 Nick and Loretta - Carla s ex-husband and his new wife - come to the bar to talk to Carla. Loretta can t bear children, so they want to take one of Carla and Nick s existing five kids, namely the oldest Anthony, who is under Carla s custody. Carla is incredulous and refuses. Nick threatens to take her to court, stating that in comparison to his stable life, she is an unfit single mother who works in a seedy bar night after night. She still refuses. It isn t until Nick speaks to her alone that she agrees. Everyone is stunned that Carla gave in. Although she says she s happy with one less child, she truly is crushed, the fact of her giving in that she could never stand up to the powers of Nick Tortelli. He apparently has this secret magic over Carla and all women. The gang at the bar proclaim their support for Carla to stand up to Nick and not sign the legal papers. When Nick and Loretta come back with the legal papers, Carla hangs tough and refuses to sign. Finally Nick suggests they go and talk in private, to which Carla agrees: she thinks she can hang steadfast this time, and if she does, she will have broken the Nick Tortelli spell over her forever. In private, talking doesn t work for Nick, so he uses "the look" and "the song", both of which have always worked on Carla. The culmination of "the look" and "the song" is a passionate kiss. It doesn t work. Carla is somewhat surprised but relieved. However Carla thinks that Nick gave up too easily and perhaps he truly believes Anthony is better off with her. Regardless, Carla will never know the truth, but most importantly, she gets to keep all her kids. But before Nick leaves the bar, Diane gets a taste of the Nick Tortelli magic.