Days of our Lives Recap July 23: Abe and Lexie Say ‘I Do’ Again, Kristen Says Goodbye to Rachel

Here's your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Homecoming

Marlena and Brady had great news for Rachel | Image: Peacock

Brady and Marlena visited Rachel at Bayview with some good news. Marlena told her granddaughter that she was coming home! The trio embraced because of the good news! Rachel was excited to be going back to her own room. Brady said that he needed to fill out some paperwork.

Marlena told Rachel how proud she was of working hard to get better. Rachel and Marlena told the other how much they loved each other. Brady and Rachel hugged. Rachel said seeing S'mores, her pet snake, will be the best part of going home. Brady said that Tate has been living at home. So, it’ll be the three of them and S'mores living together.

Brady said he’s missed Rachel the most. “Don’t cry, Daddy,” he said to himself. Rachel said to Brady that she wanted fries and chicken nuggets for her first non-Bayview meal. He couldn’t say no to her.

Sister Act

Lexie and Kristen are close sisters | Image: Peacock

Kristen let herself into Abe and Lexie’s home. Lexie was lying asleep on the sofa. Kristen was relieved that Lexie was just sleeping. “I was just taking a nap,” Lexie said. She was having a nice dream that she, Theo, and Abe were having a picnic on a beach.

Kristen told her sister that they have an emergency on their hands. Kristen said that she spoke to a contact on the island where EJ plans to send her. Kristen learned that EJ is making his move tomorrow night. Kristen said that the staff was told to expect a “DiMera sister,” but they wouldn’t be getting the one they were expecting. Kristen said that if Lexie wasn’t ready to leave, they could come up with another plan.

Lexie said that she was prepared to go through with her plan to stand in for Lexie on the island. This way, Theo and Abe wouldn’t have to watch her get ill. Kristen said that she hadn’t fully worked out how they’d switch places.

Kristen gave Lexie a geo-locator bracelet. She has one, too. Once she’s grabbed, Kristen will activate it, and Lexie will know where to go. Kristen couldn’t imagine how difficult this was for Lexie.

Lexie said that she had to figure out how to say her goodbyes in her own way. Kristen said that she had some difficult goodbyes, too. They hugged.

With These Rings

Lexie and Abe exchanged vows with their original rings | Image: Peacock

Abe arrived home (after Kristen had left). Abe presented Lexie with their wedding rings, which he had in his safe deposit box at the bank. Lexie was touched thatAbe kept them. He said his love for her would never change, no matter what.

Abe said he could never fully tell you how much she meant to him. Abe told his wife shew as a miracle, his angel on earth. He said her death certificate was rescinded, and they should renew their vows. “With this ring, I thee wed,” Abe told his wife. Abe read the rest of his vows, lovingly, to Lexie.

Lexie said to Abe, “With this ring, I thee wed.” She then recited the rest of the traditional wedding vows. Lexie broke down with emotion. He offered to finish her thought for her, noting that death couldn’t even keep them apart. Abe spoke of all the years that were to come. He kissed her. Lexie was overwrought with emotion.

Lexie told Abe they couldn’t honeymoon right now as she was going to see her mother (Celeste). Abe wanted to go with her as he’d love to see his mother-in-law. Abe said that he hated not having Lexie near him after so many years apart. He promised to miss her every second that she was gone. She said she’d miss Abe even more.

Small Bar, Big Talk

Belle gave Stephanie the benefit of her experience | Image: Peacock

Belle and Stephanie bumped into each other at Small Bar. Stephanie lamented that Alex was busy with Joy and Kelsey. Stephanie knew that the car accident was traumatic, but Joy was still drawing on Alex. Belle recounted trouble-maker Jan Spears and how she affected her relationship with Shawn.

Belle said that she didn’t lose Shawn because he fell in love with the mother of his baby (because Jan didn’t have Shawn’s baby), but rather because she was jealous and paranoid. Stephanie said Alex told her that Joy didn’t have the power to pull him away and that the biggest threat was her pushing him away.

Belle wished that someone had told her that regarding Shawn. Belle said that what happened between her and Shawn was a lot more than a baby. She believed that Stephanie and Alex could work this out. Belle said that she wasn’t looking back anymore. She was hopeful about the future. Shawn was, too.

That's Amore

Chad (Conner Floyd) told Belle about their trip to Italy | Image: Peacock

Chad came upon Alex blasting Philip over the phone in Horton Square. Alex said this whole family feud needed to stop, or else it would take everyone down. Alex told Chad that he needed to reassure Stephanie that she would come first in his life. Chad said he thought that Alex and Stephanie were good together. Alex said that Kelsey was pretty amazing. Chad welcomed Alex to the “girl dad” club. Chad said that Stephanie would get there in time.

Meanwhile, Jada and Shawn arrived at the Brady Pub. She complimented him on his recovery. He hoped to get back to active duty. “The mean streets of Salem need me,” Shawn said. Jada said that Shawn wasn’t medically cleared. He said he had a doctor’s visit coming up soon, and he feels strong. He wondered if there was another reason he wouldn’t want her back on duty.

Jada feared that once Shawn got a clean bill of health, he wouldn’t need to stay with her anymore. Shawn said that he made his own choices. He said that he wanted to stay with Jada. Very much. Assuming that she was okay with that. “I am more than okay with that,” Jada said.

Shawn wondered if Jada had a partner in mind for him. Jada said she’s holding all applicants to a high standard. Jada shot a text to Stephanie. She wanted to be there for her pal as she is her best friend. Shawn said that he appreciated how Jada had taken care of him. He said he was good and if Jada felt she needed to be there for Stephanie, he was good.

Then, Chad and Alex arrived at Small Bar and exchanged small talk with Stephanie and Belle. Then, Belle and Chad took their table. He said he was happy to see her. Belle sensed that Chad had something to tell her. He proposed a five-star, first-class trip to Milan. Belle thought they were going to Rome.

Chad said that he arranged for the top La Scala Opera House historian to tag along with them. Belle said that Milan sounded amazing, but her research led her to Rome. Chad said that they’d have to do both. They'd go to Milan, and then Rome. Chad said they were going to have an amazing Italian adventure.

Mother's Here

Kristen and Brady are devoted to Rachel | Image: Peacock

Kristen arrived and celebrated Rachel’s release with her. Rachel wanted to know why her mom seemed so sad. Kristen noted that they’d spent time apart because of EJ, but, after Brady reacted subtly and negatively, Kristen said they didn’t need to talk about that. Kristen told Rachel that she missed her. Rachel pointed out that they had forever now.

Later, Chad and Belle took a walk through Horton Square. He wondered if Belle was going to tell Marlena about their trip. He was going to keep things quiet so that Dr. Rolf couldn’t interfere. They spotted Marlena, who was walking alone.

Marlena shared that Rachel was being released tomorrow morning. Belle let slip that she and Chad were taking time away. Chad said that he was going to Italy. Marlena asked why Italy? Belle said she wanted to see the ruins and the cathedrals.

Open Communication

Alex and Stephanie get an "A" for communication | Image: JPI

At Small Bar, Stephanie asked Alex about Joy and Kelsey. Alex said Joy was going home soon, and it’s as if Kelsey wasn’t even in the accident. Stephanie confessed to not always showing that she was so proud of him for stepping up as a father. Alex downplayed his efforts. Stephanie said that she was lucky to be married to Alex and that he was a good man.

Alex broke down a bit and let Stephanie know that his family could lose everything despite pouring everything he had. He worried about being the father he needed to be if he couldn’t support her.

Stephanie thanked Alex for sharing what he did with her. She said now was the time that she could help him as she had money from her book and her company. Stephanie acknowledged that, as Kesley was Alex’s daughter, they would both not let her down. He kissed her.

Kristen's Promise

Kristen gave Rachel a big hug | Image: Peacock

Kristen and Brady had a moment alone while Rachel went to gather her artwork. Kristen assured Brady that EJ wouldn’t be an issue. “Thank you,” Kristen told Brady for being an amazing father. She noted that Rachel truly loves Brady and that she will rely on him more than ever.

Brady said that he’d always be there. Kristen acknowledged that she’d made things difficult for years as they argued over trivial and non-trivial issues. Kristen apologized to Brady. Kristen said that Brady was a good man and a great father. She thanked him as Rachel was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Rachel came back into her room with her artwork. Kristen told her to rest up for her homecoming. Mother and daughter gave each other a big hug. Kristen told Rachel that she was the most precious thing in the world to her. Rachel told Kristen that she was squeezing her too tightly. Kristen laughed through her tears and promised never to let her daughter go.