Chapter 17  Farewells & New Beginnings


“Well that was some show.” Deacon laughed as Eric and Stephanie escorted him into Eric’s office. “Poor widdle Widge, the world is gonna miss him. You sure poured on the tears Queenie, I almost, well not really but you got to me right here.” He thumped his chest with a snort.
“You’re despicable.” Eric growled. “We’ve lost our son, try and have a little compassion will you?”
“Oh Eric, now you know how much I adored old Ridge.” He walked to the bar and poured himself a large glass of bourbon. “You have a nice bar here, a really nice bar.” He took a gulp and poured a little more in. “So let’s say we cut to the chase. What do you want from me?”
“We want you gone Deacon, from Forrester and from my daughter’s life.” Eric answered.
“Oh, no can do Gramps, I got it just a little too good right now. Try again huh?”
“Deacon, we’ll make it worth your while.” Stephanie stepped in front of Eric. “You don’t love Bridget, you’ll only hurt her and then what? You could end up with nothing.”
“Ah, but I’m a gambler and I like my odds. Bridget just loves her big daddy.” He reached down and cupped his crotch. “She screams for me Pops, in fact, she wants to make you a Grandpa, what do you think about that? I’m not sure myself, but I sure do like humping her.”
“You pig!” Eric jumped for him but Stephanie got in between them.
“Nice move Queenie, were you worried about old Deac?” Deacon asked with a laugh.
“Please Deacon, you just name your price, you would never want for anything again. Think about what we can do for you Deacon, think carefully.” Stephanie implored him. “Leave us alone and we can all win.”


“I know you’re disappointed in me, but please don’t turn away from me.” Brooke begged. “I should have told you, but it wasn’t the right time, everything is still so crazy, I just wanted to go home, I wanted to do this when you could handle it better. I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to lie to you. Talk to me Ridge, please say something.” She looked at him as tears streamed down her face, but he seemed immune to her pain, only conscious of his own. He had come to her telling her of his conversation with Nick, demanding the truth, demanding she tell him that it wasn’t true, but she couldn’t. Tearfully she confirmed his worst fear when she told him she was indeed pregnant. Now she was waiting, hoping for at least a little understanding.
Ridge finally found his voice. “I hope you don’t expect me to be happy about this. I hope that YOU aren’t happy about this. You’re pregnant with that loser’s baby. How Brooke? How did you let this happen?”
“We didn’t plan it.” She sniffled. “It just happened. It’s not like we had birth control here.”
“You could have used willpower Brooke!” He shouted. “Or are you really just like my mother said?”
“You bastard!” She reached to slap him but he grabbed her hand.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. But I’m upset Brooke. All our plans, all our plans and now what?”
“Our plans?” She asked. “Ridge these are your plans.”
“You’re not going to keep this baby are you? Is it too late? I can arrange a doctor as soon as we get home. It’s routine Brooke, it will be over like it never happened.”
“You want me to abort?” She gasped, the tears being replaced by anger.
“You don’t need a constant reminder of this tragedy Brooke. Every time you looked at the child you’d be forced to remember every horrible detail. I’m trying to protect you.”
“You’re trying to erase Nick from my life and that is not going to happen.” Brooke wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “I’m having this baby Ridge and I’m keeping this baby, with or without your support or approval.”
“And him?” Ridge said the word with disdain. “Where does he stand?”
“I don’t know.” Brooke said softly.
“He thinks you want me to raise this baby. Is that what you want Brooke?”
“I don’t know what I want. Until a couple of days ago all I wanted was to keep this baby safe and to go home. Everything has changed now Ridge. I’ve barely had a chance to digest it all, neither has Nick, but I can’t hold him to us, he has a fiancée, he loves her and he’s committed to her. I’ve set him free, but I won’t deny him contact with his child if he wants it. We, we decided we need time to work it out.”
“When?” Ridge asked.
“When we took that walk.” Brooke thought about the talk they had had and how distant Nick had become. “I’m not sure he wants to be a part of our lives though.” She sighed. “Maybe it’s for the best, I just don’t know how I could see him, see them and not be with him. I just want to go home, I just want to see my kids.” She started to sob again but this time Ridge went to her and took her into his arms.
“I’ll be there for you both Brooke. We’ll get married and I’ll raise the child with you.”
“You could love another man’s child?” She looked up at him.
“It’s your child Brooke and I love you, I love all of you, so I’ll love this child.”
She sighed and relaxed in his arms, letting him give her the comfort she desperately craved.


“Wat’s wrong Nick?” Perry walked up to the man who sat on the beach staring out at the water. He looked forlorn and lovesick and Perry had a good idea what had happened.
“It’s funny Perry.” He looked up at him. “Sometimes you find out that you really don’t know someone at all, someone you thought you knew inside and out. Life can sure be one disappointment after another can’t it?”
“You be talkin’ about Brooke?” Perry asked.
“Yeah.” Nick sighed. “I had it all figured out Perry, but somehow I was completely wrong. I mean I was going to try and give her an out, but I just didn’t think she’d take it, but she did. I guess I was nothing more than an island fling to her, a complicated one yes, but a fling nevertheless. It makes you wonder about all your choices in life.”
“Wat did she say ta you?” Perry asked.
“It’s more about what she didn’t say.” Nick sighed. “It pretty much confirmed that Forrester has been right all along and that I’ve been played for a fool.” He got up and wiped the sand off his shorts. “I’m getting antsy about getting home Perry, wanna get to work? The sooner I’m back in New York City, the better off we’ll all be.”


Nick and Perry were waist deep in the water, working hard when Ridge finally left Brooke. She had calmed down and he was feeling positive about their future. He still was upset about the baby, but as soon as he made Nick realize that his role was over and he’d have no further contact with them things would settle down. In fact he hoped to convince Brooke to tell everyone that this was his child. Why raise the baby under such unfortunate circumstances when it could be raised in a happy, loving family. He knew this had to be settled soon and quietly. He wouldn’t let Nick upset Brooke any further. He waded out to his knees, watching them. Nick seemed to adapt to the work which surprised Ridge, he had initially thought him spoiled and lazy.
“Hold it! Hold it!” Nick called out to Perry before he disappeared underwater. The older man waited, watching until Nick surfaced. “I think we have it.” Nick told him.
“Lemme look.” Perry answered. “You hold da boat steady mon.” He smiled and dove under himself. Nick shook off the water and turned to face his audience.
“You gonna stand there and watch all day or were you thinking of making yourself useful?” His eyes bore into Ridge’s.
“You seem to have it all under control.” Ridge answered.
“Figures that would be your attitude.” Nick scoffed and looked down. Perry had been down a lot longer than he had, but then again Perry was used to this and he knew what he was doing. “Looks like we won’t be here much longer Forrester.”
“Nothing would make me happier.” Ridge smirked. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to get back to your Big Apple. All our lives will be better then.”
“Already celebrating getting rid of me huh?” Nick stated more than asked.
“Parker, I don’t even give you a second thought, and neither does Brooke.”
Perry emerged just as Ridge made the statement. He shook his head. “Don’t be speakin’ for someone else Ridge. What Brooke and Nick say to each udder is none of any of our business.”
“Just stating a fact Perry. Parker here needs to start facing reality soon or else he’s in for a rude awakening.”
Perry turned back towards Nick. “It’s good Nick. I tink we head to the udder side and see to da damage you found.”
“You think we can leave soon?” Nick asked.
“Very soon.” Perry answered. “In fact, Ridge, you and da girls may want to start ta
gadder up some supplies, fruit, water, anyting you see dat we can use. Id will help us get going faster.”
“Works for me.” Ridge smiled. “Where’s Carla?” He asked Nick.
“I’ve been working here Ridge, I haven’t been keeping tabs on her, maybe you and Brooke could find her, if that’s not too much of a strain on you.” Nick sarcastically answered him.
“Now you stop too Nick, we need to work togedder if we want to get home.” His words may have been sharp, but Perry kindly patted Nick on the back and smiled at him. He felt sorry for the man, it was obvious how much he loved Brooke and how badly it was hurting him to lose her.
“I’ll find her.” Ridge answered. “Though it’s odd that her own fiancé doesn’t seem very concerned about where she is.”
“Small island Ridge, I’m not too worried.” Nick sneered but went back to his task.


“They don’t ever stop fighting. I can’t take much more.” Brooke said aloud. She was still in her cabin and while she couldn’t understand the words, she heard their voices and the contempt. Nick and Ridge were outside arguing and she just needed to get away. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail and by pure instinct grabbed the spear she still kept by her bedside. She quietly made her way off of the boat and headed into the dense brush hoping to find some peace of mind.


Bridget was reaching for another tissue when Deacon returned to Brooke’s office, the one he now considered his office. He shut the door, but left it unlocked and walked to the desk and sat down facing her. “You okay?” he asked.
“I wish you hadn’t started a fight with them.” Bridget told him. “Not today.”
“You don’t think I had a right?” He asked. “They’re challenging your rights Bridget! This is your company, yours and Rick’s and they’re trying to take it, they’re using what happened to Ridge to soften you and I ain’t gonna let that happen.” He looked over at the bar longingly.
“You want me to get you something?” Bridget asked.
“Too early.” He muttered. “They’ll use it to say I drink on the job, but believe me baby, today was a day I could sure use something.”
“What happened? What did they say? What did you say?” She nervously bit on her cuticle.
“They wanted me to leave you, can you believe that?” He said with a laugh.
“But why? You’re the only good thing in my life.” Her eyes filled with tears again.
“I’m not going anywhere baby.” He got up and put his arms around her from behind, nestling his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. “I got my pretty little girl and I’m not going anywhere.”
“I love you Deacon.” Bridget looked up at him with adoring eyes.
“Show me, show me how much.” He let go of her and stood in front of her. His eyes went down to the bulge in his pants.
“Here?” Bridget giggled.
“You know what I like.” He lifted her face so she looked him in the eyes.
“Oh yes Deacon.” She eagerly unzipped his fly. He smiled as she freed him and lowered her head to him.
“That’s it baby, show Deac how you love him.” He looked down at her and smiled. “Leave this?” He asked aloud. “Not likely Queenie, not likely at all.”


“Dat’s good Nick, let’s take a break.” Perry walked back and assessed the work. “I tink we be able to leave taday, mebbe tamorrow.”
“Can’t be soon enough for me.” Nick yawned and stretched. “You’re a tough boss Perry.” He laughed.
“You a good worker Nick.” Perry said appreciatively. “Wanna beer or tometing?”
“I think I’m going to go take a swim in the waterfall, I’ll grab a beer when I get back.” Nick ran his fingers through his wet hair. “I’ll see you in a bit.” He walked out of the water and down the beach. Perry went to the small cooler that they had left on the beach and took out a bottle of Red Stripe beer and then used the cooler as a bench to sit on. He had just opened it when Ridge and Carla came down the beach carrying arms full of supplies. Perry waved at them but didn’t get up. He was tired and they could handle carrying a bunch of supplies. “Wat you got?” He called out.
“Oranges, lemons, coconuts.” Carla yelled back.
“We could use a hand.” Ridge said with a growl, desperately trying to keep hold of his own stash of supplies.
“You god it.” Perry got up and walked over to them, taking half of Carla’s load, but leaving Ridge with his. “Where Brooke be?” He questioned.
“She was resting. I didn’t want to bother her.” Ridge huffed and puffed until he reached the camped site where he dropped his load with a sigh. “I don’t really see why we need all this crap, we’ll be stopping at the first island and heading home anyway.”
“And wat if da boat break down agin Ridge?” Perry asked him. “Den we out on da wadder wid no food, no fresh wadder and no radio still. You may be tired now but at least you not die if you do it Perry’s way.”
“He’s right Ridge, better safe than sorry.” Carla wiped her sweaty brow with her sleeve. “But next time her majesty has to help too, she’s not going to wimp out on us playing poor tired rich girl.”
“That’s not how it is at all Carla. Cut her a break huh?” Ridge frowned deeply.
“And you cut Nick one too huh?” She shot back as Perry stifled a chuckle and took another gulp of his beer.


Nick shook the water out of his hair and looked up at the sky. The sun would be going down soon, this was be the last night on their island and he was feeling more than a little melancholy. He knew that he should be happy about going home, but what was there to return to now? His life and his priorities had shifted, everything that mattered to him were right here, soon to be in Los Angeles. Sadness blanketed him like a sudden storm and he found it hard to shake off. “Grow up Nick.” He told himself. But he had tasted paradise and it was so very hard to turn away. He inhaled the salty scent of the ocean and although he was now clean, it beaconed to him. “Maybe one last swim.” He sighed and walked down the path to the beach. His heart jumped into his throat when he saw her. She was sitting on a log, the log they had so often sat on and talked and thought and dreamed of the future on. “Brooke.” He whispered. He smiled, despite himself, she could do that to him. “I love her, I really love her.” He said softly. And because of that love he was going to set her free. But perhaps they could share one last moment, one last sunset. Would that sustain him? It would have to wouldn’t it? With a sad smile of resignation he walked up to her and sat down next to her. Silently, is if by instinct he put his arm around her. Brooke turned to look at him, smiled and rested her head upon his chest. Not a word was spoken but it felt so good, so right. He tightened his grip on her as they watched the warm orange ball seem to sizzle as it hit the sea. Brooke turned to Nick again and in silence their lips met. The kiss was long and passionate and bittersweet. Nick’s hands caressed her face and her hair as his mouth, tongue and lips danced with hers. Brooke moaned softly and then let out a sad sigh as a tear fell onto her cheek. Her eyes opened to look into his face and at that moment she wondered if that tear was hers or Nick’s. She reached up and gently touched his cheek.
“I’m glad.” She whispered, breaking the silence but not the mood.
“It was fitting wasn’t it?” He agreed, looking out at the coral colored sky. “Sort of like nature’s goodbye.”
“I can’t believe that the next sunset I see may be in Los Angeles.” Brooke wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
“With your family.” He smiled. “Where you belong.”
“Nick.” Brooke softly protested, but Nick stopped her by putting his finger on her lips.
“It’s okay, I understand.” He smiled and brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers.
“We should talk.” Brooke softly purring.
“Yeah.” He said, pulling her to him, once more claiming her mouth with his.
The kiss commandeered all their senses and all their thoughts. For a moment it was like nothing had changed, they were alone in their paradise unaffected by the world and it’s many problems. Their passion was strong and unrelenting, as powerful as the ocean in front of them.
“Oh Nick, oh Nick.” Brooke broke her mouth away. “I’m so sorry.” She started to pull from his arms but he grabbed her hand tightly.
“No.” He gazed into her eyes. “Please Brooke.” Words weren’t needed. His plea was understood because it was her own plea too.
“It’s so hard.” Tears started to stream from her eyes. “Why does it have to be so hard?”
“Shhhhhh.” He pulled her back into his arms. “Not now, we need now Brooke, I can’t just walk away without one last memory, one last time of holding you, loving you. We deserve this don’t we?”
“Nick.” She clutched him tightly. “I’ll never ever forget you, never.”
“I couldn’t forget you if I wanted to Princess, and I don’t want to.” He gave her a smile and a soft kiss. They sat together in silence for a few minutes, but there was no awkwardness, just tenderness and familiarity and love. “Smell the sea.” He told her. “I’ll never smell it again without thinking of you.”
“Coconuts.” She laughed softly. “If I smell one or taste one.” She left the though unfinished.
“It wasn’t so bad was it?” He asked.
“Oh Nick no, it was like a little bit of heaven, even though the basis of it all should have been more like hell.” She sighed and touched his face. “You made it all okay, you made it, you made it.” She tried to finish but started to cry.
“Why didn’t you tell him?” Nick finally found the courage for his question, even though he wasn’t sure that he wanted to know the answer.
“It’s complicated.” She said. She sighed and cuddled into his arms.
“You don’t want to tell me?” He pushed.
“It wasn’t about you, it was about him. You’d have to know him Nick, there are certain things that you just know have to be done a certain way with him. I was trying to avoid a bad situation.”
“Like the one I created.” He stated, rather than asked.
“We both created it, but I should have been honest.” Brooke admitted.
“With him or with me?” Nick wondered.
“With both of you.” She smiled at him. “I should have asked you not to say anything or asked you how you wanted to handle it, I should have trusted you more Nick, especially after all we’ve been through.”
“Yes, you should have.” Nick answered.
“I guess ‘I’m sorry’ just doesn’t cut it.” Her eyes welled with tears again.
“Works for me.” He hugged her tightly and kissed her. “That’s really all I needed I guess. I don’t want to walk away from this with all that crap between us, you know?”
“I can’t believe it’s over.” Brooke pushed a strand of hair back in a nervous gesture.
Nick wasn’t sure if she meant them or the stranding or both and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to know. “Tomorrow.” He sighed. “If the repairs all worked we’ll probably be on a plane home tomorrow. I’m not even sure if home is ever going to be home again.”
“Nothing will ever be the same again.” Brooke agreed. “I don’t think I’d want it to be. But I can’t wait to see my children and I think I’m going to like to be able to spend some time just alone. Do you understand?” She asked.
“Yeah, I’m not taking it like I’m crowding you, it’s just that personal freedom of being safe and home and just well, free.”
“They don’t understand anything do they?” Brooke asked. Nick knew who they were but he took time to think about it.
“They’re both trying, but to them it was like time stood still, we didn’t change in their world and then when they found us.”
“Nothing was the same.” She finished for him. “She’s a beautiful woman, a good woman and she loves you. I’m happy for you Nick, I am.”
“Don’t ask me to say the same.” He laughed, but there was bitterness in the laughter. “I don’t like him, I’m sorry. But he’ll be good to you, so I guess I will learn to live with it. I have to ask you something.”
“Yes?” She looked up into his eyes.
“Is he a good dad?” Nick was looking at her with such concern that she had to smile.
“He’s a wonderful father, he loves his children, he gave up so much for them Nick, he’s a very good dad.”
“Good.” He seemed to relax a bit. “I’ve been thinking about it like you wanted me to.”
“You don’t have to decide now Nick. Wait till we’re all home and we settle into life, I don’t want to rush something this important.”
“Stability.” He answered.
“What about it?” Brooke asked.
“Neither one of us had too much of it, yet we both turned out alright. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. It is, it’s very important.”
“Our child will have stability Nick, he’ll have love Nick, lot’s of it. From all of us.”
“No.” Nick shook his head.
“Oh yes Nick, he will.” Brooke insisted.
“I can’t do that.” Nick grabbed both of her hands. “I can’t make the kid live a life of hurt and confusion. It cuts like a knife into my heart to do this Brooke, but I’m doing it for him, and for you.”
“Nick no.” Brooke started to tremble.
“Please don’t stop me.” He begged. “I’ve never been noble before, I don’t even know if I can be, but I’m trying. I want this kid to have a life like I never had, I want this kid to be brought up in a happy family. If I’m in the picture it will only cause him confusion and pain. He needs to know that he can count on his mother and his father and he needs to know just who they are.”
“He will Nick.” Brooke grabbed tightly onto him.
“Yes he will.” Nick closed his eyes. “He’s going to grow up with the man raising him and that man will be his father. As soon as you two get married I’ll sign the papers Brooke.”
“No.” She whispered softly, clutching his hands.
“Just promise me that some day, when he’s old enough, you’ll tell him the truth and you’ll tell him that I loved him, I loved him very much, just like I loved his mother.”
With that he pulled her into his arms and held onto her like the lifeline that she had become to him.


“It was horrible.” Taylor handed James the cream and sugar for his coffee. “If the press wasn’t bad enough we had to deal with Deacon Sharpe. I just can’t understand how an intelligent girl like Bridget could get involved with a man like that, no strike that.” She frowned. “With Brooke as a mother it’s just about a given isn’t it?”
“Taylor.” James said in a somewhat sharp tone. “I though we had discussed blaming Brooke for things.”
“This is different, this is her child after all, if she had been brought up respecting herself I truly doubt she would ever fall for the charms of a con man like that. And Rick is no better.” She sat down and stirred her own coffee.
“Rick did have some hard times in his childhood, but he seems to have lifted himself above them.”
“I’m not sure, I’m just glad that my children never had to have her as an influence in their lives. I can’t help resenting her though, because it is because of her that they no longer have a father.” She started to shake as she put down her cup. “I miss him James. I don’t know if we could ever have repaired things but we deserved a chance and she stole that from us.”
“So it’s official now?” James wondered.
“Legally no.” She admitted. “Without a body or enough evidence it could be years. He hasn’t been declared officially dead, but we know James.”
“Is that going to cause any problems?” He asked with a frown.
“It could, but we has enough in joint accounts as well as in my own name, but I’m practicing again too so money really shouldn’t be an issue.”
“Before this happened you were dating, you were moving on Taylor, I hate seeing you take a backwards step like this, though it’s not unusual. I’d like to refer you to a colleague, I think you could benefit from counseling.”
“I’m not that bad James.” She smiled. “I haven’t lost touch with reality. Yes, I had a few dates but nothing was ever serious. Right now I just need time to reflect before I start moving forward. Does that make any sense?”
“You as a professional knows that it does, but I’m not sure how honest you’re being with yourself Taylor. I’m concerned as a friend as well as a fellow doctor.”
“And I do appreciate that.” She smiled and reclaimed her cup. “I’m going to be alright James, I am.” She took a sip of the coffee. “Did I tell you what I’m going to do?” She asked.
“No.” He answered with interest.
“I’m going to go back to my office at Forrester on a part time basis.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea Taylor.” He warned with a frown. “You need to move forward, not backwards.”
“It’s not like I’m doing it to be around Ridge.” She protested.
“Aren’t you?” He wondered.


Brooke and Nick stopped before they rounded the corner to the campsite and the boat, they both knew this could very well be their last moment alone and neither one was ready to let go quite yet. Brooke’s hold on his hand was like a vice, it was almost painful but it was reassuring in a way to Nick. At least he knew that she still did have feelings for him despite her decision to return to Ridge. He brought their intertwined hands to his lips and kissed hers. “I wish.” He said softly as he looked into her eyes.
“Yes.” She agreed. Though not sure of what his exact wish was, she knew it had to be similar to his. “Real life.” She sighed. “I wonder if I’m ready.”
“I think you are Princess.” He smiled at her and softly kissed her lips.
“Nick, what you said before, are you sure you don’t need more time? I don’t want you to feel anyone is pressuring you, I’m not, I would never deny your rights, are you really sure?”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be really sure Brooke, I just know that this kid deserves more than an absentee Dad and I don’t want him to ever feel like he doesn’t belong. And I know you won’t like this, but I have to say it.”
“What?” Brooke looked at him with her trademark squint.
Nick smiled and laughed. “I’m trying to be serious, and you’re just too damn cute with that look of yours.” He reached and touched her cheek, wiping a tear. “It’s going to be okay, you’re going to have the life you’ve always wanted. I won’t compromise that.”
“Nick.” She felt tears welling up again and when she looked up at him she saw that he was fighting hard to keep his own eyes dry.
“Look, from what I’ve gathered about Ridge in the short time I’ve known him is that he’s very possessive.”
“Yes.” Brooke agreed.
“And jealous.”
“Yes.” Brooke again couldn’t argue.
“But at the same time he’s insecure.” Nick looked at the stunned woman.
“I’d never describe Ridge as insecure.” She frowned.
“He has an ego Brooke, but it’s easily shattered and raising a child who would always see another man as Dad, well that just isn’t going to work for him. Yeah he’d try and he’d give it his best, but sooner or later it would eat at him until he ended up hurting you or the child or both or even himself. Even if I was a part of his life I know I couldn’t see the kid more than once or twice a year. It would be really selfish of me to put him into an unhappy situation for the rest of the time just so I could have my visits. Brooke, I don’t want this, I really don’t, but I don’t see a better solution for you or the kid. Like I said, it’s not because I don’t love him, it’s because I do. Maybe, maybe when he’s older we can meet and maybe I can make him understand why I had to do what I’m doing.”
“Oh God Nick, I feel so terrible about this.” Brooke couldn’t stop the tears now. “But is it just Ridge? Or maybe Carla has a problem too?” She couldn’t keep from asking.
“Carla is not a condition Brooke.”
“But.” Brooke protested.
“No. This has nothing at all to do with Carla.” He ran his hand through his still damp hair. “Tell me, tell me if you have a better solution because I’d really like to hear it.”
Brooke’s heart was crying out to her to scream to him ‘Marry me! Make that family with me!’ but she knew he was committed to another woman. She had sworn to herself she would never come between two people again, and while her own heart was breaking she was going to honor her vows. “I just, I. Adoption is so permanent Nick.” She looked up into his eyes. “He wouldn’t be yours and Nick, I, I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Ridge.”
Nick smiled at her and pulled her into his arms. “You know exactly what’s going to happen, it’s what you’ve been waiting for all your life, and this time he came to you free and ready.” He kissed the top of her head. “We’ll work it out Brooke, I’ll never deny my child and somehow, someday, I do want to know him. We’ll work it out. Before we go we’ll exchange addresses and phone numbers and then once we’re both settled and things are getting back to some kind of normal, we can talk and do the legal things we have to do. Okay?”
“I know every inch of your body, I know your scent and your taste. I know so much about you Nick and yet it seems so strange that we have to exchange addresses and numbers. That whole world just feels so strange.” She held him tightly and sighed. “A part of me doesn’t want to go home Nick, does that make me a horrible mother?”
“There is nothing horrible about you Brooke.” He smiled and gave her one last deep, loving kiss. “It’s late, they’ll be wondering where we are. We need to get back.”
“Yes.” She said sadly. “Nick?”
“Yes Princess?” He looked at her and for a split second Brooke thought he wanted her to stop him, but the moment passed.
“I’ll never regret a moment together.”
“Neither will I.” He promised. And then, before he stopped and made a fool out of himself he took her hand and led her around the bend.


”They’re together. She was with him!” Ridge’s anger shocked Carla. Could he be so delusional that he really didn’t know what they meant to each other?
“Don’t say a word Ridge. You’ve won, she’s chosen you, if you fight her you could lose her.” She warned him.
“But.” He meekly protested.
“It’s over, after tomorrow you’ll have her all to yourself. Don’t blow this Ridge. I know how much you love her. Give her time and space and believe me, she’ll be happy to be back in your arms. You’ve never left her heart and she will remember that. Tonight is hard for both of them. The life they’ve both gotten so used to is over. They’re saying goodbye and we both have to let that happen.”

Rick grabbed a slice of pizza and looked up at Amber. “We should have asked them over.”
“Bridget and Deacon?” Amber asked with a full mouth. “Umm, sorry.” She swallowed. “I don’t know Rick.”
“Seems we’re on the same side right now. I can’t believe how Dad and Stephanie and Thorne want to take over and take what Mom clearly wanted me and Budge to have.”
“They don’t like us.” Amber said, and then took a sip of her diet Pepsi. “Me and Deacon I mean.” She clarified.
“Tough.” Rick’s anger showed in his eyes. They seemed to burn like fire and then he took a deep breath and continued. “I pulled Connor aside afterwards.”
“And?” Amber’s eyes and ears perked up.
“Not much, he said that I need to talk to Jonathan, but I set him straight on that. Jonathan is Dad’s lawyer, not mine.”
“And Connor?” Amber asked. “Are you going to hire him?”
“I did.” Rick smiled. “He always looked after Mom, even when Jonathan got involved. Connor said we could talk this week.”
“What did you tell him Rick?”
“That I need to be in charge of a lot more. That I know the business and that I’d get Budge and Deacon to agree. We have to have one of us represent the other.”
“Any you’re the one sweetie.” Amber smiled at him. “I’ll talk to Deacon, he listens to me.”
“I’ll talk to Bridget.” He said in a stern tone. “It’s her decision, not his.”
“And my line?” Amber asked.
“Your line is in Amber, no way in hell am I going to let them take it away, or Mom’s bedroom line either. Forrester is going to grow with it’s strengths. Haute Couture has it’s place, but the money that comes into Forrester comes from Ambrosia and from Brooke’s Bedroom.”
“What about that new line?” Amber asked with a frown.
“Deacon likes it, and I like that new model. I think the tribute line is going to fit in with Ambrosia and Bedroom. We’re going to make this company bigger and better than it ever was.” He promised.
“You’d make your mother so proud.” Amber beamed at him.
“Somewhere up there Amber, somewhere she is smiling down at us and thanking us for keeping her legacy alive.”


“What’s wrong?” Eric asked his wife. He had found her sitting alone in a darkened living room, sipping a glass of some kind of amber colored liquor and staring at a blank wall.
“Our son is dead and you can ask me what’s wrong?” She asked in an uncharacteristic soft tone.
“Oh darling.” He sat on the arm of her chair and put his arm around her. “Of course I don’t have to ask about that. It’s just that you seemed very angry just before we left for home and you’ve been quiet ever since.”
She looked up at him and for the first time in years she looked fragile. Eric wasn’t used to this and it hit him hard. “Everything has fallen apart.” She answered. “Nothing makes sense, I’ve lose all control. I don’t know what to do or say anymore. I can’t fix this Eric, can’t fix this!” She looked terrified and that in itself scared him.
“No one is asking you to.” He tried to reassure her.
“Our family, our family is gone Eric.”
“We’ve lost a major part of it with Ridge, but we still have Thorne and the girls, and Taylor and her children and Rick and Bridget. We’re still strong Stephanie, we will get past our tragedy. You and I will lead the family out of this darkness.”
“Bridget.” She shook her head. “We’ve lost her Eric, what I saw, it disgusted me, but I couldn’t stop it could I? Could I?”
“She’s young and impressionable but she will see through him, with our guidance.”
“No.” She said with a bitter laugh. “Not after what I saw. It was like watching pornography, but it was that little girl. I realized that he has her and he is going to destroy us all.”
“What was he doing to her?” Eric asked through gritted teeth.
“Oh Eric, it was what she was doing to him. Right in her office, Brooke’s office. I can’t believe I’d ever say this but I wish Brooke was still here, maybe she could get through to her.”
“What did you see?” Eric was turning red with anger.
“Sex Eric, right there with an unlocked door, she was on her knees and she, she.” She stopped and took a gulp of her drink. “I wasn’t trying to look, I heard noises and I wondered who was there and it was them. That child is nothing but his sex toy. She’s under his control now Eric. He will be our downfall, just like I predicted from the start.”


“I’m glad you’re back Logan.” Ridge put on a forced smile and approached Brooke and Nick. He put his arm around her in a proprietary manner and shot Nick a sarcastic grin. “Perry wants us to have a quick dinner so we can get ready for an early start tomorrow.”
“We’re ready?” She asked in a voice filled with more dread than joy.
“This time tomorrow Logan, you’ll be home.” Ridge hugged her tightly. “And we’ll be starting our new life together.”
Carla saw the pain on Nick’s face. She walked up to him and linked her arm through his. “Wanna take a walk?” She asked.
“I’m tired and hungry, maybe we should just call it a night.”
“Come on.” She smiled and turned him away from Brooke and Ridge. She gently led him down the beach, past the boat. They walked together, not saying anything until she saw a log. “Over here.” She said, leading him to the makeshift seat. They both sat down, Nick staring at the sea. “It’s hard, I know.” She told him. “Did you get to talk at all?”
“If you want to know if we spent our time together screwing each other’s brains out you’ll be happy to know that no, we didn’t.” He picked up a shell and threw it, skimming it across the water.
“For a city boy you’re pretty good at that.” She put her arm around his waist. “Nick, I meant it, I did, I know you’re in pain and I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.”
“I’m sorry, that was cruel and uncalled for. You’ve done nothing but been supportive and I’ve treated you like shit. I don’t know why you even put up with me.” He picked up a small stone and skimmed that too.
“Because I love you silly.” She reached and turned his face to face hers. She was stunned to see his eyes were filled with tears. “Oh Nick.” She gave him a tight hug.
“Now I make an ass out of myself on top of everything huh?” He tried to smile. “Go ahead, laugh at me, I know you want to.”
“I want to cry, I do.” She kissed his cheek. “I underestimated your feelings for her. I wish, I wish that I could make it better for you.”
“You are making it better.” He pulled her tightly into his arms. “You can’t know how badly I need you right now and I know I don’t deserve you.”
“You’re not going to lose me.” She sighed. They held each other as they both looked out at the crashing waves.


“Are you hungry?” Ridge asked the preoccupied woman. He was heart sick to see her eyes hadn’t left Nick and Carla, but he was determined not to let her see his jealousy.
“Not really.” She sighed. “Just tired.”
“Well you have to eat, you’re eating for two.” He reminded her with an unappreciated smile.
“You don’t think I know that Ridge?” She sharply questioned him.
“Look Logan, I know you had an emotional scene there, but I haven’t done anything wrong have I?”
“No.” She turned back to look at him. “It’s over Ridge, it’s really over. We need to talk about it, I just don’t know if I’m up for it yet. Maybe tomorrow.”
“I love you Logan, I’m going to make you happy. I promise. I promise that once we’re home you’re going to forget all this and I’m going to give you the life we’ve always wanted. It’s our time, it’s finally our time.” He turned her back to face him. “Look at me Logan, look at the man who’s always loved you. I know I’ve made mistakes, I know I’ve hurt you, but I swear I will never hurt you again.” He suddenly got down on one knee.
“Ridge, oh Ridge no.” Brooke softly moaned.
“Yes.” He smiled at her and took her hand. “Brooke I’ve searched the oceans for you, I never once let anyone get to me, I refused to believe all the naysayers who insisted that you were dead. I knew it here, in my heart.” He said with a fist pounding against his chest. “You’re in my soul and if you were dead I would have felt it. Brooke Logan, I love you and I need you to be my wife.” With that he pulled a small box out of his pocket. “Please say yes, please make me the happiest man alive.”


“You know, I’ve been thinking.” Carla took Nick’s hand into her own.
“Hmmm, that could be dangerous.” He teased.
“Nick!” She looked at him in mock horror.
“Had to make sure I still had a little bit of my sense of humor left.” He smiled at her and gave her hand a squeeze. “Go on, what were you thinking about?”
“Everything you’ve been saying to me.” She looked intently into his eyes. “You’re right, even though it hurts you’re right.”
“I am?” He asked. “And what am I right about?”
“Us.” She admitted. “After a lot of soul searching I can admit it. I love you Nick, I love you oh so very much.”
“Carla.” He said in a soft moan.
“But I’m not in love with you.” She added. Nick’s eyes widened in surprise. “Shocking huh?” She laughed.
“Well, I, uh.”
“Not too good for your ego is it Nick? Now imagine how I felt?”
“I never meant to hurt you. Shit, I wish I never took this trip, I wish things were back the way they were. I wish.”
“No you don’t.” She stopped him. “You found love Nick, and even if it was fleeting it was real and you’ve experienced something precious, something so very special.”
“I don’t know anymore.” He mumbled, turning to look at Brooke and Ridge.
“Yes you do and while you were cruel at first, once we really talked it gave me something to ponder, and I did. You’d be amazed at the things that went through my head.”
“What did you come up with? What made you agree?” He wondered.
“I thought about when you were first gone, before I was worried but when you were late at getting home.”
Nick smiled and laughed. “I bet you were cursing me out for not calling you.”
“I was.” She admitted with a smile. “I wanted to go to that Governor’s Ball so badly. You knew it but you couldn’t seem to get yourself home in time for something that was important to me.”
“I’m sorry.” Nick gave her a sheepish grin. “I’d have taken you if I could. I’m sorry you missed it. I owe you one, hell I owe you a lot more than just one.”
“I didn’t miss it.” She told him.
“You went alone?” He asked.
“This is part of it Nick, something that all came back to me. I was more angry than worried and it’s not that I didn’t love you or miss you, it was more. I wanted to go and I went to Dan.”
“Good old Dan Callahan.” Nick laughed. “So did he take you?”
“Oh right, Claudia would have loved that.” She smiled. Suddenly his old life was all coming back. “Steven was in town.”
“Steve Callahan? His nephew?” Nick asked.
“I went with him, we had a lovely time and for the longest time after that I just, well I didn’t think about you.”
“Ahh, Nick Parker, easily replaced, just ask Brooke.” He shot them another glance. “But then I was the replacement wasn’t I?”
“Yes.” Carla said sadly, squeezing his hand again.
“So you and Steven? Do you think there’s something there?”
“No, not really. I was just trying to explain and to understand it myself. I liked having a man pay me attention, I liked being taken out and wined and dined. Then suddenly you were not just late, you were missing, and all those thoughts flew from my head.”
“I don’t know if I should be hurt or flattered or what?” Nick laughed.
“Probably neither.” Carla admitted. “But you did get me to thinking Nick. I think we’re going to be alright.” She looked at him and smiled. “As friends.”
“Friends.” He said, pulling her into his arms and giving her a hug.


“Where did you get this? Did you have it all along?” Brooke stared at the ring.
“I bought it before my first trip to find you. It’s never left my pocket. I hope you like it.”
“It’s, it’s beautiful Ridge.” She looked from the ring to his face and back to the ring.
“And I hope you’ll let me put it on your finger.”
“Ridge.” She hesitated.


“We are going to be alright.” Nick smiled. “Now I’m going to have to ask you a favor.”
“I can’t talk to her Nick, that would be asking too much of me.” Carla told him.
“No, no it’s got nothing to do with Brooke. I just wondered if you’d mind if I stayed for a while, until I get my life straightened out. I’ll move into the guest room, I just, I don’t know where else to go.”
“Oh Nick.” She smiled. “It’s your home too. Of course I expect you to stay, and I do think the guest room is a good idea, but maybe I’ll take it.”
“We can work out the details later.” He said, stealing another glance at Brooke and Ridge.
“Oh yeah.” Carla struggled to pull the ring off of her finger. “I think you should have this back.”
“No!” Nick said quickly.
“We’re not getting married Nick, it’s not right for either of us.”
“But it’s your ring, I bought it for you and I want you to keep it.”
“It will sort of cramp my style if I start dating Nick.” She smiled and put the ring in his hand.
“I don’t mean for you to wear it like that. We can go to a jeweler and have them make a different ring, or a pendant or something. Carla I want you to have that diamond, please.” He looked at her with deep sincerity.
“I guess that would work, but you might meet another woman that you’d want to give it to.” She said in one last protest.
“Nope.” He smiled sadly. “I’ve met her and I’ve lost her. But anyway, this is yours. Now you just put it back on till we get home so you don’t lose it and I promise, we’ll have it made into something as special as you are.” He took her hand and gently slipped the ring back on, sealing it with a gentle kiss to her lips.


Brooke looked back at the ring and then down the beach. Her heart sunk to the pit of her stomach as she watched Nick slip a ring onto Carla’s finger and then kiss her. It was over, it was truly over. She looked back up at Ridge as tears streamed from her eyes. “Okay.” She said, holding her hand out to him. A huge grin crossed Ridge’s face as he slipped the ring onto her finger, claiming her as Brooke’s tears fell for a lost love.


“Maybe in a way I’m holding on to Ridge and our past, but that’s not all of it James, I felt needed there, I felt important and useful and it’s family too.” Taylor nervously wrapped a strand of hair around her index finger and then let it loose. “Is that so horrible?”
“Not if you truly see it that way and you do move on and live your own life Taylor. Remember, before he disappeared you and Ridge were over, you were moving on and you were happy.” He raised his eyebrows as he looked at her. “Don’t backslide because of this. It’s so easy to fall back into the past at times like this but it’s not fair to you or to your children.”
“I won’t James, I do want to move forward and I really think this is good for me. I’ll be working, but I’ll be where I feel comfortable. In time I think I will move on, but for right now I do want this.”
“Did you tell Eric?” James wondered.
“You mean that I’d work there? Oh yes, it’s all settled already, I start back tomorrow.” She smiled. “I need this James, I do, it’s going to be good for me. I promise, I will move on and this is going to be a step forward for me, it is.”


Nick glanced back to where Brooke and Ridge had been but they were gone. The sadness blanketed his face like a cloud covering the sun. Carla took his hand and squeezed it. “Nick, I’m sorry.”
“She took his ring.” He said sadly. “I guess she’s taking him to bed now.”
“Don’t think about it Nick, try and put it out of your mind, it’s only going to bring you pain.”
“I have to face reality don’t I?” He shrugged and turned away.
“Not alone Nick, I’m here to help you.” She pulled him back to face her. “As your friend.”
“I think I just need to be alone right now.”
“I don’t Nick, just talk to me.” She touched his cheek. “Don’t run from it, deal with it, that’s the best way.”
“I will, just not yet. I’m going to just take a walk. I’ll be back soon, go on in and get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be pretty busy.” He tried to smile but he couldn’t seem to hold onto one. “And thanks Carla.” He let go of her hand, gave her one last look and walked away.


Brooke came out of the head and walked into their cabin. She sat down on the bed, looked at the ring on her finger and sighed. Ridge walked over to her and sat next to her putting his arm around her and pulling her to him. He nuzzled her neck with kisses. “We’re going to be so happy Logan.” He promised.
“Yeah.” She sighed again, moving out of the tight embrace.
“Logan it all starts tonight.” He got up and kneeled in front of her. “Our life starts right here, right now.” He took both her hands and held them in his own. “I want to show you my love, show each other our love, tonight Logan, tonight is just the beginning.”
Brooke looked at him in a panic, she wasn’t ready for this, she wasn’t sure why she had even agreed to wear his ring. A tear slid down her cheek. “I can’t.” She simply replied. “It’s too soon.”
“It’s not too soon Logan.” Ridge smiled. “It’s been a long time coming. We need this, we need to reconnect in every way, I need to make you mine.”
“You’re smothering me.” She let go of him. “Ridge please, I need time, you’re not even trying to understand.”
“You said yes, you’re wearing my ring.” Ridge frowned.
“Maybe that was a mistake.” She looked down at her hand and started to fidget with the ring.
“No.” He grabbed her hand again, mostly to insure that she didn’t remove the ring. “It wasn’t a mistake, it’s what you’ve always wanted Brooke, what we’ve both always wanted.”
“Both?” She squinted. “Please Ridge, don’t insult my intelligence this way.”
“I don’t understand.” Ridge looked at her with pure confusion in his eyes. “You know I love you, I’ve always loved you.”
“But you never chose me, not before, not when I counted on you.”
“I can’t go back and change the past. All I can do is the here and now and I am trying, I am trying to explain to you and to prove it to you. I was wrong before, I hurt you, I let you down, but I will never do that again. I thought you understood that. You know me Logan, you know me better than anyone else. Look into my eyes and you’ll see that I mean it, I mean every single word of it. You’ve never not been a part of me, we’ve always been one. Now things will finally be the way they were meant to be. And tonight is the beginning.”
“I don’t even know if I know myself anymore Ridge.” Brooke sadly admitted. “I’m not the same woman who left LA those months ago, that woman is gone, she’s gone and she’s never coming back. I don’t know if you know the woman she’s become, let alone love her. I’m just not sure that marrying me is the right thing for you anymore. I think you need time too.”
“I’ve had way too much time. I know what I want, and it’s you Logan. You’re still the same beautiful, wonderful woman that I fell in love with. Yes, things have happened to you and they may shape you, but they haven’t changed you, not from the person you are.”
Brooke took a deep breath and patted her stomach. “You haven’t really come to terms with this Ridge. It will be a constant reminder of Nick.”
“I can deal with that, I can be a good father, I am a good father.”
“I know you are.” Brooke admitted. “But this is Nick’s child and I want, I need him to have a place in it’s life. Even if Nick thinks it will be hard, it’s not fair to Nick or our baby and it won’t be fair to you if you really think that Nick is going to be left out.”
“We don’t have to talk about this now, there’s plenty of time, once we get home.”
“And this would be an honest start Ridge? This is how to build and open and honest relationship?” Brooke looked down at the ring again. “This is a mistake.” She started to pull the ring off but once more Ridge prevented her. “Ridge I’m not saying no, I’m just saying not yet, not here, not right now. I’m not ready.”
“Listen to me Logan. I understand you’re scared and I know you’re confused too, but I don’t think you’re trying to take this ring off for you or for me or for us.”
“What?” She looked up in pain.
“You’re doing it for him. I know you don’t want to hurt him, but Logan, she is wearing his ring, he’s not thinking about you. I’m not trying to belittle what you had, I’m sure at the time it seemed very real and very strong, but THIS is real!” He touched her ring and lifted her head so she was looking him in the eyes. “THIS is real Brooke, you and I are real and I love you and I know you love me too. Now please, stop this nonsense about taking off my ring, it’s right where it belongs and so are you Logan. Make love to me, make love to me right here, right now and cement our love forever. I will never hurt you, never desert you and never let you down again.”


Tatiana frowned as she hung up the phone. She knew he would track her down sooner or later, but she had hoped for later. Now she would have to deal with him and come up with a believable story. She was not giving up until she accomplished her objective. She opened the folder that was constantly at her side and looked down at the beautiful brunette woman. “You will suffer for all the pain you’ve caused us.” She told the still image. “And your suffering will be long and slow and more painful than anything you’ve ever dealt with.” She slammed the folder shut and picked up the phone, punching in a very private number. She hummed to herself while waiting for the phone to be answered. She knew it would be answered by only one of three people and was pleased when she reached the intended party right away. “Hello father.” She said pleasantly. “I see you’ve found me.”


Nick wasn’t expecting to find anyone on deck when her returned and wasn’t too pleased to find Ridge sitting there drinking an amber liquid out of a clear glass. The man seemed lost in thought so Nick cleared his throat, announcing his arrival. “Forrester.” He said slowly.
“I didn’t know you were out Nick.” Ridge scratched his head.
“Went for a last walk.” Nick explained. “Having problems sleeping?” He looked at the glass again.
“Anxious to get home.” Ridge gestured to the bottle. “Join me?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Nick walked to the bottle and poured himself a smaller glass of the bourbon. “Tomorrow will be here soon.” Nick said, feeling stupid but not knowing what else to say to his rival who had stolen away the woman who had claimed stake to his heart.
“Yeah, we’ll be back in LA and you’ll be back in New York, just like it’s meant to be.” Ridge took another gulp and then looked at Nick. “She’s wearing my ring now. She’s off limits Parker.”
“You’re acting like she’s a possession.” Nick stated. “Don’t worry Ridge, I respect Brooke enough to respect her choices, wrong as they may be.”
“She told me your decision, I think it’s the right one.” Ridge looked at him, challenging the man to change his mind.
“I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for my son and for Brooke.”
“Son? Are you psychic?” Ridge laughed.
“Just a feeling.” Nick sighed. “I’m not trying to fight with you. You treat them both right and I stay out of your hair.”
“I will, but not because I’m afraid of you.”
“I don’t care what your reasons are, as long as they’re both happy and safe.” Nick sat down and looked at Ridge. “I know when to quit Ridge.” And the look of resignation showed Ridge that the other man truly meant it. He looked defeated and somewhat lost.
“It’s not like you’re not going to have your own happiness Nick.” Ridge reminded him. “Carla is a wonderful woman. She’s beautiful and smart and kind.”
“You don’t have to remind me.” Nick told him.
“Someone had to. You treat her like she’s not even there. I hope, for your sake, that you smarten up before you lose her too.” The last word was like a knife in Nick’s heart, but he didn’t bite.
“You don’t have to worry about Carla.” Nick answered. He finished his drink in a gulp. “We both should try and get some shut eye, we have a busy day coming up.”
“You’re right, and I have a warm and loving body waiting down there for me.” Ridge smiled. He finished his drink and put the glass down. “See you in the morning.” He said as he walked down the stairs.
Nick waited until he was gone before he punched the table, knocking the two glasses down, shattering them into a million pieces. “Brooke, oh God Brooke.” He moaned softly and sadly.


Brooke’s eyes opened as the sun started to break over the horizon. She sat up, extricating herself from Ridge’s arms. He had woken her when he came to bed, once more asking her to make love, this time more persistent including touches and caresses, but she had pushed him off feigning sleepiness to avoid the argument. But she hadn’t been that tired, she just wasn’t ready. Although a part of her did love Ridge and she knew they could have a happy life, she wasn’t ready and she couldn’t make love with Ridge knowing that Nick was right across from them. She wondered if she would ever be ready. “You will Brooke, you will.” She told herself. She hugged herself as a chill swept over her. Today, they were leaving today.
“Logan?” Ridge opened his eyes to find her sitting on the edge of the bed. “I know I said early but isn’t this overdoing it a little bit?”
“The sun will be bright in a few minutes.” She said absently. “It’s not that early.”
Ridge looked at his watch. “It’s only five am.” He said with a growl.
“Then it’s late.” She yawned and stretched. “We need to get dressed and ready to go.” She stood up and pulled some clothes out of the small drawer.
“Are you okay?” Ridge asked.
“I’ll be fine Ridge, this is just hard. Please just try and bear with me a little longer okay?”
“I’m in it for the long haul.” He smiled and sat up. “Hey, since we have a little extra time.” The glimmer in his eyes told her exactly what he had in mind and she laughed lightly.
“You’re very persistent aren’t you?” She asked with a giggle.
“If at first you don’t succeed.” He teased.
“When we get home Ridge, not here.” She started to walk towards the door.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“To change, in the head.”
“You can change here, we are getting married and it’s not like I haven’t seen you undressed before, in fact.” He chuckled.
“That Ridge, was a mistake, now you’re just going to have to respect my wishes. You get dressed here and I’ll be right back.” She grabbed her toothbrush and left her frustrated fiancé in the small cabin.


Carla took a sip of coffee as she watched Nick submerge from the water. He and Perry were doing last minute checks on the repairs. She was proud of him, she knew how much he was hurting but he was throwing himself into the work and determined to get them off as planned. He said something to Perry then turned and waved to Carla. She waved back and smiled before he went under the water again.
“Perry?” She called out. “Is everything okay?”
Perry waded back towards the shore. “It fine Carla, Nick, he berry cautious, but dat be a good ting. We be ready to take off soon, mebbe an hour. You git de odders and make sure dey have evating dey need, dere be no comin’ back now.”
“I’ll go check that they’re up.” She told him. “Is there anything else I can do?”
“Jes make sure dey ready and evating on board.”
“You got it.” She smiled at him. “Don’t let him stay under too long.” She took a glance at where Nick had dove.
“He be fine, Nick be a good swimmer.”
“Not in this lifetime.” She laughed and headed to the ladder to the boat.


Deacon spun around on his chair one more time then stopped. He was bored. He needed to do something and he wanted to get under their skin, all of them. He had won the battle, no one seemed ready to throw him out of Brooke’s office, not with Bridget on his side, but it wasn’t enough. He got up, looked out the window for what must have been the tenth time and then went to the bar. It was too early to drink, even for him, so he poured another mug of steaming hot coffee. “Mmmmmm.” He smiled after taking a sip. Now this was coffee, only the best for the rich and famous. “I’m going to like this.” He laughed.
“You look rather comfortable.” Tatiana said as she walked in, unannounced. She shut the door behind her.
“Hey.” Deacon smiled. “What brings you here so early?”
“I had a very early shoot.” She explained. “That photographer is a pig.”
“Did he hit on you?” Deacon asked. “Never mind, I’ll fire him just for annoying you.”
“Don’t waste it on the small things Deacon.” She warned him. “I set him straight.”
“I sorta thought that Giovanni was cool.” Deacon frowned. “You can’t blame a guy for finding you hot you know.”
“It wasn’t Giovanni, he was working on something else, it was that pig Bill, you know him? Old, sweaty?” She turned up her nose. “He smells.”
“Seriously?” Deacon laughed.
“I don’t find body odor amusing, but yes, I am serious.” She frowned again and sat down.
“Who did that?” Deacon angrily asked.
“Did what?” She wondered.
“Set up a shoot for you with that asshole. I bet the other models are jealous. I’ll fix it, it’s Giovanni for you from now on.” Deacon promised.
“Do you really think they will give you that much power?” Tatiana asked with a smile.
“Oh yeah, that and more, that is if they want to keep their little princess happy.”
“And you think that they believe you make her happy?” She asked with a slight smirk.
“Oh but I do.” He laughed. “Just ask her.” He sat down at the desk, crossed his arms behind his head and put his feet on the desk. “And a happy Bridget makes for a very important Deacon.”
“Just don’t overplay your hand because I am counting on you in my corner.” She reminded him.
“You know, you still haven’t told me just what it is you want out of me or out of them for that matter.”
“You’ll know when I need you to know.” She tossed back her hair and walked to the credenza. She picked up a photo of Ridge Forrester. “Brooke Logan still kept her former lover’s picture up for the world to see? How odd.”
“The whole family is odd.” Deacon laughed. “Frankly I can’t see what her attraction to him was, Taylor’s either. You ask me, the guy’s a loser. He led both those women on for years always keeping the other stung along when he was with one of them. But I guess Brooke was right, he must have loved her.”
“Why?” Tatiana asked him.
“Well, he took off and went searching for her, lost his family and now his life, had to have been for something.” He shrugged.
“Maybe stubbornness. The man was a cuckold fool.” She sneered.
“Oh no, you got that one wrong, Ridge was the BMOC around here, he cheated right and left but those women, they’d have died for him, no, they never would cheat on him, not for anything in the world.”
“You’d be surprised what a woman would do Deacon.” She smiled slyly. “You’d be very surprised.”


Brooke’s knuckles where white as she held onto the side of the boat watching the island, the place that had brought her so much pain and so much pleasure, slip away from her sight. A perfect tear slid down her cheek just as Ridge put his arm around her waist.
“You’re finally free of it Logan, it’s all over.” He smiled and kissed her hair.
“Over.” She whispered. “Yes, I guess it is.” She looked at Ridge and then turned back to the island, wanting to keep it forever in her sight. “I feel like, like I’m lost.” She grabbed his hand and clutched it tightly.
“It’s just a strange transition Brooke, believe me, once you’re home you’ll wonder why you ever felt sad. You’ll be so happy, I will make you so happy.” He pulled her into an embrace. “God this is so wonderful, we’re going to be home soon, home together, just like it was meant to be.”
“Ridge, we haven’t really talked.” Brooke looked down and stroked her belly.
“It’s going to be fine.” He promised. “We have plenty of time to talk about it, the important thing is that we’re together and we love each other.”
“I’m just not sure that I’m ready for this.” Brooke turned to face him. Fresh tears fell from her eyes.
“You are.” He smiled. “This is what we’ve both wanted since the day you catered my mother’s party. I know things seem strange, but once we’re home all this crazy stuff will be over and you’ll know that you’re right where we belong.”
“I hope so Ridge, because right now at this moment that,” Brooke pointed at the tiny island. “That is the only place that feels right to me.”


Nick turned away from looking at Ridge and Brooke and gave his attention back to Perry and his map. “So you think this is where we are?” He asked.
“I tink so, and dis not be too good.” Perry frowned.
“Why?” Nick wondered. “That looks like a decent sized island.” He touched a speck on the map. “And you said it was populated, it even has an airstrip.”
“It who it be popalated by dat worry me.” Perry shook his head. He stayed silent for a moment, listening to the sound of the engine. “But da engine, it not sounding good so we got no choice, we got to stop at da first place we can.”
“Will we make it?” Nick asked.
“We make it, but not much furder. Nick we godda be berry careful when we stop, you all haffa do waddever I tell you to do.”
“Perry, what is it? What are you scared of?” Nick asked with concern.
“Jus bein careful Nick, jus do as I ask and we all be fine.”
“Okay.” Nick sighed and looked over at Brooke and the disappearing island. “It’s almost like it was never there, never real. It’s gone Perry, it’s all gone.” He said sadly.
“Da island be gone, but da girl, she be real an she be still standin der. You hol on to dat Nick, you don give up on dat.”
“She’s wearing his ring.” Nick said with sad resignation.
“An Carla wearin your ring. I don tink dat mean too much to edder of you now does it?”
“You’re very astute.” Nick chuckled. “And right too. I love Carla, I love her very much, but it was a mistake to ever try and be more than best friends. I think we were both trying to find something and we both settled or were willing to settle for so much less than either of us deserved. I’d do anything in the world for Carla, but not marry her Perry. I’m not in love with her and she’s not in love with me.”
“Do she know you won marry her?” Perry asked. A look of anger crossed his normally happy face like a cloud on a bright summer day.
“Oh yeah.” Nick assured him. “We talked, we talked long and hard. This is what we both want.”
“Den why she be wearin your ring?”
“It’s her ring Perry. I gave it to her and it belongs to her. It’s not an engagement ring anymore, in fact we’ve already talked about getting it reset. Carla doesn’t want to marry me Perry. I know that I hurt her and I know that I was cruel to her when she got here and I feel horrible about that, but we’ve talked it out and gotten past it and we’re friends. I love her and I will support her forever and luckily for me she feels the same way about me.”
“She accept dat you love Brooke?” Perry asked.
“Yeah, and she’s going to help me get over her too.” Nick let out a deep sigh.
“Why?” Perry asked.
“Because Carla is a wonderful and forgiving woman.” Nick smiled.
“No, I mean why you ged over her? You love her, you go for her.” Perry answered.
“She loves him Perry, the entire time we were together he was always in her thoughts, always in her heart. They have a long history and she loves him. She took his ring Perry, she doesn’t want me.”
“Even wid da baby?” Perry c*cked his eyebrow.
“You know?” Nick asked.
“Not quite a state secret.” Perry laughed. “I hear tings, I listen and I take tings in. She pregnant an you love her. Mebbe you need to talk to her.”
“It’s his baby.” Nick looked over at Ridge, who was kissing Brooke’s neck and stroking her hair.
“How?” Perry looked confused. “You be togedder a long time, she not dat pregnant dat it be his.”
“Oh, it’s mine in that way, but I can’t do that to her Perry. She loves him and wants a life with him. I can’t make her a prisoner because of a mistake she made.”
“So you give him da baby?” Perry queried.
“I’m giving HER the baby. I want her to be happy and he makes her happy. I’m bowing out, as hard as it’s going to be. He’ll be a good father, Brooke did promise me that and maybe, maybe someday, in time, I can be there and meet him and show him that I really did love and want him.”
“Dis may be a big sacrifice Nick, but it also may be a big mistake. Dat your kid and dat bond be stronger den da one you have wid Brooke.”
“I live in New York, she lives in LA, we’re worlds apart not only by miles but in everything else. I don’t fit into her world Perry. I need to do what’s best for both of them.”
“You don look like a man who reddy to let go.”
“I’m not, but maybe someday I will be.” He said sadly. Then he looked down at the map. “Soon we’ll get there and then it will really be over.”


“All settled in honey?” Stephanie walked into Taylor’s new office at Forrester. She handed her former daughter-in-law a floral arrangement. “It’s so good to have you here. I just wondered if maybe it was too soon for you to start today.”
“They’re beautiful.” Taylor smiled and sniffed the flowers. She put them down on a table and turned back to Stephanie. “I think today was the perfect day to start. Everyone is at odds from the press conference yesterday, I think I can help.”
“I’m not so sure.” Stephanie clucked in that superior way that only she seemed to have about her. “You being Ridge’s widow, it may make people feel they can’t talk to you.”
“I’m a professional Stephanie.” Taylor protested.
“But honey, they may not want to burden you at this time.”
“Maybe I can help you or Eric, maybe I can help myself.” She sighed. “Besides, I’m not really his widow, we’re divorced.”
“Pish posh, that would have been fixed if, if.” Stephanie stopped. “Of course you’re welcome to start today, whatever feels right.” She looked around the office. “It looks nice, you’re already put your personal touch here. Remember, Forrester will always be your home.”
“I’d like to talk to Bridget.” Taylor poured steaming coffee into her mug. “I really hate how that Deacon Sharpe seems to be getting over on her.”
“He’s a vile man Taylor, and he has her completely under his spell. I wonder if she would listen to anyone, let alone you.”
“Do you think she still resents me?” Taylor looked pained.
“She wanted Ridge with her mother. I know she did. I think she does like you and respect you, but there is resentment.”
“Ridge made his choices.” Taylor frowned. “He wanted to be with me, not Brooke. I know it hurt Bridget, she was a child and she had her own ideas, but she’s a woman now and I’d think that we could talk about this. I think I could help her.”
“I don’t think Bridget thinks she needs help, not after what I witnessed yesterday.”
“What?” Taylor asked.
“Sex, she and Deacon, right in Brooke’s office, just as if the entire day hadn’t happened.”
“Some people cope with things differently Stephanie and as much as we don’t like him, he is her husband. You certainly didn’t think they weren’t having sex did you?”
“She was on her knees in front of him in an unlocked office Taylor. To ME that was a cry for help if there ever was one.”


Perry had gathered everyone together as they approached the island. Brooke stood nervously at Ridge’s side looking at Perry, then Nick and Carla and then back towards the island. “So you think that it’s dangerous?” She asked.
“If it is we should go on to the next island.” Ridge said with his own brand of authority.
“Da boat, she won’t make it widout more repairs. We need to stop here, but yes, it be very dangerous. Dis island is like a world all it’s own. Da law der is meaningless, it be ruled by da criminals. We all be okay if you do as I say.”
“They all can’t be bad.” Carla interjected.
“No, but we have to be careful. Believe me, I know what I talkin’ bout.”
“So what do you have in mind?” Nick asked. “We’re almost there.”
“I go der, jus me, alone.”
“No way!” Ridge protested.
“If Perry says it’s dangerous I don’t want the women to get off the boat until Perry says it’s safe.” Nick answered.
“And I think someone has to go with him.” Ridge protested.
Perry scratched his chin, looked at the island and turned to Ridge. “Okay mon, first I go check it out, once I know it safe I come back and you come wid me, Nick and da ladies, dey stay on board, down below, but you!” He pointed to Ridge. “You don do notin’ or say notin’ until I say it okay.”
“Sounds fair.” Nick agreed. “But are you sure we have to stay below?”
“Trus me Nick.” Perry answered. “Once I find da right people we can all come out, but until I do it be safer for dem to tink Ridge and I come alone.”
“This is rather disturbing.” Carla commented.
“Will Ridge be safe?” Brooke asked as she wrung her hands.
“He be safe as long as he listen to me.” Perry gave Ridge a sharp look.
“I will.” He promised, more for Brooke than for anyone. “Just get us home Perry. I want my lady home with her kids tonight.”
“If all goes as I tink, she will be.” Perry smiled. “Now you all wait, I be back for you soon Ridge.” He promised. Then he left the four alone on his boat.



“What’s going on?” Eric asked as he walked into Taylor’s new office. She smiled at him but Stephanie just shook her head. “Stephanie? What’s wrong?”
“Aside from our son being dead and that hoodlum in this building?” Stephanie frowned.
“I’ll deal with Deacon.” Eric sighed. “We just have to put up with him a bit, for Bridget’s sake and for the company’s sake too. If we give him too much grief I’m afraid Bridget and Rick might do something drastic. I need to talk to Jonathan and see if he has any ideas.”
“I’d like to call a hit man instead.” Stephanie scoffed.
“I hadn’t realized he’d taken over Brooke’s office.” Taylor interjected. “That can’t be seen as a positive move for Forrester.”
“That was my office and it was going to be mine again.” Stephanie angrily answered. “And the things he does it that office, it will have to be fumigated when we get rid of him.”
“I’m not sure how we’re going to accomplish that.” Eric admitted. “I’m hoping we can get through to Bridget, have her see him for the kind of man he is. Maybe she’ll end the marriage and our troubles will be gone.”
“Thank God there aren’t any children.” Taylor sighed.
“Children? God no.” Eric turned pale. “No, Bridget isn’t ready for that at all.”
“I don’t think that’s what Taylor is getting at Eric.” Stephanie looked to Taylor.
“Well, partially yes.” Taylor admitted. “But if they have children, marriage or no marriage Deacon Sharpe will still have a hand in things. So it is a good thing they’ve decided to wait before starting a family.”
“We’d never get rid of him.” Eric wiped his brow. “Stephanie, can you, in a sensitive way of course, talk to Bridget about birth control?”
“I’ll try Eric.” She said. “Maybe Taylor could help me.”
“Yes, we’ll come up with a few things to say. We can’t have it backfire. We need to show her love and support.”


Deacon put his finger to his lips and gestured for Tatiana to be quiet. Then he gently led her back to his office and shut the door. “Did you hear that? They think they can get rid of me and they’re going to try to make Bridget turn. Shit, they are so going to lose this one.”
“She adores you Deacon, she won’t turn.”
“I can’t take that chance.” He said. “I didn’t want this, but she did. I guess it’s time I tried on a new name.” He scratched his head.
“A new name?” Tatiana questioned him.
“Daddy.” He said with a grin.


“This is ridiculous.” Ridge said as he paced back and forth in the small galley. “It’s hot and we’re cramped and there are people out there and we need to talk to them so we can get home!”
“For once I agree with you.” Nick looked at Carla and shrugged. “It seems crazy to just sit here doesn’t it?”
“Perry seemed concerned and he knows these people better than we do. I think we should respect him and just wait.” She answered.
“We could at least go up.” Brooke fanned herself with a magazine. “I swear it has to be a zillion degrees in here.”
“I’m going up.” Ridge announced. “You all wait here, let me check what’s going on.”
“Can’t we go up too?” Brooke asked with a pout.
“Let me go first, if it looks okay I’ll call you.” Ridge told her. Just as he was about to head up the stairs Perry started down.
“Alright Ridge, we ready.”
“To leave?” Ridge asked.
“You come wid me Ridge, we got work to do.” He turned to Nick. “Stay here wid the ladies. Tings not so good der.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Nick asked with a frown.
“I tell you wen we git more answers. We be back soon. Jus stay down here.” Perry grabbed Ridge’s arm and walked him to the stairs. “Der bad tings goin on Ridge, we need to tink and to work fast. We gotta git Brooke and Nick home now.” He whispered in his ear. Then the two men left Nick and the women alone.
“I don’t like this. He’s keeping something from us.” Nick complained.
“Maybe we should follow them.” Brooke suggested with a smirk.
“That’s my Princess.” Nick smiled and laughed. “I was thinking you had totally lost your spark, nice to know it’s still there.”
“I haven’t changed.” She said softly, but she looked down, a little ashamed that Nick might just be right.
“I’m sure they’re just trying to find a way to get us home quickly and quietly. Brooke is a celebrity Nick, you do realize that don’t you?” Carla looked him in the eye.
“Not really.” Brooke protested. “My name does get in the press but I’m not a celebrity, I just work in a high profile job.”
“That’s what I was getting at. Brooke you don’t know all the press that went around about your disappearance and your, um, death.”
“My death.” She sighed. “My kids think I’m dead, my God they must be in so much pain.”
“But you’ll change that when they see you again Brooke.” Carla reminded her. “Just imagine the joy on their faces.”
“But all they’ve gone through, so much pain.” She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
“They’ll be fine as soon as they see you.” Nick walked up to her and took her hand and squeezed it. “They will be so happy to have you back it’ll be like the pain never even happened.”
“Yes.” She smiled. “Yes, it will be wonderful.”


“Hi Tatiana.” Bridget smiled at the girl and walked up to Deacon and gave him a kiss. “Is something going on? I was a little worried when you told me to skip class and come down here.”
“I’ll leave you both alone.” Tatiana said. She turned to Deacon. “Be careful Deacon, be sure you know exactly what it is that you want.”
“Thanks doll.” He winked at her. “I’ll see you after your shoot and don’t worry, it will be no one but Giovanni from now on.”
“Ta.” She waved and left the office, shutting the door behind her.
“Deacon? Is something wrong?” Bridget asked. “Is Dad or Stephanie giving you a hard time again?”
“Is the pope catholic?” He grinned. “But don’t you worry about that, Old Deac has it all under control.”
“Good.” She walked to his desk and picked up a stack of photos of Tatiana. “She’s beautiful and so photogenic.”
“She’s perfect, one of the few things that I agree with the Forresters about.”
“It will get better.” Bridget promised. “I’ll talk to Dad.”
“Never mind him.” Deacon walked to the desk and picked up Bridget’s purse. He started rummaging through it.
“What are you looking for?” Bridget asked him. “Deacon!” She pressed as he threw the contents on the desk.
“Ahhhh.” He smiled and held up the familiar object. “Got them.”
“My pills?” Bridget frowned.
Deacon walked up to her, lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the desk. “You’re not going to be needing them anymore.” He dropped them into the wastepaper basket. Then he kneeled down in front of her and reached up under her skirt. Bridget let out a gasp and a squeal as he pulled her panties down. “You won’t be needing these either.” He said with a lustful grin.
“Deacon. Really? Are you sure?” Bridget was stunned and happy beyond belief.
“My baby wants a baby and I want to give her one too.”
“And you want one too?” She looked into his eyes with the most innocent, hopeful look he had ever seen.
“More than you can ever imagine.” He slid his hand between her legs and started to stroke her.
“Oh Deacon, Deacon that feels so good.” She moaned.
“Get used to it baby, because until I fill that belly of yours with my baby we’re going to be doing it morning noon and night.” He reached down and unzipped his fly. “Come to papa Bridget.” He then spread her legs wide and entered her in a quick, hard thrust.


It had been a world wind from the moment Ridge and Perry had returned. Without taking time for an explanation they had ushered everyone off the boat to a waiting jeep. On the ride to the airstrip Ridge had tried to explain everything to the group. Apparently there was still a lot of concern about the plane crash, not about the survivors but about the cargo. It appeared that the pilot had been carrying a large amount of cocaine as well as an assortment of other drugs. He also had money, millions in cash that had belonged to the suppliers and the higher echelon of the drug culture and they were angry. The universal belief around the island community was that the passengers were in on the heist, perhaps living high off the profits in an undisclosed location. And to make it worse because of the publicity from the Forrester camp photos of Brooke and Nick had been widely circulated. Now if they were seen they were sure to be detained at the very least and even more likely imprisoned and possibly tortured. Perry had a lot of connections and he had made many calls. He had secured some fake ID for Nick, not very good but if they were lucky it would work. He’d also contacted a friend with a private plane who was willing to fly below radar and try to get them at least as far as Florida. It was risky but it was what they both, Ridge and Perry, had felt was best. Ridge had had even better luck. His first call had been to a jubilant Eric who once over the shock of having his son back gave Ridge the excellent news that the Forrester jet happened to be in Miami. Two of their designers had gone to a showing and Eric had let them use the jet. Now the jet was on it’s way to pick up Ridge. Ridge had not said anything about Brooke. He had done this for her safety and because he wanted to be able to surprise them. He had asked for the pilot to bring a flight attendant, a female with him. Eric had complied without questioning it. Ridge told him that he and Carla would be making the return trip to Los Angeles. What Ridge’s plan was was to get Brooke on the plane in place of the flight attendant, using her ID for her return. Then the jet would return to the island with her ID and pick her up the next day. Perry would assure her safety. Ridge had also contacted Jonathan, but this time he had told him the truth and asked him to quietly start the wheels turning for Brooke. He wanted her return to LA to be as hassle free as possible. Jonathan assured him that by the end of the week Brooke would be officially alive and her assets back in her name. The timing seemed quick but was the least of Ridge’s worries. Rick and Amber were living in her house, so she would not have a problem there and his intention was to move her into his new home anyway. He had asked Eric to not tell anyone, but to gather the family for his return. Eric promised him the best homecoming a man could ever have. So now they were all digesting everything and getting ready to separate and move on to their own lives once and for all.
“There it is.” Ridge pointed to the small airstrip where the jet was waiting, engine running. “Look Logan, the jet, you’re as good as home.”
“It’s almost like a dream.” She said softly. “What about Nick and Carla?” She asked.
“Der.” Perry pointed to a small plane. Brooke frowned and crinkled her nose. “It safe Brooke and de pilot be a fren of mine. He good and he safe. He git dem home safe and sound.”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me Perry.” Nick told the man. “You’ve taken risks that I can never repay you for.”
“Jes git home safe, dat all I want.”
“You’ll get more Perry.” Ridge promised. “Once Brooke and I are settled I’ll be back and I’m going to get you the newest and the best boat you’ve ever seen.”
“Ridge you don have ta do dat.” He protested but Brooke touched his arm.
“Yes we do.” She smiled.
“What about our things?” Carla asked. They had left the boat without a suitcase. All Carla had was her purse and the clothes on her back.
“I gave Perry money, he’s going to ship it all back to us. It’s just important that we leave now.” Ridge answered.
“Okay, wen we stop da jeep, you two.” He motioned to Nick and Carla. “You go to dat plane, git on and go. Ridge, Brooke you know wat you gadda do.”
“You bet.” Ridge smiled.
Brooke turned and looked sadly at Nick. “You have my numbers?” She asked.
“In my pocket. I won’t lose them.” He promised.
“We’ll be in touch Parker, just get your lady home safely.” Ridge said, putting his arm around Brooke possessively.
They all seemed to stop and take a breath as the jeep stopped.
“Okay people, go now.” Perry told them. “Ridge, I wait for your lady.”
“Thanks Perry.” He shook his hand. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
Nick and Carla were the first out. They joined hands and started to walk to the small plane. Brooke’s eyes filled with tears as she followed their progress.
“Come on Logan.” Ridge said, taking her hand.
“Wait.” She said, stopping short. “Nick!” She called out.
Nick stopped and turned to her. He looked at Carla and then ran to Brooke, pulling her into his arms. “It’s going to be okay Princess.” He gently touched her face.
“Oh Nick, I just couldn’t not say goodbye.” The tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I know.” He softly agreed. “Now you go home and have a wonderful life. You show that baby the strong brave lady that his daddy fell in love with. Don’t lose that woman who brought me back to life Brooke, don’t lose that woman who never gave up, who knew how to fish and start fires, who climbed mountains and cracked coconuts and went searching for wild boar.” He smiled at her but his eyes were filled with tears.
“I won’t.” She promised him.
“You’re going to be just fine Brooke.” He took her hands in his. “Be safe and be happy.”
“Oh Nick.” She sobbed.
Ridge angrily watched. He was about to approach them but Perry held him back. “Let dem.” He simply told him.
“Nick, will you promise me one thing?” Brooke asked.
“What?” Nick held on tightly to her trembling hands.
“Think about it, think about it a little more.”
“Okay.” He agreed. “You gotta go, we gotta go.” He looked back at Carla and the pilot for their plane. “They’re waiting.”
“I know.” She tried to smile.
Nick let go of her hands and started to turn, but he turned back. “Brooke?” He questioned her.
“Yes?” She stopped, her breath catching, wondering what he was going to say.
“I love you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It was a kiss of passion and love and regret and sadness and happiness and hope and resignation. Their arms snaked around each other, holding on for life and yet they knew they had to release each other. Finally Nick let go, gave her one last kiss and ran to Carla. She took his hand and they boarded the plane. Brooke stood sobbing as it took off and left the airstrip.
“Ready Logan?” Ridge gently nudged her towards the jet.
“I’m ready.” She slowly walked to the jet and boarded it.
“Let’s get our seatbelts on, we’re going to take off right away.” Ridge told her. He watched as she belted herself in and he did the same. His eyes were on her as she looked out the window watching Perry shrink from her sight. Finally she turned to face him.
“Thank you Ridge.” She smiled. “You’re really taking me home.”
“In a few hours Logan, you’re going to be back with your kids and with me, and I promise, I’ll never leave you ever again.”
“Never again.” She whispered softy, leaving Ridge to wonder just whom she was thinking of.

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