"I'm not sure that this whole party is a good idea," Maria said as she helped Dixie zip up her dress. "You really shouldn't be on your feet for that long."

"I'm sure that the Chandler Mansion still has chairs," Dixie said. "Besides, I don't plan on staying too long. Just long enough to make an appearance and have Adam see Junior."

"He's OK with this... your son?"

"He agreed to come. Jamie's going to be there with Brooke, so at least he has somebody..."

"Can you breath alright in that, or should we look for something else?" Maria asked.

Dixie ran her hands down her sides, flattening out the dress. "It feels great," Dixie said. "How does it look?"

Maria stood back, looking at Dixie in the blue strapless dress. "It's totally you," Maria smiled. "I'm glad it could go to good use again. I haven't worn it since I was pregnant with Maddie." Dixie sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you sure you're going to be OK tonight?" Maria asked. "It's been a long time since you've been in that place."

Dixie nodded. "I'll be fine. If it gets awkward, I'll just leave." Dixie put her hands on Maria's shoulders. "I'll be fine."



Dixie and JR stood outside the Chandler Mansion. Winifred swung the doors inward and Dixie entered with her arm linked with JR's.

"This isn't right," JR said to her as they walked into the main room. "You don't owe him, Mom."

"I know that," Dixie said. "Just try to have a good time, Junior. Please."

"I don't know how you can even think about having a good time here. Especially with Tad in the hospital..."

"That's enough," Dixie said. "Enough." JR stood there silently. His eyes practically slits as he took a deep breath and walked away from his mother. Dixie paused a moment before walking further into the room. She spotted Liza and approached her.

"Liza," Dixie said. Liza looked up. "The house looks fantastic."

"Oh," Liza said. "I really can't take the credit. I just helped to think up some of the design."

"Well, it's beautiful," Dixie said.

Liza smiled and looked at Dixie. "And look at you," she said. "I guess congratulations are in order."

Dixie smiled, practically blushing. "Thank You."

Liza sipped her champagne as Adam came up behind her. "How's Tad?" she asked.

"No change," Dixie said. "We're just working on taking it one day at a time now... and hoping for the best."

"That's all you can do," Liza said.

Dixie attempted to smile as she put her hand down on her belly. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. She felt the tears start to well up in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said. "Excuse me."

Dixie rushed away from them and out the front door. Adam turned to Liza. "I'll go," he said.

Adam followed Dixie all the way out to the boathouse. She was sitting with her head resting up against a wall, her eyes closed. She heard Adam approach and opened her eyes, looking over at him.

"This really isn't a good place for us to be alone together," Dixie said as Adam took a seat beside her.

"Why?" Adam asked. "Brings back memories?"

"Is that why you followed me out here, Adam?" Dixie asked. "To... reminisce about days passed?"

"Give me a break, Dixie," Adam said. "Alright? I'm human to. I'm allowed to be concerned."

Dixie laughed softly. "Concerned? For who? Me or you?"

"You, of course."

"Doesn't that sound familiar?" Dixie paused. "Look, Adam, I'm fine. Go on back to your guests." Dixie stood, only to grow dizzy and fall back down on to the bench.

Adam reached his arms out to steady her. "You call that fine?" he asked.

"I just got a rush," Dixie said. "It'll pass."

"Maybe I should call somebody."

"No. I'm OK." Dixie looked into Adam's eyes. "Am I noticing a soft spot?" She smiled, punching him lightly on the chest. "I knew you were a softy. Liza's really getting to you, isn't she?" Dixie asked as Adam slowly started moving closer to her. "What?"

"Nothing," Adam said, a devilish look on his face as he continued towards her.

Dixie stood, realizing his motives. "No," she said. "No way am I going to be the reason your marriage falls apart. Not again." Adam stood and walked toward her without saying a word. "Be sure to tell Liza I said good night."

Adam watched as Dixie rushed away from the boathouse. Making a fist, he pounded it into one of the wooden support beams and then paused a moment before running his fingers back through his silver hair. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his jacket and started back toward the main house.