Changes Part 91

Taylor was about to get up when Blake came over and sat down. "Can you spare a few moments for a charming ex-husband?" He asked.

"Sure." She smiled at him. "Has the news made it around the entire room?"

"I know Taylor and I’m sorry. I know you and Bryan were trying hard."

"It all seems so unreal and so unfair."

"And you and Ridge? Have you decided to make a go of it?"

"I love him Blake. How can I deny my heart?"

"No, you shouldn’t but you also shouldn’t jump into something you’re not ready for."

"But Blake, I’m more than ready for Ridge. I’ve loved him practically forever."

He took her hand. "Think back to the other day Taylor. Remember our talk? Remember how confused you were. How you loved them both for their own reasons and how you didn’t know what to do. You didn’t trust Ridge because of Morgan. Bryan was the rock that you held onto for your strength."

"You think I should stay with Bryan?" She asked. "But Blake, Ridge would always be there between us."

"And what’s so different right now at this minute than this morning when you were saying your vows to him? Wasn’t Ridge there then? But still, it was Bryan you chose."

"But Ridge is my husband."

"A legal technicality."

"I love him."

"And Bryan?"

"I love him too, but not like I love Ridge."

Blake looked around the room. "And where is Ridge now? This wonderful, caring husband?"

"He’s with Morgan. He’s explaining things to her."

"I see, he’s telling his pregnant wife that she isn’t his wife and that her child is a bastard and that he is now going to abandon them for you."

"You make it sound so callous."

"Isn’t it?"

"So what are you suggesting?" She asked.

"All I’m saying is the same thing I said the other day. I told you not to marry Bryan, to give yourself time, to be alone, to figure out what you really wanted. I still think it holds true."

"But I want to be with Ridge."

"Don’t you owe it to yourself to be totally sure? I’m not saying to stay away from him, I’m not even saying to stay alone long. Just give yourself time to find out who Taylor really is and what Taylor really wants. If Ridge is right for you you’ll know it. Let him fight for you. Don’t just roll over. Remember Taylor, there was a reason you divorced him in the first place."

 

 

"Ridge I want you to calm down." Eric shouted at him. "You have no idea what Morgan has been through."

"Morgan? You care about what she’s been through? My God Dad, she tore my life apart! And why? So she could make a man who didn’t love her marry her? She made Taylor suffer, she made me suffer! Look at how it’s affected Mother! And then the kid is not even mine?"

"I didn’t know." Morgan cried. "I swear to you Ridge I thought he was, I never thought God would be cruel enough to do this to me."

"To you?" Ridge shouted to her face. "To you?"
"She was raped Ridge!" Eric retorted. "Your wife was raped!"

"She’s not my wife."

"You’re going to divorce me?" Morgan cried in a weak voice. She clutched the baby to her chest.

"I don’t have to Morgan because we never were really married. Some mistakes happened in Santa Domingo, some very lucky mistakes. I’m actually still married to Taylor and that is where I intend to stay." He looked at her angrily. "So tell me Morgan, how did this rape come about? Or was that another little lie you dreamt up?"

 

 

"Shhhh." Grant said as he and Macy tiptoed up the stairs. "They’re both home so let’s not disturb them."

"I feel like a kid sneaking a boyfriend up to her bedroom." She giggled.

"Soon we’ll be all alone and no more sneaking." He assured her. "Come on, it’s this room." He said opening the door to his bedroom suite.

"Nice." She said after they closed the door behind them. "And this isn’t even the master bedroom. I may like living here after all."

"I’m sorry it took me so long to see things. I must have really disappointed you."

"You’re worth the wait." She grinned.

"I wish I could remember everything we did, all our happy times."

"Oh Grant, as long as you remember you love me that’s all that matters, we can make more happy times."

"Will you answer some questions for me?" He asked. "It may help and you know better about a lot of things than Taylor does."

"I’ll answer anything you ask." She said as she put her arms around him. "But at this moment talk is the last thing on my mind." She let her hand stray down his chest and under his shirt. "I just want to make love to you all night long."

"I hope I can keep up with you." He said in a sexy voice.

"You’re doing fine right now." She purred as her hand slid down to caress him.

 

"That’s enough Ridge." Eric said sharply. "You know how much this woman loves you. You know she would never have taken a man into her bed besides you. She was raped Ridge, a crime was committed against her and all you can do is scream at her! And what about her poor innocent child?"

"He’s not my responsibility."

"Because a judge made a mistake?" Eric asked. "And now you’ll just walk out and let her suffer alone?"

"You seem to be forgetting who’s fault this whole thing was to begin with." Ridge shot back.

"No son, I haven’t. The fault was a married man who slept with another woman, no matter what reason and no matter who he thought approved of it."

"I accept my part of the blame but she tricked me! She tricked us all." He said pointing to Morgan.

She looked down at the baby and kissed him. "It’s alright baby, don’t let the shouting scare you."

Ridge was suddenly quiet. He looked over at the baby in her arms.

"He’s beautiful isn’t he Ridge?" Morgan asked.

"He’s not mine Morgan."

"No, but he’s mine." She told him. "And I love him."

"How can you love the child of a rapist?" He asked her.

"How can you blame an innocent child?" She came back.

"You’re right, I’m sorry." Ridge said. "That is if you really were raped."

"I think you better leave Ridge." Morgan said softly.

"I’ll pack your things, you can pick them up when you get out." Ridge told her.

"You’ll do no such thing." Eric said flatly. "That is Morgan’s home. She’ll leave when she is ready. Besides, I’m sure you’ll be moving in with Taylor again."

"Tonight, I plan on going home tonight." He said.

"Then never mind what Morgan does."

Ridge looked at his father in confusion and then just turned and left.

"Thank you Eric." Morgan whispered. "We’ll leave as soon as I can."

"No Morgan, I meant what I said. It’s your home as long as you want it."

 

When Ridge got back to the reception hall it was empty and there was no message from Taylor so he headed for the beach house. It was well lit when he got there. He parked and rang the bell. To his shock Bryan answered the door.

"Hello Ridge." He said. "She’s not here yet."

"I’m sorry. I figured she’d be here." He said looking inside.

"Yes, those are my suitcases." Bryan said to Ridge’s unspoken question. "I’m staying with Connor until my tenant can find another place."

"Did Taylor, I mean is she."

"She’s coming back here as far as I know. I asked her to give me a couple of hours to clear out. Will you be moving here? Or are you going home?"

"Hopefully back home, but I guess here till we can get settled." Ridge said uncomfortably.

"Well I’d love to chat but I have more packing to do." Bryan said.

"This is awkward." Ridge told him. "But I wish you well, I know you took good care of Taylor."

"I love her Ridge, don’t ever think differently."

They both turned at the sound of the phone.

"Excuse me a moment." Bryan said. He went inside and picked up the phone. Ridge watched him and was about to leave when Bryan gestured him over. "It’s Taylor, for you." He said.

Ridge walked in and took the phone from him. He looked at Bryan who turned and left the room.

"Doc, where are you?" Ridge asked.

"I’m with a friend." She said. "I’m going to stay here for a few days."

"What? Taylor why? What the hell is going on? I need you here. We need to be together."

"I need time Ridge, this all happened too fast. My mind is a mess, I can’t think."

"Taylor no, please don’t tell me you changed your mind."

"I haven’t changed my mind Ridge. I love you. I just need a couple of days alone to think about everything. Please try and understand."

"We’ve fought so hard to get it back. Why are you doing this?"

"It’s something I need for myself. Please just give me this."

"I need to see you, where are you?"

"I’m staying with a friend." She said.

"Logan!" He said with assurance. "Look Doc, I’m coming over. We can talk and if you need a night or two with Brooke then fine, I can deal with that, just don’t shut me out."

"I’m not at Brooke’s." She said. "Where will you be staying?"

"Doc I want to be with you."

"The guesthouse? Here at the beach? Home? Your mother’s?" She asked.

"My stuff is at the guesthouse. I’ll be there tonight." He said.

"Wwith Morgan?"

"No, we have to talk about that Doc."

"Tomorrow." She said. "I’ll call you tomorrow."

"Come on Doc! Where are you? Tell me! You have to tell me!" He shouted.

"Leave her alone Ridge." Blake’s voice said before the click of the phone being hung up.

 

The next morning Brooke was walking past Stephanie’s office when she called to her.

"Brooke, would you please come in here?"

"Good morning Stephanie." Brooke said with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"I want you to keep that man away from here while my daughter is in town."

"What man?" Brooke asked, obviously puzzled.

"Your husband."

"Look Stephanie, this is between Michael and Felicia. I am not going to do anything to keep him from talking to her. She’s upset and they need to talk it out."

"You have no idea what harm this can do."

"I know everything Stephanie." She said.

"You only know what he wants you to know. I tried to warn you about him Brooke. I tried to help you but you wouldn’t listen. I will not let him hurt her again."

"He doesn’t want to hurt her."

"Please Brooke, just keep him away."

She sat down next to her desk. "Stephanie why are you so against them having some closure on this? You can’t really think it’s healthy for Felicia to hold this inside all these years. Or are you afraid she’ll finally know the truth, the real truth?"

"The only one who can be hurt by the real truth, as you call it is you Brooke. You may believe the

sugar-coated lies he tells you but they’re not the truth. Open your eyes Brooke. The man abandoned her to die. I did not bribe him or pay him off, he left of his own accord. He didn’t want her and he left."

"You’ll never make me believe that."

"Suit yourself Brooke, but remember when he does it to you that I warned you."

"You’re forgetting that I’m wise to your ways Stephanie and all the schemes you tried to get rid of me. No, I will never take your word over my husbands, never."

 

"Mother will be furious with you Dad." Ridge said to Eric. He walked to the window of his office and looked out. "She wants her gone and so do I. If you can’t do it for us then do it for Taylor, think of what she did to Taylor."

"She has no one Ridge, no one at all."

"She should have thought about that before she played her games."

"I agree with you but I can’t put her and that innocent child out on the street."

"She’ll get severance pay. She has money of her own."

"Look son, you got what you wanted, you have Taylor back. Let poor Morgan have a little dignity. Let her have a place to live while she gets her life back together."

Ridge slammed his fist on the windowsill.

"What’s wrong son?"

"Taylor, I don’t have her back. She didn’t come home."

"Well it was a rough day. She probably wanted a calm night to explain things to the children."

"No Dad, she’s staying with Blake Hayes."

 

 

Late that afternoon Brooke was sitting in her office looking at fabric samples and thinking about her discussion with Stephanie when her door was pushed open and the woman materialized in front of her.

"Brooke! Eric was looking for you. You had a meeting with the buyers." Stephanie said as she stormed into her office.

"I forgot all about it. Why didn’t he call me?"

"He called me. Apparently your phone was not working."

Brooke looked and saw that she had inadvertently knocked it off the hook.

"Where is the meeting?" Brooke asked.

"It's over, you missed it."

"Damn. Well I'm sure Eric handled things."

"Brooke, between you mooning over your damn husband and Ridge with his problems it seems that Eric has to do everything around here. This whole damn company is falling apart." Stephanie said as she stormed out.

Brooke looked at the clock. She buzzed Megan.

"Yes Brooke."

"Is there anything else on my calendar for today?"

"Nothing at all Brooke. It’s so quiet here it’s almost eerie."

"Well if nothing more is happening here today and Eric has it all under control anyway, I have a lot of groceries to get and it’s getting late. I might as well go home. As long as you’re sure I’m clear."

"Go home Brooke." Megan answered.

She grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

 

 

Frank Calabrese was just entering Michael’s office as he was taking off his jacket and grabbing his keys.

"Off somewhere buddy?" Frank asked. "What’s the big rush?"

"I gotta go." Michael told Frank. "I can't stay another five seconds. You have no idea how important tonight is."

"Well it's not your anniversary. What is it?"

"It's a very special night." He winked at him.

"You saw Stedman."

"Yup."

"He gave you the okay?"

"Yup."

"What the hell are you doing here then? Get home buddy!"

Michael waved to him as he started down the hallway. He practically knocked down Nurse Denise Jacobs in his haste. He grabbed her and kissed her full on the mouth.

"Dr. Copeland!" She said.

"Sorry" Michael said. "It's a very special day."

"What kind of a day?" She asked.

"It’s D-Day Denise. Stedman gave me the all clear finally."

"Oh!" She said her eyes widening with understanding. "Well then you have fun Dr. Copeland. And try not to come in bowlegged tomorrow." She joked.

"Oh I will." He grinned at her. "That is if I make it out of bed at all."

He ran to his car and drove to a florist. He quickly went inside and bought four dozen roses in assorted colors. He then went into a liquor store and got a chilled bottle of French Champagne. He got back into his car and headed for home. On an impulse he made a quick stop at his favorite jewelry store and went inside. "Hi." He said to the clerk.

"Dr. Copeland, what can I do for you?"

"I’m in a rush Jenna. I need something special for my wife. This is the most important night of our lives."

"Wife?" She asked. "When on Earth did you get married Dr. Copeland?" She looked down at the ring on his finger.

"It’s not a secret, I guess it just hasn’t gotten around yet. Anyway she is the most beautiful woman in the world and tonight we are going to make a baby, or at least try to."

"Oh Dr. Copeland, how romantic. Well it has to be diamonds."

"Okay, diamonds it is. Now what? Any suggestions? What would you like if it were for you?"
"Let me show you a few things." She suggested.
"Honey just make it fast. I have quite an evening planned for my wife."

"You got it Dr. Copeland." Jenna said with a smile.

She quickly left and came back with a black velvet tray. "I have a gorgeous tennis bracelet." She said. "It’s ten carats and it’s set in platinum." He took it in his hand.

"I love it. What else?"

"Well if you want something a little smaller I have these three carat studs or this four carat ring. It’s a perfect round solitaire. And the earrings are a perfect match."

"The ring, it’s so pretty." He said. "We eloped Jenna so I never gave her a ring." He took the ring and looked at it closely. "She’ll be totally surprised at this point. Okay you sold me, wrap it up."

"The ring?" She asked.

"No, all of it." He beamed.

"You have one lucky wife Dr. Copeland."

"I’m one lucky husband Jenna, and that is the truth."

He paid with his credit card and got back into his car. On impulse he made one last stop at Victoria’s Secret and picked up the sexiest, tiniest teddy he could find. It was burgundy, silky and a total turn on for him.

When he got to the house and was pleased to find that Brooke wasn't home yet. He ran into the kitchen and got two of the best champagne glasses and the wine bucket. He quickly put them all in the bedroom. He opened the bed and turned the lights low. He put the flowers all over the room and left a few on the bed. He hung the teddy on the bathroom doorknob. He then wrote Brooke a quick note.

Honey, I'm feeling really sick so I went up to bed. Wake me up when you get home. Maybe you can get me some soup or something. Love, Michael.

He left that at the table next to the door. He then ran upstairs and took his clothes off. He jumped into the shower and quickly showered and washed his hair. He went back into the bedroom and lay down on the bed to wait.

 

 

Brooke stopped at the grocery store before going home. She had six large bundles and was hoping Michael would be home to help her get them put away. The first thing she saw when she came in was his note, "Damn it!" She said under her breath. "Just when I need him he pulls the little boy act." She took three trips carrying in the packages and decided to take her time putting them away. "He certainly can fix his own soup." She said. "Am I expected to do everything around here?"

 

 

Michael listened to the cabinets slamming downstairs and laughed. "Damn! She's mad at me." He laughed. "Well that isn't going to last." He got up and walked into the bathroom. He quickly rinsed his mouth again and then splashed on some cologne. He got back on the bed to wait once more. He heard her footsteps starting up the stairs and then the phone rang. Her steps retreated back down the stairs.

"Sh*t! Who could be calling now?"

 

 

"Hi Mom!" Brooke said.

"Hi honey, I'm not disturbing you?"

"Not at all. Michael is sick in bed so we have plenty of time to talk."

"How are the kids?"

"They're fine, but Rick is seeing Amber again."

"Oh dear."

"Mom, what should I do? I don't want to tell him what to do but this is such a big mistake."

"Well honey, let's talk this out."

Brooke sat down in a comfortable chair for the long call.

 

 

Michael had been waiting for almost an hour when he finally heard her steps again.

"It's about time." He whispered to himself. "I was starting to feel pretty stupid here."

His breath caught as the door opened.

"Michael, are you asleep?" Brooke asked as she walked in. "Michael?" She said seeing all the flowers. "What's going.....on." She said softly as she saw him grinning at her from the bed. The minute her eyes took in his body it reacted to her. She gulped as she saw him come to attention.

"I um, guess it's time for a cold shower huh?" She said.

"Come here." He said in a deep voice.

"Michael I."

"Come here." He instructed her.

She walked over to the bed and sat down next to him. "Do you have a fever?"

"Oh yeah." He said.

"Let me get you something."

"I have everything that I need." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

"Michael this is torture." She said. "You can't keep doing this to yourself."

He took her hand and placed it on his swollen member.

"Michael, I can’t keep doing this to you."

"Oh God." He moaned. "The first time is going to be pretty fast, but I promise the next ones we’ll take it nice and slow." He whispered into her ear.

"Whwhat are you saying?"

He reached under her dress and pulled her panties off. He then gently pushed her back on the bed and in one quick thrust he was inside her.

"Home," He said. "I've come home." He mouth took hers roughly and he started to move in her. Brooke was so stunned that she barely had time to realize what was happening before she felt him spill inside of her. He rolled off her and gave her a tender kiss.

"Sorry sweetheart. I couldn't help it." He pulled her up into his arms and kissed her again. The tears were rolling down her cheeks. "My God Brooke, did I hurt you?"

"Oh no, no, I'm happy. I'm so happy."

He gently started taking her clothes off her, kissing and caressing every inch of her that he touched. She reached for him and stroked him and he moaned in pleasure. "Honey it may be another quick one. I got a lot of lost time to make up for."

Once her clothes were all gone he started kissing her. His mouth moved from her lips to her neck and then to her breasts, he kissed and bit and sucked at her until she squirmed under him. His hand reached between her legs and as his mouth administered to her nipples his hand made her ache with desire.

"Inside me, please inside me." She begged him. "I need you there so badly."

He slid his finger inside her and mimicked the sex act as she moaned beneath him. She reached for him and felt him grow bigger and harder in her hand. "Oh God." She moaned. "Please, oh please."

"Not yet." He said as him moved his mouth to her bellybutton. "I have to taste you." He said. "Put your legs around my shoulders sweetheart." He demanded. She pulled her legs up and around him and he brought his mouth between her legs. His tongue danced around and licked her sensuously and slowly, ever so slowly moved to her sensitive nub. He gently licked her and she jumped to his mouth. He laughed as his mouth once more found her. She arched herself high into him as his teeth and tongue brought her to an intense orgasm. She tightened around his mouth and he reached down and slid a finger deep inside her. She shook as her body convulsed. But before she could calm herself he slid her down and he moved his mouth and hand from her and he slid his hardened member into her and it all started again. He started a rhythm that she quickly joined. Her legs went tightly around his waist. He moved in and out of her as she clung to him like a drowning victim. She felt herself floating and bursting as his lips took hers in a kiss and he joined her in another orgasm.

Spent and happy they lay in each other’s arms. Michael looked at Brooke and started laughing.

"What?"

"You should have seen your face when I took your panties off."

"I was scared. I thought you were doing something stupid. Michael it's only been four weeks."

"Stedman said if I was ready that I could go for it. And believe me, I was ready. In fact the night is still young." He reached for the champagne and poured them each a glass. He handed one to her and they each took a sip. Michael then took the glass from Brooke and put it on the nightstand, he took his glass and slowly spilled the cool wine on her body. She shivered as he put the glass back down. "Now this is how I like to drink champagne." He said as he lowered his mouth to her and started to lick and kiss it off her. She felt a tingling between her legs again. She reached for him once more. "I want a taste." She said in a sexy voice. "I thought you'd never ask." He laughed. She pushed him back and reached for her glass of wine. She dribbled it over his chest and let a large amount spill between his legs. He gave her a throaty laugh at that. She repeated his torture as she licked and teased his nipples. "Brooke, please honey." He said as she got lower and lower. "What is it that you want?" She teased.

"You know." He moaned. She pulled herself back up and started to kiss him on the lips. "You want me to go lower?" She teased. "Ohhhhh." He moaned as she took him in her hand. She slowly moved her hand up and down and used her thumb to tease the tip. She smiled as she saw the look of pleasure on his face. A tiny seed of moisture formed and she licked it. "If you like that, you're gonna love this." She said as she lowered herself down and took him into her mouth. Like she had before, he pushed himself closer to her and she worked him with a fever. Her hand held him and stroked him as she took him into and out of her mouth. When he felt he was ready he tried to pull away but she wouldn't let him. She kept a tight hold of his shaft as she continued to suck and lick. He moaned and shook as he came. Brooke pulled herself back up to him and put her arms around him. "God I love you so much." She said as their mouths met in a kiss.

"Sweetheart you didn't have to."

"I wanted to." She said.

He pulled her tight to him. "This is the best night of my entire life."

"And it's barely started." She purred.

"And wait, I didn't tell you the really good part."

"This isn't the good part?" She asked with a laugh.

"The good part." He quickly kissed her. "Is that you just wasted some really powerful swimmers."

Brooke looked at him and laughed. Then the tears came to her eyes. "You mean it worked?"

"He seems to think that we have a really great chance of having a family. I got some powerful stuff there."

She kissed him and hugged him. "Well then by all means we better get back to work."

"You call this work?"

"I call it the best work I could ever have."

"Well give me a few minutes to catch my breath. Wait I know."

"What?" She asked.

"I bought you something. On the doorknob. Why don't you put that on so I can have the fun of taking it off you."

She got up and looked at it. "It's beautiful, but it's not one of ours."

"You think I want to make love to my wife in something that her ex-husband designed?" He laughed. "Come on model for me."

She took the teddy and walked into the bathroom to put it on. Michael poured them some more champagne and laid back against the soft pillows to wait for her.

Brooke walked out of the bathroom and Michael felt like his breath was taken away. "I have never seen anyone so beautiful." He said. "And I have never loved anyone more."

"Oh Michael." She said. She walked over to the bed and lay down next to him.

"One more thing." He said. He reached into the nightstand and handed her a black velvet box.

"What’s this?" She asked.

"Open it."

She slowly opened the box and her eyes widened. "Michael, oh Michael."

He took the ring and placed it on her hand. "Better late than never." He said with a kiss.

"Come closer." He said. He took the earrings out and put them in her ears. She lifted the bracelet and held it to the light.

"It’s real." He teased.

"How can I ever thank you?" She said.

"Oh I think you’ll think of something."

He pulled her close and took her mouth. Their tongues searched each other out as their hands touched and explored each other’s bodies. "I don't know how I could possibly want you more but the more I have the more I need." He told her. "I want to bury myself inside you and never come out." He nuzzled her neck. "It feels like it's been years."

"To me too." She agreed. She hugged him tighter. "I don't ever want to let go."

"You don't have to." He said. His hand once more reached the apex of her legs. She spread them to allow him better access. His finger slid under the lacy teddy and came to play with her nub. She gasped and bit his lower lip.

"You like that?" He asked knowing full well that she did. He pushed the flimsy material further to the side and slid in another finger. It darted in and out of her tightness while the other continued to circle her sensitive center.

"I need you again." She moaned.

"I know you do." He said with assurance.

"God Michael I’m coming."

"Give in sweetheart give in." He said as he felt her sheath tighten around his fingers. The tremors took her and he felt the sweet wetness of her orgasm.

He got onto his knees and slowly removed the teddy from her body. She arched herself to him, begging for his touch again. Once she was naked again he brought his fingers back to her and she sighed in relief. "You want me to make you come again don't you baby."

"Yes, oh God yes."

He moved the palm of his hand over her and slowly started rubbing her until he saw the tears in her eyes. He increased his pace until she bit her lip to stop from crying out. As she was just about over the edge he gently got her to her knees. He moved closer to her and once more entered her. His hands reached and held her breasts and they moved together with a pace that they had never had before. With one hand stroking her hard nipples and the other massaging her nub he brought her back to ecstasy. She turned her head to his and they kissed and bit and pushed until Michael felt Brooke start to quiver hard. He increased his pace and simultaneously they climaxed once more. Exhausted he pulled out of her and pulled her into his arms and held her as their breath slowed.

Brooke tenderly kissed her husband. "I feel so safe and so loved." She whispered.

"You are honey, for the rest of your life you are." He said as he gently stroked her hair. "I love you Brooke Copeland."

"I love you Michael Copeland." She said to him and they slowly fell asleep in each other’s arms.

 

A few hours later Brooke opened her eyes and looked over at her sleeping husband. She reached for him and even in his sleep her pulled her tighter into his arms. She let out a deep sigh and once more fell into a contented sleep.

"Looks like I got my surveillance stuff in just in time." Joe laughed as he watched his brother hold his wife in his sleep. "I got you now big brother, I got you now. And oh what a show you gave me."

 

Taylor got up from the table and started to clear the plates away.

"I’ve got that." Blake said with a smile. "It’s a beautiful night, why don’t you go sit on the terrace?"

"Now that you mention it maybe I’ll take a walk." She said. "The kids are asleep."

"I meant to ask you, how did it go when you talked to Ridge today?" Blake asked.

"I never caught up with him. I have to try tonight. I feel guilty being so comfortable here and him worrying about me."

"I’m sure he’s fine. Besides doesn’t he still have to work things out with Morgan?"

"I’m sure he must have by now. Maybe I should call him now."

"Go take your walk, I’ll take care of the dishes and give you privacy for your call when you get back."

"You’re too good to me Blake." She said kissing him on the cheek. "I can’t thank you enough for being here for me. I had no idea how much I needed a friend, and your advice."

"I’ll always be here for you." He said. He walked to the closet and came back with a sweater and handed it to her. "Wear this, there’s a chill in the air."

"Thanks." She smiled as she put it on. She kissed him again and walked out.

Blake whistled to himself as he cleared the table. The sound of Taylor’s cell phone made him smile. He picked it up and answered it.

"Hello."

"Hayes! That’s you isn’t it Hayes? Put my wife on, put her on now."

"Hello Ridge." He said with an evil laugh. "She’s not home right now, perhaps I can help you."

"I want to talk to Taylor and I want to talk to her now."

"Well Ridge, it appears she doesn’t want to talk to you. What’s that?" He walked to the sound system and pushed a button. Taylor’s melodic voice flooded the room loud enough for Ridge to hear.

"Darling, please come back to bed. I want you so badly. Hurry baby, hurry. I need you back inside me now."

"Sorry Ridge." Blake said. "A man has to do what a man has to do." He hung up on his, turned off the tape and started to laugh. "Oh Joseph my man, you certainly are worth your weight in gold. And thank you too Bryan for providing me so many sound clips of my lovely Taylor."

 

"No, Taylor no. Oh God no." Ridge cried as he threw down his phone. He put his hands to his face and moaned. "Taylor why? Why?"

 

Changes Part 92

 

Brooke woke up and rolled over and into Michael’s arms. She kissed him full on the mouth, which woke him, and he immediately joined her kiss. "Ummm, morning wife." He mumbled. He rolled her onto her back and intensified the kiss. Her arms embraced him as he found his way on top of her. She gasped when he was suddenly inside her again. She pulled her legs tightly around his waist as they found a pace together. His lips once more claimed hers as he moved in and out. She pulled closer to him as she felt herself getting closer to the edge. They climaxed together quickly in another intense orgasm.

"Well hello there sweetheart." He said with a kiss as he rolled off her.

"Hi." She said sweetly. "For a moment I thought last night was a dream. I guess that proved it wasn’t."

"It felt like one to me too." He grinned. "You sure turned into a wild woman." He laughed.

"Oh and you were Mr. Cool and Calm?" She laughed back.

"It makes me wish we were on vacation, but alas, I have surgery today."

"And I have a ton of work piled up on my desk too." Brooke lamented. "But we can get back to work tonight."

"Work?" He asked.

"Baby making." She smiled as she yawned.

He kissed her again and got out of bed. She smiled as his lithe, nude body headed towards the bathroom. She leaned back and listened as he relieved himself and then washed and brushed his teeth. She then got up and walked in behind him. "You want to shower first or should I?" She asked.

"Well if we shower together think of all the water we save." He told her.

"And the time we lose." She said. She reached around him for her toothbrush. He handed her the toothpaste. She put it on her brush and started brushing. He walked to the shower and started the water running. She turned and again stared at him.

"See something you like?" He asked.

"Ummm yes." She said after she rinsed her mouth. "And I think we should conserve the water today."

"No argument out of me." He said taking her hand and pulling her into the shower with him. Her fake screams of protests soon turned into sweet moans of ecstasy as he made love to her under the pulsating water.

 

"Coffee smells great." Taylor said to Blake as she walked into the kitchen. She was showered and dressed. She went to the coffeepot, poured a cup and sat down.

"So?" Blake asked.

"So what?" She asked.

"Ridge? How did it go when you spoke to him last night."

"Well that’s the strange thing." She told him. "First time I called it rang and rang and then I tried a little while later and he or someone answered but no one said anything. I could hear breathing."

"That’s odd." Blake said to her.

"Yeah, so I think I’ll go down to Forrester today and talk to him."

"Does he know you’re here?"

"No. I told him I was staying with a friend."

"Okay Taylor, confession time." Blake said. "He called on your cell while you were out. I answered it and he was all sorts of annoyed. He hung up on me. I wanted to tell you but I went to bed before you got back."

"Well that explains it I guess. Ridge and you were never a mutual admiration society. I’m sure I can calm him down."

"Yeah, besides Taylor, he was with Morgan."

"He doesn’t love Morgan. It’s not the same."

"Are you saying you love me?" Blake said with raised eyebrows.

"Well yes, not a husband and wife love anymore. But still it’s deeper than just a friendship."

"I can deal with that." He said with a smile. "But I hope I didn’t make things difficult for you and Ridge."

"He’ll be fine Blake, once he understands how you’ve helped me. In fact he may be a new member of the Blake Hayes Fan Club." She laughed.

"I wouldn’t go that far, but I’d settle for a little respect."

"I think that’s reasonable." She told him. She took a sip of her coffee. "Anyway, I want to get Katherine here to watch the kids. I need to see Ridge and Brooke too."

"Brooke, I can’t help being amazed at that friendship."

"Well we are friends Blake and I really need to bring her up to date."

"Well if you want I can stay here with the kids till their nanny gets here."

"Oh Blake, I can’t ask you to do that."

"You didn’t ask, I volunteered."

"It would be a godsend Blake." She smiled.

"Then consider it done."

 

Ridge threw down the sketchpad and picked up the phone. "Why did I hang up last night? Why?" he asked himself. "I’m sure she had an explanation. She’d never take up with Blake again. But why was she with him? Damn it Ridge you have to have faith in her. She’s your wife!" He punched in the number for her cell phone but was informed that it was out of service. "Where are you Doc?" He said sadly.

"Ridge?" Eric said as he walked in. "Is something wrong?"

"Taylor is still with Blake Hayes." He said.

"Then go get her."

"I would if I could Dad but I have no idea where Blake lives. And the worst part is I got annoyed at Taylor last night and I hung up on her when she called me."

"Oh Ridge." Eric said.

"I know, I know. But after I did I realized I had no way to find her. Now she’s shut off her cell phone."

"Well she won’t stay away forever."

"No, I guess not. I just need to be with her. We’ve come through so much to be together again."

"And you will be." Eric assured him. "But we also have to talk about Morgan."

"Morgan? She has no place in my life anymore."

"Have a heart son. She loves you. The fates have not been kind to her."

"That’s not my fault."

"No, I didn’t say it was but she’s a very sad woman today. And the mother of a child conceived in rape."

"I’m sorry about that Dad but I’m glad it’s not my child."

"It could have been."

"Yes but it’s not. I’m just glad she’s out of all of our lives forever."

"No Ridge. She will continue to work here and she will stay at the guest house as long as she wants."

"Does Mother know this?"

"It’s not her decision. I made this one and I’m sticking to it."

"I don’t think Brooke wants her around either."

"Well when and if Brooke makes an appearance I will talk to her."

"Brooke was here yesterday wasn’t she?"

"She missed an important meeting and she left early."

"She and Mike are having problems I think." Ridge said. "I hate to say it but I never held much hope for that marriage."

"I really thought Mike was changing." Eric said. "I want Brooke to be happy."

"Brooke is happy." She said as she walked in with a huge smile on her face. "And I’m sorry about missing the meeting."

"Ridge tells me you and Mike are having problems."

"None that I know of." She said. "Really Ridge, you should stick to things you know about. Michael and I have never been happier. I wish I could say the same for you."

"Actually Logan things happened after you left the wedding."

"Really? Tell me." She said as she sat down.

"I’ll leave you two alone. Brooke stop by later." Eric said as he left. He shut the door after him.

"Well?" Brooke asked.

"Where do I start Logan?" He said. "Well the most important thing is that Taylor and I are still married."

"What?" She said in shock. "How can that be Ridge?"

"Well there was a mistake in Santa Domingo and the divorce was never legal so in turn neither of our marriages were either."

"Oh Ridge! I’m so happy for you!" She jumped up and threw her arms around him. "And Taylor? She’s happy too isn’t she?"

"I think so. I mean she was." He said.

"And now she’s having second thoughts about leaving Bryan?" She asked.

"It’s not Bryan Logan, it’s Blake."

"Blake Hayes?" She questioned. "Why on earth would she be involved with him again?"

"I don’t know but somehow she ran into him. He was at the wedding."

"I didn’t see him, but then I did leave early. But why is she seeing him? Ridge I know she loves you."

"I think she does too Logan but he has some kind of hold on her. I’m worried, really worried."

"That’s silly Ridge. Now if it were Bryan that’s different but Blake?"

"Maybe you’re right." He said. "It’s just that, oh nevermind. I need to talk to Taylor about it."

"That’s a good idea. Give her a chance to explain herself. I did talk to Bridget this morning. I suppose congratulations aren’t entirely appropriate but I guess I don’t know what else to say."

"You mean Morgan don’t you?"

"She had the baby didn’t she?" Brooke asked.

"She had the baby alright, but it isn’t mine."

"How can you be so sure?" She asked.

"He’s black."

"Black?"

"Very black." He laughed.

"Oh my God Ridge. What a bitch."

"Well she claims she was raped."

"You don’t believe her do you?"

"Not really but Dad does."

"Why is he so soft hearted where she’s concerned?"

"You got me. But she’s out of my life now. And I hope out of the company."

"Well she’ll fight for the end of her contract but we can try and buy her out." She suggested.

"Dad wants her to stay."

"I’ll talk to him." She said. "But I need a favor in return."

"Name it."

"Felicia." She said.

"What about her?"

"You’re aware that she and Michael share a past right?"

"Yeah, but I really don’t know anything about it."

"Well there’s been a huge misunderstanding and she really needs to talk to Michael, but she won’t."

"And you want me to convince her?"

"She listens to you Ridge. Your mother has poisoned her against him. They really need to talk this out. They’re both hurting and it doesn’t have to be."

"I’ll talk to her but she is stubborn."

"You’re telling me." She smiled. "Now tell me, why did you and Eric think Michael and I were having problems?"

"Well you both seemed upset at the wedding and he was gone and then you were gone."

"Actually that was all about Felicia, but Michael and I are wonderful."

"Good. I want you to be happy. But if he ever hurts you Logan you come to me and I’ll set him straight."

"My hero." She laughed.

"I’m serious."

"I know you are." She said with a kiss to his cheek. "And I love you for it."

"You love my husband huh?" Taylor said with a grin as she walked in.

"Always have, always will." Brooke smiled back. "Ridge told me your news. I’m so happy for you." She said as she embraced her friend.

"Not half as happy as I am. It was like a miracle Brooke. I have my family back."

"But poor Bryan."

"I know. And I feel terrible about that. I need to talk to him but it’s too soon right now."

"Maybe I can help him somehow." Brooke said. "Anyway I’ll leave you two alone. But we need to have dinner, the four of us okay?"

"I’d like that." Taylor said. Brooke kissed them both and left.

"Doc, I’m sorry about last night but hearing his voice."

"I should have told you Ridge but I knew how you’d react. I just need a little time on my own. We’ve all been through so much."

"But Blake?"

"He’s a wonderful friend."

"Since when?"

"That’s not fair Ridge, he’s changed. He isn’t violent anymore and he’s so kind and caring. In fact he supports our getting back together."

"That’s not how it sounded to me."

"Let’s not talk about Blake." She smiled as she walked to him and hugged him. "I missed you."

"Me too Doc. We have a lot to talk about."

"Yes we do, starting with Morgan."

"Morgan had the baby." He said.

Taylor looked at him and her eyes filled with tears. "I’m sorry Ridge, I thought I could handle this but it’s so much harder than I thought it would be."

"It’s not mine Doc, it’s not mine."

"What?" She said through her tears.

"It’s not my baby."

"She confessed? Who’s baby is it Ridge? Why did she do this to us?"

"Her baby is black Taylor, I don’t know and I don’t care who’s child it is, it’s not mine and that’s all that matters to me."

"I can’t believe it." She smiled as she held him tightly. "It’s all working out for us."

"Well almost everything." He said. "Doc, I need to know what’s going on with you and Blake."

"We’re friends, I told you that Ridge."

"It sounded a little more than friendly."

"What did?"

"The way you called out to him Doc, you broke my heart."

"What are you talking about Ridge? I have no idea what you’re talking about."

 

Michael was headed for Jason’s room when he heard Janet Wells call out to him. He stopped and turned around. "Mrs. Wells, I hope you have good news for us."

"Well the paperwork is being processed. So far there are no roadblocks. I think you will have no problem fostering him."

"And the adoption?" He asked.

"Well that’s much more complicated. But that takes time anyway. At least if we can work out the fostering you can bring him home as soon as he’s well enough."

"What more has to be done?" He asked.

"Someone will interview you, your wife and her adult children. But Dr. Copeland it looks very good to me."

"Can we rush this?" He asked. "I’d like to get him into a home environment as soon as possible."

"Let me see what I can do. Will you be on duty here today?" She asked.

"I have a couple of surgeries and then I do have office hours. I gave you my address and number there. And I don’t know if I told you. My wife and I will be moving back to my home that is adjacent to my office."

"And why is that?" She asked.

"We’re currently living at the home my wife’s ex-husband built for her. We just felt we’d be more comfortable at my place."

"Are her children coming with you?"

"Yes." He said "It’s a great house Mrs. Wells, feel free to come and inspect it."

"Oh we will." She assured him.

"So I can expect to hear from you again today?" he asked.

"Hopefully yes. Are you going to visit Jason now?"

"Actually yes."

"I’m going to observe you. Please act naturally and not cause him any concern."

"Mrs. Wells I haven’t even told him our plans, the last thing I want to do is disappoint him if it falls through. But he is very close to me and my daughter. And he is growing an attachment to my wife too."

"Your daughter? Isn’t she your wife’s daughter?"

"Yes, but she’s grown to be a daughter to me too." He said. "Shall we go in?"

"Yes." She said as she followed him into the child’s room.

 

"Why are you here Stephanie?" Morgan asked her enemy who had just entered her hospital room.

"I wanted to talk to you alone Morgan, without Eric’s interference."

"I have nothing to say to you."

"But I have plenty to say to you Morgan." She said as she took a seat. "How is your child?"

"He’s fine, as if you care."

"I don’t wish harm on your child Morgan." Stephanie told her.

"No, just on me."

"Not even on you. I just want you to leave. I want you out of my families lives."

"That’s not going to happen Stephanie. I work for Forrester."

"Not for long you won’t. I promise you that Brooke will fire you."

"I have a contract."

"Now why would you want to stay where you aren’t wanted?"

"This is where my life is and you’re not going to change that."

"Well you better find a new place to live because you’re not welcome at my home anymore."

"Eric said I could stay."

"Well I say you go." Stephanie said nastily. "Surely you don’t think Eric will take your side over mine?"

"Why do you hate me so? All I ever did was love your son."

"And destroy his marriage. At least try to. But you see Morgan, you couldn’t even manage that."

"You’re a vile woman and I want you to go. I don’t want my baby anywhere near someone like you."

"I’ll leave Morgan, but mark my words, you are not welcome in my home or my business."

"Get out bitch!" Morgan shouted. She grabbed her water glass and threw it at Stephanie, barely missing her as she exited.

 

 

"Morning Brooke." Grant smiled as he walked into her office.

"Hello Grant." She said. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing at all. I just wanted to say hello."

"How are things going for you Grant?" She asked.

"Wonderfully. Macy and I are finally on track together."

"You are? My goodness have I been on Mars?" She asked him.

"Actually you’ve just been in the bedroom." He laughed.

"Were we that loud?" She wondered.

"I guess everything went well huh?"

"Yes, everything is fine now." She said. "You didn’t say anything to Macy did you?"

"It’s not my business. But with what Mike had told me, well I figured he must be back in business again."

"Yes." She smiled. "And we will make a baby."

"I hope so Brooke, you two deserve it."

"So is Macy leaving Thorne?"

"She already did." He confessed. "She spent the night with me and I asked her to stay. That is if it’s okay with you."

"I guess I’m not that observant. Sure she can stay if you want her. But I hate what this will do to Thorne."

"Me too but we just finally clicked. It was meant to be Brooke."

"Don’t let her hurt you Grant. Her drinking can be a real problem."

"She’s not drinking anymore."

"If you say so."

 

Ridge turned away from Taylor and looked out the window. He was silent as she stared at him. "What are you talking about Ridge?" She asked again.

"You know Taylor, I could understand if it was Bryan. I wouldn’t like it but I would understand it. You two shared a life and a marriage. But Blake? That was a sick relationship from the start and to run to him after we find out that our marriage is still valid? What’s wrong with you Doc? Are you trying to destroy us?"

"How is spending a couple of days at Blake’s apartment destroying us? You aren’t making sense."

"You were doing a lot more than staying at his apartment Taylor."

"I resent your implications. What exactly are you implying anyway Ridge?"

"You need me to say it?" He asked.

"I certainly do." She said. "Whatever is bothering you is beyond me."

He turned to face her and his expression was one of anger and hurt. "Why did you have to sleep with him Taylor? Why?"

"I did no such thing!" She shouted. "How can you accuse me of that?"

"I heard you Taylor. I heard you call to him and it made me sick. After everything we went through to get back together you were willing to throw it all away for Blake Hayes."

"Eric I just came from Morgan’s hospital room." Stephanie said as she walked into his office. "I told her I want her out of our home and our company and I fully expect you to back me up."

He put down his coffee cup and looked at her. "You shouldn’t have done that Stephanie. I already assured her that she had a home as long as she wanted it as well as a job."

"You can’t be serious! That woman tried to ruin your son’s life!"

"But she didn’t and now her own life is a mess. She needs someone to support her and I intend to be that someone."

"I forbid that!" Stephanie shouted.

"Forbid? You forbid me?"

"Eric she’s a horrible person and I want her gone."

"Is there anyone besides yourself and Ridge that you care about?" He said disgustedly.

"How can you ask that?"

"I just did. Your intense hatred of Brooke almost ruined this company and my children’s lives. Now you’ve turned your attention on her husband and on Morgan."

"They both deserve it Eric. They’re terrible people."

"Morgan is a sad lonely woman and I will not abandon her. And as for Michael Copeland, well he is not my favorite person in the world but Brooke loves him and so does Bridget. I will not have you causing him any problems either."

"And you have no concern for my opinion?" She asked him.

"I do but this time I have to stand by my opinions. If you chose not to respect me then that’s your choice."

Stephanie stared hard at him and then turned and walked out. She stormed into her office and slammed down her purse. "Damn you Morgan Dewitt, damn you!"

 

"Dr. Mike!" Jason excitedly shouted as Michael and Janet Wells walked in.

"Hi there buddy." Michael smiled. "How’s my buddy feeling today?"

"Good! Where’s Bwidget and Bwooke?" He asked.

"They’re at home honey but they’ll come to see you soon, I promise. Did Dr. Frank visit you yesterday?"

"Yeah. He got me cookies." He said happily. "Want one?"

"You have some left? What’s happening to my pal’s appetite?" He joked.

"They big cookies." Jason told him. He then noticed Janet. "Hi lady."

"Hello Jason, you remember me don’t you?"

"Um, I dunno."

"I’m Mrs. Wells. I was here to meet you last week."

"Yes." He said shyly.

"Can I check your bandages buddy?" Michael asked.

"Yes." He said. He pulled down the blankets and pulled up his pajama top. Michael sat next to him and checked the bandages. He pulled one back and looked at the scaring. Janet turned away in horror. Michael shot her a quick look. "Lookin’ good Jase. Pretty soon we can do another operation. How does that sound?"

"Not another." He said.

"We’re getting there kiddo. I promise not too many more. Besides you are my bestest bravest patient ever."

Jason looked at Michael and giggled. "And when we’re done we still get to go to the beach?" Jason asked.

"You bet, but why the beach and not Disneyland or something like that?" Michael asked.

"Bwidget likes the beach." Jason smiled. "She pwomised to teach me to swim."

"You bet she will." Michael said as she closed the bandage, pulled his pajama top back down and covered him up. "So what shall we do now?"

"Puzzle!" Jason said.

"Which one?" Michael asked.

"Doggies."

"Can Mrs. Wells help us?" Michael asked.

"Okay." Jason said. Michael went to the closet and got the children’s jigsaw puzzle that Jason requested. He poured it out of the box and picked up a piece.

"Shall we start with this one?" Michael asked.

"No! This one!" Jason said as he held up a corner piece.

"Wow! You found a good one Jase." Janet walked closer and watched them.

"You wanna find a piece Mrs. Wells?" Jason asked. Michael nodded at her and she picked up a piece to add to Jason’s.

 

"I did not sleep with Blake!" Taylor said indignantly. "How dare you accuse me of that!"

"I heard you Doc, you wanted him back inside you. What else could that mean?"

"I said no such thing!"

"I know your voice. Taylor please don’t deny it. We can get past it if you tell the truth."

"I am telling the truth!"

"Taylor please, this doesn’t have to ruin us. You made a mistake and I can forgive you, but you have to be honest with me."

"No Ridge no! I didn’t sleep with him."

"You called him darling, you called him back to bed and you said you needed him inside you! Don’t you dare deny it Taylor! I know what I heard."

"I won’t listen to this! I won’t! I don’t know why you’re doing this to us Ridge but I was right to take time to be alone! Maybe I should never come back!" Her eyes once more filled with tears. She turned and ran out of his office.

"Taylor!" He called out to her. She turned, looked at him and kept running.

 

"Joseph Copeland where have you been?" Anne said to her brother. He had just walked into the bank where she worked.

"Hi Annie." He said with a hug. "I’ve been working. But I missed you."

"I heard that you borrowed money from Adrienne and hit Mike up for money too. Doesn’t this new job pay enough?"

"Actually I really don’t like the work conditions. I want to strike out on my own. I’ve been buying some equipment and looking into other offers."

"I hope that’s the truth." She said. "So what brings you down here?" She asked him. "A loan?"

"Can you spare five grand?" He asked. "It would really help get me on my feet."

"You have extravagant feet Joey. I just gave you a loan. Have you spent that already?"

"Yes, but it went to good use. Come on Annie, don’t make me beg."

"I’m not made of money Joe."

"I know Mike gives you money all the time."

"And I give it back. I don’t need to be supported by my little brother."

"Your rich little brother." He corrected.

"He earned it all himself. He made something of himself. You can do that to Joseph."

"That’s what I’m trying to do Annie. But I need some capital. I want to go legit. I swear I do, but if I can’t get some funding it ain’t gonna happen."

"Don’t threaten me Joseph." She said. "A man can make a living legitimately without going through money like you do."

"If you won’t do it for me then talk to Mikey for me."

"You want me to tell him to lend you money?"

"If he knows what’s good for him."

"You’ll never change will you?" She said sadly.

"I don’t want to have to rock his world Annie."

"Then don’t. Honey I love you but I can’t get involved in this. If Mike wants to loan you money or not that’s his choice. He has a new wife and family now. He’s happy. Leave him alone Joey."

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you." Joe said. He put on his sunglasses and walked out of the bank.

 

Taylor found herself in front of the beach house. She had driven from Forrester in a complete haze. She was so confused at what Ridge had said and why he had said it. She wiped her tears and shut off the engine. She got out of the car and walked to the beach and down to the water. She reached down and took off her shoes and let the water wash over her feet. "Oh Ridge why are you doing this to us?" She said aloud. She walked down the beach a while and then sat down and watched as the waves broke.

"Taylor?" A voice said. She turned to face Bryan.

"Bryan. I didn’t think you’d still be here. I’ll leave."
"No baby, don’t go." He said as he sat down next to her. "We don’t have to run away from each other."

She sighed and looked ahead again.

"What’s wrong?" He asked.

"Oh Bryan I just don’t know. One moment everything is wonderful and the next moment my whole life is over."

"Tell me about it." He said sadly.

"I’m sorry. I wasn’t very thoughtful was I?"

"You were following your heart. I was just too stupid to realize it wasn’t leading to me."

"Oh Bryan I’m so sorry." She said as she hugged him.

"So what happened? Mr. Wonderful not all he said he was?"

"I’m not sure I want to talk about it." She told him.

"He must have done something to hurt you. You look like you’ve been crying for years."

"He accused me of sleeping with Blake."

"Is he crazy?" Bryan asked. "Why would you sleep with Blake?"

"That’s what I want to know. Well I am staying with him but we aren’t sleeping together."

"Now I really don’t understand. You left me to go back to Ridge and you end up staying with Blake?"

"I needed some time alone, without a man."

"Blake’s a man Taylor."

"You know what I mean. He’s a friend and he offered me a place to stay and think."

"And Ridge just assumed you were sleeping with him? Either he’s really insecure or I was stupider than I thought."

"I don’t know why he said the things he said. He told me that he heard me tell Blake I wanted him back inside me or something crazy like that."

"That doesn’t make sense Taylor. The man did everything in his power to win you back. Why would he push you away like that?"

"I don’t know Bryan but it really hurts." He held her in his arms while she cried gently stroking her hair.

 

"I did it again Dad. I pushed her away and I don’t know how to find her. What the hell is wrong with me?" Ridge asked Eric.

"What happened son?"

"We fought over Blake, I accused her of having an affair with him and when she denied it I let her run away crying. Damn it I didn’t stop her."

"Why Ridge? Why did you do that? I just don’t know what’s getting into the members of this family. Everyone is acting like they’re insane."

"I don’t know who else you mean but you have me pegged." Ridge admitted.

"Your mother. We fought over Morgan."

"Sorry Dad but I’m on her side on this one and so is Brooke."

"Well Morgan stays." Eric said. "She’s been through too much already."

"I’m tired of arguing about her. As long as she stays away from me and my family I really don’t care anymore."

"I’ll make sure she does son. I don’t want you or Taylor to have any more problems. I’m only thinking about Morgan right now."

"Well I’m thinking about Taylor and I have to find her. And I have to find a way to make her be honest with me. We can get past this but we have to be honest."

"Honesty is important." Eric said.

"I’m glad you feel that way." Stephanie said as she walked in. "Because I have something to say to you."

"I’ll leave you two alone." Ridge said.

"It’s alright son. You can stay." Eric said.

"I think he should leave." Stephanie told him.

"I’ll talk to you later." Ridge said. "Go easy Mom. Dad hasn’t had a good day either." He smiled at them and walked out.

"What is it Stephanie?" Eric asked.

"You have a choice Eric. Either Morgan goes or I do."

Changes Part 93

 

 

"What are you talking about Stephanie?" Eric asked his irate wife.

"Morgan. I am sick to death of you defending that woman. She does not have a place in our home, our company or our lives and she will not have one." She said angrily. "She goes or I do."

"Don’t be ridiculous." He said.

"I’m not Eric. She single-handedly tore Ridge and Taylor apart. She did it all with lies. I will not have her in any contact with my family, is that understood?"

"Clearly." He said.

"Good, then you agree."

"No Stephanie, I don’t." He said. "And even if I did she has a contract."

"Buy her out."

"She thought it was Ridge’s child. She’s suffered Stephanie, more than you can imagine. Our son married her and then continued to try to woo back Taylor. She didn’t deserve that."

"Pooh!" She said. "She deserved so much more than that. I’m serious Eric. If she’s not out of the guest cottage and the company by the end of the day I’m leaving you."

"Don’t threaten me Stephanie, you may not like the results."

"You’d actually side with that slut over your wife?"

"She needs someone, she has no one."

"And us Eric? Does our marriage mean that little to you?"

"I’m not the one threatening to end it."

"Don’t do this Eric." She warned.

"Excuse me." He said grabbing his briefcase and walking past her. "I have a meeting."

 

"Brooke, there’s a Janet Wells here to see you." Megan announced.

"Janet Wells? Is she with that new magazine?" Brooke asked her assistant.

"No Mrs. Copeland, I’m with the child welfare division." Janet said as she entered Brooke’s office. "I’m here about Jason Cooper."

"Oh Ms. Wells, please come in, sit down." Brooke said as she got up from her desk. "Can I get you some coffee or tea?"

"Coffee would be lovely." She said as she sat on the couch.

Brooke picked up the phone and buzzed Megan. "Megan be an angel and get us some coffee please."

"Sure thing Brooke." She said.

Brooke then got up and walked to the couch and sat next to Janet. "Have you spoken to my husband?" She asked her.

"I saw him today. He and Jason seem very close."

"They are, and Bridget too. I’m afraid I don’t know him as well." Brooke lamented.

"Mrs. Copeland, may I be frank?"

"Of course."

"Well you and Dr. Copeland haven’t been married that long but this isn’t the first marriage for either of you. You already have raised two children who are now adults. Are you sure that you’re ready to go back to the demands of a small child?"

"Oh Mrs. Wells you have no idea how ready I am." Brooke said with a smile. "My previous relationships weren’t all that they could have been. Finally I’m in the kind of marriage I’ve longed for all my life. I’ve never been happier or more secure. My dream is a family with Michael."

"An adopted family?" She asked her.

"Well that wasn’t my first idea but once I met Jason I can’t imagine him not being a part of our family. But Michael and I are also trying to have a baby."

"I see." Janet said as she wrote something in her notebook.

"Wait! Please!" Brooke said. "You can’t hold that against us. It doesn’t mean we don’t want Jason or are using him as a substitute."

"I didn’t say that Mrs. Copeland." Janet said suspiciously.

"What have I done? Please don’t let this ruin things. I may not even be able to get pregnant." Brooke said. They both turned at the knock on the door. "Excuse me a moment." Brooke said as she got up and opened the door. "Miss Logan, I can’t find Mr. or Mrs. Forrester and we’re having a problem in shipping."

The young woman said.

"Isn’t Thorne there?" Brooke asked.

"He never came in today." She told her.

"I’m sorry but I’m in the middle of something very important. Do me a favor and see Mr. Chambers. Tell him that I asked him to handle this." Brooke said as she closed the door. She turned back to Janet. "I’m sorry for the interruption."

"Miss Logan? Don’t you use your married name?"

"Actually I’m known by quite a few names around here, not all of them nice." Brooke laughed. "Logan is my maiden name and of course Forrester was my married name and the name of my children. But I do use Copeland. It’s just that old habits are hard to lose."

Janet looked down at her notes, scribbled something and looked up at Brooke again. "You’re CEO here I understand."

"Yes I am." She said. "But Eric, my ex-husband founded this company and he has creative control, as well as Ridge."

"Another ex-husband?" Janet said checking her file.

"Sort of." Brooke said.

"You seem to have quite a busy career." Janet said, ignoring Brooke’s vague comment "How do you plan on dividing your time with young children?"

"That won’t be a problem, my children always come first. I love my career, don’t get me wrong, but Ridge and Eric are more than capable to take over some of my duties."

"Alright Mrs. Copeland. Now about your other children." Janet started.

"Excuse me Brooke." Megan said as she entered with a tray of coffee and small cakes.

"Thanks Megan." Brooke smiled at her. Megan put down the tray and left. "You were asking?" Brooke said.

"Your children, do they have a good relationship with your husband?"

"Well Rick is grown and away at school most of the time but he and Michael get along quite well. Bridget had a problem at first. She was jealous of someone taking my attention from her and she also didn’t like seeing anyone take Ridge’s place."

"Ridge? Now Mrs. Copeland, isn’t he her brother? My information says Eric Forrester is her father."

"Oh this is so complicated." Brooke said. "Let me see if I can explain without making myself look like a total idiot." She said with a nervous laugh.

"Please do." Janet said.

"Ridge and I were in love and engaged to be married. Things happened and we broke up. At the same time Eric and his wife Stephanie were having problems. We sort of turned to each other. We fell in love and were married. Rick was born and somehow Ridge and I reconnected. I’m not proud of it but we had an affair. We wanted to be married but he couldn’t see it in his heart to hurt Eric so he left me. Soon after that I realized I was pregnant with Bridget. Naturally we assumed she was Ridge’s child. We had tests done after she was born and she was found, at the time to be Ridge’s. Eric and I divorced and Ridge took responsibility for her. He was a wonderful father to her but it turned out that an enemy who worked at the hospital doctored the tests and Bridget was really Eric’s child. She loves her father but she has an attachment to Ridge that will never be broken. She always hoped that he and I would get back together and when I married Michael she saw it as an end to her dream. She resented him greatly. But he won her over, he can win anyone over Mrs. Wells. My husband is a wonderful, caring man. Now he and Bridget are practically inseparable."

"And she also is in favor of taking in Jason?"

"Oh yes, she adores him."

"Alright." She said as she wrote some more notes. "Let’s get back to you Mrs. Copeland."

 

Taylor had thanked Bryan for listening and got back into her car. She had decided that she needed to talk to Ridge and straighten things out. But first she wanted to see Morgan and her baby, she had to see for herself that the baby wasn’t Ridge’s child. She turned off the highway at the exit for the hospital.

 

Stephanie sat in her office staring at the walls. She was stunned at the outcome of her and Eric’s conversation. "How could he chose that slut over me?" She asked aloud. "Oh Eric, what happened to us?"

 

Meanwhile Eric was sitting alone in the conference room. There had been no meeting, he just had to get away from his wife before he said something more than had already been said. He was so disillusioned with her lately. When he she become so cruel and uncaring? His thoughts went to their earlier years. He had loved her so much. He still did but it wasn’t the same anymore. He was not going to put up with her treatment of Morgan and Brooke or even Michael. He hoped it wasn’t going to have to come to her threats but he was prepared for it if it had to. He took his cell phone from his briefcase and punched in a number.

"Yes, this is Eric Forrester. Is he in? Yes, please have him call me as soon as possible. Have him call me on my cell, he has the number." He said and then hung up.

 

Taylor walked purposefully down the hallway in the hospital when suddenly she was grabbed from behind. She let out a shriek as she turned only to stand face to face to Michael.

"Wow! You’re jumpy. Sorry Taylor, I didn’t mean to scare you." He apologized.

"Oh Michael, I’m the one who’s sorry. How are you?"

"Me?" He laughed. "Brooke told me your great news. You must be on cloud nine. I’m really happy for you and Ridge." He said with a hug.

"I suppose everything should be wonderful but it looks like we’re having another misunderstanding. But that I have vowed to clear up." She told him.

"So what are you doing here?" He asked.

"Morgan, she had the baby. I want to see her."

"Are you sure you want to deal with that?"

"I have to Michael, I have to have closure on this. You heard it’s not Ridge’s child haven’t you?"

"No. I only spoke to Brooke briefly today. She told me about how you guys are still married but that was it. So it’s not Ridge’s? You must be relieved."

"I am, I just have to see for myself. Then I have to clear up something else."

"I wonder if I can ask a favor of you." He said.

"Sure."

"Well I’ve been meaning to call you. There’s a little boy. He was burned pretty badly in a fire, he lost his whole family."

"And you’d like me to talk to him?" She asked.

"Well no, not exactly. Though I’d love for you to meet him. In fact that’s really important."

"Why is that Michael?"

"Brooke and I want to adopt him."

"Oh. The operation? It wasn’t a success?" She asked.

"It was a success. Jason is special Taylor, I just love the kid. We all want him to be part of our family. Right now we’re dealing with Social Services to become Foster Parents until we can do the adoption thing. Well anyway I gave you as a reference and I just figured if you met him it might be easier for you."

"I’d be happy to meet him Michael. Let me go see Morgan and then we can meet and you can take me to him." She suggested.

"I can’t thank you enough Taylor." He said with a huge grin. "No wonder Ridge loves you so much. You’re the best." He hugged her tightly and gave her a kiss. "Come to my office when you’re done." He said.

 

"Did you see that?" Debra asked Keith Ehlers from around the corner. "He’s got no shame. He comes on to women right out in public. We need to have Amanda get us pictures. We have to stop this adoption."

"And have him fired too." He agreed. "His days are numbered Debra. Don’t you worry about that."

 

"Hello Morgan." Taylor said as she walked into her hospital room.

"Taylor? What are you doing here? Coming to gloat?"

"I should Morgan but that’s not my style. How are you? Was it an easy delivery?"

"Like you care. You just want to see for yourself don’t you?"

"If that was it I wouldn’t be here. I already saw him in the nursery. He’s beautiful." She said honestly. "And yes, I’m relieved that he’s not Ridge’s."

"I suppose you think I lied too."

"I honestly don’t know Morgan. I do know that you knew there was a possibility and you never told him. That was wrong and you know it."

"I tried to forget it Taylor, I wanted to take that memory and strip it from my mind."

"But to do that to Ridge Morgan, a man you claim to love. And then to use me like you did."

"If I said I’m sorry would it make a difference?" She asked.

"Not anymore. But I don’t hate you. I hardly have any feelings at all for you anymore."

"He would have loved us." Morgan said.

"Possibly, but not the way you wanted it to be. Now I understand that you want to stay."

"Why shouldn’t I?"

"None of the Forresters want you around anymore Morgan. Why not let them buy you out of your contract and get a new start? You’re a talented designer. You can make it somewhere else."

"You’d like that wouldn’t you?"

"Ridge and I are married Morgan, you can’t do anything to hurt us anymore. We’re married and we’re going to stay that way. I love him and he loves me."

"It won’t last Taylor. He f*cked me without a thought of you and he’ll do it again. If not me it will be someone else."

"Well that’s not your problem now is it Morgan." Taylor said.

"You know that wasn’t the only time. He loved f*cking me Taylor, he got off on me. We had a great sex life. He’s gonna miss that. You can’t satisfy him."

"Don’t make me laugh." Taylor said. "He did his marital duty with you. He and I make love because we love each other, not because it’s the way it’s supposed to be."

"You shouldn’t have come here Taylor. You really shouldn’t have come. It may have been your biggest mistake ever."

"Ooohhh I’m scared." Taylor said sarcastically.

"You should be."

"Well I can see this was a waste of time." Taylor said. "Think about what I said Morgan. You have no place here anymore. It’s time you moved on."

"Go home Taylor. Enjoy your life with Ridge while you still have it." Morgan said angrily.

Taylor shook her head. "I hope you find some peace Morgan, I really do." She looked at her one more time and then left.

"I was almost going to leave you alone Taylor." Morgan said. "You just signed your death warrant."

 

 

"Do you know your husbands former wife Mrs. Copeland?" Janet asked Brooke.

"Adrienne." Brooke said rolling her eyes. "Yeah I know her. She still wants to sink her claws into Michael. But she isn’t a problem. He’s devoted to me and our family."

"She and Dr. Copeland have no children."

"No. I don’t think Adrienne ever wanted them. They didn’t have a conventional marriage." Brooke explained.

"How do you know her? Do you socialize?"

"Not intentionally. She’s dating a close friend of mine, Connor Davis."

"The attorney?" Janet asked.

"You know him?"

"I’ve had dealings with him."

"Well Connor will be representing us in the adoption. He and I go way back." Brooke said.

"Well you have a good attorney." Janet said. "Alright Mrs. Copeland. I think I have enough for now. I will be talking to some of your employees to get their opinions."

"Would you like a list of names?" Brooke asked.

"Now if I took your list I’m sure you’d only give me those who are supportive. No Mrs. Copeland, the life of a little boy is a serious matter. I will choose my interviews myself."

"Well I assume you’ll want to talk to my former mother in law, Stephanie Forrester. Please let me state this ahead of time. Stephanie hates me. She always has. I don’t blame her, I did marry her husband. But please take what she says with a grain of salt." Brooke said.

"I will evaluate everyone and come up with my recommendations." Janet said as she got up and extended her hand to Brooke. "It’s been a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Copeland. We’ll talk again." She smiled and left Brooke’s office.

"Sh*t!" Brooke said. "Stephanie you better not spoil this for us."

 

"Where are you going Dad?" Ridge called out when he saw Eric heading out of the building. "Hey Dad! We have that conference call!"

Eric turned around and stopped till Ridge caught up to him. "Sorry son, I’ll have to miss it."

"What’s so important?"

"I have to bring Morgan home." He told him.

"Oh Dad, please don’t tell me you’re still going to do this."

"I’m sorry son, I know you and your mother disagree but I’ve made up my mind. And I suppose you should know. Your mother gave me an ultimatum."

"About Morgan?"

"Yes. She said either Morgan went or your mother would leave me."

"Then how can you do this?" Ridge asked. "You love mother. You can’t throw your marriage away over Morgan."

"It’s not my decision. It’s all your mother’s doing. I had no intention of this. All I want to do is give Morgan and her baby a safe home. Your mother can’t handle that."

"Well neither can I Dad. I doubt anyone feels the way you do. Think about Taylor. How this will hurt her."

"Ridge I love Taylor but this isn’t about her. It’s about Morgan and her child, nothing more nothing less. I won’t let her get involved in you life Ridge. I want to give her a new start."

"You’re making a huge mistake Dad. Please think about this."

"I have son, and my mind is made up."

Taylor stepped into Michael’s office. He was on the phone. He waved to her and motioned for her to sit down. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse, gestured that she’d be right back and went out into the hallway. She hit in her preprogrammed number for Ridge’s office.

"Please be there." She said softly.

"Ridge Forrester."

"Ridge, thank God." Taylor said with a sigh of relief.

"Doc, oh Doc." Ridge said.

"Ridge we have to talk. We can’t let this happen to us. We’ve come too far to let anything come between us again." Taylor told him.

"I agree Doc, I so agree. Can you come right over? Do you want me to come to you?" He asked her.

"I have one thing to do and then maybe we can meet somewhere. I think we might be interrupted at Forrester."

"Alright." He agreed. "Just tell me where and when and I’ll be there."

"Why don’t we meet at the private dining room? We’ll be alone and we can straighten everything out."

"Perfect. I’ll call and arrange it."

"Make it for about five alright?" Taylor said. "And don’t worry about anything fancy. I just want to talk and make things right again."

"Me too Doc, me too." He said. "Doc?"

"Yes Ridge?"

"I love you."

"I love you too Ridge." She said with a smile. "I’ll see you soon."

Taylor hung up and truly happy went back into Michael’s office.

"So how did it go?" He asked her.

"Morgan is delusional." She said. "I really think she still thinks she and Ridge have a future."

"Don’t let her get to you Taylor. Ridge never cared for her. Not like he does you."

"Oh I know that. I think she built their entire past up in her mind to be something it never was. Ridge has loved three women in his life, Caroline, Brooke and myself. Morgan just doesn’t fit into that equation."

"Kind of makes you feel sorry for her though." Michael said.

"Not me. I did once but never again." She said. "So are you ready to introduce me to Jason?"

"I sure am." He said.

 

Stephanie picked up her phone when she heard the intercom. "Yes Megan?"

"Mrs. Forrester, there is a Mrs. Janet Wells from the California Child Welfare Division to see you."

"To see me?" A confused Stephanie asked. "What is Morgan up to now? Send her in Megan." Stephanie stood up and greeted her at the door. "Mrs. Wells I don’t know what she’s done but you can be assured that any allocation made by Ms. Dewitt is completely false."

"I’m not here about Ms. Dewitt Mrs. Forrester. I’d like to speak to you about Brooke and Michael Copeland."

"What happened to Bridget?" She asked in alarm.

"This has nothing to do with your husbands daughter, I can assure you. Can we talk?"

"Of course, please sit down." Stephanie said, intrigued. "What is this about?"

"Dr. and Mrs. Copeland have applied to be foster parents to a little boy. My job is to evaluate them and see if this is a good placement. Now Mrs. Copeland has warned me that you don’t like her and that you may have something to say about her parenting skills. Well Mrs. Forrester is she right?"

Stephanie looked at Janet, amazed by her candor. "I don’t like Brooke Mrs. Wells, that is true. But I would not say that she isn’t a good mother. She raised two wonderful children, with my husband’s help of course. But she did a good job herself."

"She’d be surprised you said that."

"Brooke and I have our reasons for not liking each other, but her parenting isn’t one of them. I’m not saying she’s a perfect mother, far from it. But she’s done a good job and I’m proud of both Rick and Bridget. Now Michael, he’s another story altogether."

"Dr. Copeland doesn’t have any children Mrs. Forrester."

"No, not anymore." She said.

"Excuse me?"

"Let me put it this way. Michael Copeland has the parenting skills of an alley cat."

"That’s quite an accusation. Can you back it up Mrs. Forrester?"

"You bet I can. He thinks with his sex glands and that’s about it. He has no respect for women or children. I warned Brooke about him. I didn’t want her to marry him. We have our differences but I’d never wish that man on her."

"And why is that Mrs. Forrester?"

"Well I’m not sure if I should be telling you this." Stephanie started.

"Mrs. Forrester, the welfare of a small child is at stake. If you have anything to say that could affect our decision I would most appreciate your candor."

"This won’t be made public will it? I can’t have that." Stephanie said.

"Our files are sealed. No Mrs. Forrester, please feel free to be honest with me."

"Dr. Copeland, he’s responsible for the death of his own child." Stephanie said to the social worker.

 

"Hey Jase, this is my friend Dr. Forrester." Michael said.

"Is she like Bwidget?" He asked.

Michael chuckled. "Yeah, Jase. They do have the same last name. Dr. Forrester is married to Bridget’s daddy’s son. Is that confusing?" He asked.

"Yup." Jason laughed.

"My name is Taylor." She said to him. "How old are you Jason?"

He held up four fingers to her.

"What a big boy." She smiled. "And is Dr. Copeland taking good care of you?"

"Yeth." He said. "I love Dr. Mike." He smiled at Michael. Taylor smiled at both of them.

"I love you too buddy." Michael told him.

 

"Knock, knock." Brooke said outside Ridge’s office.

"Hey Logan." He smiled.

"Well you certainly seem to be in a good mood." She told him.

"I am. Taylor called. She wants to clear things up."

"Oh Ridge that’s great. Now don’t you press her about Blake, maybe she just needed a friend. Strange choice that he is."

"I know Logan. I won’t. Making my marriage work again is my number one priority."

"Good." She said.

"So what brings you here? Obviously not my troubles." Ridge asked her.

"You know I’m always there for you but no, I’m looking for Eric. Any idea where I can find him?"

"Don’t ask."

"I just did."

"He went to pick up Morgan."

"Pick up Morgan? Why the hell is he picking up Morgan?"

"He’s bringing her home from the hospital."

"Is he insane?" Brooke asked him.

"Right now I’d have to say yes Brooke. It’s crazy, it’s so crazy."

"Why Ridge? Why is he doing this?"

"He thinks she needs support. He thinks she needs his support. But Logan it’s nuts. Mom threatened to leave him. Even that isn’t stopping him."

"Doesn’t he realize what she’s done to you and Taylor? Ridge she’s the cause of all your problems. She even tried to make it look like it was me."

"You know that, I know that, Taylor knows that and even Dad knows that but we can’t get through to him."

"Well where is he taking her?"

"The guest house."

"Oh my God Ridge, you mother will have a fit."

"Tell me about it."

"Do you think he’d listen to me?" She suggested.

"I doubt it Logan."

"I wish I could help. Maybe I can talk to Stephanie. I don’t want to see her leave Eric over this."

"You and Mom?" Ridge laughed.

"I don’t hate her Ridge. And I really don’t want to see her marriage end."

"You’re a good friend Brooke." He smiled. "I hope some day Mother realizes that."

"Yeah when hell freezes over." She laughed.

 

"Dr. Copeland doesn’t have any children." Janet said.

"He did, or he would have. But he did nothing to help her, nothing. He let his unborn baby die and left my daughter to die herself and I can never forgive him for that, never."

"Please explain this Mrs. Forrester." Janet said. "These are very serious charges that could greatly affect our decision."

"If it was just Brooke I would say let her have the child. But Mrs. Wells a child in Michael Copeland’s hands is in grave danger." Stephanie said.

 

 

"He’s asleep." Michael whispered to Taylor. They quietly walked out of his room. "Isn’t he the best?"

"He’s a sweet little boy Michael. And he certainly seems to love you."

"I don’t know what it is Taylor. I was so drawn to him, right from the start. He’s changed my whole way of thinking about just about everything."

"How so?"

"My career for one. I was so into the money and the fame. I was the best and that’s all that really mattered to me. Now I want to help people. I want to use my talents to really make a difference in someone’s lives. I know it sounds dramatic but it’s true. Maybe it’s not all Jason. It’s Brooke too. She’s shown me a love I never knew before and I guess I feel so blessed that I need to give something back. Another thing is that Jase made me realize how much I wanted children. Not just him but a baby, a baby with Brooke. You know that I lost two babies Taylor."

"No I didn’t." She said.

"One child died before he was born and the other was aborted. I was willing to marry both times but I guess a baby wasn’t exactly what I wanted then. But now? Now it’s all I think about."

"Then it will happen for you." She said. "And as for Jason. Well I will be more than willing to give you my complete recommendation."

"Thanks Taylor, coming from you I know it will help." He said with a hug. "Now you go and see that husband of yours."

"And you go see your wife." She smiled. She kissed him on the cheek and walked away.

"That is something I fully intend to do." He grinned."

 

"Eric." Morgan said with a smile. "I’m so glad you’re here."

"What’s wrong dear?" He asked.

"Is it that obvious?"

"To me it is."

"Between Stephanie, Ridge and Taylor I feel like the most hated person in the world."

"Who visited toady?" he asked her.

"Taylor, she wanted to see the baby for herself." She said through tears. "And then she told me I should leave town."

"Well that is not going to happen. You are going back home to the guest house."

"I’m not sure that’s a good idea Eric. I’m sure Stephanie and Ridge will be fighting us both."

"It doesn’t matter. I told you you’d have a home and you will."

"How can I ever thank you Eric? You’re the only true friend I have."

"No thanks are needed Morgan. None at all. Now has the doctor released you yet?"

"The nurse said that she’d be back soon to help me pack up." Morgan said.
"I can do that." He said. He opened the closet and started to get her things out. "So Morgan, what did you name that beautiful boy?"

" I never told you did I?" She asked him. "His name is Joshua Eric Dewitt." She said.

"Morgan." He said. "I’m touched."

"Eric you are a wonderful man, I hope you don’t mind that I gave him your name as a middle name."

"Mind? I’m honored." He smiled. "Now where is that little cutie?"
"I’m sure she’ll be bringing him right in." She said. "I really can’t wait to get out of here."

"I don’t blame you. But we’ll be home soon." Eric assured her.

 

Michael sat down in his office and punched in Brooke’s private line at Forrester.

"Hello, Brooke Copeland."

"I love the sound of that." He said.

"I love saying it." She said as a smile crossed her face.

"Then we are in total agreement." He said with a chuckle.

"Hi honey, what’s up?"

"Did Janet Wells come to see you yet?"

"Yeah she did. Oh Michael I may have screwed things up."

"How Brooke?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I told her that we want a baby. I don’t know what was wrong with me."

"There’s nothing wrong with that Brooke, it’s the truth."

"But she thinks maybe we’re using Jason as a substitute. I tried to assure her it wasn’t the case but I’m so worried."
"I’m sure it’s okay. It’s not a crime to want a baby sweetheart. We do want a baby, but we want Jason too. Don’t worry so much."

"I hope you’re right. And then she wants to interview some of my employees. I wanted to give her some names but she said she’d decide herself."

"There is nothing anyone can say about you that can hurt us Brooke, even Stephanie wouldn’t do that to you."

"I don’t know Michael."

"Well I saw Taylor and she met Jason. She’s going to talk to Janet too. Now that’s one fine person to have on our side."

"I agree. I just have a bad feeling."

"What can I do to change that?" He asked her.

"I wish there was something you could do?"

"How does a visit sound?" He asked.

"A visit?"

"Yeah, I think I’d like to head over to Forrester and plant a big kiss on those luscious lips of yours."

"Now that just may do the trick." She laughed.

"It’s getting me to stop there that’ll be the problem."

"Now who wants you to stop?" She asked him.

"I’ll be there before you have time to change your mind." He said.

"I’d never change my mind about you." She said. "Hurry." She added.

 

"Doc." Ridge said as Taylor walked into the private dining room. "I am so sorry that I was so short with you."

"It’s my fault too Ridge, I should have realized how you’d feel about my staying with Blake."

He took her hands into his. "I don’t even want to think about Blake Hayes. All I want to concentrate on is you and me and our family."

"That’s all I care about too Ridge." She agreed.

"Are you ready to come home?" He asked.

"Yes." She said. "I want to start our life together now Ridge, right now."

"I’ve longed to hear those words Doc."

She smiled at him. "I don’t know why I thought I needed time alone. I was wrong. All I need is you."

"Well then why don’t we go get the kids and go home?" He asked her.

"I’ve been thinking about that Ridge. I want things to be new. I want everything to be new."

"What do you have in mind?" He asked.

"I want to redecorate our home. Totally redo it. I want us to stay at the beach house until it’s ready. Unless you have a problem with that."

"None at all." He smiled. "I think it’s a wonderful idea. We deserve a new start with everything."

"And after the house is done I want to see the beach house. I don’t want to have a place to escape to Ridge, I want us to always work out our problems. I want us to always be honest with each other."

He looked at her with a pained expression.

"What’s wrong Ridge?" She asked.

"Taylor if you say nothing happened with Blake I will believe you. But if it did, well that doesn’t matter either. Nothing matters as long as we’re together."

"Nothing happened Ridge, nothing at all."

"Alright Taylor, if you say so I believe you." He said.

 

"She’s going to give into him Joseph." Blake said. "She called me and said she’s going home tonight."

"Well what can you do?" Joe said without much emotion.

"It’s not what I can do, it’s what you can do."

"What now Blake?"

"I want you to take some of the film that we have of Taylor and Bryan and I want you to put me with her. Can you do that?" Blake asked.

"I can do that, but it’ll cost ya." Joe said.

"You’re already well paid Joseph." Blake warned.

"I need more equipment to do that."

"Well that we can do. But I need it fast and it has to be good." Blake said. "I have to make Ridge believe it happened."

"I’ll need at least five grand to make it happen." Joe told him.

"You better not be playing games with me Joseph."

"I’m not Blake." He said.

"Alright, and then we need to get to work on wiring the main house."

"The same as the beach house?" He asked.

"But much, much more careful Joseph my man, much more careful." He laughed.

Changes Part 94

 

"I went to see Morgan today." Taylor told Ridge.

"Why Doc? Why subject yourself to her?"

"I needed to see for myself. I needed to be reassured about the baby."

"And were you?" He asked.

"Yes. I’m ashamed to admit it but yes. I was so happy to see that her child couldn’t possibly be yours. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I can hardly describe it Ridge. I knew, I really knew then that you and I were going to be fine."

He looked at her and smiled. "I’m so sorry that I put you through that Taylor. I never ever should have believed you would have agreed to her plan. I wonder now how I could have been so stupid."

"Well that’s over now. We’re both past it and finally, finally we are a family again." She took his hand and held it to her face. "It feels like it’s been so long Ridge but it really hasn’t been has it?"

"It’s been far too long." He said. "But we’ve both learned a valuable lesson haven’t we?"

"Trust. Trust is so important Ridge. And I do trust you. I hope that you trust me too."

"I do Doc. Whatever I heard, well I know I was wrong. You would never have slept with Blake. I hope you can forgive me for accusing you."

"I really don’t understand it Ridge. I don’t know why you thought that but we can put that in the past. I forgive you and I love you. I can’t wait to share my home and my life with you again."

"We’ve already started Doc." He said. "Somehow I think we need to do something,"

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Something special. Something to tell the world that we’re alright again. I want to celebrate. What do you think?" He asked.

"No more weddings Ridge, I’ve had enough to last me a lifetime." She laughed.

"How about a party? For family and our close friends. So everyone can celebrate our happiness with us."

"A party might be nice, but not right away. I just want us to be together. I want us to celebrate privately."

"Alright." He said kissing her. "But you can’t blame a man for wanting the world to know that the most wonderful woman ever is his and will always be his."

 

Michael walked up to Megan before he went into Brooke’s office. "Is she okay?" He asked.

"Why? Did something happen?" She asked him.

"Brooke was upset about her visit with the social worker, but I’m sure everything is fine Megan. Brooke is a perfect mother and nothing Stephanie or anyone can say could change that."

"I agree." She smiled. "I had no idea she was upset."

"Well she is and I intend to put an end to that. So do us a favor, no calls okay?"

"I can do that." She laughed.

"I don’t want to hold you up though. Were you going to be going home?" He asked.

"Actually I had a few more things to do so I can hold down the fort."

"Thanks Megan," He said turning to go into the office. He suddenly turned back to Megan. "If you hear a lot of noise don’t worry, we’re fine okay?" He said with a wink.

"Better than fine I’d say." She said with a laugh.

Michael laughed back and opened the door to Brooke’s office. "Hey there beautiful lady." He said as he entered and closed the door.

"I think I’m getting a kiss aren’t I?" Brooke said with a smile.

"Oh more than that. Much more." He said as he pulled her out of her chair and into his arms.

 

"Yes?" Helen questioned the woman at the door. "May I help you?"

"My name is Janet Wells and I’m here to speak to Mr. Forrester."

"Which one?" She asked.

"Eric Forrester, is he home?"

"Mr. Forrester no longer lives here." She said.

"Eric Forrester? Stephanie Forrester’s husband?" Janet questioned.

"That’s right." Helen said.

"Can you tell me where I can find him?"

"He may be at the guest house, but he won’t be for long. Not when Mrs. Forrester gets home." She said.

"Who is it Helen?" Felicia asked as she joined the housekeeper at the door.

"Hello." Janet said extending her hand. "I’m Janet Wells from the California Child Welfare Division."

"Morgan doesn’t live here." Felicia said to her. "She was staying at the guest house but my mother is making her leave."

"Morgan?" Janet asked.

"Morgan Dewitt. You are here about her baby aren’t you?" Felicia asked.

"No, but this isn’t the first time today I was asked that."

"Well I can’t imagine why you would be here to see my parents. They have no small children."

"I’m here to speak to Eric Forrester about his former wife."

"Oh my God!" Felicia said. "Have they found Sheila and Mary?"

"Sheila? I’m talking about Brooke Copeland."

"Brooke?" Felicia asked. "Brooke’s children are grown Ms. Wells."

"May I ask who you are?" Janet said politely.

"I’m Felicia Forrester, Eric and Stephanie’s daughter. What is this about Brooke?" She asked.

"Her daughter?" Janet said. "Miss Forrester, do you have a few moments to talk to me. It’s very important."

"I can’t see what good it will do. I haven’t seen Brooke in years. I mean I did see her at the wedding but it was brief. I really don’t know much about her these days." She said. But Janet noticed the pained expression on her face.

"It won’t take long Miss Forrester, I promise."

"Alright, come in." Felicia said. She and Helen moved aside to let Janet in. "Can I offer you some coffee or tea?"

"No thank you. I’m fine." Janet said. Felicia escorted her to the parlor where they sat on a large, comfortable couch.

"So what is it about Brooke you want to know?" Felicia asked.

"Are you the only daughter?" Janet asked.

"No, I have a sister, Kristen." She said.

"May I be blunt?"

"Why not?" Felicia asked.

"Are you familiar with Dr. Michael Copeland?"

Janet knew she had the right sister when Felicia noticeably paled. "I think you’d better leave," Felicia said.

"Miss Forrester, this is very important."

"I have nothing to do with Brooke or Michael. I can’t answer your questions. I’m sorry but you had better leave."

"What did he do to you Miss Forrester? What did he do to your child?"

The last thing Janet expected was for Felicia to faint dead away on the couch.

 

"What the hell is this?" Eric angrily said when they pulled up at the guest cottage. All of Morgan’s belongings were in a pile in front of the door. A large padlock was in place where the regular door lock had been.

"I guess Stephanie is making a point." Morgan sighed.

"She is not going to get away with this."

"Looks like she already has. Eric, don’t do this. I can’t let your life be destroyed because of me and my baby. Just take us to a hotel. I’ll find a new place tomorrow."

"No Morgan, she can’t do this. This is my home as well as hers."

 

"What’s up Bry?" Connor asked his partner and friend.

"I’m heading out to drown my problems in the bottom of a glass." He said.

"Need company?"

"Actually I think I better be alone tonight."

"You won’t drive will you?" Connor asked him.

"I don’t really plan on getting plastered Connor, but I promise to call a cab if I do."

"It was hard seeing her so soon wasn’t it?"

"Does it ever get easier?" He asked Connor.

"No. It doesn’t." Connor sighed. "And the more you see her the harder it is to forget. I still can’t get the feel of that kiss out of my head, the taste of her sweet lips."

"But you have Adrienne."

"Yeah I do, but Bry, I still love Brooke. And as strange as it may seem she still has feelings for me. That was not a one way kiss that day."

"She’s devoted to her husband."

"I suppose so. But I still think of her, and that’s what you meant wasn’t it?"

"I can close my eyes and picture Taylor back in my arms. It took years to get over her the first time, and I guess I never really did. I don’t think I will this time either. And the saddest part is that bastard still isn’t making her happy. Would you believe he had the nerve of accusing her of fooling around with Blake Hayes?"

"Ridge isn’t secure Bryan. He is cocky but not secure. He’s hurt more than his share of women over the years and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to put the pieces back together. I guess at least I can be happy that Brooke isn’t with him anymore. Though I have my doubts about this Michael person. He seems too similar to Ridge if you ask me."

"I don’t understand how he does it." Bryan said.

"Who? What?"

"Ridge. He gets all these fabulous women falling all over themselves to get him. What is it? What does he have?"

"Money." Connor said. "The Forrester name."

"It has to be more than that."

"He has a certain charm. Something that women find irresistible."

"There goes my faith in womanhood." Bryan laughed.

"But seriously Bry, are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?"

"I’ll be fine. I need to get some perspective Connor. I promise I won’t go overboard. I’m really better about this than I thought I would be."

"Maybe you really aren’t. Maybe you’re fooling yourself Bryan. You are hurting and pretending you aren’t isn’t healthy."

"Ah so now you’re the shrink." Bryan said with a dry laugh. "I’m okay Connor, I will get past this."

"Don’t try to make it happen to fast buddy, that’s all I’m asking." Connor said.

 

 

"We’re not going anywhere Morgan. I’m calling a locksmith and we are going inside the guest cottage just as planned. Damn that woman and her vindictiveness. I assured her that you would have nothing to do with Ridge or Taylor, she has to understand that I mean business."

"Eric she’s your wife. You can’t put me before her."

"This is her doing." He said as he took his cell phone out of his briefcase. He punched in a number. "Yes, this is Eric Forrester. I need a locksmith at the guest cottage immediately. Yes, that’s right."

"Eric, I should just go." Morgan said.

"No. We aren’t going anywhere." He said again.

"Michael, we can’t do that here." Brooke laughed as he started to open the buttons of her blouse.

"Megan is holding your calls. We can do whatever we want sweetheart. And I know what I want and I think you want the same thing."

"It was so frustrating honey, she kept taking notes and asking me questions and I ended up looking like a total idiot."

"That could never happen." He said kissing her neck.

"It did. I started listing off my last names like some kind of fool. Logan, Forrester, Copeland. I swear I kept waiting for her to ask me to make up my mind." She said as her arm circled his neck. "Oh God." She moaned when he lifted her leg and started stroking her from the knee up. "You aren’t taking this seriously." She said.

"Yes I am, but you’re making way too much of it. If I don’t care how many f*cking Forresters you’ve been with why should she. Calm down Brooke, it’s gonna be fine."

"Well she wasn’t exactly making you out to be lily white either." She laughed.

"Oh yeah? What did I do to piss her off?" He asked as he unzipped her skirt and let it fall to the floor.

"Adrienne. Oh God." She moaned as his finger dipped under her panties.

"What about Adrienne?" He asked.

"I don’t remember, do I know her or something oh God Michael." She said as he slid her panties off her.

"Have we talked enough yet?" He asked her.

"Yes." She said moving her mouth to his. His lips enveloped hers and their tongues met. He lifted her leg higher and slid a finger inside her. She moaned and jumped into his arms. She wound her legs tightly around his waist as her hand tried to open his fly.

"You’re gonna knock me down." He laughed. He walked to the couch and put her down.

He smiled as he reached down and opened the front clasp of her bra, freeing her breasts. "Nice, very nice." He said.

"Don’t make me wait." She whispered.

"Never." He grinned as he removed his pants.

Brooke licked her lips as she took in the arousal in his underwear. "You’re ready for me aren’t you?" She said with a giggle.

"Always." He said as he stripped off his shorts. She sighed deeply as he moved over her on the couch. "Always and forever." He said as he entered her in one quick thrust.

 

"I wish you’d let me come with you." Ridge said to Taylor as they walked to their cars in the parking lot of the club.

"No, you and Blake would fight and it would upset the children. You go to the beach house and wait for us there. I promise I won’t be long."

"Can I chill some wine?" He asked.

"You sure can. And you can open the kids’ beds too. That way we can get them right to sleep." She smiled.

"Yeah and then it’s Mommy and Daddy time."

"Yes." She said. "That’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time."

"Not half as long as I have Doc." He said. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the pent-up passion that he had. "I love you so much Taylor, so very much."

"And I love you Ridge. And I’m so very happy."

"Hurry home my love. I want to start our new life now."

"We already have." She smiled. She kissed him lightly and went to her car. He waved as she drove off.

"Please Taylor, please don’t let him change your mind." Ridge said to her as she drove away.

"Felicia, Felicia honey!" Helen shouted as she ran to her on the couch. "You!" She screamed at Janet. "You go now! Go!"

Janet looked around nervously. "I don’t know what happened. We were just talking and she fainted."

"You upset her, now leave, leave."

"I can’t leave her like this." Janet said. "Have you called for a doctor?"

"No, no, I’m alright." Felicia moaned as she opened her eyes. "Please leave, I have nothing more to say to you."

"I’m so sorry for upsetting you Miss Forrester. I had no idea the severity of this problem. But please, see a doctor. Make sure you are alright."

"I’m fine, just please leave." She said.

Helen stared at Janet until she got up. She walked her to the door and watched her until she drove away and then returned to Felicia. "I should find your mother." Helen told her.

"No Helen, I’m alright really." She said sitting up on the couch. "Maybe you could get me a glass of water."

"I’m worried Felicia. I think I should find your mother or your father."

"Please Helen, I don’t want to worry them. I’m alright. I really am. Please, let’s keep this our little secret."

"I don’t know." Helen said hesitantly.

"Please." Felicia said looking deeply into the older woman’s eyes.

"If it happens again." Helen started.

"Then I’ll tell her and I’ll see a doctor." Felicia smiled weakly.

Helen went and poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. Felicia took a small sip and then another.

"See, I’m fine now." She said.

"Rest. Don’t try to do anything too fast." Helen warned.

"I’ll be okay." Felicia said as she stood up. "See, I can stand just fine."

"I don’t think you should." Helen started as the phone rang.

"I’m fine Helen, can you get that?" Felicia said sweetly.

"Yes Miss Forrester." Helen said as she went to answer the phone.

"Damn you Mike. What are you trying to do to me?" Felicia mumbled to herself. "Why won’t you leave me alone?"

 

"You sure know how to change my moods." Brooke smiled as she gazed into her husbands eyes. "I bet everyone in the building heard me screaming."

"So what?" He laughed. "Now they know that their boss is well satisfied."

"That she is." Brooke said as she stole another quick kiss. "But it didn’t go away Michael, and I am still worried."

"There’s nothing to worry about. We’re going to be great parents to Jason, and to our baby."

"Our baby." Brooke said in a dreamy voice. "I wonder if we might have just made a baby."

"I hope so sweetheart. But don’t be discouraged if we didn’t. The doctor said it could take up to a year."

"A year?" She groaned.

"Think of all the fun we’ll have trying." He grinned.

"Yeah." She smiled. "You always find a way to look at the bright side."

"Not until I met you Brooke." He said honestly.

 

"Bryan?" Lauren Fenmore asked as she sat down next to Bryan at the bar. "Lauren, Lauren Fenmore." She said as she extended her hand.

"Yes Lauren, I could never forget a lovely woman like you. How are you?"

"Better than you I imagine. I’m so sorry about what happened." She said.

"You and me both. But thanks."

"So are you here alone?"

"I don’t have a wife anymore." He said as he looked down at his newly ringless finger. "You?"

"I’m alone too. Things didn’t work out with Grant and I made a fool of myself over Brooke’s husband." She laughed.

"How did you do that?" He asked her.

"Long story, long boring story. Let’s just say it was a case of mistaken identity and leave it at that. You don’t mind me joining you?"

"I’m flattered. But I’m afraid I may not be such good company."

"A handsome man like you not good company? This is Lauren Fenmore you’re talking to."

"What can I get you to drink?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Scotch and soda." She said.

"I had you pegged as a white wine type."

"Oh no Bryan, I take everything in life a bit stronger than most women." She smiled.

"Hmmm, could be dangerous."

"What fun is life without a little danger?" She purred.

 

"Why are you here?" Thorne asked Macy when he opened his door to find her there. "Back to rub it in or can’t Grant satisfy you?"

"Thorne stop, you know I’ll always care about you. I needed to talk to you."

"I told you I won’t fight you. We’ll get the legalities straightened out and you can go back to your wonderful life as Mrs. Chambers."

"Thorne, honey this isn’t about Grant. I’m here about you."
"Me? Why are you so worried about me?"

"I spoke to Lt. Burke yesterday. He told me that you went to see him again."

"So, I went to see him. What’s it to you? You better watch out Mace, I may decide to shoot you next."

"You didn’t shoot Brooke! You know that, I know that and Lt. Burke knows that."

"I shot her. I shot her and I tried to shoot her again."

"No Thorne, you didn’t. Why do you keep saying this?"

"Macy I remember doing it. I know I did it. I don’t care what evidence they think they have, it was me."

"They won’t arrest you."

"They will. I told them it was me. I told them I bought the disguise to frame you because I was mad at you. He’s reopening the investigation of me."

"You’d never do that to me Thorne, no matter how mad you were you’d never try to frame me for something I didn’t do."

"You don’t even know me Macy. I changed when Brooke left me. I’m not the man you knew. In fact that’s probably why you went back to Grant, even if you won’t admit it."

"Then tell me why. Why did you want to kill her?"

"She left me. She left me and f*cked Ridge and then Connor and then Michael Copeland. She made a fool out of me and I wanted her dead."

"That’s crazy Thorne. She and Ridge never happened. She hadn’t even gotten engaged to Connor until after she was shot and she didn’t even know Michael. You can’t even get your lies to make sense. Why Thorne? Why are you insisting on this lie? Who are you trying to protect? Do you know who really shot Brooke? Tell me Thorne, please tell me."

 

"You look lovely tonight Adrienne." Connor said as she opened her door to him. "I was so glad you agreed to see me on such short notice."

"You know I like seeing you any time I can." She smiled. "Come on in." She stood aside and he came in.

"You didn’t have to make dinner Ade. I would have taken you out."

"Don’t tell me you’re scared of my cookin’ counselor."

"Not a prayer." He smiled.

"Maybe you should be." She laughed. "But actually I’m pretty good at Mexican. I hope you like it."

"Love it." He assured her.

"Sit down, I made some Margaritas." She said. He sat on the plush couch and she went to the bar and poured them each a drink. She brought them over as well as a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa. "So what’s new in the lawyer world?"

"Busy as usual."

"Is Bryan working or is he out of it?"

"He’s working Ade. He’s a trooper. He’s hurting but you’d never know it at the office."

"I was gonna tell you to bring him but then I decided against it." She said.

"I doubt he would have come anyway."

"Well I wanted to seduce you and I figured it would be hard with him around." She laughed. "Unless we did a threesome and one in a lifetime is enough for me."

Connor stared at her and nervously laughed. "I almost believed you."

"You should lover, it’s the truth." She laughed sexily.

"You really did that? You and a guy and another girl?"

"You want details?" She asked.

"I don’t think so." He chuckled. "That’s something that might be better me not knowing."

"I was young and wild." She said. "Didn’t you ever want to?"

"Me and two women? It’s a male fantasy but I’ve always been a one woman man."

"Well don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it." She laughed. "But who said anything about two women?"

"You and two men?" He asked.

"I thought you didn’t want details." She said as she licked the salt on her glass.

"Maybe after another one of these." He laughed taking a sip.

"Enticing huh?" She said. "All ya gotta do is ask me sugar."

"I’ll think about it." He said. "Was Michael involved?" He asked her.

"Worried about Brookie?"

"Just curious." He admitted.

"Nope, not my straight-laced ex." She laughed.

"Straight-laced? I doubt that."

"Well Mikey is a sexual creature, that’s for sure. But he’s selfish too. And a lot more conservative than I am. No, this was before Mike."

"Selfish?" Connor asked.

"He wouldn’t want to share his lady with another guy. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he liked the idea of two gals and him. But I doubt he’d have the nerve." She laughed. "But you didn’t want to talk about this did you?" She asked slyly.

"I think we can stick to some safer subjects." Connor agreed. "In fact I don’t even remember how this started."

"Bryan." She said. "But seriously, I do feel sorry for the guy. But after seeing Taylor and Ridge in St. Thomas I knew that Bryan’s relationship with her was doomed."

"Tell me something Adrienne."

"Yeah?"

"Do you find Ridge attractive?"

"Sure. He’s a nice looking guy."

"No, I mean do you desire him like Brooke and Taylor and Morgan?"

"God no. I’d much rather have you sugar. Or Mike." She added with a wink.

"Bryan and I were talking about Ridge’s power over women."

"He’s a charmer, but not my type." She said. She took a large gulp of her drink. "These sure hit the spot don’t they?"

"You mix a nice drink." He agreed.

 

"We’re home kids." Taylor said as she and the children entered the beach house. "And Daddy’s here too."

"Daddy!" Thomas said cheerfully as he ran to Ridge’s arms.

"Daddy’s missed you too son." He said as he lifted him and kissed him. "You made great time Doc, how did it go?"

"Fine. Blake was as sweet as could be. He’s happy for us Ridge, he really is."

"Blake Hayes happy for us? I doubt that."

"I keep telling you, he’s changed. He’s not angry anymore. He really has become a good friend to me. And he was great with the kids."

"Did you like Blake Thomas?" Ridge asked his son. Thomas nodded and put his tired head on Ridge’s shoulder. "Okay, I’ll give him a couple of points. Just don’t expect me to trust him."

"I hope you can in time. He thinks he may move here permanently and I’d really like him to be a part of our lives." Taylor said.

"Doc you are too kind hearted and trusting."

"That’s part of my charm." She laughed.

"You have far too much charm for one woman." He said. He walked to her, with Thomas still in his arms and kissed her.

"Your arm is much stronger." Taylor commented.

"Yeah, the physical therapy seemed to have worked. I still wish I knew who shot me though."

"I’m sure Lt. Burke will catch him, or her." Taylor said. "I’m just glad he cleared Thorne."

"I don’t know Doc. Thorne still gets a funny look on his face when anyone mentions Brooke. And now with Macy leaving him. I just get worried."

"Your brother is not a killer Ridge. You know that."

"He gets angry Taylor. He has a bad temper."

"Let’s not talk about Thorne right now." She said to him. "Let’s get our children to bed and then spend some quality time together."

"You got my vote." Ridge smiled.

 

"She almost saw you, you idiot!" Blake fumed at Joey.

"But she didn’t. Chill out Blake. Nothing happened and she’s none the wiser."

"You are not taking this seriously enough. I want that woman Joseph. I want her in my home and in my bed. I will not lose her to Ridge Forrester again. Now have you started on the house yet?"

"They have a lot of security. I’m still checking out the system."

"Stop checking and start working."

"I’m not going to jail for you Blake."

"This is about money isn’t it you little punk?"

"It’s about Joey. And Joey doesn’t like life behind bars. Don’t worry Blake, I’ll get the job done. Just give me time."

"We don’t have time. Once she hires the decorators there will be people in and out all day."

"And that’s when it becomes easy for me. Believe me Blake, I know what I’m doing."

"You’d better." He warned him. Joey felt a chill go through him as he saw the evil in Blake’s eyes.

"I gotta book man. I got arrangements to make." He said.

"Just remember what you’re being paid for." Blake warned.

"How can I forget." Joey said under his breath.

 

"Whoops." Michael said as he and Brooke entered the house and caught Grant and Macy embracing on the couch.

"Grant has a room Macy." Brooke said in a rude voice.

"Come on honey, lose the attitude." Michael laughed. She shot him a look and then looked at Grant and Macy.

"Sorry Brooke, we got a little carried away." Grant said.

"No, I’m sorry. I’ve had a trying day." Brooke told him.

"Let’s go upstairs honey." Macy said to Grant.

"I said I was sorry Macy." Brooke said in a huff.

"This arrangement isn’t working Grant. I just don’t think Brooke and I can be in the same house." Macy said to him.

"We won’t be here much longer." Michael told them. "The painters are all done, the new security system is in place and the furniture will be coming this week. Then this place becomes all yours. So all you have to do is put us with us for a week or two more."

"I’m sorry Michael, I do appreciate what you’re doing for us." Macy smiled at him. She then looked at Brooke and the two women gave each other the evil eye.

"What is your problem Macy?" Brooke asked.

"Well if you have to know I saw Thorne today. And he’s still claiming that he’s the one who shot you. He’s very angry at you and I hate to see him that way."

"I wasn’t the one married to him." Brooke smiled at her. "I never left my husband for another man!"

"Tell that to Eric." Macy retorted.

"Ladies!" Grant warned.

"We have to get to the bottom of this." Michael said. "I can’t say that the local police has impressed me much. Too much time has gone by and they haven't a single suspect."

"Except Thorne." Brooke said.

"Well I’m going to do something myself. I won’t have someone taking shots at my wife."

"What do you have in mind?" Grant asked.

"I’m going to hire my own detectives. I want this person caught and put away. Until that happens I can’t stop worrying about Brooke." Michael told him.

 

"Isn’t that Sara?" Bridget’s friend Heather asked her. The girls were sitting at Insomnia having coffee and talking.

"Yeah." Bridget moaned.

"Well why don’t we call her over?’

"No!" She said. "I’m not friends with her anymore."

"Why?" Heather asked.

"It’s complicated. Please don’t ask me more."

"Whatever." Heather said to her. "Oh my God Bridget. Look at that guy." She gestured to a handsome young man walking into the coffeehouse.

"He is hot. But sort of scary looking." Bridget said.

"He can scare me any day." Heather laughed. "Sh*t! He’s going over to Sara!"

 

Sara had seen her former friend and was feeling sad and lonely when suddenly a really cute guy walked over to her.

"Anyone sitting here?" He asked.

"You are." She smiled. He has to be at least thirty, she thought. I want him. "I’m Sara Fulton." She smiled sexily at him.

"Joe." He said as he straddled the chair. "So Sara Fulton, are you up for some fun tonight?"

"You bet I am." She said as she licked her lips.

Joey took a gulp of his black coffee and smiled. Jail bait, he thought. But I bet she’s great in the sack.

 

Eric brought Morgan’s belongings back into the guest cottage. He then helped her settle the baby in.

"I’m going to the main house to speak to Stephanie. I’ll be back later."

"Aren’t you staying there?" She asked.

"It’s my home and I have no intentions of leaving, but I want to make sure you’re alright too."

"We’ll be fine Eric. I’m tired and I just want to get some sleep. Thank you so much for everything you’ve gone through for us."

"You’re very welcome dear." He said. "Alright, I’ll let you sleep but I’ll be back in the morning."

"Goodnight Eric." She smiled and kissed him softly, for the first time it was on his lips. He flushed but then smiled.

"Goodnight Morgan, and good night to you Josh." He smiled at the tiny baby. He waved and walked out.

"You’ll pay for this Stephanie. You’ll pay by losing Taylor and your precious grandchildren. No one crosses me and gets away with it, no one." Morgan muttered.

 

"Is she gone?" Stephanie said to Eric as he walked into the house.

"No, I called a locksmith."

"Then I will just call the police." She said flatly.

"Don’t do it Stephanie. Don’t push me."

"I’m the one being pushed Eric. I had a home and a husband and suddenly he’s more concerned with the witch who tried to ruin his son’s life. I warned you Eric and I meant it. I want you to leave."

"This is my home."

"Not anymore Eric." She said. "I had Helen pack for you." She said as she pointed to two large suitcases. "You can get the rest tomorrow. Go Eric, you don’t live here anymore."

 

Ridge was waiting on the bed for Taylor when the bathroom door opened and she walked out. The light behind her showed through her translucent pink nightgown showing off all of her curves.

"An angel, an absolute angel." He said. "I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life."

Her eyes filled with tears as she sat down next to him and he took her into his arms.

"Never have I been so happy. I adore you Taylor Forrester."

"Oh Ridge, my darling Ridge." She said as she brought her lips to his in a gentle kiss. "I hope tonight lasts forever."

"We’ll make it last Doc. For us tonight will never end." He said as he gently lifted the nightgown over her head.

 

"Let’s get to bed and continue what we started in your office." Michael grinned at Brooke.

"They make me so mad." She said.

"Forget Grant and Macy. You need to learn to focus on the things that are really important." He told his wife.

"I can’t wait till we move and I never have to see her face again. Why did I tell him it was okay to bring her here? Did you hear what she said to me about Eric?"

"Brooke, it isn’t important. Ignore her."

"I wish I could." She said.

"Calm down and concentrate on us." He said kissing her softly.

"Yeah, you’re right. Nothing is as important as my family." She smiled. "Let’s go to bed."

They turned towards the stairs when the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be?" She wondered aloud.

"You head up, I’ll take care of it." Michael told her. He kissed her and gently tapped her on the butt. She started up the stairs as he opened the door.

"What the hell do you want from me?" Felicia said to him.

"Felicia?" He said as he stared at her in shock.

Changes Part 95

 

Taylor shivered in anticipation as Ridge started to plant kisses all over her body. She was so much in love that her heart was bursting.

"Here?" Ridge asked as he kissed her neck.

"Oh yes." She moaned.

"Here?" He asked as he moved to the soft spot of her throat.

"Uh huh." She said.

"Good." He whispered. His hands covered her breasts as his thumbs tweaked her nipples to hardness.

"Oh Ridge." She cried aloud.

"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." He said to her. "And I will never let anyone separate us again." He moved his mouth lower to the spot between her breasts. His fingers continued to caress her as his tongue moved in.

"Oh Ridge, Ridge." She moaned. Her eyes were glassy with passion as he made his way slowly, ever so slowly down her body.

 

"Felicia. Honey what’s wrong?" Michael asked her.

"Don’t call me that." She said angrily. "Can I come in? I need to talk to you."

"Of course." He agreed. He opened the door widely and escorted her inside. Brooke watched from the stairs.

"Hello Brooke." Felicia said. "I’m sorry to disturb you so late but this is very important."

"It’s alright Felicia." She said as she made her way back down the stairs and to Michael’s side.

"Please don’t be offended." Felicia said to her. "I realize you’re married to Mike now, and I do like and respect you Brooke, but I need to talk to him alone. It’s too hard for me to say what I have to say with you here."

"Brooke and I don’t have secrets." Michael told her.

"I know she knows Mike, I just can’t do this with her here." She looked at Brooke pleadingly. "You do understand don’t you?"

"Oh course Felicia. I’ll go upstairs." She kissed Michael softly on the lips. "I’ll be there for you if you need me Michael." She squeezed his hand, smiled at him and then Felicia and went up the stairs.

"This is her home. You shouldn’t be ordering her out." He said.

"This isn’t about Brooke, it’s about you and what you did to me. I’m upset Mike and I don’t want to have to deal with anyone but you."

"I tried to explain at the wedding honey. I tried to explain it all."

"Would you please stop calling me that!" She said again. "I’m not your honey! In fact I’m nothing to you anymore. And that’s the way I want it to stay! Damn you Mike! Why did you tell a perfect stranger about it? What purpose could you possibly have in doing that to me, to all of us?"

"Okay, first I’m sorry for calling you honey. I care about you Felicia, I feel protective of you."

"Oh bull!" She said.

"Let’s not fight."

"We have nothing left but fight in us Mike."

"You don’t really believe that, if you did you wouldn’t be here. Now what happened? Tell me why you’re so mad."

"I can’t believe you didn’t think it would make me mad, in fact I don’t know why Brooke isn’t mad too. What are you up to? What does that woman want?"

"What woman?" He asked, truly confused.

"Janet something or other."

"Janet Wells?" He asked turning pale.

"You didn’t send her?"

"Felicia I never mentioned your name to her. You know I’d never do that to you."

"You told Brooke!"

"She’s my wife. I can’t keep something that important a secret from her."

"Well this Janet Wells knows. She knows and she threw it in my face and I want to know why! I want to know who she is and what she’s doing and why she knows about our baby!"

 

Eric stared at the suitcases and then looked back at Stephanie. "You can’t be serious."

"As a heart attack." She said. "I told you if she wasn’t gone our marriage was over."

"Oh for God’s sake Stephanie. The girl has nowhere else to go."

"She has a family. If you are so insistent on helping her then pay her way and put her on a plane but get her out of here. She is not welcome on my property."

"It’s our property Stephanie."

"Am I going to have to get Jonathan?" She asked him.

"You’re really willing to end our marriage over this?"

"I certainly had hoped it wouldn’t come to this but yes, yes I am Eric. That woman is evil, she’s dangerous."

"You’ve been saying that about every woman in Ridge’s life that wasn’t Taylor or Caroline."

"She is not in his life. And Eric, compared to Morgan Brooke is Mother Teresa. You think about what you’re doing. It’s not just our marriage. I truly believe you are putting your life in danger."

"You’re certainly dramatic." He snickered. "She’s a young woman with an infant. I doubt she is dangerous to anyone. And she’s promised to leave Ridge and Taylor alone."

"And you believe her?"

"I have no reason not to."

"Oh Eric, how can you be so naïve? This is not Brooke, this is Morgan. She doesn’t need your protection. I implore you to make her leave. Please Eric."

"I’m sorry but I will not be given ultimatums. I never intended to walk away from you or our marriage but you’re giving me no choice."

"You’re a fool Eric Forrester. Take your things and get out of my home." She said. She looked at him sadly and turned away.

 

"You are so distracted." Adrienne said as she kissed Connor lightly on the lips and put her drink down. "Don’t tell me, you’re thinking about a threesome." She laughed.

"I’m not that drunk." He said.

"You’re not drunk at all, but you can’t get it off your mind can you?"

"Well." He laughed.

"I’m not the party girl I once was. Those were wild times. STD’s weren’t so prevalent. Unless you have someone specific in mind." She purred.

"No Adrienne. But you’re right. I keep picturing it, or at least I think I am."

"My straight laced lawyer has a wild side." She laughed. "Whoda thunk it?"

"I think I agree with Michael on this one. I don’t want to share my woman either."

"Ah but if it was Brooke?" She said slyly.

"Brooke is the past." He said.

"Maybe." She said. "But I think you still got it for her."

"And that doesn’t make you mad or jealous?"

"Hell no lover, I don’t own you. Like I said before, I wouldn’t throw Mikey out of my bed either. But that doesn’t change the way I feel about you."

"Are you sure he wasn’t part of that threesome?" He asked.

"Now that’s something I’d remember." She laughed. "No worries Connor, princess isn’t married to a pervert."

 

"You certainly have improved my mood." Bryan smiled at Lauren. "If I didn’t know better I’d think Connor sent you here, but he didn’t know where I was going."

"It was purely a coincidence." She laughed. "But a wonderful one. What do you say we go have some dinner?" She suggested. "That is unless you already ate."

"Actually I haven’t. I didn’t have much of an appetite."

"Have I remedied that situation?" She asked with a sexy smile.

"I think you have. What do you have in mind? Fancy? Casual?"

"How about pizza." She said.

"Pizza sounds wonderful." Bryan said to her. "Now who’s driving?"

"You are." She said. "I’ll send someone for my car tomorrow. Or we can pick it up on the way to breakfast." She winked.

 

"How do you know Janet?" Michael asked Felicia.

"She came to my house. Why did you tell her Mike? Who is she to you and why did you tell her?"

"I didn’t tell her. I wouldn’t tell her. The only one I’ve ever told is Brooke. You have to believe me."

"I don’t have to anything." She said. She heard a noise upstairs and turned to look.

"We aren’t alone." He explained. "Macy and Grant are living here. They’re upstairs."

"I’m not even going to ask about that one." She said. "Where can we talk in private?"

"Let’s go out by the pool." He said as he got up. "Can I get you some iced tea or something?"

"This isn’t a social visit."

"I’m just trying to be friendly Felicia."

"Let’s just get this over with." She said. "I want answers and I want to leave."

"Fine." He sat down again. "First I never told Janet."

"Who is she Mike?"

"She’s a social worker. Brooke and I are trying to foster a little boy, a patient of mine. She’s checking us out."

"Whwhat? And you told her about our baby?" Felicia’s eyes opened in shock.

"No Felicia, I never even mentioned your name and neither did Brooke. What did she say to you?"

"She asked if I was one of Stephanie’s daughters and then she said something like what did you do to my baby."

"Stephanie! Damn that woman!" Michael said gruffly.

"Don’t you dare blame my mother!"

"Who else could it be? Who knows besides us and her Felicia? She wants to keep us from getting Jason and she sacrificed you to do it. That bitch!"

"No! She’d never do that. She was hurt and upset by what you did to me. She was horrified that you left me like that. She’d never tell that story to a stranger."

"I left you like what?" He asked. "Do you think I would have ever left you if she hadn’t have threatened me? Felicia I loved you. I never would have left if she hadn’t said what she did."

"No! You’re lying! My mother would never have threatened you. What could she have possibly have done to you?"

Michael looked at her in amazement. "Now I understand. Now I know why you hate me so much and blame me."

"No." She whispered. "My mother wouldn’t have done that. She knew how much I loved you, she knew I wanted to marry you."

"She wanted me out of your life. She told me if I didn’t leave she would destroy me. She’d see me arrested, she’d ruin my career. Felicia, as much as I loved you I couldn’t face losing everything I had worked so hard for. I’m sorry sweetheart, if I had known the pain it would cause you I never would have gone, I would have tried to fight her. But I knew you wouldn’t turn away from her either."

"You’re lying." She said softly. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she knew he wasn’t.

"He’s not lying." Brooke said as she walked down the stairs. "Your mother hates me and she hates Michael. She’s trying to sabotage our chances of adopting Jason and you know Michael is not responsible for the death of your child. Felicia he’s a good man and you know that."

Felicia looked at Brooke and then at Michael. "I have to leave." She said.

"No, wait!" Brooke called out. "Please, you have to help us."

"Help you? How? And why Brooke?" Felicia asked.

"Because Michael loved you and he helped you and you know that’s true."

"Leave her alone Brooke, we can do it on our own." Michael said. "I’m sorry Felicia, I’m sorry for everything." He said. He walked to Brooke and put his arm around her.

"I have to leave." Felicia said again. She looked at them both and ran out.

"Why did you do that? She could have helped us, now we’ll never get Jason." Brooke said to her husband.

"I’ll talk to Janet, I’ll tell her everything that happened." He held Brooke’s face in his hands and kissed her. "You have to leave Felicia out of it. This is too hard for her, she can’t handle it."

"Why are you more concerned about her than us?" She asked.

"That’s not fair Brooke, I’m not. I just don’t want to cause her any more pain. You and I can handle this. We will find a way to get Jason. It’s going to happen Brooke, don’t worry about that."

"I heard you talking to her." She said. "You still love her don’t you?" She asked in a nervous voice.

"What’s wrong Ridge?" Taylor asked her husband. "Have I done something to upset you?"

"No Doc." He said sitting up. "I don’t know, I really don’t know. Maybe too much anticipation. Maybe too much wine." He smiled at her.

"We never had this happen to us before." She said. "Not even when I was with Bryan. Even then you and I, we still. Oh Ridge we never couldn’t. Are you sure I haven’t done anything to upset you?"

"Let’s not make more of this than there is Doc." He got out of the bed and put on his pants.

"Where are you going?" She asked. "Please Ridge, we just found each other again, please don’t turn away from me."

"I’m not, I just need to clear my head."

"Ridge please." She begged. "We have to work on this. Let me try and relax you. I want you so badly darling."

"A walk on the beach, that’s all Doc." He smiled.

"Alright, then I’ll come with you." She said.

"I need to be alone and we can’t leave the kids alone. I won’t be long Taylor, I promise." He picked up his sneakers and headed out the door leaving a stunned Taylor.

 

"Brooke stop it." Michael said. "I love you, not Felicia. I care about her and I won’t lie to you about that. Don’t you go getting insecure on me. I love you Brooke, I married you, not Felicia."

"She loves you." She said.

"Come on." He groaned.

"A woman knows."

"Brooke she hates me."

"No, she hates that she loves you. And so do I." She said. She walked towards the door and picked up her car keys.

"Where are you going? It’s late Brooke, come on let’s go to bed."

"I need to talk to Taylor." She said.

"At this hour?"

"I need her advice."
"About me? For God’s sake Brooke what did you want me to do? Throw her out? I hurt her and I want to fix it. You care about her too don’t you?"

"I need to talk to Taylor." She said angrily.

"Then call her."

"I need to see her."

"Brooke she and Ridge just got back together."

"I need her." She said.

"I need you Brooke." He told her.

"I’ll be back." She said walking out on him.

 

"Did I wake you?" Eric asked a sleepy Thorne. He was standing at his door carrying two suitcases.

"What’s going on Dad?"

"Your mother threw me out. Can I stay here for a couple of days?"

"Sure." Thorne said. "Come on in."

"I’m sorry to disturb you. I didn’t want to go to a hotel and I couldn’t disturb Ridge and Taylor."

"Dad, you’re always welcome here." He said as they went inside. "I was up watching a movie, you didn’t wake me. But Dad, what happened?"
"I brought Morgan home and your mother had padlocked the guesthouse. I called a locksmith and got Morgan and the baby settled in and when I went home she had my bags packed. Son you understand what I’m doing don’t you?"

"Morgan hurt Ridge and Taylor." He answered.

"But that’s over. Ridge and Taylor are back together and Morgan has no one. I couldn’t turn away from her."

"Obviously Mom doesn’t agree." Thorne said. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Scotch." Eric said.

Thorne went to the bar and poured them each a drink, he handed one to Eric. "Mom’ll come around. She just needs to cool off."

"I hope so. She threatened to call Jonathan."

"A divorce?" Thorne gasped. "Dad no, you have to stop her."

"I love your mother but we aren’t agreeing on anything lately."

"What else, besides Morgan?" Thorne wondered.

"Brooke and Michael."

"Now what have they done? Besides help ruin my life?"

"Thorne she’s happy. She loves him."

"She broke my heart and then when things were finally looking up she brought Grant back and helped him steal Macy."

"Now Thorne you can’t blame Brooke for Macy’s actions."

"I guess I don’t really, but it hurts Dad."

"Looks like we’re both losers in the game of love huh son?"

"Not you Dad, you and Mom will be okay, just give her time to calm down."

"She may calm but no one seems to realize that I’m angry now."

"Don’t throw it all away over Morgan Dad. She’s not worth it. She really isn’t."

 

Brooke pulled the car into the driveway at Taylor’s beach house. She shut off the ignition and sat there thinking. They’re asleep, you should be home with Michael. What are you doing Brooke? She asked herself. She got out of her car and started to the door and saw that the lights were all out. "I can’t wake them but I can’t just go home." She said. She reached down and took off her sandals and headed to the beach.

 

"Where’s your car?" Sara asked Joey.

"No car, I got a bike." He said.

"Harley?" She asked.

"Is there anything else?" He smiled at her.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"You got a curfew?"
"None that I pay attention to." She said. "You know Joe, you remind me of someone but I can’t think of just who."

"Probably the guy of your dreams." He said. "You ever ride before?"

"Of course." She lied.

"Wrap those sexy legs around me. This time on the bike, later we’ll try it in a different position." He said in a sexy voice as he handed her a helmet.

Bridget and Heather watched from the door. "She’s going on his motorcycle." Heather said.

"So?" Bridget said.

"She’s gonna get so in trouble." Heather sighed. "He’s a man Bridget."

"Sara likes men. Believe me, I know."

"Come on Bridget, I never saw her with anyone older than a senior."

"She’s a tramp Heather. She hits on men."

"When?"

"She hit on my mother’s husband."

"Yeah right." Heather laughed.

"She did. And she hurt him too. I hate her."

"We have an audience." Joey said to Sara. She turned and saw Bridget and Heather.

"They’re just kids." She told him. "Stupid Bridget Forrester and her pet puppy Heather Newton."

"Forrester?" He asked. "As in Creations?"

"You’re into fashion?"

"I’ve had a few dealings with Forresters. Is she related to Ridge and Taylor Forrester?" He said as he checked out Bridget.

"Sort of, Ridge is her brother. Her dad is Eric Forrester and her mother is Brooke Copeland."

"Copeland?" He asked with a smile.

"She divorced Eric and married a doctor. We were lovers." She smiled.

"You and Mike?"

"You know him?"

"Uh, no. I read about him." He lied.

"Good.," She said. "Yeah, Mike and I were lovers till Brooke caught us. Hey! That’s who you remind me of."

"Oh yeah?" He laughed.

"Yeah, you’re sexy just like he is."

"Only better right?" He asked.

"I’ll tell you after." She said as she kissed the back of his neck.

"They’re still watching." He told her.

"Let’s give them something to see." She said. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard and deep. He slid his hand into her blouse and laughed as she jumped. "Hey." She said. "Not in public."

"Do I get some in private?" He asked.

"If you play your cards right." She said as her hand slid from his neck to his waist and came to rest on his groin.

"You’re playing a dangerous game little girl." He warned her.

"Who’s playing?" She asked as she brought her mouth back to his. He kissed her but his eyes were open and watching Bridget.

 

Brooke started to walk on the cool sand when she saw someone sitting on a piece of driftwood. "Taylor? Ridge?" She called out softly.

"Logan?" Ridge answered as he stood. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too." She laughed. She walked to him and sat. He sat back down next to her. "Michael and I had a fight. I wanted to talk to Taylor but when I got here I decided it was too late to bother you so I went for a walk instead. Where’s Taylor?"

"Inside."

"And why are you out here? You guys are supposed to be on a honeymoon or something like that."

"Oh Logan, it’s not that simple."

"It should be. What happened? Can you talk to me about it?" She asked with concern.

"It’s Blake."

"What has he done now?"

"I think Taylor slept with him and she won’t admit it."

"Oh Ridge, she’d never sleep with Blake. Why would you even think that?"

"I heard them." He said sadly. "I thought I could get past it but it seems that I can’t. I was trying Logan, I was trying so hard. But I just, I." He stopped and turned away.

"If she said she didn’t you have to believe her. What exactly did you hear Ridge?"

"I heard her tell him, no Brooke, I can’t even talk about it. Not even to you."

"Okay, then talk to Taylor. Ridge she loves you."

"I tried and we fought, then I decided to just try and forget what I heard but I can’t."

"You asked if she slept with him and she said no?" She asked him.

"Yeah, but I know what I heard."

She touched his face gently and turned him to her. "Sometimes things sound different than they really are. Sometimes we hear something and it really isn’t what we think." She looked at him as if a light had just gone on.

"What just happened Logan?"

"I was giving you the advice I should be giving myself." She smiled.

"What happened to you and Mike?" He asked.

"He was worried about a friend, another woman, and I made much more of it than there was. I was jealous and scared and I had no reason to be. Now maybe that’s what happened to you too." She said. She took his hand and held it in hers. "Is there any chance I’m right?"

"No." He said softly.

"Ridge? Do you believe that she loves you?"

"Yes."

"Then forget what you heard. You’ve both been through so much. If you can forgive her Bryan then you can forgive a night with Blake too. Though I really don’t think it happened." She added.

"We keep fighting." He said.

"I’m sure you don’t." She disagreed.

"No Logan, it’s true. We just keep fighting. We take one step forward and three back." He looked at her and smiled. "We never fought."

"We never lasted either." She smiled weakly. "Not for lack of trying."

"But we didn’t fight." He pulled her to him and kissed her hair. "Does Mike know how lucky he is?"

"I keep telling him." She teased.

"I don’t want to fight with her Brooke, I love her and my family so much."

"Then tell her and believe her and forgive her."

"You bring out the best in me." He smiled. "I hope you know that. I hope you know how much I love you."

"Oh honey, I love you too." Said softly. Ridge leaned over and kissed her softly on her lips.

"What was that for?" She asked.

"Memories, old time, friendship." He told her. "You open my eyes and give me back my perspective and I love you for that. I always will Brooke."

"Me too." She agreed. "Aren’t you glad we got that back and I got to be such good friends with Taylor as a bonus?" She asked him.

"You bet I am. Why don’t you come in with me and talk to your best friend." He suggested.

"I just did." She smiled as she touched his cheek. She got up and wiped the sand off. "I have to get home, I owe my husband an apology. Are you going back inside?"

"Soon." He said. He stood up next to her. "Let me walk you to your car."

"I’ll be alright."

"I’d feel better if I did." He said taking her hand.

They started to walk back to the house.

"Promise me something?" She asked.

"I’ll try."

"Give her a chance, don’t throw it away Ridge. You fought too hard to get it all back."

"I sure have good taste in wives." He smiled. "They’re all smart and beautiful." He leaned over and kissed her again. "I love you Brooke Logan."

"Brooke Copeland." She corrected him. "And I love you too." She let go of his hand and went to her car. She got in and waved goodbye as she drove away.

Ridge walked to the house and opened the door. Taylor was standing there looking at him.

"Did something happen to Brooke?" She asked.

"She needed to talk and I guess I did too. I asked her in but she wanted to go home." He walked to her and kissed her. "I’m sorry Doc."

"Ridge it’s important to me that we get back on track. I don’t know what happened or why but we can’t make it like this. I love you and our marriage is the most important thing in the world to me, I hope it is to you too."

"It is Doc. I’m sorry, I just can’t seem to forget the things Blake said to me."

"Forget Blake, there is nothing with Blake. I’m with you, only you."

"Want to try again?" He asked.

"Do you think you can?"

"Yeah Doc, a very good friend gave me some good advice and I think I’d be smart to listen to her." He smiled and headed into the bedroom. "Are you coming Doc?"

"In a minute." She said. "You go on ahead." She walked to the kitchen and looked out the window to where she had watched Ridge and Brooke. "But why did you kiss her?" She asked softly.

 

 

"I’m sorry." Brooke announced to Michael as she walked into the bedroom. He was lying on the bed reading a medical journal. He put it down and looked up at her.

"Are you?" He asked. "Because I was really upset at how you had so little faith in me. Did you talk to Taylor?"

"No, you were right, it was too late." She answered sheepishly.

"So what took you so long?"

"I went for a walk on the beach and I ran into Ridge."
"Ridge? Why was he on the beach?"

"I wondered that myself. He and Taylor had a fight too. I ended up giving him the advice I should have given myself." She admitted. "At that moment I knew how wrong I was, and how sorry. You aren’t mad at me are you?"

"I was disappointed Brooke. I’ve worked so hard to gain your trust. You have to start taking me at face value. I won’t lie to you."

"I know that now." She walked over and sat on the end of the bed. "It was pretty enlightening. There I was trying to convince Ridge to trust Taylor and I was there not trusting you. I know I was wrong. Please forgive me."

"You know I do." He smiled.

"Good." She moved up the bed and put her arms around him and kissed him.

"That’s more like it." He said kissing her back. "So did Ridge listen to you?"

"He was really melancholy. He was stuck in old memories. He even kissed me a couple of times."

"Oh lovely." He said sarcastically.

"Michael." She said in a sing song voice.

"Did it turn you on?" He teased.

"No, well maybe. No, not really. I mean he can kiss but it wasn’t that kind of a kiss. And anyway, the only lips I wanted on mine were these." She said as she kissed him again.

"You know I want to believe that but you and Ridge have quite a history."

"And that’s the key word Michael, history. Ridge is my past, you’re my present and my future and my always."

"Pretty words, but what about what happened here? Do you understand about Felicia?"

"I do and I’m sorry I jumped all over you about it. But you two share a history too." She threw back at him.

"Touché." He laughed. He pulled her to him and kissed her. "I almost forgot. Annie called while you were out."
"I like her." Brooke said. "I really do. What did she have to say?"

"Just wanted to talk. But I invited her for dinner tomorrow. Is that okay?"

"Your sister is always welcome. I’d really like to meet your brother too."

"No you wouldn’t." He said. "He’s bad news Brooke, we’re better of without him in our lives. Anyway I thought I could fire up the grill and we can eat outside."

"Sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll invite Ridge and Taylor too."

"If you want." He said noncommittally.

"Don’t even go there Michael, it meant nothing." She insisted.

"Ridge and I have always competed, I have no intentions of competing over you."

"You don’t have to silly, I’m yours and yours alone. Besides, he doesn’t even want me, he loves Taylor. It was just a friendly kiss."

"Two friendly kisses." He reminded her.

"Okay two, big deal." She said. "I’ve seen you kiss Adrienne."

"Good point. Okay, you win." He said with a laugh as he tackled her and started to kiss her passionately.

"Wait." She laughed.

"What now?"

"Bridget, is she home?"

"She’s a big girl. She’ll be home later. Stop worrying for nothing."

"I just have a bad feeling. I don’t know why." She said. "I really wish she was home."

"She will be honey."

"I just got a chill Michael, I don’t know what’s wrong but I feel like she’s in danger somehow. I’m scared."

"Well let’s call her on her cell phone." He suggested.

"Yes, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. Hand me the phone honey."

Michael reached for the phone and gave it to her. "Don’t scare her or upset her Brooke, you’ve had an emotional night and that’s probably all there is to it."

"I’m sure you’re right but it will ease my mind."

 

"Felicia, honey, what’s wrong?" Stephanie asked her daughter who had just come in and walked right past her.

"Not now Mother, not now."

"Where were you? What’s wrong honey?"

"I can’t talk to you right now. I don’t know if I can ever talk to you again." She said.

"What have I done? Why are you mad at me? Is this about your father?"

"Dad? What happened with Dad?"

"He left. He left me." Stephanie said sadly.

Felicia looked at her mother and her anger was replaced with sympathy. She saw the tears in her eyes, something she had never seen before on her, tears, not of anger but of sadness. "Why?" She asked.

"Morgan, he chose to support her. He turned his back on his family for her."
"Where is he Mother?"

"I don’t know. He’s gone Felicia. He’s really gone." She said as she sat down and buried her head in her hands.

 

 

Taylor walked back into the bedroom as if in a haze. She picked up a brush and started to run it through her hair. She took no notice of Ridge who was waiting on the bed.

"Doc? Come back to bed." He said.

"Huh? Oh yeah, okay." She put down the brush and walked to the bed and sat down.

"You aren’t mad are you? I didn’t want to upset you, I just needed to think. I’m sorry Doc, I really am."

"I’m fine." She said. "But I’m tired. I’m very tired."

He looked at her and smiled. "You don’t have to make excuses for me. I think I’ll be just fine now. I forgot for a moment how far we had come and how hard it was to get here."

She gave him a weak smile and moved over next to him. "Was it worth it Ridge?"

"How can you ask. I love you Taylor, I always have and I always will." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She gave in to her love and momentarily pushed aside her insecurities as she threw her arms around him.

"Ahhh." She smiled feeling him against her. "We’re back in business."

"Told you." He said as he rolled over on to her.

 

"Yeah?" Bridget said as she answered her cell, not taking her eyes off the man who was watching her.

"Yeah? Honey it’s your mother."

"Mom! What’s wrong?"

"Nothing sweetie. I just wanted to check up with you, make sure everything is alright."

"Mom I’m out with Heather. We’re fine." She said sounding a little annoyed.

"Honey I was worried about you. I just needed to hear your voice."

"Mom!" Bridget moaned.

Brooke looked at Michael who gave her an "I told you so" look. He took the phone from Brooke. "Hey Budge, you know how your Mom gets. So let’s cut her some slack."

"Hi Mike." She said. "It’s not even that late."

"I know. We just wanted to check on you. We’ll leave you alone okay?"

"See you later." She said. He hung up the phone and turned to Brooke. "Okay now?"

"I’m glad I was wrong." She said.

"So am I." He smiled and kissed her. "Now where was I?"

"Ummm, right about here." She said taking his hand and placing it on her breast.

"That’s what I though." He said as he replaced his hand with his mouth.

 

"Let’s get out of here." Sara said to Joe. "I’m tired of looking at them." She said turning to watch Bridget and Heather again.

"Sure, why not." He said as he started the motorcycle. He waved to his audience as they rode off.

"He was looking at you Bridget." Heather said. "I think he likes you."

"How can he like me, I never even met him and I am not like her."

"He was cute though." Heather sighed. "I wonder if we’ll see him again."

"I really don’t care." Bridget said as she watched them turn the corner. "He’s really too old for me."
"But you like him Bridget. I can tell." Heather teased.

 

Taylor carefully slid out of her sleeping husband’s arms and got out of bed. She walked into the kid’s room and watched them sleeping. She tucked them in and placed soft kisses on each of them and then went out into the kitchen and turned on the teakettle. While the water was boiling she walked to the window and looked out again on the spot where Ridge and Brooke had been before.

"Oh Ridge why?" She asked. "And Brooke, I thought we were friends. Are you and Ridge sneaking behind my back? I want to trust you so badly. I need to but how can I? I saw you kissing. I saw you." She whispered. She went back to the cupboard and took out her favorite mug and placed a teabag in it. She sighed deeply as she poured the boiling water in and let it steep.

 

"You’ve helped me again Ridge." Blake laughed as he watched Taylor sip her tea. "Kissing Brooke Logan. Well I can certainly use that to my benefit now can’t I? Perhaps I should have Joseph checking her house and office too. "Taylor, you will be mine again. And much sooner than I had hoped. Thanks to your pal Brooke." He said with an evil laugh.

 

Adrienne was sated and fully satisfied but not sleepy like Connor. She watched him for a few moments and then got up and poured herself another glass of wine. "Why did I tell you about that?" She said to her sleeping companion. "Am I getting restless again? Is it time to be wilder again?" She took a sip and opened a picture album on her coffee table. She pushed past the more recent pictures back to those of her and Michael. She smiled and touched his picture. "We were good Mikey. Was I too much for you even then?" She turned the page and looked at the smiling man looking up at her. "So handsome, so wild and free. I’ll never forget that night, we had such fun you me and your friend and I never even knew your last name. Where are you now Storm?" She asked the photo. "Do you ever think about me?"

 

 

Morgan looked down at the sleeping baby. She pulled his blanket over his tiny legs and smiled and then frowned. "It’s all wrong. You shouldn’t have been Tyrone’s, you should have been Ridge’s. Ridge would still be mine if you were. But no, he had to go back to that slut." She walked to the closet and got on her knees and pulled at a loose board. She smiled when it moved and she found her prize still safe and unnoticed. She took the gun from it’s case and caressed it against her cheek. "You’ll be so sad and lonely when Taylor and the children are dead. You’ll come back to me Ridge. You’ll want me again and we will be married then. Oh yes, once your precious wife is dead Morgan will be there to comfort you. And we will have our baby then. We will." She stroked the gun in an almost sexual way and smiled. She lovingly put it back into the case and hid it under the loose board. She walked to her bedroom and took a picture of Ridge out of her dresser and held it to her chest. "We’ll be so happy this time. We’ll be so happy once I kill her."

Changes Part 96

 

"I’ll get it." Taylor called out to Ridge as the phone rang for the third time. "Hello."

"Taylor, hi!" A cheerful Brooke said.

"Brooke." Taylor answered in a reserved voice.

"Am I disturbing you?" Brooke asked. "Cause if I am just call me when it’s a better time."

"No, it’s fine. What is it Brooke?"

"Well we’d like you to come for dinner tonight, we’re having a little party, no really just a get together but it wouldn’t be the same without you and Ridge." Brooke said not noticing Taylor’s coldness.

"I don’t think so Brooke, it just wouldn’t be right to leave the children so soon after everything."

"Well of course I meant the whole family Taylor. I’d never leave them out."

"They’re too young for a dinner party. They’d get bored and ruin it for you, maybe another time."

"It just a pool party Taylor, please say you’ll come. Michael’s sister is coming and I’d really like her to meet my best friends."

"It just isn’t a good time Brooke." She said as Ridge walked into the room.

"Not a good time for what Doc?" He asked her. Taylor held her hand over the receiver.

"I’ll tell you later." She whispered. She then removed her hand. "I do appreciate the offer Brooke."

"Is that Brooke?" Ridge asked. "Let me talk to her." He said as he took the phone from her. "Logan!"

"Hi Ridge, I was just trying to talk your wife into accepting our invitation for dinner tonight. For you and your family."

"Just name a time and we’ll be there." He said as Taylor shot him a look. He shrugged at her and returned to the conversation. "Everything went okay at home last night?" He asked.

"Yeah." She said. "I apologized and we’re fine. How about you?"

"Perfect." He said with a smile. "Can we bring anything tonight?"

"Just Taylor and the kids and your swimsuits. We’re having a barbecue by the pool." She explained. "Michael’s sister is coming and I can’t wait to introduce her to you guys."

"Sounds good Logan what time?"

"Well why not come early so the kids can get in some swimming. I’d really like to spend more time with them."

"Practice Logan?"

"Maybe." She laughed. "You never know Ridge. How about four?"

"We’ll be there. And Logan, I want to talk to you about something."

"What’s that?"

"Morgan, we have to get rid of her. I can’t go into work and have to deal with her every day. Can we work out a severance package and just make sure she stays away?"

"I totally agree with you Ridge. I don’t want her around either but your father is going to be a problem."

"I’ll talk to him, he has to realize what she’s doing to all of us. I don’t think my marriage can handle another of her actions."

"Ridge consider her gone. I’ll call Connor and see what he can do and then we can both talk to Eric."

"Thanks Brooke, I knew I could count on you. Well that’s a relief. We’ll all see you guys later."

"Great! See you later." She said as they hung up.

"Why did you do that?" Taylor asked.

"Do what?" Ridge replied.

"Say we’d go. I really wasn’t in a social mood Ridge."

"Come on Doc, she’s your best friend."

"Yeah. Whatever." She said.

"Did you two have an argument? Brooke sure didn’t sound that way."

"Well I guess maybe you know her better than you know me."

"What brought that on? Taylor after last night I thought we would be agreeing on everything."

"If you want to go we’ll go, ok? Fine!" She said.

 

"That was odd." Brooke said to Michael.

"What?"

"Taylor didn’t seem to want to come. I wonder why."

"Maybe she wants to be alone with Ridge. They did just get back together."

"But Ridge sounded excited about it." She said.

"So are they coming?"

"Yeah they are." She smiled. "I better go do some shopping. What are your plans for today?"

"I have to check on a patient in the hospital, go see Jason and I have a few appointments at my office but I won’t be that long." He said. "I think I can spare some private time if a pretty lady can find her way to my bed later." He winked at her.

"Well this lady is going to be awfully busy."

"Not too busy for me I hope."

"I’ll pencil you in." She laughed.

"So did you talk to Bridget yet today?"

"No, she’s still asleep. I hope she isn’t annoyed at me. I don’t know what it was last night but I was really worried."

"She’ll get over it Brooke, she knows how much you love her." He poured a cup of coffee for himself. "Want some?"

"Oh yeah." She said.

He poured one for her and gave it to her. "Are you asking Rick tonight?"

"Rick is always welcome, this is his home." She said after she took a sip. "But I would really rather not have to deal with Amber."

"Or Sara." He added.

"Or Sara." She agreed. "Anyway I doubt he wants to hang out with us. Bridget either for that matter. She’s been pretty busy with her friends lately."

"She’s a teenager." He said with a kiss and a hug. He put down his cup. "Anyway sweetie, I better go. Call me if you need me to pick up anything okay?"
"Okay honey." She said.

"Are we invited to your little party?" Macy asked as she and Grant walked into the kitchen.

Brooke looked at Michael who smiled, shrugged and waved as he walked out.

"I guess." Brooke said noncommittally.

"Don’t get too excited." Macy said sarcastically.

"Well actually this was supposed to be an intimate party."

"No problem Brooke, we’ll stay out of your hair." Grant assured her.

"No, you can come." She said. "After all this is where you live now." She shot Macy a look.

"And Grant is paying you good money for this home!" Macy shot back.

"We haven’t moved out yet Macy."

"That’s not our fault now is it Brooke?"

"Ladies!" Grant cautioned with a laugh. "Can we try to get along?"

Brooke sighed loudly and looked at Macy. "I suppose."

"Don’t do me any favors." Macy shot back.

"Control your woman Grant." Brooke said.

"Bitch." Macy said under her breath.

"Excuse me?" Brooke replied.

"Don’t worry Brooke, we wouldn’t dream of coming to your little party. We have plenty of better things to do that don’t involve you."

"We have plenty of better things to do." Brooke mimicked her. "It’s probably best anyway Macy, I do intend to serve liquor and I wouldn’t want you to be tempted." She said with a phony smile.

"That’s it!" Macy said angrily. "I’ve taken just about all I can from you. You wanna take it outside?"

Brooke looked at her and started laughing. "Oh Grant, she certainly has class."

 

Felicia opened her eyes and looked at the clock beside the bed. It was much later than she usually slept but she had tossed and turned most of the night, only to finally fall asleep after four in the morning. She got out of the bed and walked to the dresser and stared at her reflection in the mirror. "Could I have been so wrong for so long?" She wondered to herself. "Was he really telling the truth?" She reached for the silver necklace that she had worn everyday for so many years and looked at it. Michael had bought this for her in Mexico the day before it had happened and for some reason she had kept it and always worn it. "Maybe deep down I knew." She whispered to herself. "You really did love me didn’t you?"

 

"We really need to do some grocery shopping Doc." Ridge said as he put his arms around Taylor from behind. "You have none of my favorites here."

"Make a list and I’ll go out." She told him.

"We can go together. I want us to do everything together from now on."

"Great." She smiled. "How about we clean the kitchen and defrost the refrigerator and" She smiled at him.

"Okay, okay you made your point. I just want us to be closer than we ever were before Doc. We can never let anyone get between us again."

"Hmmm, that would be nice." She said. "But I won’t hold my breath."

"What? Doc what’s wrong? Did I do something?"

"No." She said. "It’s me, I guess I’m still a bit of a mess over all this. I’ll get past it, I promise."

"I think a nice evening out is just what we need. No tension, just good friends and fun."

"I suppose."

"Taylor tell me something, did you and Brooke have an argument?"

"No. I just, Ridge I saw you kiss her." She said as a tear escaped from her eye.

"And?" He asked in confusion.

"You kissed her!"

"Yeah Doc, I kissed her. She’s my friend, she’s your friend. I think we both love her don’t we?"

"We’ve only been together for like seconds and already you’re kissing someone else."

"Taylor you gotta stop the insecurities. You know that I love you, only you. Brooke and I are friends, close friends. You wanna know why I kissed her?"

"Not really."

"Well I’m going to tell you anyhow. Last night when we couldn’t, when I couldn’t well I was upset and mad and confused and I didn’t know what to do or say. Then I saw Brooke. She came over to see you, she was upset herself but she was more concerned for us. She talked to me and calmed me down, she made me lose all my doubts and remember how hard you and I had fought to get where we are right now. She did all that and I never did a thing to help her or to try and find out why she was so upset that she needed you. And yeah I kissed her, I kissed her a couple of times. Taylor I love her, not the way I love you but I do love her. She was a voice of reasoning and calmness to me and she made me see how wrong I was and that’s why I kissed her, because she is such a good friend to both of us. Because she helped me get my brain back Doc. Because she loves us so much."

"I’m so stupid, so stupid and so insecure." She said as she threw her arms around him. "Can you forgive me?"

"Oh Doc there isn’t anything to forgive. We’re starting all over and it’s hard, it’s so much harder than we ever thought it would be."

"I should have realized, I should have known neither of you would ever do that to me." She kissed him gently on the lips. "I hope she isn’t mad at me, I wasn’t very nice to her."

"You can make it up to her tonight. I want my girls to be best buddies again."

"I want that too." She said. He held her tightly and smoothed her hair as she relaxed in his arms.

 

"This isn’t good Joseph." Blake called out to his assistant. Joe walked into the control room with a piece of toast in his mouth and carrying a cup of coffee. He put down the coffee and swallowed a bite of toast before responding.

"What’s not good?" He asked.

"He’s getting through to her, she believes him. We have to do something about this. Have you looked into wiring Brooke’s home and office?"

"I think you’re going a bit overboard on this Blake, I don’t think the lady is interested in Taylor’s husband."

"But we need to make Taylor believe she is and that he is too."

"Blake all this costs money and you aren’t providing it. I don’t have the equipment to handle two more locations. It’s taken all I have to get their mansion done and we don’t even know when they’re moving back there."

"It’s done?" Blake asked with raised eyebrows.

"No, not totally but I have everything I need. I can’t finish with all the workers there. Now if you’d rather I use the stuff at Brooke Logan’s I can do that but you have to decide what’s more important to you."

"I’ll get you more money. I want both locations, I want to split them for good this time. Ridge Forrester will not have Taylor."

"What makes you think anything will happen with Brooke and Ridge?" Joe asked.

"He loved her once, perhaps he still does." Blake said softly.

"She loves Mike." Joey said quickly regretting it.

"Who is Mike and how would you know she loves him?"

"He’s her husband and I’ve done my own checking." He said covering up his error. "She’s all over the guy all the time. I doubt she even thinks about Ridge Forrester."

"If you saw them last night you wouldn’t think that." Blake said. "Come, come and see the tape." He walked to the VCR and loaded the tape and Joe sat down to watch it. A smile crossed his face when he saw his brother’s wife kiss yet another man.

"Let me have that." Joe said. "Maybe I can play with it a little and make it even more exciting."

"She already saw it."

"You showed Taylor the tape?"

"She was watching them. She was upset but he’s managed to calm her down."

"I can change things, make it look like day, maybe change the color of their clothing. Taylor will think it’s a totally different kiss." Joe suggested.

"Good. I was hoping you’d say something like that." Blake said as he turned off the tape and gave it to Joe. "But I want Brooke’s office and home wired too."

Joe’s mind was whirling. How could he blackmail Mike if Blake knew what he was up to? He had to find a way out of this."

"One place at a time Blake, and I really think getting Taylor and Ridge is more important."

"Alright, but as soon as you finish the mansion I want you to take care of Brooke. I think Ridge and she may just be fooling around. I know her well Joseph and Brooke Logan may move on to another man, but Ridge will always be number one in her heart."

 

Eric woke up in a state of confusion. He didn’t know where he was until he got up and looked out the window and saw the ocean. "Thorne’s." He said to himself. "Yes that’s where I am." He said. He grabbed his robe and put it on and then headed into the kitchen. Thorne was at the table eating a bowl of cereal and drinking a mug of streaming coffee.

"Hey Dad, did you sleep well?"

"It was fine son. Thank you for your hospitality." He said as he rubbed his head.

"Aspirin is in the cabinet." Thorne said pointing.

"Too many shots last night I guess." Eric said as he poured himself coffee.

"I hope you plan on talking to Mom today." Thorne said. "You guys have come through too much not to at least give it another try."

"This wasn’t my choice. I never wanted to leave. I just refused to abandon Morgan."

"Well I wouldn’t be surprised if Mom’s calling the police on her today." Thorne said. "I really don’t think you should have left her there."

"Your mother wouldn’t do anything like that, not with an innocent baby involved."

"She hates Morgan, I wouldn’t put it past her at all. Why don’t you call her and talk to her?" He suggested.

"Yes, that’s a good idea." Eric said reaching for the phone. He punched in a number and Thorne smiled, he knew his parents would find a way to work things out. "Hello dear, is everything alright today?" Eric said into the receiver.

 

Bridget frowned as she walked into the kitchen and saw Brooke and Macy glaring at each other. "What’s going on?" She asked.

"Nothing honey." Brooke said. "Can I make you some breakfast?"

"Just coffee." She said. "Hi Grant, Macy."

"Morning Bridget." Grant smiled at her.

"Hi honey." Macy said in a cheerful voice.

"Hi honey." Brooke said mimicking her again.

"You two are too much." Grant said with a laugh. "Brooke if you don’t want us here just tell us."

"Grant." She said in a sugary sweet voice. "You are always welcome." She smiled at him and then at Macy.

"Come on Mace." Grant said taking her hand and leading her out as she stared hard at the grinning Brooke.

"You really hate her don’t you Mom?" Bridget asked.

"She annoys me, I don’t hate her. Actually I pity her."

"Well you weren’t very nice to her."

"No, I guess I wasn’t. But I really don’t want to talk about Macy honey. I want to talk about you."

"Me?" Bridget asked. "Is this about you calling me last night?"

"I’m sorry if I bothered you but I had no idea where you were and I was concerned."

"Mom I’m not a kid anymore."

"I know that honey, but we have always been close. I thought you could trust me."

"And I thought you trusted me!"

"I do Bridget." Brooke protested. "I just had a bad feeling. I was, I don’t know, I was scared for some reason. Call it mother’s instinct."

"Nothing was wrong Mom."

"And I’m glad." Brooke said with a sigh. "So what did you do last night?"

"We went to the coffee house and hung out, nothing much."

"You’d tell me if something happened wouldn’t you?" Brooke asked.

"Mom we just hung out. What do you think happened?"

"I just had a really bad feeling. Michael told me it was nothing but it didn’t feel that way to me. I just needed to know you were safe." Bridget thought about the man she had seen and smiled to herself, which Brooke caught. "What was that about?"

"What?" Bridget asked innocently.

"The smile."

"Oh nothing, I saw a guy, he was cute and I was thinking about him that’s all. But he didn’t even notice me, he was more interested in Sara."

"Sara Fulton? You were with Sara Fulton?"

"No, she was there, I wasn’t with her. She was with the guy. I told you I was with Heather." Bridget said as she started to get annoyed.

"I’m sorry Bridget but Sara has caused so many problems for us that I hate to even think of you spending any time with her."

"I don’t, not after what she did to Mike. You really oughta start trusting me Mom."

"I do honey." Brooke said with a hug. "It’s the others that I don’t trust."

 

"Is Dad here?" Ridge asked Helen as he walked into his parents home.

"Your father moved out last night Ridge." Helen told him.

"He what? Why? Where’s my mother?"

"She isn’t home either." Felicia answered as she walked into the room. "But if you want her you’ll have to take a number behind me. We have some unfinished business."

"Don’t even tell me you and Mother are fighting again."

"When have we ever really stopped?"

"Felicia, you’re an adult now. You should try to act like one."

"That was uncalled for." She said to him. "You always take her side. No wonder you and Brooke never made it."

"What do Brooke and I have to do with anything?"

"Well if you had stayed married to her maybe I could get my life back!" She shouted.

"You aren’t making any sense at all. What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all." She said.

"Look Felicia, I don’t want to fight with you. Can we try and start over?"

She laughed and walked up to him and hugged him. "Good idea, let’s not let Mother get in between us."

"Why did Dad leave?" Ridge asked his sister.

"Mother told him to choose, either her or Morgan. Guess who’s still in the guest cottage."

"Not for long." He said angrily.

"Ridge don’t!" Felicia warned.

"Don’t? That woman caused enough damage already. I’m not going to sit back and let her destroy my parents marriage too!"

"This is between Mom and Dad. And Ridge, Dad won’t abandon her."

"Where is he?"

"I don’t know. I was upset last night. I didn’t get all the details."

"Why were you upset?"

"That’s my problem Ridge, one I intend to work out myself."

"This family has too damn many secrets."

"Why are you here anyway?" She asked to change the subject. "Aren’t you and Taylor supposed to be honeymooning?"

"Taylor and I are fine. I wanted to talk to Dad."

"About what?" She asked.

"Firing Morgan. Brooke doesn’t want her around either. Dad’s the only hold out."

"Oh Ridge let it go, there’s enough problems over her right now. You’ll only be adding to the problem."

"It’s not fair to Taylor to keep her around."

"And it’s not fair to Mother to have her here either but we have to let them settle this Ridge. People have to learn to keep out of everyone else’s business." She said angrily.

"Somehow I don’t think that has anything at all to do with Morgan and Mother."

"It isn’t."

"Are we back to you and Mother?"

"We aren’t back to anything." She said dismissing him.

"Come on Felicia, I’m a good listener."

"But I don’t want to talk."

"This is about that man isn’t it?"

"What man?"

"The man in your past. I know something happened a long time ago to you. And I also know you and Mother are not talking."

"One of us isn’t talking." She said.

"Mother giving you a hard time?"

"Give it a rest Ridge, I’m not telling you."

"Okay, okay you win." He laughed. "And they say I’m stubborn. So what are your plans for tonight?"

"None, why?"

"Come to a party with me and Taylor."

"I don’t feel in a party mood."

"You might later, and it may be good for you."

"I’ll think about it."

"Good." He said with a kiss to her cheek. "We’ll pick you up at three thirty."

"I said I’d THINK about it."

"Dress casual and bring a bathing suit." He said with a wave as he walked out.

 

"What’s eating you Mike?" Frank Calabrese asked his friend upon meeting him in the lounge.

"Janet Wells, she won’t take my calls. She got something all wrong and I need to talk to her and straighten it out."

"This about Jason?"

"Yeah Frank, and it’s important to me. I have to get her to listen to me."

"She called me the other day."

"Did she interview you?"

"Not yet, but don’t worry buddy, your playboy past is my secret." He laughed.

"No Frank, no secrets. Tell her the truth. I know I was notorious before but hiding it won’t help. I’m not the same guy anymore and that’s what I want her to understand."

"You really love that kid don’t you?"

"Frank, I love him like he was my own. I just have to get custody of him."

"You will, just have faith." He said to him. "So did you see the little tiger today yet?"

"I just came from there. I have one more appointment and then office hours. Hey you have plans tonight?"

"Not really why?"

"We’re having a barbecue. Find a date and join us."

"Sounds like fun, maybe I will. But finding a date might not be all that easy."

"What? The Italian Stallion can’t find a woman?" Michael laughed.

"You haven’t been up on the gossip lately. Maria and I broke up and she’s not making me look all that desirable to the other women."

"Then come alone and be Annie’s date."

"Annie’s coming? Now why didn’t you tell me that your sexy sister would be there." He laughed. "What time?"

"Anytime after four."

"Great, I’ll try and get there Mike."

"Good. See you later." Michael said as he got up to leave. As he was walking out Keith Ehlers was walking in. "Hello Keith." Michael said politely with a smile.

"Dr. Copeland." Keith said walking past him not giving him a second glance. Michael looked at Frank and the two men both laughed.

 

"You can’t wear that Doc." Ridge said to Taylor as he entered the beach house. She was wearing a bright blue bikini with a matching sarong.

"Why? Does it look terrible?"

"Just the opposite. Now how am I supposed to concentrate on anything else when I look at a vision like you?"

"Oh Ridge." She blushed and kissed him.

"It’s true, there has never been a more beautiful woman." He smiled at her.

"Flattery will get you everywhere." She said with a sensuous kiss.

"Ummmm, now that’s quite an invitation."

"I’m glad you like it, and Katherine has the kids too so we’re alone."

"Shall I lock the door?"

"An excellent suggestion." Taylor replied. "Where were you before?"

"I went to see Dad but we can talk about that later, I like your ideas so much better." He said as he lifted her into his arms. Taylor started to laugh softly as he carried her into the bedroom.

 

Michael walked into the exam room and saw a blonde woman standing topless with her back to him. "Hello. I’m Dr. Copeland." He announced himself.

"You sure are." Amanda said as she turned around.

"Mandy. What the hell are you up to now?" He said as her abundant breasts greeted him.

"I need your help." She said. "One of them hurts Mike. It really hurts."

"This isn’t a trick?" He asked.

"No." She said in a childlike voice as she sat on the examination table.

"Okay Mandy, let me take a look at you." He said.

 

"Keith Ehlers." Dr. Ehlers said as he answered his page.

"Keith it’s Debra, Amanda is here and with him right now. You have to get Janet to his office."

"Well done Debra, well done." He said. He hung up, smiled and paged Janet Wells.

 

"I’m not sure Eric." Morgan answered. "Stephanie was pounding on the door earlier and I swear I thought she was going to knock it down. This isn’t going to work. I can’t stay here anymore. I have to find another place."

"Perhaps you’re right. Alright let me look into it and I’ll be over in a little while."

"Thanks Eric, and I’m so sorry to put you to so much trouble."

"You haven’t done that at all. Now you just calm down and I’ll see you soon." Eric said as he hung up the phone.

"Sounds like Mom is in a better mood huh Dad?" Thorne said to him.

"That wasn’t your mother, that was Morgan."

"I meant that you should call Mother!" Thorne said.

"I realize that son, but your mother can take care of herself and she has you and Ridge and Taylor and even Brooke on her side right now. Morgan needs me."

"Dad you’re making a big mistake. You don’t want to split with Mom, I know you don’t."

"No son, I don’t but it’s up to your mother to make some concessions. I’ve bent over backwards to make her happy for years. Right now all I want is to help this poor girl and I am not going to abandon her."

 

Taylor closed her eyes as Ridge moved his mouth from one breast to the other one. She was so happy and so much in love. "Why did I ever doubt you?" She whispered to him.

"I gave you good reason Doc, but never again."

"Make love to me Ridge, please make love to me now."
"Oh I fully intend to but slowly Doc, ever so slowly." He said as he stroked her softly between her legs. She arched up to meet his hand and he let a finger dip inside her.

"God Ridge, I want you so badly." She said as she covered his hand with hers so he couldn’t take it away.

"No more doubts Taylor?"

"No, no please Ridge." She moaned as she arched herself into his hand. "I want you so badly. Hurry Ridge, hurry. I need you inside me now." She purred into his ear but the words were so similar to the words that he heard her say to Blake that he turned cold and stopped.

"Ridge? What’s wrong?" Taylor asked feeling him retreating from her again.

"Blake, that’s what you said to Blake."

"Are you crazy?" She shouted as she sat up. "Is this because I was upset about Brooke? Ridge why are you doing this to us?"

 

"Hi." Joey said to Bridget as he sat down next to her at the coffeehouse. "I think I saw you here last night, I’m Joe."

"Bridget." She smiled. "You were here with Sara."

"That I was." He laughed. "And your point is?"

"Well I don’t know you."

"That we can remedy."

"I’m not so sure I’m interested in Sara Fulton’s leftovers."

"Leftovers? That’s a laugh. If anything she would be my leftovers but since nothing happened and nothing is going to happen no one left anyone over." He grinned at her. "So Bridget, can we start again. Maybe I can get you some coffee."

"Have some." She said holding up her cup.

"Well maybe a biscotti?"

"Sure." She smiled.

"I’ll be right back princess." He kissed her cheek and got up. Bridget blushed and held her hand to her cheek and smiled.

"Maybe he’s not too old after all."

 

"Thanks great Anne, I can’t wait to see you." Brooke said as she hung up the phone. She picked up her list and crossed off another item. "Connor, why do you have to date that woman. I really don’t want to invite her but I want to ask you. Oh well." She picked up the phone again and punched in a number.

"Connor Davis’ office."

"Hi Patti, it’s Brooke is he in?"

"Yeah Brooke, let me see if he’s on the phone, hold a second." Brooke listened to the muzak until Connor came on.

"Brooke? Now this is a pleasant surprise, to what do I owe the honor?"

"Hi sweetie, Michael and I are having a small dinner party, actually a barbecue and we’d love to have you, and um a date."

"When Brooke?" He asked.

"I know this is short notice but tonight. Do you think you can make it?"

"Brooke I’d love to. But is it alright if I bring Adrienne?"

"Sure, all in the family and all." She laughed. "Though I really wish you were dating someone else."
"So do I Brooke." He said sadly.

"Oh Connor please don’t go there."

"Sorry love." He said. "Anyway what time?"

"Anytime after four. Bring your swimsuits."

"Do I get to see you in that yellow bikini again?"

"Now that’s a surprise." She smiled to herself. "Oh and Connor, I do have to ask you about Morgan and her contract."

"Not tonight Brooke, we can set up an appointment tomorrow. Tonight is for fun so I’ll see you later okay? And Brooke, thanks." He said to her. She hung up and was about to leave the room when the phone rang.

"Hello." She said.

"Brooke?" A man’s voice asked.

"Oh my God! Stormy?"

"In the flesh."

"Oh Stormy how are you? I’ve been thinking about you."

"Me too Brooke. I just got into town, I have a case here and I wondered if I could take you to dinner."

"Oh Storm, we’re having a party tonight, please come."

"I don’t know Brooke, I kind of feel funny around your husband being that I don’t even know him."

"You met him Storm."

"As your surgeon when you were engaged to Connor." He laughed.

"Please come, I want you two to become friends, Stormy I love him so much."

"I guess I can come Brooke. And I do want to make sure he’s treating you right. I did do a little checking on him. You do know he’s quite the ladies man."

"He was, now he’s only my man. Storm he’s the best husband a woman can have, he’s so loving and so supportive. I just know you’ll love him."

"Well when shall I come?"

"Come now, I want to see you."

"Well I have to go over my notes for tomorrow, how about in an hour or so?"

"An hour would be wonderful. Do you have anyone with you?"

"If you mean a woman, no. But don’t you dare try and fix me up."

"I want you to be as happy as I am."

"And someday I will be Brooke, but right now I think Bridget can be my date."

"Okay Storm, you win. I can’t wait to see you."

"Me too honey, see you soon."

Brooke smiled broadly as she hung up. "Stormy, I can’t wait to see him again."

 

Joey sat down and gave Bridget the biscotti. "Here you go sugar."

"Was that your motorcycle?" She asked.

"Nah, I stole it." He said with a straight face.

She turned pale and looked embarrassed.

"Just joking Bridget, have you ever ridden a hog?"

"A hog?"

"Harley, want to take a ride?"

"I don’t know." She hesitated.

"Oh come on, we can go to the boardwalk and I’ll take you on the roller coaster."

"Really?" She asked with wide-eyed innocence.

"I never lie to a beautiful lady." He grinned. "Finish your coffee and we can go."

"Okay." She agreed. "I’d really like that."

 

"I’m sorry Doc, I don’t know why I did that."

"Ridge how can we ever make this thing work if you can’t let go of that? I was not with Blake, I never said anything of the sort to him. Ridge I was with you and then I was with Bryan and now I’m with you again. I was not with Blake. Please stop this now, or else we will never make it."

"Okay Doc, okay." He said as he stroked her hair.

"Not now, the mood was killed. Let’s just get dressed and get ready for tonight."

"Okay Doc. But tonight, tonight I’ll make it up to you."

 

Amanda got off the table and put her arms around Michael’s neck and kissed him.

"Knock it off Mandy, I’m married now."

"You’re not dead, in fact." She giggled as she reached down and stroked him. "You are so far from it. F*ck me Mike, f*ck me now okay baby?" She said bringing her lips back to his. He was stunned and in shock for a moment as her hand unzipped his fly and took him into her hand. He couldn’t react for a moment, but that moment was all he had when the door opened and Janet Wells took in the scene. She quietly closed the door seconds before Michael roughly pushed Amanda away.

"Get yourself a new doctor Mandy, there is nothing with us, nothing at all." He straightened himself, zipped his fly and walked out. His eyes widened in fear when he saw Janet walking towards a smiling Debra Fulton.

"No, God no." He cried out.

Changes Part 97

 

Bridget giggled as she took a huge bite of the bright pink cotton candy. She looked at Joe and smiled. "This is so much fun." She told him.

"I’m having fun too, I haven’t done anything like this since, well since never I guess."

"Never? Didn’t your family do things like this or your friends?"

"My family? No, my family never did anything."

"Didn’t you get along with your parents?" She asked.

"I barely remember them. They died when I was a kid." He told her. She looked at his eyes and the confidence seemed to be temporarily replaced with sadness. She felt a pull to do something about it. She reached up and touched his cheek and then placed her lips on his with a gentle kiss. "What was that for?" He asked.

"You looked like you needed one." She smiled. She took his hand and started pulling him down the boardwalk.

"Where are we going?" He asked her with a laugh.

"Himalayan." She said as she tugged him along.

"No! Not that one." He laughed.

"Don’t tell me you’re scared."

"Me scared?" He said with a chuckle. "How about a walk on the beach instead?"

"Hmmmmm, I think you’re chickening out on me." She giggled. "But a walk on the beach sounds fine." She slowed down and let him lead her towards the steps to the beach. They were steep and he jumped down and then lifted her and set her down carefully on the sand. He took her hand again and they started to walk. "Wait." She said stopping. She bent down and took off her sandals and put them in her free hand then reached for his hand again. They walked in silence down the beach until they found a quiet corner with no one around.

"Let’s sit." He said. He brushed the sand off a rock for her and then took his jacket off and laid it on top for her to sit on.

"Tell me about your childhood." She said.

"Nothing much to tell."

"I think there’s a story there Joe."

"Why don’t you tell me about your family instead?"

"How about I tell you first and then you tell me. Deal?" She asked.

"Deal." He smiled.

"My family huh?" She said with a laugh. "My dysfunctional family is more like it."

"Oh yeah?" He laughed. "Is that how you describe the famous Forrester family?"

"How do you know my last name?" She asked him.

"I make it a practice to know everything about a pretty girl Bridget."

"I don’t have any money of my own." She said angrily as she pulled her hand away.

"Ouch!" He laughed. "Bridget I am not here for your money."

"Well then why are you here? I’m a lot younger than you and not as pretty as some of the girls at the coffeehouse. Why me Joe?"

"Where is this all coming from? Just cause I knew your last name?" He asked her. "Maybe you’re right about your family being dysfunctional. And I thought mine was bad."

"You’re right, I’m sorry." She told him.

"It’s okay, family’s are usually more trouble than they’re worth anyway, so tell me about yours." He pressed her.

"My mom is great. I love her a lot but she’s had relationship problems all her life."

"Well it must not run in the family."

"Ha." She laughed. "If you look at my brother it does, I just hope that I get passed over in that aspect."

"Well if you look anything like your mother I can’t see how she could have problems."

"You’re sweet." Bridget blushed. "But my Mom is so much prettier than I am. But that doesn’t really mean anything when it comes to true happiness now does it?"

"She’s not happy?" He asked, very intrigued.

"Oh she is now, she married a great guy. But before Mike she didn’t have much luck."

"And this Mike, he makes her happy?"

"Yeah but it all goes back so long. She and my Dad and Ridge and then Thorne. It’s really crazy. Are you sure you want to hear about it?" She asked.

No, He thought, Just skip to Mike. "Sure Bridget, anything that molded you into the woman you’ve become is interesting to me." He said instead.

"Okay, here goes." She laughed as she took a deep breath.

 

"Janet wait!" Michael called out. "I need to speak to you."

"Not today Dr. Copeland." She said. She turned back to Debra Fulton as Michael approached.

"Please, it’s really important. I don’t know what you saw or thought you saw but you have to let me explain."

"There will be time for explanations at the hearing doctor, now if you will excuse me."

"Debra why? Why are you doing this to me? I never touched your daughter and you know it." He implored the nurse. "Please Debra, a little boy’s life is at stake."

"Exactly." She coldly replied.

"Damn it no! You have to listen to me." He shouted as he grabbed the retreating Janet Wells.

"I’d advise you to take your hands off of me Dr. Copeland." She said to him with a stern look. "Good afternoon Mrs. Fulton." She said as she walked away from them.

"You bitch." Michael said to Debra. "You and that moron are ruining everything and you won’t even try and hear the truth!"

"Excuse me Dr. Copeland but I have work to do." She said as she turned from him. Michael was so angry that he roughly grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. "You know that little whore of a daughter of yours is lying Debra, I will prove it if it’s the last thing I do. If you want to spare her the humiliation you’ll tell the truth now because if you don’t I’ll bury both of you and your trained seal Ehlers too!"

"Let me go!" She said as she brushed him off like he was something soiled and dirty. "You’ll regret the day you touched her you pig!" She shouted, attracting the attention of the other people nearby. "You’ll be in jail before I finish with you." She quickly ran off leaving an open mouthed crowd staring at Michael.

 

"Well I just wanted you to know that you’re welcome too Thorne." Brooke said as she washed vegetables and held the receiver to her ear with her shoulder. "Ridge and Taylor are coming too. No, no I doubt it. Well she does live here but I let her know how I feel about her drinking. I see. No, I do understand that Thorne but I really hoped we could be friends again. I miss you." She smiled as she picked up a fresh heart of celery. "Really? No, I didn’t know that. Well you never know Thorne. Anyway think about it okay?" She said to him. "Okay then, bye honey." She hung up the phone and put it down. She was about to reach for a yellow pepper when the phone rang. She dried her hands and picked it up.

"Hello." She said cheerfully.

"Brooke hi." A friendly female voice greeted her.

"Katie, it’s been ages. Where have you been?"

"Here and there. Anyway I heard a rumor that Stormy is in town."

"He is and he’s coming for dinner, join us will you?"

"I’d love to but I have to work. But will you please tell our big brother to call his little sister?"

"You know I will but why don’t you at least try to stop by after work?"

"I don’t know Brooke, I hate being a third wheel."

"So bring a date."

"I’m not you Brooke, I don’t have men knocking down my door to get to me."

"Oh Katie," Brooke laughed. "You are not a pimply teenager anymore, you’re a beautiful woman. When are you going to realize that?"

"Maybe when a man tells me." She laughed.

"I could fix you up." Brooke suggested.

"Noooooo!" Katie laughed. "I can imagine the guys face when he meets me expecting to see another you. No I think I’ll pass, anyway I’m going to meet up with a new waitress after work, we’re having drinks."

"Well that’s nice Katie, you could bring her too if you want."

"I don’t know. She’s not exactly the type that can fit in with the Forresters."

"I’m not a Forrester, I’m a Copeland and I don’t judge people like that."

"Well you might judge her, Mandy isn’t exactly what you’re used to seeing me with but she’s nice and she’s new at work and we hit it off."

"Well think about it Katie, I’m having a whole crowd so the more the merrier."

"Well I barely know my brother-in-law and I’m sure he’d rather not have a bunch of strangers."

"You are not a stranger Katie!" Brooke scolded her. "You and Mandy are both welcome, especially you Katie, in fact you know you never need an invitation. It seems lately I only see you at disasters."

"Look honey, I’ll try to come but I’m not sure at all you want a woman like Mandy Patterson around Michael, she’s a real man-eater."

"I trust my husband completely, bring her on." Brooke laughed. "Hold on a sec Katie, someone’s at the door."

"I have to go Brooke, if I don’t come I’ll call you tomorrow."

"Okay sweetie but try okay?" They hung up and Brooke looked at her watch. "It’s only three, who could that be?" She said aloud as she walked to the door.

 

"I don’t like this one bit Morgan, I don’t like anyone telling me who I can and can’t invite to my home." Eric said as he went into the guest cottage.

"It’s better this way. I don’t like being around her anyway Eric. She scares me." Morgan said with a trembling lip.

"I’ll talk to her. She has no right to threaten you."

"Don’t, you’ll only make your own life harder. Once I’m gone I can forget her. I just wish you could too."

"She’s my wife Morgan, I don’t like some of the things she does but I love her."

"I feel sorry for you Eric, you don’t deserve an old bat like her. You need someone who can show you the love you deserve." She smiled at him and smiled again seeing his face turn a bright crimson.

"You’re a sweet girl Morgan." He said.

"I’m only telling the truth. Anyway I’m all packed, now all I need is a place to go."

"Well that’s all taken care of."

"It is?"

"Years ago, when we were married Brooke and I had a condo. I’ve been renting it out, I suppose I was too lazy to sell it and the market was never right and I suppose I had some memories there that I didn’t exactly want to get rid of. Anyway, the lease is up and the tenant isn’t looking to buy so I bought out his security and well, it’s yours if you’d like it."

"How can I ever thank you Eric?" She said with a hug. "Wait, no this won’t work, Brooke hates me and if she finds out."

"The condo is mine. I bought Brooke out a long time ago."

"It’s not near Stephanie or anyone is it?" She asked.

"It isn’t far from the beach house but Taylor and Ridge will be moving out of there soon and besides, if you stay away from them they’ll stay away from you. So what do you say?"

"I say yes." She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

 

"Taylor?" Brooke said when she opened the door to her friend, the children and their nanny. Taylor looked lovely in her turquoise bikini and sarong. The twins were in matching pink shorts with tiny white halter tops and Thomas wore blue jean shorts and a red shirt. Brooke wiped her hands on the pockets of her very short shorts and looked at her watch. "Did I say three?"

"No." Taylor laughed. "You said four Brooke but I figured you could use some help. Giovanni called Ridge to look at some shots that he did last night so I told him to meet us here, I figured Katherine could watch the kids while I helped you."

"Thanks Taylor." She said with a hug. "I am way behind. I have so much to do still and I haven’t gotten dressed or anything. You’re a Godsend. And you too Katherine, you will stay for the party too won’t you?"

"I’d love to Mrs. Copeland."

"It’s Brooke." She said. "There’s a cooler with soft drinks out by the pool. I hope you brought a suit."

"I did, Taylor said the kids might like to swim."

"Good." Brooke said. "Now you." She linked her arm with Taylor. "I need to talk to you." She said as she led her out to the kitchen. "You look great Taylor. God I still have to take a shower and I really hoped Michael would be home by now."

"Well give me a job to do and you go get ready." Taylor said.

"Not so fast girlfriend." Brooke laughed. "I’m not letting you off without an explanation."

"About what?" Taylor asked.

"Don’t play innocent with me." Brooke said as she looked at her list and crossed off an item. "You seemed sort of funny about coming here. Now what’s wrong? You and Ridge aren’t fighting about this Blake thing are you?"

"He told you about that?" She asked.

"Taylor we talked last night. I actually came to see you for some advice but Ridge was so frazzled I ended up giving myself my own advice. Anyway he said that he was worried that you and Blake had something going on and I told him he had to be crazy. I was right wasn’t I?"

"Oh course you were. Blake is a friend, nothing more."

"Strange choice of friends."

"People say the same thing about us." Taylor pointed out.

"Yeah but, well I guess. But well, Taylor Blake Hayes is so obsessive."

"And?" Taylor asked.

"I’m not anymore." Brooke laughed. "And I haven’t been for a long time. Taylor come on, Ridge and I are way past that kind of relationship. I love him dearly but no one, no one at all will ever make me think twice again. I love Michael like I’ve loved no one and I think you know that too. Wait! Is this because Ridge and I kissed?"

"Well."

"Taylor I’m sorry, it comes naturally with me. I promise I’ll be more careful in the future, even Michael gets annoyed at me for that too but really it was just a friendly kiss."

"I know it was, but I was being insecure and I’m sorry. Things have been so crazy for so long. I know I can trust you Brooke and I mean it, I am sorry I doubted you at all."

"Good." She sighed. "Come on upstairs and help me decide what to wear tonight."

"You don’t know yet?"

"Nope." She laughed.

"Maybe you should decide yourself and I can start something down here." Taylor suggested.

"No, I really need you to help me decide. I don’t know if I should go with the sexy or mature look."

"Sexy, definitely sexy."

Brooke looked at her and laughed. "I thought so too." She pulled over a step stool and stood on her toes reaching for a huge salad bowl on the top shelf. Taylor’s eyes widened when Brooke’s shorts rode up, exposing her tattoo.

"What is that?" She asked.

"You like it?" Brooke said with a smile. She got off the stool, put down the bowl and lifted her shorts to give her a better look. "See, it’s Michael and my initials in a heart. I think that about sums it up where my affections lie huh?"

"You never fail to shock me." Taylor laughed. "What does Michael think about it?"

"He likes it." Brooke said. "In fact he loves tracing the letters with his tongue." Brooke giggled.

"Too much detail." Taylor laughed with her. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"Well it’s not a secret but only you, Michael and Megan have seen it."

"Megan?"

"She took me to get it." Brooke laughed. "I was scared though, what with Michael being a doctor and all but he was only worried that I used a reputable person and that it was sterile and all."

"Did it hurt?"

"Like hell." Brooke admitted. "But I may even get another one."

"Oh Brooke you are too much." Taylor laughed.

"Come on, help me pick out a bikini." Brooke said.

 

"So you always wanted your mother to remarry your brother?" Joe asked Bridget.

"I never really thought of him as a brother, he was more of a father to me, but yeah, that’s what I wanted. That is until I got to know Mike. Now I’m so glad she married him."
"You like him a lot huh?"

"I hated him at first but he’s really sweet and kind and yeah I love him a lot Joe. Marrying Mike was the best move my mother ever made."

"What’s so special about him? Is it because he’s so rich?"

"No! I don’t care about the money, besides my Mom had all the money we ever needed. No, he just makes us all so happy and now we’re going to adopt a little boy." She smiled.

"You are?" He asked with a frown.

"I told you Mike is a plastic surgeon but I didn’t tell you that he doesn’t only do rich ladies and boob jobs. This little boy, Jason, he was in a fire and his whole family was killed and he’s so cute and so alone and Mom and Mike are going to adopt him."

"I thought this guy sounded like a ladies man." Joe said.

"He was, but not since he married my Mom. He wants a family really bad. He had a hard life growing up and I think he wants to make up for it now. He and Mom are trying to have a baby too."

"A little Copeland huh?"

"Yeah." She said. "That will be one lucky baby, not a Forrester and no one claiming he’s being made to fix a marriage or anything. He’ll be so loved Joe."

"So your Mom and the dude are really happy?"

"Yeah, they really are." She said. "Okay, your turn." She smiled.

"My turn? Well my story is pretty boring. Parents die, me and my brother and sister orphans, I grow up, go to work and here I am."

"Come on Joe, there has to be more than that."

"Not really, I drifted away from the rest of my family and I’ve been on my own ever since."

"That’s sad." She said.

"Sad? You think so? I don’t know, I’ve done all right for myself."

"But wouldn’t you have liked to be closer to your family?"

"I like my sister fine."

"Do you see her often?"

"Not too much." He said as he looked out at the water. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Sure." She said. "Like what?"

"You have a boyfriend?" He asked her.

"No one special."

"No one to make sweet love to you all night long?" He asked. Bridget blushed and looked down.

"Don’t tell me you’re a virgin?" He said in shock.

 

"Damn it!" Brooke shouted from the bathroom.

"What’s wrong Brooke?" Taylor asked at the door. A moment later Brooke came out, her eyes welled with tears.

"I was so sure, I was so positive. I really thought it happened."

"Brooke?"

"I took a test, I was so sure." She said sadly. "I was late and I was so sure we had made a baby. I was so happy Taylor."

"Oh honey." She said putting her arms around her friend. "It will happen, you have to give it time. Brooke I’ve read up on it and sometimes it can take up to a year, it’s only been a couple of months hasn’t it?"

"It’s the second month since." Brooke admitted. "I just had hoped."

"You can’t get yourself upset like this every month, believe me I know how you feel. The first time Ridge and I were married I did that too and it really wasn’t healthy."

"And my being such a bitch didn’t help either." Brooke said sadly. "Taylor I’m sorry I treated you so badly then."

"Come on Brooke, all’s fair in love and war and we were in war over love in those days."

"Thank God they’re over." Brooke said. "I’d never want to go back there again."

"I don’t think any of us would, except maybe Ridge. He does love female adoration."

"I’m sure he gets enough from his daughters." Brooke laughed. "Oh Taylor, I want Michael’s baby so badly, what if I’m too old? What if it never happens?"

"Stop it Brooke! What did your doctor say?"

"He said that there’s nothing wrong with me and that with Michael’s operation we have a very good chance, but damn it that’s not good enough for me. I want a baby with the man I love, I want what you and Ridge have."

Taylor was starting to feel uncomfortable so she picked up Brooke’s swimsuits that were laid out on the bed and started looking through them. "I like the red." She said.

"Ummm, not red." Brooke said. "It won’t match."

"Won’t match what?" Taylor asked.

"You’ll see." Brooke grinned.

Taylor continued looking. "You look like you have the entire Forrester swimwear line here."

"Practically, Eric was very generous about having the samples made up in my size." Brooke said. She picked up a floral print bikini and held it up to her.

"That’s nice." Taylor said. "Pretty colors and I like the print. Will that match whatever it is you want to match?"

"You tell me." Brooke said. She lifted her long shirt to her waist and Taylor gasped.

"You got your belly button pierced?" She said to Brooke.

"Uh huh." Brooke said showing her the amethyst stone. "Do you like it?"

"Well, I’m not so sure. Isn’t that a little extreme?"

"Brooke Logan Copeland is nothing if she’s not extreme." Brooke laughed. "Can you imagine Stephanie’s reaction?"

"Is she coming?"

"No." Brooke said. "I wanted to ask her and Eric but well, they aren’t exactly speaking."

"Because of me." Taylor said.

"No, because of Morgan. I hate to admit it but I am totally behind Stephanie on this one. But only on this one. Other than that I could care less if the old cow dropped off the earth. The vindictive bitch lied to the social worker and now we’re going to have a hard time making up ground."

"No. Stephanie wouldn’t do that to you. She may not be the president of your fan club but she wouldn’t do that."

"Don’t say things you don’t know Taylor. She did lie to her and Michael is so angry, so am I."

"Well I’ll talk to her, I’ll make her call Mrs. Wells and explain."

"Don’t get in the middle Taylor, Michael said he’d handle it and I trust him. I just hate her so much some times."

"What did she lie about Brooke? What could she have possibly said that would jeopardize your chances at getting Jason?"

"It’s something between Michael and Stephanie and I really don’t think I should get into it right now, just know she was hateful and nasty." Brooke said. "Anyway, enough about her. So you think the floral?"

"It does match your belly button." Taylor laughed.

"You think Michael will like it?" Brooke asked.

"It’s a lovely suit, I don’t see why not."

"I meant the piercing." Brooke told her.

"He doesn’t know yet?"
"I had it done this morning." She laughed. "Spur of the moment."

"Are you sure you want to unveil this to him in public?"

"You are far too conservative." Brooke laughed. "Ummm, I bet he’ll want to play with it with his tongue too. We may just have to sneak upstairs alone for a quickie." She giggled.

"But Brooke, the middle of your own party?"

"Far too conservative." Brooke repeated with a laugh.

"Bryan Jackson please. This is Mike Copeland." Michael said into the phone as he drummed his fingers nervously on the desk. "Yes, I’ll hold."

 

"Beautiful Giovanni, absolutely beautiful." Ridge smiled. "I’m glad you called me, you were right about the changes. You have quite the eye."

"An artist sees these things." He said sincerely. "I’m just sorry to have disturbed you on your weekend."

"This was important, never question yourself on this Giovanni."

"Thank you Ridge, I did try to call your father but the housekeeper was acting very strangely."

"My mother and father are having a difference of opinion on something, Helen is just being protective. But you were right to call me. Hey Giovanni, are you busy tonight?"

"I was planning a special evening with a lady but she had something come up, so no. Can I do something for you Ridge?"

"Not work related." He laughed. "You know my sister Felicia don’t you?"

"Ah but I do, a very beautiful woman."

"A lonely woman." Ridge said sadly. "We’re going to a party and Felicia is feeling like a third wheel. Why not come with us."

"I don’t know Ridge, I don’t think a spitfire like she would like to be fixed up."

"Let’s just call it a couple of friends enjoying an evening together. It’s a barbecue at Brooke and Mike’s house. It’s a casual thing. Come on man, do me a favor and join us. I’d be in your debt."

"A beautiful woman like your sister, and what with me tearing you away from your family. How can I say no?" Giovanni asked with a wink.

"Good. Felicia and I will pick you up at about five."

"I’ll be ready." He said.

 

"That’s personal." Bridget said to Joe after she recovered from his question.

"Nevermind, I think I know the answer." He sighed.

"You didn’t think you and I? I don’t even know you Joe." She said with another blush.

"I’m just surprised someone as pretty as you."

"I don’t believe in indiscriminate sex. I’m waiting." She said.

"For marriage?"
"At least for love." She said.

"Noble." He laughed. "A waste if you ask me, but noble."

"If you were looking to get laid you should have stayed with Sara, though who knows how much is true or not."

"All talk huh?" He laughed.

"She’s spewing a bunch of lies about sleeping with Mike but it never happened. She’s such a bitch."

"And you know this never happened because?"

"Because Mike wouldn’t do that, and even if he would he couldn’t."

Joey started to laugh. "Mike has sex problems?" He said through deep laughs.

"No, he had an operation and well he couldn’t. And she says it happened and all that happened is she put him in a lot of pain. I hate her."

"An operation?" He asked with a look of concern. "What happened to him?"

"Why do you care so much. You act like you know him."

"I care about you and you seem to love him." Joe said.

"I do." She smiled. "I love him a lot."

 

"You look beautiful." Connor said to Adrienne as she opened her door to him. She was wearing a shimmering emerald green one-piece suit that showed her every curve. It was cut high on the thighs and it had a high neckline with a peek hole. Her hair was swept up and she had an emerald barrette holding it up. Her only jewelry was large gold hoop earrings. "Stunning." He said again.

"You don’t look bad yourself counselor." She said with a kiss. Connor had white shorts and a preppy looking plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He wore aviator sunglasses and a huge smile. "I made a gallon of margaritas. I thought Brooke and Mike might like to serve them. I though wine or booze was so pedestrian."

"You make a hell of a margarita." He said. "But I’d better watch out. We had some interesting talk after the last batch."

"Talk? All I remember was the great sex." She said as she caressed his cheek with her well-manicured fingernail. "Does Brooke know I’m comin’?"

"She does, I told her we’re a package deal."

"I like that." She smiled. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him softly but with much passion. Connor found himself immediately aroused as he deepened the kiss. "What time is that party anyway?" She asked breathlessly as she moved her lips from his.

"As far as I’m concerned it just started." He said lifting her into his arms, kicking the door closed with his foot and carrying her into the bedroom.

 

"Sit down Mike." Bryan said as Michael came into his office. "Can I get you some coffee or anything?"

"No thanks Bryan, just some legal help." He said as he scratched his head.

"Well from what you told me on the phone it sounds like a huge conspiracy. This Ehlers doesn’t like you much and neither does Debra Fulton. What’s their connection?"

"Damned if I know. I don’t think Debra Fulton ever met Jessie."

"Jessie?"

"Ehlers daughter, the one I got pregnant five years ago. I haven’t seen her since the day she told me she wasn’t going to marry me and she wanted nothing more to do with me. Keith told me she moved to Ohio to stay with an aunt after she had the abortion. I know Ehlers hated me then but Jessie, she and I were cool. She didn’t want to be a mom and I couldn’t stop her. I guess I wasn’t that upset either. I didn’t want that either but well I was willing to do what I had to do. I don’t know where Debra fits in with Ehlers. But her problem is more personal. She thinks I slept with her kid and with Bridget."

"Did you?" Bryan asked.

"Bryan!"

"I’m your lawyer Mike, or that is I will be. You don’t have to tell me but it would make my job easier if I knew what was fact and what was fiction."

"I never touched Sara and Bryan, I’m insulted that you’d even think I’d do anything to Bridget."

"I didn’t Mike. Okay so she’s accusing you. Why Mike? Did you ever sleep with Debra? Did you dump her?"

"No I never slept with her either. She believes the little slut. I don’t know what it is with her, maybe a teenage conquest thing but Sara insists I did and I swear Bryan I didn’t."

"So what else is there?" Bryan asked as he jotted down some notes.

"That’s not enough?" Mike asked.

"Mike, I think I know you pretty well and I can tell there’s something else bothering you about this case. Is there something else I should know?"

"Damn it." Michael muttered. "I didn’t want to go into this. I don’t want to hurt her. I really hoped I could get Janet to listen to reason."

"Everything that will help you get this child is in Janet Wells hands Michael, if you hold back on me I can’t help you."

"Not yet. If it comes down to it I’ll tell you but this last thing, no, I can’t do it to her Bryan. I care far too much about her and I can’t cause her one more second of pain."

 

"Now Stephanie have you thought this all through?" Jonathan Young asked his dear friend and client.

"I’ve done nothing but think about it Jonathan. I truly feel it is the only way to make him see reason."

"And if it backfires? Are you really ready to go through with a divorce?"

"Jonathan if it backfires I have no marriage. I will not live with a man who supports someone who did the things that Morgan Dewitt has done to this family. And further, I do not trust her. She’s evil, it’s as plain as the nose on her face and Eric refuses to see it."

"You took a stance on Brooke Logan once and you lost." He reminded her.

"She’s not Brooke Logan, I can handle Brooke Logan, not Morgan, there is something truly unstable about that woman and I don’t want her to have any association with my family."

"Is she still in the guest cottage?"

"No, Eric moved her out today. That’s why I think he’ll take me seriously."

"Where is Eric staying? I assume you haven’t let him come home yet."

"It took a little investigating but I found him. He’s with Thorne. Now that is not good either Jonathan."

"Why would you say that? Thorne’s your son."

"Thorne is unstable. He has been since Brooke was shot. He still insists he is to blame and I know he’s covering for someone. Probably Macy."

"But Macy left him. For Grant Chambers right?"

"Well he is her legal husband. Now that’s another reason for me to resent Brooke. She brought that man back and upset my son."

"Well it was a miracle wasn’t it?"

"I don’t wish physical harm on the man, but he doesn’t belong in my company and he’s upset my family since his return. But enough about him and about Brooke. I can handle them myself. Morgan is the one I need gone and threatening divorce is the only way it will happen."

"As long as you’re willing to take the risk that Eric won’t call your bluff."

"It would be his biggest mistake ever Jonathan, and I don’t let people I love make mistakes."

 

 

"Want to go to a party with me tonight?" Katie yelled to her new friend Amanda over the noise in the club.

"Always up for a party." Amanda grinned. "Any good looking guys gonna be there?"

"I can’t lie, it’s a family thing." Katie confessed.

"Katie I want to party, not play charades. I think I’ll take a pass."

"It’s just that my brother is going to be there and I haven’t seen him in so long. I got an idea." She said. "What if we go, stay for an hour or so and then we can go someplace more to your liking. Please Mandy?"

"Oh okay." She said. "But I had a really rough day today and I want to have fun if you know what I mean."

"Sure, me too." Katie agreed. "What happened today?"

"I had to trick an old boyfriend and I’m starting to feel guilty. But I’ll get over it." She said.

"Good." Katie said. "Hey Stormy is single and he’s cute."

"Who the f*ck is Stormy?" Amanda asked with a laugh.

"My brother. He’s a lawyer." Katie said.

"A lawyer huh? Okay we can go." She said. She smiled at Katie and turned with her tray of cocktails towards the rowdy group of college guys in her section.

 

Brooke came out of the bathroom in her bikini and it looked even more spectacular on than it had off of her. It was a multi-colored tropical floral print with blues, pinks and purples. It was high legged and the bottom came up to just below her belly button, showing off her new piercing. The top was halter tied spaghetti straps with a push up bra that left nothing to the imagination. She also had an extremely short sarong, which she was tying below the top of her bikini panties as she walked out. She had let her hair loose and free and slightly curled. She wore a tiny bit of mascara but no other makeup. She had amethyst studs in her ears that matched her belly button ring.

"Wow!" Taylor said. "I feel downright frumpy."

"You? Never." Brooke assured her. "You elude such class Taylor, I’m so jealous of you. No matter how hard I try I can’t seem to pull it off."

"Aren’t we the mutual admiration society today?" Taylor laughed. "But I’d better keep Ridge on a short leash tonight. He won’t be able to keep his eyes off of you."

They looked at each other and giggled as they headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. Taylor peeked out the door at Katherine and the children playing and splashing in the pool.

"Do you think they’re hungry?" Brooke asked. "I can start up the fire and make some burgers or dogs."

"They’re having fun. Let’s not disturb them." Taylor said. "Now where can our other halves be?"

"Michael had appointments this afternoon but he promised to be home early. I don’t know what’s keeping him."

"And I guess Ridge and Giovanni had more to go over than they initially thought." Taylor said. "I do hope they both hurry."

"Me too." Brooke agreed as she turned to the sound of the doorbell. "Now that must be Connor or Anne. Or maybe Thorne."

"Thorne?" Taylor asked. "Connor?"

"I invited them both. That isn’t a problem is it? I mean with you and Connor because of Bryan?" Brooke asked suddenly thinking she might have made a mistake.

"No Brooke, we’re adults. Connor knows I made my choices and he respects them. I do care about Bryan, but I hope you didn’t invite him too."

"I’m not that crazy." She laughed. "I’ll be right back." She said as she headed for the door. When she got there and opened it a man, somewhat familiar was standing there with a bottle of wine in his hand.

"Yes?" Brooke said.

"Brooke? You don’t remember me do you? I’m Frank Calabrese, Mike invited me. I hope that’s not a problem."

"Oh of course, Frank. No it’s not a problem, please come in. Michael isn’t home yet."

"He did say he had to head to his office." Frank told her.

"Are you alone Frank?"

"Mike said I can be Annie’s date." He laughed. "Is she here yet?"

"You’re the first, that is besides my best bud. Come on in and meet her." She took his arm and led him into the kitchen to introduce him to Taylor.

 

"Mike and Mom want to have a baby and Mike couldn’t so he had an operation. He was in a lot of pain for a long time and I know he couldn’t do it at all. Sara is so stupid if she thinks anyone will believe her that he cheated on Mom for her. Besides, he wouldn’t do that. He loves her Joe. Mom has waited a long time to find a guy who really, truly loves her and Mike is the one. No way would he ever mess it up. No way."

"Wow." Joe said softly.

"So that’s my story. Why don’t you tell me more about you Joe?" Bridget asked him again.

"You know what Bridget? I think I’m ready to take you on the Himalayan ride."

"Really?" She squealed.

"Yeah really." He got up to his feet and helped her up. Taking her hand they walked back to the boardwalk, but it was a much more pensive Joe Copeland than the one who had walked to the beach earlier.

 

"Okay Mike, I’ll look this all over and get back to you on Monday. And don’t worry too much. We’ll win this for you." Bryan said as he held out his hand. Michael shook it.

"I really appreciate this Bryan, more than you can ever know."

"Mike, would you like to go get a beer?" Bryan asked.

"I’d like to but we’re having a little party and I’m already late."

"Well don’t let me hold you up then." He said with an uncomfortable laugh.

"Bry, I’d like to ask you to join us but Taylor and Ridge will be there and."

"I know Mike, it’s way too soon for that. But tell Brooke hello, and Taylor too."

"I will." He said. He smiled and started out. "Bryan if it means anything I think Taylor let a great guy go."

"Yeah." He laughed. "So do I Mike."

 

"Joe’s not here, Taylor and Ridge aren’t home. The tape cut off before I could find out where she went. This is not a good night. I am not happy at all." Blake Hayes said through clenched teeth. "And an unhappy Blake means an unhappy Joseph too." He slammed the blank tape on the table and reached for the phone. "This is your last chance Joseph." He said to the answering machine. "And Blake Hayes does not forgive a second time." He said as he slammed down the receiver.

Changes Part 98

 

"This is Brooke’s house!" Felicia said as Ridge pulled up to her driveway. She was already annoyed that her brother had taken in upon himself to find her a date though she couldn’t complain too much about the choice. Giovanni was hot and he was nice too.

"Yes it is." Ridge said.

"I can’t go there."

"Why not Felicia? You and Brooke have always gotten along."

"No Ridge, you should have told me where this party was, in fact I never should have let you drag me out anyway."

"I don’t understand what your problem is."

"Just turn the car around and take me home."

"Too late." Ridge said as he shut off the engine.

"I’m serious Ridge, I am not staying."

"Would you like to tell me what this is all about?"

"No!" She said as she started to fume.

"Now come on Felicia, we dragged Giovanni all the way here, we can’t just call it off because you’re having a hissy fit."

"Perhaps we should leave, Felicia seems very uncomfortable." Giovanni remarked from the back seat where he had been trying to stay out of it.

"Nonsense, she’ll get over it." Ridge said as he started to get out of the car. Felicia sat there with her arms tightly crossed across her chest.

"I’m not going anywhere." She told him.

"Giovanni can’t get out until you do." Ridge laughed. "Come on, it’s a party not an execution."

 

"Ridge is here." Taylor said to Brooke as she walked away from the window.

"Good, now when will my husband decide to show up for his own party?" Brooke said as she poured a bag of chips into a large bowl.

"I’m sure he’ll be here soon. You know that doctor’s lives aren’t always their own."

"Tell me about it." Brooke laughed.

"Your sister in law is very nice." Taylor commented.

"Isn’t she? I just love her. She’s so sweet and so smart. And Michael’s friend Frank seems to be interested in her."

"Brooke the matchmaker." Taylor said with a chuckle. "I figured you’d try and fix him up with Felicia."

"Felicia?" Brooke said turning pale.

"What’s wrong Brooke? Didn’t Ridge tell you he asked her to join us?"

"Oh God, oh God." Brooke mumbled. "Why would she even want to come. Taylor this is going to be a disaster."

"Why Brooke? What’s going on?"

 

"Now look at what a mess I am." Adrienne laughed as she got out of her bed. Connor just smiled at her.

"If that’s a mess I’ll take one any day."

"My hair, grrrrr it took me forever to get it right." She said as she started to run her brush through it.

"You’re not regretting our little playtime are you?"

"Nah." She laughed. "But we better get ready. I don’t want to be the last one there. Grand entrances aren’t my style."

"Are you sure you just aren’t worried about impressing your ex?"

"I could say the same thing Mr. Davis." She said as she pulled her suit over her voluptuous body.

"I’m quite content with my lady." He said with a smile. He leaned back and stretched.

"Are you getting up?" She said impatiently.

"I was hoping you’d come back."

"Later lover." She said as she adjusted the straps on her swimsuit. She reached into her compact and took out her lipstick and liner.

"I’m only going to kiss it off." He laughed.

"Not now you aren’t."

"Come on back Adrienne, one more for the road."

"Not on your life, we’re late." She said as she admired her reflection. "That’s better."

"I’m hard again." He laughed.

"Lucky you." She said. "Come on lazy boy, get your butt out of bed."

"Come here." He smiled as he lifted the blanket up. His arousal made her smile but she continued to get ready.

"Okay, okay. You win." He said. He struggled out of the bed and went into her shower.

"We don’t have time for that." She said.

"Down boy ain’t gonna work honey, I need a nice cold shower." He laughed as he started to run the water.

 

"I say we take in a movie." Grant said as he picked up the newspaper. "I haven’t seen one in a theater in years Mace."

"We can do that tomorrow."

"Okay, what do you have in mind?"

"I’m going to a party."

"Oh no you’re not!" Grant said. "Macy I do not want to be in the middle of another WWF extravaganza. You and Brooke are far too volatile. We’ll stay away from the house tonight, in fact I think we oughta take a hotel room and not go back at all tonight."

"The hell we will. That’s our home now and no one is going to tell me I can’t be there."

"We aren’t invited."

"The bitch will have to deal with it. Besides, it’s Michael’s home too and I’m sure he’d be glad to have us."

"Not likely the way you and Brooke react to each other. Why are you pushing this Macy?"

"No one tells me what to do."

"But you don’t even like her. Why do you want to go and antagonize the situation?"

"Fine, we don’t go to her little party but I want to go home and she’ll just have to deal with that!"

 

"Hiya buddy." Michael said to Jason as he walked into his room.

"Dr. Mike! You’re back!"

"You bet I am." He smiled. "I thought me and my best buddy could have an ice cream, how does that sound?"

"Good."

"I thought so." Michael laughed as he gave the boy a Klondike bar. "You like these? They’ve always been my favorites."
Jason took it from him and took a bite. "Yeth." He said with a full mouth.

Michael sighed and sat down on the bed with the boy and ruffled his hair.

"When is Bwidget coming to see me?" Jason asked.

"You know what Jase, that’s a good question. I think I’ll talk to her tonight about that."

"And Bwooke?"

"You like her don’t you?"
"She’s pwetty."

"She sure is." Michael smiled.

"I wish she was my Mommy."

"Awh Jason, that’s a nice thing to say. You must really miss your Mommy though, you know you can always talk to me about her."

"My Mommy is an angel now." He said with the sincerity that only a small child can muster.

"Yes she is."

"Will you play a game with me?" Jason asked.

Michael was amazed at how quickly a child could put aside his pain and find happiness. He said a silent prayer that he would be able to personally supply him a lifetime of it. He grinned at him and answered. "Sure we can. What game would you like to play?"

"Chutes and Ladders!" Jason shouted.

"Okay. Chutes and Ladders it is." Michael walked to the closet and found the game and brought it back to the bed.

"I’ll set it up!" Jason volunteered.
"Wait, not so fast. Finish your ice cream first." Michael told him. Jason smiled and went back to concentrating on his treat while Michael watched him with a deep, pure love.

 

"You’re such an ass Ridge." Felicia said as he brother practically dragged her to the door. Giovanni walked behind them looking embarrassed.

"And you’re acting like a spoiled brat." Ridge told her. "You know you’re going to have fun so just chill."

"Jerk." She muttered. "Anything that happens will be all your fault."

"Uh huh." He said as he rang the doorbell. He grinned when his wife greeted them.

"Hello Doc." He said with a kiss.

"Come on in." She said nervously.

"What’s wrong?"

"I don’t know. Brooke was fine and now she’s acting very strangely. Felicia do you know what this is about?" She asked her sister-in-law.

"I’ll talk to her." She said as she shot Ridge another dirty look. She walked past them all and into the house.

"Hello Giovanni, I didn’t know you were coming too." Taylor smiled.

"Perhaps I shouldn’t have."

"At this point I have no idea." Taylor answered. She linked arms with her husband and they followed Felicia inside.

"Felicia." Brooke said softly. "I had no idea you would be here."

"Neither did I Brooke." She said. "May I speak to you in private?"

"Of course." Brooke said nervously. "Come on to the study." She said leading her away.

"What is all that about?" Ridge asked Taylor.

"I don’t know. Like I said, Brooke was in a really great mood and then suddenly when I mentioned Felicia."

"She had the same reaction when we pulled up here." Ridge said. "Oh well, whatever it is I’m sure they’ll work it out. Where are my children?"

"In the pool with Katherine." Taylor answered. "Come on out there, Michael’s sister Anne is there and his friend Frank."

"Ok." Ridge said. "Shall we Giovanni?"

"Why not?" He said as they headed for the deck.

 

"Felicia please understand, it’s not that you aren’t welcome but obviously you and Michael have grave issues to resolve." Brooke said.

"Ridge insisted I come with them, he never said that we were coming here. I wouldn’t have come. I wouldn’t do that to you."

"Well now what? Do you think you and Michael can be in the same room without shooting each other?"

"Brooke, I have to talk to him anyway. Though now isn’t really the time."

"No it isn’t but if it calms things I won’t object."

"I suppose you know the whole story."

"Yes." Brooke admitted.

"Well I need to talk to him about it again. I have more questions."

"Can I answer any of them?" Brooke asked.

"I doubt it. You weren’t there."

"No, but I was there on the night that he told me and I was there to hold him and comfort him and make him realize he did the best he could."

"Do you really believe that Brooke? Do you really think he did the best he could? Cause I don’t."

"You don’t know him like I do Felicia."

"I may know him better than you Brooke." She said to her.

 

"What are you doing here?" Thorne asked Lt. Burke who stood at his door.

"I want to ask you a few questions Thorne."

"Not without my lawyer."

"I really don’t think that’s necessary Thorne."

"Oh I do Lieutenant." Thorne said with a mock laugh.

"You do realize that the case is still wide open."

"Uh huh, and no matter what I tell you people you don’t believe me."

"Maybe because none of it makes sense Thorne. Now I’ve known your family for a long time. I know your secrets. No matter how well your mother tried to cover them up I know what really happened."

"Obviously we aren’t talking about Brooke’s shooting. Or Ridge’s."

"Well not the most recent one." Lt. Burke said with a smile.

"You’ve made your point."

"Good." He said. "So now that we understand each other."

"I don’t understand a thing about you Burke, and if you’ll excuse me I have plans."

"Where are you going Thorne?"

"Well you can follow me yourself or you can wait till your goon gives you his report."

"Why are you making this so hard on yourself. Thorne I know that you didn’t do it and I know that you know, or at least think you know who did."

"Your guess is as good as mine. But then again when I confessed that didn’t impress you much."

"You had no reason to shoot her."

"She dumped me, I was drunk and I was mad."

"You’ve been dumped before."

"Ah, and Ridge was shot then wasn’t he?" Thorne said with a laugh.

"It wasn’t Macy." Burke told him point blank.

 

"Joe, come to the party with me." Bridget said with a smile. They had gone on all the rides and eaten junk food but now it was getting late and she knew her mother expected her.

"No can do Bridget." He said. "Your mother would kill me. I’m way too old to be taking her baby to a party."

"You’re not that old." She said.

"Well thanks, I guess." He laughed. "Seriously, it’s not a good idea. But I would like to see you again."

"Me too." She smiled. "Okay, if you won’t come with me then one more ride."

"Okay." He agreed. He looked around and smiled. "I’ve always liked the Ferris Wheel."

"I get to pick." She said. She grabbed his hand and started to pull him down the boardwalk. His smile started to fade when she stopped in front of The Tunnel of Love.

 

"You know that isn’t true Felicia." Brooke said with a calmness that surprised her.

"I didn’t mean it that way Brooke. But we were younger then, it was a different Mike. One you never knew."
"Perhaps." Brooke admitted.

"I don’t want to stay, but if I don’t Ridge and Taylor will be suspicious and I’d rather not involve them."

"I agree." Brooke said. "Perhaps you and Michael can just ignore each other."

"It’s worth a try." Felicia conceded.

"Felicia, I really feel for you. I know how hard it is to lose a child and I can’t even fathom knowing that I could never. Oh, I’m sorry." She said as her eyes filled with tears.

"You learn to live with it in time." Felicia said.

"We’d better join the rest before they wonder where we’ve gone off to." Brooke said.

 

"What a messy boy." Michael laughed at Jason, whose face was stained with chocolate. He walked to the sink and wet a washcloth. He came back to the boy and gently wiped his face. He was rewarded with a hug and a kiss. Michael was so touched that he held him tightly as a tear escaped from his eyes. When he looked up Debra Fulton was staring at him from the window in disgust. "I’ll be right back honey." Michael told him. He walked to the door, opened it and quickly ran to catch up to Debra.

"What the hell is your problem lady?" He growled at her.

"You are, but you won’t be for long. I think you just put the last nail in your coffin."

"What the f*ck are you talking about?"

"Such profanity."

"You think that’s bad? You haven’t seen me mad yet lady."

"You were touching him in an inappropriate way and you kissed him. The authorities will not only see to it that you never see him again but I’ll see you behind bars if it’s the last thing I do."

"I could kill you." He said as pure anger and rage filled his eyes.

 

"Who is that man?" Giovanni asked Ridge.

"That must be Mike’s friend Frank."

"No, the one coming in now." Giovanni said with a nod towards the door.

"Storm Logan." Ridge said to himself. Then he turned to Giovanni. "That’s Brooke’s brother Storm, we went to school together."

"Were you friends?"

"Hardly." Ridge laughed. "If ever there was a man who didn’t want me married to Brooke it was Storm. He lives in San Francisco now. I wonder what brings him to town."

 

Storm walked to the pool deck and looked around. He saw Ridge talking to a man he didn’t know, another couple that was unfamiliar and then he spied Taylor. A smile crossed his face as he approached her.

"Hello Taylor." He said.

"Storm." She said with a genuine smile. "How nice to see you again, and under such better circumstances."

"Yeah, the last time was after Brooke was shot. That was a scary time."

"For all of us." She agreed.

"So where is my sister?"

"The last I saw her she was inside talking to Felicia."

"Hmmm, interesting. And my esteemed brother-in-law?"

"Mike isn’t home yet."

"Tell me something Taylor. Is he good to her? Is she really happy?"

"He adores her and she feels the same way. You’ve always been the protective brother haven’t you?"

"I never thought much of her choice in husbands."

"Ouch." She laughed.

"Maybe he’s different with you. Ridge Forrester never treated my sister right. I’m glad he’s out of her life. I’ll hold off judgement on the doctor."

"You don’t sound too happy about it."

"The whole thing was too fast Taylor. She meets him under anesthesia, he wines and dines her and the next thing I hear she’s married to him."

"That’s not quite true."

"Mostly. Besides, I liked Connor. I thought he was good for her."

"I like Connor too but Brooke made her choice and she is happy. But speaking of Connor, do you know he’s dating Mike’s ex-wife?"

"You people sure like to keep it in the family."

"Us people?" She laughed.

"You Hollywood types." He laughed.

"As opposed to you San Francisco types?"

"Well I am not your typical San Francisco male."

"I hope not." She laughed again. "Is there anyone special?"

"No time for that."

"There’s always time Storm."

"So Brooke tells me everything is okay with you and Ridge again."

"Finally." She smiled.

"And Bryan?"

"It wasn’t meant to be." She said with a sad smile.

"Ridge didn’t want it to be you mean."

"Storm I love Ridge, he’s my husband and the father of my children."

"And he’s not nearly good enough for you Taylor." He sighed.

 

Rick sat up and stretched. He gave his companion a last kiss.

"I’m too old to do it in a car." He said. "I’m stiff and my back hurts."

"You’re stiff alright." She cooed as she reached over to touch him again.

"I’m serious, not here."

"Well we can’t go back to the dorm, Jimmy has Ashley in there."

"We can go to my mom’s. My old room is always available and so is the pool house."

"Your mother doesn’t like me."

"What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. She might not even be home."

"Maybe we better wait for another time." She said.

"Come on Sara, I really want you. Let’s go there okay?"

 

"Ready?" Connor asked Adrienne.

"I got the Margaritas, I got my towel and I got my cute lawyer. Yeah, I’m ready." She smiled.

"Let’s make it an early night tonight." He suggested.

"Why? It’s a party."

"Well I didn’t want you to make anything of it but tomorrow’s my birthday and I thought you and I could do something special." Connor confessed.

"Your birthday? And you weren’t going to tell me!" She said. "Bad move counselor."

"You will spend it with me."

"I sure will, but I will be the one making the plans." She smiled. She looked at him and a sly grin crossed her face. "Oh Connor, I think I have the perfect idea."

"Nothing too big Adrienne, I just want it to be special for us."

"You can count on it." She smiled. "Now let’s go to a party."

 

Michael paced up and down the corridor before he was calm enough to go back in to see Jason. Finally he took a deep breath, put a smile on his face and walked back in.

"I was afwaid." Jason said.

"Why honey?" Michael asked him with concern. He sat down on the bed next to him and took him hands in his. "Are you hurting?"

"I though you wouldn’t come back."

"I’ll always come back Jason, you can count on that." He said with determination. He picked up the game box and handed it to him. "Now what do you say you set up the game for us?"

"I love you Dr. Mike." Jason smiled.

"I love you too Jason."

 

"Who was that driving away Thorne?" Eric asked his son as he came inside.

"Lt. Burke." Thorne said in a distracted voice.

"What did he want now? I hope you told him you wanted Jonathan present."

"It wasn’t important." He picked up his glass of amber liquid and gulped it down. "I’ll see you Dad, I gotta go."

"Where are you going Thorne, you shouldn’t be driving if you’ve been drinking."

"I just had one." He said grabbing his keys.

"Where are you going son?"

"A party." He said. "I’ll see you later. And Dad."

"Yeah?"

"Why don’t you give Mom a call?" He said as he walked out.

 

"Uh, no Bridget I don’t think so." Joe said as he held her back from the ride entrance.

"Don’t tell me you’re scared of little old me?" She said in a suggestively innocent tone.

"I could be your father."

"But you’re not." She said. "Come on Joe."

"I really think the Ferris Wheel is a better choice."

"This or the party." She told him. "Your choice Joe." She giggled.

"You drive a hard bargain." He said as he took her hand and headed to the gate.

 

"I don’t know what could be keeping him." Brooke said to Anne as she checked her watch once more. "He knows everyone was going to be here."

"Maybe he had an emergency." Anne said.

"It’s not like him to be so inconsiderate. Usually he has his office call even if he can’t."

"Brooke it’s fine, everyone is having fun." Taylor said. "Why don’t you go spend some time with that brother of yours."

"I will, I just have so much to do."

"Calm down and enjoy yourself, this is a party Brooke."

"She’s right honey." Anne agreed. "There’s no reason to stress yourself out, especially over Mike, you know he’ll be here soon."

"You’re both right, I just wanted everything to be perfect and it just doesn’t seem to be working."

"Nothing in life is perfect." Anne said. "Now sit, have a glass of wine and relax for a minute or two."

"Okay." She agreed. She sat on the edge of Taylor’s lounge and sighed. "I wonder where Connor is?"

"Brooke!" Taylor warned with a laugh.

"Okay, okay. Look here comes Thorne!" She said as she jumped up to greet him.

 

"Looks like something is going on, is your Mom having a party?" Sara asked Rick.

"Maybe, oh well we can just sneak up to my room."

"Sounds good to me." She said with a grin. "I just hope your sister isn’t up there."

"You and Bridget aren’t friends anymore?" He asked.

"Not really. And she’s being a real jerk about it, making up lies about me and all."

"I’ll talk to her if you want."

"It’s really not that important to me. I just would rather avoid her."

"We will then." He said as he pulled the car in behind his mother’s car.

 

"Thorne I am so glad you came." Brooke said as she gave him a big hug. "I’ve really missed you."

"Thanks for thinking of me Brooke. It’s nice to see you again too."

"So what made you change your mind?" She asked.

"A bad day got even worse so I thought, oh what the hell."

"Well the bad day is over," She smiled. "Come on, let’s get you a drink and something to eat."

"Slow down Brooke, I just got here."

"Everyone keeps telling me that but I guess I’m just a bundle of nerves."

"Why?"

"Well this is the first party Michael and I ever threw and I want it to be perfect."

"I’m sure it will be."

"You’re sweet to say that." She said as she leaned over and gave him a kiss.

"See!" Macy shouted as she and Grant walked in. "The slut can’t keep her hands off him even if she already has a husband!"

"Someone lock up the liquor cabinet," Brooke shot back, "The lush is here!"

 

"Whoa," Ridge said to Giovanni. "Looks like we’re in store for some fireworks tonight."

"Should we try and break this up?" He asked him.

"Let Thorne and Grant handle them." Ridge laughed. "But I feel sorry for Macy, Brooke is a spitfire when she’s mad."

"Who is Thorne Taylor?" Anne asked as they watched the confrontation in front of them.

"He’s Ridge’s brother and he and Brooke were involved once." Taylor explained. "Macy, she’s the woman, she was married to Thorne and now she’s married to Grant."

"He’s the other man?" Anne asked.

"Uh huh and this is getting bad." She said as she watched Macy lunge at Brooke.

"You bitch!" Macy screamed as she grabbed Brooke’s hair. It all happened so quickly. Brooke was pushed to the ground with Macy on top of her. Grant grabbed Macy to pull her away and Thorne lost his balance and ended up in the pile with the two women.

"Another typical day at the Copeland’s." Adrienne howled as she and Connor walked into the middle of the melee.

"Ridge do something!" Taylor screamed.

"Get the hell off of me!" Brooke shouted as she pushed at Macy.

"Bitch!" Macy yelled, refusing to let go of Brooke’s hair.

"Stop it both of you!" Grant said as he lifted Macy off Brooke and into his arms.

Thorne struggled to his feet and helped Brooke up. "Take her out of here Chambers." He said. "Brooke, are you okay?"

"Is she okay?" Macy screamed. "What the hell is wrong with you Thorne?"

"Grant you heard Thorne." Ridge said walking over.

"Come on Macy." Grant said as he dragged her away into the house.

"Get in here!" Rick said pulling Sara into his old bedroom.

"Sounds like World War III out there." She laughed.

 

"Dr. Copeland? Wake up Dr. Copeland." The pretty young nurse said as she gently nudged Michael.

"Huh? Oh I must have fallen asleep." He said. "Sorry Jen." He said as he got off the bed.

"The little guy kept you busy."

"He sure did, we had ice cream and played a game and then I read to him. I must have put us both to sleep."

"Well it’s getting late so I figured I’d better wake you."

"Thanks." He said with a yawn.

"Can I get you some coffee?"

"You’re an angel." He smiled. "Let me straighten out his bed and I’ll be right out."

"I can do that."

"I’d like to." He said.

"Okay Doctor, I’ll go get the coffee."

 

Bridget rested her head on Joey’s shoulder and cuddled against him as the ride entered the darkness. She smiled to herself when he slipped his arm protectively around her.

"It’s okay if you kiss me." She said.

"Don’t tempt me Bridget."

"Men." She sighed with exasperation. She turned her head towards him and took him totally by surprise when her lips met his and her tongue slipped into his stunned mouth.

 

"I can’t believe she had the nerve to show up." Brooke complained to the audience around her.

"You did invite her to live here Logan." Ridge reminded her.

"I invited Grant, he invited Macy."

"But you told him it was okay."

"So I’m stupid." She said.

"You aren’t stupid Brooke but you shouldn’t stoop to her level." Taylor said.

"She’s a drunk, I can’t control what she does."

"She wasn’t drunk Brooke." Thorne came to Macy’s defense.

"Let’s forget about her okay?" Brooke said as she pushed her hair from her face. "I’m fine, she’s fine and we have a party."

"Brooke’s right." Ridge said. He grabbed his wife’s hand and suddenly turned back to Brooke. "What the hell is that Logan?"

"What’s what?" She said, still in an angry mood.

"Your belly button."

"Oh that?" She said suddenly putting the flirt back on. "You like it?"

"Yeah." He smiled. "It’s really hot. I can imagine all the kind of fun you can have with one of ouch!" He said as Taylor punched his arm. "Sorry Doc, but hey, why don’t you get one of those."

"I don’t think so." She said. He gave Brooke a wink and they walked away.

"Show’s over." Brooke said. The crowd nervously laughed and disbursed leaving Brooke and Thorne.

"I’m sorry Brooke."

"It wasn’t your fault, I didn’t expect her or her reaction."

"Maybe I shouldn’t have come."

"Don’t be silly, besides, I don’t seem to have a date tonight." She linked her arm with his, "Let’s go get that drink Thorne."

 

"Where did Storm go?" Ridge asked Taylor.

"He had some calls to make. I think he’s inside."

"When did Davis and the redhead get here?"

"Who knows with all that was going on." Taylor laughed. She turned and watched as Brooke flirted with Thorne. "I just wish Michael would get here."

"She’s a big girl Doc, she can handle herself."

"You seem to forget someone shot her and that someone was never caught and she seems to be in a very flirty mood tonight. She may be borrowing trouble."

"I’ll keep an eye on her." Ridge promised his wife.

"Just not too close okay?"

 

"I wonder where Mike is." Adrienne said to Connor.

"He must be around somewhere."

"Oh I doubt it doll." She said with her trademark throaty laugh.

"Why?" He wondered.

"Mikey would have been in the middle of the action protecting wifey. Nah, he’s not here and Brooke is mad and she’s on the prowl." She said with a toss of her hair.

"You think so?" He asked as his eye went back to his former fiancée.

 

"The doors open, we might as well just go in." Katie told her friend.

"There sure are a lot of cars out there. Maybe there will be some hot guys."

"Maybe." Katie said. "But don’t worry, I just want to spend a little time with my brother and sister and then we can go." She opened the front door and they walked inside. Amanda’s eyes took in all the treasures around the room.

"Nice place, your sister must be rich."

"She has money." Katie said. "I just never think about it cause it really doesn’t affect her."

"It would affect me." She said walking to the mantle and looking at the collection of photos. "Oh my." She said as she held and looked at the photo of Michael and Brooke embracing. "Is this your sister?"

"Yeah, that’s her and her husband Michael."

"I think this is going to be one crazy party."

 

 

 

"Hi Taylor, Ridge." Adrienne greeted them. "How’s the honeymoon?"

"Never-ending." Ridge smiled as he put his arm around Taylor and kissed her. "Hello Davis."

"Ridge." He said. "Looks like we just made it in time for the show huh?"

"I don’t know what got into them." Ridge laughed. "But Logan was furious at Macy."

"Anyone knows where my ex is?" Adrienne asked.

"He’s not home yet." Taylor said. "I wish he would get here, he’s the only one Brooke is going to listen to right now." She said as she looked across the pool where Brooke was still flirting with an appreciative Thorne.

"Has she been drinking?" Connor asked.

"Leave her alone Davis." Ridge warned.

"She’s not your responsibility anymore Ridge."

"And she’s not yours either."

"Gentlemen." Adrienne said dryly. "You each are here with a woman and neither of us appreciates your spending so much energy worrying about a woman who can clearly take care of herself."

"Actually Adrienne, I’m worried about her myself." Taylor said. "And to answer your question, yes, she has had a few glasses of wine and nothing to eat and she is working on pure nerves right now."

Changes Part 99

 

"I’m sorry about Macy." Thorne told Brooke.

"Honey she is not your problem anymore."

"Well it was because you were talking to me." He said with a smile.

"I’ve missed you Thorne. I really have."

"Enough to dump that loser of a husband and come back to me?"

"Thorne." She giggled. "You flatter me."

"Brooke hi!" Katie said as she and Amanda approached them.

"Katie!" Brooke ran to her and hugged her. "You made it."

"I told you I would." She turned to her friend. "Amanda Patterson, this is my sister Brooke, Brooke Mandy."

"Hi Mandy, nice to meet you." Brooke smiled. "This is my friend Thorne Forrester."

"Hello Thorne." Amanda grinned. "Where’d you get a name like that?"

"From my Mom and Dad. They named me after a family friend."

"Hmmm. I hope you aren’t dangerous, I mean thorns do scratch people." She giggled.

"Katie, maybe you and your friend would like some wine." Brooke suggested.

"Sounds great." Katie said. "Come on Mandy, let’s hit the bar." She grabbed her arm and dragged her off.

Brooke turned back to Thorne. "How about you handsome, is there anything I can get you?"

 

"I’m going to go talk to her." Taylor told Ridge.

"Doc she can handle my brother."

"I don’t think so Ridge. She isn’t being smart right now. Remember the last time she and Thorne were together."

"Actually I don’t." He said as his wife walked away. He turned to Adrienne. "So Adrienne, is it strange being invited to a party given by your ex and his wife and coming with her ex?"

"I could ask you a similar question couldn’t I Ridge?" She said with a smile. "I think you’ve seen her sheets a few times yourself."

"That I have." He smiled as he had a vision of Brooke in his bed. He shook his head and came back to the present. "What are you doing? Trying to get me in trouble?" He laughed.

"I know you love your wife and I think she knows it too."

"I wouldn’t be so sure Adrienne." Connor said. "Fidelity isn’t one of Ridge’s virtues."

"Watch it Davis." Ridge said.

"Boys." Adrienne laughed.

"Sorry Ridge. She’s right, that was out of line." Connor apologized.

"That’s big of you Davis."

 

"Hi Thorne." Taylor smiled as she approached her brother-in-law and her best friend. "I’m so glad you decided to come."

"Well I can’t say it’s been boring." He laughed.

"Brooke, where did that handsome brother of yours go?" Taylor asked.

"I’m not sure."

"Well don’t you think you oughta find him and get him to join the party?"

"I supposes I should." She said. "Excuse me Thorne. I’ll talk to you later." She smiled at them both and walked away.

"Thanks." Thorne said to Taylor. "She was coming on pretty strong."

"She’s had a bit too much wine and too little Michael." Taylor explained.

"Nice of him to show up for his own party." Thorne said sarcastically.

"He is a doctor Thorne, sometimes our patients have to come first."

"He’s a plastic surgeon, I can’t imagine a facelift or a boob job couldn’t be rescheduled."

"He does a lot more than just that Thorne. Don’t you go filling Brooke with doubts." She warned. "She may be angry now but she loves him and she is happy."

"Point taken Taylor."

"Thorne I know you still have feelings for her but it was over a long time ago, well before Michael."

"Okay, okay you win. But she flirted first."

"She did but you know she didn’t mean it."

"You can’t really know that Taylor." He said. "Maybe she is having second thoughts."

 

"Stormy are you going to be on the phone all night?" Brooke complained to her brother.

"Sorry." He smiled. "It couldn’t be helped."

"Katie is here and she’s dying to see you."

"And I’m dying to talk to both my" He suddenly turned back to the phone. "Yeah, yeah that’s right Jack. No, I need that file faxed to me now." He smiled at Brooke. "Yes, you have the number. Jack it’s important I have it now. That’s right, no not my office, I’m at my sisters house. Yes her fax is secure. Okay. Thanks Jack." He said as he hung up. "Sorry Brooke."

"Are you ready to join the party now?"

"Let’s go." He said as he took her arm.

 

"Ahhh, thanks Jen, I needed this." Michael said as he took a gulp of the coffee. "It’s been a hell of a day. I can’t wait to get home and spend a nice quiet night with my, oh my God! The party!"

"You’re supposed to be at a party?" She asked.

"I’m supposed to be giving a party." He said. "I gotta get home Jen." He laughed nervously. "If I never see you again my wife killed me."

"Have fun Dr. Copeland." She shouted as he ran down the corridor.

 

"Get me another white wine will you Connor?" Adrienne asked with a touch to his arm.

"Sure hon. Ridge? Taylor? Anything for you two?" He asked.

"I’m fine thank you Connor." Taylor said.

"I think I’ll go get another beer." Ridge said with a kiss to his wife. He and Connor headed to the bar.

"So what did you say to Brooke and Thorne?" Adrienne asked Taylor.

"Not much, I just reminded Brooke that her brother was here."

"She has a brother?"

"Yes, in fact that’s him with her now." Taylor said as she gestured to Brooke and Storm who were standing by the grill.

"Storm." Adrienne whispered.

"You know him?" Taylor asked.

"From another lifetime." She said. "Storm." She repeated.

 

"Bridget we can’t do this." Joey said as he gently pulled himself away from her.

"Why not?"

"Bridget I’m way too old for you. I like you, I want to be your friend but we can’t do this."

"I’ll be eighteen soon."

"You aren’t yet kiddo." He said.

"Joe I like you."

"Please don’t do this, it isn’t easy saying no to you. I’m not sure that I have it in me to keep it up."

"Good." She smiled. She took his hand and held it.

"I think I’m going to regret the day I met you." He said.

"Oh no you aren’t." She smiled. "That I can promise you."

"Bridget." He said softly. "You are such a temptation."

"So are you." She said as she kissed him again.

 

"What the hell?" Michael muttered to himself as he pulled into the driveway. There were far too many cars. "Who all is here? Damn it Brooke, what have you gone and done now?" He turned off the ignition and got out of the car and walked to the backyard. He saw Taylor talking to Adrienne and Ridge with Connor, Anne and Frank and Brooke was talking to her brother Storm.

"Great, just what I need tonight." He sighed. He had run out so fast that he was still wearing his white doctor’s jacket over his clothes. He caught Brooke’s eye and she shot him a dirty look and turned away. He went straight to the bar and grabbed a beer and opened it.

"Mike, you decided to show up after all." Ridge laughed.

"Things came up." He said. "Hi Connor."

"Hello Michael." Connor said politely.

"I guess Brooke is mad."

"Oh she’s mad alright." Ridge chuckled.

"I guess I better go talk to her." Michael said as he headed towards his wife.

"He’s in deep sh*t." Ridge laughed to Connor.

"Real deep." Connor agreed.

 

"Brooke I’m sorry." Michael said when he reached her.

"I can’t believe you did this to me! You knew how important this was to me. Your sister is here and all our friends and you can’t even call me?" She screamed at him.

"Calm down Brooke, you have no idea what I’ve been through today."

"What you’ve been through? Do you think planning a party alone is easy?"

"Since when was this a party anyway? I was expecting Ridge, Taylor, Annie and Frank and somehow you’ve seen fit to invite all of Los Angeles."

"And it’s a good thing I did! At least I had someone to pay some attention to me!"

"Great Brooke! Great!" He said as he slammed down the beer can. "You know what you can do with your party?"

"Don’t you dare!" She shouted.

"You wouldn’t even notice." He said as he stormed off.

"Brooke your husband seem a bit angry." Storm commented.

"Men!" She said as she watched Michael go into the pool house shutting the door behind him.

 

Across the pool Felicia saw this too. She headed towards the pool house herself.

 

Michael opened the drawers in the cabinet and pulled out a swimsuit. He was angry but he vowed not to make another scene. He would change and go out and talk calmly to Brooke and make her understand and somehow he would get through the rest of the night without exploding. He took off his jacket and tie. He unbuttoned his shirt and took in off when he heard the door open. "Good." He said without turning around. "I don’t want to fight with you anymore. Let’s talk and calm down and make the most of this night."

"It’s me Mike." Felicia said.

He turned around and faced her. "Felicia? Brooke invited you?"

"No, Ridge and Taylor did. It’s a long story."

"Well say whatever it is you want to say, I won’t even try denying anything. Hit me, scream at me, I really just don’t give a f*ck anymore. Nothing anyone can say is going to make today any worse then it already is."

"That’s not my intention." She said walking up to him. "God I forgot how sexy you are."

"Now that is probably the last thing I expected to hear from you."

"I’m sure it is." She said.

"Felicia I’m sorry, I don’t know how many ways I can say it. I don’t know how I can make you believe me but I am sorry. I never wanted to leave you there. I didn’t leave until I knew you were going to be alright. I loved you Felicia, whether you believe me or not I know the truth and I loved you."

"I do believe you." She said.

"What?"

She walked up to him and put her arms around him. "I do believe you. I know how my mother is, I know she wanted to split us up. But I was hurting so badly, I was so sad and so alone and I believed her. For all these years I believed her. I let her steal my happiness away. But you did too Mike, you should have been stronger. You should have fought her. Weren’t we worth it?"

"Oh Felicia I wasn’t such a great person then. I wasn’t strong enough, I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my life for us. I let you down and I have regretted it for so long, so very long." He pulled her closer to him and felt her tears land on his bear shoulders.

"I loved you so much Mike."

"I know, I know Angel." He whispered.

"Angel." She said. "I’d forgotten you always called me that."

"I’ve never forgotten anything about you Angel." He said. "God how I wish I could take all your pain away."

 

"Don’t you think it would be a good idea to settle this now Brooke?"

"Why?" She asked angrily.

"It’s your party and you and Mike made a scene and the guests are feeling uncomfortable and Brooke, you didn’t let him get in a word." Storm said in a calm voice.

"He should have called."

"Yes he should have but maybe he tried. You never gave him a chance Brooke."

"So you’re blaming me now?"

"No, I just think that if you love this guy as much as you claim to you should give him a chance to explain himself."

"Alright fine, I’ll go talk to him!"

"Try calming down first."

"Leave it alone Stormy."

 

"Adrienne are you alright?" Taylor asked.

"I’m okay Taylor, I feel like I just walked into the Twilight Zone but I’m okay." She said as she continued to watch Storm Logan.

"Here you go." Connor said as he tried to hand her the glass of wine she had asked for. "Ade?"

"Huh?" She said as she came out of her daze. "Oh, thanks Connor."

"Some fight huh?" He said.

"Fight?"

"Brooke and Michael. Isn’t that why you’re staring at Brooke?"

"Oh yeah." She said. She let Connor take her hand and lead her away but she couldn’t take her eyes off of Storm.

"What was that?" Ridge asked Taylor.

"Adrienne knows Storm." She said.

"And?"

"And I don’t know." She said. "This is sure turning out to be an interesting night."

"Yeah it is Doc. But personally, I’d rather be spending it at home in bed with my beautiful wife."

"Tempting Ridge." She smiled. "Very tempting."

 

"You still wear the necklace?" Michael asked as his hand went to the chain around her neck.

"I don’t know why. I guess a part of me always at least wanted to believe you."

"What can I do? How can I make it better?"

"There really isn’t anything now Mike. I am over it, at least as much as I can ever be."

"Have you ever seen another doctor?"

"I’ve seen so many Mike. They all say the same thing."

"Why did I leave you? Why did I let them intimidate me? Could I have prevented the whole thing from ever happening?"

"If you didn’t leave with them they would have done it anyway Mike, I’ve thought about it over and over all this time. Nothing would have stopped them. If you had tried they would have killed you."

"You don’t have to say that." He told her.

"But it’s true." She said. She ran her hand across his chest. "You’ve made yourself a good life Mike. I’m happy for you."

"I wish I could know that you had too."

"Maybe someday." She said. "But I am glad you’re happy. Brooke is a remarkable woman."

"She is." He smiled. "Feisty though." He said with a laugh. "I love her Angel, I love her more than I thought it was possible to love a woman."

Felicia sighed and smiled at him. "I’m glad I came."

"You are?"

"Yeah, I’m glad that we could talk and make it right again."

"Felicia, I know this is fast but I have to ask you a favor, a really big one."

"It’s about that woman isn’t it? That Janet Wells?"

"Yes, it is."

"What is that all about Mike?"

"Brooke and I are trying to adopt a little boy. Your mother told her a bunch of lies and it really is going to kill it for us. Felicia you can set it straight." He looked up hopefully at her.

"Alright." She said. "I’ll talk to her."

"How can I ever thank you?"

"By forgiving me for hating you for so long." She said.

"Nothing to forgive at all." He said. He looked up at her and his mouth captured hers in a kiss.

"Isn’t this cute?" Brooke said as she walked in.

 

"We have to stop this." Joe said again as he kissed her once more and then pulled away. "Bridget I had no intentions of letting it go this far."

"Maybe we are moving too fast." She said. She sighed and leaned against him as the ride came out of the darkness.

"I have to take you home now." Joe said.

"I guess so." She reluctantly agreed.

The ride came to a stop and Joe got out and them helped Bridget out.

"I’m so flattered Bridget."

"Don’t treat me like I’m some kind of stupid kid Joe, I’m not."

"I know you aren’t Bridget. You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. You’ve taught me a lot tonight. You’d be surprised how much. Maybe some day you’ll understand."

"You are making this seem so final."

"It has to be. I am not going to use you or hurt you. I can’t do that."

"I never thought you would Joe." She said. He smiled at her and put his arm around her as he led her back to his bike.

 

"Who’s that?" Amanda asked Katie as she motioned to Ridge and Taylor.

"Forget it Mandy, they’re married and they aren’t about to break up."

"You really don’t know me Katie, if I see a guy I want I don’t stop till I get him."

"Not Ridge." Katie laughed.

"So what’s his story?"

"Too long to go into, just know that if Brooke didn’t get him you never will."

"Oh I wouldn’t sell me so short. But I never said I wanted him. I was just curious."

"Mandy the guys here are all taken, except my brother anyway. Please don’t go hitting on them tonight. My sister will kill me for bringing you."

Amanda looked at Katie and started to laugh. "What makes you think I haven’t had any of them already."

 

"Would you get away from the window and come to bed." Rick moaned as Sara stared out at the party.

"Why don’t we go down and join them, it looks like fun." She said.

"Sara come on." He said pulling back the blanket and showing her his erection. "Little Ricky is waiting for you."

"Well let Sara take care of him then." She smiled. She walked from the window to the bed and proceeded to take him into her mouth.

"Oh God Sara, wow oh wow." He moaned as she expertly gave him the best blow job he had ever had.

 

"Brooke wait." Michael said as he ran to her and grabbed her.

"I have nothing to say to you, maybe not ever again."

"For God’s sake Brooke, stop jumping to conclusions."

"Jumping to conclusions? You had your tongue down her throat!"

"No he didn’t Brooke." Felicia interrupted. "It was innocent."

"Innocent? He’s my husband Felicia, how the hell can you call it innocent?"

"Felicia believes me Brooke."

"Whoop de f*cking do!" She screamed.

"I’d think you’d care Brooke, she’s on our side, she’s going to help us."

"Before or after you f*ck her Michael?"

"Stop it!" He said as he pulled her to him. "God Damn it Brooke, nothing even close to that happened."

"Let me go!" She said as she tried to pull out of his arms.

"No." He said.

"I hate you!" She screamed.

"I love you." He told her. "God how I love you." He repeated. His mouth covered hers and her struggle suddenly stopped as her arms went tightly around him. Felicia smiled as she silently walked out.

"No Michael." Brooke said as she broke away. "It can’t be this easy."

"Why not? Brooke you’re my wife. I love you. Nothing happened here. I kissed her, like you kissed Ridge the other day."

"Why? Why did you kiss her?"

"She’s going to help us. Brooke she said she’d help us get Jason."

"She did?" Brooke whispered.

"She did Brooke. And honey we need her, we really need her."

"That’s why you kissed her?"

"Oh Brooke when will you get over this sh*t that Ridge did to you? I will never treat you like he did. It’s you and only you. I didn’t marry you until something better comes along. How could I have, I already have the best that there is."

"Oh Michael I was so upset, and you didn’t come home and you didn’t call."

"I’m sorry, oh Brooke I had such a terrible day all I wanted to do was come home and be in your arms."

"What happened?" She asked him.

"Later, not in the middle of the party. Which by the way has sure grown."

"Yeah." She laughed. "You aren’t mad are you?"

"No, well I was but I’m not." He sighed and kissed her gently. "You look beautiful." He said as he slid the straps of her suit down. His mouth moved to her neck and then slowly to her breasts. He licked and bit her nipples one after the other until they were hard and aching for him. He undid the clasp and let her top fall to the ground. His mouth continued to torture her breasts as he slid his hand inside the bottom of her suit. One stroke and she was wet and panting for him.

"Oh God yes." She moaned. She spread her legs giving him access as his thumb stroked her nub. "Ohhhhhh." She moaned loudly. "F*ck me Michael, f*ck me now." He slid the bottoms off of her and let his mouth move to her belly, suddenly he stopped and looked up at her.

"What the hell did you do to your body Brooke?"

 

"How did you know where I lived?" Bridget asked as Joey pulled his bike up in front of her house.

"I just do Bridget." He smiled.

"Will I see you again?" She asked.

"I’ll be around."

"Joe please, don’t make it like this."

"I need to keep my distance Bridget, I like you too much, it isn’t good."

"Please." She said as a tear formed in her eyes.

"Don’t cry over me, I’m really not worth it."

"You are to me." She said. She leaned over and kissed him. He closed his eyes and let himself get caught up in the kiss. Finally he pulled away.

"Goodbye Bridget Forrester." He said as she got off the bike. He waved and took off. "You’ll never know how much you’ve changed me." He said to himself.

 

"Do you think she realizes how loud she is?" Taylor asked Ridge.

"Logan’s always been a shouter."

"I don’t think I needed to hear that Ridge."

"Sorry Doc, just stating facts." He turned to Connor who had returned with Adrienne and two full plates of food. "You must remember that too Davis, or wasn’t she impressed by you."

"God Ridge, you’re like an animal marking your territory." Taylor said with disgust.

"Anything to get his goat." Ridge laughed.

"Your chances of hearing any screaming are getting fainter by the moment." Taylor said with a smile to her husband as she headed to the table of food.

"Looks like I better go make some points with my wife." He winked at Adrienne as he ran off to follow Taylor.

"He’s a pig." Connor told her.

"Huh?"

"You’re very distracted tonight Adrienne, what’s up?"

"Nothing, really." She said. She looked around the crowd and spotted Storm talking to Anne and Frank. "Excuse me a moment Connor, I want to ask Anne something."

"Okay doll." He said. He gave her a kiss and watched her walk off. He spotted Katie and Amanda. He waved and walked over to join them.

 

"Storm?" Adrienne said softly as she walked up to him.

"Yes." He said.

"Storm, it’s me Adrienne."

"Nice to meet you." He smiled and extended his hand.

"Storm is Brooke’s brother." Anne told her.

"Storm, um, can we talk?" Adrienne asked in an unaccustomed shyness.

"Uh sure." He said. "Excuse us Anne, Frank." He walked aside with Adrienne. "What can I do for you?"

"Come on Storm, games over. You can’t possibly tell me you don’t remember me."

"Should I?" He asked.

"Yes damn it!" She said. "Considering we f*cked for about eight hours straight."

 

"Don’t you like it?" Brooke asked Michael. She was totally surprised by his adverse reaction.

"No, no I don’t like it when my wife takes mutilates her body like this. Brooke what is with you?"

"I thought it was sexy, I thought you’d like it."

"Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Do you even know if the needle was clean? You know what kind of diseases are out there."

"You have a hole in your ear Michael!"

"And I did it myself when I was eighteen. Not as a grown man."

"I did it for you. I wanted to look sexy for you."

"Brooke you already are sexy, you don’t have to damage your body for me."

"It’s just a piercing."

"And it was just a tattoo. Brooke you are too impetuous."

"You like my tattoo."

"Okay, I do, but I don’t like that you did it. It’s not safe."

"Please don’t fight with me." She said. "I only did it for you. Please Michael." She said as she started to sob.

"Oh sweetheart, don’t cry." He said as he pulled her back into his arms. "Wait, come on let me see it." He pulled her back and ran his hand down her body until he touched it. "It is sexy. In fact." He said as he lowered his mouth to it. "Ummmm, it’s like a beacon to the homeland." He said with a laugh.

"Really?"

"Really." He said. "Yeah." He smiled. "Really." He returned his mouth to her belly button and teased the sensitive skin around in but then moved lower and lower until the belly button ring was totally forgotten. Brooke writhed as his mouth sucked and licked her wetness. She moaned and pushed herself to him urging him on. "Ohhhhhh God." She screamed as he zeroed in on her most sensitive area. "Ohhhh yes, ohhhh yes." She moaned. "Ohhhhhhhh." She cried out as her body started to convulse. She closed her eyes and let the orgasm overtake her. Her screams got louder and louder until finally she sighed and collapsed into an exhausted rag doll.

 

"Is that your sister?" Amanda asked Katie who had turned a deep shade of red.

Connor looked at Katie and then Amanda but said nothing.

"Well I know it has to be." Amanda smiled. "Only Michael can make a woman that wild."

"You and Michael?" Katie gasped.

"Oh yeah." Amanda said. "And I don’t think he’s going to be happy to see me at all." She laughed.

 

"I suppose you’re going to say that you would have made her scream like that too." Taylor said sarcastically to Ridge.

"No Doc, it was only to irk Davis, I never meant to upset you."

"Well you did. You know that Brooke and I are friends and you know how insecure I’ve been and you throwing it in my face was crude and unnecessary."

"Doc!"

"Don’t Doc me Ridge, I’m serious. You really don’t see how hard this is for me. You and I are still on shaky ground. Don’t you realize that?"

"No we aren’t Doc, we have never been closer or happier."

"You always need to be the center of every woman’s attention. You say you love me and yet you resent that Brooke has a man who makes her happy. Is that supposed to make me secure Ridge?"

"Taylor I want Logan to be happy, I’m not jealous of Mike."

"You could have fooled me."

"Taylor stop it." He laughed. "After all we went through to get here."

"My point exactly. You are not only taking me for granted but you are trying to put a wedge between me and my best friend and I will not stand for that. So I want you to either start to behave like a grown up or take me home."

"Can I behave like a grown up AND take you home Doc? Cause you are right about one thing, I am jealous of Mike."

"I knew it!"

"Because." He said with a kiss. "He and his wife are making love and I am not making love to mine."

She looked at him and smiled. "I think you just saved your sorry butt Mr. Forrester."

"It won’t be so sorry when it’s making moves over you Mrs. Forrester." He laughed as he grabbed her and kissed her.

 

"Giovanni, I’m sorry." Felicia said as she walked up to him.

"It is alright, I know that this evening wasn’t at all to your liking."

"Ridge thinks he can run everyone’s life. But I didn’t mean to ignore you. I hope you aren’t mad."

"Not at all. Did you and Brooke make your peace?"

"Actually I don’t know. I hope so." She told him.

"I hope it is not anything too serious."

"I’d really rather not talk about it if you don’t mind."

"I don’t mind at all."

"Here comes my sister." She said. "Bridget hi." She waved.

"Hi Felicia." She said. "I didn’t know that you were coming."

"It was a last minute thing." She smiled at her. "You know Giovanni don’t you?"

"Yes." She smiled. "Hello."

"Hello Bridget. When are your mother and father going to give me the honor of photographing you?"

"Me?" She blushed. "I’m not a model."

"Ahhh, but you should be." He said. "Look at her cheekbones Felicia. I’ve been trying to convince your father that he has the next Forrester Spokeswoman right under his own nose."

"Dad is very protective Giovanni, but you do have a point. Are you at all interested Bridget?"

"I’ve never even given it a thought." She admitted.

"Well you should. I mean you would look terrific in Dad’s designs."

 

"You’re wearing me out." Michael panted as he rolled off of his wife.

"Are you complaining?" She giggled.

"Well not really but we have a house full of guests and we’ve just spent the last half hour."

"Ummm, and what a wonderful half hour it was." She said. "And that’s just a preview of tonight."

"Brooke, sweetie I really want to tell you about what happened today."

"Okay." She said. She cuddled up closely to him.

"Okay it started off I was trying to find Janet. I wanted to try and explain to her about what Stephanie said to her and what she thought she heard from Felicia but she refused to take my calls."

"But she will now, and Felicia will talk to her too."

"Yeah but it gets worse."

"What happened?"

"Remember I told you about that woman that was a patient and I was dating her."

"Which one?" She laughed. "You told me that you um, dated all your pretty patients."

"Amanda, the boob job." He said.

"The one that you couldn’t."

"That’s the one." He said. "You had cast your spell on me by then and I couldn’t get you out of my head."

"What about her?"

"Well she was in my office this morning."

"Did she make a play for you again?"

"Brooke, she did a lot more than that. She set me up."

"Set you up? How?" She asked.

 

"I’m sorry but you must have me confused with someone else." Storm told Adrienne.

"Oh no I don’t. How many men named Storm do you think I’ve slept with?"

"Well you didn’t sleep with me."

"Damn it Storm you know you did. You and your friend."

"Wasn’t me." He said. "Now if you’ll excuse me."

"Why? Why are you doing this? I’d remember you forever. That was the first and only time I ever did that and you were there! You and your roommate. We all went to bed together and you know it!"

"I’m sorry Miss but you have the wrong guy." He said. "Now if you’ll excuse me." He said. He turned and walked away.

"What is your problem?" She shouted after him.

 

Sara tiptoed out of Rick’s bedroom being very careful not to wake him up. She snuck into Bridget’s room and went to her drawer and took out a tiny bikini and slipped it on her body. "I’m going to the party and this time Mike, I am going to have you." She said as she admired herself in the mirror.

 

"Michael what are we going to do?" Brooke asked as she held back her tears. "That woman is never going to let us have him. Michael I’m scared."

"I am too honey, that’s why I went to see Bryan and that’s why I had to go back and spend time with Jason. I didn’t mean to forget about the party."

"So now she thinks you’re screwing patients and when Debra and Ehlers get though to her. No, no I refuse to believe that she could think that. You are not a child abuser."

"She told Janet that I slept with Sara, and with Bridget."

"Oh my God why is this happening?"

"I just hope that Bryan can help us, cause Brooke I can’t lose him, I love him too much, I can’t lose him."

"We won’t Michael. You did the right thing by hiring Bryan and he will know what to do." She kissed him and reached down for her bikini.

"What are you doing?"

"We have to get back out there. We can deal with this all later when we’re alone." She said as she put her bathing suit back on.

"Yeah, you’re right." He said. He got up and put on his suit too. "Ready?"

"Yup." She smiled. He took her hand with a contented smile led her back out to the pool area. His smile disappeared when the first face he saw as he walked out was Amanda’s and the second one was Sara’s.

Changes Part 100

 

"What’s wrong Michael?" Brooke asked as Michael’s hand tightened on hers.

"Go and sit down, I will handle this."

"Handle what? Michael what just happened to you." She asked in alarm as she saw the anger on his face.

"I’ll take care of it Brooke, I’ll take care of both of them." He said. He let go of her hand and purposely headed towards Amanda. Brooke watched in confusion as Taylor came to join her.

"Brooke you and Michael should have been a little more discreet in there." Her friend told her. "Everyone heard you."

"Something’s wrong, something’s going on." Brooke said ignoring Taylor’s lecture.

"I’m serious Brooke, you really embarrassed your guests."

"What? Oh, I’m sorry." Brooke said turning to her finally. "We were making up." She explained.

"That’s what bedrooms were invented for."

"No time." Brooke said turning back to Michael as he approached Amanda. "What is he doing?" She asked aloud.

 

"Okay you have two minutes to get the f*ck out of here." He said as he grabbed her arm.

"Hey, stop Mike that hurts."

"You want to feel pain Mandy? I’d be happy to show you some."

"Don’t blame me. They made me do it. Besides, she told me that you wanted to f*ck me again."

"Who? Debra Fulton?" He asked angrily not letting go of her.

"The nurse lady, her." She said as she struggled to loosen his grip.

"Now how was she supposed to know something like that Mandy?"

"She said you weren’t happy in your sex life and you missed when we f*cked in your office. Come on Mike, we did f*ck in your office all the time."

"Before I got married Mandy, not since. And didn’t it seem odd to you that a perfect stranger asked you to do that?" Finally he let go of her but pulled her to face him.

"I thought she was kinky. I thought maybe she got off on watching."

"Watching?" He shouted into her face.

"She told me to make sure the door wasn’t locked and to make sure that we made plenty of noise. How was I supposed to know you didn’t really want to."

"I’d think the last time would have given you a clue."

"Oh that." She giggled. "Yeah I remember that. You couldn’t get it up."

"Why are you here? Haven’t you caused me enough stress for one day?"

"When I came I had no idea this was your house. We never were here before Mike. What happened to that great house with that awesome bed?" She giggled.

"Nevermind that, I want to know why you’re here."

"Katie invited me."

"Who the f*ck is Katie?"

"Duh!" She laughed. "Your sister-in-law."

"She’s in on this too?" He said as his face reddened and he grabbed her arm again.

"In on what? We just wanted to party." She said pulling away again.

"Come on, you’re going home now." He said as he started to pull her towards the gates.

"I didn’t drive, you’ll have to throw Katie out too."

"I’ll call you a cab." He growled. "Mandy why? After all we had been through together? Why did you do that to me? Do you hate me that much that you had to do that?"

"Hate you? I don’t hate you Mike. That nurse lady said I’d get to f*ck you again and that she’d get what she wanted too. What did she want then Mike?" She asked innocently.

 

"Who is that woman?" Ridge asked Connor.

"I don’t know but Michael sure doesn’t like her does he." Connor laughed.

"He’s getting pretty rough with her, I think we should break it up."

"Sorry Ridge, I think I’ll be staying out of this one." He answered as Adrienne walked over to them. Connor protectively put his arm around her and kissed her lightly. "Where have you been?"

"It’s not important. Why is Amanda Patterson here?"

"And that would be?" Connor asked.

"The woman with Mike."

"Who is she Adrienne?" Ridge asked. "And why is Mike so angry?"

"I don’t know why he’s angry but she’s a patient of his. She used to be more than a patient if you know what I mean."

"I think I do." Ridge laughed. "And I thought I got around."

"This isn’t like him, he’s really making a scene."

"And the other one didn’t count?" Ridge laughed.

"There’s a difference between making a little too much noise making love to your wife and manhandling a woman like that." Connor added.

"I’ll stop him." Adrienne said.

"Stay out of this Ade."

"He’s my friend Connor, I don’t like what I’m seeing right now." She started to walk away but Connor grabbed her arm.

"No Adrienne, this has got nothing to do with you. Just stay out of it."

 

Katie looked up at Storm in shock. "I had no idea she knew him."

"I think she more than knows him from that reaction."

"Poor Brooke, this whole thing is turning into a disaster. I’d better go get Mandy and get out of here."

"Don’t get into the middle of that Katie, wait till he’s done. That man has a mean temper. I swear if he ever touches Brooke like that."

"I’m sure he doesn’t Stormy." She said but she wasn’t all that convinced herself.

 

"Ridge, I think I should take the children home now." Katherine said as she nervously approached him. "I don’t know what to do."

"Take Taylor’s car. But maybe we should see if Felicia and Giovanni want to stay or not."

"I’ll get the children ready."

"Good Katherine, I’ll get the keys for you and be back in a moment." He surveyed the crowd and saw Taylor talking to Brooke. "Great." He muttered as he headed off towards them.

"Maybe we should go too." Connor said to Adrienne.

"No way. This will all blow over and you’ll embarrass them more if we leave."

"I suppose." He said without much conviction.

"Connor you’ve known Brooke a long time." She said.

"Yeah, why?"
"What do you know about her brother?"

"Storm? I don’t know him too well. He and Ridge never got along so that was good enough for me. He was pretty supportive of Brooke and me for what that was worth. He’s a nice guy if that’s what you mean. Is it?" He asked.

"Not really. It’s just that I met him before and he’s acting like he never met me. I’ve never really been treated this way by a man before."

"Well I find it hard to believe a man could ever forget you. How well did you know him?" He asked looking deeply into her eyes.

"Not that well I guess." She said. "But he made quite an impression on me at the time."

"Was it long ago?"

"It must have been longer than I thought." She sighed.

 

"Doc, Katherine wants to take the kids home. Give my your keys and she can take your car." Ridge told his wife. She touched his arm and smiled.

"Thanks." She said.

"It really was her idea." He admitted.

"Ridge, I’m sorry." Brooke told him. "I don’t know what this is all about."

"According to Adrienne Mike used to well date Amanda."

"He’s dated a lot of women here tonight." She said angrily.

"Logan, you’ve dated a few of the men too." Ridge laughed.

"I didn’t make a fool of myself with them."

"No, you saved that for with your husband." He laughed again.

"Are you entertaining yourself Ridge?" Taylor asked sarcastically. "Because Brooke really doesn’t need this right now."

"Taylor I’m getting worried. Michael seems totally out of control." Brooke said ignoring Ridge’s remark.

"I’d forgotten how violent he gets." Ridge commented.

"He’s not violent, he’s just angry." Brooke said defending her husband.

"He looks pretty violent right now Brooke." Taylor concurred with Ridge. "Do you think you can control him?"

"Control him? You’re acting like he’s a wild animal or something. He asked me to wait and I’ll wait." She said. But her thoughts went to the times when he had injured his hand in a fit of anger. He hadn’t shown this side of himself in so long that she had almost forgotten about it.

"Have you seen Felicia?" Ridge asked. "Maybe she’s had enough herself."

"She’s over by the grill talking to Giovanni." Taylor told him. "Tell her to go with Katherine if she wants to."

"Please." Brooke said. "Please, everyone can’t just leave."

"It might be for the best Brooke." Taylor said calmly.

"No, no it isn’t." She felt her eyes tear up and she turned towards Michael and Amanda. "I’ll talk to them."

She was about to leave Taylor and Ridge and approach them when she saw Katie walk up to them and confront Amanda.

 

"Mandy we better go now." She said. "Michael, I don’t have any idea what this is about but you are embarrassing my sister and I don’t appreciate that."

"Look Katie, this doesn’t concern you." He started.

"Anything that hurts Brooke concerns me. Look around you Michael, everyone is staring at you." She turned to Amanda. "And you’re no better. This is no way to behave at a friends party. I made a huge mistake bringing you. Let’s leave now."

"We aren’t finished Mandy." Michael said gruffly. "You WILL fix what you started. You will tell her the God damn truth!"

"Let’s go Katie." Amanda said pulling away from him. Katie shot him a look and the two women left.

Michael took a moment to collect himself and looked around for Sara. Not seeing her he walked to Brooke.

"What was that? Why did you have to go and ruin everything?" She cried to him.

"Me? I didn’t invite that f*cking slut to my home."

"Well it appears that your description of her has a lot of truth doesn’t it?"

"Don’t start Brooke. I am not in the mood."

"You haven’t been in the mood since you came home!" She yelled.

"I explained that to you!" He shouted back.

"Mike, Brooke come on, can’t this wait?" Taylor said trying to calm them.

"Brooke, baby I’m sorry, I don’t mean to fight with you." Michael said as he gently pulled her into his arms. He kissed her on the hair and then the lips. She sighed and rested against him. "I’ll explain everything to you later. But now I have to take care of one more unwelcome visitor."

"Who? What?" She asked as she once more tensed up.

"Her." Michael said as he let go of his wife and headed towards Sara Fulton.

"Oh God Bridget what have you done now?" Brooke moaned.

 

"Hi Mike." Sara smiled at him.

"Who the hell told you to come here tonight?" He responded as he got closer.

"Oh Mike." She laughed as she threw herself into his arms and kissed him, making sure that her breasts rubbed hard against him. She pushed her tongue into his mouth and pushed her pelvis against his groin. Much to his embarrassment his body responded to her and he pushed her away roughly. "Hey, I can play rough as well as anyone, but I like a mattress under me in case I fall." She laughed softly as she reached to touch him.

"Let’s go." He said grabbing her wrist.

"Cool! Your bed or mine?" She giggled.

He pulled her across the patio and into the driveway. "Stay!" He shouted as one would to a dog in need of discipline. She leaned against his car with a wide grin on her face as he stormed back to the pool. He walked past Brooke, Ridge and Taylor without saying a word. Brooke’s mouth was wide open in shock as he swung the pool house door open and grabbed a shirt and his keys and went back the way he had come in,

"Michael?" Brooke called out to him.

"Later." He said to her walking out to the car. He unlocked it with the remote and turned to Sara. "Get in!"

She sheepishly got into the passenger seat as he got into the drivers seat.

"Mike." She started.

"Not a word, not a f*cking word!" He screamed at her.

 

"Brooke?" Taylor asked in concern as she watched Michael drive away with the girl.

"That was Sara." Brooke was barely able to get out. "Oh God, oh God. Why did he take her himself. I should have taken her, he’s going to make that woman furious. He’s making this so much worse."

"What woman Brooke?"

"Her mother, Debra Fulton. She’s out to ruin him. He’s so mad he isn’t thinking. Oh God where is my daughter? How could she do this to us? To Michael?"

 

"Get me an espresso." Joey said to the waitress at Insomnia. He rubbed his temples and stared at the door. Bridget captured his thoughts. He hadn’t planned on letting her get to him, he was going to use her for information, learn ways to get to his brother, form some plans. But now all that was shot to hell. The girl was sweet, she was kind and he liked her. He liked her far too much. He pulled out his wallet to pay for the coffee and found the unused tickets from the boardwalk. He laughed to himself. He had really had fun, his life seemed suddenly uncomplicated all because of the cute little strawberry blonde, his brother’s step-daughter. "Oh Mikey, you wouldn’t like my thoughts right now." He said to himself as he remembered her lips on his. So sweet, so very sweet. "I gotta get laid." He laughed as he surveyed the coffeehouse for prospects to take care of his problems. Unfortunately for Joey, none had the appeal of the Forrester girl.

 

Blake Hayes was angry, he was very angry. He wanted to know what was happening to Taylor and she wasn’t home. She was at Brooke’s and if Joe had done as he had asked he could be watching her right now. He slammed down the remote and walked out of the room in frustration. And because of this he didn’t see the red headed woman peering at Taylor’s house. He didn’t see the anger and hatred on her face. He didn’t see the way she picked up the children’s toy and smashed it and most importantly he didn’t see the gun in her hand.

 

Stephanie Forrester randomly picked up framed photos from the mantle and looked at them. She was sad and lonely. She missed her husband. She walked to the phone and picked it up and then put it down without dialing. "No." She said to herself. "I will not give into my loneliness. This has to be done if I ever want him to come to his senses. He has to realize that Morgan is no good, no good for any of us." She picked up a photo of Ridge and Taylor. "She almost did it but you made it, your love was stronger than she was. Now I need ours to be too Eric."

"Mom, what’s wrong?" Bridget asked as her mother approached her with a look she hadn’t seen since she had been a naughty child.

"How could you? You know what she’s done to him, you know we don’t want her here. I trusted you Bridget! Michael trusted you!"

"Mom I don’t know what you’re talking about." Bridget said defensively as she turned to Felicia and Giovanni.

"Brooke, she’s been with us since she came in." Felicia explained.

"Why did you bring her back to this house Bridget? Do you know where she is now? Well Michael grabbed her to take her home!"

"Take who home?" Bridget asked.

"Sara Fulton!" Brooke screamed.

"Mom I didn’t bring Sara! I came home alone."

"What?" Brooke asked suddenly quiet. She looked at her daughter and wrapped her arms around her. "Of course you wouldn’t have. I’m sorry baby, forgive me?"

"Mom how did Sara get here?"

"She must have invited herself. Damn that child."

"And she’s alone with Michael?" Bridget gasped.

"Mike wouldn’t hurt her." Felicia told Brooke.

"I know that Felicia!" Brooke answered angrily. "It’s what she is going to do to him that has me worried."

She looked sadly at Bridget and walked away.

 

"Mike why are you so mad?" Sara asked as she stroked his leg with her finger. He roughly grabbed her hand and threw it back on her own lap.

"Don’t!" He warned.

"We can have lots of fun. I’m younger than Brooke is and I can make you really happy in bed. You know you want me."

"I want you to shut the f*ck up and leave me alone."

"You got so nice and hard against me. I really like it with a mature man like you, you really know how to make a girl feel good. Come on Mike, I’m all juicy for you." She said grabbing his hand and pushing it between her legs. He pulled away immediately and swung as if to hit her but stopped himself at the last moment.

"No, you will not make me touch a woman." He said calmly. "You know Sara. I don’t know who’s worse, you or your mother."

"I’m better, much better." She giggled as she untied the bikini top and let it drop. "Whoops." She laughed. Michael looked at her and turned away.

"Aren’t they nice?" She asked as she held her breasts in her hands and stroked her nipples to hardness. "I bet you get women trying to make theirs just like these. Wanna touch? Wanna taste?"

"Wanna grow up?" He sighed. "Put your clothes on now Sara."

She giggled again and leaned against him. He ignored her and kept driving until he felt her hand once more in his lap.

"If I have to say it again you’ll be walking the rest of the way home!" He said as he pulled the car over and screeched to a stop.

 

"I can’t believe this, I can’t believe everyone is leaving." Brooke said to Taylor as she watched Connor and Adrienne drive off. Felicia and Giovanni had left with Katherine and the children and a few moments later Frank had left. Storm had kissed Brooke and promised to call the next day and before she knew it she was alone with Ridge, Taylor and Anne.

"Honey it’s okay." Anne said. "We all understand how things can get totally out of control."

"I wanted this to be perfect." She said. "I just don’t understand how it all went so wrong."

"Next time will be better." Taylor said with a hug.

"Oh please, please you can’t leave too."

"We’re not going anywhere Logan." Ridge assured her.

"Where’s Thorne?" She asked.

"I’m right here." He said walking over to them. "Can I get you something honey?"

"No thanks." She said sadly.

"Hey look at it this way." Thorne smiled. "No one is ever going to forget this party."

"Oh God." Brooke moaned. "They sure won’t."

 

"Morgan? Morgan are you home?" Eric called out. He had knocked and rung the bell but she didn’t answer his calls. "Where can she be?" He wondered. He walked to the window and looked outside at the parking lot. Her car was parked in it’s space and he was concerned. Could something have happened to her? He walked back to the door and knocked and rang the bell again.

 

"What happened?" Brooke asked as she ran to Michael and put her arms around him.

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Where is everyone?"

"Ridge and Taylor and Anne are here. Thorne just left a moment ago." She said taking his hand and walking towards the pool deck with him. "So what happened?"

"I took her home."

"Michael please, there had to be more to it."

"She tried her best to seduce me and I tried my best not to kill her." He said with a laugh. "Really it’s fine Brooke, I took her home and let her go in the driveway. I don’t even think Debra was home, the house was dark."

"Why did she come?"

"I don’t know, I didn’t ask her."

"What did you talk to her about?"

"Talk? I didn’t talk to her. I drove her home and told her to leave us the hell alone. I think she may have finally gotten the message."

"Oh Michael." She gently touched his face. "I was so scared."

"I know, I know you were. Brooke I am so sorry that I ran out like that but I knew I had to do something right away." He stopped and pulled her into his arms. "Tell me you understand."

"I do." She said before her lips joined his.

"I guess they made up." Ridge said to Taylor and Anne.

"I think they still have some issues to clear up, like his temper."

"Mike always had a bad temper." Anne said. "Both the boys did but especially Mike. He was very unhappy as a child. Losing our parents hit him the hardest I think."

"It’s still no excuse to manhandle a woman like he did tonight." Ridge shook his head.

"We should have all our facts before we judge him Ridge." Taylor said watching Michael and Brooke finally break their embrace.

 

The buzzing of his beeper woke Rick and he reached for Sara next to him. He opened his eyes in surprise to find himself alone. He reached for his beeper and looked at it. "Sara?" He said. He grabbed his cell phone and called her number.

"Rick?" She asked.

"Where are you?"

"Home, your mother and her husband saw me. I didn’t say anything about you so you gotta get my stuff out of there and bring it to me."

"What stuff?"

"My clothes."

"You’re naked?" He asked as he sat up.

"No silly. You were sleeping and I wanted to take a swim so I took one of Bridget’s bathing suits. Well when I got downstairs I saw your mother and Mike and I tried to sneak away but they saw me. So just sneak my stuff out of there okay?"

"Yeah, I’ll drop it off in a little bit."

"No, I mean I have to go to the store. Why don’t you just put it in a bag or something and leave it behind the garage."

"Why all the secrecy Sara?"

"I don’t want to get you into trouble and if they say anything to my mother."

"Yeah I guess so. Besides, my Mom doesn’t even know I’m here. If I leave now she’ll never put it together."

"Good. Thanks Rick. Call me okay?"

"Yeah sure Sara. See you."

They hung up and Sara grinned. She walked to the mirror and checked out her reflection. "Perfect." She said as she pulled the neckline of her tight shirt down. "You’ll pay for what you did to me Mike." She said with a sneer. She grabbed her purse and headed down the stairs.

 

"Sorry about that." Michael said to the others when he and Brooke finally joined them. "It couldn’t be avoided."

"Michael she was just a kid. You really could have been a little less rough with her." Taylor said.

"A kid? You call that bitch a kid? Taylor you really are not so sharp for a shrink."

"Hey!" Ridge said quickly. "That’s my wife you’re talking to."

"Just calling it like I see it." Michael said as he sat down next to his sister. "So Annie, can we throw a party or what?"

"Mike." She smiled and ruffled his hair. "Honey why did you feel so threatened by that child?"

"Brooke didn’t tell you anything?" He asked.

"No I didn’t." Brooke interjected. "I wanted to forget about it for a couple of hours and relax, I guess I was just stupid."

"No you weren’t." Michael smiled at his wife. "Sara and her mother have accused me of some pretty serious shit. They, as well as your charming mother Ridge, are responsible for the fact that I have to hire a lawyer to try and foster a sweet little boy that I happen to love."

"My mother? Why are you blaming things on my mother?" Ridge said with venom.

"You ask her Ridge, I’m not about to go into it."

"Taylor, I think we should go now." Ridge said. "Logan, I’m very sorry for you."

"What? What are you talking about Ridge?" Brooke said with a sneer. "My husband is being accused of some terrible things that are not true. You blindly support your mother? A woman who single-handedly drove us apart! A woman who has literally tried to kill me!"

"Brooke, we’re leaving before this goes somewhere it shouldn’t." Taylor said. She turned to Anne. "It was nice to meet you Anne. And Michael, calm down, things will work out."

"You don’t have a clue." He said shaking his head.

 

"I was hoping I’d see you." Sara said to Joe as she sat down next to him. "You are done babysitting now aren’t you?"

"Funny, very funny." He said. "Here to tease me again? Cause honey I am not in the mood."

"Now you didn’t expect me to put out the first time I saw you now did you?"

"Hmmm, and now?" He asked.

She got up and sat on his lap. He hand stroked him and she whispered in his ear. "Prepare to be f*cked like you were never f*cked before."

"Oh yeah?" He laughed.

"And Joey, I like it rough." She smiled.

 

"Eric!" Morgan said as she literally ran into him coming into the condo.

"I’ve been going crazy with worry. Where were you? Where is the baby?"

"He’s fine Eric, he’s inside with a sitter."

"A sitter that didn’t answer the door?"

"I told her not to." She said.

"Why Morgan?"

"Because you weren’t here and I thought Stephanie or Taylor or Ridge might come over and I didn’t want to put her through that." She said as she forced some crocodile tears to her eyes.

"Oh Morgan, I am so sorry." He said as he took her into his arms and held her. "I should have been here for you."

"No Eric, I can’t rely on you or anyone. I need to take care of my own life."

"Where were you honey?" He asked.

"I, I needed to get out, I needed to just do something."

"I wanted to take you to dinner." He said.

"I wish I had waited." She smiled. "Did you eat yet Eric?"

"No." He said. "I was too concerned about you."

"Well come in and let me fix you something."

"You don’t have to."

"But I want to." She said linking her arm through his. She leaned up and kissed him. "I want to do everything for you Eric."

 

"You’re home early Felicia." Stephanie said to her daughter as she looked up from her book. "Was the party over early?"

"Oh it was pretty much over before it started mother, thanks to you."

"To me? Whatever are you talking about?" She asked. Stephanie took off her reading glasses and put the book down.

"Do you know where the party was mother?"

"No, you never told me."

"It was at the Copeland’s." She said. "You know, as in Michael and Brooke."

"Oh Felicia, I wish I had known, I would have done anything to spare you that. Did your brother take you right home?"

"No mother. I had the chance to talk to Mike."

"No, no I don’t want you to talk to him. I don’t want him anywhere near you ever again."

"I know what you did to him, I know the lies you’ve been telling everyone, even me. How could you Mother? How could you?"

 

"Don’t leave." Michael said to Ridge and Taylor. "I’m sorry, I had a terrible day and I don’t mean to take it out on either of you. Taylor, I didn’t mean what I said, please stay huh?"

"Ridge?" She turned to her husband.

"It’s up to you Doc."

"Okay Mike, we’ll stay." She smiled at him and sat down. An unhappy Ridge sat next to her. "So do you want to talk about it?"

"Actually like Brooke said, I’d like to forget I ever met that kid." He explained. "She’s been a problem for me since almost the first time I saw her. For some reason she decided that she wanted to get me into bed and she won’t give up."

"Oh poor Mikey." Ridge laughed. "The women just fall all over you."

"I’m serious Ridge, this isn’t funny and it isn’t innocent. She told her mother that I slept with her and that I slept with Bridget."

"Bridget!" Ridge jumped up and got right into his face. "If you laid one hand on her I will f*cking kill you."

"Ridge! What the hell is wrong with you?" Brooke cried out. "How could you even think such a thing?"
"Michael would never touch Bridget." Anne said coming to her brother’s defense.

"I didn’t say he did." Ridge tried to get out of it.

"Look this whole thing has gotten totally out of hand, I’m sure Ridge doesn’t think Mike would ever do that, he is just being defensive of her." Taylor said in her best psychiatrist voice.

"I think maybe it’s time to end this party after all." Brooke said taking her husband’s hand.

Michael just stared angrily at Ridge who sheepishly looked down.

"We can’t just leave things this way Brooke." Taylor said. "Why don’t we go make some coffee and let the men work this out between them?"

"You expect me to just forget that Ridge practically accused my husband of accosting his own step daughter?"

"Come on Brooke." Anne said taking her hand. "Let’s go inside and let them deal with this. Ridge seems embarrassed."

"He should be." Brooke replied as she let Taylor and Anne lead her inside.

Joey adjusted his shirt and zipped up his pants as Sara lay across the seat of his motorcycle. Her shirt was torn slightly and he had no idea how it had happened. She had said she liked it rough but he had tried to keep it in control. The girl was wild and not for him. He vowed to never see her again. If it hadn’t been for his frustration over Bridget he never would have been with her in the first place. He looked over at her again and saw the dark bruise on her arm. "Did I do that?" He asked.

"What?"

"That bruise?" He said. "I didn’t mean to hurt you."

"I think it was when we almost fell off the bike, don’t worry over that, I had fun." She grinned.

"Sara look, I know you said rough and all but I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m not like that at all."

"You were great. But I think we better not see each other anymore." She told him. Now although it had been his resolve Joey didn’t mind being the dumper but he hated to be the dumpee.

"You don’t want to see me again?" He asked. "And why is that Sara?"

"I have my reasons." She told him.

"Fine, get dressed and I’ll take you home."

"I can walk."

"No way Sara, it’s late and dark and this is not a good place. I am not letting you walk home alone."

"I don’t want my mother to see me ride up on a bike." She explained.

"Your mother? Sara you’re eighteen, what does it matter what she says?"

"Well that isn’t quite true." She said.

"What isn’t quite true?" He asked. "Sara you told me you were legal."

"I lied." She grinned.

"Oh Joe you are such an idiot." He said aloud.

"Don’t sweat it, no one will ever know."

"Sara, just dress. I’ll take you to the end of your block and walk you back to your house."

"That’ll work." She smiled as she started to dress.

 

"Mom." Bridget said with a hug to Brooke.

"Hi baby." She smiled. "You aren’t mad at me are you?"

"Never." She smiled at her. "Is Mike home yet?"

"He’s outside talking to Ridge." She told her.

"I want to tell him that it wasn’t me."

"I’m sure he knows that."

"I need to make him understand." She said.

"Bridget, Ridge and Michael need to talk alone." Taylor interjected.

"No Taylor, Michael needs Bridget’s support even more, go ahead out there baby." She told her.

Bridget kissed her on the cheek and headed outside.

"Brooke that wasn’t smart." Taylor told her.

"It’s what Michael needs so to me it was the smartest thing I could do."

 

Bridget walked up to Michael and put her arms around him. Ridge looked at this with suspicious eyes. "I’m sorry about Sara, I hope you know I didn’t bring her here."

"I know you wouldn’t do that sweetheart." He said hugging her tightly. "Don’t worry about it, it’s all over and done with. I took her home and I think she learned her lesson this time."

"What did you do to her?"

"Awh, nothing honey. I just told her that nothing was ever going to happen and that I didn’t want her bothering my family anymore. I’d never do anything to hurt the kid. I just am so sick of her little games."

"Me too." She agreed. "Hi Ridge." She smiled sweetly at her half brother.

"Hey Budge." He said.

"Mike, Ridge, why don’t you guys come inside with everyone else?" She asked.

"We will in a minute." Michael told her.

"Okay." She said touching Mike’s arm. She kissed his cheek and walked inside again.

"Okay, you both sold me." Ridge said.

"How could you ever think that about me Ridge?"

"You have to understand how important Bridget is to me. I’d do anything to protect her." Ridge warned.

"So would I Ridge." Michael told him. "She’s like my own kid and she means the world to me, never doubt that, never."

Ridge looked at Michael and determined that he was sincere. He patted him on the back and the two men went inside to join the women.

"Coffee smells great Logan." Ridge said cheerfully.

"Honey want to get the dessert out?" Brooke asked Michael.

"Sure." He grinned at her.

"I have so much stuff, I never thought everyone would leave." Brooke said with a pout.

"Bring in the leftovers to work tomorrow, we’ll finish them there." Ridge smiled to her.

"Oh I’m sure your mother would love that, she’d probably accuse me of trying to poison her."

"Well I’m sure Katherine and the kids would like me to bring something home." Taylor said.

"And I’d love to take some too." Anne agreed.

Michael and Brooke put out the supply of cakes, fruit and mousse and they all filled their plates with the wonderful food.

 

"How could I?" Stephanie asked. "How could I? That animal left you for dead. What kind of lies has he been filling you with?"

"The truth mother, he told me the truth. Why did you do that to us? I was going to marry him! I loved him for God’s sake!"

"Felicia calm down, you know that he was no good, you know I was only looking out for you."

"I loved him! Damn you mother! Your interference in my life cost me the man I loved and I believed you all this time, all this time I let it fester and rot inside me. I would have come home to him, I would have married him and now it’s too late. I will never, never forgive you."

"They’re all asleep." Ridge told Taylor as he shut off the light and got under the covers.

"Is Phoebe still upset?" She asked.

"Well she is but I explained to her that if she leaves her toys outside sometimes they get broken."

"Ridge it looked like someone did it on purpose."

"Now who would do that? No Doc, one of us must have run it over with the car."

"It was her favorite doll."

"I promised we’d get her a new one." He smiled.

"So much for teaching them a lesson." Taylor laughed.

"What can I say Doc, their father is a pushover for a pretty face." He leaned over and kissed her. "Especially this one."

"What about Steffie and Thomas?" She asked.

"Yeah, I’m getting them all a new toy." He grinned. "Hey Mommy, I’ll get you a new toy too."

"Mommy wants to play with her favorite toy." She said as she reached for the drawstring on his pajamas.

"And Daddy has it all ready for her," He said as he gently lowered himself over her.

"It wasn’t a total disaster now was it?" Michael said to Brooke with a tender kiss.

"Yeah it pretty much was. The only thing that could have made it worse would have been if Stephanie showed up."

"Or Keith Ehlers." Michael laughed.

"That would have been worse." She smiled. "I hope Anne doesn’t judge us too badly."

"She told me she had fun. Brooke you can’t blame me for Amanda and Sara showing up."

"I don’t. I just wish everyone hadn’t run out like they did. Surely they’ve all been at worse parties."

"Well between me being late and our making love and then the uninvited guests."

"Let’s not forget Macy." Brooke added.

"We didn’t stand a chance honey." Michael laughed. "But if I remember correctly when we were in the pool house you promised me act two."

"Act two?" She asked innocently.

"Surely you haven’t forgotten." He said as he sat down on the bed next to her. He slid his hand down the front of her nightgown and stroked her nipples with his thumb. "Promise me something honey."

"What?" She sighed as she leaned back to enjoy his administrations.

"Don’t ever get these pierced." He said as his palm stroked and teased her hardened nipples.

"You!" She giggled.

"Now as for our plans." He said as he lifted her up to a sitting position. "First, this has to go." He pulled her nightgown over her head. "Ummm, now that’s much better." He said as he gazed lovingly at his wife’s bare body. "So nice."

"Do I get equal time?" She asked.

"You wanna see this tired old body?" He laughed.

"Oh yeah." She said as she watched him with bedroom eyes. "Come on and show me what you got."

"For you, anything." He got up off the bed and slowly undressed, characteristically folding and putting his clothes away as he did so.

"You take far too long." She complained.

"As long as I do for everything you got nothin’ to worry about." He grinned. "Want some wine?"

"I just want you." She said. "Come on, don’t make me wait."

"Patience is a virtue."

"You aren’t looking for virtues right now are you?" She giggled.

"Uh, no." He laughed. He came back over to the bed and sat down next to her. She smiled at how he was already responding to her. "See you didn’t even have to touch me."

"Oh but I fully intend to."

"You got that right." He said with a grin.

"Michael, about before with Sara and Amanda." Brooke started.

"No, no more talk of all that. Tonight is for us and for loving. Now talk dirty to me." He said in a sexy voice.

"How dirty?" She whispered as she reached over to touch him. Her finger went from his neck all the way down to caress the very end of his already hardened shaft.

"Real dirty." He moaned in pleasure.

"I can do that." She laughed.

"I want to f*ck you all night long and then start all over again in the morning." Michael told her as he slipped his hand between her legs. "Ummm nice and wet." He said.

"I need more than you fingers Michael."

"What do you need Brooke? Tell me what you need."

"I need your big hard dick inside me. I need you to f*ck my brains out."

Michael looked at her and laughed. "You really aren’t comfortable with this are you?"

"No." She admitted.

"We’ll learn together, but not tonight. Tonight I’m going to make my wife come so hard she won’t be able to walk tomorrow."

"Sounds good." She said.

"Brooke, I want you, I want you so bad."

"You want this?" She asked as she lowered herself on the bed and took him into her hands. She brought her mouth to him and used her tongue to explore every inch of him. He sighed and closed his eyes as she continued her erotic torture. "Ummmm, so nice." She moaned as she slid his pen*s between her breasts and pushed them together on him.

"Oh my God Brooke, you are so f*cking great. That’s so good, so good." He moaned.

"Brooke sure loves her baby." She said as she once more returned her mouth to him. She brought him to the brink and then pulled back and stopped.

"What are you doing?" He asked breathlessly.

"Can’t waste the sperm Michael. Please, f*ck me now. I want to make a baby."

"Next time, can’t wait that long." He said as he grabbed her hand and placed it on him. "Come on baby, take it again, it was so good."

"Yeah." She moaned. "I want it this way." She said positioning herself over him. She pushed down onto him and he exploded inside her. "Damn it!" She said with a laugh.

"Keep riding baby, we’ll be back in business in a moment." He assured her. She reached between them and stroked him as she rode him and soon he was hard again inside her. He reached up and cupped her breasts and held them as she pumped up and down on him. They found their rhythm and soon were totally into the experience, all thoughts of anything but their mutual pleasure gone.

 

Macy woke up and reached over to touch Grant.

"Huh? What’s wrong?" He asked.

"Sounds like the party’s over." She said.

"You weren’t planning on going back anyway were you?"

"It would serve that bitch right."

"That bitch is giving us a place to live and selling me this house for a song Macy."

"We don’t need her. We can do anything we want without her. Someday she’ll get hers and believe me I will be laughing all the way."

"Don’t be mean Macy, it isn’t becoming." He told her. "Brooke is a good person and I care a lot about her. I wish my ladies could learn to get along."

"When Brooke finally pays for all the pain she’s caused I’ll think about it."

"Macy what are you talking about?" He asked as he sat up and faced her. "What pain? What should she pay for? She and Taylor are best friends. She helped to save my life, she invited both of us to live in her home. She’s a loving wife and mother. Honey it’s time you put aside all your bitterness or you and I are never going to make it."

"Grant? Please don’t say that. I need you."

"And I need you too Macy, but I can’t live with all the hatred. Not after everything I’ve been through. If you want our relationship to last you have to go back to being the woman I fell in love with, not the one I’m looking at right now."

 

"Oh Ridge that was wonderful." Taylor sighed as she held him in her arms. "I love you, I love you so much."

"Doc you’ve given me everything that a man could ever want. I could never ask for more. Our marriage, our family, I am so fulfilled. I thank God that I have you and I swear I will never let you go again."

"I feel the same way Ridge, everything that we went through, it doesn’t matter anymore because we are where we belong again."

"You know what I want Doc?" He asked her.

"What?"

"Another baby, do you think you’d like to have another baby with me?"

"Oh Ridge, there is nothing I’d like more but not yet, not after losing our baby like that. I need time to heal, time with you and our kids. But yes, yes I do want another child with you."

"Just say the word Doc and I’m ready."

"I love you Ridge." She said as she claimed his mouth with hers.

 

Storm Logan sat on the bed in his hotel room and fiddled with the cap on the beer he had taken from the mini-bar. He nervously ran his hand through his hair and picked up the phone. "I’d like to charge this to my phone card." He said to the operator after he punched in the familiar number. He drummed his fingers on the table until his party answered. "We’ve got trouble." Storm said as the phone was answered. "I saw Adrienne Banner tonight."

 

"Amazing." Michael said as he planted a kiss on Brooke’s lips. "How can it keep getting better? You’d think we would be like an old married couple but I can’t ever get enough of you. I want to keep loving you and kissing you and touching you."

"Who’s stopping you?" She said softly.

"I’m serious Brooke. When I met you and I married you I knew it was good and I knew that I loved you, but I swear Brooke, I never knew love could be like this. You’ve made me into the kind of man I’ve always wanted to be. I never knew I could be though, but you did it."

"I didn’t do anything. You are the man I fell in love with, you haven’t really changed. Maybe mellowed a little."

"You’re wrong." He said. He leaned over and kissed her again. "Brooke I was never going to be a husband or a father. Part of me wanted it but I knew I wasn’t meant for that and now. Now I really think I can have it all. I have you and Bridget and we will have our own baby and somehow, somehow we will get Jason. Brooke it’s amazing to me. This womanizer who lived for the moment, who couldn’t remember the last names of the women he f*cked, he’s a happily married man and the only thing he wants is more of it. God how I adore you."

"Oh Michael." She smiled at him as a tear ran down her cheek.

"But I haven’t totally changed either."

"How so?" She asked.

"Well I used to think marriage meant the end of sex and romance and fun. Well I have had more sex and romance and fun since the day I met you than I ever had in my life, and it is so good, and so real."

"I used to think that I would never feel the way I did when I was with Ridge ever again." She admitted.

"He was my first love and my soul mate and I wanted to die when I lost him. I went though so many bad relationships trying to recapture what I had lost. It wasn’t until I found something so different and so new that I ever realized that I had stopped trying, stopped looking. When I first looked into your eyes I wanted you. I wanted you more than I had ever wanted anyone, and that includes Ridge. And Michael it was frightening. I was engaged to a wonderful man, a man who really loved me. A man who was giving me a life that I really thought I wanted. And it would have been a good life and I would have been happy, but I would still be waiting for that special thing that Ridge had given me. Then you took me into your arms and kissed me and there was no Ridge, he was gone and there was only you and I knew that my life would never be the same."

"Brooke." He sighed and touched her hair.

"There is a part of me that will always belong to Ridge and I will never regret what we had and I will never deny loving him, loving him desperately. But Michael you have given me something so much stronger, so much more real and I, I can’t even put it into words. I am only half a person without you."

"You will never, ever be without me Brooke. That’s what I’m trying to say. You know in the past, I would have slept with Amanda and it would have been no big thing and it would have been fun and I’d go on with whatever woman I was with as if nothing had happened. When I saw her today, naked in my office trying so hard to seduce me. All I could think of was why did I ever want that? Why did I need to prove myself like that?"

"Michael we are both so lucky, who would imagine that something so wonderful could come out of something so terrible. I know it sounds stupid but I am so glad I was shot."

"You crazy beautiful woman." He said as he took her into his arms and kissed her. His lips slowly left hers and worked their way to her neck. She moaned as he kissed and sucked at her moving to her breasts. He nipples hardened before his mouth even got there and when it did he took the hard pebbles and licked and stroked them with his tongue. She was taken by surprise when his hand stroked her womanhood. Then he abandoned her breasts and with a strong tug pulled her body to him.

"What are you doing?" She giggled.

"You’ll see." He said. He tugged her further down and pulled her legs up and around his shoulders.

"Oh my." She said when his mouth began to zero in on it’s destination. "Oh God." She moaned when he found her love button and took it in his mouth and gently sucked it. "Oh God yes." She screamed as he gave her the first of many orgasms.

 

"Mommy?" Sara sobbed as she walked into her mother’s room. "Mommy?" She cried harder.

Debra Fulton opened her eyes to see her daughter before her. Her eyes were stained with mascara, her blouse was ripped, her cheek was swollen and her arm was bruised and bleeding. She jumped from the bed.

"Sara! Sara honey what happened? What happened to you?"

"He, he, he." She sobbed through hiccupy tears.

"Who honey, who did this to you?"

"He raped me." She cried as she threw herself into her mother’s arms.

"Who? Who did this to you?" Debra screamed.

"Mmmmmmichael, Michael Copeland."

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