Days of our Lives Recap, February 12: Alex and Stephanie became man and wife

Here is your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, February 12, 2026, in which Alex and Stephanie take their vows.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Stephanie surprised Alex with a wedding | Image: Peacock

Alex met up with Jada and Stephanie in Horton Town Square. Alex asked Stephanie what was in her shopping bag, so she told him that it was his Valentin's Day surprise. They sat down for a drink, with Jada proposing a toast to the happy couple she was sitting with. "To your first Valentine's Day as an engaged couple," she said.

Alex was surprised to hear that they were all heading to Chicago after lunch. Stephanie refused to give him a hint as to why. "I just hope that you're ready for the adventure," she said.

When they all got to Chicago, Jada and Stephanie led a blindfolded Alex into a chapel. When they removed the blindfold, Alex noticed the chapel was set for a wedding. Stephanie asked Alex to marry her right then and there. She explained that she had the idea when they got their marriage licence as a part of their sting operation.

"We can still have a wedding with all of our family and friends at some point, but today I just need this to be about us," Stephanie said. She then removed her coat to reveal a white dress. The officiant then appeared just as Jada received a text. She left the chapel as the officiant went over the details of the ceremony.

Jada read the text. It was from Theo, who was wondering if she was free for a Valentine's dinner date. Jada told him she'd be there. She returned to Stephanie's side so the ceremony could begin. Alex and Stephanie took their vows, but when the minister asked for the rings, there seemed to be some confusion.

Thankfully, Jada had them ready and waiting. So, Alex and Stephanie exchanged rings and were pronounced husband and wife in an uneventful ceremony.

Chad gave Julie sad news | Image: Peacock

Chad sat down with Julie on the Horton couch and told her about his plans to take the kids and visit Sonny and Will in Arizona. Jeremy listened in as Chad started talking about homeschooling Thomas for a bit. Jeremy surprised them both when he said, "I have a feeling Chad's taking the kids out of town to get away from me."

Chad claimed that he just needed some time away with his kids, and his trip plans had nothing to do with Jeremy. Julie noted how much she would miss both of them. Chad promised they would video chat regularly and they'd be back before she knew it.

Jeremy thanked Julie for everything she had done for him and promised she would have a place to visit, wherever he ended up. Julie then broke the news that she wouldn't be alone at all because Eli and Lani were moving in with the twins. When Julie went to the kitchen, Chad reiterated to Jeremy that he wasn't leaving because of him.

"You don't have to pretend with me, Chad," Jeremy said. Chad told Jeremy he hoped he was innocent, which offended Jeremy. He walked away from Chad, who tried to be diplomatic about things.

Johnny and Chanel received a gift from EJ | Image: Peacock

Johnny surprised Chanel with Valentine's Day baked goods in bed, where Chanel appeared to be napping. It was also their anniversary. "Can you believe that we've been married for two years already?" Chanel asked with delight. They realized how lucky they were to have come through so much trauma with seemingly flying colors.

After enjoying some Sweet Bits cookies, Chanel asked Johnny to join her in bed. Johnny. Before they could get there, the doorbell rang. Johnny answered it to find two packages — one from Allie and one from EJ. Allie sent a framed photo of Trey as an anniversary gift, but Chanel was hesitant to open the package from EJ.

She suggested they send the box back, but Johnny wasn't sure he wanted to do that. "We need to maintain clear boundaries," Chanel insisted. Johnny wanted to show a little compassion for EJ after the ordeal of Stefano's death. Chanel didn't care. She felt no sympathy and didn't want EJ in their lives. Johnny finally agreed to return the gift.

Soon, Chanel's real anniversary and Valentine's gift arrived — a massage therapist ready to give Chanel the prenatal spa treatment.

At the Bistro, Cat updated EJ on all of his hospital business, but EJ seemed distracted. "I'm noticing our dining companions. I think we're the only non-couple in this place," EJ noted. Cat reminded EJ that it was Valentine's Day, so he chose to make fun of the Hallmark holiday.

Cat then questioned the new ring on EJ's finger. He explained that it had once belonged to his father. "It's a link to a past that's shaped me," EJ said. When EJ brought up Stefan, he admitted that Stefan never felt like his brother. He also found the apparent lack of mourning for Stefan to be odd. However, he wondered if anyone would grieve him except Sydney.

Just then, Paulina appeared and wanted to talk to EJ. She tracked him down at lunch to tell him that the city was getting complaints about high power bills from buildings near the hospital. She accused EJ of stealing power for his secret projects.

Cat stepped away from the table so Paulina and EJ could speak privately. Paulina made a very simple demand. "I want the city to inspect that lab," she said. EJ reminded Paulina that the city had inspected the lab before it opened, so there was no need for another inspection.

EJ threatened to come after Paulina for harassment, so she offered him some advice. "If you want to repair your relationship with your son or have a relationship with the child on the way, maybe you should start by not being an ass to the people he loves," Paulina said before walking away.

In the Square, Cat was surprised when Chad approached her. Cat tried to walk away because of the custody agreement, but Chad stopped her. Chad then gave Cat his news and told him he would be going to Arizona for a while. Cat wished Chad a safe trip, so he said goodbye and started to walk away.

He then turned around, walked back to Cat, and grabbed her to pull her in for a passionate goodbye kiss. Cat then heard Paulina calling her and we learned the kiss was all part of Cat's imagination. Paulina let Cat know she could return to her lunch date with EJ.