1977 (#3) - Chris' desire for motherhood and Ron's renunciation of Karen’s custody

The moment Nancy is admitted to the psychiatric center, and Ron runs away from the city and vanishes without a trace, Chris and Snapper get a chance to keep little Karen temporarily. Chris, who is having trouble in getting pregnant, thus decides to formally request final custody of the child, despite Snapper, worried about Chris' growing attachment to Karen, is afraid that this would only bring distress to his wife, convinced that Ron soon, knowing that there is no arrest warrant on him, would return to look for his daughter. Snapper's predictions, however, are only half right. Ron returns to the city, but after an interview with Chris, who asks him to think about the wellness and future of his daughter Karen, the man surprisingly announces to Snapper and Chris that he wants to give up custody of Karen, convinced that his wife Nancy would never recover from her illness. Ron also promises both Chris and Snapper to get out of their lives and start all over again far from Genoa City. Chris, extremely happy, then, is delighted to be able to cuddle up with what could soon become her daughter, Karen. Chris and Snapper's marriage is stronger than ever.