Chapter 10

 

 

Deacon had only brought a carry-on so he had made it out of the airport in no time at all.  He had made one stop before leaving and he reached inside his pocket making sure that his purchase was still securely inside.  Tonight would change everything. He had high hopes. Carlos’ words echoed in his head.  He had to claim his woman, he had to bring her home and stop all the secrets.  They had to make a life in the open, it had to be that way to work.  He loved her and he wanted the world to know that.  He pulled down his sunglasses as he stepped outside.  The cabs were abundant and he had jumped into one to head to the hotel.  The ride was only about an hour but to Deacon it felt like an eternity.  In his head he practiced what he would say to her, how he could convince her that they needed to be together, that they were meant to share a life.  But when he had been let out at the hotel and had gone to her room there was no answer to his repeated knocks.  He realized it was a beautiful day and that it was unlikely she would be holed up in the room but when the minutes turned to hours and the day changed to night and she had not returned his disappointment had mounted.  He checked with the front desk but they wouldn’t give him any information about her so he checked himself into a room in the main hotel. He couldn’t reach Carlos but he had left him a message telling him that he had so far been unsuccessful in finding Brooke.  Disillusioned and sad he went to the bar and had a drink and then decided to walk to the beach and sit and think. The strains of a Calypso band from the nearby restaurant were soothing but they didn’t quench his desire for Brooke.  Once more he had come so close.  He wondered if the fates were truly against them.

 

“I should have left a light on.” Brooke said to herself when she entered her bungalow.  She was tired but invigorated.  She had had a good day.  She had taken roll after roll of pictures, shopped, had lunch at a quaint stand and even had a swim on a deserted beach but now she was glad to be back in her room.  She walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.  While she undressed she put on the radio and hummed along to the music.  She stepped into the shower and let the warm water beat down on her tired back.  It felt so good to her.  She treated herself to some wonderful shower gel and expensive shampoo.  After she was clean she wrapped herself in a large terry towel and sat down on the couch.  She opened the menu and tried to decide what to have for dinner.  The fresh snapper in dill sauce sounded wonderful so she picked up the phone and ordered that as well as a garden salad and a small side of pasta.  Deciding to indulge herself she, at the last minute added a bottle of Gavi di Gavi and a slice of Key Lime Pie for dessert.  The kitchen was busy and Brooke was told that it would be at least an hour and a half wait.  She debated on taking a quick nap but instead decided a walk on the beach would be the perfect way to end the day.  Opening the huge closet Brooke was not sure of what to wear.  It wasn’t as if she would be with anyone, shorts and a top would have worked perfectly but for some reason she pulled out a light peach sundress.  It had twin spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline.  It came below her knees with a lace trim that matched the one at the neck.  The pattern was tiny flowers, so delicate they were almost unnoticeable.  She laid it out on the bed and went to her jewelry box and found tiny pink diamonds for her ears and a matching solitaire necklace. She thought about a ring or bracelet but decided against it.  Then she went back to her dresser and pulled out a pair of peach colored thongs.  The dress was flowing and yet slightly supportive so she opted against the matching bra.  She carefully finished dying herself and slid on the silky panties.  Feeling slightly decadent she sat down and applied a touch of mascara and a glimmer of lip gloss.  Her skin was tanned from the island sun and she put nothing on it but moisturizer.  She reached for her perfume and touched her pulse points with the spicy and yet floral scent.  Then she walked to the bed, grabbed her dress and slipped it over her head.  She reached for her sandals and at the last moment returned to her jewelry box.  She slipped a sterling silver toe ring on and then her sandals.  Brooke looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled.  She looked nice, she looked happy but deep inside she knew it was a farce.  Only one thing could bring her happiness, but that was never to be again.  With a deep sigh she grabbed her purse and key and left the bungalow, heading for her sunset walk.

 

 

Deacon crushed his cigarette in the sand and threw in down.  He was disgusted and mad and sad and mostly disappointed.  He had so counted on seeing Brooke, on making her see reason, he had expected by this time to be in her arms, possibly forever, and now, now he was going to have to start from scratch.  He sat back on the lounge chair and looked up at the sky.  It was a beautiful night, a night he should be sharing with the woman he loved. He reached for the bottle of beer and took a gulp and then closed his eyes.

 

 

The beach was dark and yet the sky still had the beautiful pinks and blues that came with sunset.  Brooke walked along the water’s edge being careful not to stare at and disturb the many couples of lovers that were also walking and talking or sitting and watching the evening start.  With a strong determination she held her head high and let the warm waters roll over her bare feet.  As she walked towards the crowded outside bar she walked past a solitary man on a chair but her eyes were averted and she didn’t really see him.  If she had perhaps things would have turned out so much differently.

 

 

Amber Forrester had had a busy day.  When she had returned home she had thanked Helen for watching Eric and sent her back home.  Rick had called and left a message that he was covering a meeting for Brooke and she was so proud of him but she had to wonder how Ridge would feel about that.  Ridge? She thought.  “What an interesting conversation that was.” She said to herself with a Cheshire cat grin.  She poured herself a large glass of apple juice and sat down to think about all that had transpired.  Ridge had led her into his office and sat her down.

“Can I get you some coffee?” He had asked.

“No.” Amber had answered with a trace of apprehension.  She didn’t know what Ridge wanted and she didn’t know how trustworthy he was.  She did know he resented Brooke leaving Carlos in charge and how he had taken Rick under his wing.  She sat down and looked at Ridge with a frown.

“I’m not going to bite.” Ridge had told her.
“I really don’t know what it is you want with me.”

“I want to know what you know about Deacon’s sudden reappearance Amber, I want to know why he’s here, what he wants and when the hell he’d planning on leaving.”

“I haven’t even spoken to him.” She had admitted to him.  “I just found out he was here when I spoke to Vincent.”

“Vincent?” Ridge asked.

“Bridget’s boyfriend, don’t tell me you don’t know him Ridge.”

“Yeah, I know him.  I wasn’t thinking.  So what did he tell you? Did he see Deacon?”

“He only told me that Bridget had seen him.” She had told him.

“So why did you want to see my mother Amber?” He had asked with cocked eyebrows.  “I know that has to do with Deacon somehow.”

“I just wanted to talk to her.  We’re friends Ridge.”

“Uh huh.” He picked up and bunch of papers and straightened them.  “What does he want Amber? You know Deacon better than anyone.”

“Bridget was married to him.” She had come back with.

“But you shared a bond.  Brooke knew it, Rick knew it and Bridget knew it too. If he’s not here for Bridget maybe he’s here for you, for you and Eric.” Ridge suggested. “But if that were the case why would you want to talk to my mother?”

“I already told you, I just wanted to talk to her.”

“Not buying it Amber.  Now Brooke’s not in town so it can’t be about her.” Ridge had said but Amber remembered blushing then and Ridge hadn’t missed that at all.  “It is about Brooke?  Brooke did something to make him leave town didn’t she?”

“Okay Ridge, you got me.” She had admitted.  “Yeah, I think Brooke was behind his leaving and I also think that he has something up if he felt he could come back.”

“So he’s out to get Brooke somehow? Payback?” Ridge had asked.

“I saw them talking.” Amber said.  “It was the night that he had left Bridget.”

“You saw who talking?”

“Brooke and Deacon.  Remember how Brooke had disappeared?  I followed her, or at least I tried to.  I didn’t find her at first but I did see her talking to Deacon. They were on the beach.” She had admitted.

“She paid him off, that has to be it.  Why else would she have met him?” Ridge had asked, more to himself than to Amber.  She had had her own suspicions then and had decided not to share them with Ridge.  Stephanie would be more apt to help her.  Ridge was still protective of Brooke and if Amber was correct payment had nothing at all to do with Brooke and Deacon’s meeting.  Nothing at all.

Coming back to the present she looked at a family photo of Rick, Eric, Brooke and herself.  “You and Deacon were doing more than talking Brooke and I’m going to prove it.” She said with a sly grin.  “Let’s see how you get out of that one.”

 

 

Vincent poured himself another glass of Chianti and looked towards the bedroom door. Bridget had told him she’d be right back but that had been almost fifteen minutes ago. He was determined to respect her privacy but he was afraid she was in there crying.  Their conversation had gone back to Amber and Deacon and Bridget had been more than a little bit upset.  Her plate of pasta was getting cold and his was too. He had lost his appetite with the fear of losing Bridget.  He loved her, he knew that and she had said that she loved him but the ghost of Deacon had been floating over them the entire evening.  Bridget had tried to assure him that her only thoughts were of regret for ever becoming involved but he knew better.  It went deeper and Bridget had loved him.  He really hoped she still didn’t harbor those feelings.  He got up and found himself  pacing back and forth to the front door when he finally heard the bedroom door opening.

“Vincent.” Bridget’s sweet voice called out to him.

“Hey honey are you…..holy shit!” He said when he turned to face her.  Instead of the sad, crying Bridget he had expected he was looking face to face with a goddess.  She wore a flowing white negligee with tiny embroidered red roses.  Her hair was swept up on her head and her feet were bare.

“Now who were you expecting?” She asked coyly.

“It isn’t who, it’s what and how and Bridget my God you are beautiful.” He smiled.

“I thought I had brought you down long enough today.” She said as she removed the robe and let it fall to the floor. The nightgown was sheer, so sheer that there was little left to his imagination and his body was instantly aching for hers.

“Betsy?” He gulped.

“Why are you thinking about Betsy at a time like this?” She laughed.  It was a deep, throaty laugh, something that if he had known her better would have reminded him of Bridget’s mother.

“I mean, I mean.” He stuttered.

“She’s spending the night with Jimmy.” She said.  “We’re all alone.  In fact,” She laughed again. “If Jimmy has his way the move will be permanent.  Would you like that?” She asked as she walked up to him and kissed him on the lips.

“Bridget are you sure?  I mean after the way you felt before and all.”

“Silly man.  You really don’t think that Deacon Sharpe would ever stand a chance against you do you?”

“I’m beginning to see the error of my ways.” He smiled.  He lifted her into his arms and she giggled. 

“What about your dinner?” She asked.

“Who can think about food at a time like this?” He carried her into the bedroom and was in for his second surprise.  She had the room glowing with scented candles, the bed was open and there were silk sheets.  A bottle of wine and two glasses were waiting on the nightstand.

“I thought we might get thirsty from all our, um, work.” She told him.  “But Vincent, you have way too many clothes on.”

“That can easily be remedied.” He said with a chuckle as he gently put her down on the bed.

 

 

Deacon once more opened his eyes and looked out at the ocean.  How he longed to be sharing this night with Brooke.  He had planned it all, every last detail.  Even before he had seen her he had counted on her cooperation and he had been ready.  Now he’d have to sheepishly go back and cancel it all.  Why had he been so confident? He wondered.  Perhaps it had been Carlos, he had thrown line after line about true love and a life with the right woman and Deacon had bought into it all.  Now he wished that he hadn’t.  Maybe it was all a mistake, maybe he should just go back home.  But where was home now?  Could he stay in the town that both Brooke and Bridget lived?  Could he cause them both pain as well as himself?  He reached into his pocket and took out the small box.  “What would you have said?” He asked aloud.  Standing up he put it back in his pocket and turned towards the bar.  “I need a drink, a really strong stiff drink.” He started walking the walk to where all the music and laughter was coming from.  His hand wiped the imaginary spec of dirt from his eye.  It must have been dirt, Deacon Sharpe would never cry over a woman. He assured himself.  He stopped and pulled out his pack of cigarettes and bent over to light one against the wind.  As his eyes were averted down a beautiful blonde in a peach dress appeared as if out of a dream.

“Deacon?” She whispered.

He dropped his cigarette, lighter and the full pack in shock. He looked up and suddenly his vision had magically materialized in front of him.  “Brooke, oh my God Brooke.” He said as he ran to her and pulled her into his arms. Brooke was confused and surprised as she looked up into his eyes.

“How?” She simply asked.

“Carlos, he sent me to you Brooke.  Please don’t be mad.  God I’ve missed you.” He smiled at her and she felt her heart melting.

“I’ve missed you too.  Deacon I just don’t understand.  I thought you had left, you left Vegas.”

“Yeah I did, I tried to stay away from you baby but I couldn’t.  Brooke I love you.  I can’t stay away from you, I don’t want to stay away from you.”

“Please don’t say that.” She weakly protested.

“You love me too Brooke, I know you do.  You told Carlos and even if you didn’t I could see it in your eyes, I can feel your heart beating so fast against me.  Brooke I love you and you love me and I need you to tell me that.  I need you to tell me that you love me too.”

Brooke tried to free herself from his arms but he held her tightly.  She turned her head away from him but he gently turned her back to face him.  Tears were streaming down her face.  “Say it Brooke, say it.” He demanded.

“I can’t.” She said.

“You can Brooke, you can make this all real, you can make this happen.  Damn it Brooke say it!” He shouted.

“Yes!” She screamed.  “Yes I love you! There! Are you satisfied now?  What does it prove?  What does it prove Deacon what?  What good can come of you following me here like this?” She pounded on his chest with her fist but he held her hard and tightly.  He gently brought his mouth down to hers and her mouth betrayed her by seeking his out.  The kiss seemed to last an eternity and yet it was over too fast for both of them.  Brooke found herself losing her balance.  She wanted, no she needed his support.  She had fought this so hard for so long and all the fight had gone out of her.  She loved this man and she belonged in his arms, she wanted to stay in his arms, she wanted to die in his arms.  “I love you.” She whispered.  “I love you Deacon, I love you.”

“Thank God.” He muttered against her open mouth.

“Kiss me, kiss me and never stop.” Brooke begged.

“I won’t, I’ll never stop Brooke, I swear I will never let you go again, never.” He brought his mouth back to hers and kissed her again. This time it wasn’t a kiss of desperation but a soft and gentle kiss of love and promises of things yet to come.  When he pulled away from her he started to laugh.  “I was so scared.”

“Why?  Oh Deacon you know me so well, you knew how I felt before I even did.” She said.  She reached up and stroked the side of his face with her hand. 

“I was scared you’d left, scared I had missed you.  The desk, they wouldn’t tell me and I tried Carlos but I couldn’t get through to him.  Oh baby I love you.” He said with a huge grin.  “We are going to be so happy now Brooke, so happy.”

“Can you stay?  Can we have a few days together?” She asked as her eyes widened in fear.  What if he said no? 

“I can stay for the rest of my life Brooke.” He said as once more he crushed her mouth with his.

 

 

With a grin on her face Taylor tiptoed up behind Ridge as he sat working on a sketch. She leaned over and kissed him on his neck causing him to drop his pencil.  He turned around and leaned into her kiss. 

“You scared me Doc.” He scolded.

“You’re scared of me?” She asked in mock horror.

He took her hand and pulled her onto his lap.  He looked into her eyes and kissed her again. “Only that I can’t kiss you every time I need to.”

“Hmmm.” She said with a laugh.  “You seem to be in a better mood now.  Did you straighten things out with Carlos?”

“Does it look that way?” He asked as he held up the drawing complete with the comments Carlos had written.  “The asshole knows nothing at all about fashion and I am beginning to think he knows nothing about anything Doc.”

“Why do you say that?  I was under the impression he was a skilled businessman.”

“And he prefers to listen to the likes of Rick than me or Dad?” Ridge said.  “No Doc, he’s nothing but Brooke’s yes man and I can’t wait for her to return and send him back to wherever the hell he belongs.”

“Have you heard from her at all?” Taylor asked.

“No, she only talks to Caicedo, and her kids too I guess.  She hasn’t even called Dad.  But she claims it’s just a vacation.”

“A pretty long vacation if you ask me.” Taylor said.  “But I guess I can’t blame her.  She hasn’t really taken a lot of time off since she came to Forrester, except for her honeymoons.” Taylor laughed.

“Ouch.” Ridge said. 

“Well, you were responsible for two of them weren’t you my dear.”

“I’ll take the fifth.” He said with a smile.  Then he looked at her seriously.  “I don’t hate her Doc, she’s my friend, I care about her, but her decision to put Carlos in charge was cruel and thoughtless.  She didn’t even think about how it would make me or Dad look.”

“Can I play Devil’s Advocate a moment?” She asked her husband.

“Of course.”

“She claims that she did it because of what was going on at the time, how you and Eric are the creative forces behind the company.  You have two shows coming up Ridge.”

“Which heaven knows if she’ll even be here for.” Ridge added.

“That isn’t the point.  Brooke needed you to make sure that they ran smoothly.”

“Then why the hell did she allow him to make changes to my designs?” He asked in anger.

“Maybe she has no idea he’s doing that Ridge.  I have a suggestion if you’re willing to listen to me.”

“I’m always willing to listen to you Doc.  You are my sounding board, you are my voice of reason, God knows that I would have run off on some tangents without you.  What’s your idea?” He asked.

“Talk to Rick and Bridget.  Tell them to get word to Brooke that you need to speak to her, ask them to ask her to call you and when she does.”

“What if she doesn’t?” He interrupted.

“And when she does.” Taylor continued.  “And you know she will.  When she does, you tell her what Carlos is doing.  Tell her in a cool, calm and collected voice Ridge.  Be reasonable, don’t complain but ask her if this was what she had in mind. I really don’t think that it is Ridge.  I think she expected you to take total control of the showing.”

“But Doc, Rick is in his pocket. Carlos is grooming him! He’ll never side with me now.” Ridge said with an almost childlike pout.

Taylor looked at him and laughed.  “He’s your brother Ridge, you are family. Carlos is only a man on the payroll. Give Rick and Bridget more credit.”

 

Deacon let go of Brooke and smiled at her again.  “I’d forgotten how beautiful you were.  I mean I know you’re beautiful but Brooke, just looking at you makes me loose my breath.”

“Deacon.” She said softly.  “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“I never should have stayed away, I never should have chased you away Brooke.  You know, I never could get you out of my head.  God knows I tried.  But I couldn’t do it.  Even when I was sure you were lost to me I couldn’t forget you.  I don’t know how I found the nerve to go look for you today, but I’m so thankful that I did.”

“Who did you see?” Brooke asked.

“Actually I went into the building and no one seemed to even notice me.  Then Ridge grabbed me.”

“Ridge?” She said fearfully.  “What did you say to him? Deacon you didn’t tell him you wanted to see me did you?”

“Are you that ashamed of me?” He asked sadly.

“No, oh no Deacon.  But Bridget, if she even knew.”

“She’s going to have to know soon Brooke, very soon.”

“She can never know.” Brooke shook her head.  “She’d hate me forever and I can’t have that.  I love you Deacon but I can’t lose my baby.”

“You won’t lose her.  She loves you and Brooke, she doesn’t love me.”

“You don’t know that Deacon.  You haven’t seen her since you left.  She dates but no one makes her happy, she’s miserable and it’s because she’s still in love with you.”

“That’s not true Brooke.  I saw her.”

“You what?” Brooke pulled herself from his arms and looked at him in horror.  “You went to see my baby? Deacon how could you?  What did you say to her? What?” She shouted.

“I didn’t go see her at all Brooke.  I went to see Alex at The Lair and Bridget showed up.”

“Why would my daughter go to The Lair?”

“Alex found a ring or something and she had called Bridget to come get it.  It was all unplanned but she walked in while I was talking to Alex and Brooke, she’s okay.”

“She is NOT okay Deacon.”

“Baby she is.” Deacon took her hand and caressed it in his.  “She told me about the man she met, and how happy he makes her.”

“She’s lying.” Brooke said.

“No, I don’t think she is.  She seemed, um.” He thought for a moment.  “She seemed content Brooke.  Calm and content.  I swear I’d never hurt her again. But I will not give you up either Brooke.”

“We have no choice Deacon.” She said with a sad smile.  “We have now, we can either enjoy it or we can go our separate ways again.”

“Not gonna happen.” He said. He turned her to face him and looked deeply into her eyes. “Brooke, I have spent half my life running away and now for the first time, I want to run to something -- to someone.”

“Deacon?” She said.  She was frightened, she knew what was happening but she felt helpless to stop it, she didn’t even know if she wanted to stop it. She put her finger over his lips to stop his words but he just smiled, took her hand in his, kissed it and continued.

“I've tried to show you every way I know how to tell you how much you mean to me, but there's no better way then by asking you to spend the rest of your life with me.” He said as he reached into his pocket and took out the small velvet box.  He kneeled down in front of Brooke, who let out a gasp.  “Brooke Logan, I love you like I have never loved another, like I never could love another.  I need you, I need you to make me the man that I know I can be.  I ask you this with all my heart and soul, Brooke, will you marry me?

“Deacon.” Brooke said as tears streamed down her face.  “As much as I want to say yes, I can’t.”

“Don’t do this to us Brooke.” He said.  He opened the box and took out a beautiful one and a half-carat diamond ring.  It was an oval stone set in platinum with tiny baguettes on either side.  Brooke couldn’t take her eyes off of it, even as he slipped it onto her finger.  Brooke brought her hand up closer to her face and stared at the ring.

“I know it’s nothing compared to the rocks the Forresters have given you, but Brooke, it has more love than any of theirs ever had, more than they ever could.”  He held her hand tightly in his.  “You can’t say no Brooke, you love me and I love you.  It’s what’s meant to be, we both know it, we both want it.  Tell me you don’t want to marry me Brooke.  Tell me and I’ll leave and you’ll never have to see me again.”

Brooke wiped a tear from her eye and looked down at the ring and then into Deacon’s eyes.  “I can’t.” She said softly.  Deacon’s smile left his face and he was crestfallen.  He stood up and let go of her hand.

“Alright.” He said.  “If that’s how you really feel I’ll never bother you again Brooke.”

 

 

Bridget cuddled under the comforter as she waited for Vincent to return.  They had made love twice and then he had taken her to heights she had never been to before when he made love to her with his mouth and his hands.  She had been so blown away that she had wept in his arms afterward.  Then he had told her he’d be right back and he had left the bedroom.  She was calm now and she was ready for more.  Her patience was fading when he finally returned to the bedroom carrying a tray.

“What do you have?” She asked.

“Ice cream.” He said.  “Ice cream, syrup, cherries, whipped cream, the works.  We’re making sundaes.”

“In bed?” She giggled.

“Yeah in bed.” He told her.  He put the tray in the center of the bed and handed her a dish.  “Would you like me to scoop?”

“Yes please.” She answered shyly.

He scooped a scoop of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry into each of their crystal bowls. “Is that enough?” He asked her.
“It’s too much.” She said as her eyes widened in pleasure.

“It’s time to indulge.” He said.  He handed her the syrup.  She took it and poured it on both their bowls.  “Walnuts?” He asked.

“Yes please.” She said.  He scooped two large spoonfuls into each bowl.  “Oooh, coconut.” She said. She reached for the bowl and poured that on their dishes.

“What next?” He asked her.  Bridget looked at all the other condiments he had brought. 

“M & M’s.” She said. 
“Good choice.” He said.  He handed her the bowl and she spilled some on his ice cream and then her own.  “Now how about sprinkles?”

“Multi colored.” She said. He poured them out and then he handed her the whipped cream. 

“We’ll have a little fun with this later, so don’t use it all up.” He told her.

“Huh?” She asked and suddenly his meaning caught up to her. “Ohhhh.” She laughed.  She spritzed each sundae and then Vincent took the two bowls from her.  He dug into the jar of cherries and carefully placed one on each bowl.

“I think we’re ready now.” He said as he removed the tray and handed her the sundae and a big spoon. “Dig in.”

 

 

Carlos spoke soft Spanish into the phone and then hung up.  He turned to his companion and smiled.

“I’m sorry, it was my son.” He said excusing himself.

“You must miss him.” Rick Forrester answered.

“Very much, family is very important to me, as it is to you too Rick.”

“How many kids do you have Carlos?” He asked.

“Just my son Eduardo, though he has Americanized his name and he calls himself Eddie.” He laughed.

“Where does he live?” Rick asked.  “How old is he?”

“He lives in New York City and he is twenty-five.” Carlos pulled out his wallet and proudly showed Rick a picture.  His son was almost as handsome as he was, he had dark hair and dark eyes and a happy smile.

“And your wife?” Rick asked.

“My wife passed away ten years ago.” He answered sadly. 

“I’m sorry.” Rick said honestly.

“We had a good life, but far too short Rick.  Love, love is the only thing that is real.  What Elena and I shared was love in it’s purest form, a love that few ever experience in life.  I know I will never find another to take her place.”

“Don’t say that Carlos, you may just meet someone special.” Rick smiled brightly.  “America has a lot of beautiful women, especially California.”

“Are you trying to sell me one Rick?” Carlos asked.  “Perhaps a lovely CEO?”

“She’s had a tough time in her life.  You two seem close.” Rick answered.

“I’d be honored to have a woman like your mother on my arm, but I fear her heart belongs to someone else.”

“Yeah.” Rick said with regret.  His thoughts turned to Ridge.  How long his mother had pined for him, and it seemed it would never end.  He knew she was away trying to forget about him.  Surely Carlos could help her do that.  “Are you from Spain?” Rick asked him.

“No Rick, I am from Cuba.” He answered. “When I came to the United States as a young man I met my Elena.  We fell in love and moved from Miami to Los Angeles.  Here I met Eric Forrester.  He gave me a job in the company and in time I advanced myself.  Elena and I had a good life in Europe, but it is good to be back in my adopted country.”

“My Dad hired you?” Rick asked.

“Does that surprise you?”

“A bit.  Dad and Ridge seem a bit put out by you.”

“It was your mother who gave me the position at International, we never even met. She promoted me and I came to run many aspects there.  We became friends through the Internet and the phone.”

“Are you hoping to stay here at Forrester?” Rick asked him.

“If your mother has a place for me it would be my honor.” He said.  “But if she wants me to return to International I will do it happily for her.”

“I hope you stay.” Rick said.

“As do I Rick, and I must say I am much impressed with Brooke’s son.” He smiled.  “Someday you will be quite the businessman.  Does your father hope for you to follow in his footsteps?”

“I think so.” Rick said.  “But I don’t think Ridge is too happy about it.”

“Ah but he should be.  Family is everything, next to love.  And you are family.  Besides, it is not as if you are stepping on his toes in the designing interests.”

“Actually I think Ridge would like to run everything.  Too bad for him he didn’t stay with my mother.”

“His wife Taylor seems a lovely woman.” Carlos remarked.

“She is, she’s kind and pretty and smart.  But my point was that my mother would have given him everything.  All she ever wanted was a life with Ridge, she’d have sacrificed everything for him.  I guess that just wasn’t enough for him.” Rick sighed.  “My Mom is pretty miserable right now.”

“Perhaps not.” Carlos smiled.  “Perhaps not at all.”

“No Deacon.” Brooke said as she clutched his hand.  “You don’t understand what I meant.  I can’t say no, I can’t say that I don’t love you and I don’t want to marry you.”

“You mean?” He stared at her in wonder.

“Yes.” She said as a single tear ran down her face.  “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“You’ll marry me?” He asked.  He was stunned.  He was so sure she had turned him down that he had been preparing himself to leave alone.

“Yes.” She said.  “Oh yes.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.  “I love you Deacon, I love you more than I’ve even loved any man in my life.  I want so much to be your wife.”

“You’ve made my dreams come true Brooke.” He said as he claimed her mouth with another kiss.  “I’ll never let you down, you’ll never be alone and I will love you until the day I die.”

“Deacon.” She smiled and touched his face.  “Let’s go to my room.  I want to be with you, I want.”

“I want all that too Brooke but that is going to have to wait.” He told her.
“Wait?” She laughed.  “We’ve both waited far too long.  Let’s get a bottle of champagne and go celebrate.”

“ We are going to celebrate baby, believe me we are, but I have plans for you.” He laughed and hugged her. “I have surprises in store for you.”

“You have plans? Surprises?  Deacon I’m not sure how many more surprises I can take.” She laughed and kissed him.  “Deacon I want to make love, the plans can wait until tomorrow.”

“Oh no they can’t.” He said.  He grabbed her hand and started to pull her down the beach. 

“Where are we going?” She asked.  “Wait! My sandals.” She said.  She stopped and reached down and grabbed her shoes.  “Your cigarettes and lighter.” She told him.

“Leave them, I quit.” He said.

“For me?”

“Everything I do, I do for you Brooke.” He smiled again.  “Now come on.” He grabbed her hand again and led her away down the beach.

 

 

“Rick’s not home and Bridget doesn’t answer.” Ridge told Taylor.

“Well then you call them tomorrow.  Ridge they’re family, you need to get over this attitude.” 

“Maybe I should call Megan.” He said.

“You’re going to call a secretary? Come on honey, I know she’s a trusted employee but you can’t let her know that this is getting to you.  It’s best you trust your brother and sister.”

“I guess you’re right.” He told her.  “I just don’t know how much longer I can take this Carlos guy Doc.”

“You know you could try to reason with him.  I know how mad you get and I think he may have a temper like yours too.”

“He has no right to do what he’s been doing Doc, none at all.”

“Do you know him well?” She asked.

“I know Dad used to trust him.  I know he doesn’t anymore.” Ridge told her.

“He’s very charming.” She said.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting fooled by him too? It’s bad enough Logan is falling for his crap but not my wife too!”

 “Do you want me to hate him Ridge? I don’t like what he’s doing but maybe he is mistaken about his job duties.  Don’t you think we can give him a chance? After all your father seemed to have faith in him at one time.”

“Sometimes my father gives people far too much credit and far too much responsibility.” Ridge said as he swept his fingers through his hair.  “And Brooke is worse Doc.  She just doesn’t know enough, she doesn’t see the harm she’s doing to the company.”

“Aren’t you being a little overreactive?”  Taylor asked him. “I don’t see any real harm.  It’s a temporary position, the showings are moving along on time, you and your father are as creative as normal.  Really Ridge, besides Brooke will be back soon and Carlos will be gone and then if you still have issues you can calmly talk to Brooke about them.”

“Oh do you have your crystal ball out?” He asked sarcastically.  Taylor frowned at his attitude and Ridge caught her expression.  “Sorry Doc, what I meant was no one knows where Brooke is, why she left or when she plans on coming back.  I just don’t see the end in sight right now, I don’t.”

“And when you talk to your brother and sister and they give Brooke your message you will talk to her.  Ridge please, don’t work yourself up over this.  You’ve been so happy, we’ve been so happy.”

“And we are happy Taylor.  You and I and the kids, I couldn’t ask for more in my personal life.  It’s just the future of Forrester I’m worried about.  And for some reason I think when Brooke comes back she isn’t going to be the same woman, and Doc, that spells major trouble.”

 

 

“Deacon slow down.” Brooke laughed and he quickly pulled her along the beach.  When she found he wasn’t going to do as she requested she pulled her hand free from his and stopped.  “I may just have to rethink this proposal.” She threatened with a smile.

“Oh no you don’t.” He grinned as he stopped and turned back to her.  “Only a little bit further and I promise you will be happy.”

“Can’t we sit and talk?” She asked him.  “Deacon we have so many plans to make, so much to talk about.  We really need to decide how we’re going to handle this.”

“Handle this? Brooke you’re talking like our relationship is a problem.  It’s not baby, it’s a miracle, a beautiful, wonderful miracle.”

“To us it is Deacon.” She said softly.  “But not everyone else will share our happiness.  We have to consider their feelings.”

“Right now all I care about is you and me and the life we’re starting.  Trust me Brooke, I’ve thought about everything.  I have it all figured out.  Just follow my lead and I promise you’ll be happy.”  He held out his hand to her and she placed her hand in his.

“I do trust you Deacon.” 

“Good.” He said.  “Let’s go.” He started walking again and Brooke decided to indeed put her trust in him and follow him.

 

 

Amber was curled up on the couch, eating popcorn and watching a video when Rick came in.  He walked up to her and sat down.  “What are you watching?” He asked.

“Silence of the Lambs.” She said.  She reached for the remote and shut the movie off.

“You didn’t have to do that.” He told her.

“I’d rather talk to you.  How did it go?  Did you and Carlos have a nice talk?”

“He’s amazing Amber, so smart and so patient.  He really is helping me learn things I never knew, things I’m not even sure Mom or Dad know.”

“My brilliant husband.” Amber grinned and kissed him.  “Some day soon you’ll be running Forrester.”

“I don’t know about that Amber.  Mom and Dad are doing a great job, but I’d really like to help all that I can.  Anyway it was an interesting evening.  You know I kind of hinted at him about how he and Mom might be good for each other.”

“What did he say?” Amber questioned.

“He seems to realize that Mom’s in love with someone else.” He frowned. 

“He does?”

“Well it’s pretty common knowledge Amber, Mom’s been chasing after Ridge for years.”

“Oh, Ridge.” She said.

“Why?” He laughed.  “Who else did you think?”

“I don’t know Rick.  After he turned her down the last time I think she got the hint.  She’s not that stupid, she has to realize it was all one sided.”

“One sided? Oh that’s where you’re wrong Amber.  Ridge loves Mom too, but he’s committed to his family.  But it isn’t that crazy for her to think he might have some regrets.  But it’s time she found someone new, someone who will devote himself to her and her alone.”

“Maybe your mother isn’t looking of a man.” Amber suggested.

“Maybe not.  Maybe she just wants to be alone, but a little company, a little conversation couldn’t hurt anything.” He reached into the bowl and took a handful of popcorn.

“Hey!” She said, slapping his hand.  “I’ll cook you something.”

“That’s okay Amber, I had a big lunch.  I just wanted a taste.”  He took a bit more and ate it.  “Anyway, I really thought Carlos and Mom might hit it off.”

“He is handsome.  But somehow I think your mother has her own ideas.” Amber told him.

“Well if her own ideas are Ridge she’d just better forget them.”

“I don’t think they are.” She said.

“Then who? Thorne?” Rick wondered.  “You know Amber, that might not be so bad after all.  He did love her a lot and she loved him until she went brain dead.  Maybe she is having regrets.  Maybe we can help them.”

“Maybe.” Amber said as a picture of Brooke’s guilty face on the beach and then seeing Deacon.  No, it wasn’t Thorne, she was sure of that.  But was Deacon really back for Brooke?

 

 

“Hello darling.” Eric said as he greeted his wife with a hug and a kiss.  “How was Pam?”

“Much better.” She said as she hugged him tightly and then let go.  “Her arm is still weak but with the cast off she’s a lot more mobile.  I’m glad you suggested me bringing her to the doctor.”

“That’s what family is for.” He agreed.  “I’m glad you’re home in time for dinner.  Helen made a wonderful roast beef with mashed potatoes and all your favorite fixings.  And I mixed up some martinis.  Are you game?”

“Oh yes.” She said.  “Will you pour me one while I change?”

“Change?  You look beautiful.” He told her.

“But I’d love to put on something more comfy.” She said as she touched his nose with affection.  “I promise I won’t be long.”

“I’ll hold you to it.” He said.  Stephanie smiled at her husband and headed up the stairs.  Once in her room she picked up the phone and punched in a number.  “Hello.  It’s me. I’m sorry I was unavailable today, have you found out anything yet?”  She listened impatiently.  “Not a thing?  The woman couldn’t have disappeared off the face of the earth.  Now you listen to me and listen carefully.  I want to know where she is, who she is with and when she is coming back.  Brooke Logan is up to something and I am determined to know what it is.”  She listened again.  “Yes, you do that.  I expect to hear from you tomorrow and I want information.”

 

 

“Deacon?  Deacon what have you done?” Brooke gasped as he led her to the canopy.    It was filled with flowers and there was a small altar.  “No, no Deacon, no.  We can’t do this.”

“Yes we can Brooke, we’ve already waited too long.” He led her inside and pulled her into his arms.  “Tonight, tonight you are going to become my wife.”

“It’s too fast, it’s too soon. Deacon we have to go home and tell my family.  We have to find a way to break it to Bridget.” She protested.

“That won’t work Brooke.  If we put it off there will always be a reason that we can’t be together, someone or something will always come between us.  We both know this is what we want.  We both know this is right.  You love me Brooke, if you say no now it will never happen.  Please don’t do this, please Brooke.” He begged her.

“Oh Deacon, I promise I won’t do that.  But I can’t just marry you here and now.  We have to plan things, we have to make people understand.”

“We only have to please each other Brooke, you and I, that’s all we need.  I’ve taken care of the license and everything.  The minister is here, we have flowers, we have music and most of all we have each other.”

“You did all this? Not even knowing if you’d find me, not even knowing if I’d say yes?” She asked him.

“I was living on faith Brooke.  I had to take a chance and I did.  You told me you loved me, you told me you wanted to marry me, what point is there in putting it off.  This is for us Brooke, just for us, no one is going to really support us, at least not at first.  Please don’t give them a chance to wear us down, to separate us.  Let me make you my wife today.  Let’s start our life now and then together we can face anything.”

“But Deacon, what about Bridget?”

“Bridget doesn’t love me Brooke, she has a new man in her life, someone who makes her happy.  I know she’ll be mad at first but I also know that she will come around, she will when she sees how happy I make her mother and how happy her mother makes me.”

“You’re underestimating the extent of anger my daughter can carry.” Brooke said.  She brought her mouth to his and kissed him.  “Oh Deacon, it would be so easy to say yes, to disregard everyone else, but wouldn’t that make me the thoughtless woman that everyone accuses me of being?”

“The only thing it will make you is my wife.  Nothing is going to change our love for each other.  Whether or not you wear my ring won’t change Stephanie or Ridge or Eric.  Brooke your kids will learn to accept this, but it will be so much easier for us if we don’t have to fight them every step of the way.  If we’re already married they will know that it’s real, that its what we both wanted so much.”

Brooke looked into his eyes with love.  What he said was so true but it was such a difficult choice.  How could she put her happiness before her children’s happiness?  But did she really have to do that?  Rick and Amber had their own life, very separate from hers and Bridget did seem to be moving on.  Brooke was so confused but she was also so much in love.  The thought of losing Deacon again was more terrifying than anything.  She leaned closer to him and kissed his neck.  He nuzzled her and kissed her with passion.

“You know I’m right Brooke, please marry me tonight, please lets start our life right here, right now.”

“But I don’t even have a dress.” She protested weakly.

“You couldn’t look more beautiful than you do right now.”

“My hair.” She said.

“Your hair is perfect.” He said as he lovingly caressed it.

“I need some flowers for it and I need, I need other things.  Maybe later this week?” She suggested.

“I want to wake up with my wife tomorrow.” He told him.

“But we don’t have rings or vows or anything.” Brooke said in vain.  She knew Deacon would have the answers.

“I have your ring.  That’s all we need.  As for vows, the minister will give us things to choose.”

“I need a little time.  Please let me go and get something for my hair and let me write something.” Brooke asked him.

“You mean you’ll marry me tonight?” He smiled.
“You won’t take no for an answer will you?” She said with a smile.

“No I won’t.” He pulled her to him and kissed her.  “We’re going to be so happy Brooke.”

“I already am happy Deacon.”

“Okay, we’ll meet back here in a half hour.”

“That’s not long enough.” She protested.

“That’s all you get.” He looked at his watch.  “Tick Tock, Tick Tock, time is running out Brooke.” He teased.

“Oh you.” She laughed.  “I love you Deacon.” She kissed him once more and then ran off.

“Yes!” He shouted as he threw a triumphant fist into the air.

 

 

“You always know how to make me smile.” Bridget told Vincent after he had come back from the kitchen.  He had cleaned the dishes and put the things away. 

“That’s my plan.” He told her.  “A beautiful smile on your beautiful face.”

“But.” She started with a laugh.  “You forgot this.” She handed him the can of whipped cream.

“Oh I forgot that on purpose.”

“We finished our ice cream.” She said in a confused tone.

“Are you sure you’re Brooke Logan’s daughter?” he asked her.

“Now what is that supposed to mean?” She said with a pout.

“Your mother has a reputation as a very sensual, sexy woman.”

“And I’m not?” She asked.

“You’re learning, and I’m teaching.” He said.

“And what do you plan on teaching me with whipped cream?” She giggled.

“I think you have a clue or two.” He laughed with her.

“Maybe.” She giggled again.  She shivered as he pulled the sheet off of her, exposing her naked body. 

“I need another snack.” He told her.

“Uh huh?” She moaned.  He gently laid her back on the bed.  He shook the can and then let it spray out over her full breasts.  “Vincent!” She laughed.

“This is just the start.  We might just need another can before tonight is through.” He told her.  Then he lowered his mouth and proceeded to remove all the whipped cream in the most sensual way Bridget had ever imagined.

 

 

Deacon was pacing back and forth in front of the minister.  It had been forty-five minutes and Brooke still wasn’t back.  He was terrified she had changed her mind.  What if she had written him a Dear John letter and left on a plane?  No, he wouldn’t think that way.  She was a woman and women always needed extra time.  He reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of paper.  He reread the vows he had written.  He repeated them over and over like a mantra.  When he looked up his radiant bride was approaching him.  She had put flowers in her long, flowing blonde hair and her smile was a mile wide.  When she saw him she ran to him and was instantly in his arms.

“I thought you might have chickened out.” He told her.

“No Deacon, I know what I want.” She assured him with a kiss.

“Are we ready?” The minister asked them.

“Yes.” Brooke said.  “In a minute.” She turned back to Deacon.  “I went to the desk and I told them to pack your things and bring them to my bungalow.”

“Good thinking.” He smiled.

“I also ordered us dinner.  I had already ordered mine but well, I made it for two.  I hope that’s okay.”

“Anything you do is okay by me.” He told her.  “Brooke you are so beautiful.  I can’t believe you’re going to be mine.”

“I’m already yours Deacon.” She said as she stroked his face again.  “I was yours from that first night, I just didn’t know it.”

“You’ll never be sorry Brooke, you’ll never regret this, I promise you that.”

“I know.” She told him.  She took a deep breath and they stepped up to the altar. 

The minister started the ceremony but Brooke and Deacon could barely hear a word.  They stared into each other’s eyes, feeling nothing but love and desire.  It wasn’t until the minister cleared his throat that they returned their attention to him.

“I understand that Deacon has written something for Brooke.”

“And I have for him.” She smiled.  “May I go first please?”

“Of course.” He said.  Brooke turned to face him and took his hand in hers and softly spoke.

“Today, Deacon, I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life.
With you I will walk my path from this day forward.”

Deacon wiped a tear from his eye and looked into his bride’s beautiful hazel eyes and spoke. “I used to be afraid of falling in love, of giving my heart away. How could I trust a woman to love me, to give to me all that I wanted to give to her? Brooke, when I met you, I realized how much we could share together.
You have renewed my life: Today I join that life with yours.”

Brooke’s own eyes filled with tears as the minister smiled at the couple. “In the presence of God and before these people I now invite you to exchange your vows.”
Deacon took Brooke’s hands in his and repeated the words that had been given to him.  “I take you, Brooke, to be my wife and I promise before God and all who are present here to be your loving and faithful husband, as long as our lives shall last. I will love you and give myself up for you, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I will serve you with tenderness and respect, and encourage you to develop the gifts that God has given you.”
With a sob Brooke looked once more into his eyes.  “I take you, Deacon, to be my husband, and I promise before God and all who are present here to be your loving and faithful wife, as long as our lives shall last. I will love you and submit to you, as the church loves and submits to Christ. I will serve you with tenderness and respect, and encourage you to develop the gifts that God has given you.”

They then exchanged rings.  To Deacon’s shock and joy Brooke had found a beautiful plain band for him.  And he had a sparkling band that matched her ring, the ring that he had just placed on her finger that night. 

“I pronounce you husband and wife, what God as brought together, let no man take asunder.” He looked at Deacon.  “You may kiss your bride.”

“Hell yeah.” He said as he pulled her close and crushed her mouth with his. 

Afterwards Brooke and Deacon, as well as the minister and the witness signed the marriage certificate and they were truly man and wife.  Deacon smiled at Brooke. “May I have this dance?” He asked her.

“Th, there’s no music.” She stuttered.  He turned and suddenly there was.  Brooke went into his arms as they danced to Bryan Adams.

 

Look into my eyes
And you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart
Search your soul
And when you find me there
You’ll search no more
Don’t tell me it’s not worth trying for
You can’t tell me it’s not worth dying for
You know it’s true
Everything I do, I do it for you
Look into your heart
You will find
There’s nothing there to hide
Take me as I am
Take my life
I would give it up
I would sacrifice
Don’t tell me it’s not worth fighting for
I can’t help it
There’s nothing I want more
You know it’s true
Everything I do, I do it for you
There’s no love
Like your love
And no other could give more love
There’s no way unless you’re there
All the time
All the way
You can’t tell me it’s not worth trying for
I can’t help it
There’s nothing I want more
I would fight for you
I’d lie for you
Walk the wire for you
I’d die for you
You know it’s true
Everything I do, I do it for you

 

 

“I love you Deacon Sharpe, I love you with all my heart.” Brooke whispered.

“And I love you Brooke Logan, you’ve made me the happiest man in the entire world.”

 

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