Fred waits nervously for Penny's answer all day. Ashley expects it all to end in tears, as usual. Karen and Steve return from honeymoon. Penny confides in Mike that she can't marry Fred, but she hasn't the heart to tell him. Steve admits to Liz that despite his determination that nothing will come between him and Karen, he's scared of what the future holds. Nick and Maria make up and Nick takes her out for a drive in the new car. Gail admits to Audrey that she thinks that Maria isn't good enough for Nick. Audrey warns her that she'll lose her son if she continues to come between him and Maria. Fred cracks and calls Penny for her answer. She's with Mike, and puts Fred off. Maria is furious to hear that the car was Gail's idea. She accuses Gail of interfering and packs her bags. Nick refuses to leave with her, and Gail delights in comforting him.