Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, May 13: Lexie gets two emotional gut punches that rock her world

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Lexie’s Return of the Living Dead sequel brings a seemingly happy ending for some, and heartache for others. And the jury’s still out on Alex’s new turn at Bringing Up Baby.

Papa don’t preach

Alex received advice on being a papa from OG Papa Steve | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Alex and Chanel got all caught up on the 'Joyful' situation. Alex admitted the baby news had been tough on Stephanie, especially since Kelsey and Joy were planning to stay in Salem. Chanel took a breather from complaining about the latter circumstance and supported Alex’s decision to get to know his daughter.

Alex, in turn, supported Chanel as she listed off all the drama in her life (with one very conspicuous omission). The friends/former lovers more parted with warm wishes for each other (with the noted uptick in Alex and Chanel’s scenes together, perhaps Joy isn’t the real threat).

Later, Alex returned home and was paid a visit by Papa Steve, who wanted to have a “chat” (not a word a son-in-law wants to hear). Steve, though, demonstrated he had mellowed over time by giving his support to Alex about the baby (sans a few low-key ‘don’t hurt my daughter’ warnings).

Steve had been impressed with Alex during Stephanie’s abduction and could relate to the whole ‘secret child you never knew about’ scenario (so could half of Salem). He included Alex and Kelsey as members of his “big, crazy” family and affirmed Kayla and he would always be there for them. (Aww, Steve's a sweetie Papa Bear.)

EJ and Gwen: Honor (or no?) among thieves

Gwen got a billion-dollar knife in the back from EJ | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, EJ played recapper for Gwen and filled her in on the DiMera will reading drama, starring Back-From-the-Dead Lexie. Gwen took a moment to gripe about “bloody nitwit” Leo’s snooping (is EJ eyeing the old adage ‘three people can keep a secret if two are dead?’) Instead of sharing her partner’s glee, though, Gwen instead fretted over the prospect of landing in prison (a little late for that, Gwen). Totally above-board, EJ contested, as long as they remained “discreet” about their clients, whom were promising payouts of billions with a B, by the way. That bit of news turned Gwen’s mood around right-quick…until EJ suggested that as the person shouldering most of the “risk,” he should reap the lion’s share of the reward.

Gwen huffed, puffed, and raged about EJ’s betrayal that she should have seen coming. EJ coolly reasoned that he was being more than generous. He had helped Gwen secure her divorce settlement and was perfectly willing to reward her handsomely for her contributions to the project. Gwen could take or leave his offer, but leaving it meant risking prison.

Gwen begrudgingly acquiesced, but she was impatient to get to the ‘billions’ part of the proceedings. EJ urged patience. They had to monitor Lexie to assure their clients the results would “stick." Meanwhile, the “next phase” of the project – involving the other subjects – could proceed. (Since most of Salem’s already risen from the dead, the options for those ‘other subjects’ are pretty limited.)

A Mother’s Day to remember for Theo

Days of our Lives' Theo played prince to his slumbering mom | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Abe and Theo visited with Lexie, who had temporarily returned to her Sleeping Beauty state. Theo again justified his reasoning for keeping quiet about his mom’s return. Kayla arrived with an update: the DNA results and dental records had both confirmed a match with Lexie. Even better, Lexie’s brain tumor had “miraculously” disappeared. Theo inquired if his mom would be like herself and have all her memories when she woke up.

Kayla couldn’t be sure, since they didn’t really know what regimen of drugs Lexie had been given. But she herself was proof that it could happen. (Pod people unite.) The update elated Abe and Theo, who suggested Abe go see Paulina. Abe remembered he had another wife and obliged, leaving mother and son alone. Theo recalled all the times he had sat with Lexie in the secret tunnels and talked with her, so he’d give it another go.

Theo didn’t have to wait long because Lexie’s eyes popped open, and she looked at him with confusion and fear. Theo promptly moved to calm his mom and reintroduce himself to her. “It’s me, Mom.” Lexie claimed it couldn’t be, because her Theo was “just a boy.” Theo gently told her it was 2026. (We guess that ‘permanent’ one-year time jump wasn’t so permanent after all.)

Theo’s assertion rattled Lexie. He told her a heartfelt story about a time she had calmed his anxiety about going to school with ‘Little Engine That Could’ stamps. After the story, Lexie thought she could, indeed, embrace the young man in front of her as her son. And she did, with tears and smiles aplenty.

The Perils of Paulina

Paulina bemoaned her new role as unwitting mistress | Image: Peacock

In the waiting area, Marlena saw a visibly distressed Paulina and soon learned the news of Lexie’s resurrection. Being the undisputed Queen of Back From the Dead herself, Marlena took the news in stride and immediately went into therapist/confidant mode with Paulina. Mrs. Carver #2 fretted that the return of Mrs. Carver #1 would leave her on the sidelines of her own life. She couldn’t possibly compete with the years of love and family Abe and Lexie had shared together. And she had even heard Abe and Lexie declare their love for each other.

Marlena listened sympathetically before retiring to her office and commiserating with Kayla about the Lexie news, about her unceremonious exit from the will reading before the big event, and about the empathy she felt for Paulina. Marlena compared it to her dilemma of being torn between two lovers (and feeling like a fool) with John and Roman. (Wouldn’t John be the Paulina in this comparison, so Team Paulina?)

Back in the waiting area, Chanel arrived on the scene, learned about Lexie, and proved she was becoming a true Salemite by showing only mild shock. She surmised that Lexie had been at the heart of Paulina’s recent ethical struggles. Paulina gave her daughter an earful as well about her certainty that she would become a “footnote” in Abe and Lexie’s epic love story.

Cue the hero of the tale’s entrance. Abe asked to speak with Paulina alone, and things quickly got awkward between the spouses. Abe confirmed the woman was Lexie and that she seemed to be on the road to recovery. Paulina, giving Abe no room to respond, urged her husband to return to his “wife.” Abe weakly protested that Paulina was his wife, but Paulina begged to differ: was their marriage even legal?

Paulina remained steadfast. Abe put up little fight before silently going back to Lexie’s room. Chanel was close by to comfort her Mama, who was certain she’d just given Abe exactly what he wanted.

Meanwhile, Abe reentered Lexie’s room to the happy sight of Lexie awake and being regaled with life updates courtesy of Theo. The family shared a light moment about Theo’s growth spurt. The mood took a decided turn when Lexie spotted Abe’s wedding ring and assumed he was still wearing her ring. Abe haltingly explained that it had been a long time, and for much of that time he had struggled to move on. Then he delivered the blow to a devasted Lexie: the ring actually came from Abe’s new wife.

Coming up on Days of our Lives

Liam and Ari continue their stint as Salem’s latest star-crossed lovers and face down the wrath of Gabi. Star-crossed veterans Johnny and Chanel hope their stars have finally aligned. Meanwhile, hope springs anew for another potential dynamic duo, Shawn and Jada (has she gotten the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ talk from Theo yet?)