Valerie Talbot is being harassed by her estranged husband Drennen in downtown Breckenridge. He has a hold of her wrist, and she's struggling to break free.

Valerie: Damn you Drennen, let go!

Drennen: No! You may have gotten away from me the last time, but now I have you and I'm not letting go!

Valerie: You have to end this madness. It will be easier if you just agree to a quiet divorce. You can have everything. Please, Drennen, just stop it!

Drennen: I can't. I love you Valerie, now and forever. (He tries to kiss her, but she turns away. He grabs her face and pulls her toward him again. She shrieks and tries to get loose again. Just then, Kane Garrett is walking by. He stops in front of Valerie and Drennen).

Kane: What the hell is going on?

At the same time, Valerie's daughters Zoe and Amaya are on the phone with their brother Paul.

Amaya: How's Tess?

Paul: She's great. She's shopping on the boardwalk. We're going out to dinner later. So, how's everyone doing back home?

Amaya: Okay. Your father is fine. So are your cousins and aunt and uncle, but Mom---

Zoe (on a cordless phone): Mom's still in love with Kane.

Paul: That's not suprising. Young love can be very powerful.

Amaya: Paul, do you think that Mom and Kane would have stayed together and gotten married?

Paul: I'm sure of it. They wanted to get married, especially after Mom became pregnant with me.

Zoe: Kane could have been our dad.

Paul: Zoe, you sound regretful. Has anything happened with Mom and your father?

Zoe: I think Mom wants a divorce.

Amaya: It's okay Paul. Besides, Mom and Dad weren't getting along for a while.

Zoe: Mom's been unhappy for a long time. Mostly because of Dad. It's time she started feeling better again.

Paul: And how do you think she would feel better?

Zoe: If she and Kane got back together again.

Kane steps in between Valerie and Drennen. Drennen lets go of Valerie, who clings to Kane.

Kane: What are exactly are you doing to her?

Drennen: That is none of your damn business.

Kane: It is my business. Your wife is the mother of our son, who you wanted to hurt. Don't tell me it's none of my business.

Valerie: He won't accept a divorce. But he will. I want nothing to do with him anymore.

Kane: Why are you so intent on hurting others Drennen? Is that how you get your kicks?

Drennen: I don't have to answer to you.

Valerie: But you'll answer to a lawyer. As a matter of fact, I should press assault charges against you. I'm sick and tired of you getting rough with me Drennen. I suggest you go away right now.

Drennen: I want to see my girls.

Valerie: That's their decision. Goodbye Drennen.

(Drennen gives Kane and Valerie a final glare, then turns and walks away).

Valerie: I'm so glad you came when you did. I just don't understand why he's like this.

Kane: Because he loves you Val. People do crazy things when they're in love.

Meanwhile, Deanna Thorpe has come to Lance Grimes' office to discuss her mother Eliza Braxton's friendship with Drennen Talbot.

Deanna: I'm really worried Lance. Drennen can't be trusted. He plotted to get Paul away from his mother, and now he's cozying up to Mom.

Lance: You're afraid he'll do something to the baby. Deanna, I promise you that's not going to happen. I'm going with Eliza to the doctor for her sonogram in a few days. I'll look out for her don't worry. I'll try to talk some sense into her.

Deanna: That's why I came to you for help. I know you can get through to her Lance. She doesn't want to alienate you anymore than she has, I know it.

Lance: Thanks for telling me about this Deanna. I can't let anyone cause harm to my child---or your mom. Keep me informed, please Deanna?

Deanna: I will. (Gives Lance a hug). Thanks so much Lance. I really appreciate this.

Back to the Grimes mansion, where Zoe and Amaya are talking with Paul.

Paul: You want to reunite Mom and Dad? That's a grand romantic scheme, but will it work with your father trying to get her back?

Zoe: Dad won't have to know Paul.

Paul: He could get her for adultery if they divorce.

Amaya: Not if we testify against him and tell a judge what he tried to do to you.

Paul: Is this what you really want Amaya? Zoe?

Amaya: Yes. Mom needs to be happy, to feel loved.

Zoe: Will you help us Paul?

Paul: I'll talk it over with Tess first. But I agree, Mom deserves to be happy. And so does Dad.

Kane and Valerie are strolling downtown, arm in arm.

Kane: Are you really going to go through with this divorce Val?

Valerie: You bet. Drennen isn't going to push me around anymore. It's time I take back my life and focus on me for a change. And focus on her son.

Kane: Yes. Paul is so important to me. That's why I'm leaving my company to stay here with him.

Valerie: You are? Oh Kane, that's wonderful! Now you'll have all your time to be with Paul---and maybe even me?

End of Episode 44

***There will be no new episodes until Friday, December 1st. Don't forget to come back, when next time.....****

Paul and Tess return for the reading of Joanna's will.

Kane, Valerie, Zoe, and Amaya get big suprises.

Lance and Drennen square off over Eliza, who gets happy news about her baby.

See you in December!!!