Changes Part 61

   

"Brooke, I am so glad you are home." Michael said as he jumped from the couch and put his arms around her. Brooke stood stiffly in his embrace.

"You brought your whore to our home?" She said angrily.

"My what?" Michael asked. "Brooke you have it all wrong. This has been the strangest night and we really need your help in explaining this whole thing." He pulled away and looked her in the eyes. "You really don’t think I would do that to you do you?"

"I don’t know what to think? All I know is what that bitch told me." She said looking at Macy.

"Brooke, I’m sorry. I was wrong." Macy apologized.

"Wrong?" Brooke said. "Wrong about what? How good a lover my husband is? What a slut you are?"

"Brooke!" Michael said. "What’s wrong with you? Can’t you see how upset she is?"

"Get her out of my house." She told him. "And why don’t you just go with her." She shouted.

"Honey what is going on?" Michael said to her.

"I can’t believe you could do this to me. They were right, they were all right." She said as she started to cry.

"What’s going on?" Grant asked as he walked in from the kitchen.

"Grant?" Brooke said.

"That’s what I was trying to tell you Brooke." Macy said. "It was Grant. Not Michael, Grant."

"Michael?" Brooke turned to him. "Please, what is she talking about?"

"Grant and I went out for dinner. Macy came in. She’s the woman Grant has been seeing."

Brooke turned to Macy. "Then why did you tell me it was my husband?"

"I thought it was. I was drunk Brooke, I was drunk and confused."

"Do you think I’m so stupid that I’d believe you didn’t even recognize Grant? Do I have fool written across my forehead?"

"But I didn’t." Macy cried. "I was attracted to him, but I didn’t know. Then he used Michael’s credit card."

"Macy told us that she and Grant were married. We’ve been up all night trying to figure out what is going on." Michael said.

"Then you and Macy? You never?" She looked hopefully at Michael.

"Never Brooke. I never even saw her until tonight. It’s you honey, only you." He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. "Don’t you ever doubt my love for you, never."

"Oh God Michael." She held him tightly and started to cry. "I thought. I thought you had, with Macy."

He looked up at her and brought his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly. The kiss intensified and they were suddenly in a passionate embrace. "I love you Michael, please let’s never fight again."

"Never." He said as he touched her face. He smiled at her and sighed. "You have no idea how I have ached to have you in my arms again."

"Me too." She said with a laugh. "I made Ridge get up at three thirty to take me home."

"Oh honey I am so glad you’re home." He said as he pulled her back into his arms kissed her again. She grinned up at him and ran her fingers through his hair.

"I want to be alone with you." She said softly to him. "We have some unfinished business."

"She really loves him doesn’t she?" Macy asked Grant.

"Yeah." He said dejectedly. The look was not lost on Macy who was very upset to see her husband pining over Brooke.

"Grant you have to remember us." Macy insisted. "We were so in love."

"I’m sorry Macy. It’s all lost to me. I wish I could remember because I don’t want to hurt you."

"Well we can go home and I will help you remember everything. We can get it all back Grant. I love you so much."

Brooke let her lips leave Michael’s and she turned to Macy and Grant. "Grant? Are you going home with Macy?"

"I can’t do that Brooke. It’s not fair to her. I’m not the same person she remembers. Is it alright if I just stay here awhile longer?"

"Oh course." Brooke answered.

"No Brooke, he’s my husband and he belongs with me." Macy came back.

"But Macy he doesn’t want to go with you. Why don’t you go home and you can come back and talk to Grant again tomorrow. This is happening too fast for him." Brooke told her.

"I’m not leaving without Grant." Macy answered.

"Macy it isn’t a good idea. You and I can talk again soon." Grant told her. "I wouldn’t feel comfortable."

"You didn’t mind sharing my bed before."

"I didn’t know the connection then. This is too much for me to deal with. I like you but I’m not in love with you, besides you’re married."

"I’m married to you Grant. Whatever happened since doesn’t count. We never divorced and you aren’t dead so that means you are still my husband."

"Macy go home. Come back tomorrow. We can call Connor and he can help us." Brooke suggested.

"Connor?" Michael asked. "I’d really rather you call Bryan."

"I can’t call Bryan. He and Taylor aren’t home. I’ll tell you about it later." Brooke answered him.

"Grant please, please come home with me."

"I’m sorry Macy."

"Then I’m not leaving." She said obstinately.

"Macy it’s late, we want to go to bed. Go home and come back tomorrow." Brooke told her.

"I’m not leaving without Grant."

"Don’t force my hand Macy." Brooke warned. "You do not want to make me mad again."

"I’m not scared of you Brooke."

"Well maybe you should be." Brooke said angrily. She walked over to her purse and pulled out her cell phone. "Are you leaving?" She asked Macy.

"Not without Grant."

"I warned you." Brooke said. Grant and Michael looked at each other and shrugged. Brooke hit in a number. "Hi it’s me. Are you looking for Macy? Yes, yes. She’s here. At my house. No, they aren’t. That was a big mistake. Just come over and get her. Yes now. Thorne just come now. She won’t leave. Okay, see you soon." She closed the phone and turned to Macy. "Thorne is on his way. I gave you the chance to do this yourself but you wouldn’t do it."

"How could you?" Macy cried out. "How could you be so cruel Brooke?"

"Cruel? This is coming from the woman who barged into my office to brag that she was sleeping with my husband? Give me a break." She turned to Michael and Grant. "If you guys don’t want to deal with this you can go to bed."

"I’m not leaving you alone again." Michael told her.

"Grant?" Brooke asked.

"This whole thing is my fault, I guess I better stay and face the music."

 

 

Taylor and Bryan walked hand in hand out of the courthouse into the bright sunlight of the Caribbean.

"That was it?" Taylor said laughing.

"Not exactly romantic huh?" Bryan agreed. "But it was legal Mrs. Jackson."

"Mrs. Jackson, I like that." Taylor smiled. "It’s a good thing I know a little Spanish or else I’d never know we were married."

"How about I take you back to the room and show you just how married we are?" Bryan teased.

"Baby can we do that later. I really would love to go to the beach and have a swim. Our plane is tonight. Let’s not miss the entire Caribbean by spending it in the room."

"We can change the reservations and have a little honeymoon if you’d like. Besides, I kind of like hanging out in the room with you."

"I really need to get home to my kids Bryan. I really miss them."

"I know you do. Okay let’s go back to the hotel and get our swimsuits on and hit the beach. We can honeymoon all we want at home. In fact I plan on giving you a real church wedding too. This one was legal. I want to do it in front of God and our friends and families too."

"Oh Bryan that would be wonderful." She beamed. "My dad can come and Brooke and Michael and Connor and the kids." She suddenly looked sad.

"You’re thinking about Ridge aren’t you?"

"Do you think it would hurt him? I don’t want to rub it in his face Bryan."

"Taylor this is our life now. You can invite him or not, you can tell him or not. But I will not hide our love to make Ridge Forrester feel better."

"I know. I just don’t want to cause him any more pain."

"You are too good to him."

"Please don’t be jealous. I’m only trying to think of his feelings."

"I realize that baby. But I want us to have this wedding. I want you in a gown walking down the isle to me."

"Oh Bryan that will be so beautiful. Is it alright if I ask Brooke to be my matron of honor?"

"Of course it is. But is it okay with you if I ask Connor to be my best man?"

"The only one who won’t like it is Michael and I think he’s secure enough in his marriage to handle it."

"You worry too much about other people. This marriage is about you and me."

"You’re right." She said as she kissed him. "It is and I love you."

"We are going to have the best life Taylor, I know I wasn’t so sure yesterday but now, well I am so happy."

"I’m happy too Bryan. Well, happy to be your wife. I’m still well pretty shell-shocked."

"Forgive me for being insensitive. I’m sad about the baby too. I meant it when I said it didn’t matter who the father was. That child was part of you and I loved him already. I know it’s too soon to think about it but in time we will have a child of our own, I know we will."

"I want to give you a baby Bryan. I wanted this baby to be yours, it wanted him to live and be healthy and be everything to you."

"You are everything to me." He kissed her. "Now no more sad thoughts. Let’s try to make today fun. We can go to the beach and shop and be tourists and drink tropical drinks and then."

"And then get on a plane and go home." She laughed.

"Well we can renew our membership." He said slyly.

"Bryan, we’re married now."

"What? Married couples can’t be in the mile high club?"

"Oh God, remember that ride back from Hong Kong?"

"How can I forget? We were only in our seat about ten minutes."

"And that woman kept knocking at the door to the bathroom?" Taylor laughed.

"We were sure jammed in there." He laughed with her. "I knew then that you would be my wife."

"I think I knew that too. Let’s be those people again Bryan. Let’s have fun and laugh and be spontaneous and put all the tragedy behind us."

He looked around them and took her hand.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"Come on." He said laughing. "I know just the place."

"Bryan, what do you have in mind?" She asked as he pulled her into the courthouse building again.

"Follow me but be quiet." He whispered.

"Bryan." She said.

"You wanted spontaneous, you got spontaneous." He said as he pulled her into an empty office and locked

the door behind them.

"What if the person who works here comes in?" She giggled.

He picked her up and sat her on the desk and pulled his arms around her and kissed her passionately.

"Bryan are we going to do it here?" She asked. She felt his arousal hard against her. "Oh, I guess we are." She said as she reached down to touch him. He reached his hand between them and gently lowered her panties. Taylor gasped as his fingers touched her.

"This is so dangerous." She said.

"It’s exciting, spontaneous." He said as he stepped back and unzipped his fly. "I want you and I want you now."

"God yes." She moaned as she pulled her legs around his waist as he thrust himself into her. "Now I really remember why I love you so much." She told him.

"Shut up and kiss me." He teased as he hungrily took her mouth.

 

Ridge walked into the guesthouse and found Morgan sitting on a chair sadly staring into space.

"Where were you?" She asked softly.

"Sorry Morgan, I needed to get away. Something terrible happened and I needed to be alone. I went up to Big Bear."

"You could have called me."

"You’re right, I should have." He told her. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you."

"What happened?" She asked.

"Taylor, she lost her baby. I found her on the floor and took her to the hospital but it was too late Morgan, she lost her baby."

"She was pregnant? I didn’t know." Morgan said innocently. "Was it your baby Ridge? Is that why you care so much?"

"Morgan, it doesn’t matter whose baby it was. It was Taylor’s and she lost it. I love that woman and my heart is breaking for her. You have to try to be understanding about this. This has nothing to do with you and me."

"I am sorry for her Ridge, no woman should lose a child she loves. Maybe I should go visit her."

"She’s not home. She and Bryan went to Santa Domingo."

"They got married?" Morgan asked excitedly.

"Yeah, they followed our lead I guess. I suppose it makes you happy."

"I don’t want you to be sad Ridge."

"Well there’s nothing I can do about it anyway."

"Were you alone?"

"Actually I went up alone but Brooke and Michael had a fight and she ended up there too. I talked to her and I think they are going to work it out. I brought her home a little while ago."

"You are Brooke were alone in the cabin? I suppose you slept with her." She said with an angry pout.

"Now you sound like my mother. Brooke and I are past that. We’re just friends Morgan, believe me that’s all it is. We just sat up and talked and then I took her home."

"Why didn’t she just go home alone?"

"Her car died. I couldn’t get it going so I took her."

"How convenient." She said sarcastically.

"Morgan give me a break. Brooke and I being there together was an accident. Don’t make more of it than there is alright?"

"I’m sorry Ridge. I just thought you and I were starting to get along really well."

"Yeah I guess we are." He smiled weakly at her. "I’ll try harder to be a better husband to you. I know I should have called you and I really am sorry."

"I’m sorry too. You must be tired and hungry. Can I make you breakfast?"

"No thanks Morgan. I think I may sleep for awhile and then go in late. We have so much work for the showing."

"I know. I think I’ll go in ahead of you. I really am excited over my designs. Would you mind if I did that?’

"Sure, go ahead. Just tell Dad I’ll be in soon okay?"

"You bet." She smiled and walked over to him and kissed him. "I’m going to go change and then get right over there."

"Okay Morgan." Ridge said. He walked to their couch and sat down. He rubbed his head and closed his eyes. He was flooded with visions of Taylor and their lovemaking after their loss. His eyes welled with tears and he wiped them away to avoid more confrontation with Morgan. A few moments later she came out of the bedroom.

"Okay Ridge. I’m off. Will I see you there later?"

"Sure Morgan, there’s so much work to do. I’ll be in soon."

She gave him a quick kiss and walked out. As soon as he heard her drive off he walked outside. He stood by the door and stared longingly at the garden that Caroline had so lovingly planted for him. This time he made no attempt to stop the tears from flowing from his eyes. Sighing deeply he walked over to the flowers and got on his knees and started pulling out the few weeds that had grown. Looking skyward he wiped his face with the back of his hand.

"Well Caroline, here I am again." He said. "I sure wish you were here with me right now. I sure could use your strength. I lost my baby Caroline, I lost him before I ever had a chance to see him, to hold him. You and I never had a chance to have kids. You would have been such a wonderful mother. So loving. Just like Taylor is. Taylor and I have three wonderful children, but it should have been four. I feel so lost, so alone. Not only did I lose my child but I lost Taylor forever. It was all my fault. I know that now, I never learned how to be a good husband. I blew it with you and with Brooke and now I’ve blown it with Taylor. Oh honey, I really could have made this one work. I really think I learned. I think I’ve finally grown enough to do it but it was pulled away from me. You know Taylor opened my eyes. She told me what I had been doing all my life. But the problem is I didn’t listen to her until it was too late and I lost her forever. You would have been so proud of me today. I think I really helped Logan. I think I might have helped her save her marriage, can you imagine that Caroline? Me, stepping aside and pushing her back into the arms of a man who truly loves her. But I guess I can thank Taylor again. She saw what I was doing all too well and she called me on it." He wiped the tears that were streaming down his face. He bent to a fragrant blossom and smelled it. "These flowers, these beautiful flowers. They’re more than just that. They’re you honey. I can feel you touching me and encouraging me. Tell me Caroline. What should I do? I’m married to a woman that I don’t love. I know she loves me but I have tried and tried but I can’t feel the same for her. She’s carrying my baby. I want to love this baby, I don’t know if I can. It wasn’t conceived in love. It was conceived in deceit and trickery. But I know it isn’t the baby’s fault. Taylor wants me to be there for the baby. Oh God Caroline what have I done with my life. I have had so many wonderful women who have loved me and I’ve taken them all for granted. I feel so alone. So alone. If there is any way show me a sign, let me know if you think I’m doing the right thing. I really need your strength now." He stood up and looked at the flowers again. "Oh my beautiful Caroline. What a life we could have had." He shook his head and sadly walked back into the house.

 

Brooke got up and opened the door to let Thorne is. "Hi." She said. "I’m sorry to call you at this hour but I really thought you needed to get her home."

"Macy." Thorne said as he walked past Brooke and into the room. His eyes instantly found his wife and he walked over to her. "What’s goin’ on honey? Why are you here?" Macy looked strangely at him. "What is it Mace? You’re scaring me."

"Thorne." Brooke said to him. "There’s something we have to tell you."

"I don’t mean to be rude Brooke but this is between Macy and me." Thorne said not taking his eyes off Macy.

"Hello Thorne." Grant said.

Thorne immediately turned at the sound of his voice. "No! It’s impossible. It can’t be you? Who are you? Is this some kind of a sick joke?"

"I can assure you it’s not." Grant told him. "You remember me don’t you Thorne?"

"You aren’t Grant, you look sort of like him but you aren’t him."

"It is Grant Thorne." Brooke told him. "Grant is alive and doing quite well."

"How? How is it possible?" Thorne asked.

"Some people helped me Thorne, they went to a lot of risk to take me out of the country and get me help. I will be forever in their debt but the least you know about it right now the better it is." Grant told him. "I met Macy a few days ago. I didn’t know her. We just spent some time together. I’m still having problems with my memory right now."

"Your memory? What does memory and cancer have to do with each other?" Thorne asked.

"Thorne he was very sick." Brooke quickly came to Grant’s defense. "Why are you questioning him?"

"Why is he back? Why did he stay away for so long?"

"Thorne it’s a miracle." Macy said to him. "He’s come back to us. He’s alive and well and he’s come back to us." She walked over to Grant and clung to him again. "He’s back and we will never be apart again."

"Macy?" Thorne said wide eyed to her. "What are you telling me?"

"He’s my husband Thorne. I never stopped loving him, never."

"Take her home Thorne." Brooke told him. "This is too intense for Grant."

"So suddenly you care about him again? Like you did when he was shot? Or when you couldn’t keep your hands off my brother?"

"Knock it off Thorne!" Michael said sharply. "I already warned your wife. No one talks to my wife like that! Now take her home and get the hell out of my home!"

"Your home Copeland?" Thorne scoffed. "Ridge bought this home for her and he’s the only man that will ever make her truly happy. Good luck living up to his image!"

Michael started for Thorne but Brooke and Grant grabbed him and held him back.

"He’s not worth the energy Mike." Grant told him. He then turned to Macy. "You and I will talk again tomorrow. Just go home now honey. I promise we will straighten this out."

"But Grant I love you." Macy protested.

"Please leave both of you." Brooke said calmly. "My husband has a very bad temper and I can’t promise he won’t act on it if you don’t go."

"Yeah I’ve heard about him." Thorne said. "Looks like you picked another winner Brooke. Even my mother hates this guy."

"Then I guess I’m in good company because she hates me too." Brooke retorted.

"Come on Macy." Thorne said pulling her to the door.

"Noooo." Macy complained. "Grant please." She begged.

"I’ll talk to you tomorrow." He promised as Thorne pulled her outside and slammed the door.

"Wow." Grant said to Brooke and Michael. "Brooke please, you have to bring me up to date on this one."

"I will but I’m so tired Grant." Brooke said pleadingly. "Can we please get some sleep first?"

"Yeah I’m tired too." Grant agreed. "It’s been quite a night."

"Night?" Michael said looking at his watch. "It’s already morning."

"I don’t care." Brooke said. "Let’s go to bed." She put her arm around her husband.

"Let’s go." He agreed. The threesome walked upstairs to the bedrooms.

 

Ridge walked past Megan and into his office and sat at his desk. No sooner had he picked up a sketch and began to make notes on it when Stephanie walked in.

"Hello Mother." He said.

"Don’t you dare hello Mother me. What the hell is wrong with you? How could you do that? How could you stay at the cabin with that woman Ridge? How? Now what are you going to do? You’ll never get rid of her. She’ll be clinging to you like before. Why Ridge, why?"

"Oh Mother you don’t have to worry about anything."

"That slut has her foot in the door again Ridge. I bet she’s already made plans for a divorce."

Ridge looked at her and laughed. "Is that what you’re worried about? Oh mother. Don’t worry. Brooke and I already both contacted our lawyers. In fact I asked her to marry me and she said yes. What do you think Mother? Are you ready to have Brooke as your daughter in law again?"

"Oh my God Ridge! How can you be so stupid! She’ll ruin your life!"

"But Mother, we have such a wonderful sex life." Ridge laughed.

"That’s all she’s good for. Screw her if you have to but don’t throw your life away on her Ridge."

"Are you though?" He asked. "Because if you are I have a lot of work to do. Oh and by the way. Brooke and I are not lovers, we’re friends. She asked me for advice on her marriage and I took her home to her husband. Right now I expect she’s in bed making love to him. So you can stop worrying. I should be so lucky to have her." He looked at the picture of Morgan on his desk. "This is what I have Mother." He waved the picture at her. "Now please let me get some work done."

Stephanie looked at him and stormed out. Ridge looked at her and burst out laughing.

 

"It feels like a year." Brooke said to Michael, who was already in bed, as she brushed her hair. "I don’t ever want us to fight this way again. What we have is so good, so real. We have to talk things out. Not just react like that. I’m not blaming you. It was my fault as well. I never should have stormed up to Big Bear. It was just a bunch of circumstances that all built up and look what it almost did to us. I know I can trust you and I want you to know that you can trust me too. You can trust me with anything."

"I hope you don’t want to stay up and talk sweetheart because I am so tired." He said to her. "Are you almost ready to come to bed?"

"I’m ready." She smiled at him and climbed in next to him. "Hug." She said sweetly. He pulled her tightly into his arms spoon style and kissed her head.

"I’m sorry about everything Brooke. I don’t want us to fight either." He said with a deep yawn. "Never." He said sleepily.

"Good." She said. "Now if I remember correctly. The last time we were in this bed before Bridget walked in." She turned around to face him and laughed softly seeing that he was sound asleep. "Oh sweetie, I guess you really are tired." She said. She planted a soft kiss on his lips and he sleepily returned it. "I love you." She whispered.

"Ummm." He moaned as he pulled her closer. With a smile he fell back into a deep sleep. Contentedly Brooke held him and fell asleep safely in his arms.

"I wish we didn’t have to go home today." Bridget complained to Sara. "This is so much fun and I’m so tired of having so many people around me."

"Well I’d never complain having Rick and Michael around me. No way, complaining would be the last thing I’d do." She said as she licked her lips suggestively.

"Rick is my brother and Mike is well, he’s just Mike."

"Well just Mike and I are going to be doing the horizontal someday. I am going to have him Bridget, you mark my words." Sara said dreamily. "Why on earth you ever said those things to my mother I will never understand. He is so hot. I bet he is so great in bed."

"Is that all you ever think about?"

"Just about." Sara said with a smile. "And don’t even try and pretend you don’t thank that way about Josh Evans."

"Josh." Bridget sighed. "God I hope he asks me out. He is too cool."

"Well he is a step above Andy Gleason, now that guy is a geek."

"No way. I like Andy."

"Then why didn’t you sleep with him? Come on Bridget you aren’t a kid anymore. Don’t you know you have to do it if you want to keep a guy."

"Josh isn’t like that."

"Oh God Bridget like he’s in college. You know he gets it every day. I bet you never even saw a guy nude. I bet you never did." Sara teased.

"Actually Sara I saw someone that you would have loved to see. And he was so huge. I mean it was really big."

"Who? Who?" Sara begged. "Come on Bridget! You have to tell me."

"Shhh." Bridget said. "What if your mother is listening?"

"So she’s still in bed with that jerk she brought with her. Now tell me Bridget or else I swear I will tell Lisa that you want her brother."

"Okay but this has to be a secret."

"Alright it’s a secret just tell me!"

"Okay well he has this great body. I mean he has muscles in all the right places."

"Yeah, yeah." Sara encouraged her.

"And he’s older, he’s a man."

"Right Bridget, you saw a man in the nude. What was it? One of your mother’s Playgirl magazines?"

"No." Bridget said. "It was the real thing. He was so sexy and he was all big and ready and he looked me in the eyes and called out my name."

"No!" Sara screamed and giggled. "Come on Bridget you have to tell me."

"He had this body like a Greek sculpture. And he was so big and he was throbbing." Bridget teased.

"You are so lying Bridget. You never saw anyone."

"Oh yes I did Sara. It was Michael." She told her.

"No!" Sara screamed. "No way!"

"Yes I did." She giggled. The two girls started laughing and screaming and never noticed Debra Fulton walking away from the door looking sick and disturbed. She walked into the bedroom she was sharing with her boyfriend.

"Deb? What’s wrong?" He asked.

"Remember how I told you about that doctor that raped poor Bridget’s mother?"

"Yes, what about him? Are there charges being filed yet?"

"Oh Marty it’s so much worse. I think he did something to Bridget too. I just heard her talking to Sara. They didn’t know I was there. My God Marty that man is an animal. I think he had sex with poor Bridget. I have to talk to Dr. Ehlers. We have to put a stop to this man, we have to stop him now."

 

The man put down the copy of "Eye on Fashion" and called the waitress over to refill his coffee. He took a gulp of it and picked up the magazine again and opened to the page about the Forrester showing. "So Ridge, you have a new wife now. Well, well, well. Now how did this come about? Looks like I may have to be paying you a visit soon. Yes I think I’m going to have to do that." He smiled as he put down the magazine, took a twenty-dollar bill out of his pocket and left it for the two cups of coffee he had drunk and walked out of the diner.

 

"Connor, your next appointment is here. Shall I send her in?" Patti asked over the intercom.

"Sure Patti, send her right in." He told her. He stood up as a stunning auburn haired woman with the most striking green eyes he had ever seen entered his office. She was wearing a stylish green suit that was the exact color of her eyes. It was short and sexy and Connor couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

"Hello." She said warmly. "You must be Connor Davis, you’ve come highly recommended."

"Why thank you." He said as he took her extended hand. "What can I do for you Miss um?"

"Copeland, Adrienne Copeland." She smiled at him.

Changes Part 62

 

 

Laughing and holding hands Taylor and Bryan went back to their seats on the plane. The other passengers in first class stared at them which made them laugh even more.

"They know exactly what we were doing." Taylor told him.

"I’m sure they do." He grinned as he kissed her. "We’re allowed, it’s our honeymoon."

"You think we’ll ever want to do it in a boring old bed again?" She asked him.

"Baby anywhere that we are together is good enough for me. Nothing with you could ever be boring."

"Tell me that on our tenth anniversary."

"I’ll say it on our fiftieth." He beamed at her. "Are you happy baby?" He asked.

"Oh Bryan, if it wasn’t for the baby I’d be the happiest woman in the world."

"I know." He took her hand in his. "We will get past that Taylor. We will grieve and cry but we will get past it."

"I hate to do this to you now. This should be such a happy time for us."

"It is Taylor. We can be happy and sad at the same time. Life doesn’t always give us roses. But as long as we are together we can face anything. Now give me a smile." He touched her lips and she smiled at him. "That’s better. Now if you start getting the urge again I see the occupied sign is off again."

"Bryan we just came out of there." Taylor laughed.

"Well I got the urge." He grinned.

"Me too." She said as she took his hand and stood up.

 

Brooke was in the kitchen making lemonade when Bridget and Sara walked in. They were wearing their bikinis but Bridget had cut off short over hers and Sara was wearing a wrap around sarong.

"Hi girls!" Brooke said warmly as she hugged her daughter. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was great mom." Bridget told her. "We had so much fun."

"Good." She smiled. "Thanks for bringing Bridget Sara."

"Thanks for letting her come Mrs. Forrester." Sara answered.

"It’s Mrs. Copeland now Sara." Brooke said with a smile. "I guess you two are planning on swimming."

"Yeah." Bridget said as she grabbed an apple. "Where is everyone else?"

"Grant and I are out by the pool, I was just making some lemonade. Your brother isn’t home yet and Michael is asleep."

"Still?" Bridget asked.

"Still what?" Brooke said.

"Asleep." Bridget said.

"He had a rough couple of days honey."

"Oh yeah," She agreed. "How’s Jason?"

"Jason?" Brooke asked.

"The little boy. He was going to stay with him at the hospital the other night."

"Oh." Brooke said as she thought about it. "That’s where he was."

"Duh Mom." Bridget said. "Ready Sara?" She asked her friend.

"I think I’m going to go up to your room and download those MP3’s we were talking about first before I forget."

"Okay." Bridget said. "Mom, will you put stuff on my back?"

"Sure honey, grab some glasses and we can go out to the pool. Sara don’t stay upstairs too long, it’s such a nice day out."

"I won’t." Sara answered.

Brooke and Bridget grabbed the lemonade and the glasses and went out to the pool and Sara headed upstairs. She walked into Bridget’s room and turned on the computer. She walked over to the window and watched as Brooke put suntan lotion on Bridget’s back. She saw Grant was reading a magazine. "Good, they’re all busy." She said as she unwrapped the sarong from her waist and admired herself in the mirror. "Now let’s just see how right you are Bridget."

She quietly walked to Brooke’s bedroom and opened the door. "Wow." She whispered to herself seeing Michael sound asleep in the bed totally nude. "You weren’t kidding at all were you Bridget." She softly closed the door and sat down on the bed. "No time like the present." She said with a grin as her perfectly manicured finger reached down and touched him. "Nice, real nice." She said as she reached behind her and unclasped her bikini top and let it fall to the floor. "Should I?" She wondered. "Yeah." She said as she stood up and slid the bottoms off too. She carefully got back onto the bed and reached for him again. She smiled as she felt his body respond to her touch. "Yeah baby, let Sara take care of you." She lay down next to him and put her arms around him and ran her fingers up and down his body. She brought her lips to his and softly kissed him. She felt herself shiver as his lips moved with hers. Carefully she let her tongue slip into his mouth. Suddenly he pulled her tightly into his arms and returned the kiss full force. Happily she reached to his face and touched him gently.

"Oh Brooke, what a way to wake…What the hell!" He shouted as he saw Sara was the woman in his arms.

"Hi Mike." She said as brought her lips back to his. He pushed her from him and grabbed the sheet from the floor and covered himself up with it.

"What the hell are you doing?" He said to her. He was in a complete panic.

"Come on Mike, make love to me, I know you want to."

"Sara, put your clothes on and get the hell out of here."

"But Mike, I really want you. Please don’t push me away."

"Why Sara? Why are you doing this?"

"I’ve wanted you from the first time I saw you. And Sara always gets what she wants."

"You’re not getting me." He said shaking his head. He got up from the bed and grabbed the jeans he had taken off the night before and quickly put them on.

"Now don’t be mad." She said as she walked over to him and put her arms around him. "I really like you Mike, don’t you like me?"

"Are you crazy? You’re just a kid and I’m a happily married man."

"And I can make you even more happy." She said as she grabbed for his zipper. He grabbed her hand tightly and held it away.

"Put your clothes on now!" He shouted.

"No! I want you to make love to me." She said as she reached for him.

"You little bitch."

"I want you and I am going to have you."

"What the f*ck am I? A piece of meat?"

"Yum." She said. She took his hand and pulled it quickly between her legs. He pulled it away is if he had been burned. "Did you feel how wet I am for you?"

He reached to the floor and grabbed her bikini and handed it to her. "Put this on now!" He demanded.

"Alright." She said as she put on a show by slowly dressing. When she was dressed she walked up close to him and put her hands on his chest. "The next time I won’t take no for an answer and you better believe that your wife will see us if you don’t go along."

"You are a sick little girl and you need help. You need real help."

"The only help I need is making you see how much you want me." She smiled and walked out of the room. Michael sat down on the bed and held his head in his hands.

"Oh God, what am I going to do?" He asked aloud.

 

Sara walked outside and sat on a lounge next to Bridget.

"Did you download?" She asked her.

"I sure did." Sara said with a grin. Brooke walked over and handed her a glass of lemonade.

"Here you go honey." She said with a smile. "I’m glad you decided to join us. It’s way too nice to be inside today."

"Oh inside is pretty nice too." Sara smiled back.

A few minutes later a very pale and shaken Michael walked outside. He looked for Brooke and saw her talking to Grant. He walked over to her and pulled her aside.

"We have to talk."

"What’s wrong honey?" She asked. "You look sick."

"I am sick Brooke." He said shaking his head. "Please I have to talk to you right now before I chicken out."

"What ever can be so wrong?"

"Brooke please." He said angrily. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the pool house.

"They’re going to finish what I started." Sara whispered to Bridget.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nevermind." Sara grinned.

 

Michael practically pushed Brooke onto a chair.

"What’s the matter?" She asked. "You really look ill Michael."

"Honey, I am so sick. I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to do about this."

"Just tell me." She said as she touched his forehead. "Honey do you have a fever?"

"Brooke, please just listen to me. Sara came on to me."

"Oh Michael, she has a crush on you. You are cute you know."

"Brooke I’m serious. She took her clothes off and got into the bed with me."

"What?" Brooke said. "No. Not Sara. I’ve known that girl all her life."

"Do you think I’m lying to you Brooke? It was more than that, much more."

Brooke looked at him and saw how upset he was. She realized that he was dead serious.

"What happened?" She asked softly.

"She. Oh God Brooke this is so embarrassing. I was asleep, you know I was."

"Michael!" She said sharply. "No. I will not listen to this." She started to get up but her grabbed her arm.

"You are going to hear me out." He looked pleadingly at her. "Brooke you have to."

"I don’t want to hear this." She said.

"That won’t make it go away. Brooke, I just told you! She took her clothes off and got into bed with me, she stuck her tongue down my throat. She tried to get me to have sex with her."

"Oh my God. You’re serious." Brooke said turning away and looking out the window at the girls. She thought about it for a moment and then turned back to him. "Honey I think maybe you’re making too much out of this. She’s a young woman who is starting to feel urges. She was attracted to a sexy older man. I bet she’s scared to death right now. She’s never going to try something like that again."

"No Brooke! I’m dead serious. That sick little girl is going to get my ass hauled into jail. What the f*ck am I going to do? I gotta call Bryan. I need help and I need it now."

"Honey no. I’m sure she wants to forget it ever happened."

"All she cares about is getting laid. That oversexed little slut. Brooke what the hell am I going to do?"

"I can’t believe that little girl could do that."

"She isn’t a little girl Brooke, she’s a young woman. A nasty, vindictive woman. Why the hell did she pick me?"

"I don’t know. This isn’t your fault. You just have to be careful not to encourage her."

"Honey you really don’t think I’d sleep with her do you?"

"No, oh course not. I just think you have to be careful that she doesn’t misinterpret you. You do tend to flirt Michael."

"Brooke!"

"Well you do."

"I have never encouraged that girl. I barely noticed her. But I am worried. I can see her causing trouble."

"I don’t think so." Brooke said. "Michael, she’s really just a kid."

"Well I think we have to take it very seriously. She’s a little bitch and I wish Bridget would stop hanging around with her."

 

"Sit down Miss Copeland." Connor said. "Can I get you some coffee?"

"That would be lovely." She smiled at him. "As long as it’s no trouble."

"Not at all." He said. "I’ll be right back." He smiled at her as he walked out to Patti’s desk. "Patti, be an angel and get us some coffee. Pick up some Danish or something too and then when you get back you can take an early lunch if you want."

"Sure boss." She said. "I’ll be back in a minute."

Connor went back into the office and sat down. "My secretary is going down to the coffee shop. Our coffee maker is acting up and I wouldn’t even think of offering you the dredge I get out of that." He smiled at her. "So, what is the nature of your business?"

"Well I own a boutique on Wilshire Boulevard. You may have heard of it. It’s called AC’s on WB. I sell designer women’s clothing. All the best."

"Yes." He said. "I have heard of it. It seems to be quite a successful business."

"Yes it is." She said. She opened her briefcase and handed him some papers. "When I opened the business I was married and my ex-husband is still a part owner. I’d like to buy him out."

"I see, and have you approached him on this?"

"I’ve mentioned it in the past. He isn’t involved at all in the business but he makes a pretty profit. I’m not looking to screw him. I just want it to be mine and mine alone."

"And how long have you been divorced?"

"Two years. It’s amicable Mr. Davis. In fact you might say it’s more than amicable."

"Are you suggesting that you still have some kind of relationship?"

"We’re friends. Close friends." She said with a smile. "Michael and I wanted different things in life. But we never had problems in the bedroom if you catch my drift."

"Michael?" Connor said with wide eyes.

"Do you know my ex?" She asked.

"Is he a surgeon?"

"Yes he is." She said. "I had no idea you were aquatinted."

"Miss Copeland." He started.

"Adrienne please."

"I’m not sure if I’m the right lawyer for you. Perhaps it would be better if I put you in touch with an associate of mine."

"Now why would that be?" She asked. "I have heard nothing but good things about you and I really looked forward to working with you. I do have quite a lot of business that I would be throwing your way."

"This is a rather uncomfortable situation. You see I was engaged to be married to the present Mrs. Copeland."

"The what?" She asked. This time it was her turn to be shocked.

"Michael’s new wife, Brooke."

"The pretty blonde." She said. "Well, well, well. Mike took the plunge again? How do you like that?"

"Then you didn’t know."

"No Mr. Davis, I didn’t know. In fact I am floored by this news. Mike swore to me over and over that he would slit his throat before he ever married again." She laughed a deep, sexual, throaty laugh. "I guess his throat healed quite well. May I ask you? How long have they been married?"

"Not very long at all. It was very sudden. In fact I thought I was still Brooke’s, well I thought we were still on the same wavelength. They eloped in Las Vegas."

"Ah." She said. "Then I know exactly when it happened. I met them the day they left for Vegas. I was at the airport and Mike was getting the plane ready. How interesting. But I must ask, why would this keep you from representing me?"

"Well in light of your relationship with Michael and mine with Brooke."

"Oh but you misunderstand me. Mike and I had some fun together, but I certainly don’t want to get in the way of a marriage. I’m just surprised that he hasn’t gotten around to telling me yet."

"Perhaps he doesn’t want you to know."

"I see you Do know him." She smiled. "Mike and commitments are like oil and water. I’m afraid to say your friend doesn’t have much of a chance of a long, happy marriage. Although she will have fun in the bedroom."

"Personally I hope Brooke is very happy, she means a lot to me."

"I can see that. But as I said, this is no reason for us not to do business together. We’re both adults."

"Yes we are." Connor agreed. "I will be happy to represent you."

"Wonderful." She said with a genuine smile. "So where do we start?"

"Well perhaps you can tell me exactly how involved Michael is and was with the business."

"Well like I said before he makes a tidy profit, but he’s never had anything to do with the hands on running of the business."

"Did he finance you?"

"Yes he did. You realize he was a successful surgeon when we married. He put a lot of his own money into my shop and helped secure loans for me."

"And have you repaid him?"

"Perhaps you would like to see our divorce settlement. I have the papers with me." She opened her briefcase and handed him another folder.

"You are well prepared, I’m impressed."

Patti walked in with a tray of coffee and Danish. "Here you go Mr. Davis." She said.

"Thanks Patti." He said. "Did Bryan call today?"

"Not yet." She replied.

"Okay, let me know if he does."

"Are we expecting him back this week?"

"Yeah, he has a couple of court cases. He said he’d take time off later."

"Okay Connor, I’ll buzz you if he calls." She said and then she left.

"So, where were we?" Connor asked.

"We were discussing how much I owe or don’t owe my darling ex." Adrienne smiled.

"Well I will have to look at these papers before I can advise you one way or another. But it really will depend on how Michael feels about this. If he’s willing to sit down and talk I doubt we will have a problem at all."

"Well Mike can be difficult." She laughed. "He loves to throw his weight around. You know Connor, you don’t mind if I call you Connor do you?" She asked.

"Oh course not."

"Well this whole marriage thing may changes things. He may feel strange around me if his pretty little new wife is around."

"Meaning?"

"Well Mike and I had continued our relationship long after the divorce. But then again being faithful was never one of his strong points either."

"Is that why you two broke up?" Connor asked with genuine interest.

"I got tired of finding other women’s things in my bed."

"I was afraid of that."

"Mike has this habit of trying out his creations." She laughed. "He loves a good boob job. There was this woman who had it so bad for him she kept making them bigger and bigger." She looked at Connor and grinned. "I was afraid the next time she would topple over from the weight of those things. But he didn’t seem to mind."

"I was under the impression he was more involved with accident victims and such."

"His charity work." She said with a throaty laugh. "It makes him look good with the board. But no, Mike is motivated by money and sex. Not necessarily in that order."

"And that is one of the reasons you think he may give you a hard time?"

"Well maybe he’ll be glad to get rid of me."

"I wouldn’t."

"How sweet." She smiled. "Maybe you should call him and set up an appointment where we can all meet. He can bring wifey too if he wants."

"There’s no reason to involve Brooke, not unless Michael wants too."

"You’re very protective of your friend. In that you are similar to Mike. He is fiercely loyal. Not sexually but as a person. He does run to the violent though. He’s raised his fists in my defense."

"Well I can appreciate a man defending his woman."

"Oh me too. He just tends to get himself into trouble, but enough about Mike."

"May I ask you why you still use his name?"

"I used it when I started my business and it just stuck. I never changed it back. Actually my maiden name is Banner. But my last name was never as much a problem as my first."

"How so?"

"Well I’m sure you would be tired of being addressed as "Yo" since Rocky came out." She laughed.

"You have a wonderful sense of humor." He said with a chuckle.

"It’s helpful when you marry a man like Mike." She laughed again. "There I go, talking about him again. I assure you Connor, I am not obsessed with him. I’m really not. I just want my business to be mine."

"Well I think we can work that out. Perhaps you can leave me these papers, I can review them and we can meet again in a day or two."

"Actually I was hoping you’d have dinner with me."

"Is that an invitation?"

"Yes, I guess it is."

"I’d be honored." He told her. "Where and when can I pick you up?"

Adrienne handed him her business card. "I’ll be there until seven. Why don’t we meet there?"

"Perfect." He agreed. He stood up and took her hand. "It has truly been a pleasure."

"For me too." She smiled. "Until tonight." She said. She picked up her briefcase and walked out of the office.

"What a fascinating woman." He said aloud.

Bryan opened the door to the beach house but just as Taylor was about to enter he swooped her up into his arms and carried her inside.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she laughed melodically.

"I’m carrying my bride over the threshold, what do you think I’m doing?" He answered.

"Put me down! I’m too heavy!" She complained.

"You? Never." He told her as her gently put her down on the couch.

"Home at last." She said. "I have to call Katherine and get my kids home."

"I have to check in at the office and make sure things are running without me." Bryan smiled. "I’ll use my cell phone." He reached into his pocket for his phone.

Taylor picked up the phone in the living room and hit in the number for Katherine. It rang several times and her machine picked up. "Darn." Taylor said. "Hi Katherine, it’s Taylor. We’re home and anxious to see the children. Please bring them home when you get my message and thank you so much for taking them on such short notice." She hung up and looked sadly at Bryan.

"I’m sure they are just at the park or the store or something. She knew we were coming home today." Bryan assured her.

"I know, but I really miss them." She pouted. "I’m going to make some tea. Call me if the phone rings."

"You can get it in the kitchen."

"No." She said. "The phone is broken. I dropped it when, when. You know."

"I’m sorry." He said as he walked over to her and hugged her. "Try not to think about it too much."

"I’m trying Bryan, it’s just so hard."

"I’m going to go change. I’ll call Connor from the bedroom."

"Okay." She answered. "Don’t be long, I’ll miss you."

He smiled and walked into the bedroom. Taylor picked up the phone and looked at it is if trying to make a decision. Finally she punched in another number.

"Ridge Forrester."

"Hi." She said.

"Doc, you’re home?" He asked hopefully. "What happened?"

"I had to call you. I needed to tell you. We did it Ridge, Bryan and I are married."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

"Ridge?"
"I heard you Doc. Do you want me to say congratulations? That isn’t going to be too easy."

"No Ridge. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I know it’s hard. I never wanted to hurt you."

"I know that honey." He answered. "Are you happy?" He asked.

"Don’t ask me that Ridge."

"I won’t like the answer huh? Okay. But please don’t let him ever make you sad."

"He won’t. And Ridge, he won’t ever get in the way between you and your children."

"I know that." He answered sadly. "I miss you. I think I’ll always miss you."

"I’ll always miss you too. But we will be friends, please tell me you’ll be my friend."
"Forever." He said. "Doc, I have to go. You take care." She listened as the phone disconnected. She felt the tears well up in her eyes at the same time that Ridge was wiping the tears from his own.

Taylor walked into the kitchen and filled the kettle with water and turned on the burner. The broken phone on the counter caught her eye. She picked it up and stared at it.

"Oh Morgan, how did you turn so violent? That little baby is going to need his daddy so much." She looked down at the phone and felt herself start to cry again. "Oh Ridge, why did we have to lose our baby? Why? Please forgive me for sending you back to her but your baby really needs you."

 

Brooke and Michael walked out of the pool house and sat down near Grant. Michael turned to look at the girls and Sara met his glance and smiled at him and waved. He quickly turned away from her and gave his attention back to Grant and his wife.

"What’s wrong Mike?" Grant asked.

"Nothing." He said turning once more to look at Sara. She smiled again and licked her lips suggestively. "Did you see that?" He asked Brooke.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing." He answered crankily.

"Why don’t you go back in and try and get more sleep." Brooke suggested.

"I couldn’t sleep now if you begged me." He answered. "Is she going to stay all day?"

"Do you want me to ask her to leave?" Brooke said. "How would that look?"

"I really don’t care how it looks. I can’t even relax around here with her around."

Grant looked at him quizzically.

"Sara has a crush on Michael." Brooke explained. "It’s making him nervous."

"She’s cute Mike, you gonna make a play for her?" Grant joked.

"This is serious." Michael said. "I wish you would both take it that way. I can’t go through something like this again. I just can’t do it."

Brooke looked at her husband. "Honey do you want me to have a talk with her?"

"That would only make it worse. I know how she operates. This isn’t over Brooke, It’s not one bit over."

"Maybe we should both talk to her. I’m sure she’s very embarrassed by what happened."

"What happened?" Grant asked.

"Nothing." Michael muttered.

"Well it sounds like something. If I can do anything to help." Grant said.

"Yeah, you can save your money to post bail." Michael said as he got up and walked into the house.

 

The man put down the phone and wrote some information on a piece of paper. He picked it up and read it to himself and smiled. "Well my friend. It won’t be long. It won’t be long at all."

 

Adrienne came out of the dressing room wearing a sleek black dress. She walked to the mirror and twirled around.

"You look great boss." The young woman said to her.

"Yeah I do, don’t I?" Adrienne said. "I don’t know why I’m so nervous. This guy really got to me."

"A lawyer?" She asked.

"Yes, and would you believe it Melissa? He knows Mike."

"Is that good or bad?" Melissa asked her.

"I really don’t know, what I do know is that I am very excited about this dinner tonight. It’s been awhile since I was with a man who turned me on as much as Mike does."

"Are you sure this isn’t about making him jealous?"

"If I wanted Mike all I’d have to do is wag my finger at him and he’d come running. You don’t know this but we actually slept together the day before he married that woman. No, if I want him back he’s mine. That I can guarantee you Melissa." Adrienne laughed.

Changes Part 63

 

Connor rolled over and found himself facing a beautiful auburn headed woman. At first he was confused and then he remembered. "Adrienne." He whispered softly. What a night they had had. A romantic candlelit dinner, dancing, a walk on the beach and then she had asked him to take her back to his place. There they had shared a brandy and she told him point blank that she wanted to spend the night. He had not refused. They had made love for hours in ways that Connor had never tried before. Her captivating laugh and her beautiful smile had made him feel more alive than he had since Brooke had left him. He looked at the long, lean yet voluptuous body and wondered if Michael had done any enhancements for her. If so he was as good as they said. He felt himself growing hard just remembering the prior hours. He tenderly reached over and touched her face.

"Hi." She said. "I hope you aren’t regretting last night."

"Not at all." He smiled at her.

"Good. What time is it?"

"Early, only seven. What time do you open your shop?"

"Ten, unless we have a special client. But I have an assistant who opens. I don’t usually get there until noon, so if you’re inclined we have plenty of time."

"Oh I’m inclined." He said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Adrienne felt his arousal rub against her belly.

"Oh yeah." She purred. "You are inclined." She said as she reached down to stroke him.

 

"Who the hell can be calling at this hour?" Michael asked Brooke as the phone woke them up.

"I don’t know. Maybe it’s Forrester. I’ll get it." She reached for the phone and picked it up. As she reached the sheets slid down exposing her breasts. Michael smiled as his fingers immediately started tracing circles around them.

"Hello." Brooke said with a laugh as she smiled at her husband.

"Um, is this Dr. Copeland’s?" A young woman asked.

"Yes, may I ask who’s calling?" She said as she swatted his hand that was inching it’s way down her body.

"It’s Heather, from his office."

"Just a minute Heather." She said as she felt his finger enter her. She gasped and turned to him. "Michael." She whispered. "It’s your office."

"Sh*t." He said. He gently slid his finger out of her and slowly let it trace it’s way back to her breast. "Don’t let me forget where I was."

"Not on your life." She said with a kiss as she handed him the phone.

"Heather?" He asked.

"Yeah it’s me. Are you coming in for the tickets or do you want me to messenger them out to you? I don’t have the address. You only gave me the phone number."

"Tickets?" He asked.

"Your seminar in New York." She reminded him.

"And when is that?"

"Dr. Copeland it’s tomorrow. Your flight is today at two."

"Cancel it." He said. "I’ll reschedule for the, oh God." He said as he felt Brooke’s hand take him and stroke him.

"Dr. Copeland?"

"This is a bad time Heather." He pulled Brooke into his arms and whispered in her ear. "You know I can f*ck you and talk at the same time."

"Sounds like a plan." She giggled.

"But Dr. Copeland." Heather spoke up. "You are the scheduled lecturer."

"Sh*t!" He said. "I forgot all about that. Oh my God." He felt Brooke’s mouth surround him.

"Is something wrong?" Heather asked.

Michael took a deep breath. "Heather, my wife is fooling around with me right now, I’m going to have to call you back." He shut off the phone, laid back, closed his eyes and grinned as he enjoyed his wife’s antics.

"You want me to stop?" Brooke asked momentarily taking her mouth away.

"No." He said with a deep breath. "No, please Brooke, no."

"Ummmm." She mumbled as she continued.

 

Thorne stood outside the spare bedroom that Macy had moved into upon the discovery about Grant. She had closed the door not only to the room but to her heart. The woman he had found love with once again no longer wanted him and he was heartbroken. He had spent the prior day trying to reason with her but it did him no good. All she would talk about was Grant and how she loved him and when was he going to call and how they would be together again. He knew he had to do something fast if he had any chance of keeping her but what? He knew he couldn’t force her to stay with him. But he also felt that Grant had changed and that he no longer wanted what Macy did. Maybe he could find another woman to get Grant’s attention. He just couldn’t lose another woman like he lost Brooke, He just couldn’t.

 

Brooke fell on Michael’s chest with exhaustion. She had brought him to completion and then they had made love twice. She was amazed at the stamina that they had together. As tired as she felt her body was already longing for more. Her lips reached his and their tender kiss turned passionate as she felt him hardening inside her. "My God Michael, you’re like that pink bunny in the commercials." She laughed. He rolled her over to her back and started moving and building up a rhythm with her. Brooke moaned in pleasure as she felt herself having another intense orgasm. Michael grabbed her buttocks and pulled her tighter to him and they found themselves climaxing together.

After lying there quietly panting in each other’s arms Michael moved out of her and rolled onto his back. He reached for her and took her hand and brought it to his mouth and kissed it.

"If I haven’t already told you today, I love you Brooke."

"You told me without words." She said with a smile. "And I love you too."

"Don’t think I don’t know it." He grinned. "Brooke Logan Copeland, you are the best thing that ever happened to me and don’t you forget it."

"Oh Michael." She said as tears came to her eyes. "I can’t even imagine my life without you anymore."

"Don’t even try, it’ll never happen." He reached over and kissed her. "But I have some bad news."

"The phone call?" She asked. "You have to go away don’t you?"

"New York." He answered. "I’m heading a seminar. I had forgotten all about it. I’d ask you to come but I’ll be tied up all day. We could have the nights together though."

"How long are you going to be gone?" She asked.

"Three days."
"And three nights." She sighed.

"Come with me."

"I wish I could but there’s Bridget and the showing. This is such a bad time for me."

"I understand." He said. "I guess we’ll just have to get along on phone sex for a couple of days."

"You are so bad." She giggled.

"I’m serious. I’ll call you and we can see who can make each other come first."

"Michael, you are a devil." She laughed. "Besides, you know I’ll win."

"You mean you’ll come first?" He asked.

"Nope! I can do it to you before you can do it to me."

They both started laughing. "I don’t want to go." He told her.

"They’re counting on you. Besides I think it’s time I showed my face back at the office. I don’t want Ridge and Eric to think I’ve totally given up on the business."

"Are you thinking about it?" He asked.

"Well, maybe it would be nice to stay at home and take care of you and maybe a baby." She suggested.

"A baby?" He asked, his face turning pale.

"What did I say?" She asked. "I thought you liked kids."

"I do Brooke, but I’m really not ready for that yet."

"It’s not that I’m pressuring you but I’m not getting any younger."

"You’re plenty young for me." He said.

"Seriously Michael, can we talk about this?"

"Can it wait till I get back from New York?"

"Sure, I don’t want to upset you." She looked sadly at his shaken looking face.

"You aren’t, it’s just I hadn’t really thought about it."

"Well we did talk about it right after we got married."

"I was all caught up in the moment Brooke. I’m not saying never, I’m just saying not yet okay?"

"Okay Michael."

"Are you mad?" He asked her.

"Do I look mad?" She asked as she pulled herself into his arms and kissed him. "I don’t care if we have kids or not, as long as I have you." She sighed as she put her head down on his chest. She looked up at him and smiled but deep inside she was wondering how she was going to change his mind.

 

 

Grant picked up the phone and punched in the number that Brooke had given him for Macy. He felt guilty that he hadn’t called her the previous day as he had promised. He listened to the phone ring and then he heard Thorne answer.

"Hello."

"Thorne? It’s Grant."

"What do you want?"

"Is Macy there?"

"Why don’t you leave her alone Chambers? You forgot about her for all these years. Why come back now?"

"It’s not my fault Thorne. I promised her I’d call her. Is she there?"

"She’s sleeping."

"Will you tell her I called?"

"Why should I?"

"Because I asked you to. Come on Thorne, I’m not trying to cause trouble. She seemed really upset. I just want to talk to her."

"It’s over Chambers, go find yourself another woman."

"Thorne please." Grant begged him. "You don’t want to see her drinking like that. Brooke told me that it was all because she’s so confused. Won’t you let me help her?"

"Like Brooke cares about Macy." Thorne scoffed.

"This isn’t about Brooke. It’s about what Brooke and Mike told me about myself and about Macy. Thorne I’m trying to understand this myself. It isn’t easy so won’t you give me a break and let me talk to her?"

"Hold on." Thorne said as he put the phone down. He walked to Macy’s door and opened it. Macy looked up at him from the bed.

"Thorne?" She said.

"Grant is on the phone."
"Grant!" She said happily. She reached for the phone at her bedside. "Hello, Grant?"

"Hi Macy."

"Oh Grant, I’m so glad you called."

"Sorry about yesterday, things were crazy around here. Can we talk today?"

"Of course." She said.

"Can you come over here? It will be easier with out Thorne around."

"Sure honey." She replied. "When should I come?"

"Anytime."

"I’ll see you soon." She said gleefully. "I love you Grant."

"I’ll see you soon." He said and hung up.

Thorne gently hung up his extension and walked into the bedroom.

"Why Macy? After all this time? Why him again? We had such a great thing."

"I’m sorry Thorne but I love him." She said.

 

Brooke and Michael had been at the open door kissing goodbye for almost half an hour when Grant walked over to them.

"You’re still here?" He joked.

"Would you be anxious to leave her?" Michael replied.

"No," Grant answered honestly. "No, I wouldn’t."

"Take good care of her Grant. And Brooke don’t work too hard. It’s going to be tough getting back into the routine again."

"I’ll be fine. Now you remember to call me tonight."

"And you be in bed naked waiting for that call." He said with a smile.

Grant looked at them.

"Phone sex." Brooke said casually.

"Whatever." Grant said with a laugh.

"I love you honey." Michael said as he kissed her once more.

"I love you." She answered. "Hurry home, I miss you already."

They shared one more kiss and Michael walked away and got into his car and took off. Brooke wiped the tears from her eyes as she waved to him.

"How long is he going to be gone?" Grant asked.

"Three whole days." Brooke said sadly.

Grant laughed. "I think you can handle it. If not I’ll fill in."

"I bet you would." Brooke laughed. She put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Oh Grant I still can’t get over the fact I have you back again."

"Thanks to you." He said.

"And your strong will." Brooke said as she touched his face. "I love you."

"Oh Brooke." He said misinterpreting her meaning. He pulled her into his arms and brought his lips to hers and kissed her passionately. Out of a sense of sympathy and caring Brooke let herself return his kiss. Neither of them noticed Macy as she stood there watching them. Finally Brooke pulled away from him. "The last time I let you do that to me it practically ruined my life."

"It’s not the same with Mike though." He said. "That man loves you so much."

"And I love him. Please don’t make something out of that kiss that wasn’t there. I do love you Grant, but not that way."
"I know." He said with a sad smile. He reached up and touched her nose. "But I wish you did."

She hugged him again and they went inside and closed the door.

"You bitch Brooke. It’s not bad enough you play with Thorne’s feelings and your own husband but now Grant. I could kill you." Macy muttered.

 

Taylor was playing with the twins when the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi baby." Bryan said. "I just got off the phone with the minister and the church is set for a week from Saturday. Now we can start telling people and we can ask Connor and Brooke."

"That’s fantastic." She said. "I can’t wait to tell my father. He was so disappointed that he wasn’t at our wedding. This will make him so happy."

"I hope it makes you happy too Taylor."

"I’m very happy." She told him. "How’s work going?"

"Connor isn’t in yet but things are running just fine. I should be home early today. I have court and then I’ll head home."

"Any requests for dinner?"

"You." He said. "And more you and then a little more you."

"You have me." She laughed. "But seriously."

"Anything your heart desires." He told her. "You want to go out?"

"No, I’d rather be home with the kids."

"Okay then anything. I’ll see you later. I love you."

"I love you too." She said and they hung up the phone. "I gotta call Brooke." She said. She hit the number for Brooke’s house.

"Hello."

"Hi Brooke."

"Taylor!" Brooke said excitedly. "You’re home!"

"We got home yesterday."

"So? How does it feel being Mrs. Jackson?" She asked.

"It feels good Brooke. I feel very safe and secure. And loved."

"I’m happy for you."

"Thanks Brooke. I have to tell you it was the strangest ceremony ever. It was all business and all in Spanish. I barely knew we were married."

"Oh no, that doesn’t sound very romantic."

"Well we made up for that later. But Brooke we’ve decided to have a real wedding, in a church."

"When?" Brooke squealed with excitement.

"A week from Saturday, now I have to ask you an important question."

"Yes?"

"Will you be my matron of honor?"

"Oh Taylor! Yes!" Brooke said. "Oh how exciting. I can’t wait."

"There is just one thing."

"What?"

"Bryan is asking Connor to be best man. I hope that won’t make you uncomfortable."

"Not in the least. Connor and I are adults, besides he’s still my friend."

"Great. I have to see about the arrangements. I’ll call you when I have more details."

"You let me know what I can do to help." Brooke told her. "Oh, by the way. I’m going back to work today so if you don’t get me here you can catch me at Forrester."

"Now don’t overdo it Brooke, you haven’t been back since the shooting."

"I’m fine Taylor. I wish you and Michael would relax."

"We care about you."

"I know you do but I’m fine, really. Oh Taylor I’m so excited for you."

"I’ll talk to you later Brooke. I have a million phone calls to make."

"Okay honey. Call me for anything okay?"

"I will and thanks Brooke."

They hung up and Taylor punched in another number.

"Hello, Ridge Forrester."

"Hi Ridge."

"Hello Taylor. What’s up?"

"I have some news and I wanted you to hear it from me."

"What now?" He asked.

"Bryan and I are going to have a wedding, a church wedding a week from Saturday. I’d really like you to come if you can do it."

"That’s asking too much of me Doc. You can’t expect me to sit in a church and watch the woman I love marry another man."

"We’re already married Ridge. This is just to make it real."

"It’s already way too real for me. Taylor I wish you only the best but I’m sorry. I just can’t do this."

"I understand Ridge. I’m sorry."

"Don’t be Doc, I really appreciate you telling me like this." He was silent for a moment. "Taylor, I love you and I will always love you."

"I love you too Ridge, I’m sorry." She said. She quickly hung up and buried her head in her hands. "I have to get over you, I just have to." She cried.

 

Brooke was grinning from ear to ear when she heard the doorbell ring, she walked to the door and was surprised to see Macy standing there.

"Macy? What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Grant called me. May I come in?"

"Sure." She said stepping aside to allow her entrance. "Grant!" She called. "Macy is here." She turned to Macy. "I think he’s upstairs. I’ll go get him."

"I can go." Macy told her.

"Suit yourself." Brooke said. "He’s in the first door on the right."

Without another word to Brooke Macy walked past her and up the stairs.

 

Connor walked into the office with a spring in his step and whistling a tune.

"You’re in a good mood today." Patti commented.

"You bet I am." He said. "Is Bryan here?"

"He’s in his office."

"Is he alone?"

"Yes he is."

"Great." He said as he walked to the office, opened the door and walked in. "Good morning Bryan. Welcome back."

"Hey Connor!" Bryan said. "I’m glad you’re here. I have something to ask you."

"Shoot." Connor said with a broad smile.

"What’s with you man?" Bryan asked. "If I didn’t know better I’d swear that."

"I did." Connor grinned. "She’s a fascinating woman but it’s very complicated. I’ll tell you about it as soon as you ask me your question and tell me about your wedding."

"Well the wedding was, I guess you could call it different. It was all in Spanish and it lasted about five minutes. But we made a decision, we’re getting married in a church here at home a week from Saturday."

"Wonderful." Connor exclaimed. "And I think I have an idea of what your question is and if it is what I think the answer is a resounding yes."

"Thanks man." Bryan said. "I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather want to have stand up for me." He shook his hand. "Now tell me about this woman."

 

Brooke was headed upstairs to change from work when the doorbell rang again. "Now who is it?" She asked aloud. She walked to the door and opened it. Before her stood a familiar looking, striking auburn haired woman.

"You?" Adrienne asked. "I thought it was the other blonde."

"Excuse me." Brooke said. "Do I know you?"

"We’ve met. I’m Adrienne Copeland. And I understand you are Mike’s new wife."

"Adrienne." Brooke said. "Am I wrong, weren’t you brunette when we met?"

"Highlights." She said. "So you are Brooke. I really thought he married the other blonde."

"Nope, he married me." Brooke said. "What can I do for you Adrienne?"

"I’m looking for Mike."

"He’s not home. Can I help you with something?"

"Oh I doubt it." Adrienne smiled. "I tried his office and he wasn’t there, I just assumed he’d be here. When is he expected back?"

"He’s at a conference. What do you need with him?"

"It’s really not your business." She said with a phony smile. "I suppose it will have to wait until he returns." She peered inside the house. "I’m surprised you’re living here. Mike’s house is so wonderful, and the bedroom is to die for."

"Yes it is." Brooke said. "But Michael loves it here so much. It’s home for all of us."

"All? Do you have a family?"

"I have two children."

"That’s good. At least you don’t have to deal with never having kids."

"Michael and I will have children, not that it’s any of your business."

"And how do you propose to do that?" Adrienne laughed.

"The usual way. "Brooke said sarcastically.

"And what is the usual way with a man who’s had a vasectomy?" Adrienne asked. Brooke looked at her and felt herself getting lightheaded. "Oh dear." Adrienne said sweetly. "You didn’t know. Maybe I’ve overstayed my welcome. Just tell Mike I was looking for him. No, on second thought I’ll find him."

Adrienne walked to her car and got in. Brooke saw her laughing as she drove away. Brooke closed the door and inched her way to the couch and fell onto it.

"No." She said. "No. Michael, you would have told me. I know you would have."

"Mom? What’s wrong?" Bridget asked as she and Sara walked into the house.

"Nothing." Brooke said weakly. "I just felt ill, I’m alright now. Hello Sara." She said.

"Hello Mrs. Forrester." Sara said with a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Copeland." Brooke said softly. "It’s Copeland." She whispered as Bridget and Sara headed out to the pool.

Brooke sat there staring into space. She was so stunned and taken back by what Adrienne had said she didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. She knew she couldn’t discuss this with anyone until she spoke to Michael but he was so far away and she needed him so much. Could this be true? She wondered. Why would you hide this from me? You know how much I love you. Why wouldn’t you tell me something so big, so important? Maybe children just aren’t that important to you. She took a deep breath and stood up. We will get past this. We will talk about this and solve it together. She told herself. She went up the stairs and into her room and pulled out a suit and quickly changed before she could change her mind.

 

"Logan!" Ridge said happily when he saw Brooke walking down the hallway. "Are you back?"

"I thought I’d give it a whirl." She said. "Can you bring me up to date on the showing?"
"I can do that." He said. "Does Dad know you’re back yet?"

"So far just you and Megan. I’m sorry I left you high and dry like that."

"You deserved the time off Brooke. I’m just glad you’re back." He smiled and gave her an affectionate kiss. Brooke looked into his eyes and started to cry. "What’s wrong Logan?"

"Nothing, I’m just emotional. Michael had to go to New York and I miss him. Come on Ridge, show me some of the designs. I’m dying to see the showstopper."

"I need to talk to you about that Brooke. Let’s go into my office."

"Okay." She said. They walked into his office and he shut the door.

"I need you to help me with something. I need your cooperation too."

"What is it?" She asked.

"This." He said as he pulled a beautiful icy bluish white wedding gown off the rack and showed it to her.

"It’s spectacular Ridge." She said. "What’s wrong? Why do you need my help?"

"This dress can only be worn by one woman Brooke."

"No Ridge." She said. "You didn’t design this for her?"

"I hoped she would wear it to our wedding and then she had to go and marry Jackson."

"It would have been perfect for her." She said shaking her head. "I’m so sorry Ridge. I’m sorry for both of you."

"It still will be perfect for her Logan."

"What are you talking about?"

"I need her to have this dress. I know she’s planning a wedding. She has to wear this."

"Oh Ridge." Brooke said as the tears welled in her eyes again. "Can you do that? Of course you can forget about using it as the showstopper. What a wonderful, unselfish gesture." She went up to him and hugged him. "She will be beautiful."

"You misunderstood me Brooke. Yes, I want her to have the dress and yes, no one else will wear this dress but it will be the showstopper."

"How?" She asked as she looked at him.

"That’s where you come in. I need you to convince her to come to the show. I’ll take it from there."

"You can’t expect her to model the gown you designed for her Ridge. It will kill her."

"No it won’t Brooke. This gown is made for her and it will be the hit of the show. As long as she wears it."

"How on earth will you convince her to wear it in the show?"

"Leave that to me. You just make sure she’s here."

"You aren’t going to do something stupid are you Ridge? You do realize that she is already married."

"I know she is Brooke. I have no plans to embarrass her. I just have to have her wear this dress. Then after the show I’ll give it to her for her wedding. Come on what bride wouldn’t want to wear the Forrester showstopper?"

Brooke’s mind was flooded with memories of another dress from another time. She shook her head and cleared those memories away. "This isn’t going to work. She’ll never do it."

"She will, trust me."

"And all you want from me is to get her here?"

"That’s it."

"I’ll try." She said. "Now show me the rest of the stuff."

He pulled dresses off the rack and showed her. She was impressed with everything. Then they walked to Eric’s office where he showed her more designs.

"They are all so great Ridge. This is going to be our best show yet."

"I was inspired." He smiled sadly. "Oh wait, there’s one more." He reached to a dress hidden at the back of the rack and pulled it out. It was a gorgeous, red gown with bare shoulders and a long slit up the side.

"Wow." She said. "That’s great but it looks a little short for the models."

"That’s because it isn’t for the models, it’s for you Logan." He handed it to her. Something you can wear when your husband takes you out dancing.

"Ridge." She said as she threw her arms around him and hugged him. "Thank you."
"I told you I was inspired. In fact I’d ask you to model it for the show but I wouldn’t want you to have to come second to anyone." He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her gently. From the doorway Morgan’s eyes grew dark and angry. She quickly walked away and into her office slamming the door.

 

 

A few hours later a tired Brooke walked back to Ridge’s office and knocked on the door.

"I’m going home Ridge. I’m a bit worn out."

"Wait, I’ll walk you to your car." He said. He put down his pad and walked to her and took her hand. They took the elevator down and hand in hand walked to her car. They stopped at the driver’s door.

"Thanks for the dress Ridge." She said. "It really is beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as the woman who’ll be wearing it." Brooke hugged him again and then started to open the door. Out of the corner of his eye Ridge saw a bright flash.

"Logan!" He shouted as he pushed her to the ground.

"Ridge what is it?" She said. "Ridge?" She shouted as she saw the stream of blood flowing down his arm.

Changes Part 64

 

"Ridge!" Brooke screamed again.

"Stay down Logan, I’m alright." He said as he pushed her lower. "Look over there."
He pointed to a tree filled area. "Do you see someone?"

"Oh God Ridge." She cried.

"Do you see anyone!" He shouted.

"Yes." She said. "Look over there. Someone is running away."

"It looks like it’s a woman." He said. "A redhead."

"Yes." She said struggling to her feet. "My God Ridge you’re bleeding. You’ve been shot."

She helped him to sit on the ground and lean against her car. "Can you stay here? I have to get help."

"No Logan. It wasn’t me she was after, it was you. You can’t go out in the open."

"I have to get you help Ridge." She looked towards the door and saw it open. "Henry." She said. "Henry!" She shouted to the guard. "Henry here! Help us!" She looked at Ridge again and his arm was pouring blood. "We have to stop the bleeding Ridge." She took off her jacket and unbuttoned her blouse. She took it off and wrapped it around his arm.

"Logan." Ridge said. "Honey you aren’t wearing a bra."

She looked down at her bare breasts and nervously laughed. She picked up her jacket and put it back on. "God Ridge you are really bleeding."

Henry, the security guard ran up to them. "Ms. Logan, Mr. Forrester what happened?"

"Some one took a shot at us, they hit Ridge." Brooke said. "Henry get an ambulance and the police."

"Yes Ma’am." He said. He took out his walkie-talkie and radioed the security office and ordered them to get the police and ambulance. He also called for the nurse from the dispensary to come right out to the parking lot. Brooke was holding onto Ridge and gently crying.

"Logan, I’m okay." He tried to assure her. The pain was obvious in his eyes.

"Did you see who did this?" Henry asked them.

"I saw a woman, a redheaded woman." Ridge said. "Ouch." He said as he tried to move.

"Honey stay still." Brooke said. She turned as she heard the sound of sirens. "Thank God."

The police and the nurse got there at the same time. While the nurse looked at his wound the two policemen were trying to question Brooke. She was distracted by what was happening to Ridge.

"Ma’am." The first officer said. "Do you have any idea who it was?" Brooke looked at Ridge.

"Ridge?" She asked.

"It looked like Macy." He said. "Macy Forrester, my brother’s wife."

"You might want to call Lt. Burke." Brooke said. "This is not the first time someone tried to kill me. He’s handling the other case."

"Kill you?" The officer asked. His partner went into the police car to call the lieutenant.

"If Ridge hadn’t pushed me out of the way I’d, I’d be dead." She said as the tears started down her face. She turned to Ridge. "My God Ridge, you saved my life."

"Logan." He said softly. "You would have done the same thing for me."

"I love you so much." She cried. "Please help him. Please stop his bleeding." She said to the policeman and the nurse.

"The paramedics are on the way Ms. Logan." The officer told her.

"The bullet is still in his arm." The nurse said. "I don’t want to try and do anything."

"Good idea." The officer said. "Let them handle this." They all turned as an ambulance pulled into the lot.

The paramedics got out and went right to Ridge and started examining him. One of them came over to the policeman.

"We have to get him to the hospital." She told him.

"I have to go with him." Brooke said.

"I have more questions for you ma’am." The officer told her.

"Please." She cried.

"We’ll take you there as soon as we’re done her. Besides, we called Lt. Burke and he will be here shortly."

"It’s okay Logan." Ridge assured her. "I’ll be fine."

She gave him a kiss and they loaded him onto the stretcher took him away. Brooke spoke to the officers for awhile and then she remembered that no one else knew about Ridge.

"I have to go inside and let Ridge’s parents know what happened. I’ll be right back." She said.

"The lieutenant will be here any moment." The officer told her.

"Well he will have to wait." She said as she walked away and into the building. She made her way to Stephanie’s office and walked in.

"What do you want Brooke?" Stephanie said impatiently. She looked at Brooke’s attire. "What is all over your suit and where is your blouse? Don’t tell me you’ve been using that bed in your office again?"

"It’s Ridge Stephanie."

"You slept with my son?" She shouted. "You slut! You cheap little tramp!"

"Listen to me! I didn’t sleep with him. Someone shot him. Out in the parking lot!"

"What?" Stephanie said as she turned pale. "Where is he?"

"He’s alright. They took him to the hospital. I just thought you should know. I have to get back to the police."

"Why Brooke? Why would someone shoot him?"

"They were trying to shoot me. He saved my life." She said. "He pushed me out of the way."

"I have to go to him. I have to find Eric." Stephanie said as she jumped from her desk and ran by Brooke. Brooke reluctantly went back to the parking lot where Lt. Burke was waiting for her.

They spent over an hour questioning her and then as promised offered to drive her to the hospital. One of the officers took her and promised to wait while she visited and then take her home. When she arrived Eric, Stephanie and Morgan were all waiting to see him.

"How is he?" Brooke asked.

"They got the bullet out." Eric told her. "I think he’ll be alright."

"Thank God." Brooke said.

"How did it happen?" Morgan asked her.

"Ridge walked me to the parking lot. We were saying goodnight and suddenly he pushed me to the ground. The next thing I knew was that he was bleeding." She said. "I was so scared."

"So they were shooting at you?" Morgan asked.

"I think so." Brooke said softly.

"Oh honey." Eric said as he got up and put his arm around her. "I had no idea."

"I’m just so worried about Ridge."

"Well he’s my husband, I can take care of him."

Brooke turned to Morgan. "I’m not implying that you can’t Morgan. Ridge is my friend and I love him. So I am concerned about him."

"I’ll pass your concern on to him Brooke. Why don’t you go home." Morgan said snidely.

"Ladies!" Eric said. "Let’s remember where we are. Morgan, if Brooke wants to see Ridge then she will see him."

"Fine." Morgan said. Suddenly the doors opened and a doctor walked out to them.

"Mrs. Forrester?"

"Yes." Stephanie and Morgan said at the same time.

"I’m Dr. Harrison."

"How is my husband?" Morgan asked.

"He’s going to be alright but there is some nerve damage in his arm."

"Nerve damage?" Brooke asked. "What does that mean? Is it permanent?"

"Well the answer to that is the bullet pierced a major nerve in his arm. Hopefully with rehab he will regain all function and it will not be permanent but right now we just can’t be sure."

"It was his right arm." Brooke said.

"Yes. That will make his life difficult until he learns to adjust."

"Does he have feelings in it?" Eric asked.

"Yes, and that’s a good sign. He is in a lot of pain."

"Can I take him home?" Morgan asked.

"We want to keep him overnight at least. We have a neurologist coming in tomorrow and then I think he can go home." He looked at the group. "Now who is Brooke Logan?" He asked.

"I am." Brooke said.

"Mr. Forrester is anxious to see you. Please come with me." Brooke followed him in as Stephanie and Morgan began to fume.

"Logan." Ridge said softly as she entered the room.

"Hi." She walked over to the bed and sat down next to him. "How are you feeling?"

"I hurt Logan, I hurt a lot. But I’m scared. I can’t really move my hand."

"Oh Ridge." She said as her eyes filled with tears.

"It will come back. But now I’m scared. I just thank God you are alright."

"It’s all my fault." She cried.

"Nothing is your fault Logan. You didn’t ask someone to do this to you."

"But if you hadn’t come with me."

"You would be dead." He said as he reached for her with his left hand. "I can only thank God that I was there Brooke."

"Oh God Ridge." She burst into tears. He tightened his grip on her hand.

"Now stop it Logan. I’m going to be fine."

"You know Morgan and your parents are out there."

"I needed to see you first. I had to make sure you were alright." He said. "But I’m worried about you. You said Michael isn’t home. I don’t like the idea of you and Bridget alone."

"But we aren’t alone. We have." She suddenly stopped.

"Who Logan?"

"Rick. He’s with us."

"Rick’s just a kid. I wish I could be there for you. Maybe you two should go to Mom and Dad’s for the night."

"Stephanie would love that." She laughed. "No, we’ll be fine."

"Then why not ask Connor to come over."

"Yeah right."

"He’d be worried too."

"I’m not his concern anymore Ridge."

"Logan I’m scared for you."

"Lt. Burke told me that he was going to question Macy. He might arrest her. Ridge, do you really think it was her?"

"Yeah Logan, I do. She must still be really mad about Thorne. And I heard rumors that she’s drinking again."

"She is."

"You know that for a fact?"

"Yes. I’ve seen her. So has Michael. She’s mad and she’s drinking. But there is someone else Ridge. Michael’s ex-wife is a redhead and she hates me. She came over and was horrible to me."

"Well I still don’t see why she’d try to shoot you. Besides you didn’t even know Mike the first time."

"Maybe it was two different people."

"What did Lt. Burke say?"

"Not much. You know how he is."

"Logan I want you to be very careful. Maybe you should hire a bodyguard."

"Oh Ridge, I can’t do that."

"When will Mike be home?"

"Three days."

"I can’t believe I’m saying this but I wish he hadn’t left."

"Me too." She said. "Honey I better go home. Morgan and Stephanie will kill me themselves if I don’t let them in soon."

"Be careful!" He said again. He pulled her over and kissed her. "I don’t ever want to lose you Logan, never."

"You won’t Ridge." She said. She got up and walked out and quietly past the family and outside to the waiting police car. They drove her home and walked her to the door.

"Will you be alright Miss Logan?" The officer asked.

"I’ll be fine. My daughter is home and I have a friend staying with me too."

"Well you call us if you need us. We’ll be patrolling your neighborhood all night so you can feel safe."

"Thank you." She said. She opened the door and walked in. She threw her keys on the table but they fell to the floor. "Damn you’re a mess Brooke." She said. She bent down to pick them up and saw a piece of paper next to them. "What’s this?" She wondered. She picked it up and opened it up and saw it was a letter from Michael. As she read it the tears started falling from her eyes. "Oh Michael, you wanted to tell me but I never gave you the chance. You do love me. God how I wish you were here with me." She said aloud.

"What’s wrong Brooke?" Grant asked as he walked down the stairs. "You look like you got hit by a truck."

"Thanks." She said. "Actually someone tried to kill me again. They missed me but they hit Ridge and he got hurt pretty badly. He’s in the hospital."

"What?" He asked. "You’re joking right?"

"I wouldn’t joke about that Grant. I’m a wreck and I just don’t know what to do. Ridge thinks, he thinks it was Macy."

"Macy? No. Brooke she would never do that."

"How was she with you today? Was she acting normal?"

Grant thought about it. "Actually she seemed spaced out. I don’t know if she had been drinking but she seemed to only half hear what I said to her. You don’t really think she would do that do you?"

"I don’t know what to think Grant. I just wish Michael were here. I miss him so much and we have so much to talk about." She looked down at the letter. "So much." She said sadly. "I’m going up to bed Grant."

"Would you like me to sit with you for awhile?"

"I just want to try and sleep Grant. But I could use a hug." She said. He walked up to her and hugged her tightly.

"You get a kiss too." He said as he gave her a tender kiss. "Now you call me if you need anything. Oh and Bridget called. She is staying over at Sara’s tonight. It was a strange thing. Bridget and Sara’s mom were looking all over for Sara but they couldn’t find her and when they did she was crying hysterically over something."

"What was wrong?" She asked.

"I don’t know. They couldn’t get her to talk about it so Sara’s mother asked Bridget to stay with her."

"Maybe Michael is right. That girl may be trouble. I don’t want to see Bridget in the middle of it. But at least she’s away from the house and safe tonight." She looked sadly at him. "Goodnight Grant." She said as she slowly walked up the stairs clutching the note.

Once she was upstairs Grant went to the kitchen and grabbed the copy of Michael’s itinerary. He picked up the phone and called the hotel in New York and asked for Michael’s room.

"Hello." Michael said.

"Mike, it’s Grant."

"What’s wrong?" He immediately asked.

"Someone tried to shoot Brooke." He said. "I think you better come home man, she’s a wreck."

"Oh my God. Is she alright? Was she hurt? Where is she?"

"She’s okay. She wasn’t hurt but Ridge was. She just went up to bed. Can you come home?"

"I’m on the next plane Buddy. You stay with her. Don’t leave the house till I get home."

"I won’t Mike. I promise." He said.

 

Although it was only seven P. M. Brooke undressed and put on her nightgown. She was wiped out and upset from the entire day. She took some aspirin for her pounding headache and got into bed. Suddenly she thought about Taylor. She reached for the phone and punched in her number.

"Hello." Taylor answered.

"Taylor, it’s Brooke. I have something terrible to tell you."

"What is it Brooke?" She asked nervously.

"Someone tried to shoot me again today."

"What? Brooke are you alright?"

"I’m fine but Taylor Ridge got hit."

"Ridge." She cried.

"He’s alright but he got hit in the arm. He’s in a lot of pain. He’s at the hospital."

"How Brooke? Tell me what happened."

"He pushed me out of the way, he saved my life."

"Oh God. He’s hurt? How badly?"

"There may be some nerve damage. I’m so sick about this. And scared. Taylor I’m so scared."

"You aren’t alone are you? Michael and Grant are there right?"

"Michael is in New York but Grant is here. Taylor Ridge thinks it was Macy."

"Macy? Oh no. Did he see her or is he guessing?"

"He said he saw her. I saw red hair but that was it. He really thinks it was her. She hates me Taylor, she really hates me."

"Look I have to go see Ridge. Do you want me to stop by after?"

"I’m going to bed. I’m totally wiped out. You go see Ridge, he can use cheering up. His charming wife is there and I’m sure he’d appreciate someone he really cares about."

"Are you sure you don’t need me?"

"I have Grant. Call me tomorrow okay?"

"I will, you rest Brooke."

They hung up and Brooke turned out the light and closed her eyes.

 

Six long hours later an exhausted Michael walked into the bedroom. He had caught a nonstop flight and managed to sleep a little bit. He was relieved to see Brooke sleeping calmly. He quietly undressed and got into the bed. He pulled her into his arms and kissed the back of her neck.

"Michael?" She said turning around to face him.

"I’m here sweetheart." He said as he gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "You go back to sleep, we can talk in the morning."

"How?" She asked. "How did you know?"

"Grant called me. I caught the first flight I could. Are you alright?"

"Now I am." She said as she pulled her arms tightly around him. "Don’t let me go Michael, please don’t let me go."

"Never." He said. "I was never so scared in my life than when I heard Grant’s voice on the phone. I knew something terrible must have happened."

"I’m okay, but Ridge isn’t."

"I know honey. Grant told me. It’s late. You sleep and we can talk about this in the morning."

"Michael I found your letter."

"My letter?"

"The one you wrote me the other day. It was on the floor."

"That’s why you never mentioned it. I thought you were still mad at me."

"We have to talk about it, and something else too Michael, something that happened today. But not now."

"No, now you need to sleep." He kissed her tenderly.

"Make love to me Michael." She said looking deeply into his eyes. "I need you so badly."

"Oh God Brooke." He pulled her tighter and kissed her passionately. She reached down to touch him and he immediately responded to her.

"Michael." She whispered his name. He pulled her nightgown over her head and gazed lovingly at her body. His hand went down and touched her desire. His fingers explored her and his thumb stroked her most sensitive part. She pulled her legs tightly together trapping his hand.

"You like that?" He whispered.

"I love that." She answered. He touched and stroked and teased bringing her to the brink and stopping and then starting all over again. She looked at him with passion and desire. He smiled warmly as he once more began the intimate torture. This time he brought her to the brink and as he was about to tease her again he felt her body shudder. He intensified his stroking and felt her body climax from his touch alone.

"It’s not enough." She panted. "It was wonderful but please Michael, I need to feel you inside me."

She reached for him and gently guided him inside her. They made long, slow passionate love. And at almost the exact moment they both felt the tremors take over as they gave in to the passion together.

Moments later, both bathed in sweat Brooke rolled into his arms and kissed him.

"I don’t care Michael, whatever it is you have to tell me I don’t care. I love you too much to ever care about what happened in the past. The only thing that matters is now and our future."
He kissed her tenderly and pulled her closer. He watched her breathing slow down to a normal pace and felt her fall asleep in his arms.

"I hope you feel the same way tomorrow Brooke. I’ll die if I lose you." He said as the tears came to his eyes. "I have to make you understand that there was nothing I could do. I just have to."

He held her gently throughout the night but was never able to let sleep completely overtake him.

 

Brooke woke up to the smell of strong, rich coffee. She opened her eyes as Michael walked into the bedroom with a tray. He smiled at her and carefully put it down on the bed. He poured her a steaming cup and handed it to her.

"Did you sleep okay?"

"Wonderfully." She smiled as she took a sip. "Thank you for coming home."

"What else would I do? You are the most important thing in the world to me." He said as he looked sadly at her.

"What’s wrong?"

"It’s time honey." He said. "It’s time I came clean with you, clean about everything."

"No." She said. "It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters but how much I love you."

"It’s not that easy Brooke. I’ve been living with these ghosts for too long now. If we have any chance of making this work you have to know the truth about me. You have to know everything." He looked at her and could see she was frightened. "I know you’re scared. I am too. Maybe we should go somewhere where we can be alone and no one can interrupt us."

"We don’t have to do this at all. Life is too short to worry about things we can’t change. I love you Michael. Nothing is going to change that."

"This might." He said sadly. "I’m not exactly the person you think I am. I know I come off as this self-confident, arrogant guy but it’s not really all there is to me. There are things that happened that I’m very ashamed of. Things you deserve to know. Are you ready to here them?"

"Nothing can make me stop loving you."

"I won’t hold you to it." He said as he sat down next to her. "Are you sure you want to do this here?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"Last night you said that there was something else we had to talk about, something that happened yesterday."

"Your ex-wife stopped by. She said, well she implied." Brooke stopped.

"What did she tell you?"

"She asked me if I had kids. I told her I did and she said that was good, that was good because you and I, you and I." She looked up at him but he lowered his eyes from his. "Is it true?"

"Yes." He said. "But you have to hear the whole story so you can understand."

"Why didn’t you tell me? I would have married you anyway Michael. But why didn’t you tell me?"

"Because you would have asked me why I did it and I wasn’t ready to tell you."
"And you are now?" She asked.

"I hope so honey. Let me talk, and please try not to interrupt. It’s a long complicated story and it’s still very painful."

"Does it have to do with the clinic?"

"Yes." He said. He looked at her sad face. "I have to kiss you. You may never want to kiss me again and I need to kiss you now." He pulled her to his arms and kissed her with love and passion. He then let her go and looked down. "Okay. I’m ready to start. First thing I have to tell you is that the woman involved is someone I cared deeply about. I have to respect her so I can’t tell you her name. It’s not important that you know. There are only a few of us who do know and it has to stay that way. Can you handle that?"

"I guess I have to. Are you in love with someone else Michael?"

"No honey, no, only you. But I did love her and she suffered because of me. I owe her more than I can ever give her so I can’t tell you her name. Alright let’s see. I was just out of my residency and I met this girl. She was sweet and kind and quite a bit younger than me."

"Was she underage? Like that other girl?" She asked suddenly frightened.

"No, nothing like that. She just wasn’t very experienced. She came from a family well above my class. They didn’t approve of us at all. I think that was part of the attraction for me. I was this guy who was making it myself and this pretty rich girl wanted me. We got involved. It was pretty intense. She was in love with me. I didn’t know it at the time. I did love her but I wasn’t in love. I wasn’t ready to settle down with anyone. So we were seeing each other and it was kind of secret because her family didn’t approve. Her mother knew and she kept trying to break us up. Now you know me. That only made her more appealing to me." He reached for her hand and squeezed it. She smiled at him. "I was busy most of the time at the hospital but I managed to get a few days off in a row. I asked her to go to Mexico with me. She wasn’t sure but I begged her and talked her into it. I had this old beat up car and we packed it up and drove down. I didn’t have money so we stayed at fleabag motels and we even slept in the car one night. Well we were near Mexico City and I decided we needed to have one big night at a great restaurant. So I asked around and some guy told me about this place in the sticks that was perfect. So I bought her this dress and we got in the car and headed out for the restaurant. Now this was my first time in Mexico so I got lost, terribly, horribly lost. It was dark and late and we were hungry and scared and we found this bar. So I pulled up and we went inside. Needless to say this was not the Ritz. There were some really seedy looking people there. So we sat at the bar and got some beers. We ordered some food and were talking and laughing and trying to make the most of it. These guys came up to us and started calling us names. You know anti American names. Then the one guy challenges me to a game of pool. She didn’t want me to go but I wasn’t going to wimp out so I followed him to the backroom. The next thing I remember is waking up with a big bump on my head, my wallet gone and a gash across my face."

"What about the girl?" Brooke asked.

"I’m coming to that. I pulled myself off the floor and got my footing and headed back into the bar ready to be embarrassed and have her tell me I told you so and all. But when I got there she isn’t there. Now I’m scared Brooke, I’m terrified. I start shouting at the bartender but he pretends he doesn’t understand me. I’m in a total panic so I run outside looking for her. I can’t find her anywhere. Finally I hear a sound, a low moaning sound. I run to where the sound is coming from and Honey it was horrible." He looked at her. The tears were streaming down his face. "You have to understand Brooke, no one, no one at all has ever heard this story but one person."
"It’s alright Michael." She said gently touching his face. "I do understand."

"Brooke, they had raped her. Not just raped her. They had used things to rape her. She was bleeding and broken and I panicked. Here I was this great doctor and faced with the most important thing I ever had to face and I panicked. I picked her up and brought her to the car. I had left my keys under the wheel and they hadn’t found them so they didn’t take that too. I got her into the car and I started to try to examine her. Brooke they tore her apart. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to do to help her. I ran back into the bar and begged them to help us but they all ignored me. So I went back to her and I tried to do anything to stop the bleeding. I was a surgeon Brooke, a f*cking surgeon and I couldn’t help her. I started the car and drove off like a maniac trying to find my way back to the city to find a hospital. But I was lost. I was so lost. She was losing more and more blood by the second. I didn’t know if she was going to even live and then I saw the sign. The same sign I saw when we went to get Grant."

"The clinic." She whispered. "You found the clinic."

"I pulled in and blasted the horn and pounded on the door and Pedro Garcia came out. I told him what happened and I carried her inside. He was so wonderful Brooke, he was so wonderful. He knew what to do for her. He was able to stop her bleeding and he was able to save her life."

"Then it was a good thing Michael. Why on earth do you think you did something wrong?" She asked.

"He was able to save her life but not the baby."

"The baby?"

"I didn’t know. She never told me. If I had never taken her to that Godforsaken place my baby, he would have lived and she never would have, oh God Brooke." He looked at her. "I was sitting there waiting for the doctor to tell me what happened and the woman, Maria came out. She looked at me like I was the lowest piece of dirt she had ever seen. She told me that because I had been so stupid and had brought her to that bar, she told me that she would never, never be able to have children. It was all my fault. I took that innocent kid on a vacation and ruined her entire life. Because of me she would never have a family."

"It wasn’t your fault. It was those men."

"And who brought her there Brooke? Who let them pull me away because of my stinking pride? Who wasn’t able to use the gift he was given to save the one person that meant more to him then anyone in the world? Me Brooke! Me!"

"Michael you can’t blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do this to her. You would never have brought her there if you had any idea this would have happened."

"But it did happen. This woman trusted me and she trusted me to take care of her and our child and I couldn’t do it. Anyway she was pretty beaten up so I had to call her mother. She flew down and we told her what happened. She told me that she was going to make sure I never practiced medicine and that if she could find a way she’d have me thrown into jail."

"But Michael. You didn’t do anything."

"She hated me. She still hates me. The girl, she told her mother that she loved me and that she was going to marry me and that nothing her mother did could ever tear us apart. Now I told you before I wasn’t in love with this girl but at that point there was nothing in the world I wouldn’t have done for her. I told her I loved her and I wanted to marry her too. And then her mother pulled me outside. She told me that she had the power to ruin me. She told me that she would do anything to keep me away from her daughter. She said that if I promised to leave and never see her again she would leave me alone and I could still have the life I wanted. And I did it. I didn’t even go back inside and say goodbye to her. I just left. I knew she was going to ruin everything if I didn’t so I just left."

"Have you ever seen the girl again?"

"No. I’ve come close but no, never since."

"How could you think I would blame you?" She asked.

"Because I blame myself. I took the most important thing a woman has from her."

"You didn’t, those men did."

"But it was because of me. Anyway I came home and tried to forget everything. That’s when I started getting wild. I met Adrienne and I married her. I made only one demand on her. I never wanted to have children. She didn’t really want them herself so she didn’t care. But the thing was I did. But I felt I didn’t deserve to have them. I ruined her life and I wasn’t going to let myself have what I took from her. So Adrienne and I went along but we weren’t happy and then that girl came along with the rape charges. Adrienne and I separated over that. But we didn’t divorce. It was too much trouble and we were still sleeping together. It was a strange situation. Then one day I just got tired of it all and I put the divorce into motion. I was drinking a lot and sleeping around a lot too but I was being careful, at least I thought I was. Then I slept with Jessie Ehlers."

"Dr. Ehlers daughter." Brooke said.

"She got pregnant and I felt that God had given me another chance. I lied to you Brooke, I lied when I told you about it. I told you I was happy that she had an abortion but I wasn’t. It tore me apart. I felt that it was proof, proof that I was never going to be allowed to have children. So the day after she had the abortion I had the vasectomy. I was never going to let myself get into that position again. Never."

"You’ve been carrying this guilt around for all this time?" She asked. "Michael it isn’t your fault. You tried to help her."

"But I couldn’t and now look what I’ve done to you? I can’t give you the baby that you want. The baby that I want too." He said as the tears ran down his face.

"I don’t care." She cried as she pulled him into her arms. "As long as we have each other it doesn’t matter."

"Then you don’t hate me?" He asked.

"Hate you? I love you even more than I did before. Michael I am so sad for you. But this wasn’t anything you did wrong. Do you hear me? You didn’t do anything wrong!"
"But I have Brooke. I’ve used women all my life. I’ve taken and taken and never given anything in return. I ruined that woman’s life and now look at yours. And I lied to you about Adrienne too. I told you I never slept with her after we divorced but I did. I slept with her all the time. It was only after I married you that I stopped. I slept with her after I took you out on the boat."

"Well I slept with Connor too so we’re even."

"You can forgive me?"

"You aren’t sleeping with her now are you?"

"I’ve never been unfaithful to you Brooke."

"Then there’s nothing to forgive. We just have a lot to learn about each other Michael. We both have our secrets and stories but nothing you told me would ever change the way I love you."

"Maybe if you met the girl and heard how she felt."

"Not even that." She said.

"You don’t care that I just ran out on her like that? I was a coward Brooke and I was selfish."

"You were scared. Believe me I’ve had threats like that from the rich and powerful for years."

"But you never ran."

"Maybe I was the stupid one. Look at how often I’ve been hurt." She said. "Besides I may be selfish but if you didn’t then we might never have found each other."

He looked at her and pulled her to him. He held her closely and kissed her. "I promise I’ll try not to mess up on you. I promise I’ll never hurt you."

"I know honey." She said. "I know."

Changes Part 65

 

'It was terrible Daddy.' Taylor said to Jack on the phone. 'He can barely move his fingers. He is trying so hard to be brave about it but I'm scared.'

'Was Bryan with you when you went to visit him?'

'He stayed home with the kids. I didn't hide it from him if that's what you mean. He understood I had to be there for him.'

'Was his wife there?'

'She was there with Stephanie and Eric. She wasn't too happy to see me but I wasn't very happy to see her either.' Taylor shuddered at the thought of seeing Morgan again.

'And the person was trying to shoot Brooke?'

'Yes, Ridge pushed her out of the way. If he hadn't she would have been killed.'

'Well I can understand you wanting to make sure he was alright honey but your place is with Bryan now.'

'I know it is but I'll always care about Ridge. He is the father of my children.'

'You don't have to convince me honey.'

'I didn't stay long, Morgan made sure of that.'

'But I'm sure Ridge was glad you came.'

'He was. I miss him Dad.'

'I know you do honey. But you are happy aren't you?'

'As happy as possible right now. It will get better.'

'You can't rush yourself. You know better than anyone.' He told her. 'Losing a baby is traumatic.'

'We'll be alright. I do love him Dad.'

'I just hope he is understanding of your feelings for Ridge. It's hard on a man to love someone and have her love another man too.'

'It's hard on a woman too. I've been there too Dad.'

'But not with Bryan. That was with Brooke and Ridge.'

'It seems so long ago. It's so weird. Brooke and I have gotten so close it's almost like it never happened.'

'Well I'm glad those days are over for you. They were very hard for you.'

'Yes they were. So Dad, I've taken over this call. What were you calling about?'

'I heard from your brother.'

'Zack? How is he?'

'He's doing well and I took the liberty of inviting him to your wedding, I hope you don't mind.'

'Of course not. I hope he can come.'

'He said he would try. Are you inviting the Forresters?'

'Yes, though I doubt they'll come.'

'Stephanie loves you. I think she'd want to be there for you.'

'Daddy my doorbell is ringing. Can I call you back?' She asked.

'Sure honey. I have to get going anyway. I'll talk to you soon.'

They hung up the phone and Taylor opened the door where to her surprise stood Ridge. His arm was in a sling but aside from that he seemed to be normal.

'Hi Doc.' He said.

'Ridge.' She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. 'I didn't expect this.'

'I got out a little while ago. I took a cab. I can't exactly drive. I wanted to see the kids.'

'Come on in.' She said as she opened the door for him.

'Is Bryan here?'

'No, he went to work.'

'Good. I didn't want to get him angry.'

'He wouldn't be Ridge, he is concerned about you too.'

'Well I don't want to step on any toes. It seems that's all I do lately.'

'What do you mean?'

'Well Bryan isn't exactly happy when I'm around and Mike is still pissed at me over what didn't even happen with Brooke, Morgan gave me the cold shoulder all night after you left and my Mother keeps going on about how I should have just let Brooke die.'

'What? Ridge do you want me to talk to her? She has to control that anger.'

'Who? My mother or Morgan.'

'I'll talk to your mother, Morgan is your problem. Though I don't know why she had a problem. I only wanted to make sure you were alright. She knows I'm married Ridge.'

'She is very insecure Taylor and it's no secret that I'm still in love with you.'

'Well maybe you should try to get over that Ridge. You have a wife, and a baby on the way.'

'Taylor I'm trying my hardest to be there for them but there isn't a moment that goes by when I'm not thinking of you and what we had.'

'We had something wonderful Ridge.' She sadly agreed.

'How did we lose it? I know I made that terrible mistake, but how did we let it go so far? We should have been able to save it.'

'I wonder that myself Ridge. I guess it just wasn't meant to last forever.'

'I think it was.'

'It was great while it lasted though.' She smiled. 'Come on let's go see the kids.'

They walked into the bedroom where Thomas was playing with his toy cars on the bed and the girls were in their playpen. Ridge looked at the children and then back at Taylor and smiled. 'This is what it's about Doc. This is what I need back, my family.'

'Daddy!' Thomas yelled hearing his father's voice. He jumped from the bed into Ridge's arms. Ridge winced with pain but didn't let on to the boy how much he was hurting. Using his one good arm he held him tightly.

'Daddy misses you too Thomas.' Ridge said as he gave him a kiss. 'He misses all of you.' He looked at his tiny daughters and smiled. 'They're getting so big Doc.'

'They are aren't they?' She agreed.

'What are you feeding them? Miracle grow?' He teased.

'Daddy's arm?' Thomas asked touching the sling on Ridge's arm. He looked at Taylor and winced again.

'I think you better get down now Thomas.' Taylor said taking her son from him and putting him on the floor. 'Daddy has a boo-boo.'

'What happened? Did you fall down?' Thomas asked with wide-eyed innocence.

'Yeah Thomas, Daddy fell down.' Ridge said with a sad smile.

'Daddy? When are we going home?' Thomas asked. Taylor felt her breath catch at the question.

'You are home Thomas.' Ridge told him. 'Remember when you were a baby and you lived in this house with Mommy and Daddy?'

'I wanna go home. I want my Daddy home!' Thomas whined. Ridge looked hopelessly at Taylor.

'But honey this is such a fun house.' She told him. 'And we have the girls, and Katherine and we have your Uncle Bryan. You like him Thomas.'

'I want my Daddy.' He started to cry. He ran to Ridge and grabbed his legs and held him tightly. 'Don't go Daddy. Don't go!'

Ridge got down to his knees beside him. 'I'm right here little man. Daddy is right here and he will always be here whenever you need him.'

'I want you here!' He said pointing to the bed. Ridge looked up at Taylor who turned away from him.

Thomas let go of Ridge and ran to the closet and grabbed a pair of Bryan's shoes. He ran to the trashcan and threw them in and then ran back to Ridge and grabbed onto him again.

'Doc?' Ridge said to Taylor.

'Thomas that is not a nice thing to do.' She told him. 'You like Bryan.'

'I want Daddy!' He insisted. 'I want my Daddy!' Thomas started to cry ad Ridge pulled him into his arms and kissed him.

'Thomas remember when Mommy and I told you that sometimes Mommies and Daddies can't live with each other anymore?'

'No Daddy.' He sobbed. 'I want my Daddy.' He cried.

'Daddy lives at the house with your Grandma. Daddy isn't far away at all. Daddy will be here any time you need him.' Ridge tried to comfort the child. 'Doc help me.' He begged.

'Thomas your Daddy loves you so much and so does Mommy.' She got on her knees next to them. 'We will always love you. We will always be a family.'

'Don't lie to him Doc, we aren't a family anymore.'

'Yes we are Ridge. We may not live together but we will always be a family. Nothing will ever change that.' She kissed Thomas and looked at Ridge. Thomas looked at his mother and then his father. He grabbed Ridge's free hand and pulled it to Taylor's hand and put them together. They looked at each other as they held tightly to each other's hands. Taylor turned away as the tears started flowing from her eyes.

Michael looked over at Brooke again. 'Are you sure you're alright with this? Are you sure that it's really sunk in?'

'Michael, yes.' She told him. 'Now you have to believe in me. I understand what you did and why you did it. I am not judging you. I love you and we are okay. Now we move forward and make this marriage the strongest, most wonderful thing that either of us has ever had. Right?'

'Right.' He said with a sigh of relief. 'You can't imagine how good it feels to finally be able to talk about it.'

'I hope you realize you can talk to me about anything.'

'Okay my beautiful wife then how about I talk to you about this.' He said as he playfully pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

'That's not talking.' She laughed.

'Talking is so overrated.' He said. 'I think we talked enough for today anyway. And I feel so happy and so free.' He kissed her neck. 'And I think that we really have a lot of loving to catch up on.'

'Oh you do do you?' She asked.

'Oh I do.' He said. 'Now how about we start in the shower and work our way back to the bed.'

'I like a man with ideas.' She purred.

He touched her gently on the face and let his finger trace it's way down her neck and then to her breast. He cupped her breast with his hand and played with her nipple until it hardened. Brooke felt a twinge between her legs and shifted on the bed towards him. He looked at her and smiled. 'Oh, I'm getting there. You have to be patient. It's a long road I have to travel.'

He moved his hand to her other nipple and repeated his efforts. She arched her back and he looked down at her. 'You want it bad, don't you?'

'Yes.' She moaned.

'Good.' He said as he brought his mouth to her chest and started licking and gently biting her nipples. She pushed her lower body closer to him and he started to laugh. 'The harder you push the longer I'm gonna make you wait.'

'Touch me.' She ordered him. She grabbed his hand and pulled it to her mound. His fingers dove and played and she started to moan and move with him.

'You are so wet. I am so loving this.' She reached for him but he pulled away. 'This is my game.' He grinned.

'You want me too.' She groaned as he continued to stroke and touch her. 'I can see that you do.' She said as she gazed at him with glassy eyes.

'Remember the first time Brooke?' He asked. 'I made you so crazy. You were so hot for me.'

'I am now Michael, please.' He started to move his hand away but she grabbed it and pushed it back.

'Wow you are ready aren't you?' He said as she started to shake. 'Oh yeah sweetheart.' He said as he moved down the bed and replaced his finger with his mouth.

'Oh God!' She screamed as she felt herself surrendering to an orgasm. 'Ohhhhhhh.' She moaned as she reached the point where she didn't know if she wanted him to stop or never stop. She started to pull away but he held her to him until she convulsed and then let herself relax.

'Oh Michael, how? How did you?'

He pulled himself up and brought his mouth to hers and their tongues searched each other out. Brooke reached between their bodies and touched him. He moaned loudly but didn't stop the kiss. Finally needing a breath he pulled his mouth free.

'Did you taste that?' He asked her. 'That's what I do to you. That's you Brooke, that's you.'

'Now Michael?' She asked. 'Are you finished torturing me yet?' She laughed.

'Torture? I think you like it way too much to call it torture. And I barely started with you.' He grinned.

'I'll get you back.' She said.

'I sure hope so.' He told her. He gently touched her face and gazed into her eyes. 'I never thought I'd have you again. I was so sure I'd lose you.'

'You couldn't lose me if you tried. Now come on Michael, I really need.' She looked at him. 'I really want.'

'I know what you need and I know what you want.' He grinned. 'And I am going to give it to you.'

'You better.' She said as she pushed herself closer to him. His erection was pressing firmly against her. 'I love you.' She said as her mouth reached for his again. He returned her kiss with passion and desire as their bodies melded together.

'Yes.' He moaned as she started to move. 'How do you want it?' He asked her. 'Like this?' He started to move slowly inside her. At the same time he reached his hand between them and softly rubbed her sensitive nub.

Brooke felt like her breath had been taken from her as she immediately started to feel another orgasm coming on. 'Michael.' She moaned. 'I can't, I can't.'

'Yes you can sweetheart, go with it.' He encouraged her as his thumb and his body kept pace.

'Hurry Brooke, I can't stop.' He moaned as he felt himself go over the brink. He thrust hard into her and she joined him in their passion.

A few moments later Brooke looked at him and started to giggle.

'What's so funny?' He asked.

'Your neck.' She laughed. 'I think you may have to do some plastic surgery on yourself. I think I bit you really hard.'

'What?' He laughed. 'I gotta see this.' He got out of bed and walked over to the mirror. 'Holy sh*t Brooke! You aren't kidding. I'm bleeding. What are you? A vampire?'

'I'll be anything you want me to be.' She laughed.

'I bet you would.' He grinned sexily. 'Now how about that shower?'

'Sounds like fun.' She said as she started out of bed. Suddenly the phone rang.

'Ignore it.' Michael told her.

'I can't maybe it's one of the kids.'

'I'll get it.' He said. 'Hello.'

'Mike?' Bridget said.

'Yeah honey. What's up?' Brooke looked at him. 'It's your daughter.' He told her.

'Can somebody come and get me. Sara is all weirded out and I really don't feel like staying here anymore.'

'Okay sweetie. I'll come get you.' He told her. 'Would you like to run over to the hospital with me and see Jason?'

'Yeah.' She said. 'I really would.'

'Good. You can hang for a little while. Mom and I have to take a shower first.'

'Together?' She asked. 'Can't you do it alone?'

'Are you starting to object to us again?' He asked.

'No. I just want to get out of here and if you two go in there together it will be hours before you get here.'

'You got a point kiddo. I'll hop in alone this time but you owe me one.'

'Thanks Mike.' She said. 'I'll be waiting for you.'

'What's wrong?' Brooke asked after he hung up.

'She's upset with Sara and I gotta tell you I'm happy about that. I'm going to pick her up and take her into the hospital to meet Jason.'

'What about our plans?' She whined.

'We are going to have a long life together sweetheart. We don't have to rush with anything. Besides I really do want to check on him.'

'Okay.' She reluctantly agreed. 'I guess I better get over to Forrester anyway. With Ridge out of commission we may be in trouble. Unless.' She thought.

'Well you just be careful. I don't want you to be anywhere alone. Whoever did this is still out there and I really have my doubts about Macy. She seems way to weak and fragile to go to those extremes.'

'You don't know her well Michael.'

He got up from the bed and leaned over to give Brooke a kiss. 'I'll trust your judgement on her but just be careful.' He warned her as he walked into the bathroom. He stuck his head out. 'Wanna join me? We can try and be quick.'

'Tonight.' She smiled. 'Tonight we won't let anyone or anything interrupt us.'

 

 

'Forrester Creations.' Megan said as she answered the phone. The man listened for a moment and then spoke.

'Ridge Forrester please.'

'I'm sorry, Mr. Forrester is not in this morning. May I take a message?' She politely asked.

'Brooke Logan, let me speak to her.' He replied.

'Brooke isn't in yet either.' She replied. 'Can I give her a, oh excuse me one moment sir.' She said as she saw Taylor walk in. 'Hi Taylor! It's great to see you. You look wonderful. Ridge isn't in.'

'Oh I know.' Taylor replied. 'I'm here to see Morgan.'

'Come by before you leave.' Megan told her. She went back to the phone. 'I'm sorry sir. What can I do for you? Sir? Oh, he must have hung up.'

 

Taylor knocked on Morgan's door and then walked in. Morgan was at her desk sketching. Taylor shut the door and walked over to her and sat down.

'Hello Morgan.'

'Taylor.' She said. 'What brings you here?'

'We have to talk Morgan. There are a few things I need to ask you and a few things I need to tell you.'

'Alright.' She said. 'I suppose you're mad about last night. I'm sorry if I offended you but Ridge is my husband, not yours and not Brooke's.'

'I realize that Morgan, but he is the father of my children and a man who means a lot to me.'

'Point taken. What else?' She asked. She nervously started playing with her pencil.

'I want to know why Morgan? Why did you leave me like that? What did my child ever do to you that you could just walk out and let him die like that?'

'Taylor.' She said with wide frightened looking eyes. 'I didn't know. I would never have left you if I had known.'

'You didn't want me to have that child and you know it.'

'That isn't true. I just didn't want you to push it off on Ridge. I never would have hurt your baby. I'm not like that Taylor. Babies are so important to me.'

'I thought so Morgan, but you have a strange way of showing it.'

'If you feel that way then why didn't you tell Ridge?'

'Because it wouldn't have been good for your baby. Unlike you I do care about your baby. About Ridge's baby. Now this is where you listen to me and you make me a promise that I fully intend to hold you to.'

'What kind of promise is that?'

'You will protect this baby. You will not take any stupid risks. You will not only be a good mother but you will have patience and give him time so you will see that Ridge is a good father. You will let Stephanie and Eric be a part of this baby's life and you will try to resolve this hatred that you have for me and for Brooke because like it or not we are both a part of Ridge's life and will both plan to stay that way.'

'I am a good mother Taylor. I love this baby and I'd never let anyone hurt him.'

'Look at how foolish you were Morgan. You stood on a chair tried to kill a spider. You could have lost this child.'

'You're right, I was stupid but never again. And Taylor, I don't hate you. I really don't. I know you and Ridge are friends and I have no intentions of trying to stop that.'

'And Brooke?'

'Let me worry about Brooke. We don't like each other and we never will. She shouldn't cling to Ridge like she does anyway.'

'Well if Ridge doesn't like it that's his business but he loves her and he loves her children and he wants to be in her life. You're only hurting yourself by denying that.'

'So now you want me to open my arms to all his lovers?'

'Brooke isn't his lover. She's married and she's happy. You have to get over this jealousy Morgan or it will eat you alive. Ridge doesn't have any lovers. He is your husband and he is faithful to you. You have to understand that about him. He takes his vows seriously. He won't hurt you unless you hurt him. I don't want to see you hurt him because if you do you will have to answer to me. I will protect him and you won't stand a chance.'

'Is that a threat?'

'Call it what you will. That man has lost practically everything he holds dear to him. You and that baby are all he has left. You will treat him right.'

'Alright Taylor, I get your point. I'll try to be more understanding of him.'

'Morgan you will do more than try, you will do it! I will not have lost this child for nothing. You will treat him and his child right!' She shouted. Morgan looked at her and her shoulders began to quake. Suddenly she was crying and shaking. Taylor looked at her and then walked over to her and put her arms around her.

'Shhh. Morgan calm down. I didn't mean to make you cry. You can do this. I know you can. You and I were friends once. I can't be that poor a judge of character. There is a lot of good in you, you just have to let it get out.' Morgan looked up at her and smiled.

'Do you mean that?' She asked. 'I'm so sorry that I left you. I didn't know Taylor, I swear I didn't know.' She sobbed.

'I believe you Morgan.' She said. 'Maybe someday we can get to a point where we can be friendly again.'

'You'll be my friend?'

'Well I'd like us not to be enemies.'

'Thanks Taylor.' Morgan said.

'Now I better leave. Promise me Morgan, promise me you'll do what I said.'

'I will.' She said as Taylor walked out. As soon as the door was shut behind her Morgan grabbed a book from the desk and threw it at the door. 'Bitch! Stupid smug bitch!' She shouted.

 

Michael pulled his car into the driveway at Sara's house and got out went to the door and rang the bell. His hair was still damp from his shower. He was wearing jeans, a white shirt open at the neck and dark sunglasses. He was totally taken back when Debra Fulton opened the door.

'You?' She said. 'What are you doing here?'

'I came to get my, um Bridget.' He answered. 'Is Sara your daughter?'

'She is and I'd like you to stay away from her.'

'That will be my pleasure.' He assured her. 'Is Bridget ready?'

'I'm not letting her go anywhere with you.' At that moment Bridget came running to the door. She flung her arms around him.

'Mike! You're here!'

'I told you I'd hurry.' He said. 'See.' He touched his hair. 'I didn't even wait for my hair to dry.'

'And you took a shower alone right?' She asked sternly.

'Just like you demanded.' He said with a smile. He kissed her on the forehead. 'Ready to roll?' He asked her.

'You smell good.' She said sniffing his neck.

'Well thank you. Your Mom got me this cologne. I'm glad you like it.'

'What happened to your neck?' She asked.

'I got bit by a vampire.' He told her with a laugh.

'May I speak to you a moment Dr. Copeland?' Debra asked.

'Well my girl and I have some important business, don't we Bridget?' He asked.

'Yup.' She said as she looked up at him with admiration and love. Debra looked at him with disgust.

'What's wrong Debra?' He asked. 'Did I do something to offend you?'

'Take you hands off that child.'

'What?' He howled. He pulled Bridget to him protectively. 'What the hell are you talking about?'

'I'll see you in jail before you touch that child again.' She said as she pulled Bridget away from him. 'Let's go inside and call your mother Bridget.'

'But Mrs. Fulton, Mom knows Mike is here. She sent him.' She struggled from her grasp and went back to Michael who put his arm around her.

'Alright Debra, we're gonna talk.' He said walking inside the house with Bridget. 'What the hell are you insinuating?'

'I know all about your little escapades Dr. Copeland. It's one thing to involve an adult but to touch a child like this.'

'Bridget is my stepdaughter Debra.' He told her.

'Your what?'

'I'm married to her mother, she's my step daughter.'

'Should I call you Daddy?' Bridget teased.

'Not now Bridget.' He warned her.

'We'll stop you Dr. Copeland, if it's the last thing we do.'

'We? I suppose you are referring to Dr. Ehlers? That f*cking pig! You should ask him what he did to me! You should ask him what he did to Jessie!' He shouted.

'Don't raise your voice in my home.'

'What is with you? I just spent a very pleasant morning with my wife and now I have to deal with this sh*t?' He looked at her and then at Bridget. 'Come on Bridget, I don't have time for this.' He took her arm and led her out of the house and into his car. He closed the door for her and went over to the driver's side and got in. 'Buckle your seat belt.' He told her. 'F*cking crazy family. I don't know which one is worse.' He looked over at Bridget as he started the engine and began to back out. 'Do you have any idea what got into her?' Bridget shook her head and looked down. She remained quiet for the rest of the ride.

He turned on the radio and took a deep breath. He calmly drove to the hospital. He pulled into the doctor's lot and found a prime spot. He got out of the car and quickly ran over and opened the door for Bridget.

'Now remember Bridget, he's burned pretty bad. You have to try not to make him feel too bad about it okay?'

'Okay Mike.' She agreed.

They walked inside and up to the burn unit. Michael got them each scrubs and hats to cover their hair. 'We have to be careful, he's prone to infection right now.' He explained. 'Ready?' He asked.

'Yes.' She said softly. They walked into the room and the little boy turned to face them. His sad face turned bright upon seeing Michael.

'Doctor Mike!' He said. 'I didn't think you'd be here!'

'I'm here buddy, and I brought someone to meet you. Come on over Bridget.' They walked to his bedside. 'Jason, this is Bridget, Bridget I'd like you to meet Jason.'

'Hi Jason.' She smiled at him.

'Hi Bwidget.' He said. 'Are you Doctor Mike's little girl?'

'Yeah.' She said. 'I guess I am. Would you like me to read to you?' She asked.

'Yes please. Read me that one.' He said as he pointed to a book. 'Doctor Mike bought me that one.'

'That's a great book Jason.' She said as she picked it up. 'Do you want me to start at the beginning?'

'Yes please.' He said. Bridget pulled a chair over and sat down.

'Honey, I have to see someone. I'll be back in a little while okay?' Michael said to her.

'Sure.' She smiled at him. 'Take your time.'

Michael walked out of the room and went over to the desk. The nurse came over to him. 'How's he doing today?' He asked her.

'A little better Doctor. But we had some bad news.'

'What?' He asked.

'His father died this morning.'

'Oh God.' Michael moaned. 'Have they been able to locate any other family yet?'

'Nothing.'

'Have they told him?'

'We told him this morning. The sweet little boy said now his Mommy and Daddy and sister were all together again. And then he asked when he would be going.' She wiped a tear from her eye.

'Not for at least eighty years if I have my way.' He said. 'Where's the social worker?' He asked.

'She's not back till this afternoon.'

Michael reached into his wallet and handed her a card. 'This has my cell, my beeper, my office and my home. Have her try them all. I need to talk to her.'

'Of course Dr. Copeland.' She said. 'You really are attached to that boy.'

'Yeah, I guess I am. My stepdaughter is in there with him right now. Let her stay till I get back.'

'Stepdaughter?' She asked. 'When did you get married?'

'A while ago. It just isn't public knowledge yet.'

'Congratulations Doctor, I guess you must have left a lot of broken hearts.'

'Oh I doubt that. I never let anyone get that close before. Not till Brooke.'

'She must be a special lady.'

'She's the best.' He smiled. 'Can I use the phone?' He asked.

'Be my guest.' She said. Michael picked up the phone and hit in a number for an inside call.

 

'Now you wait here in my office.' Brooke said. 'I have to prepare them for this. Megan is getting them all into the conference room. I'll be back in for you in a minute.' She said. She walked out of her office and closed the door. Ridge walked up to her. She looked down at the sling on his arm.

'How does it feel?'

'It hurts.' He admitted. 'And I still can barely move my fingers. The doctors said it would take a little while but I hate leaving you in a bind like this. So Logan, what's the meeting about?'

'You'll find out soon enough.' She said as they walked into the room together.

'What is this about Brooke?' An annoyed Stephanie asked. 'Are you getting a divorce?'

'Far from it.' She laughed. 'Where's Eric?' She asked.

'Here I am.' He said as he walked in. 'I brought a guest.' He said as Taylor followed him in. 'I hope you don't mind.'

'No, in fact it may just be the best idea yet.' She said. 'Please everyone sit down. This will be brief.'

They all sat down and looked at her.

'Well everyone is aware of what this hero did.' She smiled at Ridge. 'But unfortunately his bravery has left us in somewhat of a bind.'

'We can pick up the slack Brooke.' Eric said. 'In fact Morgan has been contributing a lot to this showing. We really are in good shape.'

'Not good enough Eric.' She said. 'We are in dire need of Ridge's talent and right now we don't have that. That's why I've taken in upon myself to hire another designer.'

'We don't need another designer Logan.' Ridge said. 'I'll be fine soon.'

'Well I certainly hope so but this is not negotiable. I've made my decision and I've already filled the position.'

Taylor looked at Brooke and she nodded at her.

'Without my input Brooke?' Eric asked. 'I though we had reached a point where you were leaving the creative process to me.'

'Not this time Eric. This designer has lots of experience and is a wonderful person. I'm going to go get him. I'll be right back.' She said. She walked out of the room and closed the door.

'You know about this Doc?' Ridge asked.

'Um, yeah I do.' She said. 'I didn't know she was going to do it but I think it's a good idea.'

'Well I think it s*cks.' Ridge said. He started to get up.

'Sit down Ridge.' Taylor told him. 'You all better be sitting down for this one.'

'What did she do?' Stephanie screeched. 'What did that bitch do?'

Suddenly the door opened and Brooke came back in.

'I'd like you to meet the newest member of the Forrester team.' She motioned with her arm. 'Ladies and gentlemen. I think you all know him. Our new designer. Grant Chambers.' She said as Grant walked into the room to shocked looks and questioning mumbles.

 

Michael knocked on the door and opened it. 'Dr. Stedman?' He asked.

'Dr. Copeland? Come in.' The attractive, man in his sixties said.

'Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.'

'Well I always like to do a favor for a colleague.' He looked him up and down. 'Are you having a problem son?'

'Well I guess I am. It's a long story but let me get right to the point. 'I'd like to see about having my vasectomy reversed.'

Changes Part 66

 

 

"This must be some kind of sick joke." Ridge said. "Who are you? Where the hell did you find someone who looks so much like Grant and why are you doing this Logan?"

"Not happy to see me back Ridge?" Grant asked.

"It is you." A stupefied Ridge said upon recognizing his voice. "How can it be?"

"I’m not going to go into the whole story right now but let’s just say that it’s true, some wonderful people risked a lot to help me, I got better and here I am."

"I’m sorry but I’m having a hard time with this." Ridge announced. "Taylor, you knew. Why didn’t you say anything?"

"Grant asked me not to. I knew it would come out sooner or later."

"Macy?" A flabbergasted Stephanie asked. "Does Macy know?"

"Oh she knows." Brooke said. "Boy does she know."

"Is that why Logan? Is that why she did this?" Ridge asked gesturing to his arm.

"Grant is staying with us right now, Macy isn’t very happy about that."

"What about Thorne?" Stephanie asked.

"Thorne knows too. We aren’t sure of the legal ramifications of all of this. Bryan is looking into it." Taylor explained. "Right now Grant is having a problem with his memory. He seems to have lost the most recent things."

"So what makes you think he can design then?" Eric asked.

"I don’t remember Macy or being married to her." Grant explained. "I certainly remember how to work my craft."

"This is unacceptable." Stephanie told Brooke. "You have no right to do this, none whatsoever."

"I have the right to do whatever I want Stephanie. That comes with the job. But I don’t understand your attitude. You should be happy that Grant is alive. This is a great day. A man you thought was dead isn’t and all any of you can do is complain."

"I, I I’m not upset that Grant is alive." Stephanie said. "I’m confused. It doesn’t make sense, none of it does. And why is he back here? He doesn’t belong here anymore."

"He belongs where ever he wants to be." Brooke defiantly answered. "And furthermore I can’t think of anyone more capable of doing this job."

"He’s been sick." Ridge said. "Where have you been Grant? Have you been keeping up to date on fashion? Do you have any idea of the trends?"

"I think I’ve managed to pick up a thing or two since I’ve been back. Brooke has given me tons of magazines and I’ve looked at your sketches. I don’t think I’ll have any problems fitting in. Besides Ridge, maybe I can come up with something totally new."

"That isn’t what this company is about Grant." Eric told him. "We are an established couture company. We aren’t looking to start strange new trends."

"Maybe we should be Eric." Brooke told him. "I’m not talking about changing the upcoming show but the future, why shouldn’t we be the trend setters? We always used to be."

"Well men’s fashion doesn’t have as many severe changes Logan." Ridge added.

"Men’s fashions?" Brooke asked.

"Yes, Grant’s line." Ridge said with a serious look.

"Oh you are mistaken. Grant will be designing for the couture line, not the men’s line."

"You can’t do this." Stephanie proclaimed.

"Yes I can and I am doing this." Brooke smiled at her. "In fact right now Megan is arranging for Grant’s office."
"Grant’s office Logan? Where would that be?" Ridge asked.

"I have little use for Morgan. He’s getting her office. She can either move downstairs or she can share yours if you are so inclined." Brooke told him point blank.

"Logan." Ridge looked at her as if she had told him he was the one moving out.

"Morgan has done some great work Brooke. This isn’t fair to her." Eric added in her defense.

"Well Morgan will have to think back to some things she did and said to me and maybe she’ll start to understand the meaning of the word fair." She looked around the room. "That’s it guys. For now Grant will be using my office but as soon as things are ready he’ll be moving into Morgan’s. I expect you all to give him your full cooperation. And I also hope you can all give him a better welcome home than you have so far. Grant?" She turned to him. He smiled at her and they walked out of the conference room.

Eric walked up to Ridge. "This is outrageous. We have to do something about this." He told his son.

"Eric, aren’t you being a little rash?" Taylor asked. "Grant is a wonderful designer and he’s a great person too. Don’t you think all of you could have made him feel a little more welcome?"

"I’m sure Brooke took care of that." Stephanie said snidely.

"Mother." Ridge said sternly.

"Ridge?" Taylor said. "You must realize that this is a miracle. This man has been through so much and look at how you are all treating him."

"He doesn’t belong here Doc, he never did."

"You all amaze me." She said shaking her head. "I can’t believe what I’m seeing and hearing."

"She’ll ruin this company." Eric fumed. "Just when things were finally going the way they should be."

"I told you she was up to no good." Stephanie yelled. "None of you would listen to me but I told you all."

"Let me talk to her. She’s probably very emotional about finding out he’s alive. It was surely a shock to her. She did this for all the wrong reasons. I can talk some sense into her." Ridge told them.

"Don’t underestimate that tramp." Stephanie warned him. "Next thing you know she’ll be bringing that, that man here to run things."

"Mike Copeland better not show his face in here." Eric said. "Brooke is going to destroy this company. What has gotten into her?"

"How is Grant going to destroy this company? He’s good Eric." Taylor told him.

"She’s gone too far this time." Eric said. "Something has to be done about this."

"I’ll talk to her." Ridge volunteered.

"Yes son, she owes you. You saved her life."

"This is crazy." Taylor said. "Listen to yourselves. Ridge," She turned to him. "Brooke is looking out for you. Don’t you realize how guilty she feels? She’s doing this for you and for Grant. Think of it that way."

"We don’t need Chambers."

"Maybe you do." She said. "It’s not like he’s taking over the company."

"He’ll try Doc, just like before."

"No Ridge." She said calmly. "He’s changed, he’s different. This thing took a lot out of him. He’s also very lonely."

"Lonely? Tell him to go home to his wife. That is if she doesn’t shoot him."

"He’s in love with Brooke."

"Again?" Stephanie asked. "Thank God none of my family is involved with her anymore."

"In love with Brooke?" Eric asked. "Now how do you explain that?"
"His memory Eric, when he came home he thought he was still married to Brooke."

"And how exactly did he come home?" Ridge asked.

"It’s better that you don’t know that right now Ridge. There may be trouble." Taylor explained. "Bryan thinks it’s a very tricky situation."

"Well I don’t have time to stand around discussing Grant Chambers. I think I better go talk to Brooke."

Ridge walked out of the room leaving Taylor with Eric and Stephanie.

"How are you dear?" Stephanie asked her. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I’m okay Stephanie. It was a terrible thing but I’m starting to get better."

"How did it happen Taylor?" She asked.

Taylor looked at her and saw the deep love and concern on her face. She hated lying but she had to protect Ridge and his child. "I let myself get overworked. I was stressed and it just happened. I really don’t like to even think about it."

"Oh course not. But if I can do anything for you dear, you just have to ask me."

"Same here Taylor." Eric added.

"Well I know this may be awkward but I do want to ask you." She started. "Bryan and I are having a wedding, a church wedding a week from Saturday and I’d really like you both to be there." She smiled at them.

"But you are married already aren’t you Taylor?" Stephanie asked.

"Legally yes, but we want to do it before God."

"And you want us there?" Stephanie asked. "Won’t you feel a bit awkward?"

"Not with people I love around me. I’ve already asked Ridge."

"He isn’t coming is he?" Stephanie wondered.

"He said no. I do understand, but I did hope the rest of the family would come."

"I suppose Brooke will be there."

"Of course she will. She’s my matron of honor."

"If you want us, we’ll be there Taylor." Eric assured her.

"Thank you." Taylor smiled and hugged him. She then hugged Stephanie. "Don’t worry so much Stephanie, this will work out. Grant is a wonderful man."

"I don’t want to talk about him anymore. I want to talk about you, you and Ridge."

"There is no me and Ridge."

Stephanie laughed. "Oh Taylor, there will always be a you and Ridge. My son is heartbroken and you don’t seem very happy either. I know you care about Bryan and I have to admit he is a decent man, but Taylor you love my son."

"I do love him, but it’s over. We’ve both made our choices and moved on. I can’t keep having this same conversation all the time. I care deeply about Ridge and always will but our marriage is over."

"Alright, I’ll honor your wishes but I know I’m right. You two will be together again. Mark my words." Stephanie said with a sly smile.

 

Ridge walked into Brooke’s office with a dejected look on his face. He looked around to make sure they were alone and he shut the door.

"Logan, how could you do this to me?" He asked.

"I didn’t do anything to you Ridge, I did it for you."

"I don’t need help, especially from him."

"Ridge." She said softly walking up to him. "I am not doing this to hurt you, that’s the last thing in the world I would ever do. I am doing this for Grant though, he’s been through so much and he deserves a break."

"This isn’t right, he almost destroyed the company before, or have you forgotten that?"

"That was my fault, not his. Things aren’t the same Ridge. He’s not in control of anything. Nothing else has changed. I hired him yes, but you and your father are still the creative people here. All I’m asking is that you cut Grant some slack. You have no idea what that man has gone through. Can’t any of you show him some sympathy?"

"You’re giving up on me."

"No I’m not. I’m just giving you a chance to recover. Besides Ridge, even if you were at 100% I still would have brought him in. He needs this. He needs a purpose again."

"Where was he Logan? How did you find him? Did he find you? I have so many questions but no answers at all."

"If I tell you it has to stay between us Ridge. Your parents can’t know anything."

"Why?"

"Because that’s how it has to be."

"Alright, fine. Will you tell me?"

"It was me. I was the one who pulled him out of the hospital and sent him to Mexico."

"You?" He asked in amazement. "Who did you tell?"

"No one. Just Dr. Hughes. He helped me. We had him pronounced dead and we moved him. He’s been recovering ever since."

"And you paid for all this? And what about Macy? Why didn’t you tell her?"

"I didn’t tell her because we didn’t think he was going to live anyway. Don’t you see Ridge, it took years. I never expected him to come home. So many times I was told that it would be any day now. But somehow he found the will and he did recover. How can you expect me to abandon him now? How Ridge?"

 

"Sit down and let’s talk. Dr. Copeland," Dr. Stedman told Michael. "I realize that you are a physician but there are certain questions I ask all my patients and you are not exempt from them."

"Well since you will be getting to know me quite intimately why don’t you call me Mike." Michael smiled.

"Tell me, why did you have the procedure in the first place and why have you changed your mind."

"Wow. You don’t pull any punches. Okay I did it because I was at a point in my life where I didn’t feel that I deserved to have a child. I had some bad experiences and it soured me."

"Was there ever a time you wanted children? Do you know if you even are capable?"

"Oh I’m capable. I lost two children. One in a tragic accident and another was aborted, that was not my choice."

"I see. And why do you feel that you want them now?"

"I married the most wonderful woman on earth and more than anything I want to have a child with her."

"Now please do not be offended but you are not a young man. Sometimes it’s not easy for a woman in her later fertile years to conceive a first child."

"It wouldn’t be her first. She has two children and has been pregnant other times also."

"And is she in agreement about this procedure?"

"She wants kids too. Though I doubt she’d ask me to do this."

"Alright that’s fair. Have you done any reading on the subject?"

"It came up rather suddenly. I got your name and here I am."

"Well the procedure to reverse your vasectomy is not as easy or simple as the initial procedure. It is quite painful and much more involved. It’s a long surgery with a very long recovery time."

"I suppose you are talking about sexual activity."

"That and simple things such as lifting and strain. You would be able to perform your job without any trouble after a few days of recovering but your normal relations would have to be curtailed for anywhere from four to six weeks. That would depend on how well and how fast you heal."

"Four to six weeks?" Michael asked. "That is something I didn’t expect to hear. I’m a newlywed Dr. Stedman."

"Well I’m just trying to prepare you for what to expect. The first few days you will have some pain and then after that you should wear a support for about four weeks. Though at that time there should be no significant pain."

"Well I guess it’s my own fault. I never should have done this in the first place. Will you need to examine me before we make appointments and whatnot?"

"Actually there is nothing to examine. You are a healthy man and I see no reason not to proceed. That is as long as you and your wife are in agreement."

"I don’t plan on telling her until it’s over."

"I wouldn’t recommend that."

"It’s not that I want to keep it from her, it’s just that I don’t think she would want to put me through it. She’d say it wasn’t that important to her, but I know it is and it is to me too."

"Well I can’t force you to tell her but I still would advise it." He opened his calendar. "When are you interested in preceding?"

"Yesterday." Michael replied. "Doctor, I want this done as soon as possible. Like you said we aren’t getting any younger and I certainly don’t want to make Brooke wait forever."

"Well in most cases the surgery is successful, however results aren’t immediate. In some cases there is sperm as soon as a month later while in others it can take up to a year. We will monitor you for that."

"That sounds reasonable. Let’s hope I’m one of the lucky ones. So when can you fit me in?"

"Actually Dr. Copeland I had a surgery scheduled for tomorrow but it was cancelled. Due to the fact of being colleagues I’d be willing to fit you in. However you must realize that this will be hard to keep from your wife. I can’t do it until eleven am and it’s a long procedure followed by a long recovery. I’d want to keep you overnight in this case."

"That can be worked out. I’ll tell her I have to stay here for a patient. Believe me she will be very happy when it’s over and I can give her the good news."

"Alright then Mike, I’ll set it all up. But think about telling her. This is a decision you really should make together."

"I’m making it for both of us Dr. Stedman. This is the right thing."

"Well I’m not going to let you drive home so you’ll have to tell someone."

"I’ll tell Frank Calabrese, I’m sure he can get me home. I really appreciate this doctor."

"Well I’m glad I can help. This is a major step and I hope the results all turn out to your satisfaction." Dr. Stedman got up and walked around his desk and shook his hand. "Then I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll have the admission set up for you."

"Thanks Doc." He said with a smile. "I think."

Michael shook his hand again and walked out of the office. We got on the elevator and went back to the burn unit. He proceeded to the desk.

"Hi." He said to the nurse. "Did the social worker get here yet?"

"No Dr. Copeland. I promise I will tell her to get in touch with you."

"Sorry to be such a pest. Can I use the phone again?"

"Oh course doctor."

He picked up the phone and hit in another inside number. "Frank, it’s Mike. I need to talk to you about something very important. No, I’m up at the burn unit with Jason. No, here wouldn’t be a good place. Can you meet me in my office in about ten minutes? I want to check on Jason again. Okay. Yeah, it is serious buddy. No." He laughed. "No I’m not in any kind of trouble this time. Well maybe I am but not the kind you’re thinking of. Okay Frank, I’ll see you then." He hung up the phone. "Thanks." He told the nurse. He walked back into Jason’s room and found him watching cartoons with Bridget.

"I love that one." Michael said. "There’s no better cartoon than Bugs Bunny if you ask me."

"Yeah, we like the old stuff too." Bridget said. "Jason tell Mike what you told me before."

"Dr. Mike, Bridget and I are gonna go to the beach as soon as I can get better."

"You are?" Michael asked.

"Yes." He beamed. "And Bridget is gonna be my girlfriend."

"Well you sure couldn’t get a prettier girlfriend Jason. I like her a lot too." He smiled at Bridget.

"Jason and I had ice cream." Bridget told him.

"Banilla." Jason proudly said.

"Oh." Michael frowned. "I like chocolate."

"Yuck." Jason said with a laugh.

"What kind do you like Bridget?" Michael asked.

"I like Rocky Road."

"Did you ever have that Jason?" Michael asked.

"Nope."

"Well I guess we’ll just have to get you some." He smiled and turned to Bridget. "Honey, I have one more thing to do and then we gotta get home."

"Well you come back?" Jason said as tears filled his eyes.

"You bet I will." Michael smiled at him. "And I’ll bring Bridget back too, right Budge?" He asked.

"Budge?" Jason questioned.

"That’s what her brother calls her." Michael explained. "I think it’s cute."

"I think it’s dorky." Bridget sighed.

"What do you think Jase?" Michael asked.

"Budge, fudge." He laughed.

"Thanks Mike." Bridget moaned. Michael laughed, messed her hair and walked out.

 

"What smells so great?" Bryan asked as he walked into the kitchen. He grabbed Taylor from behind and kissed her neck.

"I’m making a pot roast. Sound good?" She asked.

"Sounds great." He turned her around and took her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. "How was your day?" He asked her.

"Don’t ask. Grant went back to work and I happened to be there and I got pulled into the middle and everyone is at war."

"What were you doing at Forrester?" He asked her, somewhat hurt.

"I went to talk to Morgan. We had a little misunderstanding and I wanted to clear it up."

"Did you see Ridge?" He asked.

"Yes, he was at the meeting when Eric dragged me in." She kissed him softly. "Now don’t be jealous."

"I’m not." He said jealously.

Taylor laughed and hugged him. "I’m kind of glad you are. Oh, yeah. Ridge was here today too earlier."

"And why was that?"

"To see the children."

"And you."

"And me." She conceded. "But it was hard. Thomas is taking this pretty badly, he misses his father."

"I’m not trying to keep him from his father Taylor, I’m just trying to keep his father from my wife. Can’t he go sniffing around his own wife?"

"Now you sound like Michael."

"Well Michael has the right idea. Ridge has to learn to let go of his exes." He hugged her tightly. "You’re mine now."

"That I am." She smiled. "I had the phone repaired today." She said pointing to the newly reinstalled phone.

"Good. I hate to think of you having to run every time I call you."
"You didn’t call me. There were no messages." She told him.

"Taylor I called you twice and I left messages both times."

"Well then the machine must not be working cause I checked."

"I’ll go look at it." He told her.

"Wow! A lawyer who can repair answering machines too! Can a woman get any luckier?" She teased.

"Wait till you see what I can do in the bedroom."

"Oh but I have." She said. "And I must say that your services are beyond compare."

"Nut." He laughed. He walked to the refrigerator and took out an open bottle of wine. He poured himself a glass. "Want one Taylor?" He asked.

"White with pot roast? Have you no class?" She teased.

"I like white." He said after he took a sip. "Let me go see about that machine. I’ll be back in a jiff." He walked out of the kitchen while Taylor laughed.

 

"Hello my beautiful…..Grant?" Michael said as he walked into the kitchen.

"I think you’re kinda cute too." Grant teased.

"Where’s Brooke?" Michael asked.

"Upstairs in the shower. I told her I’d make dinner."

"And he cooks too." Michael laughed. "The shower huh? Hey Grant, don’t wait for us."

He took the stairs two at a time and opened the bedroom door. Happily he heard the shower still running. He closed the door and took off his clothes and uncharacteristically left them on the floor. He quietly opened the bathroom and then the shower door. He stepped into the warm water and put his arms around Brooke.

"Thank goodness." She smiled. "I thought I would turn into a prune waiting for you."

"I love you so much." He said as he lifted her up. "I want you so much." He told her as he slowly put her down and pulled her tightly against him.

"You sure do." Brooke giggled. "Were you in that state before you got in here?"

"I was in that state just thinking of you. You and I are going to spend the entire night making love." He told her.

"No dinner?" She asked.

"Who needs food." He said in a sexy voice as he lifted her up again and gently lowered her onto his waiting body.

"Oh my." Brooke said with a shudder. "I think I’m going to like tonight."

"I know you will. I’m going to make it a night to remember." He whispered. I sure hope I do cause it’s gonna have to last us a while. He thought.

 

"I’m home!" Rick announced as he walked into the house and deposited his sleeping bad and backpack on the floor.

"Rick!" Bridget squealed as she ran in to greet him.

"Where’s Mom?"

"She and Mike are at it again." Bridget laughed.

"And you’re not mad?" He asked. "When did this happen?"

"You’ve been gone awhile Rick." She said with a smile.

"Something sure smells good, it can’t be you cooking."

"No, it’s Grant." She said.

"Who?" Rick asked.

"Grant. He’s back."

"Back? Budge are you nuts? Grant is dead."

"Not anymore Rick. Mom and Mike went to Mexico and brought him home. He lives here now."

"What?" Rick asked with wide eyes. "Grant Chambers? The guy Mom was married to?"

"The same one."

"The one who’s married to Macy?"

"Well he doesn’t remember Macy but yeah Rick, the same one."

"You’re sh*tting me."

"I’m not. I really was scared at first but Mike was so cool about it and well I guess he’s okay."

"You guess Mike is okay?" A confused Rick asked.

"No silly! Mike is great! I guess Grant is okay. He and Mike have gotten to be pretty good friends."

"Did I move to Oz or something? I go off camping for a few days and I come back and my sister loves this guy she hated and Grant Chambers has come back from the dead."

"Camping ha!" Bridget laughed. "I know where you were."

"What do you mean by that Budge?"

"I know you were with Amber. I know you two are together again."

"Shhhh." He said quickly. "You didn’t tell Mom did you?"

"No, but you better before she finds out."

"We’re taking it slow this time Budge."

"Slow? Right! You two have been screwing each other for days and you call that taking it slow."

"We were getting to know each other again."

"Mom is gonna be so pissed Rick. You know she hates her."

"Well it’s not like we got married or anything. We just spent some time together."

"Oh is that what you call it?" She laughed. "Hey, it’s your funeral. Come on in the kitchen and say hello to Grant."

"I don’t think so." He hesitated.

"Nobody said a word about it Rick. I’m sure that they aren’t even thinking about it."

"Well I don’t want Mom sending me to a shrink again. I know it was wrong but I thought it was all over."

"It is. Come on." She grabbed his arm. "Besides, maybe Grant won’t even remember. He’s really confused these days."

They walked into the kitchen where Grant was stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce. He turned around. "Rick?" He said.

"Yeah. Hi Grant, welcome back to the world of the living." Rick said.

"Look at how big you are. Your mother told me but I would never have guessed you’d have grown up so much. I guess your sister warned you about me."

"Yeah. Hey Grant. Did you really die and come back or what?"

"Not exactly. I was in a coma. But I never actually died. I didn’t see a bright light or anything."

"That’s cool. So now you’re staying here? Why aren’t you with Macy?"

"Well that’s a long story Rick. I don’t exactly remember Macy. But I’ve met her and I like her a lot."

"Yeah well. Grant do you remember about what happened? I mean are you going to give me sh*t about it?"

"It’s ancient history Rick. If you want to talk about it that’s one thing but aside from that I say we forget it ever happened."

"Cool. So you do remember huh?"

"Yeah I remember, but you were a confused kid then. Things look like they’ve changed."

"Yeah they have." He walked over to the refrigerator and took out a Coke. He opened it up and gulped it down in a few short chugs. "So we’re cool about this?" He asked Grant.

"We’re cool." Grant assured him. "This stuff is almost done. Are you hungry Rick?"

"Starved, but what about Mom and Michael?"

"I don’t think we’re going to be seeing them tonight. They’ve had a rough couple of days and I think they need some time alone together."

"Okay." Rick said. "Want me to make a salad?"

"It’s already done. But you can get some plates out." Grant said. "It may not be fancy but I think you’ll like it."

 

 

"Taylor," Bryan said as he came back into the kitchen. "I checked the machine and there is nothing wrong with it. I’m going to call from my cell and see if it picks up."

"Good idea." She said. Bryan pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed their number.

"Now don’t pick it up." He warned as it started to ring.

"I’m not stupid Bryan." She said.

The phone rang five times and they both heard the machine pick up.

"Okay." Said Bryan. "Hello, this is a test. Are you working machine? This is a test. I love you Taylor. That isn’t a test." He laughed and hung up. "Come on." He took her hand and they went into the living room and saw the button lit for messages. Bryan played it back and it repeated his message.

"Baby are you sure you didn’t erase it by mistake? I know I left you two messages. I was wondering why you hadn’t called me back."

"I didn’t erase it Bryan. Maybe it wasn’t working and it is now."

"Do you think Thomas might have done it?"

"Thomas wouldn’t know how to do it Bryan."

"Maybe he pressed some buttons and didn’t realize that he did it."

"No. I don’t think so."

"Well you said Ridge was here. Do you think he would have done it?"

"For what purpose? He wouldn’t do that to me."

"Well something doesn’t add up Taylor. Someone erased those messages and maybe some other ones too."

"Maybe the machine wasn’t working and when you fooled with it it started to work again."

"I suppose so but I’m a bit concerned. I keep thinking that someone must have done it, but who?"

 

Brooke rolled away from Michael but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back and started to kiss her again.

"Honey what’s gotten into you tonight? Not that I’m complaining but you don’t seem to want to stop."

"I don’t." He told her. "Once I get you into my arms I never want to stop but if you need a rest it’s okay." He looked at the clock. "Wow it’s past midnight, we have been at it a long time."

"And I am hungry." She said. "Let’s go downstairs and get something to eat. Besides we have tomorrow." She kissed him. "And the next night." She kissed him again. "And the next night and the next."

"Well we don’t have tomorrow night." He told her. "I have a surgery at eleven and I’m gonna have to stay the night."

"I hope it isn’t serious." She said. "It’s not the little boy is it?"

"No." He sighed. "I’ll tell you all about it after it’s over. Come on, let’s go eat."

Changes Part 67

 

"He was really acting strange last night and this morning." Brooke told Grant as they sat in her office looking over sketches.

"How so Brooke?"

"Well he was very attentive."

"He always is. That guy loves you."

"Yeah but it was different. It was like we weren’t going to see each other for a long time or something. Well he is going to be at the hospital overnight. Maybe that’s it. And I know he is worried about the shooting."

"I’m sure that’s all it is Brooke." He said as he held up a design. "Now this one is really good, this is classic Ridge."

"Yeah I like that one a lot too. Wait till you see the showstopper Grant. It’s glorious. God, I am so excited about tomorrow. This is going to be one of our best shows ever. I just wish I could have gotten you involved sooner. I’d have loved to have some of your designs out there."

"Well I have plenty of ideas for the next show. And I’m working on something very special too."

"You are? Can I see it?"

"Not yet. Soon." He promised.

"Okay." She said with a smile. "I know how secretive you designers can be. Speaking of secretive designers, have you seen Ridge today?"

"No." He replied. "I did see Eric. He gave me a polite little nod and walked on by. I hope this isn’t going to be causing you any major trouble Brooke. If it is I can leave."

"Nonsense. They’ll get used to it. I want you here." She smiled at him. "I’m going to go see how the office situation is going." She said. Grant waved at her and she walked outside to Megan’s desk.

"Hi Brooke." Megan said.

"Hi Megan, has Morgan been by yet? I was wondering if she’s reacted to losing her office yet."

"She’s in Eric’s office and she seems pretty upset."

"Well it’s her own doing. If she had treated me with a little respect this never would have happened to her. I liked that woman when I hired her Megan. For some reason she got it into her head that I was after Ridge again and she’s been nasty to me ever since."

"Well I don’t blame you at all Brooke. In fact I can’t believe you let her stay at all."

"I didn’t want to make Ridge’s life any harder than it already was." She said sadly. "Do me a favor and ask him to come see me when he comes in."

"Sure Brooke." Megan said.

 

"Lieutenant Burke, I have those search warrants that you wanted." Elizabeth Garner said as she walked up to him at the police station.

"Well it’s about time." He said. "The trails are already getting very cold."

"The judge was leery about it, especially after we had dropped the charges against him the first time."

"Somehow I think that this involves someone besides Macy Forrester. She really had me convinced of her innocence when I questioned her. But Ridge Forrester is convinced it was her."

"What about Brooke Logan? Did she see anyone?"

"All she can swear to is that she saw a redhead. In fact she couldn’t even swear it was a woman. But I think these two cases are connected. Someone made another attempt on Brooke Logan’s life but Ridge Forrester got in the way. I don’t think it’s gonna end here Liz."

"Do you have Ms. Logan being watched?"

"Yes I do. And she isn’t very happy about it. It just has to be done." He read through the search warrants. "Well I think I will spare Ms. Logan any undue embarrassment and take care of this one today."

"Undue embarrassment?" Liz asked.

"The Forresters are having their showing tomorrow. I don’t think she’d appreciate a police search of one of her employees going on while the press was there."

"And we do want her cooperation."

"Would you like to join us Liz?" He asked.

"Don’t mind if I do."

Taylor struggled with the two large sacks of groceries as she rummaged for her keys. As she leaned against the door it opened on it’s own.

"What?" She said aloud. "Don’t tell me I forgot to lock the door. Bryan is going to shoot me." She pushed it the rest of the way open and walked inside. She went into the kitchen and put down the two sacks. She then went into the living room and checked the machine for messages, there were none. She walked to the front door and closed it and went into the kitchen and proceeded to put her groceries away. The sound of the phone ringing made her jump.

"Hello." She said. "Hello, is anyone there?" She listened and could hear breathing on the other end.

"Hello, I know someone is there. Hello. This isn’t funny. If you don’t say something I’m going to hang up. Hello!" She slammed the phone down. "Damn kids." She looked outside the window suddenly having the strange feeling of being watched. "Stop it Taylor." She told herself. "You are letting this shooting thing spook you now."

She finished putting away the groceries and decided to run the dishwasher. She opened it up to put in the detergent and noticed that there were three coffee cups. "Three? Katherine didn’t have any coffee when she took the kids out. Did I forget to empty one last night?" She wondered. "This is so odd." She was about to look at the cups when the phone rang again. Again she jumped. "Hello." She said

"Hello! Is there someone there? If you don’t stop this I’m going to call the police. This isn’t funny." She listened and heard the breathing again. "I’m hanging up. Say something!" She shouted. She heard the sound of the phone being hung up on the other side. She put the phone down and immediately it rang again. "Leave me alone!" She screamed into the receiver.

"Taylor?" Bryan’s concerned voice asked.

"Oh Bryan. You didn’t just call did you?"

"No baby, what’s wrong?"

"I had two calls just now. No one said anything but I could hear them breathing."

"Maybe it was a wrong number."

"Maybe, it was probably just a prank. Although it is the middle of the day."

"Well I don’t want you to get worried about it. Are you all alone?"

"Yeah, Katherine has the kids. I was out doing some shopping. I just got back."

"Oh, so that’s why you didn’t call me."

"Call you?"

"I left you a message Taylor, don’t tell me you forgot to check the machine."

"I just checked the machine Bryan and there were no messages."

"Well that does it. On the way home tonight I’m picking up a new machine. That one is too temperamental."

"I guess." She said. "Are you going to be late tonight?"

"No. Why Taylor? Are you scared?"

"A little, I know it’s crazy but those calls got to me."

"Well then why don’t you go over and visit Brooke. I can meet you over there."

"Brooke went back to work. Don’t worry about me Bryan, I’ll be fine."

"Well you call me if you get anymore of those calls."

"Bryan? What did you say on the message?"

"Well," He chuckled. "I told you how much I missed you and how much I loved you and all the things I wanted to do with you when I got home."

"Damn! I wish I hadn’t have lost that message." She said with a laugh. "Oh, before I forget. I got the invitations out this morning and I hired a florist."

"And the hall is all set. Looks like we are in business. We are going to have such a wonderful wedding. What about a dress?"

"I was going to talk to Brooke and Eric tomorrow about using one from last years showing. Eric designed a lovely dress."

"As long as it wasn’t Ridge." Bryan said.

"Ridge is a great designer."

"Yeah but I’d rather not see my bride walk down the isle in one of his creations. Does Brooke have a dress yet?"

"I told her to go with any color she wants. I’m sure Eric or Ridge will whip up something for her."

"Connor and I got new tuxes today. Hey did I tell you, Connor has a date for the wedding and you will never in a million years guess who it is."

"Well I know it’s not Brooke." She laughed. "No Bryan, I have no idea."

"Adrienne Copeland."

"Adrienne Copeland? Is she related to Michael?"

"She’s his ex-wife. Connor is representing her and they hit it off."

"That isn’t going to be too comfortable for Brooke and Michael."

"Well Connor isn’t exactly doing cartwheels over seeing Brooke with her husband either."

"I know. It’s sad. They were so good together but I have to admit Michael is a doll. And I have never seen Brooke so much in love. She adores him."

"I think it goes both ways. But they aren’t the only couple like that."

"No they aren’t." She said with a smile. "I love you Bryan. Now hurry with your work. I thought you might like to do some painting tonight."

"Now how do you expect me to concentrate on work now." He laughed. "I can almost taste you right now."

"Good." She grinned. "I’ll be waiting, and not too patiently either."

"You wanted to see me Logan?" Ridge asked as he walked into Brooke’s office. He the noticed Grant sitting on the couch drawing on a pad. "Hello Grant."

"Hello Ridge." Grant said. "Want me to leave you two alone?" He asked Brooke.

"If you don’t mind." She said.

"No problem. I think I’ll head out to get something to eat. Can I bring anything back for either of you?"

"I’m fine." Brooke said.

"Me too, but thanks for asking." Ridge told him.

Grant got up and closed his pad and walked out.

"So what’s up Brooke?"

"How’s your arm?" She asked.

"No change since yesterday." Ridge said sadly.

"I’m sure it will be better soon." She got up off her chair and came around to him and hugged him. "You don’t know how guilty I feel Ridge."

"Don’t Logan, it wasn’t your fault. But it is discouraging. I really hoped it would be better today. You know I can barely hold my son." He shook his head. "So what did you want?"

"How is Morgan handling it?"

"Not very well. She’s really upset."

"Well she’s lucky she still has a job here. If it weren’t for you I never would have let her come back. Is she taking a smaller office or is she working in yours?"

"She wants her own office, not that I blame her." He looked into her eyes. "Why couldn’t you have given Chambers the smaller office Brooke?"

"Because I want him to feel welcome and I really think he has much more to contribute than Morgan ever will."

"I disagree. I never thought much of his designs."

"That’s a lie." She said softly. "In the beginning you thought he was very good. That is until he can between us."

"Maybe." Ridge acknowledged. "But maybe I was wrong in the beginning."

"I don’t think so. But I didn’t want to see you about Grant or even your arm."

"What is it?"

"Taylor. We have to work out a plan for tomorrow."

"Logan how am I going to fit her?"

"Well obviously you can’t. What about Eric? Or Grant for that matter."

"I wanted it to be just us."

"Well Ridge that can’t be right now. If I could do it I would but you know I can’t. It’s almost done isn’t it?"

"I think it will be perfect, but it may need a couple of minor alterations."

"Well if I help her dress and you look at it then we can just get a seamstress and you can give directions."

"That’ll work. I just hope she goes along with it."

"She will. That dress is so much for her that you would have to be blind not to know it. If you can’t convince her then I will. One way or another Taylor will wear that dress tomorrow."

"I don’t know if I can handle it Brooke. When I see her in that dress."

"Oh Ridge." She put her arm around him and hugged him. "I know how much you wanted it to work. So did I. I wanted to see the two of you as happy as I am."

"Are you really Brooke? Are you really that happy?"

"Michael is more important to me than the air that I breathe. Ridge I can’t even explain it to you. All I have to do is think of him and I feel warm all over. I love him so much I think I would die if I lost him. You know he isn’t coming home tonight and I don’t know how I’m going to handle it."

"Why isn’t he coming home?"

"He has surgery and he needs to stay to monitor it or something. He is such a good man Ridge. All the doubts that I had are gone. He is my world."

"I envy you Logan. I know how you feel because I’ve had that a couple of times in my life." He smiled at her.

"It will come again. Somewhere there is someone who will make you feel that way again. Never give up Ridge. I almost did and thank God I didn’t. I almost settled for something less. Don’t you ever do that."

"I already did."

"No, you married her to give the child a name. That doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life with her. I know you can be a good father to that baby without saddling yourself to Morgan for life. I don’t want that for you and neither does Taylor."

"Well I appreciate the support but it really doesn’t change anything. I got into this myself and I guess I’m stuck. But at least I will get the chance to see the way it should have been."

Suddenly Megan burst it. "I’m sorry to interrupt you Brooke but Lt. Burke is here with a search warrant."

"A search warrant? Why would he want to search my office?" Brooke asked.

"He wants to search Thorne’s office Brooke." Megan told her.

 

 

"Hey Denise, how’s he doing?" Frank Calabrese asked the nurse.

"It’s been going on a while now but from what I heard it’s going well. Dr. Copeland never ceases to amaze me."

"You’re telling me. He must really love this woman. I can’t imagine putting myself through that for anyone. I really can’t wait to meet her."

"I’m surprised she isn’t here. Those two seem like they’re joined at the hip."

"He didn’t tell her. He was afraid she would talk him out of it. He was pretty scared."

"Yeah." She laughed. "Big strong Mr. Surgeon and he’s a big baby like the rest of you."

"Well he’s doing it isn’t he?" Frank said.

"Yeah he is. When I found out I asked to be assigned to him. Not for the procedure but as his nurse. There are some on the staff that would like to see him suffer but not me. I like the guy."

"I’m glad Denise. I would have hated if it was Debra Fulton or Barb Randall."

"Well I’ll take good care of him. Besides, I can catch a glimpse of that world famous equipment of his." She laughed. "Now that alone is worth something. The way some of the ladies talk around here that thing is made out of gold."

"You are so bad." Frank laughed. "I got a patient to check on. I’ll be back up later to see how he’s doing."

"Talk to you later doctor." She laughed.

 

 

"Hello Patti." Adrienne said as she walked up to her desk. "Is Connor ready?"

"He was delayed in court Ms. Copeland. He asked me to see if you could wait here."

"Sure." She said with a smile. "I’m not planning on going back to the store today anyway. I think I’ll go out and get some coffee though. Can I get you one too?"

"That would be wonderful if you don’t mind. We still haven’t gotten around to getting a new coffee maker."

"How do you like it?" She asked.

"Light and sweet." Patti told her.

"You think his partner would like one too?"

"Bryan drinks it black. Yeah bring him one too."

"Okay. I’ll be back in a little while." Adrienne smiled.

 

"Lt. Burke, why do you want to check Thorne’s office?" Brooke asked. "Thorne would never shoot me, or Ridge."

"He’s done it before, and don’t think I ever believed you mother’s story Ridge." Lt. Burke said stopping Ridge before he could voice a comment.

"It wasn’t Thorne Lieutenant, it was a woman, a redheaded woman. I told you I think it was Macy."

"Macy’s alibi checks out Ridge. Now please let me do my job."

"You won’t find anything there lieutenant." Ridge warned him.

"Let’s hope not." He said as he took the other officer and the D. A. into Thorne’s office.

"Logan, go get Dad." Ridge said. "I want to stay here while they’re in there."

"Okay." She said. Brooke took off for Eric’s office.

 

"Eric." Brooke walked into his office unannounced. She found Morgan sitting there with tears in her eyes talking to him.

"Brooke, couldn’t you knock?" Eric said with annoyance.

"This is important. The police are here. They have a warrant and they’re searching Thorne’s office."

"What the hell for?" He asked taking an interest.

"They think he might have been the shooter."

"Oh for God’s sake. We aren’t going to go through that again. I’m sorry Morgan, we can finish this conversation later. I have to call my lawyer. Brooke go back there. I don’t want them nosing around without one of us there."

"Ridge is there right now. He told me to come get you."

"Alright, you go back with him. I want Jonathan here."

"They aren’t going to find anything Eric."

"No but we have a show tomorrow. This is the worst kind of publicity there could be. We have to stop it before it escalates."

"Brooke, can I talk to you?" Morgan asked wiping away her tears.

"Later Morgan, after the police leave come to my office. Maybe we can straighten things out. I certainly don’t want to see this place falling apart over a simple decision I made." Brooke looked from Morgan back to Eric. "I’m sure everything is going to be alright. It wasn’t Thorne, not the first time and not this time either." She walked out and Morgan got up and walked out behind her. Neither Eric nor Brooke saw the sly grin cross her face.

 

"Has he come out yet?" Brooke asked Ridge as she rejoined him outside Thorne’s office.

"No. Where’s Dad?" Asked a worried looking Ridge.

"Calling Jonathan. Don’t worry Ridge, there’s nothing for him to find in there."

"I know Logan, but we don’t need this right now."

"Do you really think it could affect the showing?"

"Bad publicity. It’s bad enough that everyone is writing that I’m through."

"No." She said touching his good arm.

"Yes they are Logan, it’s in the newspapers. And once the Rag trade gets it it will be even worse. Then if they get wind that the police think my own brother did it, well I don’t even want to think about that one."

"Get back folks." The officer said as the door opened and the Lieutenant and the D. A. walked out.

"Well?" Brooke asked. "I told you that you wouldn’t find anything."

"Actually we did Ms. Logan." Lt. Burke told her. "We found a gun. It’s the same caliber as used in the shooting."

"A gun?" Brooke gasped as she turned to Ridge.

"That doesn’t mean anything. There are plenty of guns in Los Angeles."

"We also found this." Lt. Burke said as he held up a plastic bag.

"What is that?" Brooke asked.

"It’s a wig Ms. Logan. A red-haired wig."

 

"She was here Connor and she went out to get coffee and that was over an hour and a half ago." Patti told her boss.

"You think I’ve been stood up?"

"I hope not Connor. She seems really nice. Maybe she had an emergency."

"Yeah maybe." He said. "I guess I should cancel my reservations."

"Don’t you dare." Adrienne said as she walked in carrying a huge gift-wrapped box.

"Adrienne." He said with a smile.

"This is for all of you." She said as she handed him the box. "Maybe you should let Patti open it."

"Wanna do the honors?" He asked Patti.

"Sure." She said with a smile. He handed her the box and she tore the paper off. Inside was a high priced top of the line coffee and cappuccino maker.

"Adrienne thanks." Patti said. "How sweet."

"Well I’m a little selfish too. I plan on spending a lot of time with your boss and I do enjoy a good cup of coffee."

"You’re wonderful." Connor said as he gave her a kiss.

"Tell me in the morning." She said with a husky laugh.

"Oh I will." He grinned.

"Sorry I didn’t bring the coffee." Adrienne said. "I got to the shop and decided it was a big waste of time."

"This was so nice of you Adrienne." Patti said again.

"Well." Connor looked at his watch. "We are just in time for our reservations. Dinner and the symphony."

"Now that’s what I like Patti." Adrienne said. "Not only is he sexy but he has class. My ex thought a great date was a Stones concert and burgers."

"Michael is into rock music?" Connor asked.

"Mike is a blue jeans and rock kind of guy. He’s nice but he doesn’t have half the class you have. Why do you ask? Is Brooke not into that stuff?"

"Brooke likes music but well, I really don’t know if I can picture her at a rock concert."

"Well they seem an odd choice to me too but you never know. It will be an interesting day tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" He asked.

"I’m going to the Forrester show. I always do. I sell quite a few of their designs in my shop. But I never was aquatinted with the CEO before." She smiled. "I wonder if Michael will be going."

"You got me." Connor said. "I’ve been to a couple of them and they are quite interesting."

"Then do come with me tomorrow if you can get away. I have an extra ticket, not that you would need one."

"I’ll think about it." He said with a laugh. "See you tomorrow Patti." He said. Adrienne smiled and waved to Patti as they walked out.

 

 

"Denise?" A groggy Michael said as he looked up at the woman who was taking his temperature.

"How ya doing Dr. Romeo?" She asked.

"Not feeling like much of a Romeo right now." He moaned.

"You got a lot of pain honey?" She asked.

"Like I never could have imagined." He groaned.

"Let me get you something for it and I’m going to change your ice pack."

"You just want a peek, I know you Denise." He joked.

"Hey it cost me big time to get to be your nurse." She said with a smile. "Now where is your pretty wife?"

"Home. She doesn’t know. I didn’t tell her."

"Yeah, your pal told me that. Too scared she’d talk you out of it?"

"Right now I wish she had."

"Poor baby." She said. "Let me get you something for the pain and then you try to get some more sleep."

"Gotta call Brooke."

"Not yet. You’d scare that woman to death. You don’t realize how bad you sound. You sleep a few more hours and then you can call her. So it looks like everything went well."

"Yeah." He gave her a weak smile. "My boys will be able to make babies again."

"Good. I think you two will make some beautiful babies."

"Yeah." He smiled. "If I ever feel like doing it again."

"Honey I’m sure by tomorrow you’ll be dying to get at her again."

"I doubt that." He said sleepily. "Denise, can you ask Frank to come by?"

"I think he went home. Maybe I can do something."

"Jason. I need to know how he’s doing."

"Your little burn boy?" She asked. "That child has been asking for you all day. Dr. Calabrese spent time with him and told him you were a little under the weather today."

"He’s okay though?" He asked.

"Yeah, he’s doing good. His social worker was looking for you."
"Sh*t! I need to talk to her."

"She told me that they haven’t found anyone yet, whatever that means."

"His family. He has no family. Ohhhh God I hurt."

"Try not to move Dr. Copeland. You really need to rest and stay still. I’ll be right back with some pain medicine and a new ice bag." She walked out of the room and he clutched his head. A few moments later she came back in and handed him two pills. He put them in his mouth and she gave him a sip of water to rinse them down.

"I feel so nauseous." He said.

"I know. It’s the anesthesia wearing off. You need to sleep." She lifted up the blanket and removed the old ice pack. She examined him and replaced the pack.

"How does it look?" He asked.

"Swollen. Painful. But not too bad."

"That’s the first time a woman described my privates that way." He joked.

"Well all things considered, I wouldn’t turn you away." She said with a smile.

"You’re good for the ego." He told her.

"Now sleep. I’ll be here with you all night. In fact I’m coming home with you tomorrow."

"What?" He asked.

"You need someone to look after you and your friend told me your wife has a big show tomorrow. We can’t keep her away from that. Dr. Calabrese wanted to stay with you but he has a surgery so I volunteered. It’s my day off and I have nothing better to do. I hope you don’t mind."

"I can’t do that to you on your day off. You work hard enough here everyday." He moaned in pain. "I wish Brooke was here."

"I can get her."

"No!" He said quickly. "I don’t want her to see me like this. Denise, please wake me later so I can call her."

"I promise. Now you get some sleep." He softly touched his brow and then turned out the light.

 

 

"Oh Bryan," Taylor said as she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank God you’re home."

"What’s wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing, I just missed you so much."

"Now that is something I love to hear." He pulled her tightly into his arms and kissed her. "No more calls?" He asked.

"Nope." She said with a smile. "It must have been a prank. I’m sorry I upset you over it."

"I’d be mad if you didn’t tell me." He looked around. "Where are the kids?"

"The girls are sleeping and Thomas is at a friends birthday party. So it looks like we." She untied his tie and pulled him to her and kissed him. "Have a little time." She started to unbutton his shirt. She slid her hands under the material and ran her fingertips across his chest. "For adult play." She slid her hands out, put them around him and lowered them to his butt.

"What kind of games do you have in mind?" He asked playfully.

"No games, just loving." She said as she looked into his eyes.

"I think I can handle that." He said as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He slowly and carefully laid her down on the bed. "You look lovely." He said admiring the turquoise dress she wore. "But I really like my presents better when they are unwrapped." He said as he reached behind her and slid down the zipper to her dress. He lifted her up slightly and pulled the dress over her head revealing the sexiest panties and bra he had ever seen in the exact same shade of turquoise. "You take my breath away." He told her.

"You do the same to me counselor." She grinned. "I’ve been thinking of this moment all day long."

"This exact moment?" He asked.

"Well maybe if we fast forward a little bit." She laughed.

"Oh no baby. We aren’t going to speed through anything tonight." He removed his jacket and put in on a chair. "In fact I think we are going to do it very slowly." He slowly unbuttoned the rest of his shirt while Taylor looked on in awe.

"Hurry." She whispered.

"Oh no, the anticipation is half the fun." He grinned as he removed his shirt and tie. He walked over to her and kissed her passionately. Her hands fumbled with the fly on his pants. He moaned when she released him and took him into her hands. "God how I want you." He told her.

"Then take me." She demanded. She let go of him and he dropped his pants and his shorts to the floor. He got onto the bed with her and kissed her neck, slowly working his way to her breasts. Through the flimsy material he bit and teased her hardened nipples. She moaned as his hand dipped inside her delicate panties and then delved deeper inside of her. "Take them off me." She pleaded.

"Not yet. I am so turned on by you this way." He said. With his other hand he unclasped her bra and freed her waiting breasts. Immediately his mouth returned to them as she moaned in ecstasy. His fingers moved in and out of her as she arched to meet him and bring him closer to her. "Please Bryan, please." She begged. He looked up at her and slowly moved downward on the bed. Pulling the panties lower but not off he replaced his fingers with his mouth. Taylor screamed as she felt herself exploding with passion. Wave after wave flooded her body as Bryan relentlessly brought her more and more pleasure. Just as she thought she could no longer bear it her pulled her panties completely off of her and in a quick hard thrust entered her waiting body. They moved together in a slow, steady pace that built to a crescendo as they clung to each other in pure bliss.

 

"How are you feeling Dr. Copeland?" Denise asked as she wiped his brow with a cool cloth.

"I’m not sure. I still hurt so much."

"It’ll take some time sweetie, but think of the wonderful thing you did."

"I’m trying." He said with a weak smile.

"You ready to call your wife?"

"What time is it?" he asked her.

"It’s nine thirty. She should be home."

"Yeah, you think I can fool her?" He asked.

"Try not to moan so much." She said with a smile. "When you finish on the phone I’ll get you another pill." She handed him the phone. He smiled at her and hit in his number.

"Hello." Bridget said.

"Hey Budge, it’s Mike is you mom there?"

"Sure." She said. "How’s Jason?"

"He’s doing okay." He said weakly.

"You sound tired." Bridget told him.

"I am, I had a rough day."

"Here she comes. Mom, it’s Mike." Bridget said as she handed Brooke the phone.

"Hi honey." Brooke said.

"God it’s great to hear your voice. I love you sweetheart."

"You sound terrible. Did you have a bad day?" Brooke asked.

"I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow." He said as he tried to hide a groan.

"Michael? Is something wrong?"

"No honey, I’m just tired and I miss you. I’ll be home tomorrow morning. Can you wait for me before you leave?"

"Sure Michael, but you are starting to worry me."

"Don’t. I’m fine, just really tired. I’m going to try and get a little sleep and then get back to work."

"I love you" She told him. "And I can’t wait till we are together again. Boy do I have plans for you." She purred to him.

"I love you too sweetheart. I’ll see you in the morning."

He hung up and looked at Denise. "My wife has plans for me. God I hope she doesn’t kill me when I tell her."

"She’s gonna love you even more sweetie. Don’t you worry about that." She smiled at him. "It’s all gonna work out fine."

 

"Taylor, I was looking for the bottle of wine I bought yesterday and it’s not there. I put it in the fridge, did you open it?" Bryan asked as he walked into the bedroom with fruit, cheese, bread and a bottle of wine.

"The Pinot?" She asked.

"Yeah. I had to settle for the red. But I had it chilled for tonight."

"No honey. I didn’t open it. Are you sure it’s not there?" She asked.

"I’m positive. I looked everywhere. Oh and why didn’t you tell me that you rearranged the glasses? I went nuts looking for wine glasses."

"What?" She said. "I didn’t touch them.

"Taylor, everything is in a different place." He took her hand. "Come on and see for yourself." He pulled her from the bed and dragged her into the kitchen. She opened the cabinet and a look of shock came over her face as she saw nothing was as she had left it.

"Bryan?" She asked. "What’s going on? Who is doing this to us?"

Changes Part 68

 

 

"Was anything wrong?" Bridget asked her mother after she got off the phone.

"No honey, did you think there was?"

"He sounded funny. Don’t you think?"

"He said he was tired. He had a long day, but he’ll be home in the morning."

"Yeah, I guess." Bridget said.

"Now where is your brother? I don’t think I’ve seen him for five minutes since he’s been home."

"I think he went out with his friends. He doesn’t talk to me that much. He treats me like I’m just a kid."

"Did he tell you if he had a good time camping?" Brooke asked.

"He said he did, but he didn’t say much about it."

Brooke put her arm around her daughter. "I guess we’re just boring old family to him."

"I guess." Bridget laughed.

They both turned to the sound of the phone.

"Maybe it’s Michael again." Brooke said hopefully. She picked up the phone. "Hello."

"Brooke? It’s Morgan."

"Morgan? Why are you calling here?"

"You left today before we had the chance to talk."

"I’m sorry Morgan, things are hectic with the showing. What is it that you want?"

"I’d rather we talk in person."

"Alright." Brooke agreed. "Can it wait till after the show?"

"I suppose so." Morgan said.

"Good. Then we’ll talk tomorrow. Goodnight Morgan." Brooke said and she hung up.

"You don’t like her do you?" Bridget asked.

"No I don’t, but for Ridge’s sake I guess I have to try and get along with her."

"That’s dumb Mom. If you don’t like her you shouldn’t care what Ridge thinks."

Brooke looked at her and laughed. "This is coming from the daughter who used to think Ridge walked on water?"

"I love Ridge, but I’m really glad you married Mike."

"You mean it?" Brooke asked her.

"I really do Mom. I really like him a lot."

"I’m so glad." Brooke said as she hugged her daughter.

 

"Taylor these glasses didn’t move themselves." Bryan said softly. "Now I know you’ve been upset lately. So much has been going on. Think about it. I’m sure you rearranged it. Maybe after Brooke was here and she was putting things away for you."

"I’m not crazy Bryan. I would certainly know it if I rearranged my own cabinets. This was not like this this morning." She insisted.

"So some deranged interior decorator broke in to straighten out wine cabinet? Taylor be reasonable. Do you realize how silly that sounds."

"Do you realize how rotten you are being to suggest that I don’t even know what I am doing?" She told him. "How can you even suggest such a thing?"

"I’m just saying we’ve been away. Maybe you did it after the miscarriage and you’ve forgotten doing it."

"No!" She insisted. "Stop it Bryan. This isn’t funny." She turned around and stormed back into the bedroom. She pulled a nightgown from her dresser and put it on and then got under the covers. Bryan walked in a few moments later and looked at her fuming under the covers and started to laugh.

"Oh come on Taylor. You aren’t going to get mad at me over this are you?"

"You insinuated that I was crazy."

"I did no such thing. All I said was maybe you had forgotten doing it. I’m sorry, I was wrong. Brooke must have done it or maybe even Ridge. Maybe he was putting them away for you the way he thought they should be."

"Maybe." She conceded. But you still shouldn’t have said what you said."

He sat down next to her and took her hand and looked her in the eyes. "I’m sorry. Taylor, baby, I love you. Please let’s not fight." She looked at him with a stubborn look on her face. "Come on Taylor." He begged. "I’m sorry, I’m really sorry."

"I don’t think you believe me." She said.

"I do. I believe you. Please." He put his hand under her chin and brought her head to his and kissed her, first softly but then deepening it to a full, sensuous kiss. As much as she tried to fight it Taylor felt herself respond until her arms went around him and she pulled him to her.

"I love you." She said. "I don’t want to fight with you. But you have to believe me Bryan, please you have to."

"I do baby, I do." He said as he brought his lips back to hers and words were no longer needed.

 

 

"Was everything done to your satisfaction?" He asked the man.

"It was perfect. She doesn’t have a clue. Things couldn’t be better." He answered. "When will the audio and video be in place?"

"Tomorrow. Everything will be done by tomorrow. And I will expect payment then."

The man took a roll of bills from his pocket and counted out a handful. "This should hold you over." He said as he gave him the money. "Plus an incentive to make sure you are ready at a moments notice."

"Oh I will be." He told him. "You know how to reach me."

"Indeed I do." The man said. "Indeed I do."

 

Grant had already left for Forrester and Bridget and Rick had been long gone when Brooke walked into the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee. She was careful not to spill anything on her ivory suit or matching pumps. She was just about to add cream when she heard the sound of a car pulling up.

"That doesn’t sound like Michael’s car." She said to herself as she put down the cup and walked into the living room. She saw the door open and an unfamiliar man walked inside.

"Who?" Brooke started when she saw Michael walk in behind him. He was walking very slowly and he looked extremely pale and drawn.

"Michael?" She said.

"Come on pal. Let’s get you to the couch." Frank Calabrese said as he helped him sit down.

"What’s wrong? Michael what happened?" Brooke asked in a panic.

"I’m okay sweetheart." Michael said softly to her. "Come here and sit down with me."

"Who are you?" She asked Frank.

"I’m Frank Calabrese, I’m a good friend of Mike’s." He turned to Michael. "I’m gonna wait outside for Denise. She should be here any minute." Frank waved and walked out the door. Brooke stood motionless staring at her husband.

"What happened? What’s wrong Michael?"

"Come here." He gestured to her to sit next to him. She cautiously walked over and sat down. Michael reached his arm around her and pulled her close. He rested his head on her shoulder.

"Please tell me what’s wrong." Brooke begged.

"I’m sorry honey, I’m still feeling pretty out of it." He moved his head to hers and gently kissed her on the lips. "Boy did I miss you."

"Michael! I want you to tell me what’s going on right this minute."

"Okay." He said. "Now don’t be mad."

"Mad? Why would I be mad? Something’s happened to you hasn’t it?"

"I’m fine, at least I will be in a day or two."

"Are you sick? Did you catch something at the hospital? Why is your friend here? Where is your car? Who is Denise and why is she coming here?"

"Well if you’re going to bombard me with all these questions how can I answer you?" He said with a weak laugh. He reached for her hand and squeezed it tightly. "I’m okay Brooke. Now don’t interrupt and I’ll explain everything."

"Okay." She said. She looked at him with fear in her eyes.

"No, Brooke, this is really a good thing." He started. "Okay. When I told you I had surgery yesterday, I didn’t mean I was performing surgery, I meant I was having surgery."

"Oh my God! Michael what’s wrong?" She said as tears filled her eyes.

"Nothing sweetie." He said as he pulled her close. "It was for us. It was for both of us."

"What do you mean?"

"I had my vasectomy reversed." He told her. "I want us to have a family so I scheduled the surgery."

"You what?" She asked.

"I had my vasectomy reversed. In a few months we can try to start and have a family."

"Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you just go and do this without telling me?"

"Are you mad?" He asked her. "Please don’t be mad Brooke. The reason I didn’t tell you was that I was scared you’d say it didn’t matter and then I might have chickened out."

"You should have trusted me! What if something had happened? What if something had gone wrong! Besides all that Michael, I should have been there with you. I should have." She started to cry.

"Oh honey please. I wasn’t thinking. Please tell me you’re happy I did this."

"Oh God Michael." She put her arms around him and kissed him. "Oh course I’m happy. But I’m mad too and I’m scared. You look so terrible."

"Yeah." He said with a smile. "And you’ve only seen my face."

"Are you in a lot of pain?" She asked.

"That’s putting it mildly. Honey I have never been in so much pain in my life, but it’s worth it."

"I can’t believe you just went and did that. Michael please never ever do something that important again without telling me."

"Never again, I know I was wrong but seriously Brooke. I was so scared that if you said no I think I wouldn’t have done it. So please at least give me some credit for following through."

"I love you." She said with a kiss. "Oh no! I have the show today. Well they’ll just have to do it without me. I can’t leave you here alone."

"I’ve got it covered. You remember Denise from the hospital."

"My nurse?"

"Yeah, she volunteered to take care of me today. And honey, I’m sorry but I have to go lie down."

"Let me help you upstairs. But I really don’t want to leave you."

"The show is important Brooke. You go. Just come home as soon as possible." He started to stand.

"I will." She said as she put her arm around his waist.

"Oh wait." He said sitting back down. "Honey there is one real down side to this whole thing."

"There is?" She asked.

"We can’t, I mean I can’t. Well it’ll be six weeks before I’m back in business."
"Six weeks?" She gulped. "Six whole weeks?" She put her arms around him. "Honey after what you did for us I think I can wait six weeks."

"Say that in a week." He told her. "I don’t know how I’m going to be able to take it. I mean right now it’s the last thing on my mind but when I have you in my arms like this it suddenly doesn’t seem so bad."

"We’ll get by." She said. "I’m just so glad you’re alright. I was so scared when I saw you."

"One more thing. Can we keep this between us? I don’t even know if anyone knew I did it in the first place and the last thing we need is people staring at me like I’m a freak or something."

"No one would, but it’s our secret." She smiled. "I love you so much."

"I love you too sweetheart." He kissed her gently and then let out a low moan. "I’m sorry, it really does hurt."

"Let’s get you up to bed." She said as she helped him to his feet and they headed to the stairs.

 

 

"Where is Brooke?" Ridge asked Grant as he entered Brooke’s office.

"She’s waiting for Michael."

"Waiting for Michael? For God’s sake this is an important showing. She can’t be sitting around at home waiting for her husband. We need her here, I need her here."

"She’ll get here Ridge, calm down. Mike worked all night at the hospital and she wanted to see him before she came in today."

"Oh that’s just great. Here I am with one arm and I managed to get here. And she can’t tear herself out of her bed for the most important day of the year here."

"Knock it off Ridge. If you need help with anything just ask me. I’m willing to do anything."

"I’m sorry Grant." Ridge told him. "But there is something that I really need Brooke to do."

"Well just don’t forget I’m here Ridge. I am good at what I do."

"Whatever." Ridge said as he turned around and left the office. He walked up to Megan. "The moment, and I mean the exact moment Brooke gets here I need to see her."

"Okay Ridge." She agreed.

"I’m serious Megan, this is extremely important. I really need to see her."

"Stand in line." Eric said as he walked up to his son. "She knows how important this showing is. She leaves it in our hands and then she suddenly comes back and wants control back and then she can’t even bother to show up."

"She’ll be here." Megan said. "You know she will."

"Megan, I need you to get on the phone and find out why those three new models are not here yet." Eric demanded.

"Brooke fired them." Megan said.

"She what?" Eric asked. "Why the hell did she do that?"

"You’d have to ask her Mr. Forrester." Megan told him.

"Ridge, find us some more models and now." Eric ordered.

"I’m sure Brooke replaced them." Megan broke in.

"Well if she did then they never showed up." Ridge groaned. "This is a mad house Dad. I have to get back to my office and see how the alterations are coming on a couple of designs."

"Go, go." Eric told him. Ridge quickly walked away. "Megan, call Brooke’s house and see why she isn’t here yet."

"Yes sir." She said. She picked up the phone and dialed Brooke’s number.

"Hello." An unfamiliar voice said.

"Oh, I’m sorry. I must have the wrong number." Megan said about to hang up.

"Are you looking for Doctor or Mrs. Copeland?"

"No. I mean yes, I’m looking for Brooke." Megan said.

"Mrs. Copeland left a few minutes ago. I think she’s on her way to work."

"Oh good, thank you very much." Megan said and she hung up. "She’s on her way Eric. Oh that was so cute. Brooke must have a new housekeeper. She called her Mrs. Copeland."

"Well I guess that’s her name now." Eric said. "Make sure you tell her I need to see her as soon as she gets in Megan."

"Yes Mr. Forrester." She told him. The phone rang and she picked it up. "Hello Forrester Creations. Yes. Yes. No, no there is no truth to that rumor. Oh course not. Not at all." She hung up and called quickly to Eric who was walking away. "Mr. Forrester, Eric!"

"What is it Megan?" an annoyed Eric asked as he returned.

"That was the Times. They were calling about Thorne."

"Thorne?" Eric asked.

"They wanted to know if it was true that he was arrested."

"Oh dear lord." Eric said. "Where’s my wife?"

"In her office. Shall I get her?"

"No Megan. I have to go see her." He quickly walked to Stephanie’s office and let himself inside. He closed the door.

"Hello dear." Stephanie said with a smile. "How are things going?"

"The Times just called. They found out that Thorne was arrested."

"Oh no Eric. I thought that was taken care of last night."

"Obviously they found out somehow. Where is he now?"

"He and Macy are at home. I told them not to come today."

"We don’t need this kind of publicity."

"It was only questioning Eric. They let him go last night."

"Jonathan thinks they may press charges. Why today of all days?" The intercom buzzed.

"Yes Megan." Stephanie said.

"Brooke is here. She’s in her office but she looks terrible. She seems really upset over something."

"She must have heard." Eric said. "I’ll be right there Megan."

 

Eric walked into Brooke’s office and found her sitting at her desk staring at the walls.

"Brooke?" He asked. "It will be alright. Jonathan will handle everything."

"Jonathan?" She asked in a daze.

"The press, the arrest."

"What arrest?" She asked.

"Thorne’s arrest. Isn’t that what has you down?"

"No, I didn’t know. Though I guess it isn’t a surprise with what the police found yesterday. Is he in jail?"

"No, they took him in to question him." He looked at her. "What’s wrong with you? You aren’t even acting like you’re here."

"I shouldn’t be here." She said. "I should go home, my husband is sick."

"I’m sure he can take care of himself for a few hours Brooke, this is important."

"No, I should be with him. He has to be my number one priority now."

"Logan!" Ridge said as he walked in. "Oh hello Dad." He said noticing Eric.

"Talk some sense into her son, she wants to go home."

"Logan?"

"Michael, he’s sick Ridge. I need to be with him."

"He’s a big boy Logan, and a doctor too. I need you here."

"Yes. Yes I suppose you do." She said. "I just can’t seem to concentrate on anything." She suddenly smiled. "My whole life is changing."

"Brooke snap out of this and concentrate." Eric shouted. "You fired three models yesterday! Why?"

"They were snorting coke in the ladies room. We don’t need that here Eric."

"Well did you replace them?"

"Replace them?" She asked dreamily as a smile once more crossed her face.

"Logan what’s with you?" Ridge asked.

"What?" She suddenly gave them her attention. "No, I’m fine. The models. Yes I replaced them. The girls will be here by ten."

"Ten? Isn’t that cutting it short?" Eric asked.

"It was the best I could do Eric. I will not have women abusing drugs in this building. I don’t care what they do on their own time but when they are here they will act like professionals."

"Dad." Ridge broke in. "I have to speak to Logan about something."

"Go ahead." Eric told him.

"It’s private." Ridge insisted.

"This is insane." Eric shouted. "I think the whole bunch of you have gone insane." He stormed out. Brooke looked at him and burst out laughing.

"Are you high Logan?"

"Deliriously." She said.

"Brooke?"

"I’m only kidding Ridge. Now what is so important?"

"Taylor. Did you call Taylor?"

"About what" She asked.

"Logan, the dress. You promised you’d get her here."

"Oh that." She said.

"Yes that. Did you call her?"

"I will Ridge. She’ll be here."

"I need her here soon Logan."

"Alright. Close the door on your way out." She said with a smile. Ridge walked out and Brooke started to pick up the phone. "A baby. He wants to have a baby." She said with a smile as it all started to sink in with her.

 

"Taylor!" Bryan shouted from the kitchen. "Where the hell is the coffee?"

"What?" She asked as she walked into the kitchen wrapping a towel around her freshly washed hair.

"The coffee honey. It’s not it the canister and it’s not in the freezer."

"Did you check the refrigerator?" She asked him.

"It’s not there either. Did you have any last night?"

"No, I had tea. I did have it yesterday morning though and it was in the canister." She walked to the counter and opened the canister only to find it empty.

"Maybe Katherine finished it up." She suggested.

"No way. I just picked up a couple of pounds at the gourmet shop. They were there yesterday."

"Well they didn’t fly away." She said. "Or are you suggesting that I rearranged that too."

"I said nothing of the kind Taylor. Don’t be that way. It’s morning, I want coffee and I’m cranky."

"Let me make you a cup of tea."

"I don’t want tea." He complained. "You’d think we could keep things in one place for more than a day around here."

"It’s only coffee Bryan." She said sternly. "Give me a break will you? I didn’t lose it. Maybe you put it away in the wrong place." She started opening cabinets and looking through them and slamming them shut.

 

The man laughed as he watched the argument proceeding before him.

"I’ll get the sound up later. It was hard enough to get the camera planted."

"No" He laughed. "This is wonderful. This is just wonderful. Look at how mad she is." He laughed again. "That fool is going to blow it again. Look at her slamming those cabinets."

"I wonder what they’re saying?" He said to the man.

"It doesn’t even matter. The actions speak louder than words. By the time I’m finished with them those two will never exchange vows. I don’t have long though. We have a lot of work to do today. Are you with me?"

"All the way. Just show me the green and I’m your man Mr. Hayes."

 

"Grant get over here!" Ridge shouted. "I need your help. You have to pin this dress tighter." He turned to the model. "What happened since last week Tara? Did you lost ten pounds?"

"I broke up with my boyfriend. I must have lost a few." She told him.

"Sh*t Tara, this means every dress you’re supposed to wear has to be altered. Grant!" He shouted.

"In a minute Ridge. You have Tara who lost weight and I have Carla who must have put on ten pounds. Hey that’s an idea."

"It won’t work Grant. Tara is three inches taller and their coloring is all wrong. Come on, I need you to pin this dress."

"Yes sire." He joked as he walked over to Ridge and started putting pins in where Ridge directed.

 

"How ya doing babydoll?" Denise asked Michael as she handed him a pill and a glass of water.

"Will it ever stop?" He asked.

"I bet by tomorrow you’ll be back on your feet and feeling much better." She said. "Okay time for me to check you out." She said as she pulled the cover down. "Much better. The swelling looks much better than earlier this morning." She touched him gently and he winced.

"Please don’t touch." He begged.

"It’s still pretty tender huh?" She said. "No problem. I’ll be gentle. Now, I’m gonna get you another ice pack. Would you like that?"

"I think so. Just for a little bit."

"You can have it as long as you need it. I’ll be right back. Would you like me to get you something to eat or drink?"

"Some juice would be nice."

"You got it sexy." She smiled as she walked out.

 

"Hello" an angry Taylor said as she picked up the phone.

"Taylor?" Brooke asked.

"Oh hi Brooke." She said in a much friendlier voice.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, not really. Bryan and I had a disagreement. Nothing serious. So what’s up?"

"Taylor I hate to ask but I really need you down here."

"Where? At Forrester?"

"I think Ridge and Grant are going to kill each other. Taylor you are the only one who can seem to talk sense into them. Please come down."

"Oh Brooke, I’d like to but I have a million things to do here."

"Taylor I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. This showing is so important and with Ridge laid up with his arm and the fighting I think the whole thing is going to turn into one big disaster. Please Taylor, I really need you."

"Alright Brooke, I gave Katherine the day off so I need to get a babysitter. I’ll try and get there within the hour. Is that alright?"

"You’re a lifesaver Taylor. Thanks so much." She said. They hung up and Brooke dialed Ridge’s office.

"Forrester." Ridge said.

"Mission accomplished." Brooke told him. "She’ll be here within the hour."

 

"Guess who?" Lauren Fenmore announced as she walked into Eric’s office.

"Lauren!" He said as he got up and hugged her. "Are you here for the showing?"

"Wouldn’t miss it for the world." She kissed him on the cheek and then wiped off the lipstick. "But I couldn’t just go in without saying hello. How are you?"

"Well aside from going absolutely crazy I’m fine Lauren."

"And Stephanie?"

"She’s wonderful."

"That’s good Eric. I’m happy for both of you. Do you think she’d be willing to bury the hatchet and I don’t mean in my back?" She asked with a laugh.

"Ancient history Lauren. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you."

"Well then I’ll stop by and see her before I leave. But I will be back in a few hours for the showing." She started to leave and then turned back. "Eric how is Ridge? I heard he was shot."

"He’s alright Lauren, he’s here. But he has some nerve damage in his arm. Of course we’re all hoping for the best."

"I know he must be really busy but I’ll talk to him later. And Thorne? Is it true? Was it really him who shot Ridge?"

"You know he’d never do that. It was some kind of setup. We’ll clear that up soon enough."

"But I’m sure you don’t need the bad publicity right now."

"No we don’t Lauren."

"So Eric, who’s this Morgan that Ridge married? I was so sure he and Taylor would be together forever, or if not them at least he would be with Brooke."

"Brooke has herself a new husband too Lauren. She married a surgeon, an old friend of Ridge’s."

"Where have I been? Mars? I can’t believe all the changes around here. Well we all have to catch up before I leave town. I’m going to go see Stephanie. Say hello to everyone else for me." She said as she walked out.

 

"Connor, I just don’t know how to handle this. She’s losing it, she really is. I really think she needs to talk to a professional."

"What exactly did she do? Honestly Bryan I don’t think I know anyone who is more together than Taylor." Connor answered.

"It’s a bunch of strange things. She keeps misplacing things and erasing messages without remembering hearing them. I think that losing the baby has really taken a strain on her, that and all the pressure Ridge gives her."

"What does she say?" a concerned Connor asked him.

"She denies it all. Connor I’m worried about her. She got so mad at me she was slamming things and she told me to just go to work."

"She’s probably sensitive about it Bry. Ease up on her a bit."

"I’d like to but what if she does something harmful to herself or the kids?"

"You don’t really think it’s that bad do you?"

"This isn’t my field at all. I just don’t know what to do next."

"Be patient with her and understanding too. Losing a baby is bad enough on you but think of her, she’s the one who carried it inside her. That has to be the worst loss imaginable."

"You’re right but I am worried. Do you know anyone who can talk to her?"

"Not really. I know in the past it would have been James but he’s not around anymore. Just give her more time to deal with this. I mean really Bryan, is misplacing coffee or glasses that serious?"

"No." He agreed. "I guess not." He looked around. "Thanks for helping me talk this out. Do you have court today?"

"Actually I’m going to the Forrester showing with Adrienne if you can believe it." Connor laughed.

"She must have a spell on you or something."

"She’s amazing Bry. I really like her. I never could image me going to Forrester like that after what happened with Brooke but well she batted those pretty green eyes at me and here I am."

"She is attractive but it is kind of weird you dating Brooke’s husband’s ex-wife."

"Tell me about it." Connor asked. "But I say if Michael Copeland has a problem with it too bad."

 

Denise Jacobs opened the door to a cute teenaged girl. "Hello." She said.

"Who are you?" Sara asked her.

"I’m a friend of the Copeland’. Who are you?" She asked with a smile.

"I’m Sara Fulton, Bridget’s friend."

"Well hello Sara, Bridget isn’t home right now."

"I know, she asked me to meet her here. I’ll just go up to her room and wait."

"Alright. I’ll tell her you’re there as soon as she gets home." Denise said cheerfully.

"Thanks." Sara said. She walked up the stairs and was about to go to Bridget’s room when she noticed the bedroom door to Brooke and Michael’s room was open. She walked to it and peered inside. A smile crossed her face when she saw Michael sleeping in the bed. A sheet was pulled up to his waist and she gazed longingly at his bare chest.

"Come to Mama." She said as she quietly tiptoed over to the bed.

Changes Part 69

 

 

"I thought I told Megan to take all my calls." Stephanie said to herself as he phone rang and rang. "Damn it." She said as she picked up the phone. "Hello."

"Mother?" A young woman’s voice said.

"Felicia? Honey is that you?"

"It’s me Mother."

"Felicia. Oh how wonderful to here your voice. What are you up to?"

"I know you have a show today but I had to talk to you." Felicia told her. "The press has been on my butt all day. Mother, why didn’t you tell me about Ridge and Thorne?"

"Tell you what?"

"Don’t act so innocent Mother. I know Ridge was shot and I know that Thorne was arrested for it. Why didn’t you call me?"

"Things are so crazy here honey and I didn’t want to worry you."

"They are my brothers. I should have been told. I tried to get Kris but she and her new boyfriend are on a photo safari and they can’t be reached for a few days. Mother we are all family and we have to stick together with these things. I want to come home and see Ridge. How is he?"

"He’s alright Felicia. He was shot in the arm and there is some nerve damage but the doctors expect him to make a full recovery."

"Why Mother? Why did Thorne shoot him?"

"Honey Thorne didn’t shoot him. It wasn’t Thorne at all. In fact Ridge wasn’t even the target, just try telling that to the press."

"What do you mean? Who was the target?"

"Brooke, who else could cause this family so much trouble. Someone tried to kill Brooke and your brother got between them."

"Always the hero."

"It was plain stupid if you ask me."

"Well I want to come and see him for myself."

"That isn’t necessary Felicia. Ridge is fine. You can talk to him later and see for yourself. It’s better if you stay out of this. The press is swarming already. We don’t need them asking you all sorts of questions too."

"What could they possibly ask me? I haven’t been around in ages. Mother there must be another reason you don’t want me there."

"Not at all dear. Why don’t you just wait a couple of weeks for things to die down? That way you can spend time with both of your brothers."

"I’ll think about it." She said. "Mother, I have to go now. I’ll talk to you soon. Give my love to everyone."

"Of course honey." Stephanie told her. She hung up the phone and stared at the door.

 

 

"That’s perfect Grant." Ridge said. "What do you think about Monique?" He asked gesturing to a tall, slim model.

"She’s great but the dress is too long."

"My thoughts exactly." Ridge said. "Can you handle it? I need to check something with Logan."

"No problem Ridge. I’ve got it under control." He said with a grin.

"I gotta hand it to you Grant. You don’t seem to have lost anything. I’ll be back soon." Ridge said as he walked out. He took long strides and headed for Brooke’s office. He walked up to Megan’s desk.

"Is she alone?" He asked her.

"Last I checked." She told him. "But I was down by receiving for awhile."

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"Jona called about a shipment of velvet. I know it wasn’t ours. I think I got it straightened out."

"Good girl." He told her. He walked up to Brooke’s office, knocked and walked in.

"Ridge." Brooke said.

"What are you doing Logan? Have you been sitting in here all this time?"

"I guess I have." She said. "Is Taylor here yet?"

"That’s what I came to ask you. Logan what’s wrong? You seem totally out of it today."

"Nothing Ridge. I just have a lot on my mind. What did you want?"

"I wanted to know if Taylor was here yet." He told her again.

"Ridge." Brooke said. "Do you know what Morgan wants? She called me at home last night."

"I have no idea. Probably her office though."

"That’s a done deal Ridge." She said. "Are you excited about the baby?" She asked him.

"The baby? Logan you know that the baby is the reason my whole life is in shambles. Why the hell are you asking me that?"

"Babies are wonderful though." She said. "Maybe you two can make it work somehow. I mean just think of that innocent little baby." She said with a smile.

"I’m worried about you Brooke. You are definitely not yourself today."

"I’m sorry. I just can’t seem to concentrate. It all seems so trivial."

"Trivial?" He asked. "This is our business. This show is what keeps us going all year long. How can you see it as trivial?"

"I really shouldn’t have come in today." She said.

"You know what Brooke?" Ridge said angrily. "Maybe you shouldn’t have. Obviously you aren’t going to be of any help around here."

"I’m sorry Ridge, you’re right." She said. "What can I do to help?"

"That’s better Logan. We’re still waiting on the models. Can you find out what happened to them?"

"They aren’t here yet?" She asked. "Maybe we’ll really need Taylor." She laughed.

"This isn’t funny Brooke."

"I’ll make the call." She picked up her phone and hit in the number for Megan. "Megan, it’s Brooke. Any word on our missing models? Uh huh. Okay. Right. Okay Megan that’s great." She hung up. "They just got here and she sent them to your office. Ridge you worry too much."

"I don’t think you worry enough Logan."

"Some things are worth worrying about and some things aren’t. Now the models are here and Taylor is on her way. Grant is helping you right?"

"Right."

"And he is being helpful isn’t he?" She smiled.

"Yes he is Brooke."

"Well then what’s wrong? We’ve been ready for this show forever. It’s all going to be great."

"Brooke." Megan said walking in. "The hairdresser just walked out."

"What?" Ridge shouted. "What the hell happened?"

"One of the models didn’t like her hair and she pulled it all down."

"Where did we get these models Brooke?"

"Don’t look at me. The ones I hired just got here. Who was it Megan?"

"Justine." She told them.

"That’s your girl Ridge. Eric and I both told you she was trouble."

"I’ll fix this." Ridge said. "Brooke, make sure you keep Taylor occupied until I’m ready for her." He walked out and down towards his office.

"What a day." Brooke said to Megan.

 

"Hello Stephanie." Lauren said as she stood at the door to Stephanie’s office.

"Lauren?"

"That’s right. Mind if I come in?"

"What are you doing here Lauren?"

"I’m buying for Fenmore’s. I just couldn’t resist coming to this show myself. You are looking wonderful Stephanie. I guess marriage agrees with you."

"Why are you really here?" Stephanie asked her point blank.

"I really wanted to see you and Eric. So much has happened since we last saw each other. I was really hoping we could try to be friends again."

"I don’t trust you Lauren. I don’t think I ever could again."

"I’m not after your husband. I know I was wrong to do what I did and I apologize."

"My, how generous of you Lauren."

"I’m trying to be." She said. "Come on Stephanie. We used to be such good friends."

"Well I suppose there’s nothing much you can do to me that hasn’t already been done."

"That’s the spirit." Lauren laughed. "I hear your enemy got married."

"Brooke? Yes, she got married. Though even she doesn’t deserve the creature she married."

"He’s bad huh? Wow, I wouldn’t expect that. But then I always thought she’d never give up on Ridge."

"Oh I don’t think she has Lauren, but let’s not talk about Brooke. When did you get into town?"

"This morning. I got to my hotel and hightailed it over here. I really can’t wait for the showing. No one puts on a show like Forrester. Do you think we could get together for dinner before I leave town?"

"Just you and me?" Stephanie asked.

"If you’d like, but I was thinking you, me, Eric, Ridge and maybe Ridge’s new wife. So what is she like?"

"Pregnant." Stephanie told her.

"Pregnant?" Lauren laughed. "My he’s a fast worker."

"No Lauren, that’s why he married her. Out of some ridiculous sense of obligation. He and Taylor divorced and he married Morgan. They still love each other."

"Oh how sad. But then why did Ridge get involved with her then?"

"It’s a long story Lauren and I really don’t have time to go into it today." She sighed and looked at her calendar. "I think we can make time for dinner, at least Eric and I can."

"Great." Lauren said. "Well let me get out of your hair and I’ll give you a call at the house."

"It was good to see you again Lauren." Stephanie told her. "I really mean it."

"It was good to see you too Stephanie."

 

"Hi Megan." Taylor said. "Is Brooke in her office?"

"Go right in Taylor." Megan said with a smile.

Taylor opened the door and walked in. "Hi Brooke. It sure is hectic out there. Where are Ridge and Grant?"

"Sit down Taylor. I need to talk to you about something first if you don’t mind." Brooke said. She got up from her desk and walked over to the couch and sat down. Taylor walked over and sat next to her.

"You look beat Brooke. Is this show starting to get to you? You know you haven’t really been back to work that long to take on something like this."

"It’s not the show Taylor."

"Then what is it?"

"Everything. Morgan is on my case since I put Grant in her office, Ridge is giving me hell about every decision that anyone has made about this show and to top it off Michael isn’t feeling well and I should be home with him."

"Then go home Brooke. Eric and Ridge can handle this."

"They’ll never let me live it down if I do, but Taylor, my heart just isn’t in it."

"What’s wrong with Michael?"

"I have to talk to someone about this Taylor, but please this can’t leave the room okay?"

"Sure Brooke, you have me worried. Is it something serious?"

"Michael had a vasectomy a few years ago." Brooke told her.

"Oh dear, did you know this? And is he having problems with it now?"

"I didn’t know it when we got married but he told me about it afterwards. I was disappointed and a little hurt but well, I love him so I resigned myself to it."

"So what happened Brooke? Why is he sick?"

Brooke’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Taylor. "He had it reversed Taylor. Yesterday he had surgery to have it reversed. He wants to have a family with me."

"Oh Brooke." Taylor hugged her. "You must be so happy. What a wonderful thing for him to do."

"He’s in so much pain. I just want to be with him."

"Then leave Brooke. He’s your husband and he’s important to you."

"Eric and Ridge would never understand and I can’t tell them. Michael doesn’t want me to talk about it. No one even knew he had a vasectomy in the first place."

"Well it’s not their business. They can handle this Brooke, you know they can."

"But Forrester is important to me too. And Michael told me to come in. I just don’t know what to do."

"Brooke, you’re overcome with emotions right now and that’s understandable. Of course you want to be with him but let’s talk it out okay?"

"Okay."

"Is he sleeping?"

"Yes, he’s very tired and very sore."

"Alright then it’s not as if you would be talking to him or anything. Is he alone? He shouldn’t be alone."

"He isn’t, Denise, a nurse from the hospital came home to take care of him today."

"So he’s sleeping and he has a professional nurse with him. Alright Brooke now if you really want to go home then do it but I really think he’s in good hands right now. I don’t think you have anything to worry about."

 

 

Sara walked over to the bed and softly put her lips to his and kissed him. She sighed and moved back. "He is so sexy, I want him so bad." She said. She stood back and watched his chest rise and fall as he breathed. "Come on Sara, you can make him want you. You know you can." She said. Carefully she walked over to the bed and sat on the edge she gently ran her hand down his chest and slowly let it work it’s way under the sheet. She smiled as she felt her hand softly cover his manhood. "Do it." She told herself. "Make him hard and he’ll want you." She took a deep breath and let her hand tighten around him and squeeze him hand and strong. The last thing she expected was the loud scream that came from his mouth or the intense pain as his hand clutched her arm and pulled it away from him.

"You f*cking bitch! What the hell are you doing?" He screamed.

"Doctor Copeland? Michael!" Denise shouted as she ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. Her eyes immediately came upon the pale and pained expression on Michael’s face as he held tightly onto the arm of the young woman. "What’s going on here?"

"I don’t know, I don’t know." Sara cried. "Mike, please let go, you’re hurting me."

"Michael." Denise said as she took his hand off Sara’s arm. "What happened?"

"The little bitch grabbed me. Get her the f*ck out of here."

"Sara." Denise instructed. "Go down to the kitchen quickly and bring me back an ice bag. There are several in the freezer."

Sara just stared at Michael as she rubbed her arm.

"Now!" Denise shouted. Sara looked at her and ran down the stairs. "What did she do Dr. Copeland?"

"I was sleeping, oh sh*t it hurts." He grimaced. "She reached down and grabbed me. That little slut has been trying to get into my bed since I met her." He looked at Denise. "Help me Denise, please it hurts so bad."

"I have to look, I have to make sure she didn’t do anything." She lowered the sheet and carefully started to examine him. "It’s okay baby, I don’t think she did any real damage, just pain."

Sara ran back into the room with the ice pack and stopped as she stared at his privates. "What’s wrong with him? What happened to him?"

"Give me the ice pack." Denise instructed. She took it from Sara and handed it to Michael. "Here you go." She told him. Michael started to put it on him when he looked at Sara. She looked terrified.

"Sit down Sara." He told her.

"What?" She said.

"Sit down." He told her. She tentatively sat down on the side of the bed.

"Give me your arm." He instructed.

"Why?" She asked.

"Do it Sara." He said. She held her arm out to him. It was red and starting to bruise. Michael tenderly wrapped the ice pack on it. "Hold it there so the swelling stops." He turned to Denise. "Can you get me another one?" He asked.

"Will you be alright?"

"I’ll be fine." He told her. Denise left the room and Michael turned his attention back to Sara. "I’m sorry I hurt you Sara. I didn’t mean to but you hurt me very much."

"What happened? What happened to you?" She asked as tears filled her eyes.

"I had some surgery and when you touched me you caused me a lot of pain. But Sara that isn’t the real problem. You know what this is. You have to stop doing this. You can’t keep touching me and kissing me. I’m a married man and I’m old enough to be your father. This has to stop and it has to stop today. Do you understand me Sara?" He asked her sternly.

"Did I do anything permanent?" She asked.

"I don’t know, I don’t think so but I’ll have to see my doctor now. But Sara I need to know that you, oh God." He moaned in pain. He took a deep breath and continued. "I need to know that you understand that there will never be anything between us."

"Don’t you think I’m pretty? Don’t you like me?"

"Right now I don’t like you very much at all Sara. You’re a little troublemaker. Yes, I think you’re very pretty but you’re only a kid Sara. Even if you weren’t I’m married and I love my wife very much. You know that Sara, you’re Bridget’s friend, certainly you can see that Brooke and I are very happy."

"I didn’t mean to hurt you." She said.

"Sara you’re missing the point." He stopped as Denise came back into the room. She gently placed the ice pack on him and he let out a sigh of relief. "I called Dr. Stedman and he said he’d stop by on his way home today and make sure everything looks alright." She then turned to Sara. "I think you better leave." Denise told Sara.

"Wait a minute Denise. I’m trying to make sure Sara understands me. Do you understand me Sara?" He asked.

"Yes." She said meekly.

"Alright then go home Sara. Please just go home." He told her.

"The crowd is starting to show up." Grant said to Ridge as he pinned the hem on the model. "How many more dresses do we need to alter?"

"Too many." Ridge answered. "We need more help and we need it now. God, how I wish I could do something." He complained.

"You’re doing it all Ridge." Grant replied. "You’re making all the calls, all I’m doing is pinning and cutting."

"Don’t underestimate yourself Grant." Ridge admitted. "You’re making all the difference here. I just wonder where Dad is."

"Why don’t you give him a call? I’ve got this one under control."

"Good idea." Ridge said. He walked over to a phone and hit in his father’s extension.

"Eric Forrester’s office." Megan answered.

"Megan, where’s Dad?" Ridge asked.

"He’s headed your way as we speak. Ridge he’s frantic, he can’t find the showstopper."

"I’ve got it covered Megan, don’t give it another thought. Is Taylor still in with Brooke?"

"Yes, do you want me to send her down to you?"

"Not yet. I’ll call you soon." He said. Ridge hung up and turned to Grant. "Dad’s on his way and it’s gonna get ugly. Grant no matter what just play along with me. Don’t ask questions, I’ll explain later."

"Whatever you say, you’re the boss." Grant said with a grin.

Eric stormed over to them. "Ridge! We have a problem, a major problem."

"What’s wrong Dad?"

"The showstopper, it’s missing."

"What?" Ridge asked in an astounded voice. "How can it be missing?"

"I have security on it. Sally must be in the building, I can’t think of anyone else who would do it."

"Sally?" Grant asked.

"Sally Spectra, your mother in law." Ridge explained.

"Yes," Grant said. "I remember her. Do you really think she’d steal the showstopper?"

"I wouldn’t put anything past her." Eric growled. "Now what the hell are we going to do? We have no showstopper."

"We’ll have to substitute something." Ridge said. "How about the black gown?"

"Our showstoppers have always been wedding gowns Ridge."

"Well Dad, if it’s gone we have to have something."

"How can you be so damn casual about this?" Eric answered.

"What do you expect me to do? I can’t exactly design something new now." Ridge shrugged. "Did you tell Logan?"

"She laughed. That damn woman laughed." Eric said. "She wouldn’t even come out of her office. She has the door locked and she won’t even come out. That woman needs severe medical help."

"I guess it’s a good thing she’s married to a doctor." Grant laughed.

"Not you too?" Eric moaned. "Am I the only sane person here?"

"Dad, Grant needs your help with these alterations. Can you two take it into your office? There’s something important I have to handle." Ridge announced.

"And what can be more important than this showing?"
"Dad please."

"Come on ladies, Grant." Eric said as he led them out of the office. Once they were gone Ridge picked up the phone and called Megan.

"Yes Ridge."

"Are they still there?"

"Yes, do you want me to put you through?" She asked.

"No." He told her. "Just don’t let them leave. I’ll be down in about ten minutes."

"Okay Ridge."

"So Brooke, what do you say we go try and straighten up the mess with Ridge and Grant." Taylor suggested.

"Let me see if they’re still in Ridge’s office." Brooke said as she headed for the phone. As she was about to pick it up it rang.

"Hello." She said.

"Hi honey." Michael’s voice came over the phone.

"Michael." Brooke said as her face lit up. "How are you? Are you feeling better?"

"I’ve been better. But Brooke, we had some trouble here today."

"What’s wrong?"

"In a word, Sara. She came over again today. Brooke we have to do something to put a stop to that girl."

"Michael, what did she do?"

"We can go into all that when you come home. I’m just so mad that I needed to hear your voice."

"Do you want me to come home now?" She asked.

"I’m okay honey. I just needed to vent a little. How’s the show going?"

"It hasn’t started but we’re almost there. It’s a zoo in here."

"Well I don’t want to keep you. I’m going to try to rest a little more. Call me later if you get a break."

"I will Michael, I love you."

"I love you too." He told her. She smiled to herself and hung up.

"What’s wrong Brooke." Taylor asked.

"Bridget’s friend Sara has a crush on Michael, she keeps trying to hit on him."

"Well that can’t be good."

"I think Michael is making too much of it. Sometimes I think he doesn’t realize how charming he is. It’s only natural that she likes him. And he is really cute too." Brooke grinned.

"Well you can’t encourage her. It may make Bridget uncomfortable, and she and Michael did get off to a bad start."

"That’s true Taylor but that’s all changed now. Bridget really likes him."

"Well that must be a relief."

"Oh it is." Brooke told her. Suddenly the door opened and Ridge came in.

"Brooke we have problems," He looked at Taylor. "Doc! What are you doing here?"

"Brooke asked me to come down. Is it a bad time?" She asked Ridge.

"Not at all Doc." He turned to Brooke. "Logan, we have major model problems."

"What Ridge? I thought the new girls showed up."

"Oh they did but they are all wrong. The wrong size, the wrong type. They won’t do Logan and we’re ready to start. I have to find someone to put into these dresses."

"Can’t you do alterations?"

"What the hell do you think Grant and I have been doing all morning?" He asked her.

"Are you two starting to get along better?" Taylor asked him.

"As long as he stays out of my face."

"That’s not a good attitude Ridge."

"Doc, I don’t have time for this. Unless you can come up with some solutions for me I don’t need to hear it. Right now Chambers is the least of my problems."

"When I came in I saw plenty of models Ridge."

"Sure but the one I need the most is the one Brooke fired."

"I had no choice." She turned to Taylor. "She was doing drugs in the ladies room."

"That would be real trouble for Forrester right now Ridge, it’s bad enough the publicity about Thorne." Taylor said, agreeing with Brooke.

"Well ladies," Ridge threw up his good arm in frustration. "Do you have any other ideas?"

"Which model was the one you needed?" Brooke asked.

"Heidi." He answered.

Brooke looked at Ridge and then at Taylor and then back at Ridge.

"Perfect!" Ridge said.

"What?" Taylor asked. "Oh no you don’t."

"Doc, we need you. Tell her Brooke."

"Taylor you and Heidi are the exact same size and the coloring is the same too."

"No way." She said. "I just came down here to try and help you work out things with Grant and Ridge."

"Taylor please." Brooke begged.

"I can’t, I’m not a model. I’m a mother Brooke."

"Doc, you’re beautiful. You can do this." Ridge told her.

"I’m sorry but no." She said. "Why not you Brooke?"

"I’m the CEO. I can’t model, besides I’m a mess today. I can barely walk on my own. Taylor please."

"One dress Doc, just one dress." Ridge pleaded.

"Please don’t do this to me. Bryan would kill me."

"Oh come on Doc. I’m not asking you to go to bed with me, I’m only asking you to wear one dress."

"Why would Bryan mind Taylor?" Brooke asked. "He’d want you to help me."

"You maybe but not Ridge."

"Then do it for Brooke, forget I’m even here." Ridge told her.

Taylor laughed. "Like I could ever forget you were here Ridge. I’m really sorry but I just can’t do it."

"I’ll call Bryan and ask him." Brooke volunteered.

"No!" Taylor said. "No, you can’t involve him. He can’t know I did this."

"Did this?" Ridge grinned. "Doc, does that mean you’ll help us?"

"I must be losing it, Bryan must be right." She said. She turned to Brooke and then back to Ridge. "Just one dress."

"Oh Doc! I love you." Ridge said as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her.

"I hope I don’t regret this." She said.

"You won’t." He promised. "Logan, come to my office with me for a moment. Doc, you wait here. I’ll have Grant help me fit you in a moment."

Ridge and Brooke walked out and closed the door. Brooke smiled and put her arms around him. "You did it."

"We did it." He told her. "I told you we were a great team."

"Don’t hurt her Ridge, whatever you do don’t hurt her. This dress means something totally different to you then it will to her."

"I’d never hurt her Logan."

"And don’t embarrass her either Ridge. I mean it. I’m still not sure I should have gone along with this."

"Logan, that dress is hers. It will be her wedding dress. It’s the last thing I can do for her. I’m not trying to break her and Bryan up. I want her to be happy."

"Maybe you do." She said.

"Well it’s chaos as usual." Connor said to Adrienne as they took their seat. "I wonder how Brooke is holding out. This is her first showing since she’s been back to work."

"You’re with me Connor, no talk about our exes." Adrienne reminded him.

"Well she is a friend and I am genuinely concerned about her. Being shot at after being shot couldn’t have been a pleasant experience."

"She has Mike to worry about her now." Adrienne replied. "I wonder if he’s here." She started looking around.

"Okay, okay." Connor laughed. "Point taken. No more talk about Brooke." He stole a quick kiss.

"Do you know anyone here?" She asked.

"Well of course I know all the Forresters." He looked around. "There’s Lauren Fenmore, now I wouldn’t have expected her to show."

"Why now?"

"She and Eric were an item for awhile, she actually ruined Eric’s first attempt to remarry Stephanie."

"My, my what tales you have." She laughed. "Who else?"

"That man looks familiar but I can’t place him." He said pointing to a sophisticated man with a goatee and glasses. Connor suddenly turned pale. "Oh my God. That was like seeing a ghost."

"What?"

"See that blonde?" He said pointing to an attractive blonde woman.

"Yes. Who is she?"

"She’s Karen Spencer, the twin sister to Ridge’s first wife Caroline. Caroline died quite a while ago. I haven’t seen Karen in years. In fact Karen and I share quite a history. But I’ll tell you about that one some other time. I wonder when she got back."

"Was she away?"

"Oh yeah." He said. "Karen and I almost married once."

"I’m glad you didn’t." She said. "I’m getting quite used to you Connor."

"Good, cause I feel the same way." He said but he couldn’t seem to tear his eyes off Karen. "I wonder if Thorne knows."

"Thorne? Isn’t he a Forrester too?"

"Yes, he’s Ridge’s younger brother."

"See, I’m learning." She grinned. "Why don’t you just go say hello to her." She said noticing his fascination with Karen.

"Not today. But I guess I’ll have to eventually."

"I think I’m going to want to hear your story counselor." She grinned.

"It’s not that interesting really." He told her.

"Oh I bet." She said sarcastically. "Oh look, there’s your ex." She said pointing to Brooke at the back of the room. "Great suit. I wonder if it’s a Forrester."

"No doubt." He said.

"Are you going to go talk to her?" She asked him.

"Not the time or place. I imagine I should before the wedding though."

"Yes, that might be a good idea." She agreed. "I don’t see Mike. I guess he isn’t coming. But I wouldn’t have really expected it. He isn’t really into the whole social thing."

Suddenly the lights dimmed.

"Here we go." Adrienne told Connor with a smile.

 

"Ridge?" Taylor said as the door to Brooke’s office opened.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Morgan shouted.

Changes Part 70

 

 

"Hello Morgan." Taylor said. "Are you looking for Brooke?"

"I was, why are you here?"

"I’m not allowed?" Taylor asked her innocently.

"No, it’s not that. I’m just surprised to see you." Morgan stated. "I didn’t think you’d want to be here with the show going on and all."

"I came to see Brooke." Taylor said. "She’s with Ridge right now."

"I see." Morgan said, clearly disturbed. "Are you staying for the show?"

"Would you have a problem with that Morgan?"

"No." She said. "It just seems strange that you would be at Forrester now."

"I don’t think so at all." Taylor said with a smile. "Are you going to wait for Brooke?"

"No, I’ll come back later." Morgan said as she walked out. Taylor laughed to herself and sat down. "If you think my being here is strange, wait till you see me later."

 

 

"Logan I don’t get you." Ridge said as he caught up to Brooke backstage. "Before you were all for me and Taylor. What changed?"

"Nothing changed Ridge. It’s just that she’s been through so much and I want her to be happy. I know you love her but there are so many complications. There’s Bryan and Morgan and the baby. Not to mention Taylor’s feelings."

"I’m not going to make her do anything she doesn’t want to do. I only want her to wear the dress."

Brooke looked at him sadly. "You know that isn’t true. You want that dress to work some kind of magic. You want her to put it on and suddenly realize it’s you she wants. Ridge she and Bryan are married. Don’t you realize that this whole thing may cause her pain?"

"I’m not trying to cause her pain Brooke, you know that. You were on my side."

"I’m still on your side. I wish there was some way that everyone could be happy but I just don’t see that happening. Someone is going to get hurt Ridge. And I really don’t want it to be you or Taylor."

"I can handle this Logan. And so can Taylor."

"Well you’re just going to do what you have to do. I’m just worried about the whole outcome."

"I need to see her in that dress." He said. "That’s all this is about Brooke. Now I need to get the dress." He said as he walked away from her.

"Oh Ridge." She said. "Why did I agree to this?" She asked herself as she headed back for her office.

 

"Welcome everyone to the Forrester Spring Show." Eric announced from the stage. "We think we have one of our most exciting collections ever. We promise you a great day with lots of fun and fashion. So without further ado." He gestured and the music came on. The lights flashed as the models began their way down the runway.

Eric stepped back and almost bumped into Stephanie.

"Eric?" She said in a panicked voice. "Has the showstopper been found?"

"No." He said. "I have security all over but nothing. Stephanie I don’t know what we’re going to do. Ridge wants to replace it with the Black gown."

"Well it is spectacular but Eric, it’s not a showstopper."

"I know, I know." He groaned. "It has to be found, it just has to."

"Eric!" Grant shouted. "Ridge needs you in his office."

"Maybe he found it." Eric said. He quickly headed for Ridge’s office with Stephanie in pursuit.

 

Brooke walked into her office and sat down next to Taylor.

"What’s wrong?" Taylor asked.

"I’m worried." Brooke confessed.

"About the show or Michael?"

"About you Taylor. I’m sorry I got you into this. I know it wasn’t right."

"I’m helping out my friends." Taylor said with a smile.

"But it’s so complicated Taylor. There is so much more at stake."

"Brooke." Taylor said taking her friends hand. "I can handle Ridge. I know that it’s more than just wearing a dress to him. I’m not sure what it will do to me but all the decisions were made a long time ago. This one day isn’t going to change anything."

"You can see right through me can’t you?" Brooke asked.

"I know you love him, and I know you want him happy. I do too Brooke."

"Taylor, can I ask you something?"

"I think I have some idea what you’re going to ask me but go ahead."

"Do you love Bryan? I mean do you love him the way you love Ridge?"

"It isn’t the same, but yes, I do love him. And to answer your other question yes I do love Ridge."

"It’s like you’re both walking a tightrope Taylor."

"I didn’t ask to get on it Brooke. Ridge but us both there himself. He did that when he acted so stupidly about Morgan. That’s how this whole chain of events started."

"And you’re totally committed to Bryan and your relationship?"

"I married him didn’t I?"

"Now you’re starting to sound like him too." Brooke laughed. "I wonder if I would have started talking like a lawyer."

"Not you Brooke." Taylor said. "You’ve always been so strong. You’ve always done things the way you wanted no matter what anyone else thought."

"Do you see me like that?"

"Yes, and I admire that about you. No one could ever talk you out of what you wanted."

"You know Taylor. For so long all I ever thought I wanted was Ridge. I let my whole world revolve around him. I never really let anyone else get close enough and then I met Michael and he shook me to the core. Suddenly I realized that I had never truly known love before, not what I feel now. Yes I will always have a special place in my heart for Ridge and yes he can still push my buttons. But I wouldn’t trade one Michael for a thousand Ridges. But with you it’s different. Forgive me for saying this if it hurts you but I don’t think anyone will ever take his place and I think you are only fooling yourself into thinking he can."

"Don’t push this one Brooke." Taylor said. "It’s a different thing and there were different circumstances. I’m glad that you’re happy, I really am but you have to believe me when I tell you I’m happy too."

"I’m sorry." Brooke told her. "It’s a strange day for me. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything and the only thing that seems to matter to me right now is my marriage and my family. I guess I just want everyone to feel it."

 

"Ridge?" Eric asked. "Did you find it?"

"Alright Dad, I don’t want you to worry. I know where it is and I have everything in control."

"Well where is it? I need to fit Charise in it. It has to be perfect."

"Grant and I will take care of everything. You and Mother just relax and watch the show."

"You’re up to something." Stephanie told him. "I can tell by the look in your eyes Ridge. What are you up to?"

"Everything will be fine Mother, just relax. I have to get back to Logan’s office."

"Where did she go? She was out here awhile ago."

"She’s helping me." He looked at both of them. "Trust me, this will be great."

 

Ridge opened the door to Brooke’s office and walked in. "What’s up ladies? You both look so serious."

"We’ve been having a serious talk Ridge." Brooke answered. He looked at her and then Taylor. "You haven’t changed your mind have you?"

"No Ridge." She smiled warmly at him. "I gave you both my word. But I do have to warn you. Morgan was here before and she wasn’t too pleased to see me."

"Well she’s not too pleased about anything these days since Logan took away her office."

"How is the show going?" Brooke asked ignoring his comments about Morgan.

"Great. Your ex is here." He told her.

"My ex?" Brooke asked.

"Davis. He’s sitting there with a very pretty redhead."
"Connor? Now why would Connor be here?"

"Bryan wasn’t with him was he?" Taylor asked.

"Not unless he had the worlds most successful sex change operation." He laughed. "Don’t worry Taylor. I promise even Bryan will be proud of you."

"I have to see who he’s with." Brooke said.

"Jealous?" Ridge teased.

"More like curious. I didn’t even know he was seeing anyone."

"Well Logan, you’re the one who dumped him."

"I didn’t dump him Ridge."

"Yeah right." He laughed. "She’s a looker Logan. You go check her out." She gave him a look and walked out.

"That wasn’t nice." Taylor told him.

"I can tease her Doc. She’s my friend. So are you ready to get fitted?"

"As ready as I ever will be." She told him.

"Then let’s get down to my office."

 

 

Brooke walked over to Eric and Stephanie and watched the proceedings. "It’s going well." She said.

"Yes it is. No thanks to you." Stephanie told her.

"What do you mean by that?" Brooke spat at her.

"You locked yourself in your office mooning over that worthless piece of garbage you married while the rest of us went crazy trying to find the showstopper." Stephanie went back at her.

"How dare you!" Brooke said up in arms.

"Please, both of you stop it." Eric said positioning himself between them. "Everything is under control now. There’s no need for altercations."

"What gives you the right to talk about my husband like that?" Brooke continued, ignoring Eric.

"If the shoe fits." Stephanie came back at her.

"Stephanie, leave Mike out of this." Eric demanded.

"Will anything I do ever make you happy?" Brooke asked Stephanie. "You’d think that my not being involved with Ridge would have done it."

"You know what you can do Brooke?" Stephanie asked. "Give us back our company. Then we’d never have to deal with you again."

"Don’t hold your breath." Brooke said with a vindictive laugh. "That’s never going to happen."

"Calm down both of you." Eric told them.

"Sorry Eric." Brooke said. She looked out at the crowd searching for Connor. Suddenly she spotted him sitting with Adrienne. "Of all the gall!" She said.

"What’s wrong Brooke?" Eric asked.

"Connor. He’s here with Michael’s ex-wife."

"See Brooke, you’re interchangeable with all your men." Stephanie said with a laugh. "And you certainly like to keep it all in the family."

Brooke reached to slap her but Eric held her back. "Stephanie that was uncalled for." He told her. "Now both of you stop it this instance. You’re creating a scene!"

"Get that bitch of a wife out of here before I do something I regret. How dare you insult me and my husband!"

"Brooke calm down. She didn’t mean it."
"I certainly did Eric. The best thing that could ever happen is to have her out of this family and company forever."

"When hell freezes over." Brooke said back. She again stared at Connor and Adrienne.

"She’s pretty." Stephanie said. "And look at how intrigued Connor looks. It certainly doesn’t take a man long to get over you."

"Why don’t you ask your husband or your sons? They haven’t done it yet." Brooke said as she walked away from them.

 

"Wait in here Doc. I need to get Grant to help me." Ridge said as he led Taylor into his office and walked out. Taylor looked at the beautiful black gown hanging on the rack. She walked up to it and felt the material.

"This is perfect. It’s beautiful." She said aloud as Brooke walked in.

"What is?" Brooke asked.

"This dress. The dress I’ll be wearing." She said as she touched the gown again.

"Did Ridge tell you that?" Brooke asked.

"No, but here it is." She said. "And isn’t it beautiful."

"Where is Ridge?" Brooke asked.

"Getting Grant to help him."

"Alright then. I’ll leave you in their hands." She said.

"Something’s wrong Brooke." Taylor said with concern.

"It’s just Stephanie. Don’t worry about it. I’m going to my office to call Michael."

"Good idea." Taylor said with a smile. "That will make you feel better. Give him my best."

"I will." She said. As she was walking out Ridge was walking in.

"Hey Logan, where are you going?" He asked.

"To my office. I think you can handle this." She said. "I’ll be watching you." She smiled at Taylor.

"Where’s Grant?" Taylor asked.

"On his way. He’s just finishing up on another dress."

"I love this dress." She told him looking at the black gown. "It’s so elegant."

"Thanks Doc." He said. "Now let me get you your dress."

"My dress? I’m not wearing that?"

"Would I put you in something so average?" He said with a grin.

"Ridge, what are you up to?"
"This." He said as he walked behind the rack and came back with a dress in a huge garment bag.

"Ridge?" She said. "Is that what I think it is?"

"What else could I put you in?" He asked her with sincerity.

"I can’t, Ridge I can’t."
"You haven’t even seen it Doc. Come on." He said as he unzipped the bag revealing the icy blue gown.

"Oh my God Ridge, it’s exquisite." She said as tears came to her eyes. "But I can’t wear it, it wouldn’t be right."

"Doc." He said taking her hand. "I designed this gown a while ago. I had hoped you would wear it to our wedding."

"Ridge." She said fighting back her tears.

"I know Doc." He said tightening his grip on her hand. "But no one else can ever wear this dress. It’s yours, it’s yours for today and it’s yours for your wedding."

"Ridge." She was unable to stop the tears at this point. "How? How can I?"

"I give it to you with all the love in my heart. Please wear it for the show. And then if you can I’d really like it to be my gift to you for your wedding."

"Oh Ridge." She put her arms around him. "I know you mean this from your heart and I really appreciate it but I can’t, I just can’t."
"Please Doc, just put it on." He begged her. "If only so I can see you in it."

"Why are you putting us through this?" She asked him through her tears. "It can’t change things. Nothing can change things."

"I’m sorry. You’re right Doc, I was out of line to ask this of you." He agreed sadly.

Taylor touched the dress lightly. "It’s so beautiful."

"You are beautiful." He told her.

"Unzip me." She said as she turned her back to him.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Do it before I change my mind." She said. Ridge reached for the zipper on the back of her dress and slowly let it down.

"Can you get into it alone? Would you like me to ask Brooke to help you?"

"I’ll be fine." She said. She slipped her dress off and took the gown out of the bag. "I need a different bra Ridge." She said.

"It’s built in." He told her.

"Oh." She said with a blush. "Turn away please." She asked him.

Ridge turned towards the door while Taylor removed her bra. She then took the dress off the hanger and slipped it over her head. It fell to fit her body as only a dress custom made could do. "Ridge." She said. "You can zip me now."

He walked up to her and lovingly zipped the dress up. He gently turned her around to face him.

"How do I look?" She asked.

"Like an angel." He said softly.

"Oh my God." She said as she started to cry. "I can’t do this Ridge. It’s too hard, it’s just too hard."

"Look." He said as he took her hand and led her to the mirror. "Look at yourself Doc."

 

 

Brooke slammed down her purse and sat at her desk. Tears of anger formed in her eyes. "I will not let you do this to me Stephanie." She said to herself. "I won’t." She picked up the photo of her children on her desk and smiled. "This company is as much theirs as anyone’s and you won’t take it from them." Her eyes them moved to the picture of Michael. She sighed as she held it to her and let the tears fall from her eyes. "I should be home with you. You need me more than these people ever will." She picked up her phone and hit in the preprogrammed number for her home.

"Hello." Came Michael’s rather cheerful voice.

"Honey? How are you?" Brooke asked.

"I’m so much better Brooke. I think my body is finally starting to adjust. I even went downstairs and ate lunch with Denise."

"Is she still there?"
"She won’t leave till you get home. But really, I’m much better. I can deal with this kind of pain. It’s not as constant as before. Dr. Stedman came by and gave me the AOK so you don’t have to worry."

"You sound so much better."
"Well I’ll be even better when my pretty wife comes home and I can show her how much I love her."

"But I thought, I mean you can’t." Brooke stammered.

"Give me credit for a little imagination honey. I can certainly come up with some other ways to show you how I love you." He said with a laugh.

"That’s not fair to you."

"Let me be the judge of that. Besides I have plans for us. I have so much I want to talk to you about. I’m really excited about this."

"I wish I was home right now."

"How’s the show going?"

"Who cares?" She said.

"That doesn’t sound like my girl. Come on honey, what’s wrong?"

"Stephanie. I hate her."

"Don’t let her get to you."

"That’s easy for you to say."

"Not really." He laughed. "In case you didn’t notice she isn’t my greatest supporter."

"Oh the hell with her."

"That’s my girl." He laughed. "Sh*t it hurts when I laugh." He told her. "Now I’m going to have to kill your daughter."

"Why?" She asked.

"She brought home a bunch of videos she wants me to watch with her and I know they must be comedies."

"Why did she do that?"

"I told her sweetie. I want to have a good, honest relationship with her. I’m not sure how she feels about the possibility of us having a baby but she did tell me what I did was way cool." He laughed.

"Oh Michael I love you so much." She said.

"Me too honey. You go take care of that show and come on home to me okay?"

"Okay." She said with a smile.

 

"Wow." Grant said when he walked into Ridge’s office. "I can’t see anything that has to be done."

"Yeah there is Grant." Ridge told him. "You need to make a tiny tuck at the waist and see that one piece on the bottom." He pointed.

"Yup." Grant agreed. "It won’t take me but a moment." He looked at Taylor. "I always knew you were the prettiest woman around."

"Grant." Taylor smiled.

"What about her hair?" Grant asked.

"The hairdresser is coming in after you’re done. The headpiece is over there." Ridge pointed to a box by the desk.

"You’re gonna make all the ladies out there look like amateurs." Grant told her.

"Don’t be silly Grant. I’m not a model. I can barely walk down that runway."

"Don’t be modest Doc." Ridge told her. "You’ve done it before."

Taylor suddenly paled. "Ridge. You won’t do or say anything out there will you?"

"I promise Doc, you have my word."

"Alright." She said.

"Turn to your right Taylor." Grant instructed. "That’s it." He put a pin in place. "Okay can you get out of the gown for five minutes and you’ll be ready. He reached and unzipped the dress. Taylor slipped it off and covered herself with her arms. Ridge handed her a robe and she quickly put it on. Grant sat down and started working on the dress while Ridge and Taylor walked over to the window together.

Ridge put his arm around her and she leaned back onto his chest.

"Thank you Doc." He told her.

"Only for you Ridge, only for you." She sighed. Suddenly he twirled her around to face him. Taylor felt herself shaking as his lips covered hers in a tender kiss. To her own surprise she felt her mouth open to his and the quick kiss turned into one of love and passion. As quickly as it started it ended.

"I’m sorry." Ridge said, but Taylor took her finger and gently touched his lips.

"No." She said. "Neither of us is." She said as tears filled her eyes.

 

 

"Brooke, where is Ridge and the showstopper?" Eric asked as he stood outside her office door.

"I don’t know." She answered him. "Did you check his office? Or why not just get Stephanie so she can track it down by scent."

"Brooke." He said walking in. "I wish you would try to get along with Stephanie."

"Save it for someone who cares." She said. "I’m sick of her Eric. I’ve tried and tried for years and what has it gotten me? Nothing but scorn and heartache. Well I’m through with it. She better start treating me with some respect or she’ll find she’s the next one out of an office and you know I’ll do it."

"I don’t want to fight with you Brooke."

"Then just leave me alone Eric. I’ve just about had it with this whole family."

"You don’t mean that." He said walking in and closing the door. "You know that I care about you and so does Ridge."

"You all want me out of here and you know it. Well it’s not going to happen."

"Brooke I don’t want you to go anywhere."

"Eric I’m upset and I’m tired. I really don’t want to argue with you."

"Then come with me and let’s find out about the showstopper."

"You go Eric." She told him.

"Come on Brooke, this is your show too."

"Alright Eric." She reluctantly agreed.

"What’s wrong Brooke, it must be more than just Stephanie."

"I just want to be home Eric. Michael isn’t feeling well and I want to be with him."

"Well it’s almost over Brooke. Come on, you can make it." He said with a smile as he put his arm around her.

 

Grant helped Taylor back into the dress and then stood back and looked at her. "Gorgeous. The woman and the dress."

"Well I have to agree about the woman Grant." Ridge smiled.

"It’s the dress Ridge." Taylor said. "This is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever worn."

"You’ll make a beautiful bride Taylor." Grant told her. "No one will be able to take their eyes off you."

"I don’t think I can wear this dress for my wedding."

"How can you not?" Grant asked.

"It’s not fair to Bryan."

"What? To have the most beautiful bride in the world? I think he can handle it." Grant replied with a smile. "Thought I have to warn you. Brooke is going to give you a little competition."

"Brooke always gives me competition." Taylor laughed. "Are you making her dress Grant?"

"I hope so. She hasn’t seen it yet."

"She’ll be thrilled." She smiled. "You are coming aren’t you Grant?"

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I just have to find myself a date."

"What about your wife?" Ridge asked.

"Your brother thinks she’s his wife and actually I can’t fight him on that one. I like her but I won’t cause her problems. I did ask someone but she turned me down."

"Who?" Ridge asked.

"Bridget." Grant told them. "But even she has a date."

"I’m sure you’ll find someone Grant." Taylor told him.

"Hey if not I can share Mike’s date." Grant laughed.

"Copeland would love that." Ridge laughed.

"He’s a good guy Ridge, and he adores her."

"I suppose. I just want the best for her."

"Well that would have been me." Grant joked. "But Mike will do."

Ridge and Taylor both laughed and then Ridge turned serious again. "We need the hairdresser so we can finish with Taylor."

"I’ll go find her." Grant volunteered.

"Thanks Grant." Ridge said as he walked out. He turned to Taylor. "You are so beautiful Doc."

"It’s the gown Ridge, I’ve never seen anything so pretty. This will be the hit of the show. And think of all the money it will make for Forrester."

"It won’t make a penny Doc, it’s a one of a kind."

"Ridge no."

"No one will ever wear this dress but you Doc. Sure there may be knockoffs, but no one will ever buy it from Forrester."

"Does your father know about this?"

"No but Brooke does and she agrees."

"That’s because she’s a romantic, she’s not practical like Eric."

"This dress has nothing to do with practicality Doc."

"How can I agree to this?" She asked him.

"Wear the dress one more time Doc."

"Oh Ridge, it should have been so different." She said as the tears ran down her face again.

"Dry your eyes my beautiful Taylor." He said as he grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. "None of this was to make you sad. All I ever wanted is for you to be happy. Let my gift make you and Bryan happy on your wedding day."

"Ridge I," She started but the door opened and Grant and the hairdresser came in followed by the makeup woman.

"I’ll leave you to your work." Ridge said. He took his hand and lifted up Taylor’s chin. He lifted her lips to his and gave her a soft kiss before leaving the room.

"Okay folks, here’s the headpiece." Grant said as he took it out of the box. "It’s ShowTime!"

The hairdresser and makeup artist quickly went to work on Taylor while Grant supervised. Taylor nervously looked in the mirror with each step.

"I hope I’m doing the right thing." She said to Grant.

"Taylor, all you’re doing is helping us out of a bind. We’d be ruined without this showstopper."

"I don’t think you know the whole story Grant but thank you." She said with a smile. "I’m sure the crowd will love this dress."

"It’s a beauty Taylor."

"I’d love to see the dress you’re designing for Brooke."

"I’ll be happy to show it to you. After all it is your wedding."

"But Brooke should see it first." She said graciously. "It is her dress."

"I hope she likes it. She didn’t even ask me to do it but I couldn’t resist trying my hand again."

"How does it feel being back at work?"

"It feels fantastic. I feel useful again. You can’t know how important that is."

"And your memory? Have you made any more progress?"

"Not too much. I wish I could remember Macy. I know I should. It’s tearing me apart that I can’t. I don’t want to hurt her Taylor. I really like her."

"Then I think you should see her again Grant. She loves you. I know it seems strange to you but she does. If you think you can make something of it then I advise you to give it a chance."

"But what about Thorne?" He asked.

"It’s up to Macy to decide what happens to Thorne. Not that I don’t care about him, cause I do. But you all have to follow your hearts."

"That’s good advice." He said.

"Yes." Taylor said looking at her reflection. "I suppose it is."

"Mr. Chambers, we’re ready for the headpiece." The hairdresser announced.

"Great." Grant said as he carefully placed in on Taylor’s head.

"Fabulous." He said. "Absolutely perfect." He turned to the makeup artist and hairdresser. "Thanks for everything. I think we’re ready." He gave Taylor his arm. "My lady."

Taylor got up and took his arm. Grant slowly walked her towards the stage.

 

"It’s time." Ridge told Brooke and Eric. "It’s finally time."

"Why aren’t you with Charise? Is she ready?"

"Charise isn’t wearing your dress Eric." Brooke told him.

"What? Who is then? I specifically told you that Charise was who I wanted in that dress."

"Your dress is no longer the showstopper Eric." Brooke said. "Ridge designed something different and I decided to go with that."

"You decided?" He shouted. "You decided? I thought I was the one with creative control. Brooke what the hell are you doing?"

"Look Eric." She said softly as she pointed to Grant and Taylor making their approach. "That’s our showstopper."

"Oh my." Eric said. "Son? That dress, it’s it’s."

"I know Dad, and it had to be Taylor."

"Is she alright with this?"

"Look at her Eric." Brooke said. "She’s more than alright."

Taylor stood by the curtain awaiting her call. She looked over to where Ridge, Brooke and Eric were standing and smiled. Ridge looked directly into her eyes and she felt her heart quicken. They shared a private smile as the music changed and the lights dimmed and the curtains opened.

Taylor took the stage to the roar of the crowd and as she walked down the runway her tears were not missed by anyone.

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