Changes Part 81

 

Michael felt guilty about sharing the bed but he was so tired and the bed was so soft that he climbed into it. He stayed off to the opposite side of Adrienne but found himself tossing and turning.

"What's wrong?" Adrienne asked in a sleepy voice.

"Sorry angel, I didn’t mean to wake you."

"I’m glad you decided to sleep here. You need to be relaxed for the trip home."

"I can’t seem to relax at all."

"Come here." She said holding her arms open. "Come on, I’m not gonna bite."

"I can’t Ade, it’s wrong."

"I only want to help you relax." She told him.

He pushed himself closer to her and she wrapped him tenderly in her arms. He got a shiver as he felt her lips at the back of his neck.

"Ade." He warned.

"Shhhhh." She said. "Turn around and face me."

Against his better judgement he complied. He looked into her deep green eyes and without realizing what was happening his mouth engulfed hers. Their tongues sought out each other and his hands reached under her flimsy nightgown to envelop her breasts. She moaned in pleasure as she pushed herself closer to him. His hands left her breasts and went around her body pulling her even tighter. He groaned in pain as he felt himself growing but he couldn’t stop. She wrapped her legs tightly around him. Knowing that penetration was impossible she settled for second best. She grabbed his hand and placed it between her legs. He eagerly reached into her wetness. He couldn’t seem to get close enough to suit himself. He wanted her with a fever that he couldn’t seem to contain.

"God Mike, yes!" She moaned. "Oh yes so good."

His mouth feverishly claimed hers again as his fingers moved in and out of her body. She writhed under him as he pulled his weigh on top of her. All the pain seemed to vanish when he saw the look of passion in her eyes.

"God Ade, how I wish I could." He told her. "Wait." He said to her. "I have to get these clothes off."

"Don’t leave me" She begged.

"I’m not" He promised. He quickly undressed and then pulled her back into his arms.

"I don’t understand." She said. "Everything seems to be working."

"It just hurts." He told her.

"It won’t hurt if you’re inside me."

"Oh God! I can’t stop myself, I have to have you." He moaned as he pushed his way in.

Michael shouted out in pain and opened his eyes. "What?" He said as he jumped up in the bed. He was out of breath and drenched in a cold sweat.

"What’s wrong?" Adrienne asked. She had been sleeping on the other side of the bed. He looked at her in confusion and then comprehension. He let out a sigh of relief.

"Dream, painful dream." He told her.

"Oh honey, you better go get yourself a cold shower." She laughed. Looking down at the evidence from his dream.

"It’s not funny Ade."

"Were you dreaming about me?" She asked.

Michael turned beet-red as he got out of the bed and headed for the bathroom without answering her.

Adrienne sat up in the bed and turned on the light. The clock on the nightstand read 3:00. She listened to the sound of the shower running. "I wonder what it was exactly that he was dreaming." She said aloud. "You okay in there?" She shouted to him.

"I’m fine." He shouted back. She let out a laugh and laid back against the soft pillow. "I didn’t even know he had gotten into the bed. I guess that couch was pretty hard, not the only hard thing around here." She giggled.

Michael walked out of the bathroom very slowly. "Man," he told her. "I hope I didn’t do any permanent damage. I don’t know how I’m ever supposed to hold out for sex weeks."

"That’s a pretty long time." She said. "You know Mike, looking at you like that got me kinda worked up too."

"Ade!" He said as a warning.

"I just meant I think I better go cool off too. But I think I’m going to put my suit on and jump in the ocean."

"It’s dark out." He said shaking his head at her. "You can’t go into the ocean in the dark."

"They got lights on the beach. Wanna join me?"

"I don’t think so. I think I better try and get some sleep." He told her. "I’m really tired and that dream took a lot out of me."

"Okay." She said. She grabbed her swimsuit and pulled her nightgown over her head.

"Ah come on!" He said looking at her naked body. "What are you trying to do to me?"

"Sorry." She said as she quickly put her suit on. She grabbed a towel and the key.

She walked up to Michael and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "See ya in a bit."

Michael felt his frustration growing the longer he thought about it. He was away from his wife and he didn’t like it one bit. It was Brooke he should have been dreaming of. He sighed as he lay back down on the bed. He looked over at the clock. "Man it’s late." He said. He stared at the phone, hesitated and then picked it up and called his home number.

"Hello?" Answered a frightened Brooke.

"I’m sorry honey, I didn’t mean to scare you I just wanted, no I needed to talk to you. God I miss you."

"Oh Michael." She said. "I’m sorry we fought before."

"No, it was my fault. You were right, sharing this room was a big mistake. I really can’t take being alone with Adrienne."

"Where’s Adrienne now?"

"Would you believe she went for a swim?"

"What time is it there?" She asked him.

"Three AM."

"Is it safe for her to be out there alone?"

"I don’t think she’ll bother the sharks." He joked. "Oh honey I wish I had my arms around you right now."

"Oh yeah, what would you be doing?" She asked in a sexy voice.

"Ummmm, I’d be kissing you and I’d be holding you and I’d be biting your nipples till you couldn’t stand it anymore."

"And then?" She said.

"I'd make you come like you never did in your life."

"Michael, you know you can’t." She said. "Think about what happened the other night when we fooled around."

"I don’t give a f*ck what I can’t do right now. I want to be with my wife and I want to make her feel good."

"Tell me more." She purred, giving in.

"I want to taste you. All of you, from the top of your head to your toes with a long stay over in that honeypot of yours."

"Oh Michael, you’re making me wet." She laughed.

"I can almost taste you now." He said. "God Brooke, you are so sweet. The sweetest ever."

"Why are you doing this? It must be torture."

"Shhhh." He told her. "I want to take your breasts and hold them and tease them until you pant. I want, God Brooke I want to be inside you so bad."

"Michael," She said with a cry. "I want that too."

"Oh f*ck, honey I am in severe pain again right now. Maybe you were right after all."

"Maybe you should get off and take a shower."

"I’ll be waterlogged if I take one more shower today."

"What?" She said, all playfulness gone from her voice.

"Honey, Adrienne did a little flaunting before. I told you that. I had to jump into the shower then. Then I woke up and I had been having a pretty graphic dream and I had to shower again."

"You better have been dreaming of me."

"Of course I was." He lied.

"Well what can you do to ease the pain?" She asked.

"Damned if I know." He laughed. "The showers don’t seem to be working."

"Well you shouldn’t have played phone sex like that." She laughed.

"It was worth it to hear you laugh again. But honey, I swear I don’t care how much it hurts, I’m coming home and I am going to make you so happy."

"A hug and a kiss will do the job." She told him. "Remember, we have a lot at stake here."

"Our family." He said softly. "Sweetheart I can’t tell you how much I want a baby."

"Our baby." She said happily.

"Yeah, our baby. Brooke we are going to make the best parents, but I have to warn you. I’m going to spoil that kid rotten."

"I love you."

"I love you too Brooke."

"Go to sleep and dream of me Michael, but not that kind of dream again."

"I’ll dream of our family." He told her. "Goodnight my love."

 

The sunlight coming through the windows hit Michael in the eyes waking him up. He looked at the woman whose arm was draped around him and almost jumped. Then he remembered where he was and why.

"Ade." He said shaking her. "Come on Ade, wake up."

"Ummmm." She said. "Good morning." She leaned over and kissed him.

"Hey!" He said. "Cut it out." He looked at the clock. "We better hurry up. We have to meet Taylor and Ridge in half an hour."

"Can’t we wait? I’m still tired."

"You can sleep in the plane. I want to get home."

"How are things down there?" She asked with a laugh.

"I’m okay. Now go get showered and dressed."

"Yes sir." She said. She sat up and stretched. Again she was nude and inviting.

"Jesus Ade! Where’s your nightgown?"

"You are such a prude." She complained. She got out of the bed and made a show of the walk into the bathroom. Michael got up and looked out the windows. He was happy to see that the sky was sunny and clear.

 

"We don’t have time." Taylor said as Ridge reached for her again. "We need to meet them for breakfast."

"I can do without food, I can’t do without you."

"You’ve already had me twice this morning." She laughed.

"Three times a charm Doc."

"Ridge we promised."

"Alright, alright!" He reluctantly agreed. "Can we at least shower together?"

"You know what will happen if we do that."

"That’s what I’m counting on." He smiled.

Taylor sat up. "You know Ridge, you never did tell me where you went off to last night when we went shopping."

"You’re right, I didn’t." He kissed her and got out of the bed. Taylor smiled as she took in his nude form. She could never get enough of him and she knew it. He walked back to the bed and sat down next to her. He had a package in his hands but her eyes were on something that was much more appealing to her. "Are you sure we don’t have time?" he asked seeing her looking at him.

"I wish we did." She sighed.

"We have the rest of our lives." He said, punctuating it with a kiss. He handed her the wrapped gift.

"For me?" She asked. "Ridge you’ve already given me all that I could ever want."

"No Doc, that’s what you’ve given me. You’ve given me my family back."

She looked at the package and tears filled her eyes.

"Come on Doc, open it."

"Alright." She said as she carefully began to unwrap it. Once the paper was off she opened the deep blue velvet box and looked inside. "My God Ridge, they are magnificent."

"Only a fraction as magnificent as you are." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

"We’re running out of time." She laughed pulling away.

"Then I guess we just have to take a shower together now don’t we."

"We’re next in line to take off." Michael announced happily.

Ridge squeezed Taylor’s hand. "Nervous?"

"A little, my whole life just changed Ridge."

"Not really, it just went back to where it belonged all along." He put his arm around her and pulled her closer. "I love you Doc. And you love me, that’s the real important thing."

Adrienne looked back at them. "Are you two back together again? Do you mean to tell me this wasn’t just a fling?"

"Nevermind what we’re doing Adrienne." Ridge said sharply. "That’s between Taylor and me."

"No need to be rude to her Ridge." Michael said coming to her defense. "It was a valid question."

"And it was none of your business either Mike." Ridge said to him.

"Let’s see the next time I jeopardize my marriage to do you a favor." Michael mumbled. He looked over at Adrienne and smiled at her. "Well it was different wasn’t it?"

"That doesn’t even come close sugar." She said. "I bet Brooke will be glad to see you."

"I hope so." He said. "Everyone hold tight, here we go." Michael announced and then took off down the runway for a perfect lift off.

 

Bryan put the key in the lock and opened the door. It was dark and quiet inside. "Taylor?" He shouted out. "No, of course you’re not home." He said quietly. He closed the door and turned on some lights. He walked into the bathroom and took out a bottle of aspirin. He took two out and downed them with a glass of water. He then walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed. "Why?" He said softly. He picked up the nightgown that Taylor had worn on that last night. They hadn’t even slept together then. He put it to his nose and smelled her flowery perfume. "Why?" He said again. He walked to the closet and took out a suitcase and put it on the bed but he somehow couldn’t force himself to start to fill it. "I must be the biggest fool in the world." He said. He pushed the suitcase to the side and lay down on the bed. He closed his eyes but was assaulted by images of Taylor and Ridge. He slammed his fist down and sighed. "What the hell are you doing Jackson? Get your things and get out of here." He told himself. But instead he closed his eyes again. This time much needed sleep took him.

 

"We’ll be landing in about a half an hour." Michael said with a grin. "And believe me I can’t wait."

"I’m sorry if I was such a bore." Adrienne said sarcastically.

"You? A bore?" Michael laughed. "I just want to be home. I bet you never thought you’d here that from me did you?"

"Not really." She laughed. "You were never a homebody." She looked in the back seat. "They’re asleep."

"I doubt they did much sleeping last night." Michael laughed. "I wouldn’t want to be either one of them right now, them or Bryan."

"Is Brooke going to be alright with this?" Adrienne asked.

"Yeah. We were okay last night. I called her again while you went swimming."

"Does she know how lucky she is?"

"I’m the lucky one Ade."

"So you keep saying." She said. "But I still think she is. I tried real hard and you didn’t give in, not once. The old Mike woulda been doing the horizontal in about five minutes."

"Honey if anyone could tempt me it would be you." He smiled at her.

"Another load of bull Mike." She laughed. "I still say someday I’ll have you again."

"All I can do is beg you to stop trying. It’s not good for either one of us." He said to her. "We can really be good friends Ade, I really would like that."

"Would I be the Adrienne that you know and love if I stopped?" She asked him.

"I guess not." He answered with a laugh. "But at least slow it down a bit."

"I’ll try sugar." She said.

 

"What’s going on Joe?" Blake asked as he walked into the control room. "Is she home yet?"

"Bryan is sleeping. He was starting to pack a suitcase and he just lay down and went to sleep. She isn’t back yet."

"Where the hell can she be? She would never have just taken off without her children." Blake groaned.

"The kids aren’t there, he’s alone."

"This gets more and more curious doesn’t it?"

"Right now it’s just boring." Joe said taking a gulp of his beer. "And I’m hungry too. You wanna man the set while I go grab something to eat?"

"Go right ahead." Blake said as he sat down.

 

"Well it’s been fun." Michael said to Ridge and Taylor as they got out of the plane. "But this guy is anxious to get home to his loving wife."

"Can you drive me home first Michael?" Taylor asked.

"Don’t be silly Doc, I’ll take you." Ridge volunteered.

"I don’t think that’s such a great idea. I need to face Bryan alone. Remember Ridge, you promised to give me time to do this. I don’t want you to say anything to anyone yet." She turned to Michael. "And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t either."

"My mouth is sealed. But Brooke does know you two were together."

"Just don’t let her turn it into something big." Taylor warned. "I can’t do that to Bryan. He deserves to be treated with respect."

"Doc? How long are you going to drag this out?" Ridge asked. "I was hoping we could all go home soon."

"Ridge you have to think of Morgan too. We have to take our time with this. We know that we will be together again. We just have to wait."

"Waiting isn’t my strong point." He complained.

"So will you take me home?" She asked Michael again.

"Sure Taylor." He agreed. "Ade are you okay?"

"Yeah my car is here."

He walked over to her and gave her a kiss. "It was fun, really. I’ll see you again soon okay?"

"Okay Mike, hey remember to call Anne."

"Yeah, I will." He said. Adrienne waved to the others and walked away.

"I really don’t like this." Ridge said. "I wish we could just go together and talk to Bryan and get this over with."

"No Ridge, I can’t and I won’t do that."

"Well make up your minds, I really want to get home." Michael told them.

"I’m coming with you." Taylor said. She put her arms around Ridge and kissed him. "Soon Ridge, soon it will be all over and we can all go home but you have to give me some time."

"Don’t drag it out Doc. Try to talk to him tonight. Make him understand."

"I’ll do my best." She kissed him again. "I love you."

"And I love you."

"Let’s go Michael." Taylor said.

"See you later Ridge." Michael told him. He and Taylor took off for his car as Ridge sadly watched them walk off.

 

"Blake!" Joe shouted. "She just walked in!" Blake came running in carrying his plate of food. He put it down on the table and sat down next to Joe.

"Look at her. She’s so beautiful." He said. Joe looked at him but didn’t say anything.

 

Taylor put down her purse and walked into the bedroom. She gasped as she saw Bryan asleep on the bed. Her eyes welled up with the sight of the suitcase.

"Bryan." She said softly.

He stirred and looked up at her. "Oh." He said. "You decided to come back after all? Where’s your lover?"

"Bryan." She said again. "I didn’t mean to."

"To what Taylor? Take my heart and tear it out of me? Or you didn’t mean to let me ever find out? Or you didn’t mean to ever marry me? Which is it? I’m waiting?"

"I didn’t mean for it to happen."

He sat up and looked at her. "You look like you’ve been well f*cked. Have you?"

"That’s not fair."

"Fair? Who the hell are you to talk to me about fair?"

"I’m sorry." She said weakly.

"Sorry you got caught." He said getting up. "I didn’t mean to be here when you got back. I guess I was tired." He opened a dresser drawer. "I’ll be out of your way and your life in a minute."

"Bryan no! That’s not what I want, can’t we talk about this?"

"It’s a little late for talking. You know I gave you so many chances to get him out of your head. I looked away when you slept with him, not once but twice. I won’t be made a fool of for a third time. But I have to ask you. What is it that you wanted from me? Someone to pass the time with? You know I tried really hard to be the man you wanted. I loved you with everything I had to give but still it wasn’t enough. I guess nothing could be enough for you."

She looked at him as tears ran down her cheeks.

"When we went to Santa Domingo I told you we should wait. I told you that you weren’t ready to commit to me. But Taylor, you begged me to marry you. You swore to me that it was really me that you wanted. You pledged your heart to me. You vowed to be faithful to me. How long did that last? Tell me? Did you even make it to a hotel room or did you f*ck him on the plane?"

"Bryan." She said. "I never planned for any of this to happen, you have to believe me."

"I do, but that’s the sad part. If you had planned it then maybe I could just laugh it all off as a big mistake on my part but you didn’t and you could have stopped it but what you and I had meant nothing to you, nothing at all."

"That isn’t true."

"Well then tell me Taylor, why did you do it? Why did you leave our home to spend a romantic holiday with your ex-husband?"

"I thought we were going for a ride, I told you that."

"And when you got to the airport he took out his gun and forced you on the plane?"

"I was confused. I needed to know what he wanted."

"Well let me tell you the simple solution for that! You ask him!" He shouted. "You ask him and when he gives you whatever feeble excuse he had you say to him ‘I’m sorry Ridge but I am a married woman. If you have something to say to me then say it here.’ That’s what you should have done."

He grabbed a pile of underwear and threw it in the suitcase. "You know I had such hopes for us, so many plans and dreams. No one could love you like I did Taylor, not even Ridge."

"I know I’ve treated you badly, I know I have."

"Badly? You screwed your ex-husband while I sat home worrying about you."

"Bryan I"

"Are you going to try and deny it?"

"No." She said. "No I won’t deny it. I slept with Ridge."

"So how was Boy Wonder? Was he all you remembered? No, don’t even bother answering me."

"What am I doing?" She said softly. "What am I doing?"

"I was going to ask you the exact same thing." He opened another drawer and took several dress shirts out and threw them into the suitcase. "I’m sick Taylor, I am truly sick. My faith in everything in the world has been destroyed. You can’t imagine the pain that I am feeling right now."

"Bryan."

"You keep saying that." He said to her. "Are you afraid that I’ve forgotten my own name? Or is it that you can’t even come up with a single excuse for what you did?"

She looked at him and looked down.

"Yeah, I thought so." He grabbed some socks and threw them in. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes." She said softly.

"Did you ever love me? I don’t mean years ago, I mean this time."

"I do love you."

"Ha!" He said with a cruel laugh. "Yeah I can see that. Is this all about Ridge or is part of it what’s been going on around here? I’d really like to know because if I ever decide to trust someone again I’d like to know where I might have gone wrong."

"We’ve been fighting so much."

"Yeah and you run out on me all the time. You don’t stay and fix things. That’s no way to live. No way at all."

"You’ve done your share of turning away from me and making accusations too."

"Right, right. I accuse you of shrinking my underwear so what is the solution to that? Oh yeah sleep with your ex. Wonderful compromise. My God Taylor imagine if you burned dinner. What would you do then? Seek out Blake Hayes and screw him too? No." He said. "You have your own way to justify things, a way I can’t understand at all. Do you know what was supposed to happen on Saturday? Do you remember that at all?"
"Oh God Bryan." She said as she looked at him.

"How foolish I would have looked if you had gotten away with this whole thing. Was I the last to know?"

"I didn’t plan it!" She shouted. "I swear to you I didn’t plan it."

He walked to the closet and started to take out his suits. "I just can’t do this right now. Do you mind if I leave my stuff here and come back when you aren’t here? It’s too hard this way."

"Please don’t leave."

"Don’t be silly Taylor, you know you want me to go. I just hope Ridge’s wife is being as accommodating as I am. I’ll be at Connor’s if you need me for anything. Let’s try and keep it civil." He grabbed the suitcase and the one suit and started out of the bedroom. Taylor’s tears streamed down her face as he walked out. She stood there for a moment and then ran out to the living room.

"Wait!" She shouted. He stopped and turned around.

"What?" He asked her.

"Please, please don’t leave. I’m sorry. I was wrong. I was so wrong. Please don’t leave me."

"What?" He said turning around to face her. "You have got to be joking. Why would you want me to stay? You have what you want. You have Ridge back. Or did he just want a fling? Is that it? You had your fling and now you want the security of what we had? Well not this time. I’ve been played for a fool too many times now." He reached for the door.

"Please." She said. "Please Bryan, not this way."

"Goodbye Taylor." He said as he opened the door. He turned and looked at her, gave her a sad smile and then closed the door behind him.

 

"Oh my poor sweet Taylor." Blake said. "You look so sad, so unhappy. I knew that Ridge would only cause you more pain. But don’t you worry. Soon Blake will be there to take away all your troubles. Soon you will have a strong man who loves you and will never hurt you."

Joe watched him as Blake crushed the can in his hand without even a strain. He apparently didn’t even know he was doing it. This man is a lunatic. He thought. I had better watch out for him. He’s sure to be trouble.

 

"Budge where’s mom?" Michael asked as he walked in the door.

"She’s not home yet. I think she’s still at work."

"Wanna see what I got her?" He asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"Yeah." She said.

He took the box out of the bag he was carrying and opened it. Bridget looked at the beautiful necklace.

"Do you think she’ll like it?" He asked her.

"Yeah. It’s so pretty Mike. But you know she was pretty upset that you left."

"I would never have gone if I knew we were gonna get stuck." He said to her. "I never wanted to be there overnight, at least not without your mother. Is she really mad at me?"

"I think she’ll get over it. I went to see Jason yesterday."

"You did? How was he doing?"
"He’s so cute Mike. But he’s getting scared."

"Why Budge?" He asked with concern.

"He thinks that he is going to end up in a place with mean people who don’t like him. That’s what he told me. What does he mean?"

"Well his whole family died in the fire and no one can find any aunts or uncles or cousins or anything. But don’t you worry about that. He’s never going to end up in an orphanage."

"Can you find his family?" She asked him. "Do you know something that they don’t know?"

"I have my own ideas Budge." He said with a smile. He turned to the door as he heard the sound of a car driving up. "Maybe that’s Brooke." He opened the door and a huge grin filled his face when he saw her car. He ran over to the driver’s side and as soon as she stepped out he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "God did I need that." He said when they finally separated.

"You’re home." She said pulling him close again. "It felt like a year."

"It did to me too sweetheart."

"So tell me, I’m dying to know. Did Ridge and Taylor work things out? Are they together again?"

"You know I really wasn’t that concerned with them. All I really cared about was getting back home to you."

"Oh come on Michael, I’m sure you have some impressions."

"Well they did share a room and they were all over each other on the way home. But somehow I don’t think it’s going to be as easy for them at home as it was there. You know I didn’t spend any time with them down there at all, that is except for breakfast this morning."

"And?" She said with her eyes widening.

"What is it that you are hoping for Brooke?" He asked. "Personally I was kind of undecided on the whole thing. Bryan is a great guy."

"He is, but Ridge has been so unhappy lately."

"Yeah I guess." Michael said. He looked at her and smiled. "You know now that I think about it. If he and Taylor do get back together I don’t have to worry about him hitting on you anymore."

"You don’t have to worry about that anyway." She told him. "That whole incident was a big mistake. Too many drugs and drinks and a lot of sad feelings going around. I don’t want anyone but you and you know that."

"I do don’t I." He said with a kiss. "I don’t know Brooke. I have no idea what’s going to happen. But If I had to make a guess I’d say you can store that dress Grant made you away, you aren’t going to be in a wedding for anytime soon."

 

"Morgan!" Ridge called out as he walked inside the guest cottage. "Morgan are you there? We need to talk."

"She’s not here Ridge." Eric said as he walked into the room. "But you are right about one thing. WE need to talk."

 

Taylor walked into the kitchen and turned on the burner under the teakettle. She was more confused than she had ever been in her life. It had seemed so simple, so inevitable in St. Thomas, but now it wasn’t. Bryan was right. She had given him her vows, vows that she had taken seriously. How could she turn her back on them now? Then there was Ridge. She had no doubts at all of her love for him. But the break from him brought it all back to her. What really had changed? Morgan was still carrying his child. He did cheat on her. He had divorced her without a second thought and married Morgan. What was he telling her now? Could he really put his child in danger? She reached for the phone and hit a preprogrammed number.

"Daddy. I need to talk to you." She said.

 

Brooke put the emerald necklace on and smiled at Michael. "I love it, I love you."

"You know what I’d like?" He said to her.

"What? Anything."

"I’d like to see you wearing that necklace."

"I am silly."

"Just that necklace."

"Oh my."

"Indulge me."

"What about our little problem?"

"Oh I guarantee you it will become a big problem." He laughed.

Brooke looked at him and laughed. "And then another cold shower?"

"As many as it takes."

"I don’t want to cause you any pain."

"I don’t care about that. Remember that scene in Titanic. I want to paint you in that necklace."

"Oh Michael."

"Well?"
"Last one in the bedroom is a rotten egg!" She said with a laugh as she ran up the stairs with him close behind her.

 Changes Part 82

 

"What are you doing here?" Ridge asked Eric. "Where’s Morgan?"

"How could you Ridge? How could you do this to her?"

"What? What did I do to her? All I did was try to get my life back, but then that isn’t what you want for me is it?"

"I want you to be happy, but not at the expense of your wife and child."

"And what about Taylor and my other children? What about them? Dad don’t you understand I love them. I love them so much that it’s killing me every second I have to live this sham of a marriage with Morgan. It was a mistake, a big mistake. I will support this child, I will be part of his life but not with Morgan, that’s over, I can’t do it anymore."

"Ridge. I am not saying that you have to live the rest of your life with her but for God’s sake son, she’s barely two weeks from delivery and you’re going to leave her now? Have a heart. Surely you and Taylor can wait that long."

"I can’t, not one second longer."

"Well I won’t let you do it."

"You can’t stop me. It’s already decided, it’s a done deal. I asked Taylor to be my wife again and she accepted. There’s no going back now."

"Ridge I implore you. Please don’t do this to her. She is so fragile right now."

"Why do you care so much? You’d think you would be on my side, after all I am your son."

"I am on your side but think of that poor woman."

"I’m not going to throw her out on the street. I just want her to understand that I can’t be her husband. I will be her friend and a father to her baby but I need to be with Taylor."

"You are truly disappointing me son. Truly."

"Where is she Dad? I need to tell her."

"I’m sorry Ridge but I can’t let you do that. I want to talk to you and Taylor together about this. You have to wait until the baby is born, I’m sure that Taylor will agree."

"Where is she?" Ridge asked getting more annoyed.

"I’ll tell you after we all talk. Now you calm yourself down. Tomorrow you and Taylor and I will talk and then we can decided what to say to Morgan." He grabbed his jacket and walked out of the house.

 

"Let me see." Brooke said to Michael. "Please."

"Not yet." He grinned at her. He turned his attention back to the easel and his drawing. "It isn’t even nearly ready for anyone to see."
"I’m not anyone. I’m your wife and I’m the model."

"Patience."

Brooke stuck out her tongue at him. He looked at her and let out a deep laugh. "You can’t even begin to imagine how much I missed you."

"Yeah? Then show me!"

"No." He said with a laugh.

"Okay." She said. She moved her hands to cover her breasts. "Let’s see how you can draw me now."

"I already finished on those delectable morsels." He teased. "Try again."

"Hmmm." She said as she put her hands strategically in the apex of her legs.

"Honeypot’s done too sweetie." He laughed.

"Well what’s left then? Why can’t I see it?"

"Is that all there is to you?" He laughed. "I thought I had a whole woman."

"Michael!" She moaned. "Please."

He walked over to her and sat on the bed next to her. Suddenly he grabbed her and started to tickle her. She burst into laughter and tried with all her might to push him away but he wouldn’t let go.

"Give up?" He asked as he continued to tickle.

"Never!" She said defiantly.

"Oh yeah?" He reached under her armpits and tickled her there. She screamed aloud with laughter.

"Stop it, please stop it."

"I don’t think so." He moved his hands to her waist and tickled her there and at her belly.

"Michael, stop." She laughed.

"Give up?" He asked again with a hearty laugh.

"Nope." She said as she tried to squirm out of his grip. He pulled her up and into his arms. The tickling stopped as his mouth claimed hers. His arms went around her and cradled her tenderly. She responded by pulling her arms around his neck and intensifying the kiss. Their tongues danced with each other until they were both gasping for breath. Softly Michael let his mouth leave hers. He then softly kissed her eyelids and her neck and slowly moved to suckle her breasts. Gently he laid her on the bed and covered her naked body with his fully clothed one. His mouth once more found hers as his fingers teased her hardened nipples. Brooke ran her fingers through his hair and caressed his face as their kiss stretched on and on.

"I love you." He mumbled into her open mouth. "I love you forever." He said as he slid his hand down her buttocks and tenderly ran up and down them. He moved his mouth from hers. "I’d give anything in the world to be able to f*ck you right now. God how I want to."
Brooke sighed as she moved her mouth back to his. "This is fine, this is good, please don’t stop kissing me."

"Honey, I’m sorry." He said moving away. "I gotta slow down, it’s starting to get too difficult." He lay down on his back and pulled her into his arms and held her. His fingers played with her nipples as they lay there catching their breath. "I think I need a shower."

"I’m sorry." She said with a giggle. "I didn’t mean to do that."

"Oh yes you did." He said with a quick kiss. He sat up and got off the bed. He started to take his clothes off and neatly fold them up. He looked over at Brooke and smiled and then turned towards the bathroom.

"Hurry back." She said to him.

"What are you talking about? You’re coming with me."

"What?" She laughed. "And how is that going to stop your problem?"

"We’ve been apart way too long." He grabbed her hand and pulled her off the bed and into the bathroom. "Here’s the plan. We start it off nice and cold. We let things shall we say settle down." He grinned at her. "Then we turn the heat up a bit. Both with the water and with each other. If things get out of hand, whoosh, on goes the cold water again. Game?"

"You bet I am." She laughed as she turned the water on to the coldest she could get it. "Ready?"

"Yup." He said. They both jumped into the cold water and shouted and laughed as they stood under it.

 

Taylor picked up the phone and dialed the Forrester home. Helen was quick to answer it.

"Hello, Forrester residence."

"Hello Helen, it’s Taylor."

"Oh Taylor! Did you have a good time?"

"What?" She asked. "Oh, yes. Is Stephanie there?"

"Oh course she is. She just put our darling babies to bed."

"Have they been good?"

"Angels Mrs. Forrester, little angels." She told her. "Here comes Mrs. Forrester."

"Taylor." Stephanie said as she picked up. "Am I to hear that I’m going to be getting my daughter-in-law back?"

"Stephanie, please let’s not get into that right now. I just wanted to know how my children are."

"They’re fine honey. Is Ridge with you?"

"No Stephanie. Please, nothing has happened yet, nothing may happen at all. Please don’t get your heart set on this. There are so many things to think about."

"You love my son. What else is there?"

"My husband and his wife."

"Bryan will be fine. Yes he’ll hurt for awhile but he will move on and I am positive he will find the right woman. Taylor he is a good man. He will find someone, just like you have."

"It isn’t that simple Stephanie. I do love him."

"Not like you love Ridge, don’t even try to deny that."

"No, I love Ridge in a way that I have never and will never love another man, but Bryan is my husband and I just can’t walk away without looking back. And then there’s Morgan."

"Oh pooh. Morgan never meant anything to Ridge. He was a fool and he did a very stupid thing. And then he further complicated it by doing the even more stupid thing in marrying her. If he isn’t with you then I’m sure he’s telling her that it’s over right now."

"Oh God Stephanie I hope not. Even if that is what we want he can’t do that to her now. She only has a couple of weeks until she delivers, surely we can wait that long."

"You are a kind woman Taylor, but she doesn’t deserve that after what she did to your marriage."

"No, she doesn’t but I will not put that child in danger. He’s Ridge’s baby Stephanie, a part of me loves him already."

"Well you know how Ridge is. I doubt that anything will stop him from being with you."

"This is all too soon. I hope you aren’t spreading this around. I asked Ridge and Michael not to say anything."

"Michael?" Stephanie said, her voice turning cold. "What does that creature have to do with either one of you?"

"Stephanie, I’m talking about Michael Copeland. Who did you think I meant?"

"That is exactly who I knew you meant. You stay away from him Taylor, stay far away from him. And if you really care about that friend of yours you’ll get Brooke away from him too. I’ve already spoken to Eric about trying to get Bridget to come home with us."

"Why are you being like this? Michael is a sweet and a kind man. He is so good to me and to Brooke, he’s a wonderful husband. And aside from that I’d think you’d be happy that Brooke is married and not involved with Thorne anymore."

"Taylor I can’t tell you why. Just listen to me when I tell you this. He is a cruel and dangerous man. Please keep yourself and your children away from him. Please."

"Let’s not talk about this anymore Stephanie. You’re getting upset and I don’t like that."

"Will you stay away from him?"

"I don’t understand. He’s Ridge’s friend."

"He’s a friend to no one."

 

Eric knocked on the door to the hotel room. "Morgan, it’s me Eric."

She opened the door and let him in. "Is he home? Did you talk to him?"

"He’s home but he’s in a foul mood. I think it’s best that you stay here tonight. Things will be better in the morning."

"He wants to leave me doesn’t he?" She said with tears in her eyes.

"He’s confused dear, but don’t you worry. I think he understands his responsibilities now."

"Can you stay? At least for awhile?"

"I’d like to but I have to settle something with Stephanie. I’ll be back in the morning. You get some rest. Everything is going to be alright I promise."

"He was with Taylor wasn’t he? Please don’t lie."

Eric sighed deeply. "Yes, but that’s over now. He’s your husband and it’s going to stay that way."

"Thank you Eric," She said hugging him. "Thank you so much."

He kissed her on the cheek and left. Morgan slowly closed the door. She walked to the bed and sat down. "And I thought my only problem was Brooke, well it looks like she’s no threat anymore. But you Taylor, you’re different. You and your stupid little babies. Well pretty soon Ridge is only going to have one baby to worry about. Mine." She picked up the phone and punched in a number. "Tyrone, it’s me Morgan. I need your help again. No, not that this time. I want you to find someone to help me put out a contract. Four people, a woman and her three children. I don’t care what it costs. I want them dead! I want them all dead!"

 

The warm water beat down on Brooke and Michael as they held and kissed and caressed each other. Their hands explored each other’s bodies as they soaped one another. Michael brought the soft sponge to her shoulders and let it slowly travel down her body. Brooke arched her back as he reached the apex of her legs. He rubbed her softly and with the sponge smiling as her breath quickened. Her hands were clutching his buttocks as he let the sponge drop and his fingers took its place. He found her sensitive nub and let his fingers caress it. She pushed herself harder into his hand as he brought her further and further out of control She cried aloud as her body convulsed on his hand. He pulled her close to him and their mouths met. Brooke moaned as she felt his hardness against her.

"Sorry love," He said. "Time for the cold again." He reached for the faucet and the warm water was instantly replaced with freezing cold. Brooke and Michael looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"You know in a strange way this really is turning me on." Brooke said with a giggle.

"At least we can still mess around a bit without it getting too bad." He said. "Brrrr, this is cold."

Brooke looked down at his still hardened member. "Not yet honey."

"I know, I know." He said. "Let go of me okay, it’ll work faster."

"Maybe I should get out."

"Maybe I should smack you." He laughed. "You’re staying in this cold shower with me young lady."

 

Taylor opened her eyes and looked at the empty space beside her in the bed. Fresh tears ran down her cheeks. She sat up and listened for the children before she remembered that they were still with Stephanie. She got up and went to the closet for her robe. She saw Bryan’s hanging next to hers. She pulled it off the hanger and wrapped it around her. She inhaled deeply, taking in his masculine scent. "What have I done?" She asked herself. As she started to head for the kitchen the doorbell rung. "Bryan." She said hopefully. She ran to the door and opened it. The tears fell freely as she threw herself into Jack Hamilton’s waiting arms. "Oh Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here."

"Did you think I could let my little girl go through this alone? Sweetheart after our phone call last night I made plans to get up first thing in the morning and come to you."

"I’m so confused. Oh Daddy I hurt him so badly. Why did I do that? Why was I so selfish?"

"Now Taylor you can’t start questioning that now. It’s done and over. What you have to do now is decide what you want to do now. It’s going to be a very difficult decision and I want you to know that whatever you decide I’m on your side."

"Even if I want to make things work with Bryan I doubt he’ll ever forgive me. How could he after I did what I did?"

"And what about Ridge. Do you really want to be with him or were you trying to recapture something that was lost?"

"While we were together it felt so right but now, oh Dad I don’t know anymore. Nothing really changed, we still have the exact same problems. We don’t even feel the same way about the baby."

"It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind." Jack said slowly releasing her.

"I wish I knew what to do."

"Well that’s why I’m here. We can talk it all out." They walked into the house and closed the door. "Let’s have some coffee." He suggested.

"I was just about to make some." She told him. "Damn coffee!" She shouted.

"What?"

"Oh it all started so innocently. We argued over coffee. Why we ran out, where we put it. All stupid little things. Nothing important at all. And somehow it escalated into our not being able to communicate. We fought over everything. But I never wanted to fight and I don’t think Bryan did either."

"And that’s what brought you into Ridge’s arms again?"

"Partially. No, that’s not fair to say that. I suppose that if we had been totally happy I wouldn’t have turned to Ridge. But I still loved him so I can’t even say that. Maybe I was only looking for an excuse to go back to him."

"Then tell me, when you were with Ridge were you happy? Did you think about Bryan?"

"No. I thought of nothing but Ridge. Nothing but being in his arms and loving him."

"And when you are with Bryan do you think of Ridge?"

"Yes." She admitted. "Well not all the time. There are times when I feel the same way about Bryan. He is so kind and so sweet. He’d move the earth for me."

"And Ridge?"

"I could go back and forth all day." She said as she put coffee into the machine. "The problem is that I love them both, both for different reasons, both in different ways." She put the water in and turned it on. "Does that sound crazy to you?"

"No honey, it sounds honest, it sounds like a confused woman."

She sat down at the table and Jack took a seat across from here. "If I chose Bryan will I always long for Ridge? Will I always wonder what could have been? But if I chose Ridge how can I ever live with myself for hurting Bryan like that?"

"You can’t stay with a man just because you don’t want to hurt him, that would be unfair to both of you. Now I only met Bryan a couple of times and I liked him, I liked him very much but I know how you feel about Ridge. Honey this isn’t going to be easy and I can’t tell you what to do, I can only listen and give you my opinion on what you say. I won’t even pretend that it would be right or wrong, all I can do is be here to support you in anything you want to do."

"I know that. I know I can’t ask anyone else to make this decision, I have to do it myself. I guess I’m just looking for some constructive feedback."

"Have you spoken to anyone else?"

"Just Stephanie and of course she is in favor of Ridge."

"Naturally." He said with a laugh. Taylor looked at him and laughed too. "How about Brooke? She’s been a very good friend to you."

"Brooke is a good friend Dad, but she loves Ridge."

"Still?" He asked rather shocked.

"No, not that way. I mean that he is a very important person to her. She’s loyal to him. I doubt she would ever encourage me to choose anyone over him."

"Unless she wanted him for herself." He warned.

"Brooke is very happily married. In fact she’s trying to have a baby. No, she isn’t looking to renew anything with Ridge, she just wants him to be happy." She laughed again. "Brooke wants everyone to be happy these days."

"Well it wouldn’t hurt to ask her."

"I suppose not. But it’s a sticky situation too. Her husband is the man who took us to St. Thomas."

"He’s a pilot?"

"He’s a surgeon, but he has a plane. Ridge asked him as a favor and he came through. So you see, that kind of makes Brooke and Michael in on Ridge’s little conspiracy."

"Well then it looks like you might need another impartial person."

"That’s the problem. Anyone I can think of will be on one person’s side or the other."

"Then my dear, it looks like it’s up to you, which you already knew didn’t you?"

 

"One more kiss." Michael said as he opened the door. Brooke ran up to him and happily obliged.

"So what is you agenda today?"

"I’m at my office till noon, then I have an appointment with Dr. Stedman, then I have two minor surgeries and then I come home to my sexy wife." He grinned. "I’m really sorry that we missed that concert."

"I’m sure Rick and Amber had fun." Brooke said sadly.

"Are you upset that we didn’t go or that he took Amber?"

"Both." She admitted. "Mostly Amber. I know you were tired last night, besides I think we had more fun at home anyway."

"You got that right." He kissed her again. "Honey I really gotta run."

"Michael, why are you seeing Dr. Stedman?"

"He’s gotta check my progress and see how my boys are."

"He isn’t going to be mad about last night is he?"

"I won’t tell if you don’t."

"Seriously. We didn’t do anything that could make this last longer did we?"

"Brooke, I certainly hope not. Tell you what, I’ll call you after I see him okay?"

"Okay." She agreed. "Have a good day."

"I’ll try." He said. He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms, gave her a romantic kiss and walked out to his car. Brooke waved and shut the door as he drove away.

 

"I don’t care what you say Eric, I am going to support anything and everything to get Ridge and Taylor back together." Stephanie argued. "I don’t want to harm the baby but I’m sure that Morgan will be just fine."

"How can you say that? The girl will be devastated. She loves him."

"Well she’ll just have to get over that won’t she."

"I don’t even know you anymore." He said sadly. "You aren’t the woman I married."

"Of course I am Eric. Why are you being like this? Don’t you want to see Ridge happy?"
"Stephanie, he made this situation himself. It was not all Morgan’s doing. And now there is a baby. That baby is your grandchild."

"I’ll believe that when I see it."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that I don’t trust her, I don’t trust her any further than I can throw her. No Eric, until I see a blood test that is not my grandchild."

 

"Would you like some cereal or some eggs?" Taylor asked Jack. "I can whip something up in a second."

"I’m fine honey." He said as he took a sip of his coffee. "Have something yourself if you’re hungry."

"I don’t think I could eat." She confessed. "My stomach is all in knots." She turned her head towards the front of the house. "Did you hear something?"

"No." Jack told her.

Suddenly Bryan walked into the kitchen. "Hello Jack."

"Bryan." Jack said shaking his hand. "Well sweetheart, I think I’ll head over to Stephanie’s to see the kids. Would you like me to bring them home?"

"Please Daddy." She said looking nervously at Bryan. She kissed her father and he walked out.

"Hi Taylor." Bryan said as he poured himself some coffee.

"I didn’t expect to see you. You were so mad." She said.

"I still am. But we need to talk. Things have to be settled." Taylor jumped up and walked up to him.

"Things?" She asked. "Bryan please you have to understand how sorry I am."

"Come on Taylor, let’s go in the living room and sit." He took her arm and led her to the couch. She sat down and he sat in the chair opposite her. "This is so hard." He said. "I never thought this would happen to us. I really thought we were past all the bad sh*t."

Taylor looked sadly at him. "Bryan, please let me explain."

"There really isn’t anything to explain Taylor. I’m not the man you want, I’m not the man who can give you the life you’re looking for. I thought I could be him but I was wrong. You know when I found out you were with him I just wanted to die. I felt so hurt, so stupid. How could I have believed in you? How could I have stayed all this time when it kept happening time after time. But then I cooled off a bit and I realized it really wasn’t my fault. I tried my hardest. I gave you every out you needed but you didn’t take them, so I wasn’t the fool. I would have been if I had stayed any longer but I wasn’t for trying. I love you Taylor, but it just isn’t worth it anymore. You want Ridge, you have Ridge. Connor is going to represent me. I know he was your lawyer before but he can’t be right now. He and I are too close. He couldn’t be do it. I hope you understand, and please don’t blame him. He still cares very much about you. We both do."

"Oh God Bryan, I am so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you, never."

"You know what baby? I believe you. I really do. I believe that you do love me, you just don’t love me enough. I should have been smart enough to see it but I wasn’t. Some hot shot lawyer huh?"

"I don’t want you to leave. I don’t."

"That’s how you feel today. You’re sad, you’re guilty and I’m the one standing in front of you. If I were Ridge you’d be saying that you want him. Oh Taylor, we could have been so good together if you had only given us the chance." He stood up. "Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I don’t want there to be trouble with us. I’ll make it as easy for you as I can. I just want you to be happy. Now I’m going to get a few more things. You know I sublet my place and I can’t get it back for six months. I’m sure Connor doesn’t want me with him that long but for now you can reach me there."

Bryan started walking into the bedroom but Taylor jumped up and grabbed him. "Bryan, please don’t leave."

"Why Taylor?" He asked. "Why? Give me one good reason."

"Because I love you." She said. "Please Bryan, I love you."

"Oh baby, it’s only your guilt." He said. "I wish it was true, if it was I’d turn around and take you into my arms and never look back but it’s only the guilt. You’re a good woman and it’s eating you up what happened to us."

"Do you really think that?" She asked.

"Oh Taylor, I am at such a place right now. I love you, I know I love you. But how can I get past what you did to me? How? Not once, not twice but three times. Do you know how foolish I feel? And what if I gave in and said yes, I’ll stay. What happens when you do it the next time?"

"There wouldn’t be a next time." She sobbed.

"There will always be a next time. As long as that man lives and breaths there will be a next time and my God Taylor, my heart won’t take it."

"Give us one more chance, I promise you won’t regret it." She begged.

"And what about Ridge."

"He’s my past, I’ll always love him but it’s over. I know that now. My future is with you if you’ll still have me."

""I can’t." He said sadly. "I want it so badly Taylor, but I can’t. You make these impulsive decisions and we all end up hurt. I need to know that you really want this. I can’t say yes only to have you break my heart again."

"Bryan I do want it. I’ve thought of nothing else since you left."

"And what will you tell Ridge? Surely he is expecting you to leave me and rebuild your life with him."

She looked at him uncomfortable. "Yes, yes he does. But I can’t Bryan. My vows were to you and I can’t. I won’t go back on them."

"You need more time Taylor. Time alone with neither one of us."

"We don’t have that time."

"Of course we do. If we have any chance of making this work we need that."

"But Saturday." She said.

"Forget Saturday. It was only a celebration. You already are my wife." He said sadly. "That is for now."

The ringing of the bell woke Ridge from his sleep. He grabbed a robe and went to the door and opened it.

"Son." Eric said. "Why aren’t you dressed?"

"I wasn’t planning on going in to the office this morning. I was giving Taylor time to sleep and then I was heading over there."

"Nothing I said got through to you did it?"

"I love her, that’s all that matters."

"Well you and I are both going to see her then. If you are insisting on doing this then by God you’ll do it the right way."

"That’s up to Taylor and me."

"Ridge I have to insist. I want to talk to both of you together."

"Fine." Ridge said with a sigh. "Come in, have some coffee while I get dressed."

 

Michael’s eyes widened and a look of anger crossed his normally happy face as he walked into his office. He frowned seeing the man talking to Heather. "Office! Now!" he said sharply to him. The handsome man smiled at Heather and followed Michael into his office. "Close the door." Michael demanded.

"Not happy to see me Mike?" Joe asked him.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"What? No time for a little family reunion?" Joe laughed. "Didn’t anyone tell you I was back?"

"Oh I heard alright, and I saw too. Nice work on the locks on my house."

"You noticed." Joe said. "And I thought I was being subtle."

"I don’t live there anymore Joey. But I guess you know that too."

"I heard. Annie and Adrienne both told me. So why are you hiding from me? You still won’t give me a break? I did my time Mike, I’m clean."

"Sure you are." Michael said shaking his head. "What do you want?"

"Just to see my brother, and maybe to meet his new wife."

"Not in this lifetime."

"Come on Mike, I’ve changed."

"How many times will you sing that song. Out with it Joey, what do you want?"

"Alright, you got me. But please just listen to me first before you say no."

"I’m listening but I have patients coming, I don’t have all day."

"Mikey I got myself into a little trouble."

"Oh Jeeze Joey, not again."

"Well it’s not that bad yet. I’m working for this guy, but Mike he’s nuts, he is so f*cking crazy."

"So quit. Get yourself a new job."

"You don’t understand. I think this guy might just flip if I did that. I think he might try to kill me."

"What the f*ck have you gotten yourself into this time." Michael shouted. "Where is your head? When will you ever learn?"

"It looked like a great opportunity. I was doing all this audio-video surveillance stuff. I’m really good at that sh*t now, really good. But now the guy is acting really weird. He’s talking about murder and sh*t. Mike you know that’s not me. I may be a con but I am not into hurting people."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"I got something going on my own. It looks like it will make me a sweet profit but I need some more seed money. Can you help out?"

"What happened to the five grand you got from Ade?"

"She told you huh?" Joe laughed. "Never could trust a redhead."

"Well?"

"I invested in some equipment. But I need more. Come on Mike, be a good brother and help me out."

"Not this time Joey. First you have to prove to me that it’s legit. Then and only then will you get my help."

"Sh*t Mike, can’t you show a little faith?"

"You are something aren’t you? You f*cking broke into my house and now you come asking me for money?"

"Oh well, it was worth a try. I guess I’ll have to get it from Annie."

"You leave her alone. She doesn’t have money for your crap."

"Yeah but once I take what she has you’ll give her some more." He laughed.

"She’s your sister, she loves you. How can you treat her like that?"

"I treat her a whole lot better than you do. At least I visit her. You? You’re too busy being Mr. Bigshot Doctor. No time for your sister at all."

"Get out of here Joey. Just go now."

"Yeah, right! Thanks for the help." He started out and then turned. "I’ll see you around Bro, you and your pretty new wife." Laughing he walked out of Michael’s office.

 

"That’s Ridge’s car." Taylor told Bryan. She walked away from the window.

"Moment of truth." He said. "If you truly mean it then tell him now. Tell him now and I’m here to stay."

"You don’t think I will do you?" She said.

"I don’t think you can baby." Bryan told her. "Even if you really want to. I don’t think you could tell him to his face."

"If I do Bryan? If I do?" She asked hopefully.

"Then I’m yours honey."

They both turned at the sound of the doorbell. Taylor smiled weakly at Bryan and opened the door to Ridge and Eric.

 

"They have to be together Jack." Stephanie said putting down her cup. "They need each other, no one can tear them apart. They may try but eventually Ridge and Taylor find their way back to each other. God knows Brooke Logan tried and Morgan isn’t half the challenge she is."

"But Stephanie there is someone else involved now and Taylor loves Bryan."

"I don’t hate Bryan, he’s a good man. I admit that, but he isn’t the man for Taylor. I truly hope he finds a good woman. I wouldn’t even mind one of my daughters being involved with him, just not Taylor."

"Well that isn’t our choice, it’s up to Taylor, Bryan and Ridge."

"They’ll make the right decision, I just know they will."

 

"Ridge I needed to. Oh I’m sorry." Thorne said to Grant as he opened Ridge’s office. "I didn’t think you would be in here."

"That’s okay Thorne, I didn’t realize that you were back to work again. I’m temporarily using Ridge’s office, that is until Morgan goes out on maternity leave. But Ridge isn’t in yet."

"Well I’ve been meaning to talk to you anyway." Thorne told him. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all. Come on in."

Thorne walked in and shut the door. He sat down in the chair in front of the desk where Grant was sitting.

"I imagine this is about Macy." Grant asked.

"I need to know your intentions Grant, she’s my wife and I don’t want to lose her. She tells me that she is determined to be with you."

"Thorne I never meant to come between you. I told her that we should cool things down. I’m just so confused still. My memory is still messed up. Believe me I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’m not your enemy."

"I love her Grant. I’ll fight you with everything I have. I will not lose her."

"Don’t you think inevitably it is up to Macy?"

"She’s remembering a past, one that means nothing to you."

"That’s not exactly true. I don’t have the memories, but the feelings, they’re there Thorne, buried somewhere in me but somehow I can feel it when we are together." Thorne started to speak. "Now look, I told you both I’d back off but it isn’t me, it’s Macy. If she comes to me I’m not going to stop her. I like her too much for that."

"Why are you still living with Brooke?" Thorne asked angrily. "I know that you wanted her."

"She and Michael have been gracious enough to give me a place to live until Bryan and Connor straighten out my whole mess. It’s nothing more than that. Yes, at first I thought she was my wife but not anymore."

"Just be on notice Grant, she’s mine and you’ll never have her." Thorne stood up and walked out of the office closing the door.

"He’s gone." Grant said. "You can come out."

Macy stepped out of the bathroom and into Grant’s arms. "I’m glad I was out of his view when he came in. He’s very angry isn’t he?"

"He is Macy, and that is something we have to deal with."

"Not now, now we deal with this." She put her mouth to his and kissed him with love and passion.

 

"Hello Ridge, Eric." Bryan said.

"This is between us and Taylor Jackson, I’d appreciate it if you’d leave." Ridge told him.

"This is my home Ridge, and that is my wife, I’m not going anywhere." Bryan said defiantly.

"Taylor?" Ridge looked at her but she nervously turned away. "Fine. I suppose you need to know sooner or later anyway." He looked at Taylor. "Doc, Dad and I have been disagreeing about when to tell Morgan and when we should go back home. I told him I won’t wait but he insists we wait until Morgan has the baby. What do you want to do?"

All three men looked at her as she wrung her hands together. "Ridge, I." She looked at Bryan.

"What is it Doc? Do you want him to leave?" Ridge asked.

"Let her speak." Bryan told him. "Taylor?"

"I, I" She looked at Ridge and then at Eric.

"She doesn’t want to disappoint you Ridge but she agrees with me." Eric told him.

"No Eric." Taylor said. "That’s not it." She looked from Bryan to Ridge. "Ridge, I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry."

"What Doc? What are you doing? What are you saying?" A panicked Ridge asked.

"Bryan, Bryan is my husband. I’m not leaving him. I’m staying with my husband." She grabbed Bryan’s hand and held it so tightly that her nails were digging into him. He looked up at her hopefully and she nodded. "This is my home and I’m not leaving."

Changes Part 83

 

A look of horror came over Ridge’s face. "No, Taylor tell me this is a joke. You can’t mean this, not after St. Thomas. You love me you know you do."

She looked at him with tears in her eyes and then turned her head away.

"Doc? Doc please. Think about this, this is our life. Doc we love each other."

"Leave her alone Ridge." Bryan said quietly. "This isn’t easy for her. I know how she feels about you."

"And you still think she belongs with you? What kind of idiot are you? What do you think happened in St. Thomas Jackson?"

"That doesn’t matter now Ridge."

"How can it not?"

"Taylor was confused and you made her even more so. She made vows to me and she wants to honor them, you’re going to have to respect that."

"I don’t have to do anything of the kind. She’s mine and she’s not staying with you!"

"Why are you talking about me like I’m not even here?" Taylor asked. "Why?"

"I’m sorry Taylor, you’re right it was rude." Bryan apologized. "Would you like me to leave the room so you can speak to Ridge alone?"

"You don’t mind?" She asked.

"Not at all." He turned to Eric. "Would you like to join me for some coffee?"

"Alright." Eric said. He looked at Ridge and then walked with Bryan into the kitchen.

"Taylor why?" Ridge asked her. "After all we did and said. How can you do this?"

"Oh Ridge, I wanted it so badly but I just can’t. How can I turn my back on my marriage?"

"Because it’s not a good marriage Taylor. How can it be when we still share what we do?"

"Do you know how I felt about what I did? Ridge I committed adultery. I cheated on my husband. I feel dirty and cheap."

"That’s an insult to what we are."

"No, it’s the truth. No matter how much I love you I had no right to do that. None."

"Doc that’s silly. We belong together, we both realized that."

"And I realized that I can’t do this to Bryan. I promised to love him, to be there for him, to be faithful to him. Ridge I don’t take those vows lightly, just like I didn’t take ours lightly."

"But Taylor you said yes."

"I had no right to say yes Ridge." She looked at his sadly. "If you love me like you say you do you’ll accept this. I know you’re disappointed, I am too."

"We don’t have to be. Surely Jackson knows how we feel, he knows what happened there."

"He does and he’s forgiven me."

"And that’s it? We’re over just like that?"

"We were over months ago. I just finally faced that today. I was trying so hard to hold on to the past and at the same time move ahead with the future. I can’t do both Ridge."

Ridge held his head. "This is a dream, it’s nothing more than a bad dream. I’m going to wake up and you’ll be in my arms again."

"No." She whispered. "No, I won’t. I’m sorry. It seems that that’s all I say anymore but I really am sorry. I wanted it so much but I just can’t do it. Please try and understand."

 

"What happened Bryan? Can you tell me what’s going on?" Eric asked.

"She’s confused Eric, she’s so confused. I know that nothing is perfect between us but how can you expect me to just walk away from her? I love her."

"I don’t expect that, I just want this to be final and over. Ridge has a right to know what to expect too. He loves her as much as you do."

"Look Eric, I didn’t force this. I moved out. It was entirely her decision."

"I’m not saying it wasn’t but I just don’t want this to keep going on. If you and Taylor are staying together then Ridge needs to accept that and move on. But on the other hand, if Taylor loves Ridge then you should accept it and let them be together."

"I’m willing to live with whatever she wants but no more games Eric, I can’t live with the games anymore."

 

"I don’t want Bryan to think I’m keeping anything from him. I’m going to go get him." Taylor told Ridge. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.

"Taylor. Think about it, please remember what we were."

"I’ll never forget that Ridge, never." She said as she pulled away and walked into the kitchen.

 

"Where the hell have you been?" Blake angrily asked Joe as he entered the room. "I needed you here."

"I’m sorry Blake but I had a little family business to take care of."

"Right now I’m your only family. You got that?"

"I do now." He said. He walked over to the screen and looked. "Holy sh*t they’re both there."

"That’s right and I’m not sure if I caught everything. Bryan went into the kitchen with Eric and I couldn’t switch over because I didn’t want to miss what was going on with Taylor and Ridge. I needed you and you let me down."

"No such thing Blake, it was all taping. All we have to do is use the playback. I told you that I have it all under control."

"Well that still doesn’t excuse you. I pay you to be here."

"Come on Blake, I had to take care of something. I’m here now, give me a break." Joe said. "So come on, tell me what’s been going on."

"She broke it off with Ridge. She’s staying with Jackson."

"Is that good or bad?"

"It’s easier. Forrester has more of a hold on her. I don’t know exactly what happened but I think she had agreed to leave Jackson and then she changed her mind."

"I guess Jackson is better in the sack." Joe said with a laugh. He turned to Blake who had become suddenly very quiet. "What? What did I say?"

"I warned you about discussing her sex life."

"Right, right, fine, whatever." He said. "Calm down I didn’t mean anything by it."

"Forrester and his father are leaving. I’m going to follow them. You stay here and keep the tapes running." Blake ordered him. He grabbed his keys and left.

"Blake you get more crazy every day." Joe said aloud. He took the cell phone out of his pocket and punched in a number. "Hey Annie, it’s your favorite brother. I need a favor, a really big one."

 

"Are you alright?" Bryan asked Taylor.

"I think so. It was hard. I’m sorry Bryan, I’m sorry for what I put you through and for what you’re still going through."

"I know you are. But Taylor we still have a lot of talking to do. Things can’t be the same right away."

"What do you mean?"

"You aren’t ready. In fact I still don’t think you’re sure about this."

"You don’t believe me?"

"I believe that it’s what you think you want." He looked at her sad face. "The woman I’m looking at right now does not look like a woman who is happy with her life."

"I’m trying." She said. "It wasn’t easy to tell him."

"I’ve been thinking about it and I have a solution. It’s a good one for you, maybe not such a good one for me."

"What?" She said.

"Don’t worry, I’m not going back on my word about us I’m just changing it a bit."

"But Bryan, I promised. I won’t do it to you again."

"I don’t want you unless you really want me. I don’t want you just because of a piece of paper. You say you want me and we are going to make sure you do. But not by going back to the relationship that we had."

"You’re leaving?" She asked. "Bryan please don’t leave."

"I’m not leaving you, only your bed."

"What?"

"Until we are both positive that this is what we both want I’m going to be sleeping on the couch. We’ll do everything else together. I’ll try really hard to be the man you want but it isn’t going to get sexual. That’s something that might make you feel differently than you really do."

"You don’t want me because I slept with Ridge."

"That’s not it at all. I need you to be sure. I’m only talking about a week or two. Just to give you time to decide. But I’ll be here. I won’t leave you."

"Bryan." She walked up to him and put her arms around him. "I want to be a good wife to you."

"I know you do, but this is how we’re going to do it for now."

"Alright. If that’s what you really want." She agreed. "But it’s not what I want."

 

 

Brooke looked at her watch for the third time in the last half-hour. "Come on Michael, you must be out from your appointment by now, why don’t you call me."

"Talking to yourself?" Stephanie said as she walked in.

"You caught me." Brooke answered. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing really, I just wondered if you had seen Eric?"

"Lost your husband?" Brooke laughed. "You should have kept him locked up, I just knew he’s eventually escape."

"Very funny." Stephanie said. "Have you seen him?"

"Actually no. He was supposed to meet with me about some problems with the fabrics but he didn’t even call. In fact I can’t find Ridge either. But then I guess we know where he is." Brooke smiled.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just that you were right." Brooke admitted. "And for once I’m happy you were."

"You? Why is that?"

"I want him to be happy Stephanie, Taylor makes him happy."

Stephanie sighed. "If only you had realized that years ago you could have saved yourself a lot of heartache."

"Can we change this conversation?" Brooke asked. "I’m really not in the mood to fight with you."

"I don’t really want to fight with you either Brooke."

"That would make the evening news." Brooke laughed. "But let’s try anyway."

"Do you really want to see him with Taylor?" Stephanie asked.

"I really do." She answered. "You know Stephanie, in a way it surprises me too. But I really am over Ridge. I love him very much, but as a friend now, that’s all."

"How I wish I could believe you."

"I’m happy, I love my husband, I love my life. Why can’t you believe that?"

"Brooke" Stephanie took her hands. "If ever you believed anything I’ve said to you believe this. Get away from that man, run, do not walk. He is a dangerous, vile man."

"That’s ridiculous. Michael is a wonderful man and I love him."

"Brooke please listen to me. He’s not the man you think he is, he’s not."

"Stop it Stephanie. I refuse to listen to another word of this. Isn’t it enough to you that I’m not involved in Ridge or Thorne’s lives anymore? Why must you insist on saying such terrible things about my husband?"

"It’s true Brooke, every word of it is true."

"Get out of my office!" Brooke shouted. "Get out now!"

Stephanie stood up and looked sadly at Brooke. "You’ll have to find out for yourself. Don’t say I didn’t warn you." She shook her head and walked out.

Brooke was shaking and the tears started to fall from her eyes when the phone rang. "Michael!" She said.

"No Brooke, it’s me Taylor. What’s wrong?"

"Oh Taylor it’s Stephanie. She said these horrible things and, oh never mind. You know how she feels about me. How are you?"

"Can you meet me for lunch? I’d really like to talk to you."

Brooke looked at the phone, then at the framed picture of Michael. She sighed deeply. "Oh course I can. Where would you like to meet?"

"How about The Gazebo?"

"Sounds great. When?"

"I’m leaving now."

"I’ll see you in a few minutes." Brooke told her friend. They hung up the phone and Brooke grabbed her purse. "He’ll call back later. Don’t listen to her, don’t." She walked out to Megan’s desk. "Megan, I’m meeting Taylor at The Gazebo for lunch. If Michael calls please ask him to call back."

"Sure Brooke." She said.

 

The hostess showed Brooke to the table where Taylor was waiting.

"Hi. I hope you haven’t been waiting long." Brooke said as she sat down.

"Not at all." She looked at Brooke. "What’s wrong Brooke? You look frazzled."

"I’m fine really, I just had another go round with Stephanie. But that’s not why you wanted to meet me. Come on Taylor I’m dying to hear all about it. You and Ridge. I’m so happy for you both."

"Wait, stop Brooke, that didn’t happen, at least it isn’t happening anymore."

"What do you mean? I thought, I mean Michael told me that you were together."
"We were." Taylor said sadly. "And it was wonderful. Oh Brooke he was so romantic and loving."

"Then why?"

"Why? I’m married to Bryan Brooke, I’m married to him and I love him. Yes part of me wants to be with Ridge, to make it work forever but I just can’t do that."

"Are you sure Taylor? I mean I really like Bryan but if you love Ridge how can you ever be happy this way?"

"You know I’ve been thinking about this since I got back. I tried to rationalize leaving Bryan but I just couldn’t seem to do it. He’s a good husband and he loves me. I need to make this work."

"Ridge must be devastated."

"He is, and he feels so betrayed too. You see Brooke, in St. Thomas I told him that I would leave Bryan and that I wanted our marriage back."

"And then when you got home you told him no?"

"Not exactly. Once I got home Bryan was there. He told me exactly what he thought about what I had done, and then he left me."

"Are you sure you aren’t doing this because you were hurt about that Taylor?"

"I’m not sure of anything at all anymore. Just that I love them both. And now I’ve hurt them both."

"Especially Ridge. Oh Taylor I feel so bad for both of you."

"I wanted to talk to you about it but then I realized I had to make the decision myself. I knew what you would say and I didn’t want to be influenced."

"Are you happy with your decision? Is this what you truly want?"

Taylor just looked at her with tears in her eyes. Brooke took her hand and held it as she cried. When the waitress walked over Brooke waved her off.

"Thanks Brooke." Taylor said. "I thought I was going to be better than this."

"It’s not that easy Taylor."

"No it isn’t." She took a deep breath. "Anyway I really needed a friend right now."

"Well then I’m glad you called me."

"Actually Brooke you sounded strange when I called, and it was obvious you were waiting for Michael. You want to talk about it?"

"I don’t understand it." Brooke said. "I wish I wouldn’t let myself get affected by her but I still do."

"Who?"

"Stephanie."

"Now what did she do?"

"She made some comments about Michael. She called him all sorts of names and she told me that there was something about him that I didn’t know, something terrible. Taylor I love him and I don’t believe her but she got me so upset."

"Brooke, she said the same thing to me too. I asked her what she meant but she said that she couldn’t tell me. She warned me to stay away from him and she told me to try and get you away from him too."

"Will that woman ever stop trying to ruin my happiness?"

"I don’t know Brooke? She seemed really serious."

"Surely you don’t believe her Taylor, surely you don’t think Michael is sinister."

"I don’t want to, but Stephanie doesn’t lie to me."

"Oh really? I can remember quite a few times."

Taylor looked at her friend. "Well that may be true but why would she lie about this? Maybe you should talk to him."

The waitress walked over to them again. "Hi, are you ready to order?"

"I’m not that hungry." Taylor said. "I’ll have a Chef’s Salad and an iced tea."

"Make it two." Brooke said. She waited until the waitress was gone before she spoke again. "Michael and I have had some problems in the past about honesty. But I was so sure that they were all over now. If they aren’t I just don’t know what I’ll do."

"Well maybe you don’t have to worry about that much longer." Taylor said as she saw Michael approaching the table. He smiled at Taylor and leaned over and kissed Brooke.

"Hi ladies." He said to both of them as he sat down. "I called you and Megan said you were here. She said you seemed upset so I decided to come in person. What’s wrong sweetheart?"

"Maybe I should leave you two alone." Taylor said.

"Don’t go." Brooke told her. "You’re involved in this too. At least Stephanie saw to that."

"Stephanie?" Michael asked. "What did that woman do to you now?"

"Michael I need to know the truth. She’s been saying things to me and to Taylor about you and I need to know why she’s doing this."

Michael turned noticeably pale which wasn’t lost on either woman.

"Not here, not in a public place like this." He said quietly.

"Oh God, no." Brooke said as tears started to flow. "You promised me, you promised me no more secrets."

"It’s not that bad Brooke, I just don’t want anyone else to hear me. Can this wait until we’re home tonight?"

"No." She said. "No it can’t wait and I won’t wait."

He looked around to make sure that no one was listening to them.

"I really shouldn’t be here." Taylor said.

"If you don’t mind I’d like to take my wife for a little walk. It won’t take long I promise."

"Oh my God." Brooke said softly.

"Honey have some faith in me please." He turned to Taylor. "We won’t be long."

The waitress walked over with the two glasses of tea. "I’m sorry sir, I didn’t realize there would be anyone else. Can I get you something?"

"Whatever they’re having." He said. "I’d like something stronger but I have surgery today." He said with a chuckle.

"Oh course." She said. "Shall I just bring you your tea?"

"Fine." He said. He reached for Brooke’s hand but she pulled hers away. "Honey! Please it isn’t that bad."

"It shouldn’t be bad at all Michael. I don’t even know who I’m married to anymore. Obviously Stephanie Forrester knows more about my own husband than I do."

"Brooke." He said. He stood up, took her hand and led her out of the restaurant.

 

"Hi honey!" Stephanie said with a huge grin as she entered Ridge’s office. "I’m so thrilled about, what’s wrong?" She asked seeing his glum face.

"I don’t want to talk about it."

"Tell me Ridge, what happened? Did your father and Morgan give you a hard time? Well don’t you worry about them. We both know that you and Taylor belong together and they’ll understand that soon enough. Have you called Jonathan? Is the divorce in the works yet?"

"There isn’t going to be a divorce Mother. Taylor decided to stay with Bryan."

"What? That’s preposterous. How on earth can she do that? You two love each other."

"She doesn’t deny that mother, she just refuses to leave him. It’s over, it’s all over."

"It can’t be. I’ll talk to her, I’ll make her see reason. Ridge you came too close to lose now."

"Mother it’s over. It’s all over." He put his head down in his hands. "I’ve lost her forever."

Michael led Brooke to a gazebo outside that gave the restaurant it’s name. Once more he reached for Brooke’s hand. She didn’t pull away but she looked at him with wariness.

"Brooke. Some time ago I told you a long story. I don’t want to rehash the whole thing again but it has to do with Mexico."

"Mexico?" Brooke asked. "What does this have to do with anything now?"

"I told you what happened. I told you that the girl’s mother told me to get out of her life forever, I told you I left her and I’ve never seen her since."

"Yes." Brooke said. "You told me all that."

"The only thing I didn’t tell you was who she was. I promised not to tell anyone. I didn’t want her to suffer any more than she already has, but I can’t have you suffer for this too."

"Oh my God Michael." Brooke gasped.

"Yeah, I think you know where I’m going with this. Don’t you Brooke?"
"No, I don’t."

"I think you just want me to say it. Alright. But honey, it was a long time ago. I did love her then but I’m only doing this to protect her."

Brooke looked at him. "Which one?" She asked.

"Felicia." He said softly. "It was Felicia."

"And Stephanie still blames you."

"It was my fault, if I never brought her there she’d be fine today."

"She’s healthy Michael." Brooke told him. "And she’s happy."

"I’ve had to live with this for a long time. I am the one responsible for what happened to her. Me!"

"You aren’t the one who raped her. You tried to get her help. Michael you found help and you saved her life." Brooke said. "Damn that woman for trying to do this to us. She knew that you wanted to keep Felicia’s secret. She just wanted to put a wedge between us." She got up and put her arms around him. "I understand why you didn’t tell me who it was. It will be strange facing Felicia if I see her again but I promise she will never know that I know."

"I hope not honey, I already caused her way too much pain."

"Eric doesn’t know?" Brooke asked.

"No. Stephanie didn’t want anyone to know. I don’t know if Felicia has told anyone. If she did I doubt that she mentioned me. I’m sure she hates me. She doesn’t know why I left. She never knew that I still loved her. She thought I ran out on her."

"But you didn’t."
"Yes, I did Brooke, I put my career ahead of her and I’ll always be ashamed of myself for that." He took his hands and placed them on either side of her face. "But never, never do I want this to come between us. I promised you no more secrets and I meant it."

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have forced you to tell me."

"It’s better that I did. But Brooke please, you can’t tell anyone you know, not even Stephanie."

"Oh how I’d love to just tell her what she said was so stupid."

"Honey it wasn’t. She may truly be concerned for you. I wasn’t a very good person then. I’ve tried to change and I hope I have." He leaned over and kissed her softly. "You, you’ve made all the difference in my life. And from now on you ask me anything, I promise I’ll never keep anything from you. If I can’t trust you I can’t trust anyone."

Brooke leaned into his arms and he pulled her close. He smiled at her and kissed her again. "You know when I called and Megan said you were upset I had no idea. I thought it might have been about me not telling you about my family."

"You wanna tell me about them now?"

"There’s not too much to say. Anne was great and I love her but Joey has been nothing but bad news all his life. I have tried so many times to help him out but he crosses me every time. That’s why I don’t see Anne that much."

"Why?"

"She loves him and she wants to see us together again. I just can’t do it anymore. You can understand that can’t you?"

"It’s hard Michael, I love my family so much. We’re very close."

"Well I’ll take you to meet Anne. You’ll like her. I just don’t want Joey anywhere near you." He kissed her again. "Are we okay now?"

"We’re better than okay."

"And it doesn’t bother you that it was Felicia?"

"Does it bother you that I loved Ridge?"

"Yeah." He said with a laugh.

She gave him a playful punch. "I didn’t even know you then. Why should I let it bother me? I’m just very sad about her."

"Me too." He said. "You better get back to Taylor."

"You’ll have lunch with us won’t you?"

"Sure." He said. They joined hands and walked back into the restaurant.

"I’ve got to tell you Bryan, you have a very strange marriage." Connor said. "Are you really sure you want this?"

"I love her and I think she loves me. But the real reason I’m doing this is to give her time to make up her mind. I wouldn’t be moving back in but if I didn’t I know Ridge would."

"So you’re going to just be roommates?"

"Sort of. I can’t get into a sexual relationship with her right now. It would only confuse things worse."

"And you certainly don’t want her to have one with Ridge."

"You got that right." Bryan looked thoughtfully at his partner. "I’m not sure if this will work but it’s the only chance we have."

"And the wedding?"

"I can’t see going ahead with that now but we haven’t talked about it."

"Well you only have a few days left. Don’t you think you should start making some calls?"

"Yeah I suppose so but I think I’ll talk to Taylor first. I don’t want her to get angry with me over it."

"Bry you can’t let her walk over you."

"She’s not. It’s me. I wish I didn’t love her so much but I do. I’m scared Connor, I still may lose her to Ridge. They weren’t just sightseeing down there."

"Think carefully about this my friend, I’ve been there and I don’t think I could be as calm as you are."

"Calm on the outside." Bryan laughed.

 

"Sorry." Brooke said to Taylor as she sat down.

"Did you two settle things?"

"We did Taylor." Michael told her. "I wish I could share it with you but it’s very personal. Just please believe me that I love Brooke and I would never hurt her. Stephanie has a valid reason for hating me but it has nothing to do with Brooke. I hope you can judge me for the person you know."

"I do Michael." She said. "I was only worried, but if you both say that there is nothing to worry about I’ll believe you."

"Thanks." He said. He picked up his iced tea and took a sip. "Oh yeah, I did get some good news today and since Taylor is the only one outside of my family who knows I can share this."

"What?" Brooke and Taylor both said at the same time.

"Dr. Stedman says I’m coming along extremely well."

"Does that mean?" Brooke asked hopefully.

"Not yet, but it will be less than six weeks. I said he’d be better able to tell me at my next visit."

"I’m glad." Taylor said. "You made a huge sacrifice."

"We both did." Michael said taking Brooke’s hand. "So now let’s talk about something more pleasant." He turned to Taylor. "I imagine you and Ridge are pretty happy."

"Michael!" Brooke kicked him under the table.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"I’m sure we confused you." Taylor said. "I’m not, I mean Bryan and I, I mean."

"I understand." He said. "Next subject."

Both women looked at him and laughed.

"You’re right Brooke, he’s a keeper." Taylor smiled at them. "Let me try to explain. Ridge and I tried to recapture something but we realized that it was just too late. I confessed to Bryan and he forgave me so we are working on our marriage now. I know that Ridge is upset and so am I but it’s just the way it has to be."

"Taylor you don’t have to explain." Michael said. "Just like you said I’ll take your word and I will support you."

 

"Well according to everything it will be quite the wedding." Karen Spencer said to her assistant Julie. "And I fully plan to be the one covering it."

"Won’t that be fun." Julie said to her. "I wonder how many of the Forresters will be going."

"Well she was Ridge’s wife and now she left him." Karen pondered. "I can’t imagine too many of them will be there. I’m sure Ridge won’t." She said with a laugh. "Probably Thorne."

"You and Thorne, you have a history."

"Yes we do, a very strange one. And the grooms partner Connor Davis, he and I were engaged."

"Wow Karen. This will be some wild wedding. Are you sure you don’t need my help covering it?"

"I think I can handle it." She laughed. "You know I covered the Forrester show and none of them saw me. I wonder if they even know I’m back in town."

"Now that will be interesting."

"What really surprises me is that Brooke Logan and Taylor are friends now. They were such bitter enemies when I last saw them. But then neither one of them is involved with Ridge anymore. Hmmmm, neither one of them is involved with Ridge."

"I see the light bulb going off."

"I used to have a thing for Ridge. I wonder if the attraction would still be there."

"He was married to your twin sister."

"But Julie, Caroline and I were two totally different people. But I think I would like to pay a visit on Mr. Ridge Forrester."

"Go for it Karen, it’s about time you got your love life back into full gear."

 

"Ridge?" Eric said as he walked into his son’s office. "How are you doing?"

"You should know that." He said. "I suppose you’re pretty happy now."

"I’m sorry son. This isn’t what I wanted. I only wanted you to consider Morgan’s feelings. I didn’t want you to lose Taylor."

"Nothing changed about that. I don’t love her and I can’t stay with her."

"You’ll stay until the baby is born won’t you?"

"Yes." He said glumly.

"I’m really sorry son, but you couldn’t force her. She made up her own mind."

"Please Dad, I just want to be alone."

 

"Hello there mama." Tyrone said as Morgan opened the door.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She said through clenched teeth. "We meet where I say we meet."

"And it’s nice to see you too." He looked her up and down. "My, my are you getting big sugar."

"Nevermind how I look, come in before someone sees you."

"Not allowed to have brothers in the neighborhood?" He said as he walked in.

"Well, do you have someone for me?"

"Mama this is not Tyrone’s kind of business." He looked around the guest cottage. "This sure don’t look like the home of no millionaire."

"Forget about this place. Can you help me or not?"

"Not me. But I may be able to find someone, but it will cost you plenty."

"I don’t care. I want her dead, her and her stupid little children."

"Now why do you wanna go and kill kids for?"

"They’re in my way."

"That’s no way for a pregnant lady to be talking."

"Tyrone, either you can help me or now. Either way I need you to leave before my husband gets home."

"Okay mama, you meet me at that same motel tomorrow at three. I’ll bring someone with me that you can talk to."

"Thanks Tyrone." She said. "I knew you wouldn’t let me down."

Changes Part 84

 

Michael stood up and kissed Brooke. "Sorry to cut this short ladies but I have a busy afternoon."

"Thank you for coming Michael, I really needed you." Brooke told him.

"I knew that." He gave her another kiss. "Do me a favor honey, if you get a chance this afternoon will you take Budge down to see Jason?"

"Sure." She said. "She really likes this kid."

"We both do." He said with a grin. "You two have a nice day."

"See you tonight sweetheart." Brooke said.

They watched him walk away.

"You’re very lucky." Taylor told her.

"I know." Brooke smiled. "I’m the luckiest woman in the world and I will never ever let Stephanie Forrester make me doubt that again."

"Good." Taylor said. "Hey how about some dessert?"

"He just left." Brooke said with a laugh.

"Ice cream? Mousse?" Taylor said.

"Oh, that kind. No, I have a better idea. I’m taking the rest of the day off. And you are loaning me a bathing suit. We’re going swimming!"

"Sounds like fun." Taylor agreed.

 

Thorne knocked on Ridge’s door and then entered. Ridge looked up at him and then turned back to the picture of Taylor and the children in front of him. "What do you want Thorne?"

"I just heard Ridge, I just wanted to say that I’m sorry."

"Sorry for what? You don’t give a damn about me or Taylor."

"You know that isn’t true." He said closing the door. "I really hoped you could work things out. I know how much you still love her."

"What do you know about love? You can’t ever seem to make up your mind who you love."

"I know you’re taking this out on me cause you’re upset. I only wanted to show you some support."

"I’m not in the mood for it. I lost the woman I love Thorne, do you have any idea what that feels like?"

"Yeah Ridge, I do." He said.

"Thorne do you mind? I really want to be alone." Ridge said dismissing him.

"If you need someone to talk to." Thorne said.

"Yeah, yeah."

Thorne shook his head and walked out.

 

"Knock, knock." Lauren said as she stood outside Stephanie’s door.

"Hello Lauren, come on in." Stephanie got up and hugged her. "I didn’t realize you were still in town."

"I was staying for the wedding, now rumors say that Ridge put an end to that."

"No." Stephanie said flatly. "That’s not going to happen."

"But it was?"

"Ridge tried to reconcile but Taylor is determined to stay with Bryan."

"He must be upset. But then he does have a pregnant wife."

"He doesn’t love her, he never has. She was a young girl with a crush and she built it in her head into a love affair. We all know that the only women Ridge has ever loved were Caroline and Taylor."

"And Brooke."

"If you insist."

"I think he would." Lauren laughed. "But I know how he feels about Taylor, in fact even Brooke told me she was rooting for them."

"I can’t waste any more energy on Brooke Lauren, I tried my hardest to help her but she won’t listen."

"Help her? Help her with what?"

"She’s involved in a very bad marriage, I told her she should get out before it’s too late but she turned a deaf ear."

"A bad marriage? With Mike? You’ve got to be kidding."

"You know him?"

"Do I ever. Stephanie, he was my delivery guy? I was so embarrassed. I was hitting on him and making all these suggestions and he was playing along the whole time."

"Oh Lauren you have to stay away from him."

"Why Stephanie? He seems so nice. Not that I’d stand a chance against Brooke with him, that guy is devoted."

"He plays a good game. The only one he really cares about is himself."

"That’s weird. I’m usually a good judge of character and I didn’t see that at all."

"Please be careful around him Lauren. He’s a vile cruel man. And if you care about your friend Brooke try and warn her, she won’t listen to me."

"I’ll have to see how I feel about this, if you can’t give me a reason I have to make my own judgements."

"Enough about them. What brings you here today?"

"The rumors." She confessed. "I wanted to know about Ridge and Taylor."

"Somehow I have to get them back together." Stephanie told her. "They are so in love. They need each other, their family needs to be together."

"It’s a crime to break up a family with three little children like that."

"They will be together again Lauren, somehow I will see to it."

"I wish you luck." Lauren said. "Anyway Stephanie, I’m headed to San Francisco tonight. I have to see to a problem at my store there, but I will be back by Saturday. If there is a wedding will I see you there?"

"Yes Lauren, I will always love and support Taylor, but I will also try my hardest to stop it before it starts."

 

Bryan walked into the office with a huge smile on his face. Patti and Connor looked up at him. "Well?" Connor asked.

"We won, we won every single point. Mr. Davis my man we have one very happy client." The two men hugged. "And as for you Patti dear, you can look forward to a huge bonus for all your work."

"How about the rest of the day off?" She suggested as a joke.

"How about that for all of us?" Bryan said. He looked at Connor. "You up for some surfing?"

"Bryan it’s been a long time."

"Like riding a bike. Come on. We can use the beach at my house."

"Sure." Connor said with a smile. "Why not? We deserve it."

 

"Are you sure you don’t mind watching the kids?" Taylor asked Jack.

"Of course not honey, you’re entitled to have some fun. But Thomas may get jealous. I think I’ll take them down to the playground."

"That’s a great idea Dad." Taylor said as she hugged him.

"You girls have fun."

Taylor walked to the kitchen where Brooke was making iced tea. "Dad’s taking the kids to the playground. I’m going to go change. I’ll leave a couple of suits out on the bed for you."

"Great! I’m almost done with the tea. I’ll grab some fruit and some cookies in case we get hungry." Brooke said with a smile.

"You really are happy aren’t you?"

"Oh Taylor, it was such a relief. I love him so much and I’m so glad that we don’t have any more secrets between us."

"Well that’s good Brooke, I really mean it." She hugged her. "Now I’ll be right out."

"Take your time." Brooke said.

Taylor walked into the bedroom and took several swimsuits out of her dresser. She placed them on the bed. She then took out a blue bikini and proceeded to change into it.

 

"Ummm, ummm, ummm." Joe said as he watched her. "That lady has some body." He turned around to make sure Blake wasn’t around. "Too bad she isn’t doing a little posing. Still, I may get a few shots out of this. He reached for the remote and switched to the living room and saw it was empty. "Going for a swim all alone? I’d love to join you but old Blake would surely have my head." He switched back to the bedroom where Taylor was getting ready to leave. "Why are you leaving all those suits out honey?" He asked the image on the screen.

"Brooke! It’s all yours!" Taylor called out as she walked out of the bedroom.

"Thanks." Brooke said as she left the kitchen.

"I’m going to get the stuff and head to the beach, come down as soon as you’re ready."

"Great." Brooke agreed. She walked into the bedroom as Taylor headed out the door.

Brooke looked over the suits on the bed. She then walked to the nightstand and turned the radio on. She fiddled with it until she found a song she liked. Singing and dancing to The Beach Boy’s California Girls she began removing her clothes.

"Holy sh*t who are you?" Joe asked as he caught Brooke’s image. "And aren’t you putting on a show for Joey." Brooke was naked as she danced right in front of the camera. "Now this one I can definitely use." Joe said happily. He watched as she picked up a suit, looked at it and discarded it. "Good choice baby, that one’s not for you." She then picked up a bright yellow bikini. She held it up to her as she continued to dance and sing. "Yes, this one will do." She said. "You got that right." Joe answered the unknowing woman. She put the suit down and grabbed a bottle of suntan oil and started rubbing it over her body. "Baby you are going to make me crazy." Joe said with a laugh. "It’s almost as if you know you’re being filmed. Suddenly he saw the bedroom door open and a tall man in a suit walked in.

"Connor!" Brooke shouted.

"Brooke!" He shouted back. He then smiled at her. "You’re still looking great." He said.

"Get out! I’m getting dressed." She tried to cover herself.

"You don’t have to on my account." He laughed. "Besides I’m not seeing anything I haven’t seen before."

She quickly pulled on the bottoms of the suit and crossed her arms in front of her breasts. "Not funny Connor. What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Taylor and I are going swimming."

"Bryan and I are going surfing. God Brooke, you look great."

"Don’t look." She said. She grabbed the top and tried to put it on but the oil on her hands was making it difficult. Connor walked up to her, took the top from her hands and placed it on her. He then hooked the catch on the back.

"Thanks." She said walking away from him.

"You’re welcome." He grinned. "Now I’m going to get changed. Want to help me?"

"I don’t think so." She laughed. She walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. "I guess I’ll see you on the beach." She said.

She started to walk out when he grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him and kissed her full and deeply.

"Connor." She said quietly. "Why did you do that?"

"I’m sorry Brooke, I just couldn’t resist."

She blushed and smiled and then walked out of the room.

 

"Now that’s a tiger." Joe said. "I wonder if she’s hands off too?"

"Who?" Blake asked as he walked in. Joe quickly switched to the living room where Brooke was talking to Bryan. "Brooke Logan? Now what on earth is she doing there?"

"Well she was kissing some guy in the bedroom, that and dancing around a bit." Joe answered. "Now what about her?"

"I have no feelings whatsoever about her, do with her as you wish." Blake said quietly.

 

Brooke ran up to Taylor on the beach and sat down next to her. "Oh God Taylor, I don’t know why I did it."

"Did what?"

"I kissed Connor. That is I let him kiss me."

"Connor?"

"Yeah he and Bryan came in, they’re going surfing. I was getting dressed and he walked in."

"While you were dressing?"

"While I was naked." She laughed. "I was feeling so good about Michael that I was singing and dancing around your room and he walked in."

"Brooke!"

"Well I didn’t expect him to walk in. Anyway I threw the bottoms on but my hands were oily and I couldn’t get the top closed. He came over and helped me. So I gave him a kiss on the cheek."

"Oh," Taylor said. "Is that all?"

"Not exactly. He pulled me over and kissed me, I mean really kissed me."

"What did you do?"

"I let him, I guess I sort of kissed him back."

"Brooke! You just got finished telling me how happy you are about Michael."

"I am. It all took me by surprise." She said. "Maybe now I can understand how he had to take a shower because of Adrienne."

"I hope this isn’t leading to anything."

"No. Never, but I guess I’m still attracted to him."

"Be careful." Taylor warned her. "Take it from someone who knows."

"Yeah." Brooke said thoughtfully.

 

"You did what?" Bryan asked Connor who had just come out of the bedroom in his swim trunks.

"I kissed her. God Bryan I wanted to do a whole lot more than that. There she was in front of me, naked and beautiful. I don’t think I ever wanted her more."

"But you didn’t do anything more did you?"

"No." He said. "But I wish I did. When I kissed her she was into it too."

"That’s dangerous ground my friend and as a man who’s wife has been unfaithful I don’t find it particularly enticing." He said. "Put yourself in Michael’s place. Would you want someone kissing her if she was your wife?"

"You’re right, I know you are. But there is part of me that really wants her back."

"I’d advise you to let it go Connor, it’s just not a good idea. You’ll end up hurting a lot of people."

"Okay, you convinced me. I’ll forget about it. But Bryan, you should see her in that yellow bikini."

"Maybe we ought to skip the beach today."

"I’ll be good." Connor joked. "Come on, let’s go down there.

The two men walked out of the house and headed for the beach.

 

"Hello ladies." Bryan said as he and Connor approached Brooke and Taylor.

"Hi honey." Taylor said. "Brooke said you’re going surfing. I didn’t know you surfed."

"Not very well I’m afraid but I used to enjoy it." Bryan confessed.

"Where are your boards?" Brooke asked.

Bryan looked at them and started to laugh.

"What’s so funny?" Connor asked.

"How are we supposed to surf?"

"What do you mean?" Connor asked.

"Where are your boards?" Brooke asked him.

"You can’t rent one here?" Connor questioned.

"It’s a private beach." Taylor explained.

"Some surfers." Brooke laughed. "You planned this didn’t you. You can’t surf but you didn’t want to look like fools."

"No." Connor said. "I really wanted to surf but I haven’t owned a board in years. Now what?"

"You can swim with us." Taylor suggested.

"Sounds good to me. Ready baby?" Bryan asked her.

"Sure." She got up. "Brooke?"

"Not yet. I’m enjoying the sun."

"I’ll stay here with Brooke for awhile." Connor said.

Taylor and Bryan looked at them and then joined hands and walked to the water.

"Did she tell you?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah. But I don’t think it was anything."

"I guess not." He said.

"Bryan, we really need to talk."

"Oh no."

"No, I mean, I understand why you feel the way you do but isn’t it going to be hard for us to get back to normal in separate rooms?"

"It’s only temporary."

"Well how about we only do it till Saturday?"

"Why Saturday?"

"Bryan! I don’t want to spend our wedding night in separate rooms."

"Taylor about our wedding night."

"Don’t you dare!" She said to him. "Bryan we need this. It will cement everything for us. Please don’t take it away from me. Besides all the invitations have already gone out, the room is booked, the church is booked, we have the DJ. Please Bryan."

"I just don’t think we’re ready."

"Bryan we already are married. How can we fix things if we pretend we’re not?"

"I can’t believe you’re saying this. Just the other night you were sleeping with Ridge planning your life with him."

"I was wrong."

"Well maybe you’re wrong now. Taylor it’s only a party, we can have a party anytime."

"It’s much more than that to me. It’s committing ourselves to each other in front of God. We need this."

"I’m not sure about us yet Taylor. I know I love you but I’m really not sure if I can trust you."

She looked down sadly. "I know I don’t deserve your trust but I really need to prove it to you. I want to be a good wife to you."

"Until Ridge comes sniffing around again."

"I won’t see him anymore. If he wants to see the kids he can meet Katherine. I won’t be there. Bryan please."

"This wedding really means that much to you?"

"It does."

"Alright, you win."

"Thank you Bryan." He put her arms around him and kissed him. "Now what about our sleeping arrangements?"

"I’m not ready for that yet Taylor. You’ll have to accept my feelings about that."

"Alright." She agreed. "But watch out mister, I plan to make you change your mind."

 

Michael walked out of Jason’s room and up to the desk. "Has she come in yet today?" He asked the nurse.

"Not yet Dr. Copeland. Would you like me to page you when she gets here?"

"I think I’ll wait. This is too important."

"Have you found his family?" She asked him.

"No Lisa, I want to be his family."

"Are you serious?"

"I sure am. I want my wife to come down and meet him. You know our daughter is here all the time."

"You mean Bridget right?"

"Well she’s my wife’s daughter, but I think of her as mine. I love that kid." He smiled. "Anyway, Bridget and I love Jason and I know Brooke will too. I just hope that I can work something out. I will not let him go into a foster home or an orphanage. He belongs with someone who will love him."

"I never saw you as the domestic type."

"I never was." He said with a laugh. "Looks like my little family is just going to grow and grow." He looked down the hallway. "I’m going back in with Jason. If she gets here tell her I need to talk to her right away."

Michael walked back into the room and Lisa went back to her paperwork. Neither of them noticed Debra Fulton walk away.

"Have you two been behaving?" Taylor teased Brooke and Connor as she and Bryan joined them on the blanket.

"Oh no." Brooke said. "We’ve already had sex four time and we were just about to do it again."

Taylor laughed and sat down.

"Want something to eat or drink?" Connor asked.

"I am thirsty."

"Well you two brought the iced tea but Bryan and I brought beer. What’ll it be?"

"Oh I think the tea will do."

"Live a little." Brooke said as she took a gulp from the long neck bottle of beer.

"Alright, why not?" Taylor said. Connor handed a beer to Taylor and Bryan.

"How was the water?" He asked.

"Great. Aren’t you two going in?" Taylor questioned.

"We’ve been too busy having wild sex." Connor laughed.

"I think I will go in though." Brooke said. "Want to join me Connor?"

"Alright." They both got up and headed for the water.

"Is it my breath?" Bryan asked.

"I think they want to give us time alone."

"That’s nice of them." Bryan said. "Come here and let me put some lotion on you, you’re getting red."

She shimmied over to him and he spread the soothing lotion on her back and started rubbing it in. "You know being here with you like this, I can almost forget our problems."

"I wish you would. I want things to be good for us again."

"Taylor, why don’t we move?"

"Well we did discuss it, the beach house is a bit small for us."

"I don’t mean just out of the beach house. Taylor, let’s go back to New York. I can start my practice back there again. You could open yours too. We’d be away from everyone and everything that’s been tearing us apart."

"But the kids, Ridge is their father."

"He can see them whenever he wants to. He has a company jet and he has a friend who’s a pilot too. Taylor, we need this. Somehow I think it’s the only thing that is going to work for us."

"But New York? It’s so far away. We have our lives here."

"We build new ones."

"My dad, he lives in California."

"He can visit, he can come with us if he wants to. Taylor please think about this."

"Is it what you really want? Do you really think it will make you happy?"

"I think it will make both of us happy."

She looked at him and looked around at the ocean and the beach. "I’ve always loved it here so much. But maybe a new start is what we need."

"Do you mean it?"

"I’m not sure if I want to leave, but if it will give me my husband back, yes, yes Bryan I’ll move to New York with you."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "You’ll never regret this Taylor. I know we can get it back together now. I know we can make it now."

"When? When do you want to go?"

"Sunday."

"Sunday? Bryan I can’t be ready on Sunday."

"Why not? We have the wedding on Saturday, we then pack up a couple of suitcases and the five of us go to New York. We make it a working honeymoon. We find a great apartment, we find jobs and then we come back, get whatever else we want and we move."

"It’s so fast."

"Well we have to make a fast break or else we won’t be able to do it at all."

"And you don’t want us to tell anyone that it’s permanent?"

"I’m not saying to lie to anyone. Tell them if you want or don’t if you don’t want to. Taylor, this is going to work. We are going to have a long happy life together."

"Yes." She said thoughtfully. "Yes, we can do it can’t we?"

 

Brooke came out Taylor’s room showered and changed. She walked into the kitchen where she found Taylor sitting and staring out the window.

"You’re very quiet. Did something happen this afternoon?"

She looked at Brooke and she had tears in her eyes.

"Taylor, what’s wrong?"

"We’re moving. Bryan wants to leave."

"Where are you going? I’m sure you’ll find a house you like even more than this one."

"You don’t understand. We’re leaving California, we’re moving to New York."

"New York?"

"He wants us to have a new start."

"Away from Ridge."

"He didn’t come out and say it but yes."

"Oh Taylor, that’s so extreme. Can’t you work it out some other way?"

"Not if I want to make my marriage work."

"Well take your time, think it over. Once Bryan sees that you are committed to this marriage he’ll change his mind."

"We’re leaving Sunday, after the wedding."

"Sunday?" Brooke said as she welled up with tears. "I don’t want you to go." She said as the two women embraced.

 

"Dr. Copeland, Janet Wells is here." Lisa said as she peaked into Jason’s room.

"Thanks Lisa." He said. "I’ll be right back big guy." He said to Jason as he gave him a hug.

"Okay Dr. Mike."

Michael walked out of the room and up to the social worker.

"Hello Dr. Copeland, I understand you’ve been trying to get in touch with me."

"For the longest time Ms. Wells. Can we go somewhere and sit down?"

"Let’s just talk here, I have a full schedule today."

"Well I can certainly appreciate that, and hopefully I can remedy at least part of that."

"And how would that be?"

"I understand you have not been able to locate any of Jason’s family?"

"Jason?" She asked.

"Jason Cooper, the little four year old in that room." He said with annoyance.

"You have to excuse me Dr. Copeland, I have many cases, many more than one person should have to handle." She looked at her chart. "Yes, you are correct. We haven’t found his family. And I see here that he is recovering quite well. I suppose we’ll be trying to place him in a foster home soon."

"That won’t be necessary."

"Have you found his family?"

"No Ms. Wells, my wife and I would like to foster him, that is until arrangements can be made for us to adopt him."

"Aren’t you taking your doctor patient relationship a bit far here doctor?"

"I don’t think so, I don’t think so at all. Jason is a wonderful little boy and my entire family has become very close to him. I mean this very seriously."

"Well have you ever applied to be a foster parent?"

"No, the circumstances never were right before."

"And this isn’t just a whim?"

"I have never been more serious in my life. You just get me whatever paperwork I need and I’ll fill it out. I will not let this child end up in a home where he isn’t loved."

"I see." She said. "Well perhaps it can be arranged. I’ll see that you receive the proper papers. You and your wife will have to fill them out. You’ll have to speak to some other people and my office and go in front of a judge. Are you sure that you’re ready for this?"

"I’m more than sure Ms. Wells." He took out a card from his wallet. "This has my office number, my home, my cell and my beeper. Call me at anytime day or night. I want to make this happen."

"Well then Dr. Copeland, let’s hope we can." She said. She held out her hand and he shook it. "I’ll be in touch." She wrote a couple of notes and then walked away.

"Good luck Dr. Copeland." Lisa said.

"Thanks Lisa, I think we’re okay."

 

Around the corner Debra Fulton and Keith Ehlers watched as Janet Wells walked away. "You see Keith, you see why I called you?" Debra asked. "We can’t let him do this. We can’t let him take another innocent child into his house to be abused. It makes me sick to even think about it."

"Don’t you worry about that Debra. He’ll never get his hands on that child," He said "You mark my words. That man will be in prison long before that ever happens."

 

 

"Where’s my daughter?" Jack asked Bryan when he returned with the children.

"She had some errands. She should be back soon."

"Bryan, I want you to understand something. I love my daughter and I only want her happiness. I’m not sure if you or Ridge is the man to give it to her but I support her decisions one hundred percent. I hope that you and I can continue to have a good relationship knowing that."

"I wouldn’t want you to feel any differently Jack. I love her but there’s no gun to her head. She chose to stay here of her own free will. I don’t like what happened with Ridge but we will get past it."

"Good." Jack said. "That’s all I can ask."

 

 

 

"This way Mom." Bridget said as she practically pulled Brooke down the corridor in the hospital.

"I’m coming Bridget, hold your horses, he isn’t going anywhere today."

They arrived at the nurse’s desk.

"Hi Bridget." Lisa said. "You just missed your Dad."

"Your Dad?" Brooke asked.

"She means Mike Mom." Bridget explained to the flabbergasted Brooke. "Lisa, is Jason awake?"

"He sure is and he’s been asking about you."

"We wanted my Mom to meet him. Come on Mom."

"Okay Bridget." She said. "Your Dad huh?"

They walked into the room.

"Bwidget!" Jason shouted.

"Hi Jason." She said with a smile. "Jason, this is my Mom."

"Bwooke." He said with a laugh.

"You know my name?" She asked.

"Dr. Mike talks about you." He said. "You’re pretty."

Brooke looked at him and smiled.

 

 

Taylor stood outside Ridge’s office hesitating knocking. She wiped the tears from her eyes and softly knocked on the door.

"Go away!" Ridge shouted from inside.

She knocked once more.

"Did you hear me? I said go away!"

She reached for the knob and opened the door.

"Get the hell out of here!" He shouted. "Taylor?" He said when he saw it was she. He jumped from his desk and ran to her. He took her into his arms. "Doc? You’re back. You’ve come back to me."

"No Ridge," She said as she freed herself. "I came to give you some news. You need to hear this from me."

"What Taylor? What more can you do to me?"

"Ridge, Bryan and I are getting married on Saturday as planned."

"I figured you would." He said. "You aren’t here to invite me are you?"

"You’ve already been invited but no Ridge, there’s more."

"I know, he wants me to be best man right?"

"Ridge please, this is so hard."

"Alright Doc, sorry. Go ahead."

"On Sunday we’re leaving for New York."

"Honeymooning in the Big Apple?"

"Sort of." She said. "Ridge, we’re going to be looking at apartments."

"What?"

"We’re moving Ridge, we’re moving to New York."

 

Changes Part 85

 

 

Bridget walked out of Jason’s room to the nurse’s station.

"Hi Bridget, what can I do for you?" Lisa asked.

"Can I get him some ice cream or is he on any restrictions today?" She asked.

"None at all. I’m sure he’ll love it. Is that your Mom in with him?"

"Yeah, she’s coloring with him. He likes her."

"She’s very pretty. I can see how Dr. Copeland would fall for her."
"They really love each other." Bridget said with confidence.

"We sure do." Michael said as he walked up and hugged Bridget. "Mom’s in there?"

"Yes, I was just going to get us some ice cream."

"Good idea. I’m going to see how it’s going." He told her.

"It’s going great Mike, she likes him, I can tell."

"And Jason?"

"He’s crazy about her."

"Good." He said. He messed her hair and quietly walked into the room. Jason saw him but he motioned for him to be quiet. He walked up behind Brooke and kissed the back of her neck.

"Oh!" She said turning around. "You startled me." She smiled at him and they kissed. "Ummm, now you are the only one I want to kiss."

"I hope so." He laughed. "So Jason, how do you like Brooke?"

"She’s nice." He smiled. "Look at the picture we did." He held up a picture.

"That’s great. I’d love to put that on my refrigerator at home."

"It’s for you." Jason beamed.

"He’s a sweet child." Brooke said to Michael.

"Yes, he is." He agreed. "I hear that Bridget is getting some ice cream."

"Banilla." Jason said.

"I can’t seem to convert him." Michael said to Brooke with a laugh.

"Don’t worry about it Jason, I like vanilla too."

Michael put his arm around her and they sat together watching Jason color.

 

 

Ridge stared at Taylor in disbelief. "This is a joke, this is your idea of a sick joke."

"No Ridge, I want to make my marriage work and it won’t if I stay around you."

"Isn’t that telling you something?"

"I love you, I know I do but I’ve made my decision. We’re moving to New York and that’s final."

"Like Hell it is!" He shouted. "There is no conceivable way that I will let you take my children across the country to live, no way at all!"

"Be fair Ridge."

"Fair? You want me to be fair? Damn it Taylor you told me we were having a life together and not only do you back out of it but now you threaten to take my children away."

"I’m not threatening anything. It’s something I have to do."

"No." He said flatly. "It’s not going to happen. If I have to I will get a court order against it. My children will remain in California. You’re not doing this to me Doc."

"I’m not doing this TO you Ridge, I’m doing it for me, for Bryan and me."

"I don’t give a flying f*ck about Bryan! These are my children and you aren’t taking them anywhere! Do you hear me?"

"Ridge please." Taylor said as tears ran down her cheeks. "Don’t you understand how hard this is for me?"

"I’m going to fight you Taylor, with everything I have I’ll fight you."

"Please Ridge." She begged him.

He walked up to her and held her by the shoulders. "Tell Bryan you were wrong. Tell him you need to be with me. Tell him your marriage is over, You know that’s what you want. You want it as much as I do. Tell him you’re going home."

Taylor looked down. "I can’t."

"Why not?"

"I made my vows to him. I promised him. I can’t go back on them. I can’t."

"Well then you’ll have to make it work here because you aren’t taking my children anywhere."

"You can see them anytime you want Ridge."

"In New York? I’m sorry Taylor but if you do this I will sue you for custody."

"No!" She shouted. "No! You can’t take my children from me!"

"Now do you understand how I feel?" He asked calmly.

 

Morgan was pacing in the motel room for fifteen minutes when there was a knock.

"Finally!" She said opening the door to Tyrone. "You’re alone! Where is he?"

"Sorry Mama, no can do. I can’t find someone who’s willing to kill babies for you. They’ll do the woman but not the kids."

"You have to try harder! I need them all dead!" She shouted.

"Hey!" He said. "The walls have ears."

"Tyrone I was counting on you."

"Well maybe you have to do this yourself."

"In this condition?" She asked as she gestured to her swollen belly.

"You look like you’ll pop soon. Do it after. But why babies? You’re having a baby. Why do you need to kill babies?"

"They’re in my way. I’ll never be happy as long as they’re alive." She said. "You have to find someone for me Tyrone. Please."

"Like I said, I got someone who’ll do the woman but not the babies. You want the woman done?"

"No." She said sullenly. "That would only make it worse. They all have to go." She started to think. "Damn it what can I do?"

"Maybe you can rig her car?"

"I don’t know how to do that." She said. "Anyway she usually has the nanny or the husband with her."

"Maybe you gonna have to do them too."

"Oh I don’t care about that, but with all those people some of them may survive. Taylor and the children all have to die."

 

 

Michael took Brooke and Bridget out of the room after their visit. "Ladies, I need to talk to both of you about something important. Can we go to my office?"

"Sure." Brooke said. "Is anything wrong?"

"Not at all. I just want us to have some privacy and I don’t want to wait till we get home."

They walked in silence to his office. Outside he greeted his receptionist. "Pam, I’m done for the day but I need to talk to my wife and daughter. Do me a favor and hold all my calls unless they have to do with Jason."

"Sure Dr. Copeland." She said. "Nice to see you Mrs. Copeland."

"Hello." Brooke said. "This is my daughter Bridget."

"Hello." Bridget said."

"Nice to meet you." Pam responded.

Michael opened the door and ushered them inside. "Sit down." He said. They sat on the couch and he sat on the edge of the desk facing them. "Okay, I have two things I want to talk about but I’m starting with the most important one." He looked at Bridget and then at Brooke. "So what did you think about Jason?"

"He’s wonderful. My heart goes out to him. Have they found his family yet?"

"Brooke, he doesn’t have any more family. And that’s what this is about. Now hear me out on this okay?"

"Oh course honey." Brooke said.

"Alright. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. I already did some looking into it and I hope you agree with me. God, I’m nervous." He said.

"Of me?" Brooke asked.

"Let me just come out with it." He took a deep breath. "I want us to take Jason in as a foster child and I want to adopt him. There," He said. "I’ve said it. Well? What do you think?"

"Yeah!" Bridget chimed in.

"Brooke?" Michael said. "You’re being pretty quiet."

"Well I never expected this. You never wanted children up until recently."

"I’ve changed. You’ve changed me, Bridget’s changed me and Jason’s changed me. Brooke I love him. I want to give him back what he’s lost. I think we can do that. Will you at least think about it?"
"No." She said.

"No?" An obviously disappointed Michael replied.

"There’s nothing to think about. He’s a precious child and I’d be honored to make him part of our family." She said with a smile. Michael jumped from the desk and pulled her into his arms. He then opened one arm and gestured Bridget over. She joined the hug.

"I love you so much." He said. "We’re going to be so good for him."

"This is a big step Michael, you’ve never been responsible for a small child before."

"I know, but I’m ready Brooke. I’m ready for it all."

"So what do we have to do?" She asked.

"I’ve already talked to the social worker, hoping you’d say yes, and she’s getting the papers together for us."

"Alright. That sounds good. But Michael, he’s still injured. Maybe we should look into hiring a nurse to help us until he’s better. I’ll take some time off but I can’t stay home forever."

"That’s an excellent idea."

"You know I’ll help" Bridget volunteered.

"We’re counting on it." Michael beamed.

"I don’t know about Rick though," Brooke said. "He pretty much lives his own life these days."

"I’m sure he’ll lend a hand too Mom." Bridget told her.

"So what is the second thing?" Brooke asked.

"Oh, this is an easy one. I called my sister Anne. She invited us to all come for dinner tonight."

"You have a sister?" Bridget asked.

"And a brother too." Brooke added.

"Joey won’t be there." Michael told them. "So is it a go?"

"Sure." Brooke said. "I want to meet her. Are you free Bridget?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Then we can all leave from here. I called Rick before and gave him directions."

"Rick’s going?" Brooke asked.

"He’s part of the family isn’t he?" Michael said. "He’s bringing Amber honey."

"Oh joy." Brooke said sarcastically.

"I wanted him to feel welcome. I need to get to know him better Brooke."

"I suppose I can put up with her for one night."

"Better than Sara Mom." Bridget said.

"Don’t even mention her name." Michael laughed. "That girl is nothing but trouble."

"At least that’s all over now." Brooke said. "I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about it at first."

"Well I guess I can’t blame you. Who would think she’d be like that?"

"Oh I forgot." Brooke said. "I had some bad news today. Bryan and Taylor are moving, they’re going to New York."

"New York?" Michael asked. "What about the children? I can’t exactly see Ridge Okaying this."

"Me either but she’s determined." Brooke said. "You know Michael, for so long we were enemies. We really hated each other. We both loved Ridge and fought all that time. But we’ve become so close, such good friends. I don’t want to see her go."

"Ridge is gonna freak." Bridget said. "He’s going to need us all Mom."

"I suppose so. Maybe you can help him. I doubt if I can at this point. He’ll be so depressed."

"When do they plan on leaving?" Michael asked.

"The day after the wedding." She said.

 

 

"Ridge, this isn’t your decision, it’s ours." Taylor said.

"It’s not going to happen. I swear to you Taylor. I’ll have lawyers and cops blocking your every move if I have to. I may have lost you but I will not lose my children."

"I can’t talk to you when you’re being like this."

"Like this? You’re trying to take my children! How do you want me to act?"

"I don’t know." She said. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "I didn’t want it to be like this. I wanted to, I"

"Say it Taylor!" He demanded.

"No." She said softly.

"Then I will, you wanted our family back. Damn it Taylor why are you doing this? You don’t love him, not like you love me. We fought so hard to get back what we lost and now you’re throwing it away."

"I can’t hurt Bryan."

"You’re hurting me, you’re hurting our children and you’re hurting yourself. Taylor you are leaving your entire family and all your friends for this man! You aren’t in love with him. You may love him but you aren’t in love. Is that really the life you want? No, don’t answer that. I know you want us, I know it from the bottom of my heart."

"It’s too late for us." She said through her tears.

"Do you really think Bryan deserves this? If you love him like you say you do Taylor think about that. He is getting a woman who’s in love with another man and three children that can never be his. You can make a life, but you’ll be settling."

"Like you did? Like you settled for a life with Brooke?"

"That’s not the same and you know it. But Taylor, it was you I wanted and that’s why we’re together now. At least why we were together."

"I’m sorry, I’ll always love you but it’s too late. Much too late." She ran up to him, kissed him and quickly left his office.

"I’ve got to stop this." He said. "Jonathan, you gotta come through for me." He said as he picked up the phone.

 

"Thanks for coming back." Bryan said to Connor.

"No problem, it sounded important."

"It is. And I wanted you to hear it from me first." Bryan said. "This isn’t going to be easy, you’ve been such a great friend and you’ve always been there for me when I needed you."

"This sounds serious. What’s going on Bryan?"

"We’re moving Connor, Taylor and I have decided to relocate to New York."

"New York? Bryan why?"

"We can’t make it work with Ridge around all the time. I love her and she says she loves me. She agreed to do this for us. I hate to leave you high and dry like this but it’s the only option I can see for us."

"You must not have much confidence in your love then. I can’t believe you’d go to such an extreme measure like this, you have a successful practice here. Are you really willing to give it all up?"

"It’s either that or Taylor."

"Well give me some time to talk you out of it. I really need you. We have so much on the docket right now, you can’t expect me to do it all without a partner."

"I’m sorry Connor but you’re going to have to. We leave after the wedding."

Connor looked at his friend and partner. "You’ve got to be kidding. Bryan you’re leaving me up sh*t’s creek. I can’t do it alone. You gotta give it at least a month. That’s not asking too much."

"It is with Ridge around."

"Look Bry, I know you don’t want to hear this but if he can steal her that easily, she’s not yours."

 

"This is the house I grew up in." Michael told Brooke and Bridget as he pulled into the driveway. "My sister Anne raised us after my parents died. She and her husband lived here until the divorce, now she lives here alone."

"It’s a nice house." Bridget said.

"It’s a typical middle class house, I want to move her somewhere nicer but she won’t leave. She says this is home." Michael explained.

"You sound like you’re apologizing Michael, it’s a lovely home." Brooke said.

"I worked hard to better myself, I want Annie’s life to be better too."

"Well it doesn’t look like she has a terrible life Michael." Brooke said. "Come on, I can’t wait to meet her." She leaned over and kissed him. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her again.

"I love you so much Brooke. Thank you." He kissed her again.

"Thank you for what?" She asked.

"For marrying me, for changing my life, for giving me more than I ever hoped of having." He kissed her again. "Let’s go!" He said with a smile.

They all got out of the car and walked to the door. Michael rang the bell. A few moments later an attractive woman opened the door.

"Mike!" She shouted as she put her arms around him and kissed him. "Look at you! You look so, so happy."

"I am Annie, more than I’ve ever been. This is my wife Brooke and this is Bridget."

"Hi." Bridget said shyly.

"Come on in." Anne said. She linked arms with Brooke and led them inside.

"What a lovely home." Brooke said sincerely. They walked into a living room. It was homey with two large couches, a working fireplace, huge bookshelves and photos all over the walls.

"I like it. Mike keeps trying to get me to move but this is where I’m happy." She looked at the threesome. "I can’t believe my eyes. This is my playboy brother, he’s a regular family man now."

"I guess I am." He said with a laugh. "But I’m still a little wild Annie."

"I bet you are." She said. "Now what can I get you folks to drink?"

"Got any beer?" Michael asked.

"I sure do. Brooke?"

"Whatever you’re having."

"I’m having white wine." Anne told her.

"Sounds great."

"Bridget how about you? I have soda, juice, iced cappuccino."

"A coke is fine." She said.

"Good, I’ll be right back."

"Can I help you?" Michael asked.

"Oh my God Brooke, you have changed him." She laughed. "I won’t pass up this opportunity. Come on Mike, you can bring in the snacks."

She led him into the kitchen.

"She’s nice." Bridget said.

"I think so too." Brooke agreed. "Oh Bridget, this has been some day hasn’t it?"

"Yeah Mom. And just think, maybe soon you two will be having a baby too."

"I know." She giggled. "Won’t we be some family then."

 

 

"Blake, she left Forrester and she’s right here." Joe said pointing on the map.

"This really works well. I had no idea we could pinpoint her exact position in the car."

"I told you it would work. I think she may be shopping."

"She was very upset when she left." Blake said. "I think it’s time. You keep monitoring. Call my cell if she makes a move."

"Are you going to go see her?"

"It’s time." Blake said. He grabbed his phone and keys and walked out.

 

"Mom! Dad!" Felicia Forrester shouted as she walked into the Forrester mansion. "Is anyone home?"

"Felicia." Helen said as she walked into the room. "You’re home!"

"Hello Helen. It’s good to see you again. Are my parents here?"

"They haven’t left the office yet. We weren’t expecting you."

"I know. I surprised myself. I came to town for an appointment and I decided to come and visit."

"You’re staying for a couple of days aren’t you?" Helen asked.

"No. I was only planning on staying overnight."

"What about the wedding?"

"Wedding?" Felicia asked. "Who’s getting married?"

"Oh, it’s so sad. Taylor is getting married. She and Ridge are all over. We hoped that they would fix things up but it didn’t happen."

"Taylor is marrying someone else?" She asked. "I wonder why no one told me about it. Well it isn’t like Ridge could get out of Morgan’s clutches anyway is it?"

"We hoped. She’s no good for him."

"My Dad seems to like her. I don’t really remember her. They’re staying at the guest house right?"

"Yes, but Felicia, poor Ridge has been in a foul mood since Taylor decided to stay with Bryan."

"Maybe I should go see them. I could always cheer him up." She looked around at the house. "It’s still the same isn’t it? Strange, it just doesn’t feel like home to me anymore. I’m going to go over to see Ridge. Tell Mom and Dad I’m here won’t you Helen?"

"Of course Felicia, it’s good to have you back."

 

"What are you doing Taylor? Why are you doing this? You’re messing up everyone’s lives and you aren’t even sure." Taylor muttered to herself as she walked down the street. "Ridge is right, you can’t take his children away. But what about Bryan? Of God, why can’t someone help me?" She asked herself as the tears ran down her face. She continued walking without looking at anything or anyone. Suddenly she walked straight into someone.

"Oh excuse me." She said as she looked up at the man. "Blake?"
"Taylor? My God Taylor, I never expected to see you."

"Blake? What are you doing here?"

"In LA? I’m here on business. I was just doing a little shopping. Taylor, what’s wrong? You’ve been crying."

"I can’t go into it." She said.

"And why not? Come on darling. We’re friends aren’t we? Let me buy you a drink and we’ll talk."

"Oh yes." She said as she fell into his arms crying. "I really need a friend right now."

 

Michael had taken Brooke aside and was giving her a tour of the house. They stepped into a bedroom.

"And this?" Brooke asked.

"This was my room. See that bed?"

"Yeah."

"I lost my virginity on that bed. With one of Annie’s friends. She wanted to teach me everything I needed to know."

"And did she?" Brooke asked with a laugh.

"One month later I taught her a few things."

"Naughty boy." She said.

"You wanna see a naughty boy?" He closed the door and pulled Brooke over to the bed. "This is a naughty boy." He said as he opened her blouse and brought his mouth to her breasts. She moaned as he lightly bit her nipple. She then gasped in shock as his hand sought her out under her skirt.

"So wet so fast." He whispered. "Oh how I wish. But soon, I promise it will be soon. Let me make you happy now."

"I am happy." She laughed. "We can’t do this in your oh my God." She said as he touched her sensitive center. She found herself opening for him.

"I need to taste you." He said as he moved down the bed. He pulled her skirt higher and slid her panties off.

"Michael, you can’t do the shower thing here."

"Shhh, let me worry about that." He said as his mouth went down on her. She moaned and moved and bit her hand to keep from screaming as he quickly and expertly brought her to the edge. She half opened her eyes to watch him as he moved his fingers inside while manipulating her with his tongue. Suddenly she felt her body start to convulse as waves of intense pleasure spread through her. When it was over he moved up and kissed her. "My beautiful wife, God how I love to watch you come."

"Michael, um I can feel how it’s affecting you."

"And you know what? It doesn’t hurt." He kissed her. "Only a little." He moved off her. "You go down and talk to Annie while I get myself together. I won’t be long."

"I can’t believe we just did this." She giggled.

"As long as you were happy."

"I am happy." She said with a kiss. She got up and walked down the stairs, somewhat worried that her grin would be a dead giveaway.

 

"I can’t believe of all the people in the world I would run into you." Taylor told Blake. They were sitting in a booth in a dimly lit bar.

"I’m just glad I could be there for you. You’ve always been the one who was there for me. It’s only fair. So tell me Taylor. What is it that has you so upset?"
"I don’t know if you’re aware of it but Ridge and I are divorced."

"I had heard. Something about he and another woman?"
"Yes."

"Was it Brooke?"

"No," She told him. "An old girlfriend of his came to town and started work at Forrester. She still wanted Ridge, but we didn’t know that, that is I didn’t know that. They worked together and she and I became close friends."

"And she betrayed you? Oh my poor Taylor."

"She wanted a baby, she wanted one badly. What I didn’t know was that it was Ridge’s baby she wanted."

"And they had an affair?" He asked her.

"Not exactly. She tricked him. Please don’t make me go into the details but she tricked him into fathering her child."

"Taylor come now. How do you trick a man into fathering a child? Certainly he knew he was having sex with her, unprotected sex."

"Yes, but he thought he had my blessing. Anyway when I found out she was pregnant we separated. Part of me knew that we’d get back somehow, we have a family and I never stopped loving him."

"But he chose to stay with her?"

"His father pressured him to give the child his name. I was so angry that I told him it was what I wanted too. Once I realized it wasn’t what I wanted Brooke and I tried to stop him but we were too late."

"Brooke? Why would Brooke try to help you?"

"She’s my friend Blake. My closest friend."

"I think it’s time you assessed your um, shall I say ways of choosing friends."

"No, Brooke and I have come a long way. She is very supportive and she’s remarried now to a wonderful man. No Brooke is not the problem. Morgan was the problem."

"So now Ridge is married to Morgan? And you? What did you do?"

"I married Bryan Jackson."

"Bryan Jackson? Now how does he fit into all of this? I thought he was in New York."

"He was, but he came to work with Connor Davis and we got back together. In the beginning it was so wonderful and so romantic. I truly wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. But then I realized that I still loved Ridge."

"Now wait a minute, you said you married Bryan Jackson. You’re married? I thought."

"You thought what?" She asked.

"I heard a rumor that you were getting married."

"Oh, well yes, we are having a formal wedding for our friends and family, but we’re already married."

"Will you excuse me for a moment dear?" He asked.

"Oh course." She said. Blake got up and walked into the men’s room. Once inside he slammed his fist against the mirror shattering it.

"Married? You are already married? How could you do this? How could I not know this? Damn it to hell Taylor! How are we going to fix this now?"

He looked into the remaining pieces of glass in the mirror and regained his composure. He splashed water on his face and calmly walked back to Taylor.

 

"What’s that?" Michael asked as he rejoined the group in the living room.

"I’m showing Brooke and Bridget the photo album." Anne said.

"Michael, you never told me you were in a rock band." Brooke laughed.

"It was a high school thing. I think all guys were into that then."

"You looked so cute. And you sang too." She said.

"If you call what I did singing." He laughed and looked at his sister. "I’m gonna get you for this."

"Oh Mike, they’re loving these pictures." Anne told him. "Look at this one girls, he and his brother when they were little boys playing Cops and Robbers."

"Yeah, even then Joey had to be the bad guy." Michael said.

They all turned to the door when the bell rang.

"Now who could that be?" Anne said.

"It’s probably Rick and Amber, Brooke’s son and his girlfriend." Michael volunteered.

Anne went to the door and returned with them.

"Hi Mom." Rick said.

"Hi Mrs. Copeland, Bridget, Mike." Amber said with a smile. "Thank you so much for inviting me."

"It was all Michael’s doing." Brooke said.

"Well you all sit down and look at the pictures while I get dinner out." Anne said as she went into the kitchen.

 

"So after St. Thomas you changed your mind again?" Blake asked Taylor.

"I didn’t change my mind, not about my feelings, but Blake I owe it to Bryan to try and make our marriage work."

"You shouldn’t be married to anyone right now Taylor, you have no idea what it is you really want."

She looked at him and then looked down. "You know what Blake? I think you’re right. But it’s a little too late for that right now. Bryan is my husband and I want to honor my vows."

"So you’re having this celebration on Saturday? And you still love another man?"

"That’s not the worst part." She said as she started to cry. Blake moved around the booth and took her into his arms. She pulled herself close and wept on his shoulder.

"It’s alright Taylor, I’m here for you. I’ll help you. I promise."

"Oh Blake, I wish you could. But, but Bryan wants to move to New York, I really don’t want to but I told him I would, I think it’s the only way we can make the marriage work. But I still love him so much."

"Bryan?"

"No, Ridge. And he’s furious with me. He swears that he won’t let me take the children away from him. I don’t think I can either."

"I think it would be a huge mistake for you to leave right now Taylor. You need some stability in your life, even if it is just a home and friends. My advice is for you to tell Bryan no. That you won’t leave."

"I know you’re right Blake, but he’ll be so upset. What if he leaves me?"

"Do you really think he would? I’d never leave you if you were mine."

"You’re so sweet." She said with a kiss. "I’m so glad I saw you tonight, you don’t know how much this is doing for me."

"I’ll do anything in the world that I can to help you Taylor."

"How long will you be in town?" She asked.

"It was only supposed to be a week, but I’m my own man. I’ll stay as long as you need me."

"Thank you." She reached for a tissue and dabbed her eyes. "Blake? Will you come to the wedding? I know it’s last minute but I’d really like you there."

"It would be my pleasure." He said with a smile.

 

"Everything was delicious Annie." Michael said pulling his chair back from the table.

"I’ll second that." Brooke smiled. "I can’t believe you did all that on short notice."

"It was nothing." Anne smiled. "Now let me put the coffee on and we can sit in the living room and talk."

Rick got up and helped Amber out of her chair and escorted her into the living room.

"They’re a cute couple." Anne said.

"Well, maybe they look good together." Brooke said.

"Sweetheart, he really likes her. I think you ought to try and give her a chance. People do change, I’m living proof."

She rolled her eyes and got up. "Let me help you clear the table."

"Thanks." Anne said.

"Come on Budge, let’s go look at those pictures again." Michael said to his stepdaughter. They got up and joined Rick and Amber.

"It’s amazing." Anne said to Brooke. "He’s a totally different man."

"Really? He seems to be the same man I fell in love with." Brooke smiled.

"So tell me, how did it happen? I love a good love story."

"Michael was my surgeon." Brooke said.

"Oh? What did he do on you?" Anne asked. "You look so natural."

Brooke looked at her and laughed. "Oh, no. It’s not what you’re thinking. I was in an accident and he took care of some scaring. Anyway at the time I had just gotten engaged." Her mind started to wander as she thought about the incident with Connor.

"And?" Anne asked.

"Oh, right. Well I was attracted to Michael, but I had no intentions of acting on it. But you know how he can be. I was having a hard day at work and he happened to call me. He asked me to go for a sail."

"He has a lovely boat."

"Well we went out and I found myself more and more attracted to him." Brooke confessed. "I’ve never been one for a one night stand but I couldn’t stop myself. We spent the day making love. It was so intense Anne."

"You felt guilty though didn’t you?"

"I felt terrible about it but I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I swore to myself that it was over and that I was marrying Connor and then I ended up at Michael’s house one night. Well it happened all over again. We just couldn’t seem to stop it. Then one day he asked me to go flying with him. We ended up in Vegas and we just got married. We both knew it was right. And here we are. Oh Anne I love him so much."

"And he loves you, I can tell. And your family too. You know Michael has never had much patience for children."

"He does now." She blushed.

"You? You and Michael?" Anne asked.

"Not yet but we plan on it." Brooke said. "As soon as we can that is."

"Can?" Anne asked.

Brooke realized that Anne wasn’t aware of Michael’s situation she quickly tried to cover it. "Well I’m a CEO at Forrester and things were hectic with our showing. Now that it’s back to normal we think the time is right. You can understand that can’t you?"

"Sure I can. I’m a Vice President at the local bank. I know how responsibilities can get in the way, but don’t let them consume you. I want to be an aunt."

"You will be, in fact a lot sooner than you think. Michael and I are planning on adopting a little boy, one of Michael’s patients."

Anne looked over at Michael and how he was laughing and getting along with Brooke’s children. "Brooke, you have given him the one thing he’s needed for so long and I thank you." She hugged her new sister-in-law.

 

"That’s right, I need to get there and back before Saturday. It’s imperative that the timing is right. So much depends on it." Jonathan said. "Good, wonderful. Thank you." He hung up the phone. "I’ll give it my best Ridge, that’s all I can promise."

 

 

Ridge walked into the guest cottage and poured himself a drink. He gulped it down and poured another.

"What’s the matter?" Morgan asked.

"Nothing." He said as he gulped the drink.

"I can tell something is wrong. You can talk to me."

"Taylor, she’d taking my children to New York, she’s moving my family away. I don’t know how to stop her Morgan, I just don’t know how." He walked to the bar and poured another drink. "I’m losing everything, everything I care about is being taken away from me and I can’t stop it." He looked at her with anger. "And it’s all your fault."

Changes Part 86

 

 

"Felicia I wish you would think about this." Stephanie said to her daughter.

"What’s there to think about? You’re going, so am I. I want to be there for Taylor."

"But your brother will be upset. Think about him."

"And he won’t be upset about you mother?" She asked. "You aren’t making sense. I’ll talk to Ridge and I’m sure he’ll say to go. I just wish he were at home when I went over the other day. I’m sure we would have straightened this all out then."

"Well you didn’t and I really think he’d want you to stay away. Besides won’t you feel funny seeing Jack Hamilton?"

"Now why should I feel funny? Zack and I are still friends. Just because we broke up doesn’t mean I don’t want to see his father. And before you say it, I’m fine if Zack shows up too."

"Felicia please, I think this is a bad idea." Stephanie persisted.

"If Ridge doesn’t mind you going he won’t mind me going Mother. You are acting so strangely."

"Well you have nothing to wear to a wedding."

"Well I’m sure Dad can find something at Forrester. In fact I’m heading there now."

"Felicia I really don’t think."

"Mother, I’m going." She said. She grabbed her purse and walked out the door.

"She can’t go. She can’t see that man again. I have to stop her." Stephanie said to herself.

 

"Let’s see." Brooke said to Taylor as the manicurist finished her nails. Taylor held them up. She had a frosty French Manicure. "Beautiful." Brooke smiled. "I can’t believe the wedding is tomorrow. Are you nervous?"

"A little, not about the wedding but about after."

"New York." Brooke said sadly. "You know I tried to talk to Ridge but he wouldn’t say a word. He’s been totally impossible all week. He won’t even talk to Bridget and you know how much he loves her."

"He’ll come around. He’s angry with me. He won’t take it out on her once I’m gone. Now you? That’s another matter. He probably sees you as my partner in crime."

"I tried to tell him I didn’t want you to leave either." She said. "But you know how he is."

"Brooke, he’s going to need you after I leave. He’ll need all his friends and family. I hope you’ll be there for him."

"I will, I promise. Oh God Taylor, why does it have to be like this?"

"I wish it didn’t but it’s what Bryan wants and I want to make him happy."

"I’m starting to get very mad at Bryan." Brooke told her.

"Don’t blame him Brooke, please."

"I don’t really, I understand, I just wish you didn’t feel it was necessary. How is your Dad about this?"

"We asked him to come with us but he has his life here. I guess I’m going to be missing him too." She wiped a tear from her eye.

"Let’s change the subject. After all, your wedding day should be happy."

"It will. I have to pick up my gown." Taylor said.

"You aren’t wearing Ridge’s gown?"

"I told you I wasn’t. It’s inappropriate. Bryan would look at me and think of what I did to him. No, it’s best that I wear something that has nothing to do with Forrester."

"You looked beautiful in it though." Brooke said.

"It was the most beautiful gown I have ever seen. But it wasn’t the right one to marry Bryan in. The new one is pretty. It’s Vera Wang."

"I’m sure it’s nice." Brooke sighed.

"So did you tell Michael about Connor?"

"What about him?" Brooke asked.

"The kiss."

"It didn’t mean anything. It’s over and forgotten. I don’t want to upset him over that. Believe me Michael and I are stronger than ever."

"And has the doctor given him the okay yet?" Taylor asked with a smile.

"No, and it’s getting terribly frustrating. He is so wonderful to me. He makes sure I’m happy but it kills me to see his face like that."

"Well I don’t need details." Taylor laughed.

"No, no details. It’s just hard. I mean difficult. Well it is hard." Brooke laughed.

"You are so bad." Taylor said.

"I know." She giggled. "But soon it will be over, I hope."

"Are you going to feel funny standing up there with Connor?"

"Of course not. We’re friends Taylor, it’s not like I slept with him. I let him kiss me, I know I shouldn’t have but I was shocked when it happened. No, really there’s no problem at all."

"Good. I want things to be as smooth as possible. Though I doubt that will happen. We have some strange combinations of people coming."

"Such as?"

"Well Macy is coming with Thorne and Grant is coming with Lauren and you know that Macy and Grant want to be together."

"That’s true. Who else?"

"Morgan responded with a yes for her and Ridge but I know Ridge isn’t coming. Do you think she’ll show?"

"It would be just like her wouldn’t it?"

"And Brooke, you’ll never believe who’s in town."

"Who?"

"Blake, and he’s coming too."

"Blake Hayes is coming to your wedding? Now how did that happen?"

"I ran into him when I was upset. We had a drink and a long talk. Oh Brooke he’s doing so well. His anger is gone and he was so supportive. I only wish that it had happened sooner."

"And you invited him?"

"Yes. You think I shouldn’t have?"

"Well didn’t you tell me that he was the one who caused your first breakup with Bryan?"

"That was so long ago, and he’s so different now. I think even Bryan will like him now."

"I suppose Bryan would like anyone as long as it isn’t Ridge."

"You can say that again." Taylor sighed. "Oh Ridge, I’m going to miss him so much."

"Taylor. Maybe you should think about this whole thing. Maybe you need more time before you leave."

"No, it’s for the best Brooke. It is."

 

"Hello darling." Eric said to Felicia as she entered his office. "What can I do for you?"

"A hug would be nice." She said. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her.

"That was easy." He said with a smile.

"Well the next one may not be. Dad, I need a dress, something to wear to Taylor’s wedding tomorrow."

"You’re going?" He asked.

"Not you too."

"What do you mean?"

"Mother is in arms about it. She thinks I’m not being supportive of Ridge if I go, but you two are going. And I plan on telling Ridge beforehand."

"I don’t see why you shouldn’t go. I’m just surprised. I didn’t think you and Taylor were that close."

"We aren’t but still."

"Then you go. And I think I can fix you up with something that will make you the star of the affair."

"Well not that great Dad, it is Taylor’s day." She laughed.

"So it is."

 

"Ridge?" Rick said as he knocked on his open office door.

"What is it Rick?" He asked.

"Can I come in?"

"You already are."

Rick walked in and sat down in a chair facing Ridge’s desk. "How are you doing?"

"Did your mother send you? I told her I’m fine and I meant it."

"Mom didn’t send me. I came on my own. I was just worried about you. You never come around anymore. You always have your door closed. And when I do see you, well you look so sad."

"I am sad Rick. But you don’t need to worry about that now do you?"

"Are you coming tomorrow?" Rick asked.

"No Rick, why would you think I would?"

"I don’t know, maybe to show Taylor your support. She cares about your opinion."

"Obviously not enough." He said. The phone rang. "Excuse me Rick. Hello?"

"Ridge, it’s Jonathan."

"Anything Jonathan?"

"No, not yet."

"For God’s sake it can’t be that hard to get a court order keeping my children home."

"Ridge, you signed giving her full custody."

"It was to make it easier for her, that and so Morgan had no rights with the children. I see now that was a huge mistake."

"And one not easy to remedy."

"We only have today. The wedding is tomorrow and they leave Sunday. You have to do this Jonathan."

"I’m working on something else Ridge."

"What? What could possibly be more important than this?"

"Have faith in me Ridge, I won’t let you down. And even if it isn’t in time we will get a court order. Taylor won’t stay in New York against an order."

"Bryan would and he’s a lawyer too Jonathan. I’m sure he’s looking at all the angles. No, you have to do it today or tomorrow at the latest. I can’t lose them all, I just can’t."

"I’ll get back to you." Jonathan said hanging up.

Ridge looked at Rick. "Not a word of this to your Mother, she’ll go running to Taylor and it will all be over then."

"Not a word." Rick agreed.

 

"Hi." Macy said as she walked into Morgan’s office where Grant was working.

"Hello yourself." He said with a grin. He walked over to her and put his arms around her. "I’ve missed you."

"Not so much that you didn’t call." She said.

"How can I call? You live with your husband. That makes it a bit uncomfortable." He told her with a sad look. "So how is that going?"

"It’s not. I moved out of the bedroom and I want to move out all together but you seem to be making that hard for me."

"Macy you have to do it for yourself, not for me or even for us. I’ve told you a million times I can’t promise you the future. You have a marriage right now. Maybe you should try and work it out."

"No." She said adamantly. "My life is with you, you are my husband."

"Alright, then maybe it’s time you left him. But not to move in with me. I’m really not ready for that yet."

"Is it Lauren?" She asked.

"No, it’s not Lauren. It’s everything Macy. You know I’m not the same person."

"I wish you weren’t taking her to the wedding."

"I’ll save a dance for you."

"Just one?"

"As many as you need."

"I need them all."

"Not that many." He laughed. "I have to dance with Lauren. And I do want to get one in with the bride too."

"That one is okay." She grinned. "Not Brooke though."

"That’s not fair. She’s my friend."

"If you have to." She said. She walked over to the door and closed it. "We need some privacy."

"Not the right time Macy, I’m expecting some models in here any minute."

"You’re kidding right?"

"Sorry. This is a place of business."

"Grant!" Macy said expressing her outrage.

"Well it is Macy. We can have our time together somewhere else. I’m not going anywhere."

"I suppose."

"Don’t be so disappointed. I promise we’ll spend time together soon."

 

Michael walked into Jason’s room and watched the little boy sleep. A smile crossed his face and he pulled a chair to his bedside and sat down. He was there for about fifteen minutes when a young attractive nurse walked in.

"Dr. Copeland, I didn’t know you were in here. Is anything wrong?"

"No. I just wanted to see him. I checked his chart. He’s doing really well isn’t he?"

"He sure is. I just wish they could find his family. I hate to think of that sweet boy being put into some kind of a home."

"He won’t be." Michael told her.

"Have they found someone?"

"Yeah." He said. "Me."

"You?"
"My wife and I are making arrangements to foster him. Of course they will still try to find his family but if they can’t we want to adopt him."

"Dr. Copeland, I’m really surprised."

"Why’s that Nancy?" He asked.

"Well it wasn’t that long ago when you made it your mission to try to get me into bed every time you saw me and now you’re talking about adopting a little boy."

"People do change. But if I wasn’t happily married I think I’d still be trying." He said with a wink.

"Now that’s the Dr. Copeland that I know." She laughed. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Will do Nanc, but let me know if Janet Wells comes in. She’s supposed to be bringing me some paperwork about Jason."

"Alright Doctor." She said. She smiled at him and walked out.

 

Amanda Patterson sat down in Dr. Ehlers office. She nervously crossed and then uncrossed her legs.

"Amanda we are counting on you. You have to try and stay focused. You can’t be so nervous." Keith Ehlers told her.

"Well it makes me nervous. Mike was very mad at me the last time he saw me. I don’t know if this is going to work."

"It will work. You know what kind of a man he is. And you promised to help us."

"But he isn’t a bad guy. I’m not sure if I really want to do this."

"Didn’t you tell us he let you down? Didn’t you say that he made all kinds of promises to you?"

"Yes, but lot’s of guys do that." She said. "They want me for my body but they don’t care about the rest of me."

"We need you to get him to respond to you. That’s all. Then you tell your story and your job is over."

"I guess I can do it. When am I supposed to do it anyway? I have an audition today."

"Not today Amanda, we need things set up. Next week. I’ll call you. Or Debra Fulton will."

"Did he really do that to Mrs. Fulton’s daughter?" She asked.

"Yes, and I’m afraid he might have done it to Brooke Logan’s daughter too. He’s a dangerous man and we have to stop him. You have the power to do it Amanda."

"I’ll help you. Any man that takes advantage of children like that deserves whatever he gets."

"Do you think Ridge Forrester will show up?" Karen’s assistant Julie asked her.

"I don’t think so Julie. Like I said the other day, too much has happened between them. But I wish he would be there. I’d like the chance to talk to him, but that will happen soon enough."

"I wish I was going, this should be some wedding."

"Well I only have the invitation for two and I need a photographer. But I promise to tell you all the dirt, even the stuff I don’t write about."

"Do you think you’re old friends will be happy to see you or will they treat you like the press?"

"That I’m not so sure about. I left with a lot of hard feelings. Connor and I, Brooke and I, even Thorne and I. But maybe enough time has passed."

"One of the other publications said that she is wearing one of Ridge’s designs."

"The one from the fashion show." Karen said. "I know that was the plan, but I would think her new husband wouldn’t like that very much. What really intrigues me is that Brooke Logan is her Matron of Honor. I have to get the low down on how that happened. Those two were the bitterest enemies. But now neither one of them is with Ridge."

"I know. You know we never did get a picture of the man Brooke Logan married."

"We will tomorrow." Karen smiled. "I’m curious about that too. I want to see the man who finally made her forget all about Ridge Forrester."

"Poor Ridge Forrester, both the women that he had dangling for years have moved on."

"Yeah, poor Ridge. I bet he will be needing a friend soon." She laughed. "And I intend to be just that friend."

 

"Eric what are we going to do about Ridge?" Stephanie said as she paced back and forth in his office. "I was so sure we could stop this insane wedding. What are we going to do?"

"We aren’t going to do anything. Ridge is married to Morgan, they’re having a child any day now. Taylor is with Bryan and that’s the end of it. Yes, I understand that tomorrow will be difficult for him but it really doesn’t change anything, she already is Bryan’s wife."

"But he was so sure that they were getting back together. Eric he loves he so. Maybe we shouldn’t go to the wedding. It might not be fair to Ridge."

"We’ve promised Taylor and we love her too. Ridge understands."

"Well at least we have to convince Felicia not to go."

"Now why should we do that? She may have a good time. I’m sure there will be some nice single men there, God knows it’s been a long time since she had a serious relationship."

"Longer than you even know Eric."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh nothing,"

"I worry about her, she’s a beautiful sensitive girl with so much to give. Yet every time she starts to get close to someone she breaks it off. I don’t know about you but I certainly would like to see her get married and raise a family."

Stephanie looked at him and turned away.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"No. I just don’t think those things are that important to Felicia, she’s much more career oriented." Stephanie explained. "I think this wedding may depress her though. She wants to be happy romantically but it never seems to work out. Please Eric, she listens to you. See if you can get her to stay home tomorrow."

"I don’t understand why this is so important to you but alright, I’ll suggest she stays with Ridge. He will need the support after all."

"Yes, that’s a wonderful idea."

 

Lauren Fenmore sat in her bubble bath at the Beverly Hills Hotel as she called Grant Chambers.

"Hello." Grant said.

"Well hello there." Lauren purred. "I’m back in town and ready for our big date tomorrow. I was wondering if you’d like to start with some dinner tonight."

"I’d like that." He said. "I’d like that very much."

"Good. I’m at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Meet me in the lobby in an hour, bring your tux."

"My tux? Are we going formal?"

"No silly, you’re spending the night. I want you to be ready for tomorrow."

"I’m not so sure that’s a good idea Lauren, I am involved with Macy."

"And she’s still living with her husband. Sorry Grant but I’m not taking no for an answer."

He laughed and looked around the office. "Well I have nothing else pressing for today. "I’ll go back to Brooke’s and get my stuff and meet you at your hotel."

"Now that’s a good boy." She said.

 

Taylor walked into the beach house and was greeted by the scent of flowers. There were bouquets everywhere she looked. She started to laugh as Bryan walked into the room to greet her.

"Hi." He said.

"Hi."

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" He asked.

"I hope so." She said. "There’s so much to do. And now I guess we should pack."

"Not now, we’re going to go out to dinner."

"I don’t really think we have time Bryan. We have so much to take care of."

"This isn’t supposed to be work, it’s supposed to be fun and special. Now I made reservations and we are going."

"Alright." She said. "What about the children? Katherine has plans for tonight."

"She changed them. She’s staying."

"Can I go like this?" She asked.

"You look beautiful." He said. He walked up to her and kissed her. "But then you always do."

"Bryan, I think we need to talk."

"We can talk at dinner."

"I think we should talk first." She said.

"Give me this much Taylor, please."

"Alright." She said. "Are you ready to go now?"

"If you are."

"Why does this feel so awkward?" She asked. "We’ve never been like this before."

"I know." He agreed. "That’s why we need this night together."

He took her arm and led her out to the car. They drove in silence to the restaurant. When they got there Bryan gave the car to the valet and escorted Taylor inside.

"I’ve never been here before." She said.

"Connor recommended it. I hope you’ll like it." He said. They walked up to the Maitre De and Bryan gave his name. They were led to a private candlelit table.

"This feels more like a first date then the day before our wedding." Taylor told him. "I feel so strange. But I guess everything is going to be so different from now on."

"You aren’t happy are you?" He asked her.

"I love you." She said.

"That’s not what I asked though. I know you love me but you aren’t happy."

"I’m trying Bryan. It’s just so many changes. I’m not sure I’m ready for all of them."

He took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Taylor I love you and I haven’t been fair to you. I’ve only been thinking of myself. I’ve been so insecure and that isn’t like me. Frankly I’m ashamed of myself."

"For what?" She asked.

"For asking you to leave everything you know and love just to make me feel better. I was wrong and I admit it. I didn’t see it until I talked to Connor."

"What are you saying?" She asked as her eyes welled with tears.

"You were so wonderful to agree to leave, and that’s all I need. Baby I am not taking you anywhere. This is your home, your family is here. I was so wrong to try and drag you across the country like that. Now I need to know if you can forgive me for being so selfish."

"We, we don’t have to leave?" She asked.

"No Taylor, we don’t. I need to believe in your love and trust that. And I do. I really do."

"Oh Bryan." She said. "Thank you."

"Now I am going to say something that is really going to surprise you." He said with a smile.

"What?" She smiled back.

He handed her his cell phone. "Call Ridge and tell him, he must be besides himself. Tell him his children aren’t going anywhere."

"I love you." She said. She jumped from her chair and hugged him and kissed him. "I really do love you."

She went back to her seat and called Ridge at home.

"Hello." Morgan answered.

"Morgan, it’s Taylor, is Ridge there?"

"No Taylor, he isn’t home yet. What do you want?"

"I’d like to talk to Ridge." She said. "I’ll try him at the office."

"Shouldn’t you be concentrating on your wedding tomorrow?"

"Well you just let me worry about that why don’t you." Taylor said, hanging up the phone. She looked at Bryan. "He’s not at home, I’ll try Forrester."

"Okay honey." He smiled.

She called his office number but it rang and rang. "He’s not there either." She said. "Maybe Brooke knows where he is."

"Wasn’t she with you all day?"

"Oh, yeah." She said. "Well I can tell him tomorrow." She handed him back his phone. "Now I’m really excited about tomorrow." She smiled.

"I can tell, I’m really sorry I put you through that. I really didn’t realize how much I was asking of you."

"Well it’s done now and we can put it past us. We can put a lot past us right?"

"Right." He said. They held hands and gazed into each other’s eyes and the love that they had felt so strongly began to return to both of them.

 

"Wake up sweetheart." Michael said as he held a strong cup of coffee near Brooke’s face. "Time to get ready for the wedding."

"What time is it?" She moaned as she opened her eyes.

"Eight fifteen, you really need to get a move on."

She sat up and he handed her the coffee. "Thanks honey." She said after she took a sip. "Do I get a kiss too?"

"As many as you want."

"I wish I could stay for that many." She smiled as she opened her arms to him. He hugged her and kissed her tenderly. "One more." She said.

"You got it." He took the coffee cup from her hand and put it on the nightstand and then pulled her tightly into his embrace and kissed her thoroughly.

"Ahhhh, that’s what I needed." She said. He laughed and gave her back the cup.

"I have my tux in the car. I’m going to see Jason and then I’ll see you at the church. The limo will be here for you in about an hour. Rick and Amber are taking Bridget and her date. Grant stayed with Lauren last night so we are all set."

"Amber? Don’t tell me Rick is taking Amber."

"Okay." He teased. "I didn’t tell you."

"Stop it." She laughed. "Did Bridget tell you who her date was?"

"Some kid named Paul. But she did promise me a dance."

"I thought I got all of them."

"Most of them." He said with a quick kiss. "But I really gotta book hon, I really need to see Jason."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"Not until it’s definite. I don’t want to do anything to hurt him."

"Well why wouldn’t it be? There’s no reason to say no to us."

"Not you but I have a rep as a well, not a responsible person."

"Don’t be silly, you’re one of the most responsible people I know."

"That’s cause you know people in the fashion industry." He laughed.

"Oh stop it." She said.

"I love you honey but I think you see way too much in me."

"I see the man that you are, that’s all. Now give me one more kiss and get out of here."

He happily complied.

 

"Bryan you better get over to Connor’s, you know it’s bad luck to see me in my wedding gown." Taylor told him from behind the closed bedroom door.

"But I’ve already seen you in your wedding gown and I think we made it past all the bad things possible."

"Just go. I’m serious." She laughed. "Anyway Brooke should be here any minute and we’ll be very busy."

"What about the kids?" He asked.

"My dad is coming for them. He’ll take them to the church now scoot!"

"Yes ma’am." He said. "I love you Taylor."

"I love you too." She said. She listened for the front door to open and close before she came out of the bedroom. She walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. She picked up her photo album and started to look through it. She held back her tears as she looked at a picture of Ridge with the children. "At least you won’t lose your children my darling." She said. "I should call you." She reached for her phone and called the guest cottage.

"Hello." A woman answered.

"Morgan?" Taylor said, not recognizing the voice.

"No, she isn’t home. This is Felicia."

"Felicia, it’s Taylor."

"Hello Taylor. How are you?"

"I’m fine, I had no idea you were in town. Is Ridge home?"

"I don’t think it’s a good idea Taylor, he’s pretty upset."

"Please, it’s really important."

"Not today." Felicia said as she gently hung up the phone.

"I have to tell you Ridge." Taylor said to herself.

 

The usher escorted Adrienne down the aisle and was ready to seat her when she pointed to the seat next to Michael. He walked her there and she sat down.

"Hi lover." She said with a kiss. "Long time no see."

"Hi Ade." He smiled at her. "You look beautiful."

"So do you." She smiled and put her hand on his lap. "How are the jewels?" He took her hand and moved it off.

"Coming along fine." He laughed. "You never change do you?"

"Would you love me if I did?"

"Ade," He said gesturing to the young girl beside him. "This is Bridget, my step-daughter and her friend Paul, and this is Adrienne, my ex-wife."

"Hello kids." Adrienne said.

"Hello." Bridget said suspiciously. "Why are you here?"

"She gets right to the point. I’m here with Connor."

"We traded partners." Michael said with a laugh, "Poor Connor, I got the good end of that deal."

Bridget looked at him and laughed. "Where did Rick and Amber go?" She asked him.

"For a walk. Amber feels nervous. Some of the people here don’t like her that much."

"I know the feeling." Adrienne said. Michael took her hand and squeezed it.

"Where’s your wife?" Adrienne asked.

"She’s in the wedding, you’ll see her soon."

"Shhhh." Bridget said as the organ started the wedding march.

 

Everyone stood and turned to see Thomas escorting his two little sisters down the aisle. The girls threw flower petals by the handfuls first at the guests and then at each other with Thomas trying to stop them. The crowd laughed softly at the display until Brooke came down the aisle. She was a vision in her lavender dress with the wild flowers in her hair. When she got to Michael she gave him a huge smile and then a look as Adrienne put her hand on his knee. He shrugged at her and grinned. Then the church fell silent as Jack and Taylor started down the aisle. Taylor was beautiful in the form-fitting Vera Wang dress as she walked down the aisle. Her eyes were welled with tears and a smile was glued on her face. Jack led her to Bryan and kissed her as he handed her off. She smiled at her husband and handed her bouquet to Brooke. The bride and groom looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

 

In the back of the church Ridge and Felicia watched. Felicia held tightly to her brother’s hand as a tear dripped down his cheek. She smiled at him and wiped it away.

"We can leave." She whispered.

"No. I need to see this." He said. "I need to know it’s really over."

"Dearly beloved." The minister began.

"No!" Came a piercing scream from the little boy standing near his mother. "Not my Daddy! I want my Daddy!" He ran to Taylor and Bryan and tugged at his mother. "I want my Daddy!"

"Thomas." Taylor said softly, "Honey stop."

He looked at Bryan and with all the strength in him kicked him in the shin.

"Ouch." Bryan said jumping away.

Suddenly both girls started to scream and cry too with Thomas leading the pack in screaming for his father.

"Oh dear." Taylor said. "Bryan I’m sorry."

"Daddy!" Thomas screamed.

 

"Do something Ridge." Felicia said to her brother. "Go get your son."

Ridge stood up and in a deep voice called to him. "Thomas, come here, Daddy’s right here."

 

Thomas and the rest of the congregation turned at Ridge’s voice. Thomas ran back up the aisle and jumped into his father’s arms.

 

"Holy sh*t." Michael said to Bridget and Adrienne.

 

"Oh my God that’s Felicia." Brooke said to a confused Connor.

 

"Ridge." Taylor said as she watched them.

"Go tell him." Bryan said. "Go on."

Taylor looked at him and then walked to Thomas and Ridge as the congregation looked on in shock.

 

"Doc, I’m sorry. I didn’t think he saw me."

"He didn’t." She said. "He just wanted you."

"We made a mess of your wedding." Ridge said as he kissed his son.

"It’s all right. I’ve been trying to talk to you since yesterday. Ridge, we aren’t moving, we’re staying right here."

He looked at her and pulled her into his arms. He tightly held his former wife and his son and for all the world they appeared to be the happy family.

"What’s going on?" Taylor asked as she let go of him and watched the people leaving the church. "Where is everyone going?"

"I have no idea Doc."

"Watch him." She said as she ran up to Bryan. "Bryan, what’s happening?"

"I cancelled the ceremony. It would have been a joke honey. We can do it tonight in private. I told everyone to head over to the reception. I hope that’s alright."

"But our vows, we never had our vows." She said.

"We can do that later. I know how important it is to you but it was turning into a sideshow."

"Alright." She said sadly. "But this is not exactly what I had planned."

"I think we better ask Ridge to come. Thomas won’t behave if he isn’t there."

"I’m so sorry Bryan. I really am." She said.

"It’s not your fault Taylor. Come on, let’s go have a party okay?"

Changes Part 87

 

 

Brooke looked at Bryan and Taylor and then back to Ridge. She no longer saw Felicia. 'Was I imagining things?' She said to Connor.

'What Brooke?' He asked her.

'Did you see Felicia?'

'No.' He answered. 'Why Brooke? Are you and Felicia on the outs or something? You look really worried.'

'No, it's nothing Connor, it must have been my imagination.'

Taylor and Bryan walked up to them.

'I'm so sorry about what happened.' Taylor said.

'It's not your fault. He's just a little boy and he's so confused.' Brooke said. 'So what's going on now?'

'We're going to go to the reception. The ceremony is beyond repair at this point.' Bryan explained.

'But what about Thomas?' Brooke asked.

'Ridge is coming to the reception to be with him, then he'll bring him home. We have to find a way to work this all out.' Taylor told her.

'But with you moving away.' Brooke said.

'We're not.' Taylor smiled as she took Bryan's hand. 'We're staying right here.'

'Finally some good news.' Connor exclaimed. 'What brought this about?'

'You did buddy.' Bryan said. 'You made sense to me and I knew I was being unreasonable. Taylor and I are going to be fine now. Now that we are where we all belong.' He looked at the crowd leaving. 'The photographer wants us to come with him for some pictures and then we can head to the reception ourselves.'

'Alright.' Brooke said looking at Michael and Adrienne walking out. 'Let's go.'

 

Stephanie Forrester approached her son and grandchildren at the reception hall with determination.

'Where is your sister?' She asked Ridge.

'She went home.' He said. 'I'm not sure if she's coming back or not. I wouldn't be here myself if the kids didn't need me.'

'I know how hard it was for you honey. Maybe you can take the children home.'

'Taylor wants them here.'

'Well it's time that you put your wants before hers Ridge, it's obvious that she has done that herself.'

'Be fair Mother, we both knew she was already his wife. I just can't stand to sit here and try to celebrate it.'

'I don't understand why Morgan came.'

'She wants to make sure she still has her prize.' He said sarcastically as he glanced at his wife talking to Lauren.

'Honey you just leave when you have to. I'll be here for the children if Taylor insists that they stay.'

'Thanks Mother.' He said kissing her on the cheek.

 

'Good, he's alone.' Macy said to Thorne as they walked in.

'Who? As if I don't know.' Thorne replied.

'I've been more than honest with you Thorne, Grant is my husband and he is the man I want to be with.'

'Can you at least try to remember you came here with me today?' He asked her. 'It isn't like you hate me, or do you?'

'Oh course I don't hate you Thorne.' She told him. 'I want to go talk to Grant.' She started towards him at the same time Lauren did. Unfortunately for Macy Lauren got there first. She put her arms around him and kissed him full on the mouth.

'I finally got rid of her. I can't imagine how Ridge can stand to live in the same house with her.'

'I don't know her that well Lauren so I can't comment.'

'Hello Grant, Lauren.' Macy said as she joined them.

'Macy.' Lauren said tightening her grip on Grant. 'You look nice.'

'Thanks.' Macy said. 'I need to talk to Grant.'

'So talk.' Lauren said. 'I'm not stopping you.'

'Alone.' Macy said.

'Oh I see.' Lauren said with a laugh. 'I'll go get myself a drink. How about you handsome? Can I get you something or are you still flying from last night? I know I am.' She kissed Grant and walked away.

'What is that about?' Macy asked him.

'You really don't want to know Macy. It's best you leave it alone.'

'You were with her last night? I thought it was just a date for the wedding?'

'Macy I don't want to hurt you.' He said taking her hand. 'Can we talk about this some other time?'

'You slept with her didn't you?'

 

'That kid is sure protective of you Mike.' Adrienne said as they sat at the bar.

'Bridget? Yeah she is.' He smiled. 'I love her Ade, she's a great kid. You'd never believe she hated me when we first met.'

'What?' She laughed. 'A female that actually hated Mike Copeland. That'll be the day.'

'There are a few.' He told her. 'But Bridget and I worked things out and we are great friends now. She doesn't like seeing you hanging onto me like you do and I doubt Brooke does either.'

'You don't seem to mind.'

'I'm used to you Ade. But really I would appreciate it if you'd cool it a bit.'

Adrienne started to laugh.

'What's so funny?' Michael asked her.

'I was thinking of the look on her face when I put my hand on your balls.'

'Well Ade, that was a bit much wasn't it. You're lucky that it didn't hurt too cause I would have hit the roof.'

'I guess.' She said. 'But we go so far back honey. I don't even think twice about touching you.'

'Maybe you ought to.'

She picked up her glass of wine and took a sip. 'I heard you saw Joey.'

'You did huh? Yeah, he came to my office. He wants money, what else is new?'

'He's trying to make a new start Mike.'

'Yeah, my heart is bleeding for him.' He turned to face her. 'Look Ade, he hit you up, he hit Anne up. He's not getting anything from me. Let him learn to do things on his own for a change.'

'You act like you don't even care.'

'I try not to. You know I wish he could do it, go straight and all. More power to him. But Ade, he's not going to and you know it. It's one scheme after another with him. I just don't want him anywhere near my family, and that includes you.'

'Thanks doll but I can take care of myself.' She said to him. 'Really I can.'

 

'Karen Spencer?' Blake said as he approached his one time protégéé. 'Is it really you?'

'Blake Hayes, I never in a million years expected to see you here.'

'Well the same can be said by me. I had no idea you had returned to LA.'

'I'm back at Eye on Fashion,' She told him. 'I'm here in that capacity. Although I am interested in seeing some old friends.'

'Like Ridge Forrester?'

'Among others. And what brings you here?'

'I ran into Taylor the other day, she was upset, we talked and here I am.'

'Invited I hope.'

'Naturally. You don't think I'd crash now do you?'

'I wouldn't put it past you.'

'That was the old Blake, this is the new improved Blake.'

'I'll hold judgement on that one.' She said with a laugh. 'But if you're good I'll save you a dance.'

'I'll hold you to that.' He said.

 

'Kris?' Ridge said as his sister walked up to him. 'What on earth are you doing here?'

'Felicia called me and told me you might need some family so I jumped on the first plane. Now do I get a hug?'

'You sure do.' He said as he pulled her into his arms and gave her a hug and a kiss. 'Boy have I missed you.' He let go of her and she looked at her nephew and nieces.

'They've grown so much Ridge.'

'Yeah they have.' He said. 'Kids, you remember your Aunt Kristen don't you?'

They looked shyly at her. She got down to her knees in front of them. 'I'm sure they don't but that's okay. Hey Thomas, you are a handsome boy.'

'Hi.' He said.

'Hi.' She smiled at him. 'And these are your pretty little sisters. Thomas, can you tell me their names?'

'Stepanie and Peebee.' He said to her.

Ridge smiled at his children. 'That's right son.' He said.

'Where's Felicia?' Kristen asked.

'She went back to the house to change. We only wanted to watch the ceremony but well Thomas got upset and Taylor asked me to come.'

'Hum.' She said. 'I'm more than a little annoyed at her.'

'Don't be Kris, the whole thing was my fault. It started with my own stupidity and escalated until we just couldn't seem to stop it.'

'But you still love her.'

'Yeah I do, I always will.'

'So what now Ridge? You really aren't going to stay married to this Morgan are you?'

'That's not my plan. I only want to stay till the baby is born, then I have to end it. It isn't right for either one of us.'

'How's your arm? You seem to be using it alright.'

'It looks pretty good Kris but I can't hold a pencil and I can't work. The doctor thinks it will come around but frankly I'm scared.'

'My brother the hero.'

'Well I wasn't about to let someone kill Brooke.'

'Brooke, how is she doing? Any chance you two will get back together?'

'I lost her too Kris. She's married now, happily too. No, this guy seems to have lost all the women in his life at the same time.'

'Well I'm sure that it won't be long before you find someone else to make you happy. I can't imagine a world without a woman for Ridge Forrester.'

'Taylor is the only woman I want Kris.'

'I know honey, I know.' She said with a hug.

 

Eric walked up to a sulking Thorne and put his arm around him. 'What's wrong son?'

'What isn't?' He asked. 'I came with Macy and the minute we got here she's been all over Grant. I just want to make our marriage work Dad.'

'Are you sure that's what you want? It wasn't that long ago when all you wanted was Brooke.'

'That's over. I blew that when I did that to her.'

'Now don't you start that again son. You know you did not shoot her. Why must you persist on keeping that story alive? Even the police don't believe it.'

'They should.' He said. 'It's the truth.'

'I can't reason with you when you act this way.' He said. 'Why don't you come over and sit with your mother and me?'

'Like a good little boy? I don't think so Dad. I think I'll just go pull my wife away from him.'

'I wouldn't advise that. Macy knows what she's doing and she'll get annoyed at you if you interfere. Let things work out on their own. It looked to me like Grant was enjoying Lauren's company.'

'And I could kill him for that. He knows how Mace feels about him and he has to hurt her like that.'

'Calm down Thorne. You have to calm down.'

 

'It looks like everyone is here.' Taylor said as the bridal party walked into the reception. 'They don't even seem to miss us.'

'I hope at least one person misses me.' Brooke said.

'I'm sure he does.' Connor assured her.

'Well go on and enjoy yourselves. We aren't doing any of those traditional introductions or anything so go have fun.' Bryan said to them as he took Taylor's hand and led her inside. Brooke looked at Connor and smiled.

'I see our dates are together at the bar.' She said. 'Shall we join them?'

'Let's go.' He said taking her arm.

 

'Look at Taylor, she looks so beautiful.' Karen said to Blake. 'But I was hoping she'd wear that beautiful blue dress.'

'Hmm?' He said watching his former wife.

'Ridge designed a dress for her, it was lovely. I thought she'd wear it, but that one is very nice.' She said. 'I think its Vera Wang.' She said as she examined the dress. It was pure white and strapless. Form fitting to the breasts with a full flowing skirt and a lavender bow in the back that matched the color of Brooke's gown. On her head was a small crown of flowers. She looked classic and beautiful. Karen motioned to her photographer to get a few shots.

'So Ridge designed a dress for her to wear to another mans wedding?'

'Well the story is that he wanted her to remarry him but I don't know exactly how much truth there is in that one.' Karen explained. 'But Taylor wore it for a Forrester showing and she looked lovely.'

'She always looks lovely.' He agreed.

 

'Hello my beautiful wife.' Michael said as Brooke put her arms around him.

'Did you miss me?' She asked.

'I always miss you when you aren't in my arms. But now that I've got you you aren't getting away again today.' He said as he kissed her, at first gently but then it started to progress into a deep intense kiss.

Connor cleared his throat and they turned to him.

'Sorry.' Michael said. 'She has this affect on me.'

'Hey Connor.' Adrienne said. 'I bet you didn't miss me half that much.'

'Well I'm sure not going to act on it like that.' He said taking a seat next to her.

'Where are the kids?' Brooke asked Michael as they gazed at each other.

'I'm not sure. They're here somewhere.' He said as he pulled her over and kissed her again.

'Jeez Mike, will you two cut it out.' Adrienne said. 'You'd think you were the bride and groom.'

'Are they always like this?' Connor asked.

'I wouldn't know.' She said. 'But I can certainly do without this show. Come on sugar, let's go get us something to eat.' She took his hand and led him away from them.

'Alone at last.' Michael grinned.

'Hardly.' Brooke laughed. 'What's gotten into you?' She asked him.

'Just you. And how much I love you.' He said. Suddenly the DJ started to play music. 'Let's dance.' He said pulling her with him onto the dance floor.

 

Taylor and Bryan were talking when she started to look around.

'They're over there.' Bryan said pointing to Ridge and the children.

'Would you mind?' She asked. 'I'm worried about Thomas.'

'Go ahead. I'll mingle. But hurry back, I want to spend most of the day with my wife.'

'I won't be long.' She said. She quickly walked over to Ridge and the kids. Thomas immediately flung his arms around his mother.

'You look beautiful Doc, if I didn't say so before.' Ridge said.

'Thanks Ridge.' She said. 'Thank you for everything. How has he been?'

'He's been fine. Kris is here.'

'She is? When? How?'

'Felicia called her. I guess she thought I needed the support.'

'Please Ridge, don't make this any harder.' She said sadly.

'I'm not trying to Doc.' He said with a weak smile. 'Come on Thomas, let go of Mommy. You'll get her pretty dress all dirty.'

'It's alright.' Taylor said as she lifted him up. 'My children come before a silly dress.' She suddenly started to blush. 'Ridge, you do understand why I wore this don't you?'

'I do.' He said.

'So where is Felicia? I saw her at the church and I spoke to her yesterday.'

'You did?' He asked. 'She didn't tell me.'

'She's a protective sister. But I understood that. I only wanted to tell you that we were staying.'

'Well I'm glad I know now. Anyway she went home to change, she'll be here later.'

'I never wanted to hurt you.' Taylor said.

'But you did Doc, you promised me my life and you took it back.'

'I'm hurting too.'

'Then why? It doesn't make sense to me. We had it all.'

'But we didn't really. Nothing was really changed. And there were so many others besides you and me to think about.'

'I'll never stop loving you Doc.'

'I hope you can. I want you to be happy.'

'Let's not get into that again.' He said. 'The last thing I want to do is fight with you again.' He looked over at Bryan. 'Shouldn't you be with him?'

'We have a lifetime for that. Right now my children need me.'

'I need you.' He said softly.

'Maybe you're right, I better go to him.' She said. With a tear in her eye she walked away from Ridge.

 

'Look at that slut.' Stephanie said to Eric.

'Slut? What are you talking about?'

'Brooke and that man. She hasn't stopped for ten seconds to breathe, his tongue is so far down her throat she must be choking.' She said with disgust.

Eric looked at Michael and Brooke on the dance floor. They were entwined in each other's arms, gently swaying to the music and deep into a long kiss.

'She's in love with him Stephanie, you'd think you'd be glad she finally gave up on Ridge and Thorne.'

'I don't like her and I don't like him. Why on earth is Taylor so involved with them?'

'That my dear is Taylor's business.'

'She's acting like a high school girl. Making a spectacle out of herself.'

'I doubt anyone but you even notices, and if they do then that is Brooke's problem. But he is her husband after all.'

'And that man is responsible for bringing up your children.'

'Bridget and Rick are doing just fine. Now calm yourself down Stephanie. I don't like seeing you get worked up like this.'

 

Ridge brought the children over to his parents. 'Mom, Dad watch the kids for awhile. There's something I need to do.' He said.

'Of course honey. Come here my babies.' Stephanie cooed to the girls as Eric lifted Thomas into his arms.

 

'God how I want you.' Michael moaned into Brooke's ear.

'Soon, it will be soon.' She said.

'I wish we were home alone and you were naked in my arms.' He grinned.

'I'm liking this pretty much myself.' She said as she brought her mouth back to his and they once more joined in a deep long kiss.

 

'No problem sir, I'll play it next.' The DJ said to Ridge as he pocketed the twenty-dollar bill.

 

Taylor was just about up to Bryan when she heard the sound of Nina Gordon's Hold on to Me come over the speakers. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. Without a moments hesitation she let Ridge take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. He pulled her close to him and whispered into her ear.

'We always have this Doc.' She looked up into his eyes and started to cry. 'Don't cry Taylor, this is our last moment, let's make it special.'

 

'I thought the groom was supposed to have the first dance with the bride.' Amber said to Rick as they watched the couples on the floor.

'Looks like my big brother has ideas of his own.' Rick grinned.

'I thought you didn't want them together?'

'Not when Mom was in love with him, but look at her and Mike. She's happier than she ever was. Now I'd like to see Ridge happy too.'

'Oh my God Rick, she just kissed him.' Amber whispered.

'Mom and Mike are always kissing.'

'I meant Taylor kissed Ridge.' She said as they both looked on in shock.

 

'What am I doing?' Taylor said as she tried to pull away from Ridge.

'No, you'll only bring attention to us. Keep dancing.' He said.

'I kissed you Ridge, you pulled me into this and it wasn't fair.'

'I'm sorry Doc, I only wanted to dance with you.'

'Please let me go.' She begged.

'I wish I never ever had to but no, not till the song is over.' He said pulling her closer.

 

'Are you having fun Bridget?' Bryan asked Brooke's daughter.

'Yeah we are. Bryan this is my friend Paul. Paul this is Taylor's husband Bryan.'

'Hi.' Paul said shyly.

'He's Connor's partner.' Bridget added.

'Connor? You mean the guy that saw us?'

'Yeah, my mom's old boyfriend.' She laughed.

'Connor saw what?' Bryan asked in amusement.

'A lot more than he should have.' Paul said with a blush.

'Have you met my wife Paul?' Bryan asked, trying to change the subject for the embarrassed boy.

'Is she the bride?' He asked.

'Yes she is.' Bryan said proudly.

'She's a real nice lady.' Paul answered. 'And pretty too.'

'And dancing with Ridge.' Bridget said. The threesome turned to look.

 

'Ridge he'll see me.' Taylor said.

'Is it a sin to dance with me Taylor?'

'No but.'

'Then dance.' He said with a smile as he continued to glide with her over the dance floor.

 

'Don't worry about it Bridget.' Bryan said. 'Taylor can have a dance with Ridge, after all I'm the one taking her home.'

'I didn't mean to imply anything.' She said.

'I know you didn't honey.' He said. 'Why don't you two have a dance yourselves?'

'I think we'll wait for a fast one.' Paul said nervously.

 

'This isn't right Ridge.' Taylor said. 'You're trying to confuse me.'

'Could I really do that Taylor? I think it's too late for that now. I'm just trying to share one last dance with the woman that I love.'

'But this song.'

'This is our song Taylor, for the rest of our lives this will be our song.'

'The memories. I can't take it Ridge, I just can't.'

'You can do anything you set you mind to.' He said looking into her eyes. 'I can see it Doc. I can see how much you still love me.'

'I'm Bryan's wife now.'

'In my mind you'll always be my wife.'

She looked at him with sad eyes and then just rested her head on his shoulder. When she looked up she saw that he had danced her outside to the deck.

'Ridge, we have to go back in.' She told him. He let go of her and looked at her.

'Can we talk, just for awhile?'

'There's nothing left to say, nothing is going to change.'

'No, nothing will change, I love you and you love me.' He said with a sigh.

'What do you expect me to do Ridge? Leave him? Leave him on our wedding day?'

'This shouldn't be your wedding day.'

'We can't keep doing this. I'm a married woman now.'

'I was thinking about the last few months. You know we never wanted it to come to this Taylor. You and I both knew that somehow we'd find our way home. We came so close Doc, so very close.'

'Just not close enough. Ridge I can't do this.' She started to walk away but he pulled her back.

'One more kiss Taylor, one more time before you go back to him.'

'No.' She said. 'I will not do that to him.'

'You're that committed?'

'Yes, I am.'

'You know that this is a mistake.'

'If it is then it's my mistake Ridge. One I will have to deal with.' She started away from him. 'I have to go back to my husband.'

'Taylor?' He said.

'Yes.' She stopped.

'I love you.'

'I know.' She said as she walked back inside.

 

Ridge reluctantly came back inside and went back to get his kids from Eric and Stephanie. Stephanie saw the pain on his face immediately.

'Honey what happened? I saw you and Taylor dancing.'

'That's what happened Mother. We danced and now she's back with him. I'm going to take the kids to get something to eat.'

'I can help.' She volunteered.

'I want to be alone with them.' He said. He lifted his daughters into his arms and with Thomas behind he walked to the table.

 

'He looks so sad.' Brooke said to Michael.

'I'm sure he is sweetheart. He loves her. If it was you up there I'm sure I couldn't be here watching.'

'Well you never have to worry about that happening. You're stuck with me for life.'

'I couldn't be happier.' He said with a kiss.

'I think I want to go talk to him.' She told him.

'He may bite your head off.'

'I can handle Ridge.' She smiled. With a quick kiss she walked off and over to Ridge and the kids. She sat down next to him.

'Hi.' She said. 'Hard day.'

'You got that right.'

'Can I do anything to help?'

'Change her mind.'

'Besides that.' She said taking his hand. 'You know I'd do anything in the world for you.'

'I know.' He said lowering his head.

'Oh Ridge.' She said when she saw the tears in his eyes. She got up and put her arms around him. 'It will get better, believe me I know it will.'

Suddenly Thomas started to cry. 'Not my Mommy.'

Brooke let go of Ridge and leaned down to the boy. 'Oh course not Thomas, it's your Aunt Brooke.'

'Oh.' He said with a little smile. 'Bwooke.'

'That's right honey.' She smiled at him.

'Your son certainly knows what he wants.' Brooke said to Ridge.

'We think alike Logan.'

'I know you do.' She took his hand again. 'I'm getting the evil eye.' She told him.

'Thomas you know Brooke.' Ridge said to his son.

'No, not Thomas. Morgan.' Brooke laughed.

'The hell with her, if it wasn't for her none of this would be happening.'

'She doesn't like me very much.'

'She doesn't like anyone.' Ridge agreed.

'Listen.' Brooke said. 'They're playing our song.' The familiar strains of Unforgettable flowed from the speakers. 'Come on Ridge, dance with me.'

'I'm not in the mood for dancing Logan.'

'Not even with me?' She said. 'Come on.' She said pulling him to his feet. He gave her a weak smile and then followed her to the dance floor.

 

'That bitch.' Morgan said aloud. 'How dare she think she can dance with my husband.'

'You must have missed Taylor's dance with him.' Blake Hayes said coming up behind her.

'What? She wouldn't dance with him on her wedding day?'

'She certainly did.' He laughed.

'Do I know you?' She asked.

'We've met, briefly, I'm Blake, Blake Hayes.'

'We met at the fashion show.' She said. 'But you, you were older.'

'I was trying not to be noticed at the time. Our little secret alright?'

'Fine.' She said turning her attention back to Brooke and Ridge.

'That's their song you know.' Blake said.

'What?'

'Ridge and Brooke's. At least it was in the days that they were a couple.'

'You seem to know a lot about these people. Why is that?'

'I was Taylor's first husband my dear.' He said with a grin.

 

'She said talk.' Michael said to Adrienne who had walked up to him. 'Not dance, talk.'

'Are you jealous lover?' She laughed.

'He has his hands all over my wife.'

'They're dancing Mike, not f*cking.' She said with a chuckle. 'Why don't we join them?'

'Not now Ade. I am not taking my eyes off him. He just lost Taylor and he damn well better not set his eyes on my wife.' He looked on angrily as Connor joined them.

 

Brooke looked at Ridge and smiled. 'See, this isn't that painful now is it?'

'Dancing with you is never painful Logan. I'm just so numb right now.'

'Well try not to think about it. Think about the beautiful woman in your arms.' She giggled.

'You are good for me.' He laughed. 'Your timing stinks, but you are good for me. Michael is a lucky man.'

'We're both lucky Ridge.' She said. 'But we will both be there for you whenever you need us and that's a promise.'

'I may hold you to it.'

'I want you to. You come over anytime you want. Our door is always open to you and your kids. In fact pretty soon your kids will have a new kid to play with.'

'Logan?' He suddenly stopped.

'Oh, no not that. We're adopting a little boy Ridge, a wonderful little boy.'

'You have to tell me all about this.' He said as they started to move again.

'I will, as soon as it's all official. I promise.'

 

'How is he doing?' Bryan asked Taylor as they watched Ridge dancing with Brooke.

'He's upset, he's mad at me. But he'll be alright. It think Brooke is trying to calm him down and it seems to be working.' She told her husband. 'She's a good friend to both of us. I just don't ever want to put her in the middle.'

'There is no middle anymore baby. It's you and me from now on.' He said with a kiss.

 

'Hi Kris.' Felicia said to her sister as she joined her. 'Sorry I took so long. I had a phone call and I just couldn't seem to get off. You look great.'

'You too honey.' Kristen said with a hug.

'Did I miss much?'

'Well our brother isn't doing too well but Brooke seems to be calming him down.'

'As long as someone can.' She said.

 

'Come on Adrienne, let's go get a drink.' Connor said taking her arm. 'You don't mind now do you?' He said to Michael.

'Not at all.' He said still watching his wife dancing. Adrienne and Connor walked away to the bar. Michael sighed and turned away from the dance floor suddenly he found himself looking directly into the eyes of the woman he had deserted in Mexico years ago.

'Oh Jesus, oh Jesus.' He said to himself.

 

'Felicia, honey what's wrong?' Kristen asked her sister who had turned as white as a ghost.

'Michael.' Felicia said softly.

 

Changes Part 89

 

 

Brooke ran through the doors and looked up and down for Michael. Finally she spotted him talking to Felicia. She stood still and watched them from a distance. They seemed to be calm and she didn’t want to interfere but she also didn’t want to leave so she stayed where she was. She was so engrossed she jumped when Kristen came over and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Sorry Brooke, I thought you saw me." She said.

"Oh Kristen, you scared me." Brooke answered. "I didn’t realize you were out here."

"How are you Brooke? I’m sorry I haven’t gotten over to talk to you before but right now I’m concerned about Felicia, some jerk from her past is here and she’s very upset."

"He’s not a jerk Kristen, he’s my husband." Brooke told her.

"What? That man is your husband? Well what the hell is going on Brooke? The two of them looked like they were in total shock, Felicia slaps him and next thing they go off together."

"They have a history, an complicated history. I had no idea Felicia would be here today. Michael is just as upset as she is about all this. I wish I could be there for him but this is something they have to work out together. I just can’t go inside and sit there wondering what’s happening here." She looked over at them again. "They do seem calm, maybe she’s starting to understand. He’s a good man Kristen and he never meant to hurt her. He’s been hurting himself for a long time over this. I just pray that they can get it all out and come to some peace about it."

"I wish I knew what you were talking about Brooke."

"I’m sorry Kristen, it’s not my place to tell you. Maybe Felicia will explain it all to you later."

 

Felicia turned to Michael. "You called my mother? Why? You two hate each other or at least you did then."

"I knew you needed her honey. I knew you needed your mother. I tried to do what I thought you would want me to do."

"Well then thank you for that, she never told me. But it doesn’t excuse you leaving me Mike, nothing can ever excuse that. You want me to forgive you and I can’t, not after that. I can never forgive you."

"There’s a lot you mother didn’t tell you." He said to her.

"Don’t you dare say anything about her. She was there for me, not you."

"You really don’t understand Felicia and it’s time you did."

 

"Do you think I should go see what’s wrong with Brooke?" Taylor asked Bryan. She was upset that her friend had run out like she did and she was worried.

"I’m sure she’ll be back. Why is she upset about Ridge’s sister? Are they enemies or something?"

"Not at all, in fact Felicia was more supportive of Brooke and Ridge than she ever was of me and Ridge. No, I have no idea what’s the problem." She told him. "I guess our wedding is cursed." She laughed.

"As long as the wedding night isn’t I won’t worry about it." He smiled at her and kissed her.

"I promise you I will make it a night you will never forget." Taylor said to her husband. "Right now I kind of wish we had forgotten this whole thing and started right with the wedding night."

"Two great minds think alike." He said to her. "Wanna leave?" He joked.

"I think we’d be missed."

"Not by our wedding party. Brooke ran out and who knows where Connor is."

"Connor is gone too?" She asked.

"He was with Adrienne and now he’s not. In fact Ridge isn’t there either."

"Some wedding." Taylor said. "More people are missing than here."

 

Morgan looked at Ridge and Connor and then turned to Adrienne. "Do you have any idea what is going on?"

"Not a clue sugar. Connor sure was anxious to talk to him though."

"Yeah he was. Maybe I better go see what’s up."

"They look pretty intense Morgan, you’d best stay out of it."

Morgan looked over again and saw Ridge gesturing wildly with his arms.

 

"I have to be the one to tell her Davis. Jonathan wanted me to know, not you. You’re only the messenger here."

"Ridge, he’s my partner and my best friend. I can’t keep this from him."

"I’m not asking you to. Just give me some time alone with Taylor, then you can do whatever you want. This changes everything Davis, everything."

"You’ve got that right." Connor sighed as he turned and looked at Taylor and Bryan kiss.

"You know something Mike, I never thought I could hate you more than I did but I do now." Felicia spit at him. "How dare you try to turn this all around and blame my mother. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know how I would have survived it all. You bastard, you sick bastard." She looked down and then back at him. "You left because you were a selfish coward, not for any other reason and I will never forgive you! Never!" She slapped him and ran towards Kristen. Brooke saw this and immediately ran to him.

 

"What happened Felicia?" Kristen asked her.

"He’s worse than I even remembered. He’s not worth even talking about." She turned to him and saw Brooke holding his hand. "What’s she doing with him?"

"She’s married to him." Kristen told her.

 

"Alright Ridge, you win." Connor gave in. "But he can’t be kept in the dark, and remember you have a wife too."

"You bet I do." Ridge grinned.

Connor looked over at Adrienne and Morgan and then back at Ridge. "You know who I mean Ridge."

"I’ll take care of everything Davis, don’t worry about that."

 

Brooke and Michael sat in silence with Brooke tightly clenching his hand. "What happened baby?" She asked as she gently touched his cheek.

"She didn’t believe me. She called me a liar. She thinks I left her to die. God Brooke how can I make her see the truth?"

"Maybe you can’t. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we hope."

"I loved her, she thinks I didn’t."

She looked into his eyes. "Do you still love her?" She asked in a frightened voice.

"No sweetheart." He said with a kiss. "Only you, only you for the rest of my life."

"I wish I could make it all go away. I can’t stand to see you so sad."

"Brooke I tried so hard to get through to her but she wouldn’t listen. She called me a liar, she slapped me and told me she hated me."

"Let’s go home. You don’t need to deal with this anymore tonight." She said. "I’ll go in and say goodbye to Taylor and Bryan."

"We don’t have to do this Brooke." He said.

"Like hell we don’t. You are my number one priority. Go get the car honey and meet me at the door."

"I love you Brooke." He said. "You can’t even imagine how much I love you."

"Sure I can." She smiled. "Cause that’s how much I love you."

 

Brooke walked back to the hall and walked up to Felicia and Kristen.

"You know he was telling you the truth." She said to Felicia. "He’s a wonderful man and he never wanted to hurt you. You should have given him a chance to explain."

"There’s a lot about Mike you don’t know Brooke." Felicia said.

"No Felicia, there isn’t." She said with confidence as she walked inside. Her confidence started to wane as she walked inside. She immediately walked up to the table where her children were sitting.

"Mom what’s wrong?" Bridget asked seeing her mothers nervousness.

"Michael doesn’t feel well, we’re going home." She told them.

"Do you want us to come too? Can I help?"

"No sweetie but you can do me a favor." She said as she watched Bryan and Taylor kiss and laugh. "I don’t want to disturb them. Will you tell Taylor that we had to leave and that I’m so sorry?"

"Sure Mom." Bridget answered. "Taylor will understand."

"I doubt she’ll even notice." Amber said with a laugh as she saw Bryan take Taylor into his arms.

"I hope you’re right Amber." Brooke said with a weak smile. "Rick, you’ll make sure your sister and her friend get home alright?"

"You know I will." He said. "Just go take care of Mike."

"Oh I intend to." She smiled. "I intend to do just that."

 

"Excuse me." Ridge said as he walked up to Taylor and Bryan and tapped him on the shoulder. "I need to talk with Taylor."

"Not today Ridge, it’s our wedding day. Whatever you have to say can wait." Bryan said.

"No Bryan, it can’t wait." He held his hand out to Taylor. "Taylor?"

"Ridge please, not now." She said.

"Now." He insisted. "We need to talk and it has to be right now."

"I’m warning you Forrester." Bryan said. "You shouldn’t even be here. It’s only for the children that you are. Now leave us alone."
"I’m not taking no for an answer." He told him. "Let’s go Taylor."

"Bryan maybe I should see what he wants, then he’ll leave us alone."
"Can’t you see he’ll never leave us alone Taylor?" He said with a sad look. "Ridge, she’s my wife. Now say what you need to say here and now or else forget it."

"This is between Taylor and me Bryan. I don’t mean to be rude but I am not leaving until she comes outside to talk to me."

"Bryan?" Taylor said with a confused look.

"Go ahead, it looks like the only way we’ll get rid of him."

Ridge took Taylor’s hand and quickly led her out of the hall.

 

"Did you see that?" Karen asked her photographer.

"Yeah. What do you think is going on?"

"I don’t know but follow them and get pictures. Don’t let them see you. It think we may be on to something big."

The photographer had no sooner left when Blake sat down next to Karen. "Well now. It looks like Ridge is up to something now doesn’t it?"

"Do you have any clues?" She asked, her eyes widening.

"Is that a personal or professional question?"

"Maybe a little of both." She grinned. "Look at Bryan. He sure doesn’t look happy." Karen said gesturing to the head table.

"No one looks very happy today. Brooke Logan ran out practically in tears. Ridge’s sister is crying on her sister’s shoulder and Stephanie looks like she could kill someone."

"She always looks like that." Karen teased. "But you’re right, there aren’t many good vibes around here. And Blake, look at Morgan."

They turned to see Ridge’s wife. She was flustered and the anger seemed to be leaping from her eyes.

"Maybe I’ll give Mrs. Forrester a visit." Blake smiled.

"Oh Blake, please keep me informed." Karen said with a flirty smile.

"We’ll see, we’ll see."

 

"Eric look, look!" Stephanie exclaimed. "Ridge and Taylor, they just walked out together."

"Calm down Stephanie, they are probably making arrangements for the children while Taylor and Bryan are away. I wish you would stop letting your imagination get the best of you."

"He loves her and she loves him. Maybe they are trying to fix it."

"At her wedding reception? Surely that would have happened a long time ago if it was going to happen at all."

"I still have hope Eric. Those two belong together. It has to be, it just has to be."

 

Connor walked back to Adrienne and Morgan and sat down. He picked up his glass of water and drank it down.

"What happened Connor?" Adrienne asked. "You look like you saw a ghost."

"I might have Ade." He said. He looked at Morgan and gave her a weak smile.

"Where’s Ridge?" She asked.

"He had to talk to Taylor about something. Don’t worry, he’ll be back. Did Brooke and Michael come back yet?"

"Nope." Adrienne said.

"Maybe they went home. If so they’re the luckiest ones here." Connor said.

"No one’s getting lucky at that house." Adrienne laughed. "Not for a while at least."

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Connor asked, somewhat intrigued. "Are they having problems?"

"Not the kind you’re thinking of lover. But problems in a way." She laughed.

"I have to go talk to Bryan. Will you ladies excuse me?"

"Sure. But remember we are together." Adrienne sighed.

 

"Where are you taking me?" Taylor asked Ridge as he pulled her through the parking lot.

"My car Doc, we need some distance." Taylor stopped dead in her tracks.

"No Ridge. This is my wedding. Tell me here or forget it."

"Can we at least sit in the car?" He asked.

"Why can’t you just say what you have to say to me?"

"Please Doc, it’s important. It’s the most important thing I have ever had to tell you."

 

Michael and Brooke quietly walked into the house. Michael took off his jacket and put it over the arms of a chair and sat down. "Thanks Brooke, this meant the world to me." He said softly.

"I’ll always do what is best for us." She said. "Why don’t you open us a bottle of wine and I’ll be right back."

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"To change." She smiled as she headed up the stairs.

"How about some iced tea instead? I’m not in a drinking mood."

"Fine." She grinned. "I’ll be down soon."

 

"Stephanie instead of concerning yourself so much with Ridge you might take some interest in your other children." Eric said sharply. "Felicia is crying in Kristen’s arms and Thorne looks miserable. Maybe you can show them some support."

"Felicia?" She said. "Where is Brooke and that man?" She looked around and couldn’t seem to find them.

"Whatever does that have to do with anything? My God Stephanie, you daughter needs you."

"Yes, yes she does." She got up and immediately went over to Kristen and Felicia. "Kristen. Take the children for a soft drink. I need to talk to your sister."

"Nice to see you too Mom." Kristen said. "I’m taking care of Felicia."

"It’s okay Kris." Felicia said sitting up. "Maybe Mom and I do need to talk."

"Fine." Kristen said. "Come on kids." She gathered Ridge’s children and walked to the bar.

"You saw him." Stephanie said. "I could kill that woman for bringing him."

"He really married Brooke." Felicia said quietly. "I thought it was a joke of some kind."

"They’re two of a kind honey, two thoughtless, selfish people. Don’t let them get to you."

"You can’t imagine what it did to me to see him. That’s why you didn’t want me to come isn’t it?"

"Yes honey, I knew it would be hard on you. But that’s over now. What did that man say to you?"

"He tried to apologize. He tried to say he loved me. He’s a liar and a snake. I hate him."

"Of course you do dear. He hurt you badly. He’s not worthy of you, he never was."

"He tried to blame it on you." She told her mother.

"What? How? I wasn’t even there."

"No, his running of. He said that you told him it was for the best. How could he be so cruel? How could he think I’d ever believe that about you?"

"He’s a liar Felicia, and not worth another moment of your thoughts. It’s over and done with and you never have to deal with him again."

"He told her. Brooke knows."

"She knows what?" Stephanie asked.

"I don’t know but she knows something. I can’t even have my own shame."

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, now that vile man is a different story. But you my lovely daughter were a victim, a sweet innocent victim."

 

"Alright Ridge, I’m in your car, you have my attention, now please tell me what it is so I can get back to my husband."

Ridge took her hand and looked into her eyes, a smile crossed his face. Taylor couldn’t help herself from smiling back.

"Is this good news Ridge?" She asked.

"The best Doc, the best. Now bear with me, it’s a long story and I need you to understand how it all happened."

"Alright." She agreed.

"Before we went to St. Thomas, before I had any hope about us I."
"Ridge no, it’s over." She interrupted. "There is no more hope."

"There is always hope Doc." He said. "Anyway I called Jonathan."

"Why?"

"I wanted him to get me out of my marriage to Morgan. Taylor, even if I couldn’t have you I never belonged with her. It was a mistake, a huge mistake right from the start."

"I agree with you Ridge but what does this have to do with me and why did you drag me out here?"

"Let me finish please, you’ll understand everything when I’m done." He begged her.

"Go on." She said softly.

"He tried and tried and still couldn’t seem to find anyway out for me. So then I guess I resigned myself to the inevitable. I had to divorce her and go through all the horror she’d cause us all. Well I knew she’d drag you into it so I just tried to deal with her as well as I could. I just didn’t know what to do anymore." He looked at Taylor who was getting fidgety and seemed ready to leave. "Anyway I forgot all about that and haven’t spoken to Jonathan since that until you told me you were taking my kids to New York."

"But we aren’t Ridge, we’re staying here."

"I know that now but I didn’t then. Doc I couldn’t lose you and the children so I called him and told him to do anything to stop you. I told him I wanted custody, anything."

"Ridge no! Please no! Tell me you aren’t doing that. How can you take them from me? They need me, they need me." She started to cry. Ridge gently pulled her into his arms and held her.

"No Doc, I’m not doing that. I wanted to call him and tell him to forget about it but I couldn’t get in touch with him."

"But you will? You will tell him that you won’t take them from me?"
"I’ll never take your children away from you." He kissed her forehead. "How could I ever do that to the woman I love?"

 

"Michael!" Brooke called from upstairs. "Why don’t you come up here? Bring the tea."

"Okay sweetheart." He called back. He picked up the two glasses of iced tea and headed up the stairs. When he got to the bedroom Brooke wasn’t there. "Brooke? Where are you?"

"Take off that monkey suit and come in here." She said from the bathroom.

Michael grinned and started to undress. "You know I can’t Brooke."

"I know. I have something else in mind."

"You never cease to amaze me." He said. He finished undressing and walked into the bathroom. His wife, wrapped in a towel greeted him. There were candles lit all around the tub, which was filled with soft scented bubbles. "Wow." He said.

"You like?" She asked.

"I love." He said Brooke let the towel drop to the floor and then she stepped into the tub.

"Come on in, it’s just right." She purred as she sat down in the tub.

"You are too much." He said with a laugh. He stepped into the tub and sat down in front of Brooke. She immediately brought her lips to his neck and kissed him.

"I’m going to give you a bath you will never forget." She said with a smile as she picked up the soft sponge.

 

"They’ve been gone too long." Morgan said to Adrienne. "He’s my husband and I’m going to go find him."

"Hold on girl, you’ll only be causing yourself more trouble. It’s her wedding day, she’s not after him. Let them talk. He’ll only be mad at you if you interfere."

"She’ll always be after him. But she’ll never have him. He’s mine! Mine!" Morgan said angrily.

 

"So is that it?" Taylor asked as she composed herself.

"No Taylor, that’s only the background. Now for the real thing." Ridge said. "Now I know you are trying to do the right thing by Bryan and believe it or not I respect you for it but it isn’t the right thing and now I have proof. Real live proof."

"He’s my husband Ridge, why must we constantly do this?"

"No Taylor, he’s not your husband, I am." He said with a huge smile. Taylor looked at him and frowned in confusion.

 

"Bry we have to talk." Connor told his friend and partner. "It’s very important."

"If this is about Taylor and Ridge don’t worry. I can handle it, I love her and she loves me. I won’t go off in a jealous fit, I promise."

"Bryan listen to me, this is not good news. We have to talk and we have to talk now."

"Alright, talk."

"Bryan I just had a call from Jonathan Young. He had news, very disturbing news." Connor looked at his friend. "Oh man, I don’t know how to tell you this, I just don’t."

 

"What are you talking about Ridge? I was your wife but now I’m Bryan’s wife." Taylor said. "You have to accept that."

"No Doc I don’t. You see Jonathan called today. He called Connor because he couldn’t reach me but he knew he had to get word to us today."

"Word about what?"

"He never gave up for me. He was down in Santa Domingo trying to find a way to invalidate my marriage."

"It doesn’t matter Ridge, I’m not leaving my husband."

"I was hoping you’d feel that way." He smiled.

"You aren’t making sense."

"Taylor I am your husband, not Bryan, me! I was never married to Morgan and you were never married to Bryan, not legally at least."

"Wwhat? What are you talking about? Ridge you’re scaring me."

"Our divorce, Doc our divorce. It was never legally filed. It never went through. You and I were never divorced so that means we are still married and the other marriages are invalid. You are my wife and I am your husband! Do you see? Do you understand? We have it back Taylor, we have it all back as if it was all a bad dream. We have always been married. We have always been man and wife." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "All our hopes and dreams, they are still here! We still have it all Doc, we still have it all."

"How? How Ridge? How did this happen?" A flabbergasted Taylor asked him.

"I haven’t spoken to Jonathan yet but according to Connor the man who handled the divorce wasn’t legally qualified and he never took it to the right channels. We would never have known if Jonathan hadn’t kept trying to get me out of my marriage. But when they pulled all the files it all came together. They assured Jonathan we could all come down and sign something and fix it but Doc, please you know neither one of us wants to do that."

Taylor felt the tears streaming down her face as she touched Ridge’s lips and cheeks. "We’re still married?" She asked.

"Yes Doc, yes."

"Oh God Ridge, oh God." She said as she kissed him.

"Let’s get out of here, please Doc let’s go somewhere alone."

"Yes." She said. "Yes."

Ridge started the engine and quickly pulled out of the parking lot.

 

Michael pulled Brooke tightly into his arms. "I don’t know how you do it. You make my life better every single day. No matter how upset or angry I am you can turn me completely around. This was so wonderful and I can never thank you enough."

"You ain’t seen nothing yet." Brooke told him. "I have the massage oils in the bedroom. I am going to take every ounce of tension out of you."

"You already have." He said. He pulled her to him and kissed her. "And soon, soon I will be able to show you how much you mean to me."

"Well I can see that the parts are all working fine." She grinned. "Do you think the doctor will give you the okay soon?" He took a handful of bubbles and playfully blew them in her face. She laughed and wiped them away and kissed him again.

"I think in a week or two. I just hope we can hold out." He laughed. "But the pain is gone."

"Good." She said as she let warm water run from the sponge onto his chest. She followed the water with her mouth as she kissed his nipples and then his neck.

"You are making this very difficult on me." Michael laughed.

"Sue me." She giggled. "Hey!" She jumped as she felt Michael’s hand reach between her legs. "Michael." She moaned as he started to rub her.

"Just enjoy it." He instructed. "Just lean back and enjoy it." She turned her head to his and their mouths met in a passionate kiss.

 

"What is it Connor? You’re making me nervous." Bryan said.

"Bryan, the only way to do this is tell you straight out. Jonathan Young just called. He called for Ridge and couldn’t get him so as Taylor’s lawyer he called me. There was a problem in Santa Domingo and what it amounts to is that Ridge and Taylor were never officially divorced."
"What? No, that can’t be Connor. Surely you wouldn’t have let that happen."

"We both missed it but Jonathan found it. He was trying to help Ridge out of his marriage and that’s how he discovered that the marriage was never valid in the first place." He looked at his shocked friend. "Not the good thing is if we all fly down there we can get it all straightened out and you and Taylor can remarry."

"Remarry? You think after what happened in St. Thomas that I even have a prayer of that? My God Connor I’ve just lost my wife. I’ve lost her forever."

"Don’t think that way. She loves you. She chose you, not Ridge."

"But she’s with him now." He looked towards the door. "Why Taylor, why?"

 

 

Stephanie smiled broadly and quietly walked away without being noticed by Connor or Bryan. She walked back to her table and sat down next to Eric.

"You look like the cat that just ate the canary." He told her. "Did you find out anything?"

"I certainly did but I’ll tell you later, I have to do some damage control." She got up again and quickly walked away.

Morgan got up from her seat and started toward the head table to speak to Connor when someone grabbed her arm from behind.

"Going somewhere Morgan?" Stephanie taunted.

"Let go of me you cow." Morgan said angrily.

"Now that is no way to talk to your mother in law now is it?"

"Like you think of me that way." Morgan said through clenched teeth. "What do you want? I want to talk to Connor."

"He’s busy now. Why don’t you talk to me instead?"

"I have nothing to say to you. Now let me go!"

"Come now Morgan, surely we have something to talk about. Like perhaps how Ridge loves Taylor and will never love you and that he will be leaving you very, very soon."

"In your dreams!" Morgan hissed. "I’m carrying your grandchild Stephanie, get used to it."

"Perhaps that is true but you will never be part of this family. I got rid of Brooke Logan and I’ll get rid of you too."

"That’s never going to happen." She pulled herself loose. "Now I have to talk to, oh no, oh my God." She exclaimed, as she felt liquid seeping down her legs. "My water, my water broke. You did this you cow! It’s too soon!"

Stephanie took on a look of concern. "Calm down Morgan, you’ll be fine."

"Where’s Ridge? Where is my husband? I need to get to the hospital."

"I’ll take you." Stephanie said as she gently took her arm and led her to Eric.

"Eric my baby." Morgan cried.

"Oh my." He replied.

"Get the car Eric, we need to get her to the hospital." She turned to Morgan. "Are you having contractions?"

"I thought, I thought it was nerves."

"Don’t worry, we’ll get you there fine."

Suddenly Morgan clenched her belly and leaned over. "It hurts."

"The car Eric." Stephanie said calmly. He quickly ran out. "Let’s walk slowly to the door. When we get there Eric will have the car ready for us."

"Please, my baby. Don’t hurt my baby."

"I won’t. Your baby will be just fine." She said as they began walking.

"I need Ridge." Morgan cried.

"Rick!" Stephanie called to him. He and Amber got up and ran to the two women.

"What’s wrong?" Amber asked.

"Morgan is having her baby." Stephanie said calmly. "When Ridge gets back tell him we took her to the hospital."

"Where is he?" Rick asked.

"He left with Taylor." Amber answered.

"Oh God!" Morgan cried. "Please find my husband."

"We will Morgan." Rick promised.

 

"It’s a miracle." Taylor said to Ridge. He smiled at her and kissed her.

"All our dreams have come true Doc. We have our lives back. All we have to do is pick p the kids and go home."

"Oh Ridge." She put her arms around him. "It’s you, it’s always been you."

He leaned back against the seat and pulled her to him. "Starting now at this moment we have everything we ever wanted Doc. You, me the kids we will be happy again. I can’t wait to tell everyone. I want to shout it from the rooftop." He leaned out the car window. "Taylor and Ridge are together again and we will never ever part!" He shouted.

"I love you so much." Taylor said curling into his embrace.

 

"You’re doing fine Morgan." The doctor said to her as she lay panting on the bed in the hospital. Stephanie and Eric looked on. "Now take a deep breath and push."

"I can’t! I need Ridge." She cried. "Please, I need my husband."

"Come on honey he’ll be here." Eric said taking her hand. "You’re almost there. Now push. Let me meet my grandchild." He smiled warmly at her. Stephanie rolled her eyes in disgust.

"You can’t put this off Morgan. Nature won’t let you. Just do it or I’ll ask the doctor to do a C-Section." Stephanie warned.

"No!" She shouted.

"Stephanie, that was uncalled for." Eric reprimanded his wife.

"Almost there." The doctor said. "Morgan I can see the head, just give me one big push."

"Do it Morgan." Stephanie demanded.

"Alright!" Morgan screamed. She contorted her face and gave a huge push.

"Here he comes" The doctor announced.

Morgan gave one last push.

"It’s a boy." The doctor announced with a smile.

"Oh my God!" Stephanie said as she turned to a stunned Eric.

Changes Part 90

 

Taylor gazed lovingly into her husband’s eyes. "Ridge, I am so happy, you’ve made me so happy."

He held his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. "The future is ours now. Anything we want we can have Doc, anything."

"I never let myself dream of this I wanted to but I couldn’t. I never want to be apart again Ridge, never."

"We won’t be. Starting right now I am glued to you side." He laughed. "Wait till we tell Mother, she’ll be so happy!"

"Oh she will." Taylor agreed. "And Brooke, she wanted this too. I can’t wait to tell…..oh." She suddenly stopped.

"What is it?"

"Bryan. My God Ridge, this will devastate him."

He looked at her and sighed. "Connor is telling him now Doc. You won’t have to be the one."

"I’ve hurt him so often. I’ve been so cruel to him and all he ever did was love and forgive me. How can I do this again?"

"Taylor! You don’t belong with him. He knows that. We all know that."

"I have to let him down gently." She said. "He deserves that at least."

"I have to disagree with that." Ridge told her. "It’s cruel and it will give him false hope. That is unless you don’t plan on keeping our marriage. Is that what you want Taylor? To end our marriage?"

"No." She said with a smile. "No Ridge. But I can’t hurt him more than I have. Whatever I do it has to be slow and kind."

"Not that slow. I want you back in my bed tonight." He said with a kiss. She wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss with love and tenderness.

 

"This is very strange." Thorne said to Lauren. "It looks like almost everyone is gone yet the DJ is still playing music and the bar is open and the food is being served."

"I noticed that too." Lauren agreed. "Brooke and Michael are gone, Ridge and Morgan are gone, Taylor is gone, your parents are gone." She looked around the room. "Bryan is still here but he looks shaken."

"Something is going on Lauren, something big."

 

"I’m not going to Thorne’s place and I’m not going to your sister’s place." Grant told Macy. "You can come home with me."

"Home?" She said. "To Brooke’s house? Not likely. Grant you have to move, we have to move. I want to be with you. I want to live with you. This has gone on long enough. What do I have to do to prove it to you? I’m sober, I told Thorne it was over. Grant please."

"I will have my own place soon. I’m buying Brooke’s house."

"What?"

"She and Michael are in the process of moving to his place. She offered to sell me hers."

"I’m not sure I want to live in Brooke Logan’s house."

"It will be Grant and Macy’s house. You can do whatever you want to it."

"When did you decide this?" She asked him. "I mean I wasn’t even your date tonight."

"But you are my wife." He said. "I’m not ready to act like everything is like it was but I know that you and I have something, something very real. When I take you in my arms Macy I can feel it. It’s like electricity. Can’t explain it but it feels right."

"Oh Grant." She hugged him tightly.

"With Taylor’s help I will remember Macy, I know I will."

 

"And Ridge." Taylor said thoughtfully as she tore herself away from him. "You have to think about Morgan and the baby, it’s your child Ridge as much as we both wish it wasn’t it is and we have to deal with it. Morgan will be crushed and mad too. It’s not good for her in her state. I think it’s best if we don’t say anything until she delivers."

"Are you crazy? I won’t wait another night to be with you. I will be kind to her but I will not lose you!"

"You’re not going to lose me Ridge. But think about the baby."

"I can’t put our love aside for the baby. I can’t do it. She tricked me Doc, that baby should never have been conceived."

"It’s not the baby’s fault. Think about it Ridge, what if someone had hurt me right before I was ready to have Thomas or the twins. How would you have felt then?"

"I understand what you’re saying but she has to be told and she has to be told today."

 

"The water’s getting cold." Brooke said to Michael.

"And I’m turning into a prune." He laughed. "But this was wonderful." He stood up and got out of the tub. He put a towel around his waist and grabbed another one for Brooke. She stood up and he wrapped in around her and helped her out of the tub. He pulled her to him and kissed her. "Thank you again."

"You have nothing to thank me for. I love you and I love everything we ever do together." She said touching his face softly. "Now how about that massage?"

"Really?" He asked with a huge grin.

"Really." She smiled.

 

"My baby!" Morgan screamed. "What’s wrong with my baby?"

"He’s fine." The doctor assured her. "We’re just cleaning him off."

"Stephanie! What’s wrong with him?" Morgan cried.

"You’ve been lying all along. I knew it in my heart but now we’ve got you, we’ve got you Morgan and there’s no way out of it." Stephanie said in a calm voice. "All this pain you’ve caused my family and it’s finally over."

"Eric? What does she mean? What is she talking about?" She asked the panic stricken man.

"My God Morgan. Who is this child’s father?" He asked her.

"Ridge, Ridge is his father." Morgan said quickly. "My baby, give me my baby."

The nurse put the bundled baby in Morgan’s arms and she looked down at him. "Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no." She repeated as she fainted.

 

"It’s time to call off this charade." Bryan said sadly to Connor. "I just can’t seem to do it."

"Look buddy, it’s all been paid for and the food is cooked. Let them eat. We can leave now. I’ll come back and make some kind of announcement."

"Does Morgan know?" Bryan asked.

"No, Ridge just grabbed Taylor and left."

"Someone has to tell her. She’s going to take this badly. I personally don’t like the woman but I can feel for her."

"Don’t worry about her now, she’s the Forrester’s responsibility."

"God Connor, how could this happen? How could everything be over just like this?"

"Maybe it isn’t, she may still stay Bry. She loves you."

"Not like she loves him. It was never like she loves him." He shook his head sadly. "I wonder how she’s taking this? I suppose she’s happy."

"I’m sure she’s confused Bry. She made her decision to marry you. He had his chance and she still chose you."

"I can’t afford to get my hopes up. I have to be realistic. It’s over. It’s all over."

 

"There’s some weird things going on here Rick." Amber said. "More than your Mom’s husband suddenly getting sick and Morgan going into labor."

"I know. Why would Taylor go off with Ridge in the middle of her wedding?" He said. "And look at Bryan, something is wrong, you can tell."

"You can ask Connor, after all he almost was your step-dad."

"You better not Rick." Bridget told him. "He doesn’t look like he’s in a very good mood."

"Well we can’t just sit here." Rick said.

"No." Amber smiled. "Let’s dance." She said pulling him to the dance floor. Bridget looked at her date and sighed.

 

Eric and Stephanie were in the hallway when she turned to leave. He grabbed her arm as she started to walk away. "Where are you going?" He asked her.

"Home." She said. "There’s no need for us anymore."

"We can’t leave her alone. When the doctor finishes with her we have to go back in."

"And why is that Eric. She’s been lying all along. It’s obvious that child is not Ridge’s child. That child is black."

"There has to be some explanation." He said.

"Yes, she lied. She’s been screwing around and she suckered Ridge and she lied. As of this moment all of our ties to that woman are severed. I want her fired Eric, I want her out of the company and out of our lives."

"Only Brooke can fire her."

"Then make her do it Eric." She said angrily.

"Besides that, she’s still his wife. They have to divorce. God this is a terrible situation."

"Not as bad as you think." She smiled. "I always knew that someday Connor Davis would be of some use to us and he finally was."

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"It appears that Brooke’s cracker-jack lawyer couldn’t seem to handle a simple divorce." She laughed. "All this time Ridge and Taylor have still been legally married."

"They what?"

"You heard me. They are still married which obviously invalidates both the marriages. Our son and his wife are still a family." She beamed.

"How? How do you know this?"

"I overheard Connor tell Bryan, that’s why Ridge and Taylor left. He took her away to tell her."

"Oh poor Bryan." Eric said sadly.

"Yes." Stephanie concurred. "He’s a good man. But he was never right for Taylor. He’ll get past this. He will survive this."

"I suppose so." He said as he looked back into Morgan’s room.

"So shall we leave?" Stephanie said taking his arm.

"No, no Stephanie. I have to hear Morgan’s side of this, I have to hear her explanation."

 

"No, no, no, no, no." Morgan cried to the doctor. "This isn’t my baby. What have you done with my baby? This isn’t my son! I want my son! Please, please bring me my son."

"We have to sedate her." The doctor told the nurse.

"No!" She screamed. "They took him! They stole him! You’re all in on this! It’s a sick conspiracy. I want my baby!"

"How can I face him?" Taylor asked Ridge as she held onto his hand outside the hall. "How can I tell him?"

"He already knows Doc." He said with a soft kiss. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No Ridge. This is between Bryan and me. I owe him that much."

"I’m sorry you have to hurt him but it has to be."

"I know. And you have to talk to Morgan."

"That won’t be easy either. In fact maybe I should get her home and tell her there. I don’t want her to make a scene."

"It would be better for her. I wish she had a friend to be there for her."

"You’re too kind Doc, but that’s part of why I love you." He squeezed her hand. "Ready?"

"As ready as possible." She said. She let go of his hand and they walked inside the reception hall.

 

"Are you ready to tell me anything?" Kristen asked her sister as she played with the food on her plate. "I mean it’s obvious this is something very serious. Can’t I help at all?"

"I thought I was over it all. Well not really but I thought it couldn’t get to me like that but it did. It was as if it was yesterday and not years ago."

"Who is that man, the man married to Brooke and what is he to you?"

"His name is Mike Copeland, he was a friend of Ridges."

"I think I remember, though I wasn’t around much those days."

"No you weren’t." Felicia said. "He was a medical student, came from Manhattan Beach. He didn’t have money, he was working his way through school on scholarships and any job he could get. He was determined to make a success of himself. I fell for him Kris, I fell hard. He was so handsome and so charming. I wanted to be with him every minute of the day and of course Mother hated him."

"Why did she hate him so much?"

"Well for one thing she felt he was below us, you know the same crap she says about Brooke." Felicia laughed. "Isn’t that ironic? She married him and she owns most of our company and he makes more money on his own than we all do."

"I suppose." Kristen agreed. "But you haven’t really told me anything honey. Nothing to explain your reaction."

"We started seeing each other, a lot, but to Mike his career always came first. He wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of his becoming something. He had a need to make something out of himself. You could say he was consumed with it."

"Okay but that’s not really a bad thing."

"Try telling that to a young girl in love. I wanted to marry him. I wanted a family with him. My thoughts were he would join the business, work for Dad, but he didn’t want anything to do with it."

"Well it isn’t like being a doctor and if that’s what he wanted."

"I know. But he was drifting away and I was scared I was losing him. Of course Mother was happy."

"So why else didn’t she like him? I would think being so ambitious would be a good thing?"

"Mother liked this girl Ridge was seeing and Mike hit on her and she left Ridge. You know how protective Mother is of Ridge."

"I should have known he was involved somehow." Kristen said. "But he’s still friends with him isn’t he?"

"I don’t know. Maybe Ridge only sees him because of Brooke."

"Yeah, could be. So what happened Felicia? Why do you hate him so much?"

 

Once inside Ridge walked away from Taylor and towards his children and his sisters. Taylor took a deep breath and headed for the head table and Bryan. He was talking to Connor but turned and saw her.

"The moment of truth." He said.

"Good luck buddy." Connor said getting up. "Remember, I’m here for you."

"Make up your spare bed." Bryan said with a sad laugh. He stood up as Taylor approached. "Hi." He said to her.

"Hi." She said with a smile.

"Do you want to talk here? We can find somewhere private." He suggested.

"I don’t think anyone will be bothering us." She said sitting down. "You know?" She asked.

"Connor told me." He said. He didn’t say anything more. If she wanted to do this she had to do it herself, he wouldn’t make it easier on her. He sat down next to her. "Are you hungry?" He asked.

"No." She said. She looked around uncomfortably. "Where is everyone?"

"I don’t know. Guests just sensed something and started leaving."

"Oh." She said.

"Yeah." He said.

They sat in silence for a few minutes and Taylor knew it was she who had to start. "Bryan I don’t know what to say. This came as a total shock to me."

"To me too. Especially given what today was."

"When I woke up this morning I never dreamed today would turn out like this." She told him.

"But you aren’t disappointed." He said bluntly.

"I’m stunned. I’m confused."

"So what are your plans now?"

"Plans? Bryan I had no time to make plans."

"Who’s sharing your bed Taylor? Which husband will it be?" He asked her.

"Oh God." She said as tears ran down her eyes.

"I’m sorry." He said. "I don’t mean to be crude. I just, I just can’t deal with losing you right now."

"Bryan I’m sorry." She said. "I didn’t plan this, you have to know that."

"Did our vows mean nothing? Did I mean nothing?"

"I loved you."

"Past tense." He said sadly.

"I need to be with him. I’m sorry but I need him."

"And his pregnant wife?"

"I don’t know. I just, Bryan if I could go back in time."

"What Taylor? You’d never have been with me?"

"I’d never have hurt you."

"We’ve been through this before Taylor."

"What more can I say?"

"So are you leaving or am I?" He asked.

"Ridge needs to deal with Morgan. I don’t know yet. I thought that well."

"Fine, I’ll go to Connor’s." He said. "Now what do we tell the guests?"

She looked at him and started to softly cry.

 

"Where’s Morgan?" Ridge asked Felicia and Kristen.

"She left with Mom and Dad. I don’t know what was going on but she looked upset. What happened Ridge?" Kristen asked. "Where did you and Taylor go?"

"I’ll tell you all about it later, I have to find Morgan. Do you think she went home?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Kristen said.

"Can you watch the kids until Taylor can take them?" He asked.

"Of course." Felicia told him.

"Does anyone have a cell phone?" He asked. "I didn’t bring mine."

"Ridge!" Rick shouted coming over.

"Sorry Rick, I’m on a mission, I have to find Morgan."

"That’s why I’m here. Dad and Stephanie took her to the hospital."

"The hospital?" Ridge said in shock.

"She’s having the baby." Rick told him. "She’s having it now."

 

"You’re still really tense." Brooke told Michael. She was sitting on the back of his legs lovingly massaging his back. "I thought the bath would have calmed you more." She said and she dug her hands into his shoulders. She put a little more oil on him and gently worked it in.

"It did Brooke. You know how wound up I get." He said. "This whole thing with Felicia was so unexpected. I never dreamed she’d show up."

"Me either." She said as she moved to his lower back.

"Ummmmm, that’s nice." He said. "You don’t mind talking about this do you?"

"I don’t but I’d rather help you relax."

"Okay." He said. "Do your magic, we’ll talk later."

She moved the towel off him and her hands kneaded his butt. "You have the most fantastic butt." She giggled. "So firm and sexy."

"Brooke!" He warned. "Don’t start something I can’t finish."

"Don’t you like this?" She purred.

"Too much you little tease. You know how much I do." He grabbed her hand and pulled her off him in into his arms. He gently untied the knot in her towel and let it fall. "If I don’t get a towel neither do you." He said bringing his lips to hers. He let go of his grip and looked at her. "You know it’s all going to be worth it. I can’t wait to see this beautiful body carrying my child." She blushed as he looked at her body with the intimate look that only a lover could give. "What? What the?" He said looking at her hip.

"Oh that." She said.

"Oh that?" He said raising his eyebrow and moving her to the side. "When did you do that? What is it?"

"Take a closer look." She laughed. She moved her hip to him. There was a small tattoo with a B and an M entwined inside a heart.

"That’s us." He said. "When did you do this?"

"Last week." She laughed. "I wondered when you’d notice. I had it done where only you would ever see it. I wanted to do something silly and daring. You like it don’t you?"

"I’m shocked." He said. "But it’s cute. But you know how dangerous that is? Where did you have it done? Did you check the license and was it clean?"

"It was fine." She laughed. "I asked Megan where she had hers."

"Megan has one?" He laughed.

"Megan has three. But you will only see one. I saw the others when we were in the sauna one day."

He touched it and smiled. "It binds us forever."

"Yeah," She teased. "Unless I hook up with a Mitch or a Myles or a Marvin or a" His lips claiming hers stopped all other suggestions.

 

Morgan looked down at the baby in her arms. "Oh why oh why oh why? How did this happen? How? What will I do? How can I explain you?" She said.
"Mrs. Forrester?" The nurse asked.

"Just leave me alone, I have to think, I have to think."

The nurse shrugged and walked away.

"Tyrone, why did I do that? Why did I let it happen? Think Morgan think!" She said to herself. "There has to be a way out of this, a way to keep Ridge." She looked down at the baby. "You’re not that dark. Ridge isn’t fair, why jump to conclusions. You can still be his, you can. I know, I know. I can tell them that one of my grandparents was black, which is why the child is dark. They would have no reason to think I was lying. No, Stephanie would want a blood test. That won’t work. But what? What?" She started to cry. She looked up when she heard the door open.

"Eric." She said.

"Do you have any explanation Morgan? Can you tell me what’s going on?"

 

"Mother? What’s going on?" Ridge said to Stephanie as he ran up to her at the hospital. "Rick told me Morgan was having the baby."

"We need to talk about that honey, that and everything else that happened today." She smiled.

"You know?" He asked. "How? Who told you?"

"I have my ways." She leaned over and kissed him. "Are you and Taylor okay?"

"Better than okay. She wants our marriage. She wants me."

"Oh course she does. Is she coming home?"

"We haven’t talked about it yet. She needed to deal with Bryan and I had to deal with Morgan. How is she doing? Is she close to delivering yet?"

"Honey we have to talk about that."

"Is she alright?" He asked. "Mother it’s not the baby? The baby is alright?"

"The baby is fine. She had the baby. Your father is talking to her right now."

"Wow. She had the baby." He looked at her thoughtfully. "We knew it was coming but this is going to be hard on Taylor."

"Not as hard as you think." Stephanie said with a chuckle.

 

Kristen took a sip of her drink and turned to Felicia. "Wanna tell me the rest? Like why you two hate each other now and what he did to you."

"Mike." Felicia said wistfully. "I wish I could truly hate him. I know I said I do but that isn’t quite true. I loved him too much for that."

"So what happened?"

"I wanted to marry him but he wasn’t ready for any of that so, well I stopped taking the pill."

"Oh Felicia."

"It worked fast too. Mike was upset but he promised to do right by me. And Kris I was so happy. I knew he’d be a success and we would be happy. But he wasn’t happy, at least not at first. In fact he avoided me."

"No wonder you hated him. Felicia what did you do? Did you have an abortion?"

"No." She said softly. A single tear fell to her cheek.

"Well I know I don’t have a little niece of nephew running around so…oh no Felicia." She said seeing the sadness on her face.

"Mike came back and apologized." She said in a near whisper. "He told me he loved me and gave me a ring. He, he got down on his knees and proposed." She said with a smile. "He said it was going to be hard but if I was willing to live his lifestyle then he couldn’t ask for more. He had some time off and he asked me to go to Mexico with him, a little vacation." She picked up her glass of water and took a gulp.

"Felicia, if this is too hard." Kristen said.

"No." She said. "I’ve kept this inside for too long. And it seems Mike has told Brooke, so you should know too."

 

"Don’t cry Taylor, baby no." Bryan said taking her hand. "I don’t want to see you like this."

"I’ve made a mess of everything and I’ve hurt you so badly."

"Does he make you happy? I mean really happy?"

"Bryan."

"I need to know, I have to know. Taylor I want you to be happy. I’m not a saint, I want it to be with me but if it can’t be then I need to know that you are happy and safe."

"I love him Bryan, I think I’ve always loved him. And yes, yes he makes me very happy."

"I won’t make it difficult for you then." He said.

"You mean so much to me, so very much to me."

"Don’t ask me to be your friend, it’s just too hard Taylor."

"Someday?" She asked.

"Maybe someday." He sighed. "Give me a couple of hours to clear out tonight okay? Then I won’t bother you anymore."

"I love you." She said. "No matter what else I need you to know that I love you."

"I would be a lot easier if you didn’t."

 

"Eric I didn’t know. I never thought." Morgan cried.

"You didn’t think we’d know? Morgan your child is not a Forrester, anyone can see that."

"You don’t understand."

"No, I guess I don’t. I don’t understand how you could do this to all of us, we loved you, we trusted you."

"I swear I thought it was Ridge’s. I swear I did."

"But you were with another man. You could have been tested. You could have spared Ridge and Taylor all the pain you caused them. You knew there was a chance it was this other man’s and yet you led us all to believe it was Ridge’s. Now who is this man? Does he have any idea that you were pregnant? He needs to be told Morgan."

"I, I can’t tell him."

"Why not? Are you afraid of him? Morgan I will help you protect your child, as long as you do right by Ridge."

"It’s not that Eric. I don’t know who he is. I was raped." She said. She looked down at the baby and started to cry. "I was raped."

 

"Don’t be so cryptic Mother, what are you alluding to?" Ridge asked.

"It’s not your child Ridge. Her son is not yours."

"Stop it Mother, that attitude won’t help anything."

"It’s not an attitude Ridge, her baby is black."

"Black?" He asked her. "Did you say black?"

 

"So we got in his car. An old piece of crap." She smiled remembering. "And we crossed the border. We didn’t have much money with us and Mike refused to let me use my credit cards. We stayed in fleabag motels and slept in the car but it was still romantic. We made love under the stars and Mike promised to make a good life for all of us."

"It sounds like it was sort of nice. What happened? Was it another woman?"

"No Kris, nothing like that. We had traveled all over the place and it was getting to the end of the vacation. Mike wanted to go out for a nice dinner so he bought me a dress and he asked someone to recommend a restaurant. We got a late start and the directions weren’t very good. We got lost. We were both tired and hungry and thirsty and then we saw this bar. Well that’s an exaggeration calling it a bar. But it was open and lit up so we stopped. We were going to have a beer, some nachos and get directions to the restaurant or back to town. That’s when things started to go wrong, terribly wrong." She said looking down sadly at her belly. "And I can never forgive him for it."

 

"No, she could never have been that cruel. She could never have let me tear my life apart knowing I wasn’t that father. Mother please tell me this is a sick joke!"

"Oh it is a sick joke honey, but Morgan played it on all of us." Stephanie said to her son. "And she will pay for it if it’s the last thing I do."

"She’s going to pay now! Right now!" Ridge shouted. He turned from his mother and burst into Morgan’s hospital room.

 

Blake walked out the door and stood there looking at the parking lot. He pulled his cell phone out and started to punch in a number.

"Looking for me?" Joe said as he approached him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Chill out, it’s cool." Joe said. "I’ve been very busy and I have some amazing news for you."

"Oh you do?"

"As well as a few revelations for myself." He said.
"That I do not pay you for. What do you have to tell me?"

"I followed her with her ex-husband. I was able to use my equipment to listen to their conversation and you will be blown away by this."

"Get to the point Joe." Blake said angrily.

"She’s still married to him. Her divorce was not legal. Taylor baby is still Mrs. Forrester." He laughed.

"No God Damn it." Blake said. "No, not Ridge, anyone but Ridge." He turned away and then turned back. "Get out of here before someone sees you." He told Joe and then left.

"You may not care about my personal observations, but I do." He laughed. "So Mikey, you’re married to my pretty blonde vixen."

 

"What the hell is going on here?" Ridge shouted as he entered the room. "What are you trying to pull you bitch?"

"Ridge!" Eric said sharply.

"She stole nine months of my life! She tore my marriage apart! And for what? What?"

"Ridge I’m sorry, I thought."

"You thought?" He screamed. "You thought you could trap me. Well it’s all over now Morgan. I want you out of my home, out of my company and out of my life!"

"But I’m your wife." She cried.

"No Morgan, you’re not." He said. "You’re not now and you never have been."

 

"What happened at the bar?" Kristen asked.

"We sat down and ordered and then these guys came over. They started to taunt us about being Americans, they called us names. Then they really started to get to Mike. They teased him and wouldn’t let up. I begged him to leave but then they challenged him to play pool."

"And did he?"

"He could never turn down a dare. I guess it went against his manhood. Yeah, he went off with them. He left me sitting at the bar with all these nasty men. They started saying things to me. And then they started groping me. I tried to scream for Mike but one of them held his hand over my mouth. No one did anything, not even the women. They just watched and laughed like it was television or something."

"Oh my God Felicia, no wonder you’re mad at him."

Felicia started to shake. "Let me finish." She said. She took a sip of water and a deep breath. "They started tearing my clothes off right there in the bar. I was so scared. I kept waiting for Mike to come. Then they dragged me outside. They had knives, at least three of them. There were so many men, so many. I, I think I fainted after the third man raped me." She sobbed.

"No, oh baby no." Kristen said pulling her into her arms.

"When I woke up I was in a clinic. They said Mike had brought me there. The men, they had cut me. They killed my baby and they cut me. I asked for Mike but they told me he left. Kris he brought me to a clinic and left me to die. He, he told me today he called Mother. That’s how she knew. She came down and stayed with me until they could move me somewhere else. They were good doctors but there was nothing they could do, it was too late. Kris, I can never have children. And he just left me." She sobbed.

 

Blake walked up to Karen’s table and sat down. "Where’s your photographer?" He asked.

"He just called me." She said with a smile. "It seems the bride did a lot more than talk to her ex-husband. I sent him in to develop them. We have some story."

"You don’t know the half." He said.

"How so?"

"I’m not sure I should divulge this to the press."

"The press? Come on Blake we’re friends." Karen pleaded.

"I suppose you’ll find out soon enough. It appears that this wedding is bogus. It seems that Ridge and Taylor were never really divorced."

"What? You’re kidding me right?"

"I’d never joke about Taylor Karen. I don’t have the details but watch what you print, you don’t want to be sued."

 

Taylor was sitting alone at the head table looking out at the small group of guests who were still there when Adrienne sat down next to her.

"Hello Taylor."

"Adrienne." She said.

"Look, Connor told me and I just wanted to tell you I’m happy for you. I mean I know it’s difficult and all but I saw first hand how much you two love each other and I really mean it Taylor, I’m happy for you both."

Taylor looked at her and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Thank you Adrienne, you’re right. This is very hard."

"But you love him."

"Yes I do. I’ve loved him longer than I can remember but still."

"Bryan’s a nice guy. He’ll do okay." She said. "I just wanted you to know okay?"

"Okay." She said quietly. Adrienne got up and walked away. Taylor looked down to the emerald ring and gold band on her left hand. She twisted them around and then slid them off her hand. A tear fell from her eye as she carefully put them in her purse. "Good-bye Bryan." She whispered.

NEXT