Viki and Clint were married.

Karen and Larry decided to hold off on their own wedding plans until the baby switch crisis cooled. Their stormy reunion was threatened by the return of Steve Piermont, who had recently been released from jail. While Larry was away at a medical conference, Steve visited Karen, and they kissed passionately.

Karen tried to resist, but she finally succumbed to Steve�s dynamic presence. When Karen discovered that the mob had put a contract out on Steve, she tried to help him and became a target too. Steve was shot and seriously injured, but Steve and Karen fled town together.

Larry tracked down Steve and Karen, and she was forced to make the painful choice between the two men who loved her. She chose Steve, because his need for her was greater. While a dejected Larry journeyed back to Llanview, Steve and Karen headed for Canada to start a fugitive life.