soured as he shared that the Body and Soul reboot had been scrapped. The network planned to move the show back to LA, offering jobs to those willing to relocate.
Chanel surprised Johnny by calling it a “no-brainer,” reminding him they’d previously considered moving to California. However, Johnny pointed out they had decided to stay in Salem for their relationship. He didn’t want to “rock the boat.” Chanel countered that they could strengthen their relationship anywhere. She then questioned if Johnny’s hesitation was about Joy.
Johnny denied that Joy had any influence over his decision, emphasizing that his biggest dream was building a future with
Chanel. She smiled, reassured, and they shared another kiss.
Tate and Sophia’s Adoption Plans Crumble
Tate and Sophia arrived in the square for their meeting. Sophia, too nervous to eat, took a call from Ellen, the prospective adoptive mother. When she hung up, her face fell—the couple had backed out.
Tate comforted Sophia, promising they’d find the right parents. But Sophia doubted it, fearing her mother would disapprove of anyone they chose. Overcome with frustration, she stormed off.
Johnny and Chanel, having witnessed the exchange, offered their sympathies. Tate admitted he mostly felt bad for Sophia—she had no real support aside from him. But he also worried about how the situation was affecting Holly. Johnny and Chanel assured him that he and Holly would work things out, but Tate wasn’t so sure.
Later, at the Brady Pub, Doug found Holly sitting alone. She asked about his first day of work, and he explained it had been his last. When Holly offered to return the money, Doug assured her Leo wanted him to keep it. Doug needed a new job, but his focus shifted to Holly’s troubles. She revealed the adoption might still be an option.
Doug reassured her that the adoption was best for everyone involved, especially the baby. Holly took comfort in his words and apologized for venting while he was dealing with his own problems. She even offered to help him find work—perhaps at the pub, where his charm could earn him good tips. They shared a playful exchange just as Tate walked in, visibly annoyed at their rapport. Holly asked about the meeting, and Tate grimly confirmed they were back to square one.
Joy Confronts Alex
At the hospital, Alex visited Joy and listed all the reasons he should stay in Salem. But Joy saw through him. She had overheard Alex and Stephanie’s kiss at the nurses’ station and demanded to know why he’d made plans with her just hours before kissing someone else.
Joy accused Alex of taking the cowardly way out, refusing to admit he saw a future with Stephanie instead of her. Frustrated, she ended things. When Alex protested that he didn’t want to hurt her, Joy shot back, “You didn’t want to get kicked out of my bed.” Alex insisted he hadn’t realized how serious she was about their relationship. That only enraged Joy further.
Though she calmed slightly upon learning Alex had spoken to Stephanie before getting sick, she still told him to leave. Later, Joy called Nancy, pleading with her mother not to come to Salem, as she had no idea what she would do next.
A Hospital in Crisis
Meanwhile, at Salem University Hospital, Kayla was stunned when Seth revealed the hospital was on the brink of bankruptcy and could soon shut down.
Kayla fiercely defended the hospital, arguing its importance to the community. Seth admitted the financial struggles had worsened since Body and Soul left town. Despite Stephanie’s reassurances, Kayla was distraught, believing Tom Horton would be “rolling over in his grave.” Determined to fight, Kayla vowed to rally support. Stephanie offered to take the lead, hoping to help her mother the way Kayla had always helped her.
Leo’s Future Remains Uncertain
At the Body and Soul office, Seth arrived just as Leo was leaving. He collected his final paycheck and shared his plans to move to LA. When Seth mentioned the hospital’s financial collapse, Leo lamented its potential loss, wondering where Marlena would “hang her shingle.”
Shifting gears, Seth tried to convince Leo he deserved another shot at writing. Though Leo remained doubtful, Seth insisted he shouldn’t listen to the critics. His final words stuck with Leo, who smiled and muttered, “Maybe I don’t suck.”
Stephanie and Alex Move Forward
Back at the hospital, Stephanie urged the PR team to delay announcing the closure. When she hung up, Alex approached, sensing something was wrong. After she explained the hospital’s dire situation, Alex offered his sympathy.
Then, he dropped his own news—Joy had broken up with him. Stephanie was surprised but ultimately saw the silver lining: they could finally be together. Alex sealed their new chapter with a kiss.
As they left, Joy watched from the shadows, heartbroken.
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