Season 4, Episode 39: "Great escape" (original air date: April 11, 2003)

Nicky is worried that she hasn't heard from Kieran since he left a box of the world's best pinot gris on her doorstep. Distracted by this, and goaded by her dear (and pregnant) friend Gabrielle, she accepts Helen's plea to become her bridesmaid. Then she finds the possible reason for Kieran's evasiveness - he has had an offer from a brewery to buy the vineyard and is thinking of leaving. Nicky feels thrown. But when she decides to make her feelings known, Kieran has already left for Auckland to discuss the deal. And after a word from Gabrielle, she begins to feel her own interest pales beside his financial need and the desire to be closer to his son.

Back at the clinic, Dana's former friend Cara-Lee is admitted after a minor car accident claiming she was being followed. Ken confirms this to be true. The police want Cara-Lee to testify against her boyfriend Quentin - and they are prepared to drop charges against her and put her in witness protection - if only they could get the chance to talk her round. Ken sees hospital as an ideal opportunity and Nicky as a potential ally. But Nicky is surprised to discover that Quentin's concern for Cara-Lee seems genuine, and Cara-Lee has thought through her reasons for turning down a deal. Given this example of love in the face of rationality, she decides to call Kieran, but can't make contact. Ken is frustrated that Nicky has been no help and criticises her mushy romantic beliefs. Responsibility has to come first. Nicky feels sobered by this.

Nicky also feels disloyal in agreeing to be Helen's bridesmaid, but when she goes to make peace with Alistair, she finds that he doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he admires Helen's ability to put her own interests first.

Meanwhile, cooped up in the At Risk pregnancy ward at Base, Louise is going stir crazy. When hospital bureaucracy inflicts a bad haircut on a fellow inmate, Louise decides to lead the prisoners out. Stevie, mother of three about to have twins, is a willing escape artist, but Jill, who has been trying for eight years to have just one baby, is more cautious. Nevertheless, they make the break for a real hair salon.

The great escape is quickly noticed. Ross and William are reluctantly united in the job of tracking the fugitives. Out on the town, the united front disintegrates. Scared, Jill heads back, Stevie heads for her husband. and Louise realises her fears about her impending fate as an elderly solo parent. Sobered, she returns to hospital to an angry Ross. But it is not Louise who suffers. Jill has gone into labour and her baby is very ill.

Nicky throws caution to the wind, leaves a message for Kieran declaring her true feelings. Only to find him at her door. He has decided not to take the offer. He is staying.