Finding herself pregnant, Barbara Ludzinski decides to marry Evan Puskaric, a thirty-three-year-old former Navy officer who grew up in Burton s hometown of Mt. Aire, where has enlisted the local steel mill to help build a Children s Center. Asked for a donation, Nick politely refuses, knowing that the future of Clayton Steel, a Fallin client, is in doubt. Yet, after learning that Evan is the son of a former high school classmate, Burton pays a long overdue visit to his cancer-ridden dad, Red, before agreeing to donate $500,000 himself. Meanwhile, as Burton s apparent heart attack turns out to be nothing, Lulu asks Nick to represent a terminally ill infant whose father and mother cannot agree over how to handle her care.


Told of his dad s gift, Nick presses Evan for details about the project, especially after he learns that the Clayton plant is in danger of closing. After asking her to be her Maid of Honor, Barbara also convinces Lulu to ask Nick to be her date for the wedding. As she and Evan are getting their marriage license, Barbara learns he is divorced. And after Lulu discovers that Evan was actually married twice before, Nick uncovers the questionable lawsuits he filed against his ex-wive s wealthy families. Meanwhile, though Meg Howard begs him to do whatever it takes to keep her daughter Lily alive, Nick agrees with hospital ethics board and Ray Howard that she be made as comfortable as possible, but that no attempt be made to prolong her life.


Although Burton isn t at liberty to discuss Clayton Steel s future, he reassures Evan that he will honor his pledge. But, after Nick uncovers his efforts to extort money from his in-laws, Evan admits to not being the Gulf War hero everyone thinks he is. And though Evan insists that he loves Barbara and that everything with the center is above board, Burton reluctantly decides to ask for his money back. Finally, as they are waiting for their guests, Evan tells Barbara the truth about his past. But, on their way to the church for the ceremony and anticipating the romantic weekend ahead, a fatal car accident leaves Nick struggling to save Lulu s life.

From ATV