Nicole won't give Tessa the baby when it is born, causing mayhem between brothers Rob and Liam, and dividing the town. Tessa pushes Rob to take desperate measures to get the child.

As the baby battle between Nicole and Tessa escalates both their marriages are impacted. Nicole strikes out bitterly against brother-in-law Rob, her actions leading to explosive consequences.

The baby is missing. Nicole believes that she holds the key to it and Tessa's whereabouts. Nicole finds more than she expected and both women are forced to face what really happened in Thailand.

Town sympathies turn against Nicole, while Tessa sets her sights on a lawyer and Nicole's husband. Rob's alcoholism flares. But it's Summer who falls through the cracks with tragic results.

Tragedy brings a truce to the families, brokered by Fran and Winnie. But it's not enough for Tessa who is pushed to extreme action - when she becomes aware that her past is catching up with her.

A small town's earthquake sees cracks develop in a best friendship, as Nicole's fortunes fall and Tessa's soar. Nicole reconsiders giving up the baby she is carrying for Tessa.