Steph, satisfied that it was a job well done, walked back to her car, got in, drove away up the street, parked the car, changed her clothes (black pants with silver lacing up the sides, black top with gold thread design, ankle boots and her hair partially up, fixed in a messy ponytail/bun thing and her overcoat) but redid the makeup so as not to include the red eyeliner and with not so much black eyeliner, she preferred smoky to hard lines, so she smudged it a bit. She then got back in her car, turned the silencer on and drove back to the diner. By this time, everyone had resumed what they were doing, but no-one had left even though it was quiet outside. When Steph walked through the door she was greeted with screams of joy, tears and hugs. She made them all sit down so she could explain what had gone on. She told them that she had sorted the whole problem out and that there would be no more gang fights here. Alf, Leah and Irene went to find champagne to celebrate Steph being alive. She then told why she had faked her own death and how sorry she was to have had to hide it from everyone. They all forgave her immediately. After everyone had a glass, Alf proposed a toast. "To the hero of Summer Bay". Everyone echoed the sentiment. Steph noticed Macca slip Ric a small box out of the corner of her eye but pretended she had not seen it. The party went long into the night, with everyone drinking and celebrating.
Around 2am, Ric asked for silence. The music switched off immediately and everyone became quiet. Ric walked to where Steph was sitting, surrounded by all the girls of Summer Bay. They all moved out of the way for him as he approached. He suddenly got down on one knee and said, "Stephayni Alissen De Walscott, you are the love of my life and there is only one thing I want in my life and that is you. You are there when I need you and there when I want you. You are everything to me and I know that the rest of my life should include you. Will you accept me into your life? Will you marry me?" with that, he produced the small box Steph had seen earlier that evening and opened it to reveal the most stunning engagement ring Steph had ever seen. All she could do was nod, she was so overcome. Everyone politely waited for her to compose herself. She did with a huge effort, and then answered his question. "Ric, you are the only person in my life who keeps me sane, keeps my feet on the ground and stops me from becoming someone I do not want to ever be again. I nearly slipped a few times, but remembering your face stopped me from going down that path. The path I do want to go down is the one that both you and I will walk together. Yes I will marry you." With that, Ric slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her amid cheers and whistles. Suddenly, Lucas called out "When's the wedding? I hope its going to be better than this party currently is!" Everyone agreed and the party went back into full swing.