Kim returns early from her honeymoon eager to share news about a “special young man,” but her moment is eclipsed when Kayla goes missing. Jack finds her abandoned car, and with Steve also missing, Salem grows alarmed. In reality, Steve and Kayla are trapped under the collapsed lab; he tends to her fever and delirium as they grow closer. Kayla admits she loves him, and though Steve struggles to say it back, he’s determined they’ll survive.
Victor refuses Kim’s custody compromise over Andrew despite Caroline’s pleas. Rescue teams converge on the lab, and Steve creates an opening that allows Jack to lead the dig. Kayla is freed first, then Steve, and the rescue becomes Jack’s celebrated triumph. Later, Kim reveals her “special young man” is Andrew and asks Neil and Peachy to be his godparents for his first‑birthday christening.
