Aware that Dimitri is in Budapest with Erica, Helga treats Edmund as if he is the Lord of Wildwind. She baits him to go after everything that rightfully belongs to him as Hugo's heir. Edmund questions Helga switching teams. She doesn't blame him for not trusting her, but claims she wants to make restitution for treating Edmund so poorly over the years. Edmund wants to know what's in it for her. Helga says vengence against Dimitri and Erica for breaking Angelique's heart. Edmund doesn't want the land, property or even the money; he simply wants to set the record straight.
Meanwhile, Brooke is fed up with Edmund's obsessive behavior, she can gladly do without it. Brooke laments to Jack and Angelique that she feels like a doormat in some country and western song in which she is wringing her hands as she stands by her man. Bottom line, says Angelique, is that Edmund needs Brooke. Brooke wonders about what she needs, because Edmund consistently makes a choice to prove he is a Marick over the love he feels for Brooke and Jamie. Brooke says she feels like she's fighting for her own sanity. Angelique believes what Brooke and Edmund have is true love, and that they are meant to be together. Angelique says Brooke is the only one who can save Edmund. Brooke wants to believe what Edmund tells her when he speaks from his heart - that he loves her and wants to be a father to Jamie. Angelique says he means it. Brooke says he means it when he says it and it's easy to believe, but then she must contend with the man he becomes when the obsession takes over. Angelique pleads with Brooke to go after the sweet, gentle Edmund that they both know and love. As Brooke and Angelique embrace, she tells Brooke she won't be sorry. Brooke prays she's right.
Edmund is addressing Brooke's good-bye note when she arrives. Brooke says she didn't come to pressure him, but she wants Edmund to come home with her. They can talk all night, watch a funny movie, or crawl into bed and he can fall asleep in her arms. Brooke says it's all there waiting for him, he just has to choose it. Edmund takes Brooke in his arms and says that he chooses her always. Edmund loves Brooke and Jamie more than anything in his life. Brooke then notices the note and realizes he's leaving to follow Dimitri to Budapest. Brooke believes Edmund is a coward for hiding behind the note. Edmund claims he was only trying to avoid another fight with his fianc�e. Brooke wants to know if destroying Dimitri is worth losing their family. Edmund says he is doing this for them, and she has to accept him for the crazy mixed up guy that he is. Brooke realizes he stopped seeing Dr. Tolan. Edmund says he doesn't have anything to give to Brooke until he proves who he is. Brooke shouts that Edmund is staring their happiness in the face and running in the opposite direction. Brooke says when she, Edmund and Jamie are together that they have the perfect life, but something keeps dragging Edmund away. Edmund promises Brooke it's going to be over soon. She takes his hand in hers and kisses his fingers almost as if she memorizing his touch. She loves him so much, but if he goes to Budapest she won't be waiting for him when he returns. Brooke believes in him, but it's time for her to get off the ride. She can't live her life anticipating Dimitri's next move. Edmund thinks this is some kind of test, and he doesn't understand why she is doing this when they love each other. Brooke knows in her heart this trip is wrong, and begs Edmund for his own sake, not to go.
Brooke can't fathom why Edmund has to claw his way into the Marick family when he already has a family who loves and accepts him. Brooke begs him one last time to come home with her. Edmund moves to Brooke and hugs her, but she knows he's leaving. Brooke says she's going to miss him. Edmund says he'll be back before she has the chance. Brooke says Edmund knows what she means. Brooke tells Edmund it's over. Edmund takes Brooke by the face, vowing that it isn't over Ms. English, he's going to change her mind. He kisses her. Brooke kisses him back knowing it's for the last time. Edmund isn't going to let Hugo and Dimitri win. He walks out. Brooke says they already have. Brooke can't stop thinking about Edmund. She watches the video she made of him and Jamie playing together. She looks at a photo of herself, Edmund and Jamie before going to sleep and then strokes the empty side of the bed wishing Edmund were there.
Brooke enters with groceries, and drops them on the floor as Edmund is hanging up on the answering machine. Brooke listens to the message and hears how depressed and vulnerable Edmund sounds. She decides to go to Budapest, but her mind quickly changes when she discovers that Edmund has kidnapped Erica. Brooke believes Edmund to be dangerous.
Edmund contemplates killing Erica, but Erica cleverly talks Edmund out of it, saying he would have no chance with Brooke if he did that. Edmund lets Erica go, but when she mistakenly believes Dimitri has reunited with Angelique she agrees to be his ally. Helga then gets a hold of Erica and stashes her down in the crypt with Hugo's body. Edmund and Dimitri hunt down Helga who confesses to everything and then plunges to her death. Edmund and Dimitri finally know the truth, they are indeed brothers. They find Erica, but she's in a coma, completely traumatized by the ordeal. They all return to the States.
Chapter Eight -Edmund's Not So Welcome Homecoming
Edmund arrives at Brooke's door. She welcomes back Mr. Marick, and then reluctantly lets him in the cottage. Edmund says he couldn't wait until morning. Brooke snidely remarks that impulse control was never his best event. Edmund ask how Brooke is. Brooke sarcastically replies that how she is, is totally irrelevant and always has been. Brooke wants to skip the small talk and asks how Edmund is now that he's satisfied his entire reason for being. Edmund says that was never the case. Brooke begs to differ since she watched him sacrifice everything in the name of his quest. Edmund claims he never lost the connection in his heart to Brooke.
Edmund: I never stopped needing you or wanting you in my life.
Brooke: You don't have a life, you gave it up for a shot at Marickhood, and hey it paid off. It paid off. Does being a Marick give you an inner glow? Is it joy, and hope, a bottomless well of comfort to you?
Edmund: No.
Brooke: No. No, of course not, that was my job, wasn't it?
Edmund: I love you.
Brooke: (slaps him in the face) You liar! (under her breath) Liar.
Edmund: It's true.
Brooke: You don't love me. You never loved me, Edmund. You used me.
Edmund: Never.
Brooke: I was handy to you. You woke up in the middle of the night covered with sweat. I was there to soothe you back to sleep. Good old Brooke at three o'clock in the morning chasing away the shadows, I was like your own personal nightlight, wasn't I? You know the problem with nightlights, Edmund, people don't need them in the daytime, do they?
Brooke walks away from Edmund, and then turns to him. She asks if his dreams are peaceful and bliss now that he's achieved his crusade. They aren't and never will be unless she comes back to him. Brooke thinks he has astonishing nerve. Edmund needs her and he's not proud. Brooke says this may come as a shock to Edmund, but she is proud. She may have let Edmund walk all over her, but she's a person with scars, hurts, wants and dreams of her own. She'd rather throw herself in front of a moving train than let Edmund back in her life. Edmund declares that he loves her more than life, so he's willing to beg for forgiveness. Edmund is ashamed of his actions; most of all that he didn't listen to Brooke, because she was right every step on the way. Brooke snidely says it only took a kidnapping and one violent death to get him to see that. Edmund adds, "And a slew of broken promises." Brooke suggests that he write a story about a woman who gave and gave and asked nothing in return. He can pull it out when he needs to chase away the nightmares. Edmund says the nightmares are gone. Brooke retorts that he doesn't need her then. Edmund grabs Brooke as she is walking away and turns her to face him. Edmund doesn't want to lose Brooke. Brooke corrects him, saying that he didn't lose her, he junked her. Edmund wants to start all over again. Brooke tells him not a chance, not on his wretched life. She throws him out, slamming the door on his face. Once he's gone, Brooke breaks down.
[Sidenote: It is during this time that the mystery caller who?s been attempting to contact Dimitri Marick is revealed as Ted Orsini.]
Chapter Nine - Whitewood Investigation
Edmund continues to write for Tempo, but he and Brooke both inwardly know that this is just an excuse so they can still be in each other's lives. During the Whitewood investigation, discrimination in housing, Brooke and Edmund arrive pretending to be an engaged couple. Brooke is freezing and Edmund gallantly puts his coat over her shoulders. Their eyes meet and they kiss. Brooke pushes him away and tells him that he already made his choice between being with her and being a Marick. Edmund replies that he found the love of his life, just when he found out whom he is. Why does one have to cancel out the other? Before they can complete their conversation, the realtor arrives. After Brooke leaves, Edmund dreams of the life he and Brooke should have had. It's their first anniversary and they must decide between going to Paris or staying home with the family. They opt for plan B, staying with the family. Brooke says she's so glad she's married to Edmund. Edmund comes out of the fantasy; wishing he and Brooke could have that life.
Chapter Ten - Brooke Discovers Tad has been living as Ted
Edmund fills Brooke in about his friend Ted. He then tells her there seems to be some connection between Ted and Billy Clyde. Brooke reporter instincts kick into high gear. She flies off to California and crashes Nola's funeral. As the group is singing "Amazing Grace" Brooke sees Tad for the first time. She slowly reintroduces herself to Tad and starts filling him in on his former life, which he remembers included a brief affair with Brooke. Brooke decides not to tell him they have a son, at least not yet. He agrees to accompany her back to Pine Valley to reacquaint himself with his family and connect up with his one true love, Dixie. Friends and family welcome Tad home, but he hits a major snag when he finally finds Dixie only to learn that she's married Brian.
Meanwhile, Edmund learns Brooke has returned from Napa Valley. Edmund can tell Brooke is shaken by the events that have taken place. He wonders how difficult it was for her to tell Tad he has a son. Brooke says it was easy because she didn't. Brooke thinks she's being a coward, but Edmund tries to ease her guilt by saying there is such a thing as too much to handle. Brooke says she's the one who couldn't handle it. Brooke says she had no problem informing Tad about all of Dixie's problems. She says Tad even recalled their affair, which was the perfect time to tell him he was a father, but she still chickened out. Brooke says Tad barely remembers her, he never loved her and he left her for the love of his life. Brooke thinks it would be humiliating to tell Tad she is the mother of his only child. Edmund doesn't think that would stop her. Brooke is worried that Tad won't want to be Jamie's father. Brooke says that Jamie is the miracle of her life, and if Tad can't completely commit himself to loving their son, then she doesn't want him involved at all. Edmund wonders what makes Brooke think that Tad won't feel the real thing for his son. Brooke responds that he didn't with her. She's a grown up and could handle it, but it won't do for her son.
Brooke says Tad wanted a child with Dixie, and instead he got a child with the woman down the road. Edmund forcefully, but gently turns Brooke to face him and says that what Brooke and Tad shared was special. Brooke scoffs; it didn't stop Tad from leaving her the moment Dixie wanted him back. Brooke thinks Tad is going to feel cheated. Edmund says she gave Tad his life back. Brooke reminds Edmund that Tad lost two years with the woman that he loves, and now with Jamie he's not going to have the family he planned. Edmund says Jamie is an incredible little boy who he fell in love with easily, it will be the same for Tad. Edmund says any jerk could see what a wonderful child Jamie is and Tad isn't a jerk. Brooke sits on the sofa and begins to tear up. Edmund bends down to her. Edmund says it's okay if Brooke isn't ready to tell Tad. Brooke wonders if she'll ever be ready. Edmund suggests that the news might be better coming from Dixie. Brooke wishes Dixie were home. Edmund says they'll find her, but in the meantime Brooke needs to give herself a break. Edmund believes Brooke deserves a break because she's been raising her child by herself, taking care of Edmund, and she just went to Napa and brought Tad back from the Twilight Zone. Edmund places a hand on her face and asks her to just ease up on herself. Brooke rests her face in his hand as he strokes her cheek. They look soulfully into each other's eyes. For a moment they become lost in the gaze, then Edmund pulls back. Edmund thanks Brooke for dropping her defense long enough to let him in. Brooke says she should be thanking him. Edmund tells her no way, it felt too good comforting her. Edmund then leaves before temptation takes over.
Edmund arrives on Brooke's doorstep with a ready-made excuse for the late night visit. Brooke tells him there is no need, she's glad to see him. When Edmund thinks that's reason enough to celebrate, she sarcastically zips back that he should just close the door. Edmund notices Brooke's somber mood and asks if she's all right. Brooke admits she's feeling a little lonely after the dream she had. Edmund says she can stare at his familiar mug all night long if it makes her feel better, as long as she doesn't mind that he can't seem to take his eyes off her.
Edmund wonders how they are going to handle this tentative truce. He says they could use the ten-foot pole method, but he thinks they are past that. Or she could dive right in and tell him what's bothering her. This gets no response from Brooke, but when he mentions small talk she offers him coffee. He accepts. When Edmund jokes about Brooke making a mess of the kitchen, she cuts him off, saying that she believes he's the one that leaves the kitchen looking like a bomb just went off. Edmund flings off his jacket and tells his dear that he is a culinary artist. Brooke replies that he's a slob. Edmund retorts that Brooke is a neat freak, he could just see her cleaning up after Picasso in his art studio. Brooke says if Edmund was as good with a frying pan as Picasso was with paint, she'd gladly volunteer for K.P. As he playfully snaps the apron at Brooke's butt, he tells her he's going to make her eat those words by making her the best omelet she's ever tasted.
The tension melts between the two and its almost like old times. They've spent the entire night talking and Brooke wonders if Edmund is really interested in a sixth cup of coffee. He holds the cup out and she pours. Brooke says she's just garden variety scared. Of what, Edmund asks. Of change, Brooke guesses. Edmund thinks Brooke is entitled since 1992 has been a year of shifting ground for her, she could use a little status quo. Brooke can't believe that Edmund let her bend his ear all night long. Brooke can't believe that holding her hand and listening to her talk about her fears and insecurities could be fun for Edmund. Edmund missed the holding hand part and takes hers in his. Edmund knows how many nights she helped him get through and he's more than happy to repay his debt. The moment becomes chemical and they almost kiss, but are interrupted by a knock on the door. Edmund tells Brooke to ignore it, but she counters there is no reason for her to do that. It's Tad at the door bringing donuts.
Edmund stays while Tad visits with Brooke. Jamie cries out and Tad insists on meeting the little tyke. When Brooke leaves the room, Tad notes that Brooke and Edmund seem to be making progress. Edmund concurs that it's coming along at a slow crawl. Edmund and Brooke exchange knowing looks as Tad unknowingly holds his son for the first time. As Tad holds Jamie he talks about how much him and Dixie wanted children together. Tad jets out to search for Dixie. Edmund comforts Brooke who is upset. Brooke thinks her fears were correct. Edmund says if Tad doesn't want to be Jamie's father then to hell with him. Edmund refuses to let Jamie grow up with a father who doesn't love him. Edmund says he loves Jamie, almost as much as he love Jamie's mother and then pulls Brooke into a kiss. For a few moments, she gives in but then pushes him away.
Brooke says she's not going to do this because it's wrong. Edmund doesn't know what's wrong with two people in love finding their way back to each other. Brooke says it's impossible. Edmund challenges that they just felt that possibility when they kissed, the feelings are still there. Brooke doesn't want to be talked into anything. Edmund says that's not what he's doing and wants to know why she's so afraid. Brooke denies she's scared, but Edmund knows that deep down she's frightened because she knows he's changed. Brooke says what happened last night does not erase all the bad things that happened between them. Edmund knows that, but he also knows that last night proved they survived and maybe even come out stronger. Edmund wants to Brooke to take another chance on them. Brooke wants Edmund to leave. Edmund wonders if Brooke is doing this because she hates him so much or because she's trying to make room in her life for someone else. Brooke tells Edmund that's absurd, there is no one else. Edmund asks what about Tad.
Brooke says this isn't about Tad, it's about Edmund - they had a chance and Edmund blew it. Brooke opens the door, but Edmund slams it shut and leans into her, stroking her arm. Edmund says they can have what they had back. Brooke shakes off his touch and declares that she doesn't want it back. Edmund backs off. Brooke resents him using their conversation last night to leverage himself back into her life. He took that information to decide for himself that she is either in love with him or in love with Tad. Brooke says both conclusions are stupid and wrong. Edmund retorts that it doesn't take a huge amount of imagination to think Brooke might want a family with Tad. Brooke agrees, saying it just takes enough of the wrong kind. Edmund admits he's off base about Tad but he thinks Brooke should cut him some slack. Edmund says aside from the fact that Brooke is rigid, mule-headed, retentive, strong-willed... Brooke tells him not to stop he's melting her heart. Edmund says if Brooke doesn't want to hear that, then tell him what she does want. He'll do whatever she needs, so that she can trust him again. Brooke says Edmund isn't being punished - trust isn't something she can dole out because Edmund's done x- amount of community service it either exists or it doesn't. Brooke starts to tear up and says for her to trust Edmund again it would take an enormous leap of faith on her part. Edmund reaches out to Brooke, taking her by the arms. He pleads with her to jump and promises to catch her.
Edmund: Don't you know that I love you, Brooke? Don't you know that I would lay my life down for you and Jamie? Don't you know that? (Edmund's eyes start to well up with tears) Look, I can't do anything about the mistakes I've made all the hell I've put you through. All I can do is hold out my arms to you and ask you to please fall back into them. I will catch you and I will hold onto you for dear life. Now, please, trust me.
Brooke: (softly, eyes misting) It's too far to fall. I'm sorry.
Edmund: (blinking back tears) Yeah, me too.
Edmund picks up his jacket, opens the door and heads out. Both are heartbroken by the exchange.