Changes Part 51

 

Brooke quietly walked outside and watched her husband with her daughter. She felt a lump in her throat as she saw him kiss Bridget softly on the forehead and dry her tears. She was almost giddy with happiness when Bridget threw her arms around him and hugged him. She watched him say something to her and Bridget laughed. He touched her on the nose and they shared another hug. Not wanting to interfere with the miracle she was witnessing she walked back inside the house to Grant and Taylor. She was shocked at Taylor’s question about Macy and rushed right over to them.

"Grant are you hungry?" She asked changing the subject.

"I think so. We’ve been so busy today I barely thought about it." He answered.

"I was just asking Grant about Macy." Taylor told Brooke.

"Macy? Who has time to talk about Macy? How about you Taylor? Are you hungry?" She asked.

"Who is this Macy?" Grant asked.

"You remember her Grant. She’s Thorne’s wife." Brooke quickly answered shooting a look to Taylor.

"Thorne’s wife? Oh yeah. I think I may have met her. She sings right?"

"Yes that’s Macy." Brooke said. "So how about we order something in. I’m not up for cooking right now."

"Maybe Bryan can pick it up on the way home." Taylor suggested.

"Bryan?" Grant asked.

"Bryan and Taylor are a couple Grant. She and Ridge are divorced."

"I’ve been away a long time." He said shaking his head. The sound of a baby crying caught their attention. "Brooke?" Grant questioned.

"It’s Stephanie." Taylor answered. "She’s been cranky all day."

"Now I know I haven’t been gone that long." Grant said. "Did something happen to Stephanie?"

"Stephanie is my daughter Grant." Taylor said with a laugh.

"Oh, you had me worried. I was thinking the old broad had a stroke or something."

"She did." Brooke put in. "But she’s healthy as a horse now. The same as ever."

"So this must be Ridge’s child." Grant assumed.

"Actually Ridge and I have three children. Thomas and the twins Phoebe and Stephanie."

"You have been busy. I’m sorry about you and Ridge. Michael mentioned that Ridge was sleeping with his wife."

"What?" Taylor asked.

"We have to talk about that." Brooke told her. "And the black eye."

"Who has a black eye?" Grant asked.

"Ridge" Both Taylor and Brooke said at the same time. They both laughed.

"And Michael gave it to him?" Grant asked.

"Yes." They answered in unison.

"And you want to talk to Taylor about it?" He asked Brooke.

"That’s right."

"I think you are too involved in this guys life Brooke. He seems a bit strange to me."

"He’s not strange Grant, he’s a wonderful man."

"If you say so." He said.

"I do." Brooke answered. "In fact I’m going to go check on them again. You two decided what you want to eat okay?" She told them and walked outside again. Michael, Bridget and Sara were playing basketball.

They were laughing and seemed to be having a good time. Brooke stood and watched until Michael saw her.

"Time!" He shouted giving the symbol for time out. He walked to Brooke and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. "I love you!" He told her.

"I love you too." She said. "I’m amazed." She said gesturing to Bridget.

"I don’t know how long it will last but I think we made a breakthrough."

"Did you explain what happened with Grant?"
"She knows everything honey and would you believe this? She’s on our side."

"You and me?" She asked.

"She thinks it’s, um how did she put this? Oh yeah, so gross that he thinks he can come back from the dead and screw her mother." He said with a laugh.

"That’s Bridget for you."

"Anyway things are looking up for me with her. She even gave me a hug."

"I saw it." Brooke said as the tears came to her eyes. "I was watching."

"Well I know she still wants you with Ridge but I guess she thinks I’m a cut above Grant. Did she like him when you were married?"

"Neither one of my kids did, in fact, oh my God Rick! Michael I have to talk to Taylor! I’ll explain this later. It’s very important. Please believe me." She said in a panic.

"Okay honey. You do what you have to." He told her. Brooke ran inside and ran up to Taylor.

"Taylor! Rick! We forgot about Rick!" Brooke said.

"Rick!" Taylor gasped. "Oh no what are we going to do?"

"He still doesn’t remember?" Grant asked.

"Grant, you were gone. He never seemed to want to deal with it. I think he buried it so deep he doesn’t remember it." Brooke said.

"But Brooke" Taylor broke in. "The shock of seeing Grant again may make those memories come back. We have to brace him for this."

"My baby." Brooke said.

"We can do this Brooke. We all have to work together on this."

"If only he had stayed at the guest house." Brooke moaned.

"The guest house? Why would Rick be in a guest house?"

"Oh Grant it’s really been awhile." Taylor groaned. "Rick is older then when you remember him. He’s been married and had a child."

"That little boy is a father?"

"He’s not a little boy anymore." Brooke told him. "I need to call Eric. He has to know what’s going on."

"Brooke he’s not home." Taylor said. "I spoke to Stephanie earlier and they went away."

"In the middle of a showing?"

"They needed the time together. We have to do this without him. Now where is Rick?"

"I don’t know Taylor. I’ve been in Mexico all day."

"You haven’t talked to him about it ever?" Grant asked.

"Grant you and Ridge both agreed that it was best he believed that it was Ridge that shot you." Taylor told him.

"Well we won’t say anything if he doesn’t say anything." Brooke said.

"Maybe it’s for the best. If he says something he will come to you Brooke, you two have a very good relationship." Taylor told her. "Either way I’m here for both of you."

"Thank you Taylor." Brooke said with a hug.

"I can’t get over this." Grant told them. "You two are really close."

"Things have a way of changing Grant." Brooke told him. "Nothing is the same as it was when you left."

"At least we still have each other." He told her. He pulled her to him and kissed her. Brooke gave him a little kiss and pulled away. "Are you uncomfortable with me?" Grant asked her.

"Grant the whole situation is a strain." Taylor told him.

"No offense Taylor but I was asking Brooke."

"Grant things aren’t the same as when you left."

"What are you trying to tell me?"

"Just that it’s been a long time Grant. Things have happened to all of us that have changed the courses of our lives. You wonder about Michael and why he’s here and I just want to" Suddenly Michael and Bridget and Sara came in whooping and hollering and laughing interrupting Brooke’s unfinished confession.

"We are starving!" Michael announced. "What do you say we make some dinner?"

"Look at you!" Brooke said as she smiled at him. "You are sweating all over the place."

"These girls ran me ragged." He grinned. "I’m gonna grab a shower and then let’s do something about food or else Bridget and I are going to raid the refrigerator and leave you all nothing. Right Bridge?" He asked her.

"Right Mike." She smiled back at him.

"Well go get cleaned up, all of you. Sara are you staying?"

"Okay." Sara said.

"Bridget give Sara something clean to put on. To the showers! All of you!" Brooke said with a smile.
Michael headed up the stairs with Bridget and Sara right behind him.

"It’s wonderful. She’s finally coming around." Brooke said to Taylor.

"About what?" Grant asked.

"She and Michael haven’t been getting along."

"Brooke if this man isn’t good for your daughter then he shouldn’t be here."

"It’s working out Grant. Michael needs to be here."

"Why?" He asked.

"Grant. What do you feel like eating?" Taylor said interrupting. She shot a look to Brooke that said ‘not yet’.

"I wish you wouldn’t all walk around on eggshells with me. I really want to know why this guy is here."

"Grant why don’t you lie down for awhile before we eat." Taylor suggested.

"I am tired. But this conversation is not finished."

"You’re right Grant, it isn’t." Brooke told him. Grant slowly headed up the stair. Brooke turned to Taylor. "Why did you stop me? I was going to tell him."

"It’s not the right time Brooke, or the right circumstances. He needs to feel a bit more secure before you tell him and blow away the world as he knows it. I know it’s hard for you and Michael but you both have to think of Grant. He didn’t ask to be put in this situation."

"I’m going to lose Michael Taylor, if I don’t make things right soon he’ll leave me."

"Brooke the man who helped me today, well let me just say I completely changed my opinion about him. He is a true gem and he loves you intensely."

"You should have seen him with Bridget. He was wonderful. Oh Taylor I love him so much. How can I bear to not be in his bed?"

"You can be Brooke, you just have to sneak a bit."

"But Michael doesn’t want to sneak."

"I’ll talk to him. Brooke he really has a great understanding of this whole situation. You can’t know how lucky you are. I truly doubt either Bryan or Ridge would have his patience."

 

Grant walked into the master bedroom and kicked off his shoes. He got on the bed and lay down. He took a deep breath and smelled Brooke’s perfume. He sighed to himself. He was so happy to be back. He looked over to the nightstand and saw a man’s watch. He picked it up and looked at it. He wondered if it was his and he had forgotten it. He closed his eyes and let the gentle sound of water start to sooth him to sleep suddenly he sat up.

"Water?" He said aloud. "It’s not raining." Suddenly the water sounds stopped and the bathroom door opened. With a towel wrapped around his waist Michael walked into the bedroom.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" Grant asked him.

"I was taking a shower." He answered.

"This is Brooke’s bedroom, mine and Brooke’s."

Michael put his hand to his head and pushed his hair back while he thought.

"Answer me." Grant demanded.

"I always use this shower." Michael told him.

"Why?"

"Why do you think Grant?" He asked. He picked up the watch that Grant had been looking at and put it around his wrist.

"You’re sleeping with her aren’t you?" Grant said in a stunned voice.

"Yes Grant, I am." Michael admitted.

"That’s why you’re here. You’re her lover."

"You can say that."

"It’s over now Michael. You pack your bags and get the hell out of here. She’s my wife and you are history."

"Sorry Grant, I think that’s up to Brooke don’t you?" Michael said as he grabbed a pair of underwear from the dresser and put them on.

"You live here? In this room?" Grant asked his eyes widening.

"I’m not telling you this to upset you Grant. Brooke doesn’t have the nerve right now but I think you need to know the truth."

"What about your wife? Does she know about this?"

"Oh yeah Grant, my wife knows all about this."

 

Bridget was brushing her hair when Sara came out of the bathroom.

"I can’t believe you Bridget. That’s the guy you hate?"

"Yeah." Bridget admitted.

"He is so hot! I’d do him anytime." Sara told her. "And he was so nice to you. And did you see his muscles, and those eyes, and that hair. Oh God Bridget I really would do him!"

"Maybe he’s not as bad as I thought."

"You said he was ugly. He is so hot!"

"I said I didn’t like him. I never said he was ugly."

"Your mother is so lucky. I bet he is so hot in bed."

"Is that all you think about?" Bridget asked her friend.

"Don’t you think he’s hot?"

"Maybe a little, I don’t know. He was nice to me."

"He was so nice Bridget and when he kissed you! Oh you must have died."

"He kissed my head."

"I would have moved my head so I got his lips, and Bridget those lips. They are so nice. Wow would I love to kiss him."

"I don’t think of him that way."

"You are so lucky that he lives with you. My mother only gets these old guys. She never brings home someone like him."

"Well I’m sick of my mother bringing home men."

"Well she married him so I doubt she’ll bring home anymore."

"What are you talking about? She already did." The girls started to giggle. "You can’t say anything Sara. This guy Grant was really sick and he’s confused."

"Is your mother going to sleep with him?"

"No way!"

"Can you imagine Bridget? You mother has two guys that think they are married to her in the same house."

"She’s only married to Michael. She was never really married to Grant. That was only because of Ridge."

"Then why does he think they’re married?"

"I don’t know. Michael seemed pretty confused about that too."

"Do you hear yourself Bridget?"

"What?"

"You aren’t calling him the jerk or anything, you’re calling him Michael."

"Yeah well maybe he’s okay."

 

"I’m not telling you this to hurt you Grant." Michael told him. "I know you’ve been through a terrible experience and I don’t envy you at all. I just think that you deserve to know the truth."

"The truth is that she’s my wife and I’m back now Michael. It’s time for you to move on. Go back to your own wife. I love Brooke and I’m back to stay." Grant argued.

"It’s not that easy Grant. Brooke and I are in love, very much in love."

"She’s not going to leave me for you." Grant struck back. "She loves me Michael."

"Yes, she does love you. But she’s in love with me. There’s a difference and you know it. You need to talk to her. You need to understand the way she feels. It’s much more complicated than I am even letting on and it’s not my place to explain it to you."

"You seem to make everything in this house your place. You try and take over everything. That’s not your job Michael, you have your own wife. Why can’t you just leave mine be?"

"She’s not your wife Grant. Not anymore."

"That would make it easy for you wouldn’t it? Brooke and I aren’t divorced so she’s still my wife and any court will agree with that."

"What if she doesn’t want to be your wife Grant?"

"Well she hasn’t told me that!"

"She’s afraid to. She doesn’t want to hurt you."

"If it makes it easier for you to believe that then go ahead. Until she tells me differently she’s my wife and this is my home and this is my bed and you are intruding." Grant shouted.

"You can’t blame this on me or on Brooke Grant. Time has passed and things have changed. This is not your home any longer it’s mine. I really think you and Brooke need to sit down and talk."

"Oh I intend to do that but first I want you out of our bedroom and our house!" Grant shouted at him.

Michael walked to the closet and grabbed a pair of jeans and put them on. He pulled out a shirt and held it as he turned back to Grant. "Do you see this Grant? These are my clothes in this closet. This is not a temporary situation. This is not an affair. Please don’t make me tell you something that you aren’t ready to hear because I have to tell you I am sorely tempted."

"There’s nothing that you can tell me that I’m not ready to hear!" Grant told him. "In fact I have a lot more to say to you."

"Not now you don’t." Michael told him. "I don’t want to start anything with you Grant. Believe me that isn’t my purpose. I’m going to go downstairs and leave you alone before I say something I regret." Michael told him. He walked out of the bedroom and quickly went down the stairs buttoning his shirt as he walked down. He walked up to Brooke and Taylor.

"I’m sorry honey, I opened my mouth up there. I couldn’t help it."

"What did you do Michael?" Taylor asked him.

"Michael?" Brooke said looking into his eyes. "What happened?"

"I came out of the shower and he was sitting on the bed."

"Oh my God!" Brooke exclaimed.

"What did you say to him Michael?" Taylor asked.

"He wanted to know what I was doing there. I said what do you think I’m doing here. He knows about us honey, he knows." Michael said as Brooke looked at him with a pained expression. "Don’t you dare look at me that way. I’m your husband! I’m the one who deserves your sympathy."

"Did you tell him that we’re married?" She asked.

"No, he thinks we’re lovers. He knows we live together. Brooke I refuse to lie about this. You have to make a decision. Is it him or me?"

"I have to talk to him!" Brooke said in a panic.

"I guess I have my answer." Michael said sadly. He turned towards the door.

"Brooke no!" Taylor said sharply. "Look at what you’re doing. Michael is right. He has to come first."

"Oh God." She said. "What am I doing? Michael wait! Please don’t go. We’ll tell him, we’ll tell him together." She ran to him and threw her arms around him.

"Okay honey, okay." He said pulling her closer. "Can we get out of here for awhile? Maybe go for a ride just the two of us?" He asked her.

"Yes. Yes, let’s go now. We need to just be alone for a few moments." She agreed.

"I know just the place." He grinned at her. "Taylor maybe you can check on Grant and make sure he’s okay." Michael suggested.

"I’ll talk to him but I think Brooke has to be the one to tell him about you two."

"I will." Brooke said not taking her eyes off of the husband.

"Shoes? I need shoes." Michael said.

"Go barefoot. Let’s just get out of here before something else stops us." Brooke said taking his hand and dragging him towards the door.

"I think the lady has ideas." Michael said to Taylor with a wink.

"Have fun." She smiled at them.

Michael grabbed his keys and let Brooke pull him out the door. As soon as the door was closed he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply and passionately. His hands roamed up and down her body. She returned the passion by pulling his shirt from his pants and letting her hands go up and down his back.

"Not here. Too many eyes." He told her. She started to walk towards the passenger seat when he stopped her. "Wait one last thing before we leave." He reached under her dress and pulled her panties off her. He stuck them in his pocket. "We won’t need these." He grinned at her. He walked her to the passenger seat and helped her into the car. He quickly got into the driver’s seat and started the car. The moment they were out of the driveway he pulled her closer to him. "I have to touch you." He said in a sexy voice as his hand went up her thigh.

"Yes." She moaned as his fingers claimed her. "Where are we going?" She said in a breathy voice.

"Do you really care?" He asked her as he began slowly moving his hand.

"Faster." She told him.

"Me or the car?" He asked.

"Both." She cried out.

"You got it." He said as he pushed the speedometer up and increased his pace at the same time. Brooke felt her body start to convulse and tighten on his fingers.

"Oh God, oh God." She cried. "Please, please." She begged.

"Please what?" He laughed.

"I don’t know." She moaned as she felt herself lose total control. "Michael!" She screamed his name.

"Soon honey soon." He promised. "Here we are." He smiled as he pulled in behind their favorite billboard. "But I swear the next time is in our bed Brooke." He took his fingers from her and gave her a quick kiss. "Move the seat back, I’m getting out and coming in on your side." He told her.

"Yes." She said as she gazed at him with bedroom eyes. She pulled the lever to release the seat back and laid herself back. Michael got out of the car and opened the passenger door. He stepped behind in and pulled off his jeans and underwear in one tug and got into the car and laid himself on top of her.

"Are you alright?" He laughed. "I know this isn’t too comfortable."

"Please hurry, inside me Michael." She begged.

"I aim to please." He said as he lowered himself into her.

 

"Grant? Can we talk?" Taylor asked as she stood outside the door to Brooke’s bedroom.

"Come on in." He told her. He sat up on the bed.

"You had a little problem before huh?" She asked.

"I guess I was the only one who didn’t know. I feel like an idiot."

"You shouldn’t Grant. None of this was under your control."

"Everyone watched me go on and on about our love and marriage and all the time she’s carrying on with him."

"What did Michael say to you?"

"He claims they’re in love."

"They are." She confirmed.

"Where does that leave me?"

"Where would you like it to leave you Grant?"

"Stop acting like a shrink and start acting like my friend Taylor."

"Okay, sorry. Grant how much about your marriage to Brooke do you remember?"

"I remember I love her."

"Do you remember why she married you?"

"Yes." He muttered. "She only married me to make Ridge jealous. But Taylor we were making it work."

"Both of you or just you?"

"Obviously she’s gotten over Ridge." He groaned.

"What year is this Grant?" She asked him.

"Year? I’m not sure. I know I thought it was earlier than it is."

"Grant you were very sick for a very long time. Brooke did not think you were going to live."

"I don’t blame her for going on with her life Taylor but if she didn’t want me why did she drag me back into it?"

"Was she supposed to just leave you there? This isn’t easy for her either. You’ve been her secret for years."

"No one else knew? No one?"

"Only your doctor. He helped her in the first place. Grant what else can you remember? Who is important to you?"

"Only Brooke. I remember Michael, not her Michael, my Michael, Michael Lei."

"Yes. You left her to marry Brooke."

"How is she?"

"She moved away a long time ago Grant."

"So there’s no one else who remembers me?"

"Grant a lot of people remember you, what I’m concerned with is who you remember."

"It’s so confusing Taylor."

"Well I’m going to help you. But we’re going to take this slowly."

 

"Oh God Brooke, it’s been so long." Michael groaned as he began to move inside her.

"Way too long." She answered. "Love me Michael." She whispered.

"Oh I do honey, I do." He said as his mouth met hers. Suddenly the car was filled with a bright light. "What the hell?" Michael asked.

"Okay out of the car." Came a loud amplified voice.

"Oh jeez it’s the police." Michael moaned.

"No!" Brooke shouted. Michael pulled himself away and grabbed his jeans from the ground just as the policeman approached them.

"Aren’t you two a little old for this?" The cop said to them.

"I’m sorry officer." Michael told him. "It’s a long story and you’d never believe it anyway."

"I’ve heard them all mister." The cop told him. He looked at Michael’s hand and noticed his wedding band. "Maybe you ought to take your girlfriend home and go back to your wife huh?"

"This is my wife, I told you it was a long story." Michael explained.

"I’m gonna let you go with a warning this time but next time get a room." He told him. "Get dressed and get out of here before I change my mind." He warned them.

"You don’t have to tell me twice." Michael answered. He pulled his jeans on and quickly got into the driver’s seat. As the policeman drove away Brooke broke up into hysterical laughter.

"I don’t believe this." She said. "No one is going to let us do this."

"You know I think the odds are stacked against us." Michael told her. "At least you got a little satisfaction."

"I’m sorry honey, I’ll make it up to you." She laughed.

"Promises, promises." He groaned as he pulled the car back onto the highway and headed for home.

Changes Part 52

 

Brooke and Michael were still laughing when they walked back into the house. Although he was in a better mood Michael was still rather frustrated not only sexually but at the whole situation. They found themselves alone in the living room. Michael sat down on a comfortable deep chair.

"Where is everyone?" Michael asked pulling Brooke into his lap.

"Hey!" She said with protest. He pulled her tightly into his arms and kissed her passionately. She moaned and ran her fingers through his hair. "God I want you so badly Michael."

"Please Brooke, let’s just go up to the bedroom. No more sneaking, no more pretending."

"Soon baby, soon." She moaned as she felt him so hard against her. "We just can’t now. It’s not fair to Grant."

"What about what’s fair to us. Brooke I need you." He grabbed her hand and placed it on his lap. "Feel how much I need you honey."

"This isn’t right, we can’t do it here. There are too many people."

"I never told you to invite them Brooke." He said as he lowered her blouse and started kissing her breasts.

"No! Not now." She said as she jumped from his lap.

"When then Brooke? When?" He complained.

"Soon. I promise it will be soon."

"I’m getting awfully tired of hearing that." He groaned as he got up. "Look what you do to me woman." He said. She looked at the bulge in his jeans and smiled. "Don’t just smile. Let’s do something about it." He looked at her pained expression. "Yeah I know, soon. Sh*t! Let’s go make some dinner. At least I can still eat."

"I think Taylor was going to order in."

"Maybe she did already." He took her hand and kissed it. "You are so lucky that I love you because if I didn’t I wouldn’t be putting up with this zoo we call a home." They walked into the kitchen and found it too was empty.

"Do you think they all went out?" Brooke asked.

"Let’s take advantage of it honey please. Come on Brooke don’t make me beg."

She looked at him with a playful expression. "Last one in the bedroom has to do the dishes." She ran to the stairs with him quickly behind her. He grabbed her from behind and picked her up and carried her the rest of the way. With a laughing Brooke in his arms he kicked open the bedroom door only to find Grant and Taylor in a discussion. He softly put Brooke down and looked at Grant.

"Where were you?" Grant asked.

"We went for a ride. We needed to talk." Brooke told him.

"Oh." Said Grant in a disappointed tone.

"Nothing happened Grant." Brooke told him. At this Michael looked at Taylor and she lowered her eyes.

"Did anyone eat yet?" Michael asked.

"Bryan is on the way back with Chinese. He should be here any minute."

"Grant if you don’t mind I need to take another shower, I feel grungy."

Grant looked at him and then to Brooke.

"Let’s all go downstairs and wait for Bryan. We can give Michael some privacy."

"You don’t have to leave Brooke." Michael said with a grin. She grinned back at him and then quickly became serious for Grant’s sake.

"Hurry with your shower, I know you’re hungry." She said. "Come on Grant, Taylor let’s go down." The threesome left the room and Michael went to punch the wall but stopped himself before his fist touched it. He took off his shirt and then his pants. He reached into his pocket and took out Brooke’s panties. He smiled as he brought them to his nose and sniffed her musky aroma. He stuffed them back into his pocket and walked into the bathroom to take a long cold shower.

 

Ridge walked into the guesthouse and Morgan greeted him with a hug. The house was filled with the aroma of Italian cooking.

"Hi! I know you said we could go out but I decided to cook for you. I made lasagna and garlic bread and a salad. I hope you like it."

"It sounds wonderful Morgan, thanks. I am really tired tonight, this is a treat."
"Great!" She said with a smile. "I was hoping you’d approve. I opened a bottle of wine for you, it’s been breathing."

"I hope you haven’t had any." He said to her.

"No way. This baby is my number one priority." She smiled at him.

"I’m glad you’re taking this seriously Morgan." He walked over to the table and poured himself a glass of the wine and took a sip. "This is good. Was it in the house? I don’t remember buying a Chianti."

"No, we didn’t have any so I bought it. I hoped you liked it. I tried to invite your mother and father for dinner but Helen said they’d gone away."

"You wanted to invite them? Why?"

"I just thought it would be a good idea if we all learned to get along better."

"It seems to me that you and my father get along pretty well already Morgan."

"We do." She smiled. "He’s such a wonderful man Ridge. He’s so kind and so smart. I just wish your mother would give me half a chance."

"My mother doesn’t like any woman in my life, except Taylor."

"I know she hates Brooke and I can’t blame her for that."

"Now why do you say that? I thought you and Brooke were friends."

"I thought so too when she hired me Ridge, but we just don’t get along. I think she’s jealous."

"Jealous? Of what?"

"That I have you. You know your mother is right Ridge, no matter what Brooke says, it’s you she wants."

"I should be so lucky." He muttered.

"What?"

"What I mean is right now Brooke won’t even talk to me. She hates me Morgan so whatever you think about the way she feels about me is dead wrong."

"Well maybe she’s mad at you because you aren’t with her."

"Not true. She doesn’t want to have a single thing to do with me anymore." He said sadly.

"This really bothers you doesn’t it? I’m sorry Ridge. But see what a bitch she is? One minute she’s all over you and the next she acts like this."

"It was my own fault but if you don’t mind I’d rather not talk about Brooke okay."

"No complaints from me." She smiled. "But just one more question about her okay?"

"What?" He asked.

"Is it true that she got married?"

"Yeah, she married someone who I used to be good friends with. I gave them both a pretty hard time about it and now that I think about it maybe I shouldn’t have. The past is the past and if he can make her happy then I guess I should try to accept him."

 

Bryan walked in the door and walked up to Taylor and gave her a kiss. He put down two large bags of food and he looked at Grant and then at Taylor.

"Hello, I’m Bryan Jackson, I don’t believe we’ve met."

"Grant Chambers." Grant said extending his hand. Bryan gave him a hearty handshake.

"Grant," Taylor said. "Bryan is my fiancée. And Bryan Grant is a dear friend of mine and Brooke’s who’s been very sick and is finally well again."

"I’m not exactly Brooke’s friend Taylor." Grant said. "I’m her husband."

"Her husband?" Bryan asked in a puzzled voice. "What about Michael?"

"Michael is history. I’m back and he’s out of here." Grant told him. "I suppose you’re a friend of his and personally I have nothing against him, except for the fact he’s been sleeping with my wife."

"I’m confused." Bryan said to Taylor.

"Grant and Brooke were married a long time ago Bryan. Grant was, well we all thought he was dead, but he’s not."

"Looks like we have some major legal problems here. I wish this was my field but it really isn’t. Maybe Connor can be of more help. No, I guess that’s not such a good idea either."

"Connor Davis?" Grant asked.

"Yeah," Bryan answered. "He’s my partner but given the situation with Brooke it’s probably best not to involve him. Maybe Jonathan Young. He does work for the Forresters."

"Why would we need a lawyer?" Grant asked.

"Well if Brooke has two" Bryan began.

"Houses!" Taylor broke in.

"Houses?" Bryan asked.

"Yes, this house that she lives in and the house where she and Grant want to live."

"Baby I have no idea what you’re talking about." Bryan said to her. "Where’s Brooke? She should be involved in this conversation."

"She’s in the kitchen. Why don’t you go in there and she can explain this to you." Taylor said nudging Bryan towards the kitchen.

"Okay." He said. "I’ll talk to you later Grant." With a very confused look on his face he walked into the kitchen.

"What houses are you talking about Taylor?" Grant asked her.

"Oh Michael and Brooke sometimes live in a different house. That’s all. Nevermind."

"Taylor you all are keeping something from me. What’s going on? Please tell me. I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone or something."

"That’s sort of what this whole situation is like Grant. It’s very confusing."

"It’s more than confusing Taylor. You and Brooke keep cutting everyone off like you’re afraid of what I’ll hear. I’m not that sick anymore. I need to know the truth."

"We aren’t lying to you Grant. We just don’t think you should have to deal with everything at once."

"Shouldn’t that be my choice?" He asked.

"Sometimes it’s not in our best interests to be the one to make all the choices."

"Stop with the psychobabble Taylor. I want facts, not stories."

"Fact’s about what Grant?" Michael asked as he walked into the room. He was wearing his jeans again with a fresh clean white shirt and his hair was still wet.

"Number one, why the hell are you still here? Number two, why were you carrying MY wife into the bedroom? And number three, what will it take for me to get rid of you?"

Michael looked at Taylor and started to laugh. He turned back to Grant. "See this face?" He asked him pointing to himself. "Get used to it cause it ain’t going nowhere! Taylor, where’s Brooke?"

"In the kitchen with Bryan, explaining things to him."

"Maybe she can try explaining things to the rest of us." He said. "Is there food yet?"

"Chinese. Right over there in those bags." Taylor answered.

"Will your kids eat that?"

"Thomas may, not the babies."

"Want me to get him?" Michael volunteered.

"What’s the matter?" Grant asked. "Afraid to be alone with me?"

"Only afraid for you Grant. I have a mean temper and I’m starting to have a very hard time controlling it."

"Boys!" Taylor said sharply. "Thank you Michael but I will take care of my children. And Grant stop it right now! Michael belongs here as much as you do."

"As much?" Michael raised his eyebrows to her. "This whole situation is totally pathetic." He turned away from them and walked into the kitchen. He walked behind Brooke and put his arms around her and kissed her neck.

"Hello my beautiful wife. Did you miss me?"

"Tremendously." She said turning around and putting her arms around him. "Ummm you smell good."

"Yeah, a cold shower will do it every time."

"Brooke was just explaining your dilemma to me Mike." Bryan said holding back a laugh. "And I thought I had problems dealing with Ridge."

"Oh we all have problems dealing with Ridge Bry. But at least you don’t have a back from the dead husband who never really was a husband who somehow convinced himself that he has found true love."

"Yeah I can see how that would be a problem." Bryan said with a chuckle. "I’m really sorry for both of you."

"You don’t know the half of it Bry. I just took my third cold shower of the day. If this goes on any longer I won’t have to worry about it anymore. The thing will freeze up and fall off." He said as he cracked up.

"Bryan can you leave us alone?" Brooke asked.

"Don’t do it Bry!" Michael told him. "She’ll get me all worked up and then go kiss the dead guy!"

"Stop it!" Brooke said as she gave him a punch. "You know I didn’t mean for that to happen."

"Did she tell you?" He asked Bryan.

"Tell me what?"

"We tried to get away, have a little fun if you catch my drift and the friggin’ cops stopped us. Flashed the car with this bright light and I’m lying there on top of her with my ass up in the air. I swear to you Bryan this whole thing is driving me crazy."

"Let me leave you two alone then. Maybe you can…no, I doubt it." Bryan said with a laugh as we walked out of the kitchen.

"God I missed you." Michael said. He pulled her closer and kissed her very tenderly.

"Is that the best you can do?" She joked.

"In this madhouse, yeah it is. Honey I can’t take this anymore." He complained. "We haven’t been alone for five minutes. You have to do something about Grant. He needs to know the truth. What’s going to happen tonight when we go to bed? What will he do then?"

"He won’t do anything Michael. I hate to have to say this but we aren’t sleeping together tonight."

"You’ve got to be kidding. Just where the hell am I supposed to be sleeping?" He said angrily letting go of her.

"In a guest room. We can’t do this to him on his first night Michael. He needs time to adjust."

"Adjust to what Brooke?" He shouted. "You haven’t opened your damned mouth once to him. Everything he knows he knows from me!"

"Not tonight. He needs more time."

"For God’s sake Brooke what about us? Huh? You know I’ve just about had it! What are you doing to us? Tell me!"

"Nothing."

"You can say that again. Why don’t you just sleep with him then!" He stormed out of the kitchen and walked past Taylor, Bryan and Grant. He grabbed his keys and walked out the door slamming it as he left.

"Michael!" Brooke shouted running into the living room.

"He left." Grant told her. "He grabbed his keys and left."

"Damn it!" Brooke shouted.

They all waited about a half an hour but Michael didn’t return so they ate dinner and sat around talking. They tried to bring Grant up to date on current events, fashion, movies and music. They didn’t deal with the problem at hand. At eleven o’clock Taylor and Bryan called it a night and Brooke showed a reluctant Grant to a guestroom. She then went downstairs and wrote an apology to Michael. She explained that Grant was in a guestroom and that she had set up a room for him too. She told him how sorry she was and how much she loved him. She begged him to forgive her and promised that she would make it right. When she finished the letter she sat on the couch and waited for him until twelve thirty. With tears running down her face she put the letter on the table and walked upstairs to her room where she cried herself to sleep.

 

 

It was two am when Michael tiptoed into the house. He walked past the table not seeing the letter. He went into the kitchen and made a plate from the leftover food. Not caring to take the time to heat it he picked up a fork and ate it cold. He washed the dish and the fork and went back into the living room. As he went to turn off the light he saw the letter. He quickly opened it up and read it. His eyes welled with tears. With the back of his hand he wiped his eyes and quietly walked up the stairs. He turned for the guestroom and then changed his mind and softly opened the door to the room he shared with Brooke. He smiled down at her sleeping face and then noticed the tear stains on the pillow. He softly opened a dresser drawer and took out a pair of Brooke’s shorts and a halter top. He placed them on the end of the bed and then sat down next to her. He put his head to hers and tenderly kissed her.

"Michael!" She whispered. "Oh Michael." She pulled him to her and kissed him hard.

"Come on. Get up." He told her. "Put this on." He handed her the clothes he had picked out.

"I’m sorry honey." She cried.

"Shhhh. It’s okay, we’re together now. Come on, get dressed."

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"For a sail." He grinned. "Or not."

"I vote for not." She jumped out of the bed.

"I was so scared he would be in here with you." Michael told her.

"Never." She promised. "Only you for the rest of my life."

"God how I love you." He said. He pulled her nightgown over her head and gazed at her body. "We have to hurry or else I swear I won’t be able to leave."

"You didn’t get me underwear." She told him.

"The less I have to take off you. Come on. I’m not wearing any either okay." She pulled the shorts on and put the halter on. He tied it at her neck and kissed her. "Is everyone in bed?"

"They all went to bed hours before I did."

"I’m sorry I walked out like that. I needed to cool off. I didn’t want to fight with you and I knew if I stayed I would."

"Where did you go?"

"Home, to my house. I tried to paint but I needed my muse."

"You have her." She told him.

"Let’s go." He said. He took her hand and they tiptoed down the stairs and out the door.

 

"What’s wrong Bryan?" Taylor asked. "You’ve been tossing and turning all night."

"I just can’t sleep. There’s too much tension in this house."

"Tell me about it." She said. "Want me to get you a glass of wine or something?"

"I have a better idea." He said. "Come on." He pulled her out of the bed.

"Where are we going?" She laughed.

Bryan picked her up into his arms. "You’ll see." He laughed. With Taylor safe in his arms he carried her down the stairs and outside to the pool. He put her down on the lounge chair and lay down next to her and put his arm around her.

"Nice." She said. "What a wonderful breeze. It’s so warm and sultry out here."

"Let’s go for a swim." He suggested.

"I don’t have a suit. I didn’t even pack one."

"Baby you don’t need a suit. Come on." He got up and pulled his jockey shorts off. "See! I’m ready."

"You’re crazy!" She laughed. "Someone will see us."

"It’s the middle of the night, everyone is asleep. Come baby! Live dangerously. Be the old Taylor that I know and love so much."

"I can’t believe I’m doing this!" She giggled. She got off the lounge and pulled her nightgown over her head. Her body mesmerized Bryan.

"You are so beautiful." He told her.

"I bet you say that to all the naked pregnant chicks." She teased.

"Only the ones I’m engaged to." He took her hand and they walked to the edge of the pool.

"We have to be quiet. We can’t wake anyone up." She whispered.

"Okay." He said as he pulled her into his arms and jumped into the pool with her. They both broke the surface giggling. The laughter quickly stopped as he pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. Their mouths came together with a tremendous force as their tongues searched out each other. Taylor groaned as Bryan’s fingers made circles on her sensitive breasts. He moved his mouth from hers and replaced his fingers with his tongue. His hand slowly drifted between her legs and teased her. She arched herself back looking for support and they both laughed as they came apart. Bryan swam up to her and lifted her out of the water. He then slowly lowered her onto his hardened member. His mouth claimed hers again as she was about to scream in passion.

 

Grant woke to the sounds of splashing and jumped out of bed. He ran to the window fuming over the fact that Brooke and Michael were in the pool together. "How could you Brooke." He moaned as the saw their bodies come together. He was furious but unable to pull himself away. "No! She’s mine and I have to stop this." He said. He grabbed the robe next to the bed and slowly made his way down the stairs.

 

"Honey you are driving too fast." Brooke told him. "What if we get pulled over, there goes our whole night."

"You’ve got a point." He said as he eased his foot off the accelerator. "Come closer to me."

She snuggled up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I’m so glad you came back."

"I was planning on spending the night there, I just couldn’t think about coming home and not being with you. Then I had this idea."

"I like your ideas." She grinned.

"Hey what do you say we take the top down."

"Sounds good."

"I was hoping you’d say that." He grinned at her and put his arms around her. His fingers went to her neck and he untied the knot on her halter and let it fall to the floor."
"Michael!" Brooke screamed covering herself with her hands.

"Hey you said it sounded good."

"I didn’t mean my top!" She reached to the floor and he took a quick turn and she landed face down on his lap. "Okay mister! Now you’ve done it!" She told him.

"What?" He laughed. "Brooke!" He said loudly as she unzipped his fly. "What are you doing?"

"Well I just figured since I’m down here." Her words stopped as her mouth took him.

"Jesus H. Christ!" He exclaimed. "I’m going to crash. Oh jeez Brooke." He moaned as she ignored his half-hearted complaints.

 

"God Bryan, oh God." Taylor cried. Her fingers dug deeply into his back as they moved with each other.

"Baby yes!" He shouted as his release finally came.

She looked into his eyes and softly touched the side of his face. "I love you Bryan. Don’t you ever forget that." She brought her lips to his and kissed him with intense abandon. She pulled her legs tightly around him and he felt himself growing inside her again.

"Taylor?" Grant said aloud walked outside onto the patio.

"Grant?" Taylor screamed as she jumped away from Bryan and quickly swam in back of him.

"I’m sorry." Grant said. "I thought you were Brooke. I’m so sorry. I’m leaving, okay." He turned away and walked into the house fully embarrassed.

"Talk about a mood killer." Taylor groaned.

"What the hell is his problem?" an annoyed Bryan asked.

"He’s very possessive about her. I’m trying to help him but it’s going to take some time."

"She’s married to Michael, don’t you think someone should tell him? Pretty soon he’s going to be as much in our way as in theirs. What do you say we pack up and go home tomorrow. I think Ridge is a bit easier to deal with then him."

"I promised both of them I’d help."

"Baby, we don’t have to live in the same house for you to help him. I say we go home and sleep in our own bed. He can come to you or you can go to him but I think we all need more privacy than this."

Taylor came back around and put her arms around him and kissed him. "You’re right Bryan. I’ll talk to Brooke tomorrow and we can make other arrangements. Besides, I can’t hide from Ridge all my life."

"Good." He agreed. "Now that he’s gone what do you say we get back to where we were?"

"Upstairs, in the bed, with the door locked." She laughed.

"That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a while." He told her. "You swim over to the shallow end, I’ll bring your nightgown to you. I don’t want to give him another free show. Who knows if he’s still watching us."

 

 

"You are a wild woman." Michael said as Brooke pulled herself back up and once more rested against his shoulder.

"But you liked it didn’t you?"

"Liked it? Do you have to ask? Honey I loved it. But it’s not what I have in mind for us. This has to be good for both of us."

"You don’t think that was good for me?" She grinned. "You silly, silly man. Shall I show you again?"

"We’re almost to the boat. If you do that again I think we’ll end up in the ocean car and all." He kissed her.

 

"Morgan! What are you doing up there?" Ridge asked as he walked into the kitchen and found Morgan climbing on top of a chair swatting at something on the cabinets.

"A spider! I have to kill it!" She said as she swung at it.

"Get down before you break your neck! It’s the middle of the night! You should be in bed sleeping! I woke up and you were gone!"

"I came in to get a cup of tea!" She said as she reached further. "This stupid spider climbed up this cabinet! I have to kill it Ridge!"

"Why? It’s just a bug! Come down from there and let’s go back to bed."

"No! I almost have it!"

She took one last swing and the chair teetered back and forth. Ridge stared at it in shock as Morgan and the chair crashed to the ground.

"Morgan!" He shouted when he came to his senses. He ran to her and lifted her into his arms. "Morgan are you alright?" He looked at her face and saw the deep gash. "Oh my God Morgan."

"Ridge, it hurts." She cried. "Ridge the baby?"

"Don’t worry. Everything is going to be alright. I’m going to get you to the hospital. It’s going to be alright."

"Please Ridge, don’t let me lose our baby."

 

"Michael! I’m not getting out of this car without a top on!" Brooke giggled.

"Honey, I have not idea where it went. You can grab something on the boat. I’m sure there’s something you can put on."

"Give me your shirt. I’m not getting out." She said with her arms crossed across her breasts.

"But you look so much nicer without a shirt on than I do."

"I mean it!" She said.

"Okay, okay." He got out of the car and walked over to the passenger door and opened it.

"Shirt please." She said holding out one hand. Michael moved his hand to the buttons on his shirt as if to open in but instead he pulled her out of the car and into his arms. "Michael! People will see me."

"And they’ll be so jealous of me."

"No one will be jealous of you after I kill you!" She shouted.

"You are so difficult woman." He grinned at her and picked her up and proceeded to carry her from the car to the dock.

"You know where my shirt is!"

"Yup!" He told her.

"Where is it?"

"I threw it out the window."

"No!"

"Yup!"

"Michael." She struggled in his arms.

"If I let you go then you’ll have to walk to the boat like this."

"You threw my shirt out the window?"

"I liked you better this way." He said. He stopped and pulled her mouth to his and kissed her. "You better watch out or I’ll toss those shorts too."

"You wouldn’t dare!"

"Is that a challenge?"

"No!" She half screamed, half laughed.

"I think I’d like that. Just me and my naked wife."

"Michael I’ll kill you!"

"You know you’re loving this." He said as he stopped again and kissed her. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and returned all the passion.

"Would you please keep moving." She said when they stopped to catch their breath. "I really don’t want anyone to see me like this."

"Honey we are the only ones here. Nobody is going to be lucky enough to see you."
"Just get me to the boat. I think we can think of better things to do than standing here and arguing." She said looking into his eyes.

"You bet we can."

 

Ridge carried Morgan into the emergency room and ran right up to the desk. "You have to help us!" He demanded. "My wife, she had a fall."

The nurse at the desk looked at them. Morgan was holding a towel to her face. It was soaked through with blood. "Have a seat, I’ll be right with you." She told them.

"No!" Ridge shouted. "You don’t understand! She fell! She fell and she’s pregnant!"

 

Brooke opened her eyes and found herself in Michael’s arms. She was initially confused as to where she was but when she looked at the ceiling above her she remembered that they were on the boat.

"Michael," She said as she gently nudged him. "Wake up honey."

"Huh?" He said opening his eyes. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s morning. We have to get home."

"Oh yeah." He said as a smile crossed his face. "Now I know why I feel so good. God what a night we had."

"The best." She said as she kissed him. "But honey we have to get home before they wake up."

"Why? Do we have a curfew? I’m not sure I’m done with you yet." He said as he rolled over and pushed her onto her back. "In fact I’m positive I’m not done with you."

"You think you have it in you?" She teased.

"It feels like it’s been a year Brooke, yeah I have it in me." He leaned over her and kissed her. "Yeah, this is exactly what I need."

"We have to make it quick Michael, we have to get home."

"I may drive fast, I may even eat fast but honey this in one thing I never rush through."

"Michael." She moaned. "We can’t let them wake up and find us gone."

"Don’t start that crap again Brooke. I thought we were finally together on this."

"We are! I promise."

"Will you tell him today?" He asked.

"Yes, I promise I’ll tell him today."

"Thank you , thank you, thank you." He said as he kissed her. "You have made me a very happy man In fact if you really want to leave." He said as he reached between her legs and began stroking her.

"Maybe he’ll sleep late." She said as she pulled him closer and let herself be carried away with the passion.

Changes Part 53

 

It was very early in the morning when Ridge walked over to the main house and rang the bell.

"Helen? Are you there? Oh never mind I’ll get it! I’ll be right there!" Stephanie shouted as the doorbell rang insistently. She went to the door and opened it and was greeted by a solemn looking Ridge. "Hi honey! What a nice surprise. Come on in."

"Hello Mother." He said as he gave her a peck on the cheek. "I’m sorry to stop by so early. Is Dad around?"

"We just got home a little while ago. He’s in the kitchen having a cup of coffee."

"I just wanted to let him know I won’t be in today."

"Why not? What’s wrong? Is it Taylor?"

"No, Taylor’s fine. It’s Morgan, she had a fall last night."

"Oh please tell me she lost the baby." Stephanie said hopefully.

"Mother!" Ridge said sharply.

"It would be a blessing in disguise Ridge."

"The baby is fine but Morgan isn’t. She cut her face really badly."

"How did she do that?"

"She was trying to kill a spider of all things. I walked into the kitchen in the middle of the night and she was up on a chair."

"Does that woman have no sense at all? She deserves whatever happens to her."

"Stop it mother! Morgan doesn’t deserve this."

"So where is she? In the hospital?"

"No. We went to the emergency room last night. They checked out the baby and then they stitched her up."

"And you can’t leave her alone? Ridge there is so much work to be done. It’s bad enough that Brooke can’t be bothered showing her pathetic face."

"I have to take her to see Michael." He said ignoring her.

"Why waste your money?"

"Mother would you please stop it!"

"He’s a butcher and she doesn’t deserve sympathy anyway."

"Michael Copeland is not a butcher. He’s the best and you know it."

"Hrmmp. Not in my mind."

"I’m not here to argue with you mother. I’m here to tell dad I won’t be in today."

"Well that certainly won’t take all day, besides you can’t be with her when he’s working on her."

"I have to see Logan today too."

"Ridge forget about that woman. Concentrate on Taylor."

"I need to straighten things out with her."

Stephanie looked at him with annoyance. "You spend too much energy on her." She shook her head at him and then looked at him again. "Where on earth did you get that black eye?"

"It’s a long story and I’d rather not go into it. Just tell dad for me."

"Tell dad what son?" Eric asked as he walked into the room.

"Morgan had a accident last night, she cut her face rather badly. I’m going to see if Mike will fix her up."

"The baby?" Eric said with concern.

"The baby is fine. It’s Morgan I’m worried about. So I won’t be in today."

"Of course not. This has to take priority."

"Then he’s planning on visiting Brooke Eric." Stephanie told him.

"Good, you can bring her up to date. Let her know things are running smoothly."

"Yeah dad. I’ll do that." Ridge sighed and looked down at the floor.

"Don’t tell me you two are fighting again."

"I can fix this if she gives me a chance."

"Ridge you have to. Finally we have the company the way we want it. You can’t go upsetting her."

"Believe me it was the last thing on my mind."

"I’m sure it’s all Brooke’s fault." Stephanie interjected.

"No mother, it’s all my fault. But I swear I will right this. Logan means too damn much to me not to."

"Honey it’s not your fault." Stephanie told him. "You both place way too much importance on that tramp. You both have to remember it’s her fault that Thorne is in this trouble."

"How is it her fault?" Ridge asked with annoyance. "She didn’t ask that bastard to shoot her."

"Your brother is innocent Ridge." Eric said sharply.

"That remains to be seen. Anyway I have to leave. I’ve been trying Mike’s office and no one is answering."

"Perhaps he’s taking time off to be with Brooke." Eric suggested.

"You’re right Dad, I never gave it a thought. I’ll try him there. I’ll call you later." He kissed his mother. "Bye mother."

 

Brooke and Michael quietly tiptoed into the house. Brooke was wearing a bikini top that Michael had on the boat to replace her lost halter. They looked around and saw no one was downstairs. "Good" Brooke said. "I don’t think anyone is up yet."
"Would it have been the end of the world if we were caught?" He asked. "After all you promised to tell him today."

"I know but I want to be able to sit him down and explain it to him I didn’t want it to be a shock."

"I suppose." Michael sighed. "But it has to be done today. I want to sleep in our bed tonight. I have a backache from sleeping on the boat."

"I’m sorry." She said as she gave him a kiss. "Things will be different tonight. Maybe we can start to have a normal life."

"Normal?" He laughed. "I doubt anything we ever do will be normal. But I’d sure like to slow the pace down a bit. You know we had planned to spend some time getting to know each other better, it seems that all we seem to be able to squeeze in is a few moments for sex, not that I’m complaining about that."

"I know what you mean and I’m really sorry about it. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked Taylor to stay but I was so worried about her and I really thought she could help me with Grant."

"That’s another issue altogether. Why did you wait till we were in the air to tell me about him? That wasn’t very nice Brooke."

"How many times do you want me to say I’m sorry. I know it was wrong but I was scared."

"Honey you should never be scared of me. We are supposed to be a team. What do you say we start acting like one huh? I’d really like to spend time with you outside of bed. I never really had a chance to take you places and show you things. How about tonight? Maybe we can go out and have dinner together alone? Can you do that for me?"

"Can we decide that later? I mean after we tell Grant he may be very upset. We don’t want to leave him all alone then."

"Alone? In this house? Get real Brooke. But okay, I see your point. We can wait on that for now. Hey it’s still early. Want to go back to go bed for awhile? Just to sleep I mean. I’m kinda beat."

"Honey not till we tell Grant."

"Come on Brooke!" He moaned. "I only want to sleep."

"Let me make us some breakfast. You lie down on the couch and I’ll come get you."

"Please tell me that this is the last day I have to put up with this."

"I promise." She said. She gave him a kiss and went into the kitchen.

Michael walked over to the couch and grabbed a throw pillow. He put it down, kicked off his shoes and lay down and closed his eyes. A few moments later he was sound asleep.

 

Grant woke up in a state of confusion. Everything was different from the previous morning. He let his eyes become accustomed to the room and looked around. Suddenly he remembered, he was home, not in his own bed but still home. He got up, used the bathroom and pulled on his robe. He opened the door and headed downstairs. He took in the aroma of bacon frying and smiled. His smile turned into a frown when he walked into the living room and he saw Michael asleep on the couch. "At least he’s not with Brooke." He said aloud. He walked into the kitchen where Brooke was busy at the stove. She heard the footsteps and didn’t turn around.

"Did I wake you honey? I hope you’re hungry."

"Famished." Grant answered.

"Grant!" Brooke said as she turned around.

"Who did you think I was?"

"Actually I thought you were Michael. We were both hungry so I decided to make breakfast."

"Oh." He muttered. "Did you make enough for me too?"

"I think I made enough for everyone." She said with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

"I was lonely. I think we need to talk about this Brooke. I really don’t want to sleep in a guestroom anymore."

"Join the club." She told him. "You both have to be patient. Things are very confusing here for all of us."

"Brooke, I’m back! Don’t you think it’s time you told your lover to go home to his wife?"

"It’s not that simple."

"It should be. You only have one husband."

"That’s true." She said with a sly grin. "Do me a favor and wake up Michael, he’s on the couch."

"I saw him. When did he get there? He wasn’t there when I woke up last night."

"You were up last night?"

"I heard voices, I thought it was you but it was Taylor and her guy."

"Bryan, his name is Bryan."

"Sorry I guess my memory isn’t that great yet." He said obviously annoyed at her lack of patience.

"Stop sulking Grant. Think about how lucky you are. Do you have any idea what you went through to get where you are today?"

"All I know is I’m home in my own house and my wife has a lover that she’s not even trying to hide from me. How should I feel?"

"Damn it Grant! This isn’t easy for me either!"

"Then why did you bring me home?" He shouted at her.

"Let’s not start that again Grant. Just go get Michael okay?’

"Alright!" He shouted and walked out.

Grant walked into the living room and walked up to Michael and shook him. "Wake up! Brooke wants you to come eat."

"What?" Michael jumped from his sound sleep. "Oh Grant. What’s wrong?"

"Brooke told me to wake you up to eat."

"Oh, okay." Michael said as he yawned and stretched. "So how was your first night home?"

"Like you care."

"Just trying to be friendly." Michael said as he got up. "No need to take my head off."

"Look Michael, maybe you and I can talk man to man. I know you care about Brooke but you have to realize that things have changed. You say you have a wife and that you are having problems, can’t you fix them?"

"I sincerely hope so."

"Then how can you lead Brooke on this way? Can’t you just give us time together?"

"Come on Grant, let’s go in the kitchen and talk with Brooke. This isn’t something that’s just between us."

"But it can be if you do the right thing."

"We all want to do the right thing Grant, it’s just we both have different ideas of what the right thing is." He took Grant by the arm. "Come on, Brooke’s waiting for us."

 

"Stephanie I thought our time away would have helped to mellow you a little." Eric told his wife. "But we aren’t home an hour and you’re already obsessing over Brooke and Morgan. Darling this can’t go on. It’s not good for your health and it’s not good for our marriage."

"You know how I feel about Brooke and Morgan is even worse. I see nothing but trouble ahead for our son Eric, nothing."

"He got himself into it and he has to handle it himself Stephanie. And that’s it. It’s time you started putting us ahead of your hate."

"Oh Eric I do. This time we had was wonderful, I wish we never had to come back, but now reality sets in again and I have to deal with Brooke and Morgan again."

"You don’t have to deal with Brooke. She’s no longer involved with our family. She’s backed off from the business and to be honest with you she and I are getting along famously."

"She has something up her sleeve Eric, I’ll never trust her. Remember what she said at the meeting? Something about going out of the country and how it would effect us all?"

"I think she’s just taking a vacation with Mike Copeland. She wants time alone with him."

"Oh God Eric how can you be so trusting. The last time she married out of this family she let him take over our company. I don’t mean to speak badly of the dead but can you imagine another calamity like Grant Chambers?"

"Mike Copeland is a surgeon, he has no interest in the fashion business."

"Well I don’t want him stepping foot in our offices again."

"He’s her husband, we can’t keep him out. Maybe he’s settled down. For Brooke’s sake I hope he has."

"I wouldn’t even wish him on Brooke Eric. He’s a vile man."

"I don’t understand where all this comes from."

"Hopefully you’ll never have to."

Michael and Grant walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table that Brooke had set. Michael poured himself a cup of coffee and turned to Grant.

"Coffee Grant?" He asked politely.

"Yes thank you." Michael poured him a cup and handed it to him. "Honey?" He asked Brooke.

"I have mine. Do you think I should wake Taylor and Bryan?"

"They were up swimming late last night." Grant said after he took a sip of coffee.

"Swimming?" Brooke asked.

"Didn’t you hear them?" Grant asked. "I went down thinking it was you and I walked in on them. It was quite embarrassing." Grant said as he turned red at the thought.

"So they weren’t really swimming huh?" Michael chuckled.

"Not really." Grant answered. "I can’t believe neither of you heard them."

"Well you aren’t used to this house Grant." Brooke told him. "You probably were sleeping much lighter than we were."

"Brooke, Grant and I were talking before, about our situation." Michael started. "He’s concerned and confused and I thought the three of us could have a talk about everything."

"Now?" She asked.

"Why put it off honey?" Michael asked her.

"I wish you’d stop calling her that Michael, it’s inappropriate." Grant told him.

"I’m in love with her Grant, I find it quite appropriate. But that’s not the point. You need to be brought up to date on how things have been since you left and I really think the time is now."

"For once I agree with him Brooke." Grant said. "Something has to change around here."

"Oh Grant this is so difficult. You know how much I care about you." Brooke started. Suddenly the phone rang. "Can you get that honey?" She asked.

"Sure." Both men said.

"Michael honey not Grant honey," Brooke laughed. "I don’t think we want to shock anyone with you answering Grant." She laughed.

"I got it." Michael said as he picked up the phone. "Hello."

"Mike, it’s Ridge. Please don’t hang up."

"Why the hell shouldn’t I?"

"Please Mike this is important."

"You can’t talk to her. You’ve already done enough damage."

"I’m not calling to talk to Brooke, I’m calling you."

"Me?" He asked him. "What can you possible have to say to me?"

"Mike this is important. Buddy I really need your help."

"Oh so now it’s buddy? You screw my wife and now it’s buddy?"

"I never screwed your wife Mike. Please, it’s business. Morgan was hurt badly and I need your help."

"Okay Ridge, that’s different. Tell me what happened." Michael said as he suddenly took on a professional tone.

"She fell off a chair and cut herself badly."

"Where are you? Did you take her to the hospital?"

"It happened last night. She was stitched up but she needs you Mike."

"Okay Ridge, calm down. Bring her over to my office and I’ll meet you there okay? Try and stay calm, I’ll help you okay."

"I don’t know how to thank you Mike."

"We can talk about that later Ridge. Just get over there. I’m out the door okay."

"Thanks Mike. We’ll meet you there." They hung up.

"That was Ridge." Michael told Brooke and Grant. "Morgan had a fall and he needs my help. We’re going to have to put this conversation off for now. I promised to meet them in my office."

"You’re going to help him even after he slept with your wife?" Grant asked.

"I’m a doctor Grant. I have to put aside our personal differences."

"And who’s Morgan?"

"Brooke, clue him in okay? I really gotta book." He walked over to her and kissed her goodbye. "Maybe you can clue him in about everything else too." He said to her.

"I’ll see what I can do." She answered. "You’re a good man Michael Copeland." She smiled at him.

"Love you sweetheart." He said as he walked out. Brooke smiled at him as he left.

"So Grant," Brooke started. "I understand you and Taylor have some plans for today."

"She’s going to try and help me remember things. But to tell you the truth Brooke the more I listen to you and Michael the more confused I get."

"Grant do you want to talk about this now? Do you want me to try and explain things to you? I know how hard this must be but I’m worried too. I don’t want to throw too much at you at once."

"It would be easier if I understood what was happening Brooke. I can’t stand all these secrets. I need to know where you and I stand. Have I lost you? Have you totally moved on? Is there no chance for us?" He asked her.

"Good morning." Taylor said as she walked into the kitchen. She was dressed as if ready to go out. She immediately noticed the tension. "Did I walk in on something?"

"Grant was asking me where he and I stand Taylor, because of Michael. I’m really not sure what to say or what not to say."

"You can try the truth Brooke." Grant told her.

"Grant why don’t you and Brooke postpone this conversation until you and I have had a chance to talk. I think that I may be able to help you see things more clearly."

"I really don’t think we should put this off." Grant answered.

"A couple of hours Grant." Taylor said with a smile. "Finish your breakfast and get dressed. You and I are going to take a drive and see if we can stir up a few memories."

"Brooke?" Grant asked.

"Maybe she’s right Grant. Maybe this will help. I promise we will talk as soon as you come back." She turned to Taylor. "Can I get you something to eat?"

"Some juice and toast would be nice." She answered. "I’m still a bit queasy in the mornings."

"Is Bryan up?" Brooke asked.

"He’s getting dressed. I thought Grant and I could take him to the office and then we could spend the day together."

"That sounds like a great idea doesn’t it Grant?" Brooke asked him.

"It does." He agreed. "Maybe Taylor can help us all."

"That’s my intent."

"Taylor" Brooke interrupted. "Ridge called Michael. It seems Morgan had an accident."

"The baby?" She asked.

"No, I think she needs Michael’s help. He didn’t go into any details."

"Did you talk to Ridge?"

"I have nothing to say to him." Brooke said bluntly. "Michael took the call. If I had I probably would have hung up on him again."

"He’s trying to apologize to you Brooke."

"Some things just can’t be fixed Taylor." Brooke said as tears came to her eyes.

"See!" Grant exclaimed. "Not everything is changed. Ridge still has a way of upsetting you Brooke."

"That’s very true Grant." She agreed. "I’m really tired. I think I may go take a nap. I didn’t sleep much last night."

"Go ahead Brooke." Taylor said. "We’ll see you later."

Michael walked into his office and his nurse greeted him with a smile. "Hi Dr. Copeland. I don’t expect to see you today. I cancelled all your appointments."

"Something came up Heather," He told her. "I’m expecting Ridge Forrester and his wife. I’ll be in my office catching up on my mail. Be a doll and buzz me when they get here."

"You bet I will." She smiled at him.

"And Heather," He said to her. "How many times have I asked you to call me Mike?"

"Well it doesn’t seem professional."

"Is there anyone here but us?" He asked. "Besides, am I a guy who’s hung up on being professional?" He grinned.

"Okay Mike." She said. "I’m sorry you had to cut your vacation short. Do you want me to book any more appointments for today or the rest of the week?"

"Ummm, no, I don’t think so, unless it’s an emergency of course. I hope I can take care of Mrs. Forrester and then get home."

"I don’t mean to be forward but I tried calling you at home about Amanda Peterson and there was no answer."

"Oh yeah, I’m not living there anymore. Let me give you my new number." He said. He walked up to her desk and picked up a pen and started to write.

"Oh my God!" She said.

"What?" He looked up at her confused.

"Your finger? Is that what I think it is?" She lifted up his left hand.

"Oh yeah. It is. I got married." He grinned.

"Dr. Copeland! I can’t believe this! No one even knew you were seeing anyone. At least not seriously."

"It happened rather quickly. We sort of eloped. Do me a favor though, kept it to yourself for awhile. It hasn’t exactly gotten out yet and there are some people I think I should tell in person."

"Is it a secret?" She asked.

"No, not at all. I just don’t want it to get to the wrong people right now. I do have my reasons."

"Can you tell me who she is?" She asked.

"Her name is Brooke and Heather, I love her so much it hurts. I swear I never thought this guy would take the plunge again but this one is for keeps. She is the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Congratulations Mike." She said. "I’m really happy for you."

"Thanks Heather." He said. "Remember to buzz me when Ridge gets here." He said as he walked into his office.

 

"So this is where I’m supposed to be," Grant said to Taylor as they stared at the headstone that bore his name. "This is eerie. I still can’t believe it. Grant Chambers, beloved husband." He read. "Well I guess she still loved me then if she wrote that on the stone."

"Grant Brooke cares very much about you." Taylor told him.

"There’s a difference Taylor, one that has become quite apparent to me. God has too much time gone by? Isn’t there anything I can do to fix things?"

"Let’s get out of here. I have a few other places I’d like to take you, places that may jar your memory."

"Okay." He sighed. "I don’t like looking at this much anyway."

They slowly walked away from the grave and up to Bryan’s car. Meanwhile at the gravesite Macy and Kimberly had just arrived.

"Look Macy, flowers. I wonder who left them?" Kimberly asked. Macy kneeled down to look at them and see if there was a card.

"They still have water beads on them, someone was just here." Macy said as she stood up and looked around. Her eyes suddenly rested on the man getting into a black Mercedes. "No! No! No!" She said. "It’s not, it’s not! Oh God Kimberly, help me. I think I just saw Grant." She said as she fainted.

 

"Do you remember this place?" Taylor asked as she pulled the car up to her beach house.

"Yes, it’s your place. I lived here."

"That’s right Grant. Bryan and I live here now. You lived here with Michael Lei remember?"

"Before I married Brooke."

"That’s right. Now you remember Michael don’t you? You remember how much you liked her."

"She was a great girl, but she wasn’t Brooke."

"Grant think about the relationship you and Brooke had and I mean think about it very seriously."

Grant concentrated for awhile. "I think I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. There was something very special about her."

"But how did she feel about you?"

"It was Ridge, it was always Ridge."

"That’s right, it was Ridge that she loved. But you pursued her anyway."

"I did. I knew we were better suited then she and Ridge were but she wouldn’t listen. She teased me and we had fun but she only wanted him."

"And then Ridge and I were engaged and things changed."

"For Ridge but not for Brooke. She still loved him and wanted him. She asked me to marry her but it was only because of him, it was only to make him jealous. But he loved you Taylor."

"He loved her too Grant. Remember that he tried to stop your wedding?"

"I heard him calling to her so I made her go inside. I thought if she married me she’d forget about him, but she didn’t."

"You told me that she wasn’t happy about the marriage."

"No, not at first. She still wanted Ridge. She thought that since you two weren’t married that he would come back to her."

"Was it a happy marriage Grant?" She asked him.

"I was happy but Brooke wasn’t. She didn’t even want to sleep with me." He looked at her. "Why are you doing this to me Taylor? Why are you making me remember this?"

"You need to remember it all Grant. Not just the happy times." She put the car into drive. "Let’s talk some more. There’s another place I need to take you. Now what happened next? Did you and Brooke work things out?"

"Not really. She loved him. She tried to be a good wife to me. We had some good times. I loved her so much Taylor."

"Grant, tell me about the wedding. Who was it that married you?"

"It was the ships captain, Captain um, um, I don’t remember."

"Try Grant." She insisted. "This is important. What was his name?"

Grant looked at her with a sad expression on his face. "I can’t Taylor, something won’t let me. I know that if I do it’s going to hurt. It’s going to hurt so much."

"Alright then let’s talk about something else for awhile. Tell me about the other people who were important to you Grant." She said as she made a turn.

"It was just Brooke and you of course. Michael for awhile but mainly you and Brooke. I guess even Ridge to an extent. At one time we were really good friends."

"Grant I’m going to turn down this block and I’m going to park in front of a house. I need you to tell me if it’s at all familiar to you."

"Sure Taylor." He said.

She turned down a street facing the beach and pulled in front of Macy’s house and stopped the car.

"This is it Grant. Do you remember this house?" She asked him.

 

"Dr. Copeland" Heather said over the intercom. "Mr. and Mrs. Forrester are here."

"Send them in Heather." He told her. He got up from his desk and walked to the door. Ridge walked in leading Morgan.

"Hello Morgan." Michael said to her ignoring Ridge. "I’m Mike Copeland. How are you feeling?"

"A bit like a fool." She admitted. "And pretty scared." She said as she touched her cheek.

"Hello Ridge." Michael said.

"Hi Mike, thanks for seeing us."

"No problem Ridge." He turned his attention back to Morgan. "May I take the bandage off?"

"Sure." She said with a weak smile. He gently removed it. He reached to his desk for his glasses and put them on and closely examined her cheek.

"This is good." He finally said.

"Good?" She asked.

"What I mean is that it’s a good cut, I’ll have no problem fixing it up for you. No one will ever know that you had this fall I promise you." He smiled at her. "Now what I need you to do is to go down to Morningside. I’m going to arrange for a room for you. I’ll do the surgery tomorrow, this way you can have all the pre-admission testing done today and you can get some rest. Does that work for you?" He asked.

"You can do it this soon Mike?" Ridge asked.

"In her case it’s best. It looks a lot worse than it is Ridge. Don’t you worry, I’ll take great care of you."

"Do I have to go today?" Morgan asked.

"Now why would you want to put it off? I promise it won’t hurt a bit." He grinned at her. "By the time you get there Ridge I’ll have everything arranged." Michael told him.

"I don’t know how to thank you Mike."

"I can think of a way." Michael said to him.

"I swear nothing happened Mike, it was a mistake, a terrible mistake."

"We can talk about this at another time Ridge. Believe me I don’t like what this has done to Brooke anymore then you."

"She won’t let me explain Mike. She won’t talk to me."

"I’d rather you didn’t. Why not just leave things the way they are."

"I can’t do that. She’s my friend and I hurt her."

"Well she’s my wife and I love her. I think what I want takes precedence."

"I won’t get in your way again Mike. I just want to apologize to her and to you."

"What are you talking about?" Morgan asked. "Is this about Brooke?"

"Brooke and I had an argument and she won’t talk to me." Ridge told his wife. "And I think that both she and Mike have the wrong idea about what happened."

"Ridge right now you worry about your own wife and I’ll worry about mine. Maybe when this is over we can all talk, I just don’t know." Michael told him. "Now just get her to the hospital Ridge okay?"

"Okay Mike." Ridge agreed.

 

 

"Macy! Macy!" Kimberly cried as she tried to revive her sister. "Macy who did you see?"

"Grant? It was Grant." Macy mumbled.

"No honey, Grant’s dead." Kimberly told her.

"Kimberly," Macy said as she sat up straight. "Where did that car go? I have to see, I have to see who it was!"

Changes Part 54

 

"Macy calm down." Kimberly pleaded. "You know it couldn’t have been Grant. Macy it was just someone who resembled him. Please calm down."

"Kimberly it was him, I know it was." Macy said through her tears. "What’s happening to me, an I going crazy?"

"You’ve just been thinking about him so much lately that’s all. You miss him so you thought you saw him."

"But it looked just like him." Macy sobbed.

"Think about it Macy, how could it be Grant? And why would he be here if it was him? Macy he’s dead, you buried him."

"I don’t know, I just don’t know." Macy cried. "Kimberly I just looked over there and there he was. It was him, it was."

"I’m taking you home Macy. You’re too upset. Come on let’s go." She said as she helped her sister to her feet.

"How can he be alive?" Macy asked. "I was there, I saw him die."

"It was someone who looked like him Macy, it wasn’t Grant."

"You’re right." Macy said. "It couldn’t have been him, but he looked so much like him. Kimberly he looked so lost."

 

"Grant?" Taylor asked. "Do you know where you are?" She asked as she gestured to the beach house that he has shared with Macy.

"Am I supposed to know the person who lived here?"

"Yes Grant you are. Please think, try hard."

"I’ve never been here before in my life Taylor. Who lives here?"

"You lived here Grant."

"I did? When? Taylor I never lived here."

"You don’t remember it at all?" She said. Taylor was obviously disappointed.

"I’m sorry but no. Maybe if we go inside. Do you know who lives here now?"

"That wouldn’t be a good idea Grant. Maybe we should just try somewhere else. I was so sure that you’d remember once you saw it."

"I’m sorry if I’m making you upset. It seems like that’s all I seem to do."

"No Grant." She said as she turned to him. "We are all so happy that you are back. We just want you to have the life that you left behind."

"That’s what I’m trying to do." He stared at the house again. "I really don’t remember this house. Why did I live here? Why wasn’t I home with Brooke?"

"Are you ready to think about that again?"

"You’re scaring me Taylor. What happened with Brooke and me? Tell me!"

"Let’s drive somewhere else and see if you can remember anything else."

"No Taylor! Just tell me! Tell me now!" He shouted.

"That’s it Grant. We’re going home. This is a discussion Brooke should be a part of."

"Then let’s go! I need to have answers and I need them now!"

As Taylor started the car up Thorne looked out the window. He did a double take at the man in the passenger seat of the car outside. It looked so much like Grant to him. He quickly ran to the door but just as he ran outside the car had just pulled away.

 

"Okay Grant let’s get back to your wedding and what you remember about it shall we." Taylor said as they headed back to Brooke’s house.

"We got married on the boat. I told you I remembered that."

"Have you thought about the ship’s captain?"

"What about him?"

"Do you remember him? His name? Anything?"

"Why is that so important to you?" He complained.

"The man performed your wedding Grant. Why don’t you want to talk about him?" Taylor prodded.

"He drinks, that’s what this is about isn’t it? He drinks! Why is this so important to you?"

"I’m trying to help you Grant. I’m not trying to hurt you."

"No! I won’t do this! I won’t remember this! No!" He shouted.

"It’s too late Grant, I think you already are remembering it."

"Stop it Taylor! Just stop it!" He shouted. "It was real! It was legal! We are married we are!"

"Grant stop! You are remembering this." Taylor pulled the car to the side of the road and shut off the engine and turned to face him. "Tell me Grant. Tell me the truth." She took his hands and looked him in the eyes. "I will help you with this Grant, I will."

"No." He said sadly. "Taylor why? Why?"

"Grant." She said sadly. "Tell me, tell me what you remembered."

"Captain Harper. It wasn’t legal."

"Oh Grant, I’m so sorry you have to go through this."

"But I love her Taylor. And I’m back. She must still care about me."

"She does, we all do."

"What happened? I can’t remember what happened? She left me didn’t she? Did she go to Ridge? Is that why you aren’t with him now?"

"She wasn’t happy honey. Neither of you were. You both decided to split up."

"Then why did she save me? I really don’t understand."

"She loves you Grant. She may not be in love with you but she loves you very much."

"How long has she been with this Michael guy?"

"Not too long Grant."

"Is it serious? Do you think there’s any chance she may change her mind?"

"She’s in love with him. Very much so. But I think you and Brooke should talk about Michael, that isn’t my place."

 

Brooke had gotten up and showered and dressed. She had taken Bridget to Sara’s house for the day. She had remembered that Rick told her that he had decided to spend a couple of days before school on a camping trip so she was for once alone in the house. She thought about the night before on the boat. It had felt so good to sleep in Michael’s arms. How she hoped the situation with Grant would be resolved soon. Then tension was hurting everyone. The only good thing that had come out of it was Bridget’s new impression of Michael. Michael, she thought again. No matter what her thoughts always seemed to come back to him. For such a long time she had never dared to imagine herself being happy again but Michael had changed all that. "I will tell Grant today." She said out loud. "He has to know, it’s not fair to any of us not to tell him." She thought about how wonderful it would be to be together with Michael again in this house, together without all the lies and secrets. She was smiling when the phone rang. She ran to it and picked it up after the first ring hoping it was Michael.

"Hello." She said cheerfully.

"Logan, please don’t hang up." Ridge’s voice came back.

"I have nothing to say to you Ridge. You betrayed everything we ever had together."

"Please Brooke we have to talk. I’m coming over."

"No!" She said quickly. "I don’t want you here."

"Then meet me somewhere. I have to straighten this out. Please give me the chance to do this."

"Why should I? You have no respect for my marriage or me. You don’t care how much you hurt me Ridge. After everything we’ve been through I really thought that we meant more to each other. I guess I was wrong."

"You weren’t wrong. Please just meet me for coffee and we can talk. Give me a half an hour, that’s all I ask."

"I’m busy."

"Then I’m coming there Brooke."

"No! I don’t want you here. Alright Ridge, I’ll meet you at Insomnia."

"Thanks Logan, you won’t regret this, I promise." He told her.

Brooke shook her head. Why did I agree to this? She thought. All it will mean is more pain. But she grabbed her keys and left the house to meet him anyway.

Ridge was sitting at a table waiting for her when Brooke walked in. She walked over to him and sat down across from him. He pushed a steaming cup of coffee over to her.

"I ordered for you." He told her.

"Fine." She said. "Just say what you have to so I can leave." Ridge reached for her hand but she pulled it away. "I don’t want you to touch me Ridge, never again."

"Logan." He said with hurt in his voice. "I know I really screwed things up and I’m sorry."

"You’re sorry?" She asked. "You took advantage of me Ridge. I was under the influence of that pill and you used me. How could you do that? How?"

"It was wrong and I regret it."

"What if I’m pregnant? Then what Ridge? Did you even think about that?"

"Pregnant? You and Michael are having a baby?" He asked. "What I did wouldn’t have hurt the baby Logan, I only touched you."

"I meant what if I find out I’m pregnant? Who would the father be Ridge? Or is it your ambition to knock up all the women in your life?" She shouted. The people at the tables near them turned to look at them.

"Keep it down Brooke. Everyone is staring at us."

"Answer me!" She shouted.

"How could I have gotten you pregnant Logan? We didn’t let it go that far. I stopped well before it went that far."

"What?" She said quietly. "I don’t understand. Are you trying to tell me that we didn’t make love?"

"Of course we didn’t Logan. I’d never do that to you. I love you Logan, you know that."

"Then what happened Ridge? Why does everyone seem to think we did?"

 

"Mike I hate to bother you." Heather said as she opened the door to his office.

"It’s no bother, what is it?" He asked.

"You just got a call from the hospital. A little boy was transferred there. He’s suffered some bad burns but he’s stable now and they want to know if you would look at him. Mike he’s only four years old."

"Call them back and tell them I’ll be there in an hour. I need to go shower and change. I spend the night on my boat and I feel grungy."

"I know you didn’t want to take any new patients right now."

"This one is special. I won’t turn something like that down. But when I leave I won’t be back in the office again today."

"Okay. I’ll call them for you. I’m glad you’re doing this."

"I haven’t given up my practice, I’m only trying to have a honeymoon and that seems to be on hold anyway."

"Really?" She asked. "Why?"

"It’s way too complicated to get into. I’ll see you soon Heather. Thanks for keeping things going for me." He said with a smile as he walked out.

 

"And that’s all that happened?" Brooke asked Ridge, her eyes wide.

"It was enough wasn’t it? I’m so sorry Logan. I never should have let myself go that far but I just, well there are no excuses. Can you forgive me?"

"I really thought we made love. Maybe a part of me wanted to. And Bridget told Michael that we did. I should have known better then to believe her."

"I think she really thought we had Logan. I was so guilty when I said goodbye to her and you know she wants me to come back and live with you. I should have realized what she’d be thinking."

"It felt so real." She said. "When Michael came home I asked him why he had made love to me and then left."

"No wonder he thought what he did." Ridge said. "But Logan please, can you forgive me?"

"Yes Ridge." She smiled at him. "I’m still mad about what you did but I have my faith in you back. We both have been acting a bit over the edge with each other and I think it’s time we stopped."

"The attraction never dies Logan. Or the love."

"That’s why we have to be more careful. There are too many people we would both hurt. I love my husband Ridge. I love him more than I’ve ever loved anyone before."

"More than we loved each other?"

"I think so. It’s different, it’s more mature and it’s real. Michael loves me and only me. I never have to wonder if he regrets choosing me. There wasn’t a choice, it was just us."

"That’s good Logan. I’m really glad you have that. I’m sorry I was never able to give that to you. I guess I was never really able to give that to anyone. But just know this, you will always own part of my heart."

"And you mine." She smiled. "I’m so glad that I agreed to talk to you. I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I have my friend back." She squeezed his hand.

"Always." He took her hand and kissed it.

 

Brooke had been home for a few hours after her talk with Ridge and she was finally feeling good about life. She couldn’t wait for Taylor and Grant to get back so she could finally tell him the truth. And most of all she couldn’t wait for Michael to return. She had gone to the bedroom and put fresh sheets on the bed and then she had filled the room with flowers so they would feel like they were in Michael’s garden. On the way home she had stopped and bought a sexy new nightgown that she planned on wearing for Michael that night. Life was good again. She was happy. She picked up the latest issue of "Eye on Fashion" and started to read it when Taylor and a dejected looking Grant walked in.

"Hi!" She said happily to them. "How did it go today?"

"I’m sorry Brooke." Grant said in a very hoarse voice.

"Your voice? What happened?" She asked.

"I did a lot of shouting today Brooke. I had to face some things I didn’t want to face." He cleared his throat. "I’m sorry. I never meant to cause you pain."

"Grant? What are you saying?" She asked. She looked at Taylor who nodded at her.

"I remembered a lot of things today. With Taylor’s help. Things I didn’t want to remember."

"He still has a long way to go." Taylor cautioned.

"What did you remember Grant?" Brooke asked him.

"I know we aren’t married. I know it was never real. I was just fooling myself." He sadly lowered his eyes from hers. "When I woke up in the clinic one of the first things I saw was your picture. It was in a newspaper and you had been shot. From that moment on all I did was think of you. I let myself believe that you were still my wife and that you still loved me."

"Oh Grant, I do love you." Brooke told him.

"But not the love that I feel for you. I know I shouldn’t feel this way but I still do. I still don’t remember the events that happened when we split up. My mind is still stuck where we were together. Taylor convinced me that it will come eventually."

"Taylor?" Brooke faced her friend. "What did you tell him about Michael?"

"Nothing Brooke. I felt that was up to you."

"Grant sit down next to me, please." Brooke said as she tapped the couch. Grant walked over and sat down. Taylor sat on a chair opposite them.

"Is there a chance for us Brooke?" Grant asked. "Can I try to win you back?"

"It’s too late for that Grant." She said as she took his hand. "Too much time has passed and too many things have happened. I hope we can always be friends because I really do love you."

"Brooke at least answer this." He said.

"Yes." She answered.

"Why do you let a man who’s married and obviously loves his wife to be so much a part of your life? He’s only going to hurt you in the end. I promise I’d never hurt you. Can’t we give it a try? I promise we can move slowly."

"Grant," She said. "It’s true, Michael loves his wife very much. In fact she’s the most important thing in the world to him and she loves him too."

"Then why do you let him sleep with you?" He shouted.

"Because Grant, I am his wife." She said calmly.

"What?" He asked. "You and him?"

"Yes Grant, I’m married to Michael. We didn’t say anything at first because Dr. Garcia recommended that we didn’t. He thought the shock would be too harmful to you. I never wanted to lie to you."

"No wonder he was so mad." Grant said. "No wonder he’s so possessive of you. I’m so sorry Brooke. You must hate me."

"I could never hate you Grant. Don’t you know how happy I am to have you back and well."

"How long have you been married?" He asked.

"That’s the kicker." She laughed. "We’re on our honeymoon right now."

Grant looked at Brooke and then at Taylor and laughed. "So then I come in claiming to be your long lost husband and you can’t even sleep with your new husband on your honeymoon? If this wasn’t so tragic it would be funny."

"What would be funny?" Michael asked as he walked into the room. Grant got up from the couch and walked over to him.

"I owe you an apology Mike." He said extending his hand. "I’m sorry for what happened. I’m sorry for coming between you two."

"You know?" Michael asked.

"Yes I think I know everything now. I feel like a fool though."

"No Grant, it’s not your fault." Michael told him. He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he looked at Brooke and then Taylor. They both smiled back at him.

"I guess I should figure out where to go. I can’t stay here."

"Oh course you can." Brooke told him. "You have a room here for as long as you want it."

"I don’t think that’s such a great idea. I’m still fighting my feelings. I’m still hurt and sad even though I do understand."

"Grant you are welcome in our home." Michael told him. "And if you need help finding a new place we’ll help you with that too. I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot. If I can do anything to help you just ask."

"Well maybe you can." Grant said. "I’m sure you’d like me out of your hair and I really need to be alone so I can do some thinking. Right now I am severely lacking of two things, a car and money. Can you loan me these things?" Grant asked.

"Where are you going Grant?" Brooke asked.

"I just want to go out. That’s all."

"Here you go Grant." Michael said as he handed him his keys. He then took out his wallet and gave him a hundred-dollar bill and his gold card. "Just sign my name."

"That isn’t necessary Mike." Grant said.

"Go and have some fun. The house key is on it too so you just come back whenever you want. What about clothes? Do you need something to wear?"

Grant looked down at his body. "I’ve lost so much weight I doubt I’d fit into anything of yours. Do I look at all like myself?" He asked.

Brooke looked carefully at him. "Your hair is a lot longer. We need to do something about that." She smiled. "You are much thinner and not nearly as toned or tan but your eyes Grant, I’d never forget those wonderful eyes. I have an idea. Maybe you can wear something of Rick’s."

"Forget that." Michael said. "Go shopping Grant. Use the card and get yourself something that fits just right. I know you’re good for it."

"This is going to be a legal mess isn’t it? Me being alive." Grant asked. "I guess I’ve lost everything that I had to my name. How will I get it back?"

"Bryan will help us." Taylor volunteered. "It’s best if we leave Brooke out of it. We can talk to him about all this in a few days. Give Grant some time to get used to things. Besides that we have more memory work, right Grant?"

"Right Taylor." He agreed. "But now I thank you all and I think I’ll be leaving for the evening."

"Don’t stay out too late Grant." Brooke warned. "You don’t sound well. If I didn’t know you I’d never recognize your voice."

"It’s just strained from shouting. I’m sure it will be better soon. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll get through this, I promise." He waved to them and jingling the keys walked out.

Michael walked to Brooke and swept her into his arms. "You’re mine now!" He grinned at her.

"I’ve always been yours." She said with a kiss.

"I’d better be getting home." Taylor said.

"Home?" Brooke asked.

"Bryan and I are going back home. We can work these things out without us intruding on you. I already took the kids home."

"I thought they were with their grandmother." Brooke said.

"Well actually, they are. Bryan and I are spending the night all alone."

"Good for you." Michael answered. "Let’s here it for spending time with our loves alone." He grinned at Taylor and then back at Brooke.

 

"Thorne where is Macy?" Kimberly asked as she entered Thorne and Macy’s house. I dropped her off at her car and she told me she’d meet me back here."

"She’s not here Kimberly. I haven’t seen her since you two left this morning."

"Thorne it’s getting late. Where could she be? She shouldn’t be alone now. Not today."

"Why not today?" He asked.

"We went to the cemetery and she was acting very strangely Thorne. I’m going to stay here until she gets home."

"Okay Kimberly, I’m sure she’ll be here soon."

 

Macy swallowed the last drop of the bottle as she sat in the parking lot. She was shaking and crying but she wanted more. She grabbed her purse and went back into the liquor store and purchased two more bottles of vodka. She then got back into her car and started the engine. She drove along the coast until she saw a small out of the way bar. She stored the bottles under the seat and got out of the car and walked into the bar. She carefully walked through the dimly lit room and took a seat on a stool and ordered vodka on the rocks. She drank it down in one gulp and ordered another. She turned and looked at the patrons inside the place. How did I get to this place in my life again? She thought. She wiped the tears from her eyes. After the next three drinks the thought had disappeared.

"One more." She told the bartender.

"I think you had enough." He told her.

"I want another." She demanded.

"Give the lady what she wants." A man with a hoarse voice said as he sat next to her. "And give me one too."

"Give him two." Macy giggled. "He needs to catch up to me." She looked at him through her liquor-filtered eyes. "Do I know you?"

"I don’t think so." Grant answered. "But the idea sounds intriguing."

"You keep buying and maybe we can do something about it." She said.

"You’re very pretty." He told her. "Are you here alone?"

Macy looked around her. "Yup! Just me and my vodka."

The bartender gave them each a drink. They clinked their glasses together and downed them.

"We’ll take another." Grant said clearing his throat.

They shared drinks and flirted with each other for close to an hour when Grant called the bartender over to get another drink.

"I’m cutting you both off." He told them. "You’ve both had way too many. I don’t need any trouble here."

"Why him? "Macy giggled. "He just got here."

"He’s been sitting in the back drinking for hours lady." He told her. "I think I’m calling you both a cab."

"I have a car." Macy said indignantly.

"So do I." Grant answered. "I can drive her home."

"Neither one of you should be driving. Let me get you both a cab."

"Get one cab." Macy said as she ran her finger down Grant’s thigh. "I want to continue this party at home."

Grant smiled at her. "Is that an invitation?"

She looked at him and started into his eyes. She shook her head and looked away. She placed her fingers on his lips. "Don’t talk. It ruins the illusion."

"The illusion?" He asked.

"The fantasy. Let’s go back to my place and f*ck each other’s brains out huh? We can each pretend we’re the people we wish we were with."

"What if I want it to be you?" Grant asked.

Macy again put her fingers over his lips. "No more words. It’s almost real to me." She reached down and grabbed him between the legs.

"Whoa!" Grant said. "Let’s at least wait till we get there."

"I got some more vodka in my car. We can bring it with us."

"Alright." He agreed. "Can I have the check." He asked the bartender. He brought Grant a tab and Grant gave him the gold card. Macy looked at it. Oh. She thought, His name is Michael. Grant signed the slip with Michael’s name and stood up on none too firm feet. He took Macy’s hand and helped her from the seat. They came into eye contact again.

"Wow." Macy said. "You have great eyes."

"I’ve been told that." He grinned. She again placed her hand on his lips.

"No talk, just sex. That’s what it’s about."

"I can live with that." He answered and covered his own mouth. "No more words."

Macy and Grant stumbled out to her car and got the two bottles of vodka out. Macy opened one and they passed it between each other. In between gulps they shared deep kisses. A few moments later a taxi arrived. Macy gave him the address and they got into the back and embraced. They spent the rest of the ride kissing and touching each other. The cabbie pulled up in front of Macy’s old house. It was dark. She was about to tell his she lived next door but remembered Thorne and led Grant to the door.

Once they were inside Grant reached for the light switch but Macy pulled his hand away. "No words and no light. Remember the illusion." She led him into the bedroom and pulled her short dress over her head. She stood in front of him in black panties and a bra. Grant walked over to her and unhooked her bra letting it fall to the floor. He moved his mouth to her breasts and sucked on her nipples. With his hand her reached down and helped her step out of her panties. He then took her hand and walked her to the bed and laid her down. He took off his shirt and then his pants and stood in front of her in his shorts.

"Take them off." She demanded.

"Don’t look" He told her.

"Are you shy?" She asked.

"Maybe, please don’t look." He pulled the sheet over her and sat on the bed and took his shorts off. He then got under the sheet and pulled her into his arms.

"Nothing wrong with the equipment." Macy said as she reached for him. "Why can’t I look?"

"No words, no lights, no looking." He said.

"I’ve seen one before you know." She giggled.

"Not this. Please." He looked her in the eyes with sadness.

"Alright." She agreed. "I want you, I want you right now and I know that you want me too."

Grant pulled himself over her and slowly entered her. Macy was hit with a feeling that was so familiar that she was amazed. She looked at him quizzically but he just took her mouth and started moving in her. They made love for hours before they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms.

 

Brooke and Michael were sleeping soundly in each other’s arms when Brooke woke up. She got up and walked downstairs and looked outside. Michael’s car still wasn’t back. "Grant where are you?" She asked. She was getting nervous and started to pace. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of juice and drank it. She then went back to the living room and sat down on the couch to wait for Grant’s return. Upstairs Michael rolled over and reached to pull his wife back into his arms. Finding nothing but air he opened his eyes and saw she was gone. "What now?" He grumbled as he got out of bed and pulled a robe on. He headed down the stairs where he saw a nervous Brooke sitting on the couch.

"Honey what are you doing up?" He asked her.

"It’s four a.m. and Grant isn’t home yet."

"He’s a big boy Brooke, come on back to bed."

"I’m worried Michael. He’s so confused."

"Maybe he got lucky. Come on honey, I have two surgeries tomorrow and I need my sleep."

"You go ahead, I think I’ll wait."

"I want you with me Brooke. I thought this Grant thing was over."

"I won’t be able to sleep and I’ll just keep you awake."

"Do you worry this much about your kids?" He asked. "Come on honey please."

"Alright." She reluctantly agreed. She took his hand and they walked back to bed but her mind was on Grant.

 

Dawn was breaking when Grant woke up. He quietly got out of the bed and reached for his clothing. He looked down at the scars on his body from the numerous operations. She would have thought I was hideous. He thought. He put on his clothes and softly walked out. As he walked away down the street he realized that this was the house that Taylor had shown him. "How ironic." He said aloud. He noticed that his voice had returned. He walked several blocks until he reached a phone booth. He called information and got the number for a cab and made arrangements to be driven back to Michael’s car.

 

Macy awoke with an intense headache. She was confused as to where she was. She looked around and realized she was in her old home. She reached for the man beside her but was stunned to se he wasn’t there. "Was it all a dream?" She asked herself. "No, I can still smell his cologne. I don’t even know his name. I think it’s Michael." She touched the pillow where his head had lain. "Why did this man effect me so much?" She asked herself. "Was he real?" The soreness between her legs told her that yes, it was real. "Who was he? How can I find him again? And why do I keep thinking of Grant?" She wondered. She then saw the two empty bottles on the floor next to the bed. "Oh my God! I was drinking again."

 

 

Thorne got off the phone and turned to a tired and frightened Kimberly. "They found her car. It’s parked at a bar on the coast. They got in touch with the bartender and she was there." He looked sadly at her. "She was drunk Kimberly, she was drunk and she left with a man."

Changes Part 55

 

Michael was in the kitchen having cereal and coffee when Grant walked in. He walked up to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup and sat down next to Michael without saying anything. Michael looked at him and noticed his bloodshot eyes.

"Need some aspirin?" He asked.

"Desperately." Grant answered.

"Long time since you last tied one on huh?"

"Longer than I can remember." Grant said touching his head. Michael got up and walked into the bathroom and returned with a bottle of aspirin. He handed it to Grant.

"I hope it was worth it."

"It was." Grant said. He opened the bottle and took out three tablets, which he quickly downed with his coffee.

"Brooke was worried. She was up for a long time but she finally fell asleep again. Maybe I should wake her and let her know you’re back."

"Let her sleep. No need to get her up now."

"So?" Michael asked.

"I met this woman. She was a wild woman. We sat at the bar downing vodka and then she took me home."

"I knew it!" Michael said with a laugh. "Are you going to see her again?"

"I don’t even know her name. She didn’t want to talk."

"I guess you kept her busy other ways."

"I did my best." Grant laughed. "She wanted to go to her place so we could indulge in the fantasy."

"What fantasy was that?" Michael laughed.

"That we were with the one we really wanted. You know, it was kinda sad."

"I hope not too sad."

"Well it didn’t stop me if that’s what you mean." Grant laughed heartily.

"I hope you were careful Grant."

"Careful?" Grant asked. "Oh that. Yeah she told me she was safe."

"I hope you can believe her."

"Life’s too short to question everything."

"Not questioning can make it shorter, you know that."

"No lectures Mike, my head is pounding."

"It’s the doctor in me." Michael laughed. "But seriously you have to be more careful. It’s a crazy world out there." He got up and poured more coffee. "So what are your plans for today?"

"After I sleep this off? Who knows? Maybe talk to Taylor again."

"I never asked you Grant. What do you do for a living?"

"I was a designer."

"So that’s the connection. Did you work for Forrester?"

"For awhile. Things weren’t that pleasant there."

"You didn’t like working for Brooke?"

"I loved working for Brooke, it was the rest of them that were the problem."

"You plan on going back?"

"I haven’t given it a thought. Taylor asked me to lay low for awhile."

"Why’s that?" Michael asked him.

"All the legal stuff about me being alive. Bryan told her that Dr. Hughes, he was supposedly my oncologist, and Brooke might have broken some laws. I don’t want to cause any trouble for either of them."

"I didn’t think about that. I hope Bryan can give us some answers. I’m sure you don’t want to have to hide out."

"Maybe people won’t know me."

"Taylor did and so did Bridget."

"It’s discouraging Mike. I feel like I don’t belong anywhere anymore."

"You belong here." Michael said as he gave him a pat on the back. "Look I hate to cut this short but I have two surgeries today. One of them I’m not looking forward to at all."

"That must be hard work."

"That’s funny, I was thinking the same thing about what you do. This is something I love so I don’t think of it that way."

"What’s different about the one today?"

"It’s a little boy. He’s only four years old. His mother and older sister were killed in the fire that disfigured him. His father is in the ICU on a ventilator, he tried to rescue them. It’s a very sad situation. The kid is so sweet Grant. I think I can help him on the outside but it’s what happened to his whole world that’s killing me."

"I guess I thought of you with facelifts and implants and such."

"That’s the easy stuff, the moneymakers. At first it’s what made me choose this field but now things are different. I’m financially set; I’m not hurting for anything. Maybe I’ve grown up. I don’t know. I like to use that gift I’ve been given for more deserving people. I guess I’ve changed."

"You should be proud of yourself. What you do makes a difference." Grant looked down. "A real difference."

"I hope so. I’ve been taking more emergencies lately. It’s fulfilling. But I can’t complain. I love my life."

"Mike I wonder." Grant started. "No nevermind."

"What is it Grant?"

"It’s selfish. Selfish and vain."

"Come on." Michael encouraged him. "Tell me."

"Last night was embarrassing. You see I had a few operations while I was sick and well." Grant stopped again.

"Operations at that clinic?"

"Yeah."

"Well they do good work but they don’t care too much about cosmetic results. Is that it Grant?"

"Brooke told you about my cancer didn’t she?"

"Yes, it was testicular." Michael stopped. "I see. I understand. Look I’m really late right now but if you would care to show me tonight I can see if I can do anything for you."

"I’d really appreciate it. But don’t tell Brooke okay?"

"It’s our secret."

"I don’t know how I can pay you."

"Don’t worry about that."

"I’m not looking for charity."

"We can work that out later. Look I gotta run. I’ll see you tonight and don’t worry, I’m sure it’s something I can fix."

"Oh wait a minute Mike." Grant stopped him. "I have your keys and your card." Grant reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys, the card and several receipts. "I bought some clothes and I had dinner and quite a few drinks." He went through the receipts. "Hum, it looks like I lost the one from the bar but here’s the one for the food and the one for the clothes." He handed them to Michael with the keys.

"Don’t worry about it Grant. I’m sure you didn’t break me. Hold onto the card, I have a couple of others." He said as he took the keys and receipts. "Tell Brooke I told you to rent you a car, that way you aren’t so dependent. I’ll see you later!" He smiled at Grant and left.

 

 

"I wish you didn’t have to go to work today." Taylor told Bryan. "It feels so nice just being here with you and no kids and no friends, just us." She kissed him.

"Hand me the phone." He told her.

"Why?"

"Come on baby, hand it to me." He told her. Taylor grabbed the phone off the nightstand and handed it to him. "Now watch and see the things I do for you." He grinned as he punched in a number. "Hi Patti it’s Bryan is Connor in yet? No, no. Okay just tell him that I won’t be in today. No nothing is wrong. I just need time with my baby." He reached over and gave Taylor a tender kiss. "Yeah Patti? No that was postponed anyway. Uh-huh. Right, right. I should be home if he needs me. Okay thanks Patti." He hung up the phone. "Now what were you saying?" He asked her.

"I love you." She grinned.

"I sure hope so."

"I really, really do. So what do you want to do?" She asked.

"Can’t think of a thing." He grinned at her. "Maybe shoot some hoops."

"Hoops?" She said as she hit him. "You’re staying home to play basketball?"

"Well we could go bowling." He said with a sly grin. "Or wait! I got it! We can watch the WWF! Now doesn’t that sound like fun?"

"I really think I can think of something better to do." She said as she pulled herself into his arms.

"I’m beginning to like this." He said as he started to kiss her neck. "But I think I have to do something about this." He said as he rubbed his hands across her silky nightgown.

"You don’t like my nightgown?" She asked innocently.

"I’d like it better if it was on the floor."

"The floor huh?" She said. "That can be arranged." She told him as she pulled it over her head and casually threw it onto the floor. "Anything else?" She asked sexily.

"Wait! I’ve got an idea!"

"Not more sports I hope." She moaned.

"No! This is really cool. It’s something I always wanted to try. Are you game?"

"What is it?" She asked.

"Trust me."

"Okay." She said with a laugh. Bryan got out of the bed and started out of the bedroom. "Hey! Where are you going?" Taylor cried out.

"Trust me." He again told her. "I’ll be right back."

Taylor smiled at him and adjusted the pillow behind her. She then quickly got up and ran into the bathroom and brushed her teeth and jumped back into the bed before Bryan returned. She had just gotten herself settled when he walked back in carrying a large paper bag.

"What’s in there?" Taylor asked him. "I know, trust you."

Bryan laughed as he put the bag down and approached her. "You do trust me right?" He asked.

"Bryan! What are you going to do? What are you up to?"

"Nothing too kinky. Just a little fun." He said. He pulled the comforter off the bed. "We don’t need this, besides it might get dirty."

"Dirty?" She asked. "Bryan!"

"I bought this stuff on impulse and I’ve had it in my trunk for awhile."

"What is it?" She laughed.

"You ready for this?" He grinned. "Paint! Edible paint!"

"Are you serious?" She laughed.

"Yeah. Wanna give it a try?" He dumped the bag out on the bed. "We got cherry, orange, chocolate, coconut, grape, lime, blueberry, you name it."

"You want to paint me with that?"

"Yeah and you paint me and then think of all the fun we can have taking it off. I got brushes and we can finger-paint too."

"I feel so naughty." She giggled.

"What do you say? If you don’t want to I’ll get rid of it." He said as he started to put the bottles back into the bag.

"Don’t you dare." She said as she grabbed his hand. "Now where’s that chocolate?"

 

"Good morning Morgan." Michael said as he walked into her room. "Did you sleep well?"

"I doubt I slept at all, I’m really scared."

"I told you that you have nothing to worry about. You’re in good hands." He grinned at her. "Can I have a smile?"

Morgan gave him a tiny smile.

"Is that the best you can do?"

"I’m upset." She told him.

"I promise it won’t hurt you at all."

"It’s not that." She said. "It’s Ridge. He isn’t here."

"Well he can’t come in with us honey. I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as I’m done."

"I was hoping he’d come in to wish me luck."

"Luck?" Michael grinned. "You got the best! You don’t need luck. I can do this standing on my head."

"You’re funny." She said.

Michael took her hand. "Please try and calm down. I know you’re nervous but this really isn’t complicated and I promise you that you will be as beautiful as ever when I’m done."

"Okay." She said as her teeth chattered.

"Now I know that you’re pregnant so I’m going to give you a local and something very mild that won’t hurt the baby."

"Please don’t hurt my baby."

"I promise sweetheart. I just want to give you something to help you calm down. The baby will be fine. You have my word."

"Will I sleep?"

"Maybe, maybe just a bit."

"Please make sure my baby is alright."

"You got my word. Now I’ll see you in the OR. The nurse will be in here to prep you."

"Thank you Doctor Copeland."

"It’s my pleasure Morgan. Now relax and I’ll see you in a bit."

 

Taylor laughed as she shot a stream of paint across Bryan’s chest. She took her hand and started rubbing it all over him. Then she put her finger to her mouth and tasted it. "Ummm orange." She said. "Now what tastes good with orange"

Bryan pulled her into his arms and rubbed his blueberry-covered hand down her back. He slowed down as he reached her butt and started drawing circles all over it. They both started giggling. Bryan pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately. They kissed and touched and when they finally broke apart Taylor looked at him and started laughing again.

"Your face." She said. It’s covered with paint.

"You should see yours" he told her.

"So nice" she said as his fingers painted her breasts.

"I think we’ve done enough painting. I think it’s time for the taste test." He said as he lowered his mouth to her chest.

"Oh yes baby." She moaned in pleasure. They were rocked from their passion by the insistent ringing of the doorbell.

"Who the hell is that?" Bryan asked as he pulled away.

"Ignore it, they’ll go away." Taylor said pulling him back. But the bell kept ringing and ringing.

"It must be important. I better get it." Bryan said. "Something may be wrong."

Bryan jumped out of bed and grabbed a robe and pulled it on. As he headed for the door Taylor also got up and put on her robe. She followed him to the door.

"What are you doing here?" An annoyed Bryan asked Ridge.

"I didn’t expect you home." Ridge answered him. "Where’s Taylor?"

"She’s in bed, what do you want?" Bryan asked impatiently.

"What’s that on your face?"

"What?" Bryan answered.

"That orange stuff?"

"Nevermind that, what do you want Ridge?"

"Ridge?" Taylor said as she joined him. "What are you doing here?"

"You have blue all over your face Taylor? What’s going on?"

Bryan looked at her and laughed. He touched the blue on her face and put his finger in his mouth and smiled.

"What do you want Ridge?" Taylor asked him, ignoring his question.

"You told me to set up the test so I did."

"Test?" Bryan asked.

"You set up the test?" An enraged Taylor asked Ridge. "Why can’t this wait Ridge? I already told you it isn’t going to make a difference."

"It does to me."

"What test?" Bryan demanded.

"A paternity test Bryan." Taylor told him. "He’s been bugging me about one so I finally gave in."

"Do you have any idea what you are doing?" Bryan asked Ridge. "This woman has been through enough. I won’t put her through this. We can find out when the baby is born."

"Taylor agreed." Ridge told him.

"Well I’m vetoing her. We aren’t going to put her through this. Did you even think to ask Dr. Santana?"

"I called her Bryan, she told me it was non-invasive and if I wanted to do it that it would be alright." Taylor explained to him. "Ridge was so insistent I just thought we could get it over with. However," She turned to Ridge. "I did expect more notice than this."

"They had a cancellation so I took it. We need to be there in an hour."

"I don’t like this." Bryan stated. "This is a high risk pregnancy. I don’t want to put Taylor under any strain."

"Neither do I Bryan, Taylor agreed to do this."

"Well we have plans for today Ridge. We will just have to do it some other time. You can’t just pop in and expect us to jump at your command."

"Let’s just get it over with Bryan." Taylor said.

"What’s the matter Jackson? Afraid of what you’ll find out?" Ridge taunted.

"Not in the least. We are solid no matter what. In fact nothing is going to change anything."

"That’s right Ridge." Taylor agreed. "We won’t keep you from the child if he’s yours but Bryan and I are getting married regardless of the results."

"It’s important to me Doc."

"Fine." She reluctantly agreed. "Come on in and we’ll go get dressed."

"You both have stuff all over you. What is it?"

"It’s paint Ridge!" Bryan said as he threw his hands up in the air. "I give up. I’m going to jump into the shower." He turned to Taylor. "Wanna join me?"

Taylor blushed at the suggestion being made in front of Ridge. "Not this time. You go first." She turned to Ridge. "Do you want some coffee?"

"Sure." He said.

"I’ll be right back." Bryan said. He walked to Taylor and gave her a passionate, proprietary kiss. "Love you baby." He told her as he left the room. Ridge just rolled his eyes.

"I don’t know what you see in him Doc."

"Just shut up." She told him. "Let’s go have coffee before I kill you."

They both walked into the kitchen and Taylor poured them each a cup of coffee. She then took a coffeecake and cut them each a slice. "You know Ridge, this was very inconvenient."

"What were you painting?" He asked.

Taylor blushed and laughed. "Actually Ridge, we were painting each other."

"Now it’s my turn to be embarrassed." He said. "I’m sorry this came up so suddenly. I just jumped at the chance."

"Well it’s done now." She said. She picked up her cup and took a sip. "How have you been?" She asked him.

"I miss you." He said to her. "Aside from that I can’t complain. But hey, this will make you happy."

"What?" She asked him.

"Brooke finally agreed to meet me. We talked and she accepted my apology and everything is good between us again."

"She knows what really happened?"

"Finally I understand what all the problem was about. I still have to talk to Mike."

"Michael is really a great guy Ridge. I hope you stop all the problems you’ve been causing them."

"I know he is Doc. He’s helping Morgan right now. He’s a good guy. I’m just not sure if he’s a good husband for Logan."

"She loves him, why can’t you accept that?"

"Too many men I have to accept lately."

"That’s not my problem Ridge."

"Doc I never said it was. Come on let’s not fight. I come in peace." He said with a smile. "I just want to settle this thing so I know where we stand."

"Ridge you know where we stand. Nothing is going to change. You are married to Morgan and I’m marrying Bryan."

"Things can change Doc. You know we belong together. You know we want our family back."

"Please don’t start that again Ridge."

"Sorry, I just hope, no I know that this baby is mine."

"I don’t think it is Ridge."

"What if you’re wrong?"

"It won’t change anything. We’ve both moved on. How many times do we have to have this conversation?"

"Till I can make you change your mind." He said with a grin. Taylor smiled back at him. "See, I made you smile."

"You are relentless."

"I love you. That’s all that really matters."

"Morgan matters and so does Bryan."

"They’ll get over it Doc."

"They won’t have to because nothing is going to happen."

"Doc, Doc, Doc." He said. "You are underestimating me." He grinned at her. "I’m going to wear you down. Now tell me about this paint."

"It’s personal. I think you have a pretty good idea what we were doing."

"Sorry I interrupted." He laughed.

"No you aren’t." She smiled at him.

"You’re right, I’m not." He stood up and walked over to her and gave her a tender kiss.

"Ridge!"

"Sorry, I couldn’t help myself."

"You lost that right a long time ago."

"You didn’t look like you minded. In fact I felt you respond."

"That was your imagination."

"If you say so." He grinned at her. "You are so beautiful Doc."

"Yes she is." Bryan said as he entered the room dressed and clean. "Your turn baby." He said to Taylor.

"I’ll be right back." She told them as she walked out.

"Ridge you are out of line." Bryan told him. "You are a married man and that is my woman, not yours."

"She was mine a lot longer then yours Jackson."

"Well she’s not anymore." He told him.

 

Macy woke up again and looked at the clock. She rubbed her head and slowly sat up. "Thorne?" She said aloud. "He must be crazy with worry! What can I tell him? What do I want to tell him?" She got out of bed and looked at the empty bottles on the floor. As she reached for them she saw the piece of yellow paper. She picked it up and looked at it. "The receipt from the bar." She said. "Michael Copeland. His name is Michael Copeland. Why is that name so familiar to me?" She wondered. She put the receipt in her purse and took the bottles to the trashcan. She walked into the kitchen and opened a cabinet. She took out coffee and brewed herself a pot. While it was brewing she went and took a shower. She put her clothes from the day before back on and went into the kitchen to have a cup of the coffee. She poured a cup and sat down to drink it. Think Macy she told herself. You need to decide what to tell Thorne. This is going to hurt him so much. Her thoughts went back to the man. Why was I so drawn to him? What was it about him? Why do I want to see him again? Okay Macy, you know his name. Now why is it familiar to you? Think Macy, think! Michael Copeland, you know that name! Why do you know that name?

 

Ridge, Bryan and Taylor walked into the laboratory together at the hospital. "Hi, I’m Ridge Forrester." Ridge announced himself. "We’re here for a paternity test."

The technician looked at her chart. "Have a seat. I’ll be right with you."

"I can’t believe I let you talk me into this." Bryan told him. "If this causes Taylor any stress!"

"It won’t honey, I’m fine." She assured him. "Let’s just get this over with so we can get on with our lives."

 

Michael walked onto the doctor’s lounge and sat down. He was tired from the two surgeries he had finished that day. He was sipping a cold drink when his friend Frank Calabrese came in and sat next to him.

"Hello Mike. I didn’t think you were going to be around this week."

"Hey Frank," Michael greeted him. "I had one surgery that was a favor for a friend and I took a charity case. I little boy who was burned. That one is a bad one. I think I’ll need to do at least three more operations on him. His father is in ICU. He’s dying. I just checked and it doesn’t look very promising. This poor kid has no one, no one at all."

"That’s a shame. Let me know if I can do anything."

"I wish you could." He shook his head. "I just finished with him and now I want to go check on Morgan Forrester and see how she’s recovering."

"Another Forrester? What’s up? You do the whole family?"

"She’s Ridge’s wife. She had a fall, it’s not very serious. I’m annoyed at Ridge though. You’d think he’d at least show up before she had the surgery. The guy’s acting like a real ass. He just better stay away from Brooke."

"Brooke, she’s the other Forrester that you operated on."

"She’s more than that my friend. The lady happens to be my wife."

"Your what?" Frank asked. "You got married? When the hell did this happen?"

"Not too long ago but a lot has been going on."

"And why wasn’t I invited?"

"We eloped. We got married in Vegas. It was spur of the moment."

"Michael Copeland married? I can’t believe it."

"Well believe it Frank. It’s the best move I ever made in my life. I love this woman so much. I can hardly remember life without her."

"Does Ehlers know?"

"No and I don’t want you to tell him. He thinks he’s going to get Brooke to team up with him about me. I want him to fall flat on his face when he tries. I just wish I could be there."

"He’s been sniffing around here today. Maybe he knows you’re in."

"Most likely. Let him sniff. I’ve done nothing wrong. Not that I did before either." He added. "He keeps trying to catch me with my pants down. He even sent a goon squad in to catch me with Brooke. I straightened it out with Denise but he still has this nurse Barbara something looking into my business. I’m getting pretty sick of it. Maybe when he finds out I’m married he’ll leave me alone."

"I doubt it Mike, that guy has it in for you."

"Yeah I guess he does." He said as he stood up. "Look I have to go check on Morgan. I’ll see you later Frank."

Michael walked out of the lounge. He walked to Morgan’s room and went in. She was sleeping so he checked her vitals and the bandages. He was just about to leave when Ridge entered.

"Oh so you decided to show after all." Michael told him. "Not that you care but your wife is doing quite well."

"Of course I care Mike. Why would you say that?"

"She was so upset Ridge. You couldn’t even visit her before her surgery? How cold can you be? Or were you too busy sniffing around my wife?"

"I wasn’t bothering Brooke. But Mike I did talk to her and we straightened everything out."

"Oh you did, did you? What? She said it was alright that you screwed her? Look Ridge, I’m sick of your antics and I’m not going to take them anymore."

"Michael I did not have sex with Brooke! Yes, things did go too far. That I admit. I carried her up to bed and I undressed her. I touched her, I touched her in a sexual way. I was wrong. I was upset and I was lonely and yes damn it, I wanted her. But Michael I stopped before anything happened. I wouldn’t do it to her or to you."

"You told her this?"

"Yes. I admitted what I did. I apologized to her and I apologize to you. I was wrong, I was out of line. Hit me again if it makes you feel good. I had to tell her, I just wanted my friend back."

"So she’s your friend again? I doubt it Ridge. Maybe she forgives you but she’ll never trust you again."

"I hope someday I can gain both of your trusts. I really mean it Mike. I let things get out of hand and I shouldn’t have."

"What about Bridget? She told me what happened."

"You know how Bridget feels. She wants me back there. I might have given her the wrong impression. Mike I would never do that to Brooke. You know I love her."

"You love too many women Ridge. You think you can just do anything you want to Brooke and Taylor and that they will always be there for you. You’re blowing it my friend."

"That’s what I’m trying to prevent. In fact that’s why I wasn’t here earlier. Bryan, Taylor and I just took a paternity test. That baby is mine and I plan on proving it."

"You really think Taylor is pregnant with your child? What the hell will that do to you and Morgan?"

"I love Taylor and once she realizes that this is our child she’ll want our family back. Morgan will have to understand. I never would have married her if I knew that Taylor was pregnant."

"So you took this test today. What about Bryan? He couldn’t have been too happy about that."

"He wasn’t but it had to be done. Once we get the results I can start to make plans to get my life back."

"Look Ridge, I’m not trying to tell you how to lead your life but you have to know you are playing with fire. Taylor is in a high risk pregnancy. You can’t be upsetting her. Why do you think she moved in with us? To get away from you. She’s happy with Bryan, you have Morgan. Why don’t you just leave things be?"

"Would you stay away from Brooke just because she was happy with Connor? No Mike, you went and stole her from him. I want my wife back. I won’t rest until I have my wife and family back together where we belong."

Ridge looked down at Morgan. "She’s a good kid. I don’t want to hurt her but she knows we never had a real marriage. I’ll let her down gently."

"I don’t want you saying anything to her until she’s out of here Ridge. She needs to recover and she doesn’t need your crap right now."

"I won’t say anything yet. But soon Mike, very soon."

The two men walked out of the room. After they shut the door Morgan opened her eyes. They were filled with tears.

"So you slept with Brooke and Taylor Ridge? And Taylor’s carrying your child? Well we’ll just see how long that lasts!" She whispered.

Changes Part 56

 

 

Macy opened the door and immediately was greeted by a frightened Kimberly and Thorne.

"Where were you all night?" Thorne demanded.

"Macy I was so worried." Kimberly said as she put her arms around her sister.

"I’m sorry guys. We have to talk." She said as she closed the door. "Come on, let’s sit down."

They walked to the couch where Macy sat next to Thorne. Kimberly took a chair. They both looked at Macy questioningly.

"There’s no easy way to say this so I’m just going to tell you. I fell off the wagon last night."

"Macy!" Kimberly said.

"I know, I know. You’re both disappointed in me. Well so am I." She told them. "Kimberly you know how upset I was. Well somehow I ended up at a liquor store. Before I realized it I was drunk. I drove to this bar and I just kept drinking."

"Why didn’t you call me?" Thorne asked.

"I was too embarrassed. It was so late and then the bartender threw me and this guy out. He put us in a cab. I couldn’t come home, I just couldn’t."

"Where did you go Macy?" Thorne asked. "Did you go home with the man?" They hurt was so obvious in his eyes that Macy almost started crying.

"I asked the cabbie to take me to Kimberly’s, my old house. When I got there no one was home so I just went to bed there."

"What happened to the man?" Kimberly asked.

"I guess the cabbie took him home. I crawled into the house and drank some more and then went to bed. I was so embarrassed when I woke up."

"Why did you drink honey?" Thorne asked, obviously relieved that she had gone there alone. "Was it something I did?"

"No!" Macy told him. "No Thorne, not you. I don’t know. I was depressed. I thought I was so strong but I guess I’m not."

"Did you call AA?"

"No. And I promise it won’t happen again. I’m home and I’m sorry." She put her arms around him. "Can you forgive me? Both of you?" She turned to Kimberly.

"Macy you need help. We both want to help you." Kimberly told her.

"I’ll be fine. It will never happen again."

"How can we help you?" Thorne asked. "I really think you should go to a meeting."

"Maybe I will, maybe I will tonight."

"I’ll come with you." Thorne volunteered.

"No Thorne, I have to do this myself." She told him.

"Macy I’m so glad you’re alright!" Kimberly said as she got up and hugged her. "I’m going to leave you guys alone. I’m so tired. I think I’ll just go home to bed."

"Were you up all night?" Macy asked.

"How could we sleep Mace?" Thorne asked.

"I’m so sorry." Macy told them. She kissed Thorne and then Kimberly. "You two are the best."

"I’ll see you both later." A sleepy but relieved Kimberly said as she left them.

 

 

 

"Stay there, let me get the door." Ridge told Morgan as they pulled up at the guesthouse. Morgan had rested most of the day and had finally been released in the early evening.

"I’m alright Ridge, I can walk." She answered. Ridge quickly ran and got the car door for her. He took her arm and slowly walked her into the house.

"Sit down and I’ll go get your suitcase." He said as he led her to the couch and helped her sit.

"Alright." She answered. She leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She felt the tears coming again but she held them back. I will not let you know how upset I am. She thought.

"Here we are." Ridge said with a smile as he came back inside with the suitcase. "I bet it feels good to be home."

"It was only two nights, but yes it does." She told him. "Come sit with me please."

Ridge closed the door and sat down next to her. "Are you in any pain?"

"A little. I took a Tylenol. Dr. Copeland said it was alright."

"Can I get you a pillow or anything?"

"How about I lean on your shoulder for awhile?" She asked.

"Sure." He said as he put his arm around her. "Did you like Michael?"

"He was nice. I can’t believe he married someone like Brooke."

"I don’t understand your attitude about her Morgan. I really thought you two were friends."

"Not anymore." She said as she leaned closer to him. "Besides who needs her, I have you." She kissed him softly.

"Did he say when you can go back to work?"

"He said if I felt okay I could go back tomorrow. I really want to Ridge, I want to get my designs ready."

"I don’t want you to push yourself. You take more time if you need it."

"Are you worried about me?" She asked him.

"Sure I am, I don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby."

"Ridge? Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Will you love this baby? I mean will you love him like you love Thomas and the twins?"

"I’ll try Morgan. I mean I know I’ll love the baby but I can’t say if it will be the same. After all Thomas and the twins were different."

"You mean because you were in love with Taylor right? But that isn’t fair to this baby. Just because you aren’t in love with me."

"No, it isn’t fair, it’s just something we’ll have to deal with."

"Do you even like me Ridge?"

"I like you Morgan, more and more every day. But what we have isn’t a marriage based on love and you know it. You know we only were married for the baby."

"I really thought you were trying Ridge."

"I am Morgan, I am." He sighed.

 

 

"Hi honey." Michael greeted Brooke with a hug and a kiss. He reached over to the coffee table and dropped several medical files. He then pulled her closer and kissed her again. "You can’t know how happy I am to be home with you again. I may just have to stop working and devote my entire life to making love to you."

"I can live with that." She laughed as she hugged him tightly. "I missed you too. Did you have a rough day?"

"It was alright, I’m just glad to have you in my arms again." He looked around. "Are we alone?"

"Not exactly. I rented, no actually I leased a car for Grant. He went for a drive. Bridget is in her room on the phone. Rick is still camping."

"Well then we’re almost alone." He pulled her closer and kissed her. "What so you say we go out to dinner? We can get dressed up and I’ll take you somewhere nice."

"I have a better idea."

"What’s that?"

"Let’s go upstairs and fool around for awhile and then if we’re hungry we can go out."

"I thought we decided we wanted to spend more time doing things together."

"I can think of a lot of things we can do." She said. "Like this." She kissed him. "And this." She kissed him again.

"We have all night for that. I want to show you off. I want to take you dancing. I want to sit with you and enjoy a nice bottle of wine. I want to talk and laugh and have fun."

"Really?" She asked. "Well in that case you have a date mister. Let’s go upstairs and change."

Michael started to laugh. "No way! If we go up together we’ll never get out of the bedroom and you know it. You go first and when you’re dressed I’ll go up."

"Spoilsport!" She laughed. She kissed him again. "I love you." She told him. "And I’d love to spend a night out with you." She let go of him and started up the stairs. "Oh Michael?" She called to him.

"Yeah hon?"

"Should I put on underwear?" She giggled.

"Surprise me." He grinned at her. She ran up the stairs as he laughed. He walked into the kitchen and took a bottle of wine from the refrigerator and poured himself a glass. He carried it into the living room and sat down on the couch. He took a sip and put the glass down. He picked up a file that he had brought home and opened it. He reached for his glasses and put them on. He found himself immersed in the file. The sound of footsteps on the stairs caught his attention. He looked up and saw Bridget walk into the room.

"Hi Bridget." He said as he quickly closed the file.

"Hi." She said. "What’s that?" She asked pointing to the file.

"A file on a case I’m working on."

"Can I see it?"

"I don’t think that’s such a good idea." He told her. "The pictures are pretty graphic. They’ll upset you."

"I’m not a kid." She said as she sat down next to him. "Please?"

He opened the file and handed her a picture of an adorable little boy.

"He’s cute." She said. "Who is he?"

"His name is Jason Cooper, he was badly burned in a fire."

"Can you help him?" She asked.

"I’m trying. I hope so honey. He was burned pretty badly."

"Do you have a picture of him, you know, after?"

"You don’t want to see that Bridget."

"Please." She begged.

"Why would you want to see something like that? I do this for a living and I wish I didn’t have to see it."

"I want to know what you do." She said. Michael was touched by her attempts at friendship. He looked though the folder and took out the least frightening photo and handed it to her. "Oh my God." She said. "That poor kid."

"I know. But I really think I can help him."

"Michael?" She asked.

"Yeah?"

"I’m sorry." She told him.

"For what honey?"

"For being so nasty to you when you first moved in. I was too quick to judge you. You’re not that bad."

"Thanks, I guess." He said with a laugh.

"I didn’t mean that." She laughed. "I mean that if my mother had to get married that, well, you’re okay."

"You think we can be friends Bridget?" He asked. "I’d really like to try."

"Me too." She told him.

"Good." He smiled at her.

"So how did this kid get burned?" She asked him as she stared at the pictures.

"His home went on fire. His mother and his sister were killed. His father tried to rescue them but he was badly hurt. We don’t know if he will live."

"Does he have other relatives?"

"So far the social workers haven’t been able to find any. It’s so sad Bridget. He has his whole life ahead of him and now he has nobody. He’s so smart and so cute."

"Does he know that his mother died?"

"Yeah, they told him today. He was so brave. My heart went out to him. I sure wish he had someone that loved him."

"Is he allowed to have visitors?"

"He could if we knew anyone. But right now he only has the staff. I intend to go see him everyday. I don’t want that poor child to feel all alone."

"Can I visit him?" She asked.

"You want to?" Michael looked at her.

"Yeah. Maybe I could read to him or something. If it’s alright."

"Bridget that would be wonderful. Would you like me to take you there tomorrow? I’d love to introduce you to him." Michael was so excited that finally something good was happening.

"Okay." She answered. "Where’s my mother?"

"She’s upstairs getting changed. We’re going out to dinner tonight."

"What about Grant? I don’t want to be alone with him. He’s creepy."

Michael laughed. "Bridget he’s not creepy. He was sick. He was never really dead, I explained all that to you."

"Yeah but the whole thing gives me the creeps. Can’t you guys just stay home?"

"Don’t you think your mother deserves a night out?"

"I guess. Can you take me to Sara’s then?"

"Sure we can. We’ll drop you off on the way." He suddenly turned to the staircase as Brooke was descending. "Whoa! Bridget, check out your mother!" They both looked at Brooke. She was stunning in a gold dress with spaghetti straps and a slit up the side to her thighs. Her hair was upswept in a casual style and her ears twinkled with diamonds.

"Do I look alright?" She asked them.

"If I hadn’t already been in love with you I would be now." Michael told her. "You have never looked more beautiful." He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

"You look great Mom." Bridget joined in.

"Thank you." She beamed. She walked over to Michael and kissed him. "Your turn handsome."

"There is no way I can ever look good enough to be with you."

"Sure you can." Bridget told him. "You two will look so hot!"

"You bet we will." Brooke giggled. "Hurry up Michael."

"I’ll be right back." He told her. He practically ran up the stairs.

"You two seemed to be getting along Bridget." Brooke said to her daughter.

"Yeah, I guess he’s not so bad Mom."

"You mean that?" Brooke asked as tears came to her eyes.

"Well he’s not Ridge, but he’ll do."

"You know Ridge and I are never going to be together again honey. He’s my friend but that’s all it will ever be. I love Michael."

"I know. I just hoped." Bridget looked at her mother.

"I know you did honey, but I’m so happy that you and Michael are getting along now."

"He’s cool. He’s a really great doctor. You should see this little boy he’s taking care of. I’m going to go to the hospital with Michael tomorrow and read to him."

"Read to Michael?" Brooke asked her.

"Duh Mom!" Bridget said. "I’m going to read to Jason, he’s the little boy."

"Honey that’s so nice." She hugged her.

"Brooke!" Michael called down to her. "Have you seen my black shoes? I can’t find them."

"I put them in the guest room the other day! Sorry honey!" She called back to him.

"Okay!" He shouted.

A little while later he came down impeccably dressed in a tuxedo. He looked sophisticated and very sexy. Bridget whistled at him and Brooke felt her breath catch.

"You sure clean up well." Brooke said with a smile.

"You two look great!" Bridget told them.

Michael came over and kissed his wife. "We do, don’t we. Well wife? Are you ready to go?"

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"First we drop off Bridget at Sara’s and then it’s a surprise for you. Ready?"

"Let’s go." She said.

 

 

Thorne and Macy were eating dinner on the deck. They had both rested for most of the day and now they were trying to get back to normal. Macy seemed preoccupied to Thorne and he was a bit worried about her.

"Macy? Do you want to go to a meeting tonight?" He asked her.

"Not tonight honey, I’m really tired. Maybe tomorrow alright?"

"I’d hate to see it happen again Mace."

"It won’t, I promise. I know it was a mistake. Can we please drop it?"

"It’s important Macy. It effects everything."

"I promise Thorne! Get off my back!" She yelled. "I’m sorry, I just feel so embarrassed."

"Okay Macy, we won’t talk about it anymore." He reluctantly agreed.

"Thorne can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you know anyone named Michael Copeland?" She tried to play it down but her heart was in her throat as she looked at him. His face had gone from pleasant to mad at the question.

"Why?" He asked. "What does he have to do with you?"

"Nothing, I just heard his name and I wondered who he was." She lied.

"He’s Brooke’s new husband."

"Brooke’s what?" She asked. She was in a state of shock.

"Brooke went off and got married. He’s her husband. They eloped. He’s an old friend of Ridge’s."

"And his name is Michael Copeland?"

"Yes, why Macy?"

"Just curious, that’s all. I heard he was handsome." She prodded.

"Yeah, I guess so. Why? You don’t think Brooke can get a good looking guy?"

"Of course I do, she had you didn’t she? I just never thought she’d settle for anyone other than a Forrester."

"Well she did." He said in an angry voice. He was so annoyed he didn’t notice the satisfied grin cross Macy’s face. She looked like the cat that had just eaten the canary.

 

A happy and slightly tipsy Brooke and Michael walked back into the house. As soon as the door closed behind them they were all over each other kissing and groping.

"Maybe we better go upstairs." Michael told her.

"Yes." She said as she kissed him again. "After a wonderful night like tonight I can’t think of any other way for us to end it. Let’s go and make love all night long."

"No sleep at all?"

"We’ll see." She grinned. "I still can’t believe you know Wolfgang Puck. He really had that whole meal especially for us. It was so wonderful. I felt like a princess."

"You are my princess." He told her. "I wanted tonight to be special for you. We never had a reception or a honeymoon."

"I have you." She kissed him. "That’s all I ever need. Now please Michael, take me to bed and make love to me."

"That’s something you never have to ask twice." He picked her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

 

The next morning Ridge got up out of bed early. He showered and dressed and then went into the kitchen. He made himself coffee and picked up the phone. He pulled a card out of his wallet and hit in the numbers.

"Good morning. This is Ridge Forrester. I was wondering if you would have the results from a test from yesterday yet. Yes, that’s right." He looked at the card again. "967845A." He read to them. "Yes, you will? All right, thank you. Yes. We’ll be in later." He looked at his watch. "In three short hours I will have my life back." He said. "I’m sorry Morgan," He said to himself. "I never meant to hurt you." He drank his coffee and put the cup in the sink and left. Morgan watched him as he drove away. "They must have the results from the test. I have to talk to Taylor, I have to make her understand." She went into the bedroom and got dressed.

 

"Good morning baby." Bryan said as he kissed Taylor. He was dressed and ready for work.

"Hi." She whispered. "I guess I can’t talk you into staying home again today huh?"

"No can do. I have to be in court today. But I will try and get home early. If we wrap up early I’ll skip the office."

"Don’t be silly." She told him. "Besides, I need you to look into the stuff about Grant. I’m going to go over to Brooke’s today and see if I can talk to him some more. We made a little progress and I don’t want to stop."

"Don’t overdo it." Bryan warned.

"I won’t. It really feels good to work. Maybe after the baby is born I’ll start my practice again. I really have missed it."

"I don’t see why not. But we do need to find a bigger place. This is a great house but it doesn’t cut it

with four kids, a nanny and us."

"Yeah and if I want an office I really will need more space. Maybe we should start looking soon."

"I’ll make some calls and we can look at places on the weekend. How does that sound?"

"I just wish we could get married. I really want to be your wife. Has Connor found any loophole yet?"

"No. But he’s still trying. Don’t worry baby. As soon as the baby is born you and I will jet down to Santa Domingo and get married. I want you to be my wife too. I can’t wait."

"I love you so much Bryan. You know that don’t you?"

"Sure I do baby." He kissed her. He started laughing as he looked down at the rug.

"What’s so funny?" She asked.

"There’s some paint on the floor. I sure wish Ridge hadn’t ruined our art class like that."

"We’ll just have to have another one." She grinned. "And we’ll take the phone off the hook and disconnect the doorbell this time."

"Now you be careful today and don’t overdo anything." He warned her again. "Want to go out to dinner tonight?"

"That sounds wonderful."

"Good" He smiled. "I’ll see you later." He kissed her again and left. Taylor got out of bed and went into the kitchen. Katherine was finishing up feeding the kids.

"Good morning." Taylor smiled at them all. "How are my babies today?"

"They’re all wonderful." Katherine answered. "We’re going to the zoo today."

"That sounds like fun. I wish I could come."

"Why don’t you join us?" Katherine suggested.

"I can’t today. I have a prior commitment." Taylor frowned. "It’s really important or else I’d just go with you."

"Well tomorrow we are going to go to Disneyland. You will come then?" Katherine asked her.

"You bet I will." Taylor smiled. "Maybe Bryan can come too. We can make a whole day of it. Thank you so much Katherine. I don’t know what I’d do without you." She kissed her kids. "I’m going to go get dressed. I guess you’ll be gone when I get back."

"We’re ready to leave now." Katherine told her.

"Have a wonderful day." Taylor once more kissed her children and she went back into the bedroom.

When she came back into the kitchen a half an hour later they were gone. She poured herself a glass of juice and was just about to drink it when the doorbell rang.

"I wonder who that can be?" She said aloud. "Coming!" She called. She walked to the door and opened it. Her face dropped as she saw Morgan.

"Hello Taylor, may I come in?"

"What are you doing here Morgan?"

"We have to talk, it’s important. May I come in?"

"You can’t stay long Morgan, I’m busy." She warned as she let her in. "How are you feeling?" She asked her one time friend.

"Pretty good." Morgan smiled. "Can we have some coffee or tea or something?"

"Sure." Taylor agreed as she led her into the kitchen. "What brings you here?" She asked her.

"We were friends Taylor."

"But we aren’t anymore. You must have a reason to be here."

"Can’t you guess?" Morgan asked as she poured herself some coffee and handed Taylor a cup. "This is decaf isn’t it?" Taylor nodded as she took a sip.

"It must have something to do with Ridge. Though I don’t know what it can have to do with me anymore."

"Ridge is my husband Taylor, we have a commitment."

"So I hear."

"I want you to leave him alone now Taylor, he’s mine now. Do you understand that?"

"He’s not your possession Morgan, he’s your husband."

"You know what I mean Taylor. I want you to leave him alone."

"Ridge is the father of my children Morgan, he will always be a part of my life. I’m not saying this to hurt you it’s the truth. I’m not involved with him anymore, my life is with Bryan."

"You won’t let him go Taylor. I want you to just leave him alone. This is for your own good. He is mine now! Mine!"

"I feel sorry for both of you." Taylor said shaking her head. She stood up and started out of the kitchen. "Now I want you to leave. You aren’t welcome here anymore."

"I’m not going anywhere." Morgan said. "Now sit down!" She pushed Taylor back into the chair. "You had your chance with him and you blew it! You think you can throw your stupid baby in his face and he’ll come running back to you but that’s not going to happen! I don’t care if he f*cked you and Brooke! He’s my husband! Mine!" She screamed.

"Calm down Morgan. I have no idea what you are talking about." Taylor said as she tried to get up again. Once more Morgan pushed her back into the chair.

"I know he slept with Brooke. She’s a slut so I don’t even care. But he slept with you too and don’t you try to deny it!"

"He was my husband, of course I slept with him." Taylor said.

"You slept with him after I married him! Didn’t you?" She screamed.

"No." Taylor answered. "Not after you married him."

"Liar!" She screamed. "You stupid liar! You think you can go have his baby and he’ll leave me but I won’t let him go! I won’t!"

"You know I’m pregnant?" Taylor asked. She was starting to get frightened.

"I know you don’t even know who the father is! See what happens when you make friends with a slut like Brooke? You start acting like a slut too! Did you and she have a threesome with him? Did you?" She screamed.

"Morgan, please calm down. I’m not trying to take him from you. I’m with Bryan now, not Ridge."

"But you slept with him! Admit it you liar!"

"It’s over now Morgan, he’s yours. Now please leave." Taylor looked around the room in a panic. Her eyes settled on the phone. Morgan saw her and picked up the phone.

"Who are you going to call Taylor? Ridge? Are you going to try and convince him to leave me? It won’t work. He sleeps with me now you know? We made love last night and it was wonderful. He went down on me and he loved every minute of it! He thinks I’m the best lover he ever had. He said I was so much more exciting than you ever were. He said you were a cow!"

"Morgan." Taylor cried. "Please just leave."

"You will never have another of Ridge’s children Taylor! Never!" She took the phone and threw it against the wall shattering it.

"Morgan please." Taylor begged. "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to have an abortion! Just like Stephanie wanted me to have one! Just like she tried to poison me!"

"What?" Taylor’s eyes widened as she looked at her half-finished coffee. "Morgan no! Please you didn’t."

"What do you think?" She looked at Taylor with disgust.

"It’s just a baby, a sweet innocent baby. Morgan how could you do that? You’re going to be a mother, how could you do that?" She asked as the tears streamed down her face. Taylor clutched her belly.

"Fool." Morgan said to her. "You are such a trusting fool Taylor."

"No." She cried. "No, please, not my baby."

"You are so stupid Taylor. So stupid." She looked at her with hatred.

"My baby." Taylor cried.

"Do you really think I have the power that either one of you cows have? I wouldn’t even know where to get one of those pills. But now you know how it feels Taylor! Now you know how it feels to have someone try and steal something that you love away from you! I’d never hurt your child!"

"Morgan?" Taylor cried.

"You want to know what I want from you? Well this is what I want! I want you to tell Ridge that he is not the father! I don’t care if he is or if he isn’t! You tell him he’s not! You leave us alone and I will leave you and your precious family alone! You got that?"

"My baby?" Taylor cried again.

"For God’s sake Taylor, I didn’t do anything to your baby!" Morgan shouted. "Now just leave us alone!" She screamed at her. Morgan grabbed her purse and walked out of the kitchen and then out of the house.

"Oh God my baby!" Taylor cried. "Morgan! Please come back!" She screamed. "Please help me!" She cried as she fell to the floor clutching her belly. She turned around to look at the phone. She saw it was damaged beyond repair. Slowly she tried to crawl out of the kitchen to reach another phone. When she looked behind her she has horrified to see a trail of blood following her. With a piercing scream she passed out.

 

"I have to leave now Dad." Ridge told his father. "I have to see Taylor about the results of the test. I tried calling Bryan but he’s in court so Taylor and I will just have to go down alone."

"Did you call her son?"

"Yeah and it has me worried. There’s no answer. The operator told me that it seems to be off the hook. I have to get down there right away."

"Good luck son, I hope things turn out for the best. Whatever that is."

 

Ridge was driving as fast as possible to Taylor’s house. He kept trying to get her on the cell phone but it was constantly busy. He shut off his phone and stuck it in his pocket when he finally pulled up to the house. He quickly ran to the door and rang the bell.

"Doc!" He shouted. "Hey Doc, it’s me!" He waited a few moments and then tried the door. It was open so he walked in. "Doc? Where are you?"

"Ridge." He heard a weak cry. "Help me Ridge, help me."

He ran to the kitchen where he heard the voice. He turned pale as he saw her lying on the floor in the pool of blood.

"Taylor!" He screamed as he pulled her into his arms.

"My baby. My baby." She cried.

He ran with her to his car and drove like a maniac to the hospital. He spoke softly and soothingly to her all the way there. When they reached the hospital he carried her into the emergency room.

"Help us someone! Our baby! Please help us!" He shouted. She was carefully taken from his arms and carried to a bed. Ridge followed.

"Sorry sir, you can’t come in here." The nurse told him.

"The hell I can’t that’s my baby." He said as the tears rolled down his face.

"Please sir." A doctor told him. "We have to examine her, you can come back as soon as we’re done. Please just have a seat." Ridge reluctantly sat down to wait. He remembered his phone and hit in the number for Dr. Santana but couldn’t reach her. He got up and started to pace. When he couldn’t stand it anymore he went back to the bed where Taylor was. She was in tears and a nurse was holding her hand.

"Doc?" He asked her.

"Ridge." She cried as she reached out to him. He went to her and held her in his arms.

"Doc, the baby, it’s okay right?"

"I’m sorry sir." The doctor told him. "Your wife lost the baby."

"No!" He screamed as he pulled her tighter into his arms. "No!" He said softly as he kissed her head.

"Oh Ridge my baby." She cried. "I lost my baby."

Suddenly Dr. Santana burst in. "What’s going on? What’s happening?" She asked.

"She lost her baby doctor." The emergency room doctor informed her.

"Oh Taylor." She said sadly. "I’m so sorry. I was coming from lab about the results when I heard you were here." She looked from Taylor to Ridge. "Ridge I am so sorry for both of you."

"Me?" He asked.

"You didn’t know?" She asked him. "I’m sorry, I thought you had heard."

"It was mine?" He asked her.

"Yes Ridge." She took his hand. "It was yours."

Changes Part 57

 

Ridge sadly looked up at Dr. Santana. He held on tighter to the woman he loved while he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"The tests? They confirmed it?" He asked her.

"Without a shadow of a doubt Ridge and I am so sorry. I know what a wonderful father you are." Dr. Santana told him.

"Is Taylor alright?" He asked the two doctors. "She’s not in any danger is she?"

"Taylor is fine." The emergency room doctor told him. "I’m sure Dr. Santana will want to examine her too."

"This was a very hard pregnancy Taylor." Dr. Santana told her. "I know that it’s no consolation but it’s better that it happened so soon. I had real doubts that you would be able to carry to term, especially given your history."

"What about the future doctor?" Ridge asked. "Will she be able to become pregnant again?"

"Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it Ridge. I doubt Taylor wants to even consider that right now."

"Oh God, my poor baby." Taylor sobbed as she clutched Ridge. "I never got to hold him or to tell him how much I loved him."

"He knew Doc, he knew." Ridge said as her tenderly kissed her cheek.

"I don’t even know if it was a boy or a girl."

"It’s not important Doc." Ridge said. "What matters is that we loved him, that’s all."

"Ridge I’m so sorry, I killed your baby." Taylor wept.

"No Doc, no. It wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t. It was my fault, I aggravated you it was all my fault."

Taylor looked up at him and gently touched his tear stained cheek. "No Ridge. You didn’t do anything to aggravate me. All you wanted was the truth. The test didn’t hurt me. I was careless and I let myself get upset about everything. You would never do anything to hurt me."

"I love you so much Doc." He said as he kissed her cheeks.

"I know you do Ridge." She cried.

"Ridge I’d like to examine Taylor now." Dr. Santana told him. "Then you can take her home. Will you excuse us?"

"Okay." He reluctantly agreed. "You’ll get me when you’re done?"

"Oh course." She concurred.

 

Michael woke up and looked at his sleeping wife. He was filled with a feeling of contentment that he had never known before. He leaned over and used his finger to trace a line up and down her bare leg. When he reached her thigh she softly moaned in her sleep. He smiled and pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply and intensely. She put her arms around his neck and joined the kiss.

"Good morning." She said after she pulled away. "Have you been awake long?"

"Just admiring the view." He said as he cupped her breast and bent down to kiss it. "What a glorious night."

‘Yeah." She agreed. "The whole thing was wonderful."

"You were wonderful." He grinned at her.

"What time do you have to get to the hospital?" She asked.

"I want to go see Jason but other than that I’m free."

"Good." She said as she touched his cheek. "Want me to get some coffee?"

"I don’t need it." He told her. "I have other things to occupy me." He fingers returned to their earlier tracing.

"Ummmm. That feels nice." She said. "You sure have a tender touch." She smiled at him. "Oh God." She moaned when he touched one of her more sensitive areas. She arched her back to give him an easier access.

"You like this?" He asked.

"Oh yes." She purred. "You can do that all day and I’d never…oh my God"

"You are so ready." He said. He threw the covers off the bed.

She reached for him and laughed. "So are you."

"A match made in heaven." He told her as he moved to position himself. Suddenly the door flung open and Bridget barged it.

"Bridget!" Michael shouted as he quickly grabbed for the blanket on the floor and covered them.

"I’m sorry." She said in tears. "Mom I need to talk to you."

"What’s wrong honey?" Brooke asked.

Bridget suddenly started to laugh. "I shouldn’t be in here. You guys were. Oh sh*t! I’m sorry."

"Honey why don’t you wait in your room and I’ll be right there." Brooke suggested.

"Okay." Bridget said. She giggled again and walked out closing the door behind her.

"What wonderful timing your daughter has." Michael moaned.

"Oh honey I want it too. But something really must be wrong for her to burst in like that."

"Well I guess I have no secrets from her anymore." He laughed.

"Do you think she saw?"

"Honey her eyes just about bugged out of her head. I was just about to well you know."

Brooke reached down and touched him. "I want you so bad. Oh my, it didn’t effect you did it?" She grinned as she stroked him.

"Don’t start something you can’t finish." He said sternly.

"Oh I’ll finish. You have my word on that. As soon as I come back we will pick up exactly where we left off."

"You’re really going to do this to me?" He asked.

"Well she is my daughter." She moved to get up but he pulled her down so his mouth was right above her. He lowered his head and teased her with his tongue. When she moaned in pleasure he moved his head away. "Okay." He said. "Now we’re even. Hurry back."

She kissed him tenderly on the mouth and got up and grabbed her robe and went to Bridget’s room. She walked in and sat on the bed.

"What’s wrong honey?" She asked.

"Mom, he has a great body." Bridget said to her.

"You shouldn’t have been looking at it."

"I know but wow, he really does. Mom he really has a really big you know. It’s really nice."

"Bridget!" Brooke blushed. "I hope you haven’t seen any before."

"Mom! I’m not a kid."

"Oh honey. You’ve grown up way too fast for me." She looked at her with concern. "Baby are you telling me that you’re not a virgin?"

"Mom!" Bridget blushed.

"Well?" Brooke demanded. "I want the truth Bridget. If you aren’t then we have to talk about this. I need to talk to you about protection."

"I never went all the way Mom. But I have seen them."

"Lord spare me." Brooke groaned. "I am not ready for this."

"Mom!" Bridget moaned.

"Honey you have to tell me. What do you mean by you never went all the way. What have you done?"

"I let Paul touch me and all. It really felt nice Mom. No wonder you guys do it all the time. But I’m sort of scared to do it."

"Honey you should never let anyone pressure you to do something you aren’t ready for. When you make love for the first time it should be special. It should be with someone you love and that loves you too. You can never take it back. Do you understand?"

"Who was the first guy for you Mom?"

"Honey that’s private."

"It was Ridge wasn’t it?"

"Yes." Brooke blushed. "It was Ridge. I loved him deeply and it was the right thing. But that doesn’t mean that it was forever."

"I know. I know you love Michael."

"Do you really? Do you really understand that now?"

Bridget grinned. "Yeah, especially after what I just saw."

"Bridget!" Brooke was not amused. "I don’t want you to be thinking or talking about that. You should not have seen us like that."

"Mom? Does it hurt?"

"Oh God." Brooke moaned. "Well, it does a little the first time. I can’t believe we’re talking about this. Honey are you telling me that you’re ready to do this?"

"Paul wanted to but I wouldn’t let him. But Mom, he won’t stay with me if I don’t."

"Then he isn’t worth it. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about? Paul?"

"I think he did it with Cindy Strasser. Last night when Sara and I saw him he was avoiding me."

"Oh sweetheart. First love is so hard. Come here." She held her arms open and Bridget fell into them in tears. "I know it’s a cliché but you will get over this and you will meet someone new."

"I really like him Mom."

"I know you did. But if he loved you he would have waited. He wouldn’t have moved on to Cindy like that."

"Would Ridge have waited?"

"That was different. Ridge was older than me. There had been lots of other women in his life."

"Were you scared?"

"I was petrified. As much as I loved him and wanted to move on and become a woman with him I was scared too."

"Why did you finally do it?"

"It was right. I just knew in my heart that it was right. I don’t think you feel that way about Paul do you?"

"Not really. Maybe because I think I really like Josh Evans."

"Who is he?" Brooke asked.

"He graduated last year. I’m friends with his sister Lisa. You know her."

"Yes, I know Lisa. And you like her brother. Does he like you?"

"I think so. He talks to me whenever I’m over there."

"Is he going away to school?"

"UCLA. He’s staying home for his first semester."

"My baby with a college boy. I wonder if anyone is ever ready for this."

"Mom! He’s not that old!"

"I suppose not." She smiled at her daughter. "So Bridget what was so urgent?"

"Oh yeah that! Sara called and she wants to know if I can come with her to Catalina today."

"Catalina? How long will you be gone?"

"Just for two nights."

"Will her mother be there?"

"Yeah and her mother’s new boyfriend. Sara doesn’t want to be alone with them."

"When will they be leaving?"

"This afternoon. But they need to know."

"I guess it will be alright, but Bridget I want to continue this conversation when you get home. This is very serious."

"I know. I want to talk to you about it too."

"Just tell me this honey. Do you need to get protection?"

"Not yet Mom. I’m not ready for that yet."

"Good." She hugged her. "But we do need to discuss it."

"Thanks Mom. You can go back and finish." She started to giggle.

"You saw everything didn’t you?" Brooke blushed.

"Yeah Mom. You better hurry. He sure looked ready." She started to laugh again.

"Bridget!" Brooke gave her a playful punch and walked out of the room shaking her head.

 

Ridge walked to the passenger door and helped Taylor out of the car. He took her arm and slowly helped her into the house. Once inside he took her into the bedroom and helped her undress. He ran the shower for her and helped her in.

"I’m going to straighten up the kitchen Doc. You call me when you’re ready to get out."

"Alright Ridge." She said weakly. "Thank you for being so kind."

He left her in the bathroom and went into the kitchen. He collected the cups and dishes and put them into the dishwasher and started running it. He then got a pail and a mop and cleaned the blood from the floor. As he mopped the floor with clean water and soap the tears ran from his eyes. He then noticed the broken phone on the floor. He picked it up and looked at it with a perplexed look on his face. He disconnected it from the jack and went into the living room and made sure that there was a dial tone. Satisfied he went back into the kitchen and continued to clean up. He pulled the cell phone from his pocket and once more tried Bryan’s office.

"Good morning. Davis and Jackson." Patti answered.

"Hello, this is Ridge Forrester. Is Bryan Jackson available yet?"

"He’s in court Mr. Forrester, may I leave him a message?"

"Is Connor available?"

"Yes he is, would you like me to put you through?"

"Yes please."

"One moment." She said. There was a clicking sound and then Connor came on.

"Ridge? What can I do for you?" Connor asked.

"Connor I need to get in touch with Bryan, it’s urgent."

"What’s wrong Ridge?" Connor asked hearing the desperation in Ridge’s voice.

"Connor, it’s Taylor. She lost the baby."

"Oh my God Ridge. Is she alright? How did it happen?"

"I don’t know Connor. We never got into that. She was so hurt and sad. Physically she’s okay but emotionally. I think she needs him. I’m here with her and my mother is coming over but he needs to he here too."

"That’s very big of you Ridge, I mean that honestly. Look let me see what I can do. I’ll go to the courthouse and see if we can get a continuance. If not I’ll try to take over. You take good care of her and give her my best. Tell her I’ll be there to see her as soon as I can. Is there anything else I can do?"

"I hate to ask this of you but can you call Brooke? I think she should know."

"I’ll take care of it Ridge. You just make sure Taylor is alright."

"Thanks Connor." He said and they hung up.

Ridge looked around the room satisfied that it was clean. He put the pail and mop away and walked back into the bedroom. He looked into the bathroom and saw that Taylor was still in the shower.

"Are you alright in there?" He asked. Not getting an answer he opened the shower door and helped a sobbing Taylor out of the shower. He grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around her and took her into his arms and held her.

"I know Doc, I know." He said.

"Our baby Ridge. We lost our baby." She sobbed. "I wish I was dead, I killed my baby."

"Taylor! Don’t you ever say that. I would die if anything happened to you. And what about our other children. They need you Doc."

"I’m sorry Ridge." She said as she buried her face in his arms. She looked up at him. "I feel so alone."

"You aren’t alone Doc. I won’t leave you."

"Ridge." She said as the tears fell from her eyes. "I killed your child."

"No Doc. You didn’t do anything."

"Make my pain go away Ridge. Please make my pain go away." She begged him as she desperately kissed him.

"Not like this Doc." He said as he kissed her back. "Not like this." He pulled her tighter.

"I’m sorry." She cried. "I’m so stupid. I’m so useless."

"No." He said as he kissed her face. "You are a wonderful, beautiful woman. You are the best mother I’ve ever known. You are the best person I’ve even known. I love you so much Doc."

"I love you too Ridge." She said as she tenderly touched his face. "I wish, oh how I wish."

"I know Doc, me too. But things will get better, I promise they will."

She looked him into the eyes. "Make love to me Ridge. Please make love to me."

"Doc, it’s not what you want."

"It’s the only thing I want. Please Ridge."

"Oh Doc." He said as he kissed her with the passion that had been held back for so long. He gently laid her on the bed and opened the towel. "I love you Taylor. I love you with all my heart and soul."

They reached for each other and kissed like they were the last two people on earth. Taylor grabbed for the zipper on his pants and lowered it. He struggled to push them down as she clawed at them.

"I love you Ridge, I love you so much." She cried.

"Me too Doc. You, only you." She pulled at the buttons on his shirt.

"Make me feel again Ridge, I need to feel."

"Yes Doc. Yes." He cried as their bodies met in passion.

It was fast and furious and yet tender and loving as they both reached their climax and fell exhausted and spent in each other’s arms.

 

 

"So what was the crisis?" Michael asked as Brooke sat down on the bed next to him.

"No real crisis. She wants to go to Catalina but Michael, my baby is grown up."

"Why? What did she say?"

"Well you passed her inspection." She laughed. "I was so embarrassed."

"Oh God Brooke. I knew she saw everything."

"Yeah she did, so then we got onto the subject of sex."

"Don’t tell me that this is the first time you two talked about sex?"

"Oh course not. But this is the first time she admitted that she’s almost ready for it. She told me that she fools around but hasn’t done it yet. I’m so worried."

"Well you need to get her to a gynecologist and get her some protection. And you have to talk to her about diseases and all."

"I know. I just wasn’t ready for this yet. She asked me about my first time and if it hurt."

"She’s not a child Brooke."

"She sure isn’t. She had some choice comments about you and your body."

"No!" He laughed.

"Oh yeah. She was impressed."

"Now how am I supposed to face her again?"

"Well it wasn’t your fault. She knew better then to barge in like that."

"I’m serious Brooke. I worked hard to get her to like me. Now she thinks I’m a pervert again."

"No." She laughed. "She doesn’t at all. She told me she understands why we do it all the time." She giggled.

"We need to lock the door from now on."

"Yes we do." She told him.

"Go lock it."

"I already did."

"Good. But frankly I doubt if I can get back into the mood now."

"Let me work on you."

He pulled her into his arms and they lay down together.

"I love you Brooke." He said. "You have made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life."

"Michael, tell me about your marriage to Adrienne. What was that like?"

"Adrienne? I have no idea why I married her. We had great sex but we were never in love. I think I thought she would be a great trophy on my arm. You know the perfect doctor’s wife. She always dressed the right way and she was beautiful. I think she married me for my money. We did have some good times though."

"Whose idea was the divorce?"

"Her’s. I was sleeping with just about every woman I could get my hands on. She didn’t like that for some reason." He laughed.

"Gee, I wonder why?"

"Well it’s not like she was faithful either. I know she had a thing going with a guy from her country club. But it was more than that. We just got tired of each other. All we ever did was f*ck and fight. It wasn’t a happy life."

"Do you still see her?"

"Why because of what she said at the airport? We run into each other from time to time. Before you came into my life we used to still sleep with each other for fun."

"You aren’t cheating on me are you?"

"When would I have the time?"

"I’m serious Michael."

"Never Brooke. This is a real marriage. I am totally committed to you."

"I just wonder because it happened so quickly. I mean we still know so little about each other."

"Ah, we’re playing that game again." He smiled. "Go ahead. Ask me your question. I know there’s something on your mind."

"Well there is. I’ve been thinking about this for days now."

"What is it?"

"When we went to get Grant, you wouldn’t come into the clinic with me and then when I was inside they knew who you were. They mentioned you by name and one of the women there really seemed not to like you. What’s going on Michael? What is your connection there?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Michael answered.

"The administrator, Maria. She knew you Michael and so did Dr. Garcia. Don’t lie to me Michael."

"I can’t talk about this Brooke. Some things have to be kept private and this is one of them."

"You’re scaring me. Please Michael. Whatever you tell me will never leave this room."

"Brooke I can’t. You have to trust me on this. I can’t tell you, not now, not ever."

"Are you in trouble? Is this something that can hurt you?"

"Drop it Brooke. Drop it right now. I’m serious about this. The subject is closed."

"Why can’t you trust me?"

"It has nothing to do with you Brooke. It’s something from the past and it’s over now. I gave my word that no one would ever know about this and I’m not going to break it. I love you but I can’t talk to you about this. Never Brooke, I mean never."

She looked at him with hurt and confusion. "There is nothing in my life that I would ever keep from you Michael. How can you do this to me?"

"This doesn’t concern you. It has nothing to do with here and now. It’s over and done with and I will not talk about it. Now please let’s get past this."

"How the hell am I supposed to just drop this? You’re my husband and you are keeping an obviously serious secret from me."

"It’s a secret that has nothing to do with you Brooke and it’s a secret I will take to my grave. If you can’t deal with that then maybe you need to rethink how you feel about me."

"Are you saying that you would leave me over this?" She asked. Her face was full of shock and pain.

"I would never leave you. But if you can’t respect this I don’t know where to go from here. Please honey, just drop it. It’s over and done and it has nothing to do with you or me."

"I hate that you don’t trust me Michael, I just hate it."

"Brooke I would trust you with my life but this conversation is over. Ask me anything else but not this."

"How am I supposed to get past this Michael?"

"What do you want me to do Brooke? Do you want me to leave? Do you want a divorce? Just tell me!"

"This hurts so much." She said as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Why Brooke?" He said as he held her face. "What is so different then before you brought this up? I love you. I adore you. We were so happy."

"But now I know you don’t trust me."

"Okay, that’s it! I can’t take this." He got out of the bed and went into the bathroom.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?" She asked in a panic.

"I’m taking a shower Brooke." He said as he came to the door. "That’s all, just a frigging shower. For God’s sake you don’t trust me at all anymore?" He turned around and slammed the bathroom door.

 

 

Ridge was sitting on the side of the bed staring at the wall as Taylor was dressing.

"I’m sorry Doc, I never should have let that happen. It was wrong. I was playing with your emotions."

"It shouldn’t have happened Ridge but it did. We both let things get carried away. Can we try and forget it happened?"

"How can I forget. You’re all I ever think about, you and our kids. It was wrong that it happened like that but it proves that we belong with each other."

Taylor zipped her pants and grabbed a blouse from the closet. "I just want to forget everything about today Ridge. We both are running on pure emotion. You know it as well as I do." She walked over to him and touched his face. "I will never deny that I love you but making love to you was a mistake and it won’t happen again. You have a wife and she is going to have your baby. Think about it Ridge, think about how this loss is devastating us." He started to speak but she held her hand to stop him. "No! Hear me out. I lost my baby. But you still have a baby to think of, and this baby is going to need you very much. Morgan is not a stable woman Ridge. I know you don’t love her and I’m very sorry about that but you have to think about that child. You still have that child and he needs you."

"But Taylor." He started.

"I will always love you Ridge, always. I don’t even know if you realize how lucky you are. You have so many people who love you so much. Your family, our children. You have my love and you have Brooke’s love too. You have so much support. You will never be alone. But right now Morgan’s baby has to be your number one priority. Maybe things might have been different if our baby had lived, but he didn’t. He didn’t and now you have to move on."

"Taylor it isn’t that easy."

"No it’s not. Nothing seems very easy anymore." She said with a sigh. "I guess I better try and contact Bryan."

"I already did that Taylor."

"You did? Oh Ridge thank you. I’m not sure if I could have done that yet."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"That you were the baby’s father? Yes. He deserves to know the truth. You know he wanted this child too. He wanted him so much."

"Connor is going to get him and send him home. Mother is coming over too."

"Oh no Ridge, please call her and tell her not today. Please only you and Bryan right now."

"Okay Doc, whatever you want." He got up and walked out of the room to make the call.

 

Michael had dressed and gone downstairs but Brooke was still upset. She was sitting on the bed trying to hold back the tears when the phone rang.

"Hello." She said.

"Hi Brooke, it’s me." Connor told her.

"Connor." A smile came to Brooke’s face. "How are you? I’ve missed you."

"I’m alright Brooke but I’m calling with bad news."

"Bad news?" She repeated. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s Taylor, she lost the baby today."

"What? No! Connor no!"

"I don’t know any of the details. Ridge called looking for Bryan. He asked me to call you. Ridge doesn’t know how it happened either Brooke. It’s just so sad."

"Is he with her right now?"

"Ridge? Yes. I’m going to tell Bryan now."

"Are they at home?"

"Yeah. At the beach house."

"I’d better get over there. Poor Taylor, she must be devastated."

"I’m sure she is. But Brooke, maybe she needs time alone with Bryan."

"Yes but maybe I can at least make them something to eat. I won’t stay long. I need to be there to support her."

"You’re probably right honey." He said. "Brooke? How are you? Are you happy?"

"Happy? I thought I was."

"Something happened?"

"Can I call you tomorrow. I’d really like a friend right now."

"Sure Brooke, give me a call. You can always lean on me."

"Thanks Connor. I’ll talk to you soon."

She hung up and quickly dressed. She ran down the stairs and grabbed her keys and left without saying a word to Bridget or Michael.

 

 

Brooke and Bryan pulled up to the house at the same time. Brooke got out of the car and put her arms around him. "Bryan I am so sorry."

"Oh Brooke, I can’t believe it. Everything was fine when I left this morning. We were so happy and she was feeling great. I just don’t know what could have happened."

"Connor told me that Ridge doesn’t know how it happened either."

"I know. I’m glad you’re here. She’s going to need all the support she can get." Brooke took his hand and they walked into the house. Taylor and Ridge were sitting on the couch just staring into space. Bryan walked over to Taylor and put his arms around her. They spoke no words as the cried in each other’s arms. Brooke walked over to Ridge and put her arm around him. He pulled her close and he started to cry too.

"I’m so sorry honey." She said to him. "Is she alright?"

"She’s okay Logan. She’s a strong woman."

"I know how much you love her Ridge. I’m so sorry."

He looked at Bryan and Taylor who were whispering to each other. "Maybe I should give them some privacy."

"That might be a good idea Ridge. I’m just going to make them some dinner and then I’m going to leave too."

"You’re an angel Logan." He said as he kissed her on the head. "I love you so much too."

"Call me tonight or just come over. I know you don’t want to be alone."

"I think I might be better off alone tonight but thanks for the invite." He got up and walked over to Taylor and Bryan.

"Bryan, I’m sorry. I know you’re hurting too. I’m going to leave you two alone now."

"Thanks Ridge, I really appreciate your calling me. You can’t imagine how much." He reached his hand out to him. The two men shook hands. Ridge bent down and kissed Taylor. "Honey you call me if you need anything at all okay."

"I will Ridge, thank you."

"Talk to you later Logan." Ridge said as he left.

"Brooke." Taylor said softly. "You didn’t have to come."

"Of course I did." She got up and hugged her friend. "Now I’m just going to fix you something to eat and I’ll leave you two alone."

She went into the kitchen and started fixing a meal. After about a half an hour she was wondering how Taylor and Bryan were doing. She was about to go in and check on them when Taylor walked into the kitchen.

"Hi." Brooke said.

"This is so nice of you Brooke but it isn’t necessary."

"I didn’t want you to have to deal with it tonight."

"Well we won’t be dealing with it right now Brooke. Bryan and I are going to go away tonight."

"Are you sure you’re up to that?"

"Katherine is going to take the children to her house. We need to do this Brooke."

"Where are you going?" Brooke asked. A look of shock came over her face as Taylor answered her.

Changes Part 58

 

Michael put down the phone and went up to Bridget’s room and knocked on her door.

"Hi." She said.

"Hi Bridget. I need to talk to you." He told her.

"I’m sorry about before. I shouldn’t have walked in like that." She said with a blush.

"I guess we gave you a show huh? But that’s not why I’m here. Jason had a setback and I need to go see him. I can’t bring you in today."

"Oh. I hoped I could see him before I left for Catalina."

"Not this time. Your mother ran out and I don’t know where she went. If you want I can drop you off at Sara’s on the way to the hospital."

"That would be great." She smiled. "You know I really like you Michael."

"I like you too Bridget." He grinned at her. "But no more peep shows okay?"

"Okay. I’m really sorry. Did you guys get to finish?"

"That’s between your mother and me." He laughed. "Go pack and I’ll see you downstairs."

He walked down the stairs and picked up a pad and pen. He sat down on the couch and wrote this note:

My darling Brooke,

I hope you can forgive me for this morning. It was cruel and thoughtless. I’ve never been

in a trusting relationship before. I know it’s no excuse but it’s the best I have. Somehow I

hope that I can explain the horrible thing that I did without losing your love and respect. It’s

something I have hidden for so long that I thought it was gone forever. Things have shown me

that I was wrong and if I want to keep you in my life I have to find a way to share it with you.

I love you so much that I am beside myself with sadness at what I have done.

I was called to the hospital tonight. The little boy I told you about took a turn for the worse. I

am deeply worried about him. I doubt I will make it home at all tonight. I have to stay with him.

When we are together again I want to sit with you and try to make you understand what happened

to me on a fateful night years ago. It is not a pretty story but you do have the right to know about

it. After I tell you I pray that you can find it in your heart to forgive me and once more share your

love with me. My life means nothing without you in it. Please forgive me and I will see you

soon.

Your loving husband, Michael

He put the letter on the table next to the door where she would be sure to find it as soon as she returned. He took a deep breath and looked at the letter once more. She just has to forgive me. He thought. I can’t lose her.

Bridget came running down the stairs with her suitcase and a backpack on.

"Ready kiddo?" Michael asked.

"Yeah. Thanks Michael." She said. "When I come back you’ll take me to see Jason right?’

"You bet I will." He told her. He opened the door and they walked out. Neither of them noticed that the note was picked up by the wind and fell to the floor behind a chair.

 

Macy sat in her car wondering what had brought her to this place again. She thought that she had killed the demon inside her but her heart was so saddened that she once more found herself drowning her troubles in alcohol. She opened her second bottle of vodka and took a large gulp. I may lose Thorne over this. She thought. But I have to see that man again. Brooke Logan’s husband. I see that bitch can’t keep him happy but I sure did. I hope he’s at that bar tonight. She took another gulp and then another. Soon she was at the bottom of the bottle. Feeling her courage she turned on the engine and drove back to the bar she had been at a few days before.

She stowed her extra bottles of vodka under the seat and got up. On unsteady feet she walked into the dimly lit bar. A smile crossed her face as she approached the man sitting there nursing a drink. She stumbled onto the stool next to him and grabbed his leg.

"Hi!" she said to him. "I was hoping I’d run into you again."

"Are we going to talk tonight?" He asked her.

"Maybe a bit. Your voice sounds different."

"I had a sore throat the other day. It’s better now. Can I buy you a drink?’

"You bet you can. You sound awfully familiar."

"I should, we spent the night together."

"Yeah I guess." She smiled. "I want to spend tonight with you too."

"You won’t get a complaint from me. I was hoping I’d see you too."

"Can I look tonight?" She grinned.

"No, that’s still against the rules."

"Can I touch?"

"To your hearts desire." He said as he felt her hand rest on his crotch. He immediately hardened.

"I like that." She grinned. "You ready to get out of here yet?"

"Not yet." He told her. "I need more fortification. Let’s dance." He said as he pulled her from the stool and onto the dance floor. He took her into his arms and they swayed to a romantic old country ballad.

"God this feels so familiar." Macy told him. "It’s like we’ve been doing this forever."

"I like the feel of you in my arms." He said as he pulled her even closer.

"Ummm, me too." Macy said as she leaned into him. She moved her mouth to his and their tongues met in a frenzy.

"Let’s slow this down." Grant murmured. "We have all night." He let his hand drift to her butt. He gently caressed it.

"I love this song." Macy told him. "It brings back so many memories."

"Former lover?" He asked.

"Yes." She softly replied as her mind went to Grant.

"Hope I can do in a pinch."

"Better than that. It almost feels the same."

"I guess it’s the fantasy again." He said as he kissed her tenderly. "It’s funny but this song does something to me too."

"This is so nice." Macy said as she was again struck with an intense feeling of rightness. "It’s like I was born to be in your arms. Like we are meant to be together."

"But you want to keep it casual. That’s what you said the last time."

"For now, maybe not forever."

"Is there going to be another night?" He asked.

"I hope so, I really do." She said as she looked into his eyes. "Your eyes. I can see your soul."

"I hope not, it’s pretty dark these days."

"Maybe I can help brighten it."

"You already have darlin’." He told her with a grin.

They danced to three more slow songs but when the tempo changed Grant guided her back to the bar and they ordered another drink.

"Are you hungry?" He asked her.

"For you." She replied.

"That’s music to my ears sugar." He told her. "I’ve been lonely way too long."

"How can a man like you be lonely?" She asked.

"Too much talk." He said as he kissed her deeply and passionately.

"God you taste good." Macy said when they ended their kiss.

"Honey I can’t wait any longer." Grant said. "Are you ready to roll?"

"We can’t go back to my place." She said. "Can we go to yours?"

"No, that won’t work. We’ll get a room if that’s okay with you."

"Perfect." She said as she shivered with anticipation.

"I’ll drive. I’m more sober than you are."

"Okay." She agreed. "But we need to stop at my car again."

"You got a couple of bottles stored again?"

"Yes, and something else too." She grinned.

Grant called the bartender over and handed him Michael’s gold card again. Macy smiled when she saw that again it was Michael Copeland. He signed it and grabbed the receipt and took Macy by the hand and walked her to her car. She opened the door and grabbed the two bottles and a small carryon bag. She handed the bottles to Grant and they walked to a silver blue Cadillac. Grant opened the door for Macy and helped her in. He took her bag to the truck. Macy looked around in the car and noticed some papers on the floor. She picked them up to see what they were. A huge grin filled her face when she saw it was a lease agreement signed by Brooke Logan. "I have your man now Brooke. How do you like that?" She said to herself.

 

Brooke looked at Taylor. "Can you please repeat that?" She asked.

"Bryan and I are flying to Santa Domingo tonight Brooke, we’re getting married. By this time tomorrow I will be his wife."

"Taylor have you thought this through? I’m not doubting that you love Bryan but this is so sudden."

"It’s not sudden Brooke. We would have been married a long time ago if I had been able to travel. There’s no baby anymore and I don’t want to wait any longer."

"Does Ridge know?"

"Not yet. He will soon." She looked at her friend. "Honey I know how you feel about Ridge but that part of my life is over. I’ll never regret the love we had but my future is with Bryan. He’s a wonderful man and I love him dearly."

"Oh Taylor." Brooke said as she put her arms around her. "Please make sure that this is what you really want. Please don’t have any regrets."

"Life is full of regrets Brooke but this isn’t one of them. I love Bryan and I really want to marry him."

"Are you sure you should be traveling so soon?"

"There’s nothing to stop me now. Please be happy for us."

"I am Taylor. I really am." She said but she couldn’t stop the tears that had formed in her eyes. Taylor didn’t miss this.

"He’ll be alright Brooke. He has a child that needs him desperately."

"He loves you so much."

"I love him too." She confessed. "But this is what has to be." She smiled at Brooke. "We’ll always be friends. Just like you and he are."

"Oh Taylor." She said as they hugged again.

"Hey don’t cry. We’ll be home in a couple of days and everything will be back to normal."

"Normal?" Brooke said with a frown. "Nothing is normal anymore."

"I think that statement has more to do with you than with me." Taylor said with a look of concern. "Do you need to talk?"

"Not now, when you come home. Maybe things will be better then."

"Alright." Taylor agreed. "We’ll talk as soon as I get home. Now you go home to that wonderful husband of yours."

"Yes." Brooke sighed. "I really want to be with him."

"I love you honey." Taylor said as they hugged again. "And don’t worry so much. Everything is going to work out for all of us."

"Looks like a lovefest in here" Bryan said with a smile as he walked into the kitchen. "I guess Taylor told you our news." He said to Brooke. "I hope you’re happy for us."

"Oh I am Bryan." Brooke said as she wiped her tears. "I just worry that she’s trying to do this too fast. Maybe she shouldn’t be traveling so soon."

"We’ve already waited too long. She’ll be fine Brooke. I won’t let anything happen to her." He turned to Taylor. "We’re all packed. Are you ready?"

"Let me clean up in here first." She answered him. "And Brooke go home to Michael. I’ll see you in a couple of days."

Brooke kissed them both and grabbed her purse and left.

"Are you ready aside from this?" He asked Taylor.

"I have to finish the letter." She told him. "Do me a favor and arrange for the messenger."

"Sure baby." He said. "I love you."

"I love you too Bryan." She smiled at him. She put the food away and put the dishes into the dishwasher and then sat down at the table with a piece of stationary and a pen and wrote this:

My Dearest Ridge,

By the time this letter reaches you I will be on a plane with Bryan to Santa Domingo. We

plan to be married there. This was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. I want

you to know that I truly love you and do not for one moment regret what happened between us

today. I know it is hard for you to understand why I am doing this. It’s the best thing

for everyone. I do love Bryan and he will make a wonderful husband. He is good to our

children but will never try to take your place. Ridge, if this child had lived I would have

moved heaven and earth to get our family back but it wasn’t meant to be. Now you have

another child who needs you desperately. You have to make your life with Morgan.

I know it isn’t what you want and I wish you didn’t have to do it but that child is the

most important thing of all right now, more important than the love that I have for you and

you for me. I wish I was sending you into the arms of someone more deserving of your

love. I wish that it could have been someone that you loved. I know you will be tempted

to end your marriage. I know you will turn to Brooke in your sadness. Please don’t cause

her any pain either my darling. She loves you so much too and she doesn’t want me to do

what I am doing. Please respect her marriage and don’t let anything happen that you both

will regret. Remember always that you are my heart and my soul and I will love you for

all eternity. Please forgive me.

Taylor

 

She reread the letter and placed it in an envelope. She wiped the tears from her eyes and walked into the living room where Bryan was waiting.

"Is it done?" He asked.

"Yes. I have it ready."

"The messenger should be here any minute. Are you sure that this is what you want Taylor?"

"Bryan I love you. I never want to hurt you. That’s why I told you what happened between Ridge and me today. When you told me that it changed nothing and that you still wanted to marry me you made me so happy. Please don’t doubt that. I love you so much and I know we are going to be so very happy."

"Then we will have no regrets. Baby we are going to have a wonderful life, I promise you that."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

 

"Michael!" Brooke called out as she entered her home. "Honey I’m home! Where are you?" She put down her purse and walked outside to the pool but no one was there. She came back inside and started up the stairs. "Michael!" She called again. She walked up to the bedroom but found it exactly as she had left it. "Michael please come home." She said softly. She sat on the bed and buried her head in her hands and sobbed.

Laughing and kissing Macy and Grant walked into the motel room. It wasn’t fancy but it was clean and large. There was a king-sized bed and a small refrigerator. Macy opened it and found cold beer and soda.

"Great! If we run out of vodka at least we have beer." She told him.

"Good" he replied as he sat on the bed and took his shoes off. "Why don’t you come over here you sexy thing."

Macy grabbed the bottle of vodka and jumped onto the bed.

"Now lose that dress." He told her with a smile.

Macy pulled the dress over her head and pushed her way over to him. She was wearing a lacy red teddy.

"Wow!" Grant said. "Where’d you find something like that! You are making me so hot girl."

"You like?" She asked. "It’s a Forrester." She left out that it was from the Brooke’s Bedroom line.

"I like." He said. "I like this too." He said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Macy unbuttoned his shirt as they kissed and pushed it off him. She ran her hands up and down his chest as they kissed. It was like a jolt of electricity shot through her and it almost scared her the effect that this man had on her.

"I need to have something to call you. I know we shouldn’t use names." She said between kisses.

"Why not? We know each other’s bodies so well. Why not just tell each other our names?" Grant asked her. "My name is" Macy covered his mouth before he could say anything.

"No! Not yet, the fantasy. I’ll think of a name for you."

"You want to give me a fake name?" He laughed.

"Yes." She said as she made circles on his nipples. "I think I’ll call you…" She started to giggle.

"What?" He laughed. "Are you going to give me some lame name like Elmer?"

"Elmer?" She laughed. "Okay Elmer it is!"

"You little devil you." He laughed. "Then I’m going to have to call you Ethel."

"Ethel?" Macy laughed. "Elmer and Ethel. Well aren’t we a couple of county folks?"

"So Ethel?" He said to her laughing between words. "Why can’t we tell each other who we are? I really think we could have something going here."

"I don’t want to spoil it. You remind me so much of someone that I knew and I just can’t lose that." Macy answered honestly.

"You mean you only like me because I remind you of some other dude? That’s real good on the ego."

"Oh please don’t feel that way." She said. "I’m drunk and I don’t know what I’m saying. I really like you."

"Okay Ethel." He said. "I like you too. Maybe we can talk a little bit about each other so we can get to know each other a little bit. I try to explain you to my friends and I look like a jerk."

"You told your friends about me?" She asked wide-eyed.

"I’ve never met anyone like you before. There’s something so appealing about you. I tried to explain it but when I had to admit I didn’t even know your name. Well, I felt strange."

"Next time." She said. "And next time I get to look too. You have such a wonderful body, I don’t understand why you won’t let me see all of it. Is it a religious thing?"

Grant burst out laughing. "No!" He laughed. "I have a thing about my body. I just don’t want you to be turned off."

"Turned off? How could I ever be turned off?" She started kissing his neck and she suddenly stopped when her tongue touched a tiny mole. "Oh my God!" She said. "This is too weird. I feel like Alice through the looking glass."

"What are you talking about?" He asked her.

"You have a mole on your neck."

"Yeah, so?" He said. "If that’s a turn off you’re never going to see me without my pants."

"No." She said. "It’s not a turn off. Someone, someone had a mole just like yours. It’s so strange."

"Lot’s of people have moles Ethel."

Macy started laughing at the name. "We are going to have to come up with something better than that. I can’t imagine shouting out Elmer and Ethel in the throws of passion."

"Call me something nicer huh? How about Joe or Mike or something?" He said.

"Mike?" Macy asked. "You want me to call you Mike?"

"It’s just a name." Grant answered.

"Alright Mike. I’ll call you Mike."

"What should I call you?"

"You can call me Mary."

"Mary, that’s a pretty name. I like that better than Ethel." He smiled. "Is that your real name?" He asked.

"I’ll never tell." Macy laughed. "Come on Mike, why don’t you make love to me now?"

"I’ll be right back." He said. Grant got out of the bed and walked to the lamp and turned it off.

"I can’t see anything at all." Macy complained.

"Okay, hold on." He said. He walked to the windows and opened the curtain slightly letting in some light from outside. "Is that better?"

"I still can’t see you."

"That’s the idea. Take that cute little thing off and get under the covers and I’ll join you." He told her.

"You are way too shy." She said. "Next time I’m looking." She slid the teddy off and got under the covers.

"Maybe next time I’ll let you." He said. Grant stood on the other side of the room and undressed. He walked over to the bed and quickly got under the covers too. Immediately Macy reached for him and felt him harden at her touch. "You are amazing girl. You effect me so fast."

"It’s so familiar." She sighed. "It just feels so very right."

He pulled her into his arms and started kissing her. They touched every inch of each other, cherishing every moment. It was almost as if the sex was an afterthought. They just wanted to touch and discover every inch of each other. But when they finally did make love it was like fireworks were erupting around them.

 

Macy woke up alone again and was once more confused. She didn’t recognize her surroundings. She got out of bed and saw a note on the dresser with a twenty-dollar bill. It read:

Mary/Ethel,

Please don’t be insulted. There was somewhere I had to be. I wasn’t sure if you had money for a

cab so I’m leaving this 20. I want to see you again. Please meet me back at the bar tomorrow

night. I’ll understand if you don’t show but I sure hope you do!.

Mike/Elmer

Macy smiled and put the bill in her purse. She opened her carryon case that she had brought and took out her toiletries. She went into the bathroom and showered and freshened up. She put on the clean clothes she had brought with her and thought about what she was going to do next.

 

 

Sleep had finally overcome Brooke late that night. She had tossed and turned for hours awakening at every sound. Each time she thought she heard a car she had run down the stairs but Michael had never come home. With tears streaming down her face Brooke got up and showered. She dressed in a pair of jeans and a pink top. She walked to Grant’s door and peered in. He was sleeping soundly so she shut the door and went downstairs. She made coffee and while she was drinking it she decided she needed a friend. She was about to call Taylor when she remembered that Taylor and Bryan had left to get married. "Ridge." She said aloud. "He must be devastated by this. I have to talk to him." She got up and poured the coffee down the drain, shut off the coffeepot and got into her car. She found herself driving to Forrester. It felt strange to be back. She had been enjoying her life as a wife and a lover to Michael, but now that was over. She wiped a tear from her eyes as she went into the building. She waved hello to the security guard and took the elevator to the offices. When she got off she smiled at Megan and walked past her to Ridge’s office. She walked in but the office was empty.

"He’s not here Brooke." Stephanie said as she followed her in. "What are you doing here?"

"I work here Stephanie. Where’s Ridge?"

"I don’t know Brooke. Why don’t you just leave him alone? Haven’t you caused enough problems for my family?"

"I’m not here to cause a problem. I just want to talk to Ridge."

"Well I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk to you. Now why don’t you go home? Things have been running so smoothly since you left."

"I didn’t leave for good Stephanie. I only took some time off. I will be back to work very soon so wipe that smug look off your face."

"I see that marriage doesn’t agree with you. But then it never has, has it. Your marriages never seem to last very long."

"I won’t justify that with a comment."

"Actually Brooke, I really don’t know why you married that man. I thought even you had better taste then that."

"Leave my husband alone."

"Brooke, I’m really just thinking of you right now. Why don’t you end this one too? Just write it off as another one of your mistakes. This time I’d even agree with you."

"Why do you hate him so much? What did he ever do to you?"

"Why don’t you ask him that Brooke? See what he tells you. I wouldn’t even wish that vile man on you Brooke."

"I’ve heard enough. I’m leaving."

"Well just stay away from my son. He has enough problems without having to deal with you too."

Brooke walked away from her and went into her office. Megan quickly followed her in. "Are you back to work Brooke?" She asked.

"I just came in to see Ridge but he isn’t in. I’ll stop by the guest house and see if he’s there."

"Is anything wrong Brooke?" Megan asked. "You look very down."

"I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep much last night."

"Ah the problems of a honeymoon." Megan said with a smile. "Can I get you some coffee or anything?"

"No thanks. I think I’ll just look at my mail and then get out of here."

"No problem. Call me if you need me." Megan said as she left.

Brooke started sifting through the pile of mail when she felt the presence of someone in her office. She looked up and standing in front of her was Macy.

"Macy? What are you doing here? Are you looking for Thorne? He’s not here."

"No Brooke, I’m here to see you." She said as she walked over and closed the door.

"You want to see me? Whatever for?"

"Don’t act so smug with me Brooke." Macy practically spat at her.

"My God Macy. You’ve been drinking again."

"Yeah, I have Brooke. But I wasn’t alone."

"Fine, you weren’t alone. What does that have to do with me?" Brooke asked. A malicious look came over Macy’s face.

"Don’t you want to know who I was with Brooke?" She asked.

"I really don’t care Macy. I hope you have the decency not to hurt Thorne again after the things you went through to get him back."

"You have no idea do you Brooke?" Macy grinned at her. "Does this look familiar?" She asked as she waved a Gold American Express Card in her face.

"A credit card?" Brooke asked.

"Look at the name Brooke." Macy smiled as she held it directly in front of Brooke’s face.

Brooke’s eyes widened as she saw the name on it. "Where did you get that?" She demanded.

"He left it behind at the motel by mistake."

"Give that to me!" Brooke said grabbing for it.

"No way!" Macy beamed at her. "I’ll give it back to him tomorrow when we meet again. Oh, did I forget to tell you that? He asked me to meet him again tomorrow night. I guess I just seem to satisfy him more than you do. We had such a great night last night. He is one hell of a lover."

"You damn liar!" Brooke shouted.

"See this?" Macy lifted her hair and showed her a hickey. "I haven’t had one of these since high school. He is so much fun."

"Why are you doing this to me Macy? Where did you get that card?"

"I told you Brooke. He left it at the motel. You know where we stayed last night. I have to commend you Brooke, you certainly have good taste in husbands. Or should I say tasty husbands. Man is he a great lover."

Brooke looked at the gloating Macy and her face became void of all emotions. "Get out of my office and don’t you ever come back." She glared at her.

"One last thing?" Macy said sweetly.

"What?" Brooke said sharply.

"Is there anything you’d like me to tell Mike when I see him again?"

"Get out!" Brooke screamed. Macy casually walked to the door, opened it and strolled out. Brooke put her head down on her desk and started sobbing. After a few moments she collected herself and quickly left the building without a word to anyone. She got into her car and started towards home. "No." She told herself. "I can’t go there. I have to get away from here. I know. I’ll go to Big Bear. I can spend the night and decide what I’m going to do with my life." She turned the car around and headed up for the cabin.

 

"Why Taylor why?" Ridge cried as he read the letter again. "You love me, you know you do. How can you throw it all away? How can you expect me to stay with her? You know it’s you I love, not Morgan." He put the letter down on the table and walked to the fireplace. He bent down and threw another log on the fire. He turned as he heard the door open.

"Ridge?" Brooke said as she saw him.

"Logan." He said sadly. They both saw the tears in each other’s eyes and wordlessly went into each other’s arms and sobbed.

 

"Where were you?" An angry Thorne said when Macy walked in. "This time I want the truth."

"I’m sorry Thorne," She said. "It happened again. I got drunk again."

"Where were you?" He demanded. "Your damn car was at the same bar again. Did you go off with that man again Macy? Tell me! Did you?"

"Yes Thorne." She admitted. "Yes, I was with him again." She looked down at the floor.

"Why Macy? I thought we had something wonderful. I thought you loved me."

"It’s not you Thorne it’s me. It’s not even me. It’s Grant."

"Grant?"

"I can’t get him out of my head and I’m so unhappy Thorne. I can’t seem to forget him and the only time I can stop feeling bad about him is when I’m with Mike."

"Mike? Who’s Mike? Is he the man Macy?"

"He’s the man I was with both times Thorne."

"And you met him at the bar?"

"Yes. I met him there."

"Are you in love with him Macy?"

She looked sadly at him. "I think I might be. But Thorne, it can’t last he’s married."

"He’s married? You’re leaving me for a married man?"

"Not just any married man Thorne. He’s the one I asked you about."

"What do you mean?"

"You know. Michael Copeland, Brooke’s husband."

"Macy no." Thorne said with disgust. "You’re doing this for revenge. You’re sleeping with Brooke’s husband for revenge."

"At first I didn’t know. And then when I did, yes, it was for revenge. But now it’s different. Thorne, I’m so sorry but I think I’m falling in love with him."

 

"Logan what’s wrong?" Ridge asked as he held her. "Why are you crying?"

"Oh Ridge. Michael left me. We had a fight and he left me."

"Logan he loves you, he’ll come back." He kissed her head. "You know he’ll come back."

"It’s too late for that Ridge. He didn’t come home last night."

"Maybe he slept at his old house Brooke. Give him a chance to explain."

"He didn’t sleep there, he slept at a motel."

"So he was mad. You guys can talk it out."

"He wasn’t alone."

"What?" Ridge said. He was furious for his friend. "How do you know that Brooke?"

"He was with Macy." She said as she buried her head on his shoulder and sobbed.

"I’ll kill that bastard." He said as he pulled her close. "Oh Logan, you and I are sure a pair aren’t we?"

"Oh Ridge, I’m so sorry. I was so caught up in my own pain I forgot about yours. You know don’t you?"

He let go of her and got the letter and handed it to her. "Read this." He said. Brooke took the letter and read it. Fresh tears streamed down her face.

"God Ridge, what an amazing woman. With all her pain she is thinking about me. Oh Ridge, how are we going to get through this?" She asked.

"We’ll get through it together Logan. Just like old times. You and me together. We’ll be strong for each other." He put his arms around her and they hugged and cried in each other’s arms.

Changes Part 59

 

"Brooke sit down, I want to talk to you." Ridge said softly. He led her to the couch and they both sat down. He took he hand in his and held it tightly. "You know you are my very best friend and I’d never say anything to you to hurt you."

"I know that." She agreed.

"Well I’ve been here since last night and I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. You know when I got this letter from Taylor I thought my whole world had ended. I had been using all of my energy trying to think of a way to get my marriage back."

"I know Ridge. I know how much you love her."

"This isn’t anything against what you and I had Logan because at the time that was just as important to me. But you and I have moved in different directions. I’m really glad that we have come to this point in our lives because I really love you Logan."

"I love you too Ridge, and I’m so sorry that you are hurting so much. I tried to talk to Taylor."

"Shhhh." He said. "I’m not done. There’s something I need to share with you." He touched her face and she smiled at him. "Like I said I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since I got here. I’ve come to the conclusion that it was me Logan, I blew it. I had a total disregard for my marriage. I didn’t nurture it, I didn’t cherish it. I took it for granted and look what happened to it. It’s gone Logan, it’s gone and now I can never get it back."

"Ridge it’s never too late. Taylor loves you, I know she does."

"You’re right Logan, she does love me. Let me let you in on a little secret. After I found out that the baby was mine we."

"What?" Brooke stopped him. "The baby? It was yours?"

"Yeah Logan, it was mine. Right after we lost him Dr. Santana came in and told us."

"Oh God Ridge, that makes this ten time worse for you."

"Try a thousand or a million."

"Then how can she do this? How can she just marry Bryan?"

"She loves him Brooke. She loves him and he can give her the stability that I’ve never been able to give her."

"That’s ridiculous."

"No Brooke, it isn’t. But the thing is I think I could do it now. I don’t know if it was losing my child or losing Taylor or maybe it even goes back to almost seeing you die but I’ve changed. I’ve reassessed my life and I know that my marriage and my family is the only thing that really counts. The only thing that was worth stressing over. Not my designs or money or how I felt about other peoples decisions, just Taylor. And now I’ve lost her forever." Brooke stared to speak and he held up his hand to stop her. "You know you read her letter. She knows me so well. She knew I would turn to you and she was right, that isn’t fair. I am not going to let my hurt and my selfish feelings ruin what may be the best thing that ever happened to you."

"What are you talking about Ridge?"

"You know what I’d like to do right now?"

"What?" She asked.

"I’d like to take you to bed and try to forget all my pain. And you know what Brooke, I could do it. You’re vulnerable too right now. I could say all the right things and it would happen."

"Oh, you think I’m so easy huh?" She said angrily.

"Not at all. I think you are hurting as much as I am right now. I think you want to be loved as much as I do. But Brooke, I’m not going to do it and neither are you. Taylor has been trying to ram it into my head how much you love Michael. She’s also been telling me over and over that I am never happy to see you happy with someone else. I always denied that. I hope to God that I’m right about that and she’s wrong but I don’t think I am. I think part of me has always needed you to want me."

"Ridge." She started.

"It’s true Logan. I had my life with Taylor and I was happy yet I couldn’t stand to see you happy with someone else and it was killing her."

"But Ridge, I stopped. I stopped trying to tear you apart. You know I did."

"You stopped but I didn’t. I never gave her the peace that she deserved. That’s why she’s with Bryan now. That’s why she stopped fighting for us."

"That’s not true. She knows that you love her, she knows that I would never come between you anymore."

"Yeah she does but it’s just too late for us. But Brooke it isn’t too late for you and Michael. I know what he did was wrong and maybe you can’t forgive him for it, but if you can and if you still love him then you have to fight for that love Logan. I know I’ve said things about him but you do love him. I know you so well. I can see it in your eyes. Brooke don’t do what I did. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your love. Your marriage is the most important thing in the world. Go home and take it back. Push Macy out of the way and grab your man and make it work. I want you to be happy Brooke, I really do."

"But Ridge he doesn’t trust me. He lies to me and now he’s slept with another woman."

"That’s bad Brooke but it’s not the end of the world. It doesn’t have to change anything. Believe me I know that better than anyone right now. Sometimes it’s just an act of compassion or desperation."

"You think that’s why he slept with her? Out of compassion? That’s a crock and you know it."

"What would it be if we slept together Logan?"

"It would be different. We have love, we have roots and history. But that’s not going to happen."

"What if I slept with Taylor?"

"You love her."

"But Brooke, it didn’t change anything."

"What do you mean?" She whispered.

"After our baby died we came home and we made love. I really thought that this meant we were together again. I really thought I had my wife back, but I didn’t. You see what I perceived as an act of love was really an act of sadness for Taylor. She wanted to feel, she wanted to feel love. I gave that to her but that was it. It was barely hours later that she left to marry another man. Now I know this isn’t the same thing but in a way it is. You and Mike fought. He was hurt and lonely and he found something in Macy’s arms. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. It was just something that happened. Bryan knew I slept with Taylor because she told him, she told him right in front of me. She wanted us both to know exactly where she stood."

"Oh God Ridge." Brooke said as she clutched his hand. "But in the letter, she told you she didn’t regret it."

"No she didn’t regret it, but she’s staying with Bryan. And that’s why I’m telling you that you and Mike can still make this work if you want to. If Taylor and Bryan can then so can you."

"Oh Ridge you’re right. I do love him and I don’t want to lose him. I’m not going to let that woman steal him from me."

"Good for you Logan, good for you." He smiled as he hugged her.

"Will you be alright?" She asked.

"Just knowing that I could help you makes me feel a little better. Go home Brooke, go home and make love to your husband."

"I love you Ridge." She said. She threw her arms around him and hugged him. "I’m going home." She smiled. She picked up her purse and with a smile walked out the door. Ridge sadly watched her leave.

 

"Hi Daddy, it’s me." Taylor said on the phone in her hotel room in Santa Domingo.

"Taylor? Honey where are you?" Jack asked.

"I’m in Santa Domingo."

"What on earth are you doing there. I though you weren’t supposed to travel."

"Oh Daddy," She started to cry. "I lost my baby."

"Taylor no." Jack exclaimed. "When? How did this happen?"

"It’s a long story. I got upset and it just happened. I was alone and I couldn’t get to the phone. By the time Ridge got there it was too late."

"Ridge?" Jack asked. "Why was Ridge there?"

"He just happened to come by and thank God he did. He got me to the hospital."

"Oh honey I’m so sorry. But why are you in Santa Domingo?"

"That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Oh Daddy I’m so confused."

"Okay honey, tell me what’s wrong."

"I don’t know. I just don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I know I love Bryan, I really do. He makes me so happy Daddy."

"Bryan is with you?"

"Yes, you didn’t think I came here alone did you?"

"I don’t know what to think. Why are you there? Are you taking a vacation?"

"Not exactly. Daddy Bryan and I are getting married tomorrow."

"Married? Taylor that doesn’t make sense. You just lost a baby, you aren’t emotionally ready for a step like this."

"But I have to do it. Don’t you see? If I don’t do this I may fall back and do something that I can’t do?"

"Taylor you are frightening me. What do you mean?"

"It’s Ridge."

"Ridge? Taylor I thought that was over, I thought that he was married."

"It is, he is, but it’s not over, it never was over. Daddy I’ve never stopped loving him."

"Taylor you know that I have always supported your decisions. I have stood by you through everything that Ridge has put you though. Taylor that is not a healthy relationship. The man is constantly playing games with you. I know I don’t know Bryan well but he seems like such a fine man."

"Bryan is a great man and I love him. But Daddy, Ridge is my heart. I just can’t seem to get him out of my head."

"You know I like Ridge. I always have honey. But that man has hurt you so many times. I just want to see you happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted."

"What should I do? Am I doing the right thing?"

"By getting married? I don’t know honey. I think Bryan is a fine man, and I think you love him. But marriage is so important to you. Are you sure you want to rush into this?"

"He loves me so much Daddy, even after I told him about Ridge he still wanted to marry me. He loves the children and me. And we have so much fun together."

"Well it sounds like you answered your own question. But why now? Why there?"

"Because it’s the only place we can do it legally. It’s because it’s where Ridge and I were divorced and where Ridge married Morgan."

"And that’s another thing Taylor. Even if you do still have feelings for Ridge, he does have another wife."

"I know. And that baby needs him so badly. I can’t take him from that baby. Morgan is unfit to raise a child. Ridge will be the only stability he has."

"You can’t concern yourself with that woman’s child Taylor. You have three children of your own."

"Daddy what should I do? What would you do if you were me?"

"Honey you have to follow your heart. If you think that Bryan can make you happy then that’s good enough for me."

"Thanks Daddy, I love you."

"I love you too honey." He said. Taylor hung up the phone and turned around to face an angry Bryan.

"Taylor, we have to talk."

 

Michael was exhausted when he finally got home. Jason had made it through his ordeal. Michael had sat with him throughout the night and then through most of the day. He had helped in his surgery and things were again looking up for the little boy. He was now hoping that he could set things right with Brooke. He had been disappointed that her car wasn’t in the driveway but he hoped that she might have left him a note. He looked on the table and saw nothing there. He walked outside to the pool and saw Grant lying on a lounge chair drinking an iced tea.

"Hey Grant." Michael said. "Have you seen my wife?"

"Sorry. I got in late last night and she was gone when I got up."

"Bar hopping again?"

"Yeah, I met the lady again."

"Well, well. How did things go this time?"

"We went to a motel."

"Did you get her name this time?"

"She still won’t tell me. In fact I tried to tell her mine and she wouldn’t let me. Not even a first name. She insisted on making up names. Strange huh?"

"Very. Can’t say I was ever in a situation like that."

"I know. I really like her too. I asked her to meet me again. I hope she shows."

"When?"

"Well that’s the problem. I wrote her a note and said meet me tomorrow night, but thinking about that I don’t know if she considers that tonight or tomorrow."

"That could be a problem. I guess you have to go both times."

"Yeah but the drinking is getting to me. I never was much of a drinker and this one can drink a sailor under a table."

"Bad news. Maybe you should cool it."

"Yeah but I don’t want to. I think she’s got a problem and she’s trying to drown it out. Maybe I can help her."

"Would you like it if Brooke and I came with you? Maybe if it was the four of us she would open up."

"Now that sounds like a good idea Mike. Although it may get confusing."

"Why’s that?"

"Well when she said we had to make up names she decided to call me Mike." Grant laughed.

"Well we can set her straight this time."

"Or else we can both be Mikes" Grant laughed.

"Well let me run it by Brooke when she gets home. We have something serious to talk about but after that if things go well, than maybe a night out will be just what we need."

"I must have really annoyed you when I got here." Grant said. "You know it’s still so confusing to me. I know the truth but part of me still loves her."

"Where have I heard that one before?" Michael asked. "Somehow with you it doesn’t bother me quite as much."

"You’re talking about Ridge aren’t you?"

"Oh yeah." Michael admitted. "The man won’t let her go. He knows I love her and she loves me but he won’t keep his hands off her. Every time the man is near her he’s all over her, touching her, kissing her. It really pisses me off Grant."

"That’s Ridge. He thinks that once a woman is his she’s his for life. Even if he has moved on. I tried so hard to make her love me but it was always him."

"Well I know she loves me, that’s not the problem. It’s just he won’t leave her alone."

"Don’t worry about him. I can tell that it’s you she loves, not him." Grant said with a trace of sadness.

"I’m going to go upstairs and see if I can catch a few Z’s. When Brooke comes in do me a favor and tell her I’m upstairs."

"Sure Mike." Grant said.

 

Ridge was sitting on the couch drinking a glass of scotch when the door opened and Brooke walked back in.

"Logan?" He asked. "I thought you were leaving."

"I was." She told him. "My car won’t start. I’ve tried everything and now I think I flooded the engine."

"Okay." Ridge said getting up. "Let me give it a look."

They walked outside to the car. Ridge opened the hood and tried several things but he couldn’t get the car to start.

"It’s hopeless Logan." He told her. "You need a mechanic. But it’s late and I doubt you’ll get anyone tonight."

"I really wanted to get home." She said.

"I know but it looks like you’re stuck."

"Well we can at least try and get a mechanic."

Ridge handed her his cell phone. "Be my guest. I’ll keep working on it."

Brooke contacted road service and was told that no one would be available until the next morning.

"Ridge I have to get home. You convinced me that I need to talk to Michael and now what can I do?"

"Honey I’m sorry but I’ve had a bit too much. I don’t want to try and navigate these roads tonight. Call Mike and explain it to him. He’ll understand Logan. I’ll get up early and take you home."

"I’m sorry Ridge, I know it’s not your fault. I’m just disgusted."

"Look, a couple of hours isn’t going to make any difference. But if you think it will why not ask Mike to come and get you?"

"We aren’t at that point yet. I haven’t even heard his excuse yet." She said somewhat angrily.

"Logan! I thought we decided that you were going to make this work."

"I am Ridge but I can’t make it too easy on him."

"Okay, then stay here. But I don’t think he’ll be too happy about that."

"Why?"

"Why?" Ridge laughed. "Logan look at my eye. The man thinks I made love to you and now you want to tell him that you and I are staying together alone at Big Bear?"

"It would serve him right to worry."

"You’re a tiger Logan." Ridge laughed. "But remember, it’s me he’s gonna hit, not you."

"He knows he can trust me. It’s the other way around that’s the problem."

"Logan you are going to get me in so much trouble."

"You can handle it." She laughed. "Come on let’s go in and call him."

"Call him from my cell."

"I want to be sitting down to do this."

"You are something else Logan." He laughed.

They walked inside and Brooke took out her cell phone. "Wish me luck." She said. Ridge just smiled at her. The phone rang three times and finally Grant answered.

"Hello."

Brooke asked. "Why are you answering the phone?"

"Am I not supposed to?" He asked her.

"No one knows you’re here. You have to be careful." She looked at Ridge who was staring at her.

"Nevermind." Brooke continued. "Is Michael there?"

"He’s asleep. He didn’t get home last night."

"You think I don’t know that?" She angrily replied.

"Give him a break he’s tired."

"You men sure stick together don’t you? Wake him up."

"Alright Brooke. Don’t get mad at me. I’ll be right back." He put down the phone to get Michael. Ridge looked at Brooke.

"Who are you talking to Logan?" He asked. Brooke panicked.

"Um, Rick. He’s home from his camping trip."

"Why don’t you want him to answer the phone?"

"Amber keeps calling for him. We don’t want her to know he’s there." She lied.

"He’s old enough to fight his own battles."

"A mother is always a mother Ridge. Look at yours?"

"You’ve got a point." He laughed.

Brooke waited and finally a very tired sounding Michael got on.

"Hello?"

"Michael, it’s me."

"Hi honey. Where are you?" He asked with a yawn.

"Am I keeping you up?" She asked angrily.

"Actually yes." He laughed. "Not that I mind. Where are you?" He asked again.

"I’m at Big Bear."

"What are you doing there?"

"I came up here to think. Now the car broke down and I can’t get it fixed until tomorrow."

"You can’t stay there all alone."

"I’m not alone, Ridge is here."

"What the hell is he doing there?" Michael shouted.

"Don’t take that tone with me. I had no idea he was here when I came."

"Well make him take you home."

"He can’t. It’s too dark and he’s had a few drinks."

"For God’s sake Brooke you can’t spend the night with him!"

"Where the hell do you get off saying that to me?" Brooke said through clenched teeth.

"I’m coming to get you."

"You don’t even know where the cabin is. It’s late and it’s dark. I’ll be home in the morning."

"Brooke please. We have to talk."

"You’re damn right we have to talk!"

"So nothing I said mattered to you? Is that it?"

"I don’t know what you’re taking about Michael."

"Put Ridge on!"

"I will not!"

"Put him on the phone now!" He demanded.

"Michael. The difference between the two of us is you CAN trust me. I will be home in the morning and we can talk then!"

"Brooke I want to talk to him."

"I’m hanging up Michael. Will you be there when I get home this time?"

"Brooke, last night couldn’t be helped. What did you want me to do just leave? The kid was a mess."

"Don’t make me laugh. Drunks are always a mess. I’ll see you tomorrow!" She disconnected the phone and shut it off.

"Problems?" Ridge asked.

"Like you wouldn’t believe. He was making excuses for Macy."

"You weren’t too easy on him either Brooke."

"It’s better this way. I have tonight to cool off."

"Maybe you have a point."

"You better call the dragonlady." Brooke told him.

"Why?" Ridge asked with a snicker.

"She was all bent out of shape when I saw her earlier. I think she’s worried about her baby boy." Brooke teased.

"Logan." Ridge laughed and shook his head. "She’s just concerned. I called her when Taylor lost the baby. I told her to get over to Taylor’s but I didn’t tell her why and then when Taylor asked me not to have her come over I called her back and told her to stay home. She was kind of miffed about that."

"Well you better call her now because she was nasty to me when I saw her."

He took his cell phone out and called his mother at Forrester.

"Stephanie Forrester." She answered.

"Hello Mother."

"Ridge! Where are you? I’ve been so worried."

"I went up to Big Bear."

"What’s wrong?" She asked.

"Why does something have to be wrong?"

"When you go up to Big Bear alone something is always wrong."

"Alright Mother, something is wrong. Something terrible happened."

"What happened honey?"

"Taylor lost the baby mother. She lost my baby."

"Your baby? Ridge, it was your baby? It was your baby and she lost it?"

"That’s what I just said. I found her on the floor. I tried to get her to the hospital but it was too late."

"Oh honey. Oh poor Taylor. Oh Ridge. Where is she? Is she with you?"

"No Mother. That’s the other thing."

"What other thing?"

"She and Bryan. They went to Santa Domingo. They got married."

"When? When could she have gotten married? Ridge you aren’t making sense."

"After she lost the baby they took off. It’s over mother, it’s all over."

"Come home honey. You need your family now. You shouldn’t be alone."

"I’m not alone mother."

"Who are you with? It’s not Morgan. I just saw her." Stephanie said. "No! No! Don’t tell me that bitch followed you up there?"

"I assume you’re talking about Brooke?"

"You know damn well I’m talking about Brooke! Is she there? Is she at Big Bear with you?" She shouted.

"Yes Mother she is. We’re going to spend the night and we’ll be home tomorrow."

"Are you out of your mind?" She shouted. "You can’t spend the night with Brooke Logan! Ridge I want you to come home right now!"

"I’ll see you tomorrow Mother. Good night." He said. He disconnected his phone and shut it off.

"What did you do?" Brooke said as she punched him in the arm.

"I couldn’t resist. She was so damn mad Logan." He started to laugh.

"Just what I need. Your mother on the warpath after me."

"Hey you did it to me. Mike didn’t seem too happy either."

"Jerk!" She said with a laugh.

"Let’s go make some dinner Logan, I’m suddenly starved." He said.

Stephanie was fuming. She kept trying to reach Ridge on his cell phone but there was no answer. And no one was picking up the line at the cabin. She slammed the phone and got up to go to see Eric. As she walked out of her office she did not notice Morgan standing behind her door.

"That was your last chance Brooke. You are a dead woman." She muttered.

 

 

"Bryan." Taylor gasped. "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough, or should I say too long."

"Bryan please, you have to let me explain."

"Oh baby I think I have all the explanation I need. There isn’t going to be a wedding."

"No wedding? Bryan please don’t say that."

"You aren’t ready to marry me Taylor. You haven’t gotten over Ridge yet. How can I marry you just so that you don’t fall back into something with Ridge? That’s not love. That’s not what marriage is about. Is that fair to me at all? I can’t be your second choice Taylor."

"You aren’t. You heard me tell me father how much I love you."

"I also heard you tell him that Ridge is your heart. That really made me feel great Taylor. You know I tried to understand how you could make love to him like that. I tried to put it away and not let it ruin us but I just can’t."

"It wasn’t the way you think. I was so empty. I was so alone."

"I understand that. That’s why I was willing to overlook it but damn it Taylor I can’t marry you to save Ridge’s baby. I can only marry you because we love each other."

"I do love you."

"I know you do, but you don’t love me enough. I’m not saying I want us to split up. I’m just saying it’s too soon to be getting married."

"No!" She said. "No, you’re wrong. I’m marrying you because I love you, because I know you will make me happy."

"I can’t Taylor. I will not have another failed marriage. I can’t live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder for Ridge."

"Ridge is my past, you are my future."

"Those are pretty words."

"They’re the truth. Bryan I would not marry you just to stop myself from turning to Ridge. Yes I still have feelings for him. You know that but it’s you I want to marry, you I want to spend my life with."

"But I never realized how very strong those feelings are. You told your father that you were confused. You told him that it will never be over with Ridge. And then you tell me you want to be my wife?"

"How can I prove it to you? How?"

"You can’t. That’s the problem. Only time can convince me that you really are mine."

"Alright. If that’s the way you want it." She said. "I won’t force you. I won’t beg."

"I love you Taylor. I love you and I want you. I know we can have a great life. We just have to give it time. We have to make sure that it is right."

"We’ve already waited too long Bryan. If it weren’t for the fact I couldn’t travel we would have been married, and if we had been married that never would have happened. Don’t you see? I made my commitment to you a long time ago. I slipped. I was weak. Are you going to punish me for that? Because you are punishing yourself too. I want to be your wife more than anything in the world. I told you and I told Ridge. Yes I have feelings for him but it doesn’t change the way I love you."

"Taylor, why are you making this so hard for me?"

"Because I want you to marry me."

"And what about Ridge?"

"It’s over."

"It isn’t that simple and you know it."

"It can be. How can I prove it to you?"

He looked into her sad eyes. "A woman should be happy on her wedding day."

"I am happy."

"You don’t look very happy to me."

"I will be if you stop this and marry me."

"I want to so bad. I really do."

"Then take a chance Bryan. Life is a gamble. Aren’t I worth the risk?"

"You are worth everything to me, everything."

"I will never be unfaithful to you. Not physically and not mentally. I will be yours and yours alone. When I commit myself to you I give you my body and my soul. Ridge will never come between us again. I promise you that with all my heart. Bryan I know it’s you I want. Ridge begged me to leave you and come back to him. If it was he I wanted I would have done it. Morgan couldn’t have stood in my way if it was Ridge I wanted. And no one will come in my way now. I want you. I want to be your wife. Don’t marry me if that’s how you feel. I don’t care because in my heart I already am your wife."

"Taylor." He looked at her and saw the strength and determination in her face. He was looking at the woman that he had loved all those years ago and that he had found again not that long ago. "Tomorrow."

He told her.

"Tomorrow?" She asked.

"Tonight is for us. Tonight is our beginning. Tomorrow we will be married. God help us if this is a mistake but I can’t bear the thought of life without you."

"You mean it?" She said.

"I mean it. Tonight is the last night we will two people. Tomorrow we will be one."

"We already are one." She said as she put her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly.

Changes Part 60

 

Michael slammed down the phone and turned to Grant. "She shut off her cell phone. What the hell is wrong with that woman? She called me a drunk."

"A drunk?" Grant asked. "Why would she call you a drunk?"

"I don’t know. I think she was drunk. She was acting crazy. And she did say Ridge had been drinking."

"Ridge? She’s with Ridge?"

"At Big Bear. Oh course she didn’t bother to tell me where in Big Bear so if I want to find her I suppose I have to check every house on the whole f*cking mountain."

"It’s a cabin. I think I still know where it is. I’m not positive of the directions but I think I can find it. Do you want me to take you there?"

"No. She’s pissed man. I don’t think I ever heard her so mad. You would have thought my note would have done something but no."

"Well if you change your mind."

"She even said something to the effect that I could trust her but she can’t trust me. I don’t get her. I mean I know she’s mad but she won’t even give me a chance to try and explain. I promised her I would. Ah, the hell with her. I’m going to go up and shower and then you and I will go out and get something to eat. Then we can see if we can find that girl of yours."

"You don’t have to Mike. I know you’re tired."

"After that conversation I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. Let’s go get a steak and some beers and see if I can cool down a bit. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a real bitch."

"Ok, that sounds good but if you change your mind I’ll be happy to take you up there. I think I can still remember how to get there."

"I’ll think about it but maybe it’s better if I let her cool off and I cool off. Grant I love that woman but she sure has me mad."

"Brooke can get under your skin."

"Like no one else." Michael agreed.

 

"Eric that woman is at the cabin with Ridge!" Stephanie shouted as she barged into his office. Eric angrily dismissed the model he was working with and closed the office door. "Stephanie we have a showing in a few days. I don’t have time to deal with this. Ridge married her, she has every right to be at the cabin with him." He thought about it for a moment. "What is Ridge doing at the cabin anyway? He knows how busy we are."

"Eric I am not talking about Morgan, I’m talking about Brooke! That tramp followed him to Big Bear. She saw her chance and bam! Right after him, forget about her husband, forget about her family, forget about this company!"

"She saw her chance for what Stephanie? What are you talking about?"

"Ridge is upset. Taylor lost her baby and now she went and married Bryan."

"What? Taylor lost her baby? Stephanie, why didn’t you tell me this before?"

"This was the first I heard about it but obviously that tramp knew first hand. She jumped in her car and was up at Big Bear throwing herself at our son again."

"Look I understand that Ridge is upset but Stephanie he’s married to Morgan. Whether Taylor marries Bryan or not shouldn’t really affect him."

"He loves her Eric. He’s always loved her. And now she’s lost to him and that whore is trying to get him back into her bed."

"What did Ridge tell you?"

"He told me flatly that he and Brooke were spending the night and he would be home tomorrow. We have to stop him Eric."

"Stop him? Stop him from what? He’s a grown man. I’m not saying I approve but it’s his business not ours. Although I am disappointed in Brooke."

"Disappointed? It’s typical of her. It’s her normal pattern. Wait until there’s a problem and then move in for the kill. You mark my words Eric. She’ll be in divorce court and the next thing you know she’ll have him trapped. I can’t, I can’t, oh Eric I can’t go through this again."

"Let me call him. Maybe I can reason with him."

"He’s not answering. She probably has him in bed already. That damn slut."

"This isn’t good Stephanie. He did say he would be home tomorrow though?"

"But not after she gets her claws into him. She’ll keep him in that bed of hers and the next thing you know. Oh God Eric I can’t let this happen."

"Well what do you suggest we do?"

"We have to go up there. We have to tear her out of that bed if we have to. We have to stop this before it’s too late."

"Ridge would be furious. We can’t do that Stephanie. We have to at least wait until tomorrow."

"It will be too late tomorrow!" She shouted.

 

"This is the place huh?" Michael asked as Grant pulled into the parking lot. "The famous meeting place for Grant Chambers and his mystery lady."

"Yeah, this is it." He looked around. "I don’t see her car."

"Well it’s still early. She doesn’t come to eat right?’

"Now that’s an understatement. But I ate here and the food was pretty good."

"Let’s go. " Michael said. They got out of the car and walked inside and took a table. A few moments later a waitress walked over to them.

"Hi I’m Gina, what can I get you?"

"What do you have on draft?" Michael asked.

"Bud, Bud Lite, Miller, Becks and Heiny." She answered.

"Give me a Becks, Grant?" Michael asked.

"Me too. Sound good."

"What no vodka tonight?" She asked.

"Wow Grant. You have a rep here." Michael laughed.

"I guess I do." He laughed. "No, no vodka tonight. I think I overdid it the other night." He told the waitress.

"Can I get you anything else? Would you like to see a menu?"

"I want a nice thick steak, medium rare, baked potato and salad." Michael told her.

"What kind of dressing? Our house is Garlic Italian."

"Fine." Michael answered with a chuckle. "No wife to kiss tonight."

"And you?" She turned to Grant.

"I’ll make it easy on you. I’ll have the same."

"Great." She said. "I’ll be right back with your beers."

"I can’t believe after two nights she knows what I drink." Grant said. "But the thing is I don’t usually drink vodka. I only had it cause Mary did."

"Mary?" Michael asked.

"That’s what I call her."

"Oh yeah." He answered. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and hit in a number. He listened for awhile and then closed it and put it back in his pocket. "She still doesn’t answer."

"We can leave Mike, I can have you up there in less than an hour."

"I am so tempted but she’d be mad. She thinks I don’t trust her."

"Well let’s eat and you can think about it. I can see how antsy you are already."

"You don’t have any idea Grant. The last time we were really together Bridget walked in on us in the middle of sex. It was all downhill from there."

"Ouch." Grant laughed.

"Yeah ouch is right." Gina walked over and gave them each their beer and their salads.

"Thanks honey." Michael said with a smile. She beamed back at him and walked away.

"Flirting Michael?" Grant teased.

"I’m a flirt, I confess. But it’s harmless, there’s no one for me but Brooke."

They drank their beers and ate their salads and made small talk. Michael tried Brooke three more times but didn’t get through. They had a second beer and then Gina brought them their steaks. They talked and laughed and had a couple more beers when Grant looked towards the door.

"It’s her." He said to Michael.

"The woman at the door?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, the redhead."

"She’s hot. Call her over."

"You sure? If I do then we can’t leave and get Brooke right away."

"I’m sure. Get your woman." Michael told him.

"She sees me. Here she comes." He said as they watched Macy stumble towards them.

"She’s plastered." Michael laughed.

"I told you." Grant laughed back. He stood up as she approached. "Hey Mary, have a seat."

"You aren’t alone." She said.

"Come on sit down." He held a chair out for her and helped her sit. "I was hoping you’d show."

"I was hoping you’d be here too Mike." She smiled.

"Hi." Michael said to her holding out his hand. "I’m Mike Copeland."

"What?" Macy asked bewildered.

"I said I’m Mike Copeland, nice to meet you Mary."

"Yyyyou are Mike Copeland?" She asked.

"Yes. Does my reputation proceed me?" He laughed.

"No, I mean, I just thought. Nevermind." She answered.

"So Mary," Michael said. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Yes." She answered quickly. "Vodka please."

"Gina!" He called to the waitress. She quickly came to the table. "Gina, a vodka for the lady, another Becks for me." He turned to Grant. "Grant?" He asked.

"Yeah, another Becks." He agreed.

"GGGgrant?" Macy stuttered.

"Yeah my buddy Grant, Grant Chambers." Michael told her. The room began to spin and it went totally gray as Macy went into a faint and her head hit the table.

 

Brooke sat down on the couch next to Ridge and laid her head back on the cushion. "You make a mean frozen pizza Forrester."

"And you open a great bottle of wine Logan." He smiled. He looked over at her and saw she was very distracted. "Why don’t you call him?"

"Who?" She asked.

"The pope." Ridge said sarcastically. "Mike. I know you’re dying to."

"I’m not going to give him the satisfaction."

"Of what? Knowing that his wife loves him?"

"You think I’m being a jerk don’t you?"

"Honesty?" He asked. "Yes. Call him Logan. You aren’t going to get a minutes sleep if you don’t."

"I don’t want to sleep. I want to go home." She moaned.

"Stop pouting like a child and call him."

"I already did, while you were washing the dishes. He isn’t home. He’s probably out with Macy again."

"Logan!"

"Well if he was home he would have answered the phone."

"Did you try his cell phone?"

"No."

"Well why not?"

"Because I just don’t want to hear Macy’s voice in the background."

"Oh Logan you have to trust him a little. Just because it happened once doesn’t mean it will happen again."

"I just can’t do it Ridge."

"Well he is a doctor, maybe he had an emergency. Maybe that’s why he isn’t home."

"Maybe." She agreed. "Ridge I love him so much, it just hurts so much to think that he could cheat on me like this."

"I know it does." He said as he put his arm around her.

 

 

"What’s wrong with her?" Grant asked as Michael held Macy and tried to revive her. "What happened?"
"Too much vodka I guess. She seemed fine when she sat down." He looked at Macy. "Come on honey, wake up for me. Come on."

"Wwwwho?" Macy moaned as she opened her eyes and looked up at Michael.

"I’m Michael. I’m a doctor Mary, I’m going to help you."

"That’s Grant." She said.

"That’s right." Michael said. "That’s Grant, see you’re getting better now. Can you take a sip of some water? Grant give me the glass." Grant handed him a glass of clear liquid. "No!" Michael said sharply. "That’s the vodka, give me the water."

"Sorry." Grant said as he handed Michael the other glass.

"Here sweetheart, take a sip." Michael said as he held the glass to her lips. Macy took a small sip and looked at Grant.

"It can’t be. It’s impossible."

"Do you know me?" Grant asked her. "I mean aside from in here?"

"Grant?" Macy asked.

"Yeah" He said. "My name is Grant."

"Noooooooo." Macy said as she clutched at Michael.

"Jeeze Grant, this is just like Bridget. This lady knows you." He turned to Macy. "It’s okay honey, we can explain it all to you."

"Noooooooo." Macy said again. "He’s dead, I buried him, he’s dead."

"I’m not dead." Grant said. "Now tell me, how do you know me? Are we friends?"

"Oh God." Macy said. "This can’t be happening, it’s the liquor. I’m hallucinating, that’s all it is."

A crowd had started to gather around the table. Michael turned to them. "The show’s over folks, can you give us some room."

Macy tentatively reached to touch Grant. "You really are here. You really are."

"He’s alive honey, we can explain it all to you if you just try to calm down." Michael told her. "Grant I think we better get her out of here."

"Good idea." He agreed. Grant stood up and reached to help Macy up. She looked into his eyes and once more fainted, but this time into Michael’s arms.

"We have to have her checked out Grant. We gotta get her to the hospital." He fumbled in his pocket for his wallet and handed it to Grant. "Pay the check and let’s get her out of here."

Grant pulled out some bills and put them on the table and put Michael’s wallet in his own pocket. Michael carried an unconscious Macy to the car. Grant grabbed Macy’s purse and followed. "Get the back door Grant. I’ll sit back there with her and you drive."

Grant got behind the wheel and Michael directed him to the hospital. They pulled into the emergency entrance and got out of the car. Michael carried Macy inside and up to the desk with Grant behind him.

"I’m Doctor Copeland." He said. "This woman is intoxicated and in shock I need her looked at stat."

"Yes Dr. Copeland." The receptionist said. "Bring her inside."

He carried her in to a bed and gently laid her down. Grant stood next to him.

"Grant," Michael said. "Are you sure you don’t know who she is?"

"I have no idea. She did look somewhat familiar to me when I met her but I really don’t know her."

"Her purse." Michael said. "Give it to me." Grant handed him the purse. Michael opened it up and found her wallet, he opened that and looked at her driver’s license. "Oh my God Grant. Do you know who she is? She’s Macy Forrester. She’s Thorne’s wife."

"I slept with Thorne Forrester’s wife?" Grant was astounded. "Yes, now I remember her. She used to sing in a bar. That’s where I know her from."

"Maybe we ought to call Thorne." Michael suggested.

"Brooke would kill you Mike. She doesn’t want anyone to know about me."

"It’s a bit late to worry about that now Grant." He said gesturing to Macy. "But I guess we can wait. Is there anyone else we should call?" He started going through her wallet. "What the hell?" He said as he pulled out his gold card. "Why does she have my credit card?"

"I used it at the motel. Maybe she picked it up by mistake."

"I guess." He looked at Macy again. "Come on honey, wake up." The emergency doctor walked over to them.

"Are you Dr. Copeland?" He asked Michael.

"Yes." Michael told him. "This woman’s name is Macy Forrester and she is very intoxicated. She had a shock of some kind and she passed out. I was able to revive her once but she passed out again."

"Well if you gentlemen would step out I will check her out."

"Come on Grant, let’s go get some coffee. She’s in good hands. We can come right back."

"Okay." Grant agreed. They both walked away as the doctor started to examine Macy.

 

Michael and Grant walked back to the bed where Macy was resting. She was awake and the doctor was talking to her.

"Hello Macy." Michael said to her. "Are you feeling better?"

"I don’t understand. I don’t understand anything." She said to him. There were tears streaming down her face.

"How is she doctor?" Michael asked.

"Nothing wrong with her that sobering up won’t fix. You can take her home."

"I can’t go home. I need to be with Grant." Macy cried.

"It’s okay Macy. We’ll all go back to my house." Michael told her.

"Are you, are you Brooke’s husband?" She asked.

"Yes I am." Michael admitted.

"Oh," She said. "I think I made a terrible mistake."

"Don’t worry about that. We all need to talk." Michael told her.

"Grant?" Macy said. "Oh Grant, thank God. You’ve come back to me."

"Come back to you?" Grant said. "Huh?"

"Let’s just get her home Grant. We can figure everything out later." Michael said. "Honey can you walk?" He asked Macy.

"Grant? Will you help me?" She asked.

"Sure." He said as he helped her up. She put her arm around him and held him tightly.

The three walked out of the hospital and went to the car. Grant got into the drivers’ seat and Macy climbed in next to him. Michael shrugged and got into the back.

As they drove to Brooke’s house Macy snuggled closer to Grant and kept touching him and kissing him. Not understanding the depth of what she was doing he hugged her back and returned her smiles. Watching from the backseat Michael was convinced that there was much more to this story then met the eye.

They finally pulled up to the house and Michael got out of the car first. Grant got out and Macy followed him out the drivers’ seat grabbing on to him the minute they were out of the car. Michael unlocked the door and they went in. Grant sat down on the couch and Macy sat next to him and put her arms around him.

"I think I’m gonna make us all some coffee." Michael said.

"Good idea." Grant agreed.

"Macy do you think you can eat anything?" Michael asked her. "I’d like to get something into you."

"I’m fine now." She said. "I’m fine now for the rest of my life. I have Grant back." She leaned over and kissed him.

"I’ll be right back." Michael said apprehensively as he walked into the kitchen leaving them alone. Macy and Grant sat there for a while just sitting and Macy holding tightly to Grant.

"Oh Grant, you’ve come back to me." Macy said again. "You don’t know how I’ve prayed for this."

"I’m sorry that I put you all through this. I had no idea that everyone thought I was dead." He explained.

"What happened? I don’t understand Grant. I buried you. I was with you when you died."

"You have to ask Brooke." He said.

"Brooke?" She said disgustedly. "What does Brooke have to do with this?"

"She’s the one who helped me get cured."

"Brooke?" She asked. "Then why didn’t she tell me? Why did she keep this to herself?"

"Brooke was trying not to give anyone false hope." Michael said as he came in with a carafe of coffee and three mugs.

"No." Macy disagreed. "Brooke was just being a bitch as usual."

"Look lady." Michael said. "That’s my wife you’re talking about. I don’t care how sick you are. No one talks about my wife that way. Especially in her own home."

"Sorry." Macy said somewhat miffed. "Brooke and I aren’t exactly friends."

"I’m aware of your history." Michael told her. "But I expect you to show some respect to my wife."

"Alright, I’m sorry. I just don’t understand how she could keep it from me of all people. I think it was very mean of her."

"Why you Macy?" Grant asked. "Were we good friends?"

"Grant?" Macy asked as a look of shock came over her face.

"Macy what is it?" Michael asked her. "How well do you know Grant?"

"He’s my husband." She said. She looked at Grant pleadingly. "Grant, you’re my husband."

"What?" Grant asked her. "No. I was married to Brooke."

"What’s going on here?" Macy asked. "What did you do to him?" She shouted at Michael.

"I didn’t do anything to him Macy. Grant has been very sick. Now what do you mean by he’s your husband? I thought you were married to Thorne?"

"I am, I was, I don’t know. I guess I’m not now, not if Grant is alive. I can’t digest this. I’m so confused. Please help me, please explain it to me."

"Maybe we should call Taylor." Michael suggested.

"Taylor knows?" Macy asked. "What? Everyone knew but me?"

"Taylor, Bryan, Bridget and I are the only ones how know Macy." Michael told her. "None of the Forresters know."

"But why didn’t you tell me?" Macy asked.

"You have to understand Macy, Grant has a bit of a problem. He doesn’t remember much that happened to him after he married Brooke." Michael told her.

"Is that true?" She asked Grant.

"Apparently, if I was supposed to be married to you."

"You were, you are. Where’s my purse?" She asked.

"Here." Michael said handing it to her. She rummaged through it and pulled out a wedding picture of her and Grant and handed it to him.

"See." She said. "I didn’t make this up."

"Holy sh*t." Grant said. "That’s me." He handed it to Michael.

"It sure is Grant. You really don’t remember her?"

"I’m sorry Macy." Grant said. "All I remember about you is that you sang in a bar and were married to Thorne Forrester."

"But we loved each other." Macy said pleadingly. "Please Grant, I can’t have found you just to lose you like this."

Michael picked up the phone to call Taylor but looked at the clock and saw that it was four a.m. and far too late to call her. He put down the phone and poured them each coffee and settled in for a long night of talking.

 

"Logan I can’t believe I let you talk me into getting me up at this ungodly hour to take you home." Ridge joked as they approached the exit for her house.

"You love me." She joked. "But thanks Ridge. I just couldn’t sleep. I need to see him."

"I know Logan. You’ll be home in a few minutes." He looked at the dashboard. "Five thirty. We made pretty good time."

"I can never thank you enough Ridge."

"Honey, you would have done it for me. Besides I owe you after that little trick I played on you."

"That’s over and forgotten." She assured him. "You and I mean way too much to each other to let a mistake cost us everything."

"Thanks Brooke." He said. They drove in silence until he pulled up to her house. "What’s going on in there? A Party?" He asked seeing all the lights lit.

"Maybe he couldn’t sleep either." Brooke said hopefully. Ridge stopped the car and Brooke got out. "Thanks again Ridge."

"You want me to come in Logan?" He asked.

"I think I can handle this." She smiled and waved. Ridge waved back and drove off. Slowly Brooke took a deep breath and with a smile opened the door. The smile left her face when she saw Michael sitting on the couch holding Macy’s hand.

"What the hell is going on here?" She angrily shouted.

NEXT