Ned flounders as Mickey, who’s missing his mum, fails to respond to Ned’s discipline. Janae comes to hapless Ned’s rescue and encourages Ned to come clean to Mickey about being his father. When Kirsten returns, Ned prepares himself for the possibility of never seeing Mickey again. Kirsten, however, foists permanent parenthood on to a rattled Ned, leaving him to care for Mickey indefinitely.Gail reconnects with Paul as stirrings of their old love overwhelm them. Elle’s delighted and the three begin to play out the fantasy of happy families. Gail has a reality check and finally admits the relationship can’t continue. Despite her desperation to keep the ‘family’ dream alive, Elle knows her mother is right: they are only perpetuating Paul’s illness and hindering his recovery. Gail returns to Tasmania leaving heartbroken Paul devastated.While Adam and Pepper’s romance begins to hot up, protective Steiger cautions Pepper to be wary and warns Adam to tread carefully with his fragile daughter. Adam is unfazed by Steiger’s intimidation tactics but Steiger’s interference ignites Pepper’s suspicions of Adam, leading to a disastrous dinner date in which Pepper orders Adam from her house.Cocky Janelle fires Toadie’s competitive spirit and he enters Charlie into the baby competition. Harold protests about child exploitation, but his inner ‘Bogan stage-mum’ presents itself as he struggles to accept Kerry’s defeat.Believing he can create winners, Toadie offers to be Steph’s campaign manager for the up-coming council elections.

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