TL;DR: On November 5’s Days of Our Lives, Javi Hernandez and Leo Stark say an emotional goodbye to baby Tesoro as Johnny DiMera and Chanel Dupree officially adopt him and rename him “Trey” in honor of John Black.
The adoption storyline that’s been building for weeks just reached its devastating climax! Javi and Leo had to hand over the baby they’ve been fostering to his new forever family, and if you thought you were prepared for these scenes, think again. The emotional fallout from this “bittersweet goodbye” is hitting the entire Hernandez family hard, with Arianna Horton stepping up to remind everyone that this isn’t really the end.
What Happens to Baby Tesoro on Days of Our Lives?
Tesoro gets officially adopted by Johnny DiMera and Chanel Dupree on November 5. After months of acting as foster fathers, Javi and Leo received the crushing news via text that a permanent family had been found for their “wee babe.” The adoption was approved by Paulina Price, with Belle Brady handling the legal details. In a touching tribute to Johnny’s late grandfather, the couple renamed the baby “Trey” (as in John Black the Third).
The handover scenes were absolutely gut-wrenching. Javi and Leo shared their final moments with Tesoro before physically placing him in Johnny and Chanel’s arms. To their credit, the new parents “gracefully thanked” the foster fathers and extended an open invitation for future visits. But that small gesture of kindness can’t erase the pain of losing a child they’d come to love as their own.
Why Is This Goodbye So Devastating for Javi?
This isn’t just about losing a foster child for Javi Hernandez. Remember his tragic backstory about his daughter Solana? She died in a hot car accident in Texas when her mother forgot her on an extremely hot day. Javi explicitly told Leo that giving up Tesoro would feel like “losing his daughter all over again.” Talk about reopening old wounds! Fostering this baby gave Javi a miraculous second chance at fatherhood he never thought he’d have again. Now he’s reliving his greatest trauma in real time.
For Leo, this loss hits differently but just as hard. The con-man-turned-good has been on a genuine redemption arc, and raising Tesoro with Javi was the first truly selfless, domestic thing he’s done in his adult life. This “found family” was proof that Leo Stark could actually be stable and loving. Without the baby, will he revert to his chaotic old ways?
How Does Ari’s Family Connection Soften the Blow?
Here’s the silver lining Ari Hernandez pointed out: she’s actually Johnny DiMera’s niece! Ari is the daughter of Gabi Hernandez and Will Horton. Will’s mother is Sami Brady, who also happens to be Johnny’s mother. That makes Will and Johnny half-brothers, and Ari becomes little Trey’s cousin.
This family connection ensures the Hernandez and DiMera clans will remain permanently linked. Ari comforting her devastated family by reminding them she’ll still be able to visit and watch Trey grow up is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The entire Hernandez family – including Rafe, Gabi, and Ari – had bonded with this baby during his foster placement.
What’s Next for Johnny and Chanel?
For Johnny and Chanel, this adoption represents their “joyful new beginning” after suffering through a heartbreaking miscarriage. Medical advice suggested Chanel’s chances of carrying a pregnancy to term were slim, making this adoption their best shot at parenthood. Naming the baby after John Black is a profound legacy move, especially following actor Drake Hogestyn’s passing. Could this mean we’ll see more Black family members visiting to meet the newest addition? Don’t be surprised if Brady or Belle start dropping by more often.
Given Javi’s history and the promise of visitation rights, this “goodbye” likely isn’t permanent. The adoption creates a complex blended family dynamic that writers can mine for drama for years to come.
Catch all the must-know Days of Our Lives spoilers and updates here.
