Gia: Seems like something out of a monster movie, doesn't it?

Stefan: Yes, but all the monsters are gone.

Alexis: And the rest of us are all here.

Kristina: Now all we have to do is rethink these curtains.

Alexis: She likes to redecorate all the time.

Kristina: We got to get some light in here.

Gia: I see long tables.

Kristina: Why?

Gia: For the reception.

Alexis: You're having a reception here?

Stefan: Not that I'm aware of.

Gia: Oops.

Nikolas: I was planning to make the announcement after dessert, but -- Gia and I are engaged.

Kristina: Come here!

Nikolas: Thank you.

Alexis: Good for you.

~*~

Kristina: I was wondering what this emerald ring was all about.

Gia: Isn't it gorgeous?

Kristina: Come here. Let me see it in the light. {They step off to the side}

Alexis: I am so proud of you.

Nikolas: Thank you.

Alexis: You found someone to love, someone to count on --

Gia: And so have I.

Nikolas: Uncle?

Stefan: Congratulations.

Nikolas: Thank you. {He hugs Stefan}

Gia: {Goes over to Stefan} What, no congratulations for the bride-to-be?

Stefan: Gia, I've been rude. I've been rude to you, condescending, dismissive. You stood by Nikolas through a terrible ordeal. You risked your life to be with him. You are more than I could ever hope for the young man I raised as my son. Will you forgive me?

Gia: You know, you can apologize to me any day of the week. And consider yourself forgiven.

Stefan: Thank you.

Gia: Come here. {She hugs him}

Alexis: How about a toast?

Stefan: Yes. I know just the bottle.

Nikolas: You mean the 1985 Grande Dame?

Stefan: That's the one.

Nikolas: Well, I'll tell you what -- I will show Gia. I've always wanted to show her the sculpture hall, and it's on the way to the wine cellar, so --

Gia: Oh, yeah. Where else it would it be?

Nikolas: Come on. {They leave the room}

Alexis: Nikolas seems so serious.

Stefan: Well, he's making a serious commitment.

Alexis: Doesn't he seem a little down to you?

Kristina: Who is this handsome man?

~*~

Kristina: Stavros must have been a monster.

Alexis: Stavros was a demon from hell.

Stefan: Cold, sadistic.

Alexis: Even as a child he didn't have an ounce of compassion. He's in the bowels of the earth, which is exactly where he belongs. I'm sorry, Nikolas.

Nikolas: {Walks back into the room} Sorry for what? Everything you said was true. He was ruthless, crushed everyone in his path. He felt pretty much nothing. All he wanted was control.

Stefan: You don't have to think about him anymore, Nikolas.

Nikolas: Everyone called my father a monster. He was just that, a thing without a soul. A monster who saved my life.

~*~

Stefan: I'm sorry you had to hear all of that, Nikolas.

Nikolas: Everything you said was true, all right? My father was a nightmare. We all know that. Now so do I.

Stefan: We would all understand if you had unresolved feelings.

Nikolas: I'm fine. It's over. Ok? Gia? Everyone? You ready for the toast?

Alexis: More than ready.

Kristina: Is this a great thanksgiving, or what?

Gia: Oh, it's perfect.

Alexis: Oh, thank you.

Stefan: Not long ago, I saw no future for myself. I believed I'd lost everything. But now my world is brighter than ever before because of you -- my sisters, Nikolas, and now Gia. To the best of the Cassadines. May we find freedom from our past. And to Nikolas and Gia -- may you have a wonderful life together, which I hope I'm allowed to share.

Alexis: Hear, hear. {Nikolas steps off to the side and Stefan notices}

Kristina: Good champagne.

~*~

Gia: {Goes over to Nikolas} Is everything ok?

Nikolas: Yeah, I'm fine. {He kisses her} You know, there's just something I have to do.

Alexis: Do you have to do it tonight?

Nikolas: I have to leave, yeah.

Stefan: Dessert is coming, Nikolas. How about dessert?

Alexis: The chef's outdone himself.

Kristina: The chef?

Gia: Where are we going?

Nikolas: How about I just meet you back at the yacht?

Gia: No, forget about it.

Nikolas: I won't be long. I promise you, ok?

Gia: Look, I understand that you're all upset about Stavros -- we get that. But don't shut us out.

Alexis: She's right.

Nikolas: Look, I'm -- I'm fine. Ok? Just stay for dessert, enjoy yourself, and you're going to go over to Bobbie's afterwards, right?

Gia: Where are you going?

Alexis: Sometimes we Cassadines need a little room.

Stefan: Nikolas, is there something I can do to help?

Nikolas: Just do me a favor and make sure that Gia enjoys the rest of the evening, that's all.

Kristina: We will.

Nikolas: Ok.

Gia: What is going on here?

Nikolas: It's something I have to do. I'll be fine. {He gives her another kiss and then leaves}

~*~