Against All Odds Chapter 91 ( Old Feelings)

Pierce’s glass hit the glass table top of his coffee table, the remnants of molt scotch that he had been drinking lay in the bottom of the glass. He had spent the last hour consuming way too much alcohol and was feeling the effects of it. Pierce closed his eyes and sighed as his head hit the back of the plush chair, his blue shirt opened and his posture lax. She consumed his thoughts, just as she did since the moment that he had seen her again in that restaurant in Italy all those months ago. Every night it was the same; she invaded his thoughts, his mind replaying all of the times that they spent together. Her mind was quick, her interest mirrored his and the way that she responded sexually, it blew his mind. They did things together that he thought he’d never do. He had never found as much pleasure with another woman like he had found in her bed. He loved to study her, watching like a child at her attention to details, the way that she studied a particular piece of artwork that she liked. Isabelle had class; her knew literature and could discuss the latest on politics to art. He missed her so much. He missed the way that the light played against her porcelain skin when she slept; he missed the way that her nipples tasted in his mouth like full ripe cherries; he missed her scent the way she smelled and more than that, he missed the way that she looked at him. Yet it was her eyes that haunted him more than the memories of how her lush hot sex felt around his pen*s. It was her eyes that made his heart ache. Isabelle was a woman with deep secrets. Her eyes held her pain. To the naked eye, you couldn’t tell that there was pain yet deep down beneath her cool exterior, it was there. Hiding. She hid things from him. She never talked about her childhood although she once had mentioned her father once or twice. Isabelle loved her brother a great deal; she was loyal to him however there was something more to her feeling for Caspian. Isabelle trusted in him explicitly when she trusted in no one including him. Pierce ought to feel disillusionment however he knew based on his profession that it had to do with her childhood and very little to do with him. Caspian had raised her, been her father and her mother. He was the only family that she had. Essentially, Isabelle was a lonely woman. Yet there was more to it than her being lonely, it was the issue of betrayal. Someone close to her had betrayed her and badly. There were times that he mirrored the signs of an emotional victim, cutting off anybody who could possibly hurt her. However, he knew that she was deeply loved by her brother so that left her mother. Whatever transpired between Isabelle and her mother had scarred her. Isabelle was afraid to connect emotionally to anyone besides Caspian. She was afraid of any type of emotional connection therefore she never talked about a future, commitment or anything that dealt with the trappings of a real relationship. She hid her thoughts and was careful with her words as if there was a part of her that she didn’t want him to know. She used wit to put people in place, her tongue razor sharp, slicing down anybody who dared to come close enough to love her. She hid her contributions to charities that dealt with children abuse, furthering his beliefs that whatever trauma Isabelle suffered she suffered when she was a child. Still, that didn’t stop him from loving her or wanting to see her happy. Deep down, he knew that she had felt something for him, more than just the sex that she had claimed. Initially, his spirit had been hurt; her words cutting into him like a blade slicing into the tendons in his arms. Yet, after he had time to think, his practical side won out seeing her words as nothing more than an effort to push him away. She, with her calculating wit knew which words would hurt, thus sent him away. If he weren’t trying to get through to her, he’d be impressed on how well she played him. But it didn’t work. He knew the truth. Behind that wall that she had pulled up was a woman of passion, a woman of feelings and a woman who needed his love. Who had loved Isabelle? It seemed that no one did. No doubt she had had many lovers and though he didn’t want to think of it, she may have had a lover at the moment. The fear of feeling for him or worse yet, loving him scared her so much that she had ended the affair before it had begun. Yet, it was too late for him, he loved her. Bailey didn’t understand why and at times he didn’t either however it didn’t change his heart. He was madly in love with Isabelle. He didn’t care that she didn’t disclose information. He didn’t care that she carried a gun. He didn’t care that had done her best to hurt him. He simply loved her even the things that made her complicated. He was determined to help her. Pierce made the decision that he was going to get the bottom of the pain that she had buried and help her face her fears to look for a future with him. With his skills, money and patience, he’d help her see that she didn’t have to be afraid. As much as he wished he could move on, he couldn’t. It was clear that he was meant to help her and hopefully, he would have found the woman that he had waited for so many years.

Stephanie placed the tray down on the coffee table in her living room. “ Fresh herbal brewed in a special way. I’m sure that you will like it.” She poured the steaming hot liquid in the cup and handed it to Kimberly.
“ Thank you.” Kimberly took a sip of the delicious drink before she relaxed. “ Mmm. This is delicious.”
“ My own personal brew.” Stephanie poured herself a cup. “ I’ll send some home with you. I think that it will relax you.” Stephanie paused thought for a moment. “ You looked stressed when you came in.”
Kimberly wanted to beg to differ, it was Stephanie who had looked a little pale when she had come in and saw her with that bit(h Trudie. She clearly saw the check that Stephanie was handing the woman and wondered what it was all about. From her knowledge, Stephanie had been against Trudie’s hiring at Forrester. Why would she be giving Trudie a check? It made no sense at all. Stephanie had shooed Trudie out the door and had turned her attention on Kimberly without offering any explanation into what she had seen had been all about.
“ I think that the last week has been trying on everyone, especially you. But I’m sure that you are tight about the tea, it would be nice. I’m sure that Thorne would love it.”
Stephanie paused. Kimberly was married to her son, how could she not know that Thorne didn’t drink tea. “ Thorne doesn’t like tea. He has hated it ever since he was young, we could never get him to drink it. He likes coffee.”
Kimberly smiled nervously at the matriarch. “ I know that it just…”
“ You are newly married and haven’t had much time to spend with your husbands. With Eric in the hospital and this mess with Bridget.”
“ Well, Stephanie you know how much I want to help Eric.”
“ Of course.”
“ He will be coming home soon?” Kimberly asked between sips.
Stephanie wondered for not the first time what Kimberly and Thorne’s relationship was like. Yes, she knew that he son didn’t want to be married but based on Kimberly’s behavior she hardly spoke to Thorne. “ Yes, Eric will be home soon.”
“ Well, I’d be willing to help in any way. I can cook. In fact I’ve been dying to try out a few recipes with my new state of the art kitchen.”
“ That isn’t necessary.”
“ Stephanie, I want to help. I want to do something. With me getting fired and with school out for the summer, I have a lot of time on my hands.” Kimberly nervously played with her hands.
“ Kimberly are you and Thorne having problems?”
“ Well marriage isn’t what I thought it would be.”
Stephanie frowned. “ It never is. There is a great deal of give and take.”
“ Don’t get me wrong I know that Thorne cares about me and loves his baby. He doesn’t regret marrying me.”
“ I know he doesn’t.” Stephanie brushed a piece of hair out of Kimberly’s face. “ He just needed a little prodding to get him to see the light. You are his future, you and my grandbaby. He just needed to see things in a clear light. What he had with Brooke was over. If he had been in love with her, he never would have slept with you.”
Kimberly nodded before she took a bit of her biscotti. “ You are right. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for what you did, getting Thorne to marry me. You took a big risk, I’m just sorry that it didn’t work out with Bridget.”
“ Well, that isn’t your fault. It’s Brooke’s. She and that horrid man she is screwing. Believe me, I wish that I knew more about him.”
“ You didn’t know about him?”
“ No. But I should have known. It is obvious that she wasn’t even faithful to Thorne when they were engaged.”
“ This man. What do you know about him?”
“ Nothing. Just that he is rich and he is under her spell.”
Kimberly stood up walking toward the balcony overlooking the city. “ He obviously has connections in order to have us watched or taped.”
“ Yes, he did.”
Kimberly started to think about the man she had given very little thought to. “ How long do you think that he had us watched?”
“ I don’t know but I do know that I don’t like it. With his information, he has given Brooke leverage that she didn’t have.” Stephanie thought about Caspian Deangleo, hell she might hate that man more than she hated Brooke. Brooke had at least one redeeming quality, her commitment to her children.
“Well, she certainly has been acting like a bitch. It isn’t bad enough that she is holding that stupid CD over my head ever second causing my baby stress, and to me” she said holding her stomach.
“ Brooke came to see you?” This was news to Stephanie. If Thorne were to find out about Brooke’s attack, her relationship with her son would be ruined.
“ Two weeks ago. She was arrogant and belligerent. She waved the CD in my face and threatened to tell Thorne about the night at Rick’s party when she almost got raped.”
“ Kimberly, we need to talk about that. I never wanted Brooke to be attacked.”
“ I know Stephanie and you have to know that no matter how I can’t stand her, I’d never EVER set her up to be raped. I just thought that I’d slip her the Ecstasy and she’d become loose and finally Thorne would see what a slut she really was. I never thought that Gunter would try to rape her. I’m so sorry Stephanie. I’m sorry for what it cost you.”
Stephanie saw the fear in the young Kimberly’s eyes and didn’t want to upset the poor girl. Kimberly had gone through enough at the hands of Brooke, losing her sister and losing Rick. “ Hush, you aren’t to blame. Truthfully, it wasn’t the smartest of plans. I probably shouldn’t have gotten you the drug or at least talked you out of it but I was desperate.”
“ And now Brooke have both over us under her will. I love Thorne. I know that he still have feelings for her but we can have a good life together if given a real chance. I have his baby growing inside of me and it is a bond that even Brooke can’t destroy. A bond between a father and his child is delicate and everlasting.”
Stephanie thought about Bridget and Ridge sadly. “ Yes it is.”
“ That is why I need your help Stephanie. Help me protect my baby, YOUR grandchild against Brooke.”
Stephanie sighed with a heavy heart. The young girl was desperate to keep her son; she’d do her best to help her. However more and more she began to think that Brooke would no longer be a threat to Thorne and Kimberly’s marriage but one to Taylor and Ridge’s. Then, there was Caspian; he was an unmanageable at best. Lastly, there was Bridget. Stephanie couldn’t put force an all scale attack on Brooke when her granddaughter was dealing with cancer. She was begging to feel to burden all her family’s problems; all she ever wanted was to protect her family.

Helga placed the sterling tray on the table in Isabelle’s breakfast room. Isabelle had been quiet all morning but that was expected. Today was July 11th and it was the anniversary of the day that Isabelle had been married all those years ago. Helga had known Isabelle for most of her life; she had come to work for Caspian Deangleo over twenty years ago, being a chaperone or a companion for his younger 16-year-old sister. Isabelle had been a very serious, quiet and calculating young girl who eyes mirrored only a moment of the pain that she had lived. Where as Helga’s other wards had been loving, laughing bubbling in their youth and beautify, Isabelle was different. She read constantly, closed herself off to possible friends, didn’t like to be touched or hugged and she never showed any outward displays of affection to anyone expect her older brother. It wasn’t until Isabelle had been twenty and had started a private affair with Benito that she began to act somewhat warm. She did her best to hide her feelings but Helga had spied the look of warmth that would flash in Isabelle’s eyes when the man was around. Though she threw what seemed to be poison darts toward Benito, he’d only smile at the woman. The sparks flew between the two. Helga had been one of the few to come to the private wedding, what had happened after that, she didn’t know. It wasn’t her business, all she knew is that Isabelle came back to live with Caspian and the woman was never the same. Benito had disappeared and never had been heard of again. The marriage was never mentioned, it was like Benito had never existed. However there was a reminder of Isabelle’s affair with Benito. Seven months after the marriage, Isabelle gave birth to a beautiful dark haired girl with chocolate eyes and a rosebud mouth. In three days after the birth, the child was given away. Hegla shook her head. The baby had been beautiful. The baby might have been the one thing that could save Isabelle.

Isabelle padded to the wall beside the huge fireplace in her bedroom, and pressed a lever that was hidden amongst the mortar, there a hidden door swung open. The room itself was sealed therefore there were no windows or electric lights. Isabelle stepped down into the room and then lit three candles before she opened an old marble box. Inside the box were a photo album, a ring box and letters tied together with string. Taking the album, she opened it to find a worn photo of her husband and her on her wedding day. Today was her anniversary, today 15 years ago, she had married the man she had not only loved but also trusted for the first time.
{Flashback}
Benito stepped silently through the doorway to the Isabelle’s room watching her through his smoky eyes. She was such an enigma to him and after today, she’d be his. He knew what he was doing to insane, he was going against his training and throwing away three years of investigations but he knew that he couldn’t leave her. He was going against everything that he had worked for and all because he had fallen in love with a woman that he should never have loved. He was undercover using his own family connections to step into the role of part of the familia, he was going against every rule that he had every learned in order to get to Mason, the head of the family. It meant selling out Caspian, then, he’d be willing to do it. However he never thought that he’d feel a bond toward him, nethertheless fall in love with the “ice princess”. Isabelle was cold, calculating and mind player yet she somehow touched a part of him that he never knew existed. He wanted to protect her, love her and cherish her but how would he do so when he had been building a case against her brother. Marrying Isabelle was something his organization knew nothing about, they’d have his badge but he didn’t care. He loved Isabelle and had every intention of marrying her. He’d somehow figure out a way out of this mess.
Isabelle heard soft footsteps and turned to face him. She looked so beautiful in a daring laced robe with a draping bodice that displayed her ample bosom. Isabelle rested her hand on her hip, her long hair flowing across her shoulders and down her back. “ What are you doing, lurking?” Her eyes devoured him in his black-cropped sweater that molded against his chest and his black pants.
“ I like lurking,” he purred as he wrapped his arms around her bringing body in contact with his. Her lush buttocks brushed up against his aching arousal. God, she knew what she was doing to him, he thought as she moved against him. Isabelle wet her lips with her tongue while his watched his hands move up to cup her aching breast through her robe. Isabelle studied his hands as they untied the stash of her robe and then deftly pulled it from her shoulders. “ Look at that.” His fingers traced the light blue veins on her full creamy breast then move slightly toward the rosebud nipples. Isabelle watched with avid fascination as this thumbs stocked her causing her nipples to grow right before her eyes.
“ Beautiful.” He murmured as his head moved down toward her shoulder. Scraping his teeth against the soft skin, he gently bit down. Isabelle cried out, for it wasn’t just his mouth that was giving her pleasure but it was his hands. One on his hands had slipped between her supple thighs, parting her and then with infinite care as his fingers slipped into her creamy heat. Isabelle moved against his invading fingers as she moved in and out of her. Her eyes closed as pleasure enveloped her. “ No, Bella. Open your eyes. Watch yourself. See what I see when I look at you.” Isabelle opened her eyes and there in the mirror was a woman on passion. Her rosebud mouth hung open, her nipples were hard and Benito’s mouth was on her. She hardly heard the rustle of clothes but she certainly felt Benito when his hot member poised at her entrance.
“ Now, Benito.”
He smiled. Even now when she needed him, she’d still kept her cool. It didn’t matter; he had the rest of his life to figure out Isabelle. Benito thrust himself inside of her hearing her gasp. “ Now Bella, you are going to have to be quiet. Imagine how Caspian would feel to find me, right now. Inside of you.”
Isabelle wasn’t one to let Benito get the upper hand, she used her muscles to squeeze tighter around his pen*s. She watched for the look of passion in his eyes and when she saw his eye darken, she smiled. “ I think that you had better get a hold onto your own passions,” she teased. Benito chuckled and started to move in and out of Isabelle. Together they moved, looking at each other in the mirror as the found pleasure with one another until they each climaxed. Benito almost collapsed on top of Isabelle but was able to keep his composure. He picked her up and carried her to the bed taking his time to strip her naked. Isabelle watched as he turned his back to strip his clothes, she smirked at the sight of his naked tanned buttocks but gasped when he turned. “ What have you done?” Benito strode naked and beautiful with a tattoo on across his heart. He had the name Bella written in scripted writing there above a dagger. Isabelle got on her knees and touched his heart.
“ You are my heart Bella. I wanted you to know it.”
“ My name on a dagger?”
Above my heart. It’s symbolizes that it would take a dagger to cut my heart out for me not to love you.”
Isabelle didn’t know what to say. She had never heard of such a foolish thing but somehow it was perverse enough to impress her. “ I hope you don’t think that I’m going to tattoo my body for you.”
Benito chuckled. “ That’s my Bella.” He said as he pulled her head down. “ Don’t worry. I have a life time to get you to tell me that you love me.” Isabelle didn’t say anything, instead, she bit his lip when he captured hers in a kiss.
{Fade to Present}
Isabelle put the photo away. There was no use looking at the past for it would change nothing that happened. It wouldn’t bring her Benito back nor would it change his betrayal. There had been no choice; she made a decision between her loyalty to her husband and her loyalty to her brother. Her brother won out. A sigh of regret reverberated in the silent room. She had made the mistake of thinking that she could have a “normal” life, she couldn’t. Nor could she afford to have one now, no matter how much Pierce told her she could. She hated to admit it to herself but she missed Pierce. She missed how she had felt when she was with him. The times that they shared together were special, she’d always remember them but it was over. Sooner or later, he’d pressure her to commit to more, she couldn’t do that. Pierce was a good man, highly intelligent and extremely resourceful as well as handsome. He deserved someone who would be equally as beautiful, intelligent and who has his moral compass. He deserved a woman who would love him, be his partner, his friend and his loved. She planned on giving him everything that he needed; she planned on handing him Taylor Forrester on a silver platter.

L.A
Kimberly had listened as Stephanie had given her some advice about Thorne and had tried to see if the matriarch would host a dinner party for their marriage. Stephanie had thought it a good idea although she thought they should wait until Eric was feeling a little better. That pacified Kimberly, with Stephanie’s help, they’d see that Thorne was happy. Kimberly had also found out another juicy tidbit that made her relax. Bridget wasn’t Eric’s daughter, she was Ridge’s. Stephanie had thought that Thorne had told her and Kimberly didn’t mention that he hadn’t. With that piece of information, she wasn’t so worried about Brooke’s intentions toward her husband. With Ridge being Bridget’s father, that spelled disaster for Ridge and Taylor teetering marriage, not hers. Kimberly had always been under the impression that if Brooke had a choice, she’d choose Ridge over Thorne. Kimberly was certainly feeling better leaving Stephanie’s than she did when she came. In fact, she was going to celebrate.

Taylor looked at her watch once again. Dinner was ruined, the pizza’s was cold, the soufflé had fallen and it was late. “ Where are you Ridge?” For the third time, Taylor called Ridge’s cell phone to only get the voicemail. She hung up with frustration before she opened the bottle of wine she had been saving for a special occasion.

Brooke picked up a splashing and wet Little Eric. “ Okay little man, it’s time to get out of the water.” Little Eric was dripping with water and not only getting her bathroom floor wet but also her gray sweat suit wet as well.
“ Grandma.”
“ Thanks right,” she murmured as she kissed the top of his head. “ Your grandma loves you.” A chuckle from the doorway caught her attention as she turned.
“ Just what do you find so funny Forrester?”
Ridge was highly amused. “ You Logan.” He moved to allow Brooke to pass back into her bedroom.
“ What about it? I’ve done this before.” Brooke dried Little Eric off.
“ No Logan, it isn’t that. Not that you aren’t adorable but it’s the fact that he’s calling you grandma.”
Brooke’s eyes playfully narrowed. “ Watch it Forrester.”
He held up his hands in mock surrender. “ Hey, you look great. Not to many grandmother’s can look stunning in a tiny red bikini Logan.”
“ Well, I DID look spectacular didn’t I?”
Brooke and Ridge where interrupted by a knock on the door as Rick entered. “ Thanks mom. I didn’t mean for you to do all of this work.”
“ It was no work at all,” she said she finished buttoning up Little Eric’s pajama bottoms. Rick he is tired just let him sleep in his room set up here.”
“ Are you sure?”
“ Yes. I think that the twins are napping in your old room, right.”
Ridge nodded. “ The girls are wiped out.”
“ If I didn’t think that Taylor would mind, I’d say let them spend the night. But…” Brooke gave Ridge a look.
Rick picked up a sleepy Little Eric. “ Still waiting for Morgan to come get Dylan?”
“ Yeah. I called her over an hour ago. I just think that it’s better for her to pick him up here than in my house. Taylor is still touchy about the subject.”
“ Yeah. Well, mom, I think that everyone had a good time. The food and the games. It was really fun. And it was something that Budge really needed.”
Brooke nodded. “ Yes it was.” She kissed Little Eric and then her son. Good night. Rick stopped in the doorway. “ Ridge, can you come in the hallway, I want to talk to you about something.”
“ Sure, I want to check on Thomas and Bridget.”

Rick put Little Eric down while Ridge tucked in his soon. After making sure that they were comfortable Rick turned to Ridge. “ Listen, I know that the last couple of years that we haven’t been that close. I was pretty much a jerk to you after you and mom split up.
“ Well, that is pretty much my fault. I let your mother and sister down.”
“ Yeah, well, you had a son. Having Little Eric had let me know about the sacrifices that one is willing to make for a child. I may not have liked what you did, but I understand. Family is real important; it makes you who you are. I guess that over the years I’ve finally figured that out. I’m not your son but for years you treated me like you were my dad. You went to school to talk with my teachers, you went to my games, and you taught me how to ride a bike. I love you Ridge. It wasn’t just Bridget who suffered when you left, I suffered too.”
His brother took ridge aback; he had thought it was only Bridget who had been in pain when he left. “ Rick..”
“ No Ridge let me finish. I’ve been wanting to say this for a long time.” Rick sighed.
“ Part of me felt guilty when you left.”
“ Why? You and your sister had nothing to do with my decision.”
“ Yeah but I thought about the hard times that I gave you in middle school. I made such a big fuss about you and mom being together. I made it hard on you and for a while I thought that if I hadn’t, you and mom would have been able to get remarried.”
“ Rick. Your mother and I not getting remarried wasn’t put on hold because of you. If you remember clearly, I wasn’t divorced from Taylor yet. It took six months and I could understand your confusion about everything. For years, you thought of me as a father to you. Hell, I was there when you where born, I was your godfather and I…well, I was the reason that Brooke’s marriage to dad broke up. When you got older and was school age, you realized that I was the reason that your parents split up. It had to be a shock for you.”
Rick nodded. “ It was. You were my hero and then one-day, bam! I realized that you and my mom, you had this affair when she was married to dad. It was tough but it wasn’t fair for me to take it out on you.”
“ Well, Rick. We should have prepared you better.” Ridge clasped Rick’s shoulder. “ It seems like a lifetime ago when I was in this house being your father. I can still remember carrying you on my shoulders into this home. Your mother was so beautiful and full of life. Even we where on our honeymoon in Morocco, she’d made us pull up into ports just to get you and Bridget toys or cards or something.” Ridge smiled. “ God, she loved you so much.”
“ Yeah but she loved YOU so much Ridge.”
“In those days, she was so young and full love but as much as my mother and everyone else said that I was obsession, I wasn’t. I could never compare to you and Bridget. I know that you didn’t know this but when Brooke was married to dad, she had given him an ultimatum and was going to leave him. She was going to move in with me. You were young and not more than two and it confused you. She changed her mind. Dad had this accident but it more about you and your reactions. She didn’t want to take any chances that you might have been scarred. So she stayed with dad.”
This was news to Rick. “ She did?”
“ Yeah. When it came to you and Bridget, you were both always first. Hell, she turned me down about marrying her because of Bridget.”
“ She did?”
“ It was right after she had been arrested for kidnapping you when she disappeared all those months ago. I had asked her to marry me. Hell, I had bought this very expensive ring; I think that it was at least 10 carets. But she turned me down and didn’t want me to move back into the house until Bridget had fully dealt with the fact that dad, not me was her father. She thought that Bridget’s needs where more important than her own.”
“ She did that?” Bridget stepped into the room. She had come into the nursery when she found Ridge and Rick talking. “ I don’t remember that.”
“ Believe me, I do.”
“ But she loved you so much.”
Ridge put his arm around Bridget. “ She loved your more. She wanted you to adjust to trusting her again.”
Bridget nodded. “ I remember those days. I was in so much pain that I blamed her. I thought that she was the cause of taking you away from me.”
“ You were young and didn’t know what you were doing.”
“ I can’t believe that she gave up being with you because of me.”
“ You mother is pretty amazing.”
Rick put his hand on Ridge’s arm. “ She isn’t the only one. You are pretty amazing too. I found out what you did for me. I found out about Grant’s shooting. You were willing to go to jail for me because of something that I did.”
“ You were young, you didn’t mean to shot Grant.”
“ But you could have spent your life in jail.”
“ I couldn’t have spent a lifetime seeing what this knowledge would have done for you nor could I have watched your mother suffer.”
Tears sparkled in Rick’s eyes and it took him a moment to compose himself. “ Thanks Ridge. Thank you for saving me.”
Ridge looked at Rick for a moment before he hugged him. “ You are welcome.”


The water bubbled full of hot steam filling the tub as Pierce poured himself another drink. He thought a bath might do the thing to relax him, that and a massage. The masseuse would be there within an hour. He was going against his own advice and finding solace in vices but he was willing for forgive himself. The one thing that wasn’t going to do was to take solace in the arms with another woman. He didn’t need sexual pleasure from a faceless woman, the only woman he wanted was the woman how was breaking him heart, Bella. Today, when he had seen Taylor, he thought for a moment that those feeling for her might came flooding back, but they didn’t. He and she had shared a long lunch and she had shared her feelings about her marriage to Ridge. Pierce had felt sorry for her although he still didn’t think Ridge worthy of a woman like Taylor; he knew that she’d never love another like she loved Ridge. He had seen the pain in her eyes and wanted nothing more than to help Taylor. Years ago, he would have tried to have sweep Taylor off her feet but not today. He had suggested that she spend some quality time with her family by having a family dinner. Taylor seemed to have liked that idea. Pierce hoped that things went well but more than that, he hoped that their friendship could continue. Right now Taylor was eating, swimming and playing with Ridge and the kids while he was sitting up in his penthouse alone. The entire thing was frustrating. She was elusive, cruel and had a way of going to the jugular, if he were smart, he’d let it go but he couldn’t. He couldn’t let HER go. He had to find a way to make it work and to get her to see he truly loved her. He loved her and had no intentions of giving up on what he thought might be the woman to change his life. She’d be worth it all the needed was to think like Isabelle. He needed to hatch a scheme to make her see things his way. She had to see that she couldn’t live without him. Pierce had dazzled millions with his speeches, motivational tapes and seminars certainly he could find a way to get one woman to try to have a relationship with him.

Ridge opened the door to Brooke’s bedroom to find her sitting amidst a group of papers on her bed.
“ Going over Forrester work?”
Brooke looked up. “ No. I ought to be because we are really under the gun especially with the showing in less than two months.”
“ I know that I have some sketches to go over.”
“ Thank god for KC and Scott they have really pulled their weight. I’ve hardly been at the office the last week or so and with Bridget’s illness I’m going to be spending less time there.” Brooke handed Ridge the article that she had been reading. “ This is an article about the process of bone marrow transplant.”
Ridge took the article and looked it over. “ You’ve been doing a great deal of reading.”
“ I have tons of these articles. This one is about the effects of leukemia on the family and patient. This one talks about the emotional aspects of leukemia.” Brooke sighed. “ I’ve been spending my nights by the computer looking for answers, reading, researching. And I’m not the only Ridge.”
“ Bridget?”
“ Yes I found this book in her room. It gives journal entries from a young girl around Bridget’s age who needs a transplant. I just read a few chapters and it scared me. But Bridget, sometimes I think that she is stronger than me because she seems so sure and unafraid.”
“ That’s because she has you as her role model.”
Brooke sighed. “ She has every reason to be afraid Ridge. If she doesn’t get a donor.”
“ She will.”
“Ridge. I know that you and Taylor are having problems but we need to get Thomas and the twins tested.”
“ I know Logan. I wanted to give Taylor some time.”
“ She didn’t take finding out that Bridget well, did she?”
“ No. But Logan. I don’t think it is really about Bridget. I think that it’s about Dylan, Morgan and…”
“ And me.” Brooke interrupted.
“ No. It isn’t about you. It’s everything combined.”
“ Plus the fact that you’ve been spending a lot of time with me and Bridget.”
“ Bridget is my daughter. I’ve missed her growing up. I’ve missed so much of her life and I’ve not going to miss anymore. Taylor will have to accept that.”
Brooke wanted to ask him what if she didn’t accept it but Brooke decided to stay silent. Her concern wasn’t Taylor’s marriage to Ridge, instead it was about Bridget. “ Ridge..”
“ I know Logan. The children have to be tested. I guess I was hoping that in the last couple of days that Taylor would say something to me.”
“ But she hasn’t? Ridge we wait around for Taylor.”
“ I know Logan. I talked to Dr. Levine today. I made arrangement for the children to be tested the day after tomorrow.”
“ Will Taylor agree to it?”
“ She will. I’m going to talk with her tomorrow. She cares about Bridget, no matter how angry she might be with me. Our children are the key to Bridget’s wellness.”
Brooke reached out and touched Ridge’s hand. “ Thank you Ridge.”
“ She’s our daughter Logan. I’m not going to let anything happen to her.” Ridge touched Brooke’s face gently for a moment staring into her golden eyes. “ I owe it to her and to you.”
“ You don’t owe me Ridge.”
“ Yes I do.”
Brooke pulled away from Ridge and stood up. She walked toward the balcony that overlooked her garden below. Ridge studied Brooke for a moment and studied the room. She had made changes in her bedroom; her bed was new as well as the decorating, the window dressing and furniture. “ You changed the bedroom.”
Brooke turned around. “ What?”
“ It’s changed. Not I’m complaining. It looks wonderful.” Ridge laughed. “ Do you remember the last time we were in this bedroom?”
“ With Little Eric?”
“ No. The last time you and I shared this bedroom.”
Brooke searched her memory when she saw the smirk on Ridge’s face. “ Nigano”
“ So you do remember that night.”
“ Yes. I do.”
“ That night was special. It was pretty amazing. Little did I know back then that that would be the last night that you and I would have made love.”
“ That night stayed with me for a very long time.”
Ridge moved toward Brooke. “ Brooke…have you ever thought about what would have happened if I had known that Bridget was my daughter. Have you wondered what our life would have been like?”
Brooke was thrown a loop with Ridge’s question. Of course she had thought about it. She knew that not only had Bridget been cheated but she has as well. “ Ridge, where are you going with this?”
Ridge opened his mouth to speak but he was cut off by the ringing of a doorbell. Brooke let out a breath of air. “ I had better, it’s probably Morgan.” Ridge said nothing as Brooke headed toward the door for a moment she stopped and looked back at Ridge before she disappeared.


Japan
Caspian finished up his conference with Herito Tokuro, currently the Japanese partners in Microtech had develop a prototype that if worked, could lead his company in the market of computer software. He still had to visit the factory as well as go to the presentation on another piece of software. Though he enjoyed the Orient, he was longing to get home back to Brooke. He had been away from her for two days and missed her, however based on his schedule; he wouldn’t be back in L.A until the middle of the next week. As much as Brooke was constantly in his mind and thought, he still had not forgotten what day it was in Italy. Today was Isabelle’s anniversary. Normally, he made sure that he spent some time with her. Dialing her number, he called her private line at her home in Italy.
“ Hello”
“ Isabelle.” She smiled as she heard name. Caspian never forgot.
“ Hello brother.”
“ How are you doing?” he asked with caution.
“ I’m fine. How is Herito treating you?”
“ Like an a king. Business is fine. The protochip looks like it will be ready within a year.”
“ Good, I know that we’ve invested millions into it. I sent e-mailed you the financial reports on the conclave. Today, I have a meeting with the department heads. I wanted the bug worked out of T0CF.”
“ Isabelle…I didn’t call you to talk business. I wanted to know how YOU were doing.”
“ I’m fine.” She said with little emotion. “ I have business to attend too and a lunch planned with Grayson.”
“ Why are you having lunch with Grayson?”
Isabelle chuckled. “ What are you worried? My intentions toward him are not of a sexual nature.”
“ Bella I already know that.”
“ He’s complains that I haven’t spent time with him. So I am.”
“ Well, I’m glad that you aren’t spending the day by yourself.” Isabelle was silent.
“ Bella, why don’t you see Pierce?”
“ Pierce is a dead issue.”
“ Pierce is in L.A.”
“ I know.”
“ Bella, the man cares for you.”
“ Caspian. He isn’t for me. I know that he cares for me but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want a relationship.”
“ Bella. It’s been years, Benito is dead. It wasn’t your fault.”
“ I know he’s dead Caspian. I’ve been living with that little piece of guilt for years. I had my chance at love and I turned my back on it and I don’t regret it. Being with Benito would have meant giving up you, I couldn’t have done it. You are my family. The only person that I can depend on or trust. Piece doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know the real me or the things that I’ve done. If he did, he’d run or worse, he try to “fix” me. One day he’d realize that he wasted his time and it would break his head and his do-gooder instincts. I am what I am. I can’t give him the love he’d want or the family he need.”
“ You couldn’t if you wanted to. We are out of the family. There is no more danger. You can have a husband and children.”
“ I had a child and she is dead. I’m not going to have another.” Isabelle cradled the phone in her hand. “ I’m like you. Caspian, you still have your feeling. You love. You are capable of loving, even after Lark and you child’s death but I not sure that I know what real is. I’m capable of it. Not anymore. That part of me died. All I can do it live and live through you. I want you to be happy and have the family that I can’t.”
Caspian heart broke. He loved his sister and wanted her to find that elusive happiness. Seeing her with Pierce had given him hope but now there was little left. Isabelle was afraid of loving. “ What have I done to you?” He uttered.
“ You saved me.”
“ I didn’t…”
“ You did. Sooner or later I would have taken my life.”
“ I should have given you the help you needed not introduce you into a world of deceit, lies and manipulation.”
“ You think that I learned it from you? If I had been a man, I would have been so dangerous. Even before the rape, before Benito, before the death of my child I so suited for the family whereas you were meant for greater things. You always were.” Isabelle paused for a moment. “ Now, if you’d excuse me. I’m just starting my day here where as yours is half way over. I talk to you later.”
Caspian knew that he was being dismissed. “ I love you Bella.”
“ I love you too Caspian.”
Caspian heard the click on the other line. Concern was etched in his brow. She was never going to allow herself the joy of life. His sister had been through so much pain and heartache she would never take the chance to love again. The memory of his friend popped into his head. Benito may have done just as much damage to Bella than that rapist Hugo did. Hate contorted on Caspian’s face. “ Damn you Benito, if you weren’t already dead, I’d kill you myself.”

Trudie studied the check in her hand. When Stephanie Forrester had approached her she hadn’t known what the woman wanted. But after the conversation, the entire thing was clear. Bridget’s paternity had come out somehow and now she wanted her to keep her mouth shut. The woman was desperate. Trudie had no intentions of opening her mouth about anything. As far as she was concerned, the truth was out and if Stephanie wanted to pay her for not telling the family that it was her that had changed Bridget’s paternity that was fine with Trudie. She had to look out for her future.

Charlie took the sleeping baby in her arms with pure delight on her face. “ He’s knocked out but I’m sure that he’ll be up soon.” Ridge handed her the baby blanket.
“ He had a tiring day with his brothers and sisters.”
“I’m sure that it was good for him to be around his sibling. Thanks Ridge.”
“ You don’t have to thank me for spending time with my son.”
“ That’s true. You know, I stopped by to see your father today. He wants me to bring Dylan to see him once he gets home.”
“ That would be great.”
“ I suggest that you work on your mother. She isn’t exactly accepting of Dylan.”
Brooke laughed. “ It’s been years and she hasn’t changed her opinion about me. I think that it going to take some time however if that beautiful baby boy can’t get her to change her mind, no one will.”
“ Now Logan. Mother isn’t that bad.”
“ The woman fainted when she found out that Bridget was her grandchild. Just remember that.”
“Stephanie on the floor. I think that I’d pay some money to see that.” Brooke and Charlie both laughed while Ridge gave them annoyed looks.
“Stop it both of you. Mother isn’t that bad.”
“ That’s because you are her precious son. To her I’ll always be the little slut that tried to steal you away.” Brooke said with authority. “ So Charlie, you had better watch out or she’ll think that you are after Ridge.”
“ I don’t think that she’ll thing that. She still remembers how unimpressed with Ridge in high school, my opinion hadn’t changed that much.”
Brooke hid her laugh. More and more she liked Charlie.
“ I think her not liking me is more about Morgan and the fact that I keep asking questions about Dylan’s birth.”
“ Charlie thinks that there is more to it than mother finding out that Morgan rented dad’s old house and finding her in labor.” Ridge interjected.
“ You do?”
“ It’s just doesn’t make sense. Morgan resigns from her job but not in person. Her stuff was put in storage but she rents a house. Her bank accounts weren’t even used so where did she get the money to rent a house was expensive as that estate was. Brooke, she didn’t even use the resignation package that your company set up for her. She didn’t talk to anyone. The whole thing was strange.”
“ What does Morgan have to say about it?”
“ Nothing. She doesn’t remember. Its because the coma.”
“ Listen Charlie. You sister has issues. Who knows why she does half the things that she does. Look how she tricked me into getting her pregnant. I’m not going to spend a great deal of time wondering why Morgan was hiding out as far as my mother finding her, I asked her. She had heard rumors that Morgan hadn’t left town and had her investigated until she found her.”
“ And what did your mother plan to do when she found my sister.”
“ Bully her into leaving town.” Brooke interjected.
“ Logan.”
“ Oh Ridge, let’s face. You mother blamed her for getting pregnant not that she wasn’t to blame but once Stephanie wants you gone being pregnant won’t stop her. You know how protective she was about YOUR marriage she wasn’t about to let Morgan stick around.. If it meant running Morgan out of town she would have done that.” Brooke said. Charlie agreed with Brooke.
“ Maybe your mother was arguing with Morgan and that is what caused her to go into labor early.”
Ridge sighed, “Maybe. But at this point, it doesn’t matter. Dylan is here. He is my son. My mother will learn to accept it just like she will learn to accept Bridget as my daughter.
“ I hope that you are right Ridge. But I’ll wait and see. Listen, it’s getting late. I’ve got to get home.” She turned toward Brooke. “ I’ll get that information that you asked me for tomorrow.”
“ Good. You can drop it by my office.”
“ Alright. Night.”

Taylor threw the dinner in the trash and headed upstairs to bed. In the bedroom where candles, and rose petals thrown across the bed. She had foolishly thought of giving Ridge the night that he had wanted it things went well. “ Ridge where the HELL are you this time of night with our children.” Taylor broke down in tears as she reached for the telephone.
“ Hello”
“ It’s me. Can I come over?”


Kimberly walked into Mannequins. She had bought a brand new white blouse that sloped off her shoulders and bared her back along with a new pair of white slacks. Her hair was swept up. She felt good and more importantly, she looked good. Kimberly ordered her meal and waited for her friends to show up, she told them she’d pay for the meal. Thorne had issued a brand new credit card in her name, which she was going to use. Kimberly sipped her iced tea and waited when she found a very handsome man dressed in all black walk across the room. She wasn’t sure what it was about the man but he certainly got her attention. He must have noticed because he gave her a hard appreciative look for moment before he headed to a table. It wasn’t until she took her eyes off of him to look at his companion that she realized that it was Trudie.

Deacon kissed Trudie on her check and slid into the seat across from her. “ Not bad, of course this isn’t The Lair.”
“No. But the food is good.”
“ Really?” Deacon said with a raised eyebrow
“ Yes Really.”
“ So, where is lover boy tonight?”
“ Lover boy is working, thank you very much.”
“ Things much be going well between you too, after all he let you out.”
“ CJ doesn’t own me. We made up but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be friends. He may not like you but he doesn’t choose my friends.”
“ So do you want to tell me why we are celebrating tonight.”
“ Well, we are going to celebrate my new home.”
“ Your new home?”
“ Yes. I’ve talked with your real estate agent and she’s going to see some places tomorrow. This dinner is one to thank you.”
Deacon sipped his vodka. “ Well, I never turn down the company of a beautiful woman. Especially you.” Deacon leaned back to better appreciate Trudie’s beauty. Trudie was wearing a white silk halter dress with soft pink large flowers that matched the orchards in her hair. The waiter brought a bottle of champagne over and opened it.
“ Let’s toast.”
“ To what?”
“ To new beginnings.”
“ New beginning, Trudie. What new beginnings are you starting Trudie?” Trudie looked annoyed at Kimberly.
“ Kimberly, what do you want?”
“ Nothing. I just happened to see you. I was just wondering why you were celebrating so much today. The champagne, the dress, the company.” Kimberly turned her attention to Deacon. “ Hello. I’m Kimberly Forrester.”
Deacon looked at the beauty in white. “ Forrester huh.”
“ Yes. My husband is Thorne Forrester and Trudie’s boss.”
“ But you seem to be boss less, aren’t your Kimberly. Kimberly USED to be the Princess model at Forrester.”
“ But now, I’m married to a Forrester and you Trudie? You are dating the muffin man, CJ. Now I have to wonder if you are dating CJ, why are you here with…”
“ Deacon Sharpe.” Deacon added.
“ Well, Mr. Sharpe, I must say that you have impeccable taste with clothes however your taste in women may leave something to be desired.”
Trudie glared at Kimberly. “ What are you jealous? I’m sitting here eating dinner in the company of a handsome man and have a very loving boyfriend who doesn’t mind when I have dinner with friends. Tell me, where is your handsome husband. I hear that he is in Paris. I wonder why he didn’t take you.”
“ Thorne is very busy at the moment and he didn’t to take any chances with our child.”
“ So that is the excuse that you’ve been giving to people. I think that you ought to come up with something a little more, colorful especially for a person with your flare.
“ Okay ladies. I think that it’s time that you sheathed your claws.”
“ Lair. You have a nerve to call me a liar.”
“ Yes I do because I know who you are what you’ve done.”
Kimberly took a threatening step toward Trudie.“ Really. What exactly do you think that you know?”

Pierce poured the dark colored wine in the glass and handed it to Taylor. “ I’m sorry that I took you from your massage,” Taylor said that the robe clad Pierce.
“ It’s alight. I’d rather have company than to be alone. So, do you want to tell me what has you so upset.”
“ What makes you think that I’m upset?”
“ Come one Taylor. You know that I read people for a living. Besides, you have tear stains on your face.”
“ I do. Oh god.” Taylor got up and headed toward the mirror. Pierce had been kind with his assessment of her. She looked a mess. She opened her purse and pulled out a tissue. Pierce pulled the tissue out of Taylor’s hand.
“ Don’t worry, you look beautiful. Now, why don’t you tell me what happened to your dinner with Ridge.”

Caspian closed the velvet box. “ Sure, that is a very good choice. I’m sure that your lady friend is going to be very happy with that selection.”
He looked at the jeweler. “ I think that she will. They match her eyes.”
“ She must be special.”
The memory of Brooke in the garden came to him. “ She very special. She’s one of a kind.”

Brooke sat in front of the fire looking at pictures in her photo album when Ridge came back down the stairs. “ How the kids.”
“ Sleeping. I know that I should get going but I don’t want to disturb them.” Ridge sat down next to Brooke looking over her solder.
“ Are you sure that it’s alright. It’s getting late.”
“ I tried calling home and Taylor wasn’t there.”
“ It’s 9:30. Don’t you think that she should be home?”
“ I’m not worried. Taylor has been spending a great deal of time with the seminars. She probably had dinner with a friend or something.” Ridge said off hand while he took the photo album out of Brooke’s hand. “ I remembered this. WOW, that was ages ago.”
“ We all took this trip to Big Bear. The kids went skiing.”
“ The ski instructor was making eyes as you.”
Brooke laughed. “ He was not.”
“ Yeah he was. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of you and neither could I.” Ridge paused for a moment. “ Just like I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you tonight.” Ridge murmured.
“You are so beautiful and loving. How could I have let that go.”
Brooke say a look in Ridge’s eyes that she hadn’t seen for years. “ Ridge…” Ridge stopped Brooke from talking by placing his fingers on her mouth. “ Shh Don’t Brooke. Don’t say anything just feel. All I want is to just feel.” Ridge lowered his head toward Brooke slowly before he mouth gently touched hers. He pulled away for a moment licking his own lips before he lowered his head again. This time the kiss was much more passionate, he kissed Brooke coaxing her to open her lips so she could accept his tongue. Brooke felt Ridge’s hand rubbing against her right nipple as their tongues mated against each with fevered passion. Together they sipped at each other’s mouth while Ridge lowered on her floor in front of the fireplace.

 

 

Chapter 91 Review Old Feelings (Ridge and Brooke remember their time together while the kids enjoy time together. Meanwhile, Taylor becomes increasingly upset when her husband and children don’t come home and a special dinner is ruined. Rick, Ridge and Bridget bond as they let go of old hurts. Pierce is determined to get Isabelle back. Isabelle remembers her anniversary with Benito and is haunted by her memories. Kimberly wonders about Trudie and Stephanie’s conversation but is pacified when Stephanie tells her of Bridget’s true paternity. To celebrate she plans dinner and is intrigued when stops the alluring Deacon dinning with Trudie. Deacon is amused when the two beauties conversation turns nasty. Caspian, who is in Japan on business buys a special gift for Brooke, misses her greatly. Brooke and Ridge’s trip down memory lane turns into a kiss.

Chapter 92 (Dreams)
Nichelle finished putting the dinner dishes away. It had been a long dinner. They had eaten , talked and lounged later in the living room. Time, as it often does, got away from them until it was so late that Ruth had turned into bed. KC, who was till pretty much on L.A time offered to help with the dishes. Although they had a maid who came in once a day, Ruth who lived there, had didn’t like anyone in “her” kitchen. So, the kitchen was off limits. Nichelle turned to her daughter who was obviously lost in thought. “That worried?”
KC turned to her mother. “ I’m not worried.”
“Are you sure? You’ve been very quiet the last hour.”
“ That’s because dad has had Connor closeted in his study for the last hour.”
“ If he is worthy of you, then he’ll have to deal with your father.”
KC shook her head and smiled gently at her mother. “ Connor can handle dad.”
“ Are you sure of that? Kurt can be a handful.”
“ That’s true but Connor loves me. He knows that dad wants to protect me.” KC put the dishtowel down that she had been using to dry the dishes. “ So, are YOU going to tell me what you think of him?”
Nichelle smiled and KC’s heart warmed. It certainly was clear where KC got her beauty from, her mother was a stunning woman. “ As much as I was worried about him being white and all, I have to say that I like him a great deal.”
“ I knew that you would.”
“ He is charming. Very handsome with ALL the right manners. His views on politics and businesses certainly impressed me and probably your father, though he may not admit it. Besides anyone who can stand up to this family and your father interrogation is special but that’s not why I like him.” KC leaned against the counter. She was comfortable being back home in New York. She had changed into a pair of comfortable pair of black pants and a simple silk cream colored blouse that fell off her shoulders.
“ Why do you like him?”
“ It’s the way that he looks at you. He caters to your needs.” It hadn’t been lost on Nichelle the way that he had gotten up to see that KC had a cup of tea when she got a slight chill. Nor had she noticed the way that he had rubbed her feet gently when they had been lounging on the sofa. Connor had the look of a man in who totally besotted on her daughter. Yet it was KC’s reaction to him that warmed Nichelle’s heart. Her daughter looked happy and totally in love. She hadn’t seen her daughter look that way about a man since….well as much as she hated to admit it. Her daughter hadn’t looked at a man like that since Jackson. A shiver ran through Nichelle’s body. How wrong they had been about him. She just hoped that she wasn’t wrong about Connor. Nichelle brought her attention back to her daughter. “ He loves you and more important than that, you love him don’t you?”
KC put her arms around her mother. “ Yes, I do.”
Nichelle sighed. “ You know if I would have had my choice…”
“ Connor would be black.”
“ Yes. It isn’t against him. He seems like a good man. You know that I did some fishing around about him.”
KC frowned. “ Mother. Why?”
“ Because you are MY baby and I was concerned. But from what I’ve heard and from what I’ve seen the man is a good man. Now KC, you know that things are going to be easy. I don’t care what people say but regardless of it being the year 2002, people still have their feelings about this sort of thing. Making marriage work is hard enough without having others issues to deal with.” Nichelle said in French, like KC, Nichelle spoke the language fluently.
“ I know..” KC replied in kind. They only spoke in French when they discussed something that they might not want Kurt to know. It wasn’t until KC replied that her eyes jumped as she looked at her mother’s knowing gaze. “Marriage? Who said..”
“ Now don’t you try to run a game on me young lady.” Nichelle crossed her arms over her breast. “ I know that there is a good reason that you brought Connor to met us. Besides, you practically live with that man. So, he DID ask you to marry him, didn’t he?”
“ Yes, he did.”
“ Are you ashamed of it?”
“ Of course not. I just wanted you and dad to make up your opinion of him before you found out.”
“ So, what if we were against you marrying him, would you still do it?”
Pain etched across KC’s face. She had hoped that no such thing would happen. She loved her family, they were an important part of her life. Not being part of their lives would be like cutting off her arm, however she couldn’t see herself not with Connor. KC faced her mother and her questioning eyes. “ I love you. I love this family. You are part of who I am. You are one of the reasons that I turned out the way that I did. You supported me and passion for photography and then design. I would never do anything that would upset you BUT I love Connor. If you are against me marrying, I’d still do it. I love him mother and I can only hope that one day you’d be willing to accept him. He is a good kind, loving man.”
Nichelle hid her smile. “ That’s all I wanted to know baby.” She opened her arms to her daughter. “ No need to worry. I just wanted to see how you felt and I do. You love him and that all that matters to me.” Nichelle hugged her daughter and cupped her face. “ I’ll handle your father if he is against this. You know that no body can handle that man like I can.”

Pierce poured Taylor some hot tea in the mug. “ Here I think that you ought to drink this.”
“ I asked for some wine. I don’t want any tea.”
“ Yes, but tea will help you clear your head.”
Taylor took the tea but pointed to the Scotch on the table along with the glass. “ It seems that you aren’t heading your own advice.”
Pierce put the Scotch away and poured himself a cup of coffee. “ I am now. So are you going to tell me what is bringing you out this time of night when you ought to be with your husband.”
“Husband. Well, what a joke. My husband is off doing god-knows what with my children.”
Pierce looked at his watch. It was after 9. “ Is that normal for Ridge?”
“Normal? I don’t know what normal is anymore. I just wanted to have a special dinner with my children and my husband but that isn’t working out. Nothing seems to be working out at all.” Tears filled Taylor’s eyes. “ I’m not sure how much of this that I can take anymore! I sick of it. I’m sick of Morgan. I’m sick of her son! I’m sick of Brooke! Why can’t they just leave me alone! Why!!!” Taylor’s body began to shake as hot wet tears fell down her eyes. Pierce quickly pulled her into his arms.
“ Shh! Don’t Taylor. Don’t do this to yourself.”

Kimberly gave Trudie a heated look. “ You’ve got my attention. What do you think that you know about me?”
Trudie wanted to wipe that smirk off Kimberly’s lips. She would have loved to tell that little tramp that she knew that about her. Trudie smirked. “ No little Princess. I don’t think so. I’m going to play this one out.”
“ What do you mean by that?”
“ I mean. I’m going to let you sweat it out.”
Kimberly didn’t know what Trudie meant but she didn’t like the superior look that Trudie was giving her. Kimberly stepped forward in Trudie’ face. “You are bluffing.”
“ Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Deacon watched the two women. “Ladies, as amusing as I’m finding this situation. I’m just wondering if I should get out the mud. I’m sure that you’d both look great covered in the stuff. I just love a good mud fight.”
“ No need. Kimberly’s pregnant. I wouldn’t want to harm HER baby. After all it is the only reason that she’s a Forrester. It’s her life line to her husband. She wouldn’t want anything to happen to her bargaining chip oh…I mean her baby.”
“ Are you threatening me? Because I haven’t forgotten that you almost cost me my baby. However I should thank you. If it hadn’t been for you then Thorne wouldn’t have realized how important the baby and I were to him. Still…” Kimberly fingered petal of the flower in Trudie’s hair before she leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “ I will see that my score is settled with you in due time.”
Trudie snatched Kimberly’s hand out of hair. “ Go right ahead Princess. I’ll be waiting.” Kimberly gave Trudie another heated look before she pulled her hand away. Turning her attention to Deacon she smiled. “ I’m so sorry that you had to witness such a conversation but I think that you know what kind of lad that Trudie isn’t.”
Deacon smirked as he looked at Trudie. “ She does have the ability to bring out the beast in us, doesn’t she?” He said as the smoke billowed around him. “ But I have a feeling that you do too.”
Kimberly swallowed with difficulty. Suddenly she was hit with the image of Deacon taking her hard and rough in bed. Her knees felt weak and she felt a wetness in between her legs. The feeling caught her so off guard that she blinked for a moment. “ Well, I had better get going. My friends, I’m sure are waiting.”
Deacon watched with interest as she left. Trudie noted his interest. “ Down boy. That one isn’t playing with a full deck. She’s nothing but trouble.”
“ But I like trouble. Didn’t you know that?”



Ridge lowered Brooke on the floor in front of the fireplace gently as his mouth made a trail down her neck as he pulled at the sash of her robe open to expose her breast. Ridge sighed at he looked down at the beautiful full globes. “ Logan, my god, you are so beautiful.” His fingers traced around her tight nipples. “God how I’ve missed you.” Ridge lowered his head and took Brooke’s nipple inside of his mouth. Ridge took his time to devour and lavious the full nipple with his tongue. Suckling hard he pulled it into his mouth. Brooke closed her eyes and felt her body come aflame with she he pulled her toward him. Ridge where filled with her breast as he played with her other nipple on the breast that he had ignored. Her nipple popped out of his mouth as he left one breast and found another. His hands moved gently down her body, caressing her flat stomach and then found the hot folds of her sex. She was wet and willing and that made Ridge harder than he had been before. Brooke, his wonderful, sexy, alluring Brooke was once again in his arms. He covered her mouth again, slipping his tongue in to sip from her mouth. Brooke cried out as he searched and then found her nub of desire with his fingers. “ So, wet. God, I missed how your respond to me.” Brooke shivered when Ridge slipped his fingers into her wet folds.
“ Ridge…” She murmured against his lips.
“ No Logan. Just feel. Let it all go.” Ridge fumbled with the zipper on the front of his pants and hurried to release his hot organ. Brooke’s gasping filled the air as Ridge picked Brooke up in his arms and hurried her over toward the wall next to the front door. Hoisting her up against the wall he hastily told her to wrap her legs around him. Brooke complied quickly and Ridge thrust hard into her as he took her mouth. So was so tight, so right for him. Just a delicious as he had remembered. Ridge pulled out and pushed into her willing body once again. It was like going home to him.

Kurt lit a cigar and watched Connor through hooded eyes. Dinner had given him a chance to see how he related to his daughter. Although he hated to admit it, it seemed that the lawyer was indeed besotted on his daughter but that wasn’t enough for him. There were a lot of men who had fallen in love with his daughter. How could they not? KC was talented, bright, and beautiful. Besides, those men had been black. Connor wasn’t. Kurt wasn’t about to forget that. He wasn’t one of those type of men who felt “blessed” be accepted by whites. Hell, his forefathers has build this country on their blood, sweat and tears and he’d be damned if he was going to just hand over his child to a white man. He had worked hard, had been the first on in his family to go to college and worked to see that KC and Corey had the best of everything. He had been an example when the television and the newspapers seemed to make a mockery of black men in the United States. This bothered Kurt, but not as much as it did when he saw what drugs and crime was doing to his race and community. Kurt, no matter what his views on the past was, loved his country and had fought in Vietnam. However there were certain things that he wanted for his children. He wanted his son to grow into an independent intelligent young man with courage and the willingness to take care of his responsibilities and his family. He also wanted his daughter to be independent, successful and to know what a rare gift was. No matter how charming or how Connor seemed to say the “right” thing, it wouldn’t convince him that a white man was what his daughter needed. “ Well, I’ve listened to you talk about your feelings about my daughter, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”
Connor leaned back on the comfortable sofa. “ What would you like to know?”
“ What do your parents do?”
“ My father was a machinist. He worked for Harper’s machinery up until he died.” Connor looked away for a moment. “ I was fourteen when he died. A heart attack”
“ Sorry to hear that. I never knew my father, he was killed when I was just a baby.”
“ It’s hard growing up without a father but my mother, she worked hard.”
“ What does she do?”
“ She was a school teacher. She’s retired now.”
“ She’s proud of you. Becoming a lawyer.”
“ Yes. My mother worked hard. She had a couple of extra part-time jobs to enable for me to get the extra things. You see, before my father had a heart attack, he had congenital heart disease and with very little insurance, there was a great deal of bills. Sometimes I know that is why I went into corporate law, to ensure that businesses offer their workers insurances and other rights.”
Kurt nodded. “ So, where does fashion fit into all of this?”
“ It didn’t originally. I became friends with Brooke Forrester, actually we went to the same high school together. When she was having problems with Forresters, I offered to help her.”
“ That isn’t all that you offered her, now is it?” Kurt puffed some smoke in the air.
“ If you are talking about my personal relationship with Brooke. We are friends.”
“ But you were once her lover.”
“ Yes.” Connor said with conviction. “ We ONCE had a romantic involvement but that is over. I have to wonder why that would be any of your business since that has been over for many man years.”
“ Because you are involved with my daughter yet this woman you were once involved in is your client.”
“ She’s more than my client. She’s my friend. She’s also KC’s friend and boss.” Connor leaned forward. “ My relationship with Brooke, the romantic one, is in the past.”
“ Yes, but I have to wonder what it says about you. Consorting with a woman who has been involved with three men in the same family.”
“ First of all, my relationship with Brooke has nothing to do with KC. She knows all about Brooke and my past relationships other than Brooke. As far as Brooke, you don’t know anything about her. Brooke Logan is a very capable, beautiful woman. She has made some mistakes as far as her personal life is concerned but that is none of my affair and it certainly isn’t yours. Nor is it your place to judge me or her.”
“ Is that so?” Kurt’s voice boomed.
“ Yes it is. But I don’t think that this had anything to do with Brooke. Brooke is just an easy issue. This is about me and the fact that I’m white.”
“ I didn’t say that.”
“ You didn’t have too. It’s there underneath everything.”
“ I want what is best for my daughter.”
“ I agree. I want what is best for KC as well and if I really thought that I wasn’t, then I’d step aside and allow her to find her own happiness.”
“ Really?”
“ Yes.”
“ I don’t understand you Connor. You have a law practice that is doing well, you are well liked and I suppose that most women would consider you handsome. Don’t you know that having an interracial relationship could do to your business?”
“ It seems to me that that you are selling your daughter short.”
Kurt stood up. “ The hell I am.”
“ It seems like that to me. You are wondering about what having a relationship would do to my business? I don’t give a damn about my practice. Number one, it wouldn’t effect a thing.”
“ The hell it wouldn’t. You’d be surprised how many so called “friends” might think of you differently when they see my daughter on your arm.”
“ If that is a problem, then excuse my language but**** them. I don’t care what people will think. I’m a good lawyer and if they don’t want my services, there are plenty of people who will. And would you like know what people think when they do see KC on my arm?”
“ What?”
“ They think that I’m one hell of a lucky man to have the most beautiful talented woman like her.”
“ That so.”
“ Yes, that IS so.” Kurt couldn’t help but to smile on the inside at Connor’s remark. For the first time that night, he agreed with him. His baby was a jewel.

Ridge groaned with pleasure as he moved in and out of Brooke’s body. Her legs clinched tightly around his waist and her body clenched around his pen*s. His rhythm matched hers and it was as natural as it had always been when it came to them. With Brooke it was always special between them.

Kristen took off her robe and headed the shower in her bathroom Sam was standing under the hot spray of water. Kristen watched as the mixture of soapy water ran down her full breast and lush body for a moment before she stepped in. Sam turned away from Kristen stepping fully under the water to let the hot water rinse the soap off her body. Kristen felt her heart clench. “ Don’t do this Sam. Don’t turn away from me.”
“ I’m not turning away from you Kris. I’m just upset.”
“ Don’t be upset.” Kristen came behind Sam and wrapped her arms around her naked body. She kissed Sam’s neck gently. “ The decision isn’t made yet.”
“ Yet you are willing to pretty much make this decision without asking me.”
“ I love my family. I just want to be a part of their lives.”
“ I thought that I was your family. We built a life Kristen. One in New York and now you want me to give it up.”
“ I’m not asking you to give it up.”
Sam turned and looked at Kristen. Her heart was breaking. She felt Kristen’s lush nipples scrape against her own and though she wanted nothing more than to make love to her she couldn’t. “You are asking me to give up the life we created. We have a home there.”
“ Sam, you spend a great deal of your time gone on photo shoots.”
“ You’ve never complained before. You knew that my job kept me away sometimes when we got together. Are you saying it’s a problem?”
“ No. I know how much your job means to you Sam. But I want something more fulfilling in my life. I have a chance to be a part of my family’s company. With my dad almost dying, I just want to be closer to him.” Kristen cupped Sam’s wet face. “ Listen I know that we have built this great life in New York. Our friends are there.”
“ My family is there.”
“ I know. But I want to chance to see if I can work things out with MY family. Sam, I need you. You are my family. I love you so much and you’ve given me the strength to believe in myself and not be ashamed of loving you. Please. I’m not asking you to make a decision right now. Just think about it. It could be a trial basis…just think please. Baby…” Sam stepped away from Kristen.
“ I don’t know. To move here away from the life we created to a place that I don’t know. To deal with a mother who has never been there for you and hates me. I think that you are asking too much.” Sam pulled out of Kristen’s arms and left the shower.

Brooke arched against Ridge. His fingers dug hard into the flesh of her buttocks as he pounded into her. Brooke’s fingers bit into Ridge’s back hard when he felt her body clinch with the onslaught of an orgasm. “ Ridge, Ridge Ridge!” She cried.
“ Ridge…Ridge…” Brooke shook Ridge on his arm. Ridge opened his eyes and found Brooke staring down at him. “ Are you alright?”
Ridge blinked for a moment. “ Huh?”
“ You are murmuring in your sleep. It must have been some dream. Tell me, where you and Taylor getting it on?”
Ridge sat up on Brooke’s sofa. He couldn’t look her in the eyes, not after the dream that he just had. God, the entire thing had seemed so real. Ridge felt the pressure in his groin.
“ The dream was nothing.”
“ Uh-huh.” Brooke gave him a knowing smile. “ Well, from the looks of your….pants. I think that I know what kind of dream it was. Maybe it’s time that you get home and fulfill your fantasies. I’m sure that Taylor is waiting for you.”
Ridge slightly blushed. “Yeah. I guess that I ought to be going.” Ridge stood up and picked up his jacket. When he opened the front door, Brooke stopped him.
“Ridge.”
“ Yes.”
“ I think that you are forgetting something.”
“ Oh.” Ridge kissed Brooke on her cheek. “Night Logan.”
Brooke laughed. “ You must be tired Ridge. I think that you need to get Thomas and the twins.”
“ Ohh Yeah.” Ridge looked embarrassed.
Brooke watched as Ridge headed upstairs. She smiled gently. “ That must have been some dream Forrester.”

Pierce gently wiped the tears from Taylor’s face. “ Don’t do this to yourself. You are a smart, capable woman. Don’t doubt yourself.”
“ I just tired of it all. It seems that whenever Ridge and I have a chance of connecting, something happens. Lately, we don’t even speak. I shouldn’t be jealous of Bridget but in a way, I am. You should see the way that his eyes light up when he is near her and Brooke.”
“ I don’t think that Ridge wants Brooke.”
“ You never know. Ridge doesn’t even know how hard it’s been for me. Seeing him with Dylan. Thinking about the child I lost in that accident. Knowing that the world knows that he had this affair with Morgan.”
“ But you chose to stay with him, why?”
“ Because I love him.” Taylor sighed. “ I loved him from the moment I saw him. But now with another issue, I just wonder if it’s worth it. Maybe I would have done better with a man who was more intellectual. A man who could appreciate me and me alone.”
Taylor looked up into Pierce’s eyes. “ A man like you.” Taylor touched Pierce’s cheek.
“ There was a time that you wanted me badly.”
“ Yes. There was but you love Ridge. Taylor…”
“ Maybe I was the fool.” Taylor leaned forward and kissed Pierce on his lips. Pierce was surprised by the action and for a moment he allowed himself to give into the feeling of being wanted. Pierce’s mouth opened and he slipped his tongue into Taylor mouth. Taylor shivered as his mouth mated gently against hers. Taylor let go of her emotions. It had been so long since a man had taken notice of her. For once, she wanted to be wanted.

KC steeped out of the bathroom into the bedroom that she and Connor was sharing. Connor was lounging on the bed in black pajama bottoms. “ Wow” He sat up when he saw her. She was beautiful in a soft lilac nightgown. “ You like?” She turned around.
“ You know that I do.”
KC crawled over to Connor and kissed his on his lips. Connor pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck with his face. “ God, you smell so good.”
“ It’s soap silly.”
“ Well, what ever it is, I like it.”
She turned into his arms to face him. “ Not as much as I love you.” She traced his lips with her finger. “ Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For coming. For being the man that you are. For not being mad at my dad after what happened.”
“ How could I be mad at the man who created you. You are an amazing woman. I know that he doesn’t like me because I’m white. But I also realize that even if I was black, he’d still be suspicious of me. He only wants what is best for you. Hopefully, he’ll see just how much I really love you.” KC palmed Connor’s hand and kissed it.
“ He will and he’ll come around. Mom with help with that.”
Connor smiled. “ Your mother is pretty amazing.”
“ She is.”
“ She gorgeous too.”
“ Why are you so surprised. What? Women in their fifties, can’t look as good as my mom.”
“ No. Isn’t that. It’s just that she’….”
“ She’s got sexy thing going. Believe, I know. My dad loves it.”
“ I can see why. I love that about you?”
KC strattled Connor. Her legs gripped his things and he . “ Good. You had better. I don’t take just anyone home to my family, you know.”
Connor ran his fingers up KC’s bare arms. “ I know.” His face softened. “ I love you so much.”
“ I know. I love you too Connor.” KC lowered her head and caught Connor’s mouth in a kiss.

Kurt took off his dinner shirt and was stepping out of his clothes when Nichelle came out of their master bath. He watched her as she dropped the damp towel on the floor. The light played on her warm toned chocolate skin. His wife was magnificent. She ran every day and had a toned arms, legs and flat stomach. Her breast will full and she was sexy, she was also taking her time lotioning her body down. An obvious ploy. “ I isn’t going to work Nichelle.”
Nichelle glanced at her husband. Who ever said that you couldn’t be in your fifties and be sexy lied. Her husband was handsome with a deep voice that still send shivers up her spine. He was muscular underneath those expensive suites that he wore and he knew it. Just like she knew that she kept her man very happy. Whereas some of their friends marriage fell apart, they had stayed happily married all these years with the help of god, good communication, trust, friendship and a lot of great sex. “ Kurt, I have no idea what in the world you are talking about. I’m getting ready for bed.”
“ You dropped your towel.”
Nichelle turned around putting her hands on her hips. Her lush breast and chocolate tipped nipples almost poked him in the chest. “ I’m always naked. Remember that is the way you like it. We sleep naked all the time. I don’t know what in the world has gotten into you.”
“ You are trying to seduce me woman?”
Nichelle laughed. “ You are really losing your mind. Do you know that? First of all..” She poked him on the chest. “ Don’t woman me. I only like it when it’s an endearment.
“ Second. I’m not trying to seduce you. I don’t have to. From the looks of it, you are primed.” She walked away from her husband and slid underneath the covers. “ Third, the way that you acted tonight. You ain’t getting nothing from me.”
Kurt was shocked. “ I didn’t do a thing.”
“ You were rude to Connor. Asking him twenty thousands questions.”
“ We don’t know that man. He’s staying in our home.”
“ He is involved with KC and instead of being welcoming. You are being an asshole.”
“ An asshole?”
“ Did I stutter?”
“ Nichelle, listen…”
Nichelle sat up. “ No, you listen. You were rude. I surprised that Ruth didn’t try to knock some sense into you. That man is a guest in our home. We’ve always treated people in a warm manner but tonight, you didn’t.”
“ Nichelle, he is white.”
“ What does that have to do with anything Kurt?”
“ Frank Martelle is white. And he is one of your best friends. You’ve never had a problem with him and now all of a sudden you don’t like white people.”
“ It’s not that and you know it. I just don’t want my daughter in a relationship with HIM.”
“ HIM has a name. Don’t disrespect him.”
“ I’m not.”
“ You are.”
Nichelle scooted to the edge of the bed. “ Kurt what is wrong with you. Why does this bother you so much. It can’t be Connor.”
“ We don’t know him.”
“ That’s right we don’t. And we don’t pass judgment without reason. The man seems like a good man. He is smart, and charming and is going places. But more than that,our daughter loves him. Don’t you want KC to be happy?”
“ Of course.”
“ So what is this all about?”
“ I wanted her to have everything.”
“ And she has. She’s had a family with a mother and a father who love each other. She has traveled and been exposed to different cultures. She has had the best education. Just look at our little girl. She’s up and coming in the fashion world. Her designs are one best and now she has found love.”
“With a white man. I just didn’t want my daughter to be some white man’s…”
“ Some white’s man what?”
“ I don’t know. His mistress…like in days of slavery. Young black women given up to the needs of their masters.”
“ Kurt I really think that you are taking it too far with that analogy. That isn’t happening with our daughter. She chose him.”
“I just don’t want her to be taken advantage of.”
“ Do you really think that you’ll have to worry about that with KC? That girl can hold her own. Kurt. I really don’t think that man wants to take advantage of her. I know that you might have wanted something different for her but think of her happiness. It’s not about color.” Nichelle stroked her husband’s bald head and face lovingly. “ You are very good man and I understand you wanting a man from your own race to be the man for her but that isn’t your decision. It’s in god’s hands. It has always been in his hands. Just think about Coron and Jackson. Think about the way that they were treated KC and they where black honey. It isn’t about race. Please, give Connor a chance.”
Kurt sighed. He finished taking off his clothes and slipped naked into bed with his wife. He pulled her into his arms. “ I will for you and for KC.”
Nichelle smiled and wiggled her backside against her husband. “ Thanks baby.”
Kurt kissed Nichelle neck and then murmured into her ear. “ Am I still on restriction.”
Nichelle’s laughter was cut off by Kurt’s kiss.

Ridge kissed Thomas goodnight and cut his son’s light out. The children where knocked out. They had had a wonderful yet tiring time at Brooke’s. Ridge glanced at his watch. It was late and Taylor wasn’t here. He wandered into the dinning room downstairs and was surprised to find that the table had been set. Not only wasn’t she there but Ridge had seem the dinning room had been set. “ Shit.” From the looks of the kitchen, Taylor had cooked dinner for him and the children. What had he done? Ridge thought about the dream that he had had about Brooke earlier. God, what had gotten into him? He shouldn’t have that dream. He should have at least called Taylor. “ Taylor, where are you?”

Taylor couldn’t seem to look at Pierce. What had happened between them shouldn’t have happened. With shaky hands she buttoned her blouse. “ Taylor we need to talk about what happened.”
“ No. We don’t. I need to go home.”
Pierce moved out of the bed and picked up his robe off the floor. “ Nothing happened.”
“Nothing. How can you call what happened nothing. I let you…”
“ We stopped.” Pierce cupped Taylor’s face. “ We stopped before we had sex. Nothing happened. We where just caught up in the moment. You where feeling bad about Ridge and I…”
“What where you feeling bad about?”
“ It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you know what is important. We stopped before something happened. You didn’t betray your husband. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Nothing at all” Pierce kissed Taylor gently at the top of her head.
Taylor smiled a bittersweet smile. “ Thanks for trying to help me. I really appreciate our friendship.”
“ We are friends Taylor. Even after what happened, we are still friends. Don’t forget that.”


Brooke watched Bridget while she slept. She gently smoothed the hair out of her daughter’s face. More and more she worried about her and the effect that this diseases had on her. Bridget was bright and full of life. She wanted to protect her from this yet she couldn’t. Brooke had to marvel how her daughter dealt with the news. Bridget was so strong and her outlook positive. She didn’t want to change anything in her life. Bridget had already called the College where she was helping elementary kids with an art program and told them that she was going to come back tomorrow. Brooke had wanted her to stay home and rest but Bridget had been stubborn and put her foot down. More and more she proved that she was her mother’s child. Leaving her daughter’s bedside, she picked up some of her discarded clothes when Bridget’s phone rang. “ Hello?”
There was silence on the other line. “ Hello?” Brooke hung up the phone.
Scott gently hung up the phone. He had been surprised when Brooke had answered Bridget’s phone. More and more, he was sick of the hiding. It wasn’t in his blood. It was bad enough that he was keeping secrets from Bridget but lying to Brooke and to Eric as well. Scott sat down at his computer and wrote an e-mail to Bridget. He would meet her for breakfast and then he’d tell her that he wanted to tell her family to truth. It was time.

Beth drummed her fingers against the bar table. Her companion was late. She only had an hour, if she didn’t go back to Brooke’s soon, Steven would begin to ask questions. That was the last thing that she wanted.

Caspian finished his negotiations for the day. Things where looking up and although he loved the Orient, the more that he finished the sooner he’d get home to Brooke. A prickling sensation hit him on he back of his neck. He was being watched. Quickly he scanned the area around him until he noticed a beautiful dark haired beauty coming toward him. “ Caspian. I thought that was you.”
Caspian stood. “ Natasha.” He kissed the beauty on both cheeks. “ It is good to see you.”
“ And you.” Her eyes devoured him from head to toe. Caspian Deangleo was a very sexy and alluring man. She clearly remembered the last time that they had gotten together. They had spent two glorious days in bed. It had been magnificent. Caspian was a splendid specimen of male. The financial analyst had met him when conferencing in Zurich years ago and had been smitten. The two had come together from time to time and had hot glorious sex.“ I haven’t seen you since the dinner at Delana’s . Tell, me what brings you to Japan?”
“ Business.”
“ Ahh. I heard that MicroTech was doing well.”
“ It is.”
“ Expanding your market?”
“ I’m thinking of it.”
“ Still keeping secrets. What is it about a man with secrets that drive women wild.”
“ I don’t know.”
“ Mmmm. I think that you do.” Natasha moved slightly forward toward Caspian. “ So. Why don’t you catch me up into what is going on in your life.”
Caspian nodded and extended a hand toward her.


Eve looked at the paper once again. It was the offer to work in London. For days, she couldn’t think of anything but it. It was everything that she could have dreamed of yet she wasn’t sure if she wanted it. The job offer was great, London would be a chance of a lifetime, but what about Rick? She loved him. How could their relationship survive her being on another country? “ Eve.. Your boyfriend’s here to pick you up.” Sara called.
Eve walked out of the employees’ room at Zenith and headed out toward Rick’s Mercedes. Eve’s car was in the shop and she couldn’t ride Trudie’s motorcycle. Rick kissed her on top of her head before he pulled her lips in for a large kiss. “ How was your day?”
“ Tiring.”
“ You look tired.” He said as he brushed the hair out of her face.
“ Thanks.”
“ No. You know what I mean. You’ve been working a lot lately.”
“ Well, my car needs new breaks. Tuition. The cost of living.”
“ Why don’t you let me pay for your breaks to be fixed.”
“ No. We’ve had this conversation before. I can handle it myself.”
“ Yeah, but it won’t cost me a thing.”
“ Rick…no…”
“ I want to do this for you. I love you. What’s wrong with me wanting to help you.”
“ Because I pay my OWN way.” Eve pulled away from Rick. “ You don’t understand it but it is very important that I not be indebted to anyone.”
“ Including me.”
“ Rick.”
“ It’s a freaking gift Eve.”
“ No. it isn’t . I just don’t want to be bought.”
Rick headed to his side of his car. “ I just don’t understand you.. I just want to get your breaks fixed so you won’t have to work so much. I miss you. I’d like to see you. I’m not paying you for sex nor am I buying you. ”

The doorbell to Brooke’s house rang and jarred Brooke out of her slumber for she had fallen asleep going over some Forrester notes. She looked at the mantel and wondered who could he coming to her house at such a late hour. Brooke opened the door to find a delivery man. “ Yes.”
“ Sorry for the late deliver but it was important Miss. I have a package for a Brooke Logan Forrester.” Brooke almost cringed at the mention of the last name. She was certainly going to have to do something about that. “ I’m she.”
“ Just sign right here Mrs. Forrester.”
“ It’s Logan.” Brooke took the package and then looked around for her purse.
“ Don’t worry Ms. Logan. The tip had already been taken care of.” Brooke closed the door behind her and opened the package. Inside the bubble wrap there was nothing but a letter that had her name written in neat Caligraphy handwriting on expensive Harper’s stationary etched in gold. Brooke studied the note for a second before she opened the note. There were only two lines.

Be careful of the stranger who you really don’t know. There truths are filled with lies.

Brooke didn’t recognize that handwriting. Nor did she understand the note. It made no sense at all. Who was this stranger that she didn’t know. What truth was filled with lies? How had sent this to her? And why?

Deacon lit a cigarette. “ So, this is your place. Not bad considering.”
“ Stop being such a smart ass. It’s a nice place.”
“ But you want an upgrade? Don’t you?”
Trudie shrugged her shoulders and poured Deacon his favorite drink of Scotch. “ If I can get something better then I will. There is nothing wrong with wanting something better.”
Deacon sipped his drink. “ Here, here… So, you want to tell me how you plan on handling little Miss Kimberly?”
Trudie rolled her eyes. “ I hate that bitch. She is so smug and rude and she tried to make Eve’s miserable. But that isn’t the worst part.”
“ Why don’t you tell me what the worse part is.”
As much as she liked Deacon, there was no way that Trudie was going to part with that piece of information. “ Don’t worry about it.”
“ Ahh. So, you don’t want to tell Deacon. It must be juicy.”
“ No. It isn’t that. I just want to keep it under wraps until I decided what I want to do with it. Right now, it could hurt some innocent people and I don’t want to do that.”
Deacon nodded and he sipped his drink and walked around the cozy living room. “ So you and your roommate…”
“ Eve..”
“ Eve, live here. Right?”
“ Yeah.”
“ Where is she?”
“ At work. Eve works for Zenith but tonight she might not be coming home. She might be staying at her boyfriend’s.”
“ Rick Forrester.”
“ Sometimes she stays there. Sometimes he comes here.”
“ That doesn’t bother you?”
“ No. It doesn’t. CJ stays here sometimes too.”
Deacon rolled his eyes at the mention of CJ.“ Is it going to bother your lover boy that I’m here.”
“ No. Because YOU aren’t staying the night.”
Deacon smirked. “ I’m not.”
“ No. You aren’t.” Trudie graced him with one of her cover girl smiles.
Deacon laughed and picked up a picture of Trudie and her brother. “ Nice picture of you and Chris.”
Trudie glanced at it. “ Yeah. I really miss him. He would been proud of me getting a job with Forrester. He was the only real family that I ever had. But at least I have Eve.”
“ Your mother, she still getting high?”
“ From the last time I heard. Detox doesn’t seem to work on her. She can never quiet kick the habit. “
“ Sad.”
“ Well, that’s life.” Trudie didn’t like thinking about her mother.
Deacon nodded and turned back to the other picture on the mantel. It was a picture of Trudie with a pretty brunette.” Deacon studied the photo for a long moment. “ This is your roommate?”
“ Yeah. Listen I’m going to the bathroom. Are you going to be alright?”
“ Yeah.” Deacon said absentmindedly. Trudie left the room and Deacon’s attention was on the photo. “Angel… Trudie since when do you hang out with prostitutes?” He whispered as he picked up the photo and touched the part that Eve’s face.

Beth knocked on Brooke’s bedroom door. “ Come in.” She opened it slowly. “ I was just letting you know that I’m home.” Brooke nodded.
Beth studied her daughter for a moment. “ Is something wrong?”
“ Not it’s just….”
“ Just what?”
“ I don’t know. It’s Bridget and Ridge. Then I got this note tonight.”
“ What note?” Brooke took the note off the bed stand and handed it to her mother. Beth read it. “ Do you know what it means?”
“ No. I have no idea.”
“ It talks about a stranger. Have you met a stranger recently?”
“ No. I just don’t get it.”
Beth was silent for a moment. “ Brooke you have indeed met a stranger.”
“ I have who?”
“ The one who currently shares your bed. Caspian.”
“ Mother, don’t start on that again. I’m quite clear on how much you don’t like him though I don’t get it.”
“ You don’t know him Brooke. The man IS a stranger.”
“ He isn’t.”
“ You don’t know a thing about him besides the fact that he seemed to have moved his company here to L.A just to be near you. Don’t you find that odd.”
“ No mother I don’t. Caspian had plans to extend his company here before he met me. Besides I know about him.”
“ What do you know?”
“ I know enough mother. I know that I love him. I know that he’d be willing to do anything within his power to ensure that I’m happen.”
“ You say that but what do you really know about this man or his past?”
“ I know that he was married.”
“ He was?”
“ Yes, his wife died.”
Beth tensed a moment before she sat down on the edge of Brooke’s bed. “His wife. How did she die.”
Brooke remembered Caspian’s words and tortured he had been about her death. “ She died in a accident. She fell down the stairs.”
“Accident. Is that what he said?”
Brooke heard a hint of bitterness in her mother’s tone. “ Yes mother. It was an accident. Caspian was very broken up about it in fact he still is. He loved Lark very deeply.”
“ Lark…”
“ That was her name. It was a very beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“ You’ve seen pictures of her?”
“ No. But he has somewhat described her to me. He certainly talked about their courtship and how felt about her.” Brooke studied her mother for a moment. “I just don’t understand your feelings about Caspian. Why do you dislike him so much?”
Beth stood. I don’t know what you are talking about. “Mother it is clear that you don’t like him but why? He isn’t married. In fact, Ridge is.”
“What does Ridge have to do with this?”
“Everything. Mother I hear the way that you are making suggestions to him. I really can’t believe it.”
“I’m not suggesting anything to Ridge Brooke. I’m only telling the truth.”
“Well, here is a truth. Ridge is MARRIED to Taylor.”
“Is his happy?”
“It doesn’t matter if he is happy or not. Mother, what Ridge and I aren’t going to be together. You need to accept it and you need to get over whatever problem you have with Caspian because he isn’t going anywhere. I love him mother and there is nothing that could possibly change that.”

Natasha gazed into Caspian’s dark eyes. The man was walking sex yet although she made it quite clear that she was more than willing he had turned down her offer. “Tell me, am I losing my touch?”
Caspian kissed her hand. “No. You are not. You are still just a beautiful as ever.”
“ But you aren’t interested?”
“ I’m involved with someone.”
“ Involved? As in a monogamous relationship?”
“ Why do you sound surprised?”
“ You always had a least one or two women around. I’m just floored.” Natasha’s chocolate eyes found Caspian’s. “My god, you are in love, aren’t you?”
Caspian thought about Brooke’s beautiful face. “Yes.” He said simply.
“ Well, I certainly want to learn everything about this mystery woman.”
“ Her name is Brooke.”


Taylor checked on the twins before she checked on Thomas. She sat down on the side of his bed and kissed his little face and hands. God, she had almost thrown everything away. How she ended up on that bed with Pierce with his hands on her body, she never would know. Still, thank god they had come to their senses. She almost lost everything that she cared about. She kissed Thomas one more time on the top of his head when he opened his eyes. “ Mommy.”
“ Shh. It’s alright. I’m just tucking you in.”
“I went swimming.”
“ You did. That is wonderful.”
“ Daddy took us at Aunt Brooke’s.”
Taylor froze. “ Aunt Brooke’s? You went to aunt Brooke’s house.”
“ Yes. And we had cookies and hamburgers. She helped me put on my floaters.”
” She did.”
“ Yeah and Rick and Eric was there. Bridget played with us too. It was a party.”
“ A party. Well, I’m glad that you had a good time. Now go back to sleep.” Taylor kissed her son on his cheek.

The constant ringing of the front door brought Brooke out of her slumber. Brooke heard angry voices as she got out of the bed and put her robe on. Hurrying down the stairs she found her mother talking to Taylor. “ It’s late. I think that you need go back home.”
“ Not until I talk to that daughter of yours. This has gone too far.”
“ Taylor please.”
Brooke tied the sash at her robe. “ No mother let her in.” Brooke gave Taylor a concerned look. “What’s wrong.”
“ You are. You are what is wrong with my life and my marriage. I want you to stay the hell away from MY HUSBAND and MY CHILDREN or so god help me I’ll make your life miserable!”

 

 

Against All Odds Chapter 93 ( The War Begins)

Brooke took a step back. She didn’t understand what in the hell was happening. “ Taylor I think that you need to calm down. Listen what ever problem you are having…”
Taylor however advanced onto Brooke cutting her off. “Calm down! No I need to make something very clear to you. I want you to stay away from MY children and MY husband. Do you understand that? No more little parties. No more long conversations. No more nothing! I know that you are very dense Brooke and you don’t understand anything unless it is spelled out from you.”
“ Dense?” Brooke couldn’t believe the gall of Taylor. “ Taylor I’m a lot of things but I’m not dense.”
“ No, Brooke. You are a lot of things. The foremost is a slut.”
Brooke was stunned. Where was all of this hatred coming from? “ A slut?”
“ Yes a slut. You are nothing but a bed hopping whore who has opened her legs to any and every man named Forrester. My god, you have no morals, no integrity, no nothing. It’s no wonder your son married that tramp Amber. No one could see what he saw in her but I did. I saw that he was looking for a girl who had the same qualities as his mother.”
Brooke’s eyes narrowed into an intense squint. She had taken just about all that she was going to take from Taylor. There was no way that she was going to let Taylor stand in her own house in the middle of night and malign her in such a fashion. “ That’s enough Taylor. If you think that I’m going to stand by and let you talk to me like that you’ve got another thing coming.” Brooke marched past Taylor and opened her front door. “ Get the hell out of my house before I throw you out!”
Taylor stood firm. “ No Brooke, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me that you are going to stay the HELL away from my family.”


Trudie had changed her clothes. Gone was the beautiful dress and in its place was a pair of camel colored leather pants and a matching vest that ended a hair below breast, exposing a lot of skin and her naked stomach. “Alright D, I’m ready to go.” Trudie found Deacon staring at a photo of her and Trudie with interest. “Deacon? Is everything alright?”
Deacon looked up. “ This girl?”
“ My roommate. I told you about her.”
“ Her name is Eve right?”
“ Yeah.” Trudie gave him a quizzical look. “What’s all the interest in her? She isn’t your type.”
Deacon put photo down and inhaled on his cigarette. “My type? What type is that?”
Trudie gave him a knowing look. “You know, the girl who likes to have a good time.” Deacon moved over toward Trudie coming so close to her that he had a good view of her luscious breast. “ A good time, huh?” He traced the other pattern of her vest, lightly fingering the slope of her breast. “Like you?”
Trudie slapped his hand away from her. “No, not like me. You know better than that Deacon. I’m off the market. Besides, what we had was only one night.” She moved away from him and picked up her purse. “The type of ladies that you like are the bad girls. You know the type. A little bit of trouble. Aggressive in the bed. Eve isn’t your type.”
“So what is your Eve like?”
“ Why?”
“Because I’m curious.”
Trudie sighed. “Eve is really smart. She had scholarship. She’s quiet and studious. She isn’t the wild child type, at all.”
“ So, she’s a good girl. A virgin type huh?”
“ Who said anything about being a virgin, Deacon. I just said that she isn’t your type. Now, why all these questions?”
“ She just looks like this girl that I used to know.”
“ An old girlfriend?”
“ No, just this girl but it must not be her. That girl…well she wasn’t the studious type. She was…man. She was everyman’s dream.” Deacon flicked his cigarette into the ashtray. “ Every guy that I knew wanted to fu(k her but she was off limits.”
“ Why?”
“She belonged to someone one.”
“Belonged to someone. She had a boyfriend?”
“No. It wasn’t like that. She belonged to this man Jared. This man was powerful and had big money. He didn’t like to share. She was his. Bought and paid for. He could do whatever he wanted to her.”
“Deacon, what are you saying?” Trudie’s heart began to beat loudly in her chest. “ What do you mean by that?”
Deacon was silent. “She was his to do what he pleased. She wasn’t an ordinary woman. She used to work for this other guy but I can’t quiet remember his name. She was this prostitute but she wasn’t an ordinary one. She was one high priced ladies of the night.” Deacon lit another cigarette. “Man, she was young. Real young but she must have known what she was doing because her asking price was at least 5 grand to start with. Jared bought her for a night and whatever transpired between them must have rocked his world because rumor has it that he offered her protector a million dollars to have her.”
“ A million dollars?”
“ Yeah. That’s a lot of money. Not sure if that was true but one thing I do know was she was never back on the market. Not after that.” Deacon stroked his chin. “She looked like this porcelain doll, all that soft white skin like porcelain, long black hair that was like silk and those kupie doll looks. She looked like this innocent but I know that she couldn’t have been. I think that it was that look of innocence that attracted Jared. Jared was known for his taste exotic. I don’t know much about him except that he was bi-sexual and besides that he was into some real freaky shit. Hell, to me he was downright scary.”
That said a lot to Trudie. Deacon was a man who had lived on the edge. “ So, what happened to this girl?”
Deacon looked deep into Trudie’s eyes. “ I don’t know. I think that she just disappeared. No one knows what happened. There was this rumor that she tried to leave Jared and he went crazy and killed her.”
“But you don’t think that is true?”
Deacon thought about that photo. He knew Angle when he saw her. One thing for sure, that girl in the photo wasn’t someone named Eve. “ No True. I don’t think that she died at all.”

Italy
Grayson entered his study to find Isabelle in deep thought as she lay against his settee. In his hands, he had the information that she had asked for. The information pertaining to Caspian’s late wife, Lark. Lying to Caspian wasn’t something that he liked, however he couldn’t find his way to say no to Isabelle, especially on this day. This was the day that she had put her love of her brother before everything and had killed her own husband. Isabelle’s loyalty to the family and to her brother could never be questioned. If only things had been different, if only her father had been alive, she wouldn’t have had to live the life that she did. He studied her for a moment, she, like her mother was exquisite. Even in a simple black chiffon blouse and black skirt with a large Japanese style belt that was had a corded silken rope to tie, she looked beautiful. She was a woman of elegance, and definite style along with a quick mind. Her hair today, she had left down and it looked like red burgundy wine brushing against the collar of her blouse while a simple rope of perfectly cultured black pears lay against her skin. “Isabelle.” He said in their language.
“ Grayson.” She said quietly.
“ I have the information that you requested.” Grayson sat down next to her and handed her the file. “ All the other records regarding Lark DeAngelo was destroyed. Other than her certificate of death there is little information about her. Lark had very little friends and none of them know about her real mother.”
“ Her birth certificate?”
“ Has been redone and replaced with Samuel Huntington’s wife’s name. The original, you have which states that Beth Logan is her mother was destroyed under my orders. There are a few pieces of legal documents that are still out there, the will in which Samuel named her heir to his fortune. Your brother, of course, as her husband gave up his right to that company when Lark died and so Samuel’s niece was given the publishing empire.”
“ It made sense since Lark had nothing to do with the company. She didn’t want any reminder of her parents nor was she one to deal with the stress of running an empire of that magnitude. But I do have a question. If I remember in his will, Samuel, left his to his children. I also wondered why he never named Lark by name but now I know why. He was thinking of his other daughter. If the truth were ever to surface, he wanted Brooke to have her share of his fortune. When Samuel died or even Lark, why wasn’t Brooke contacted?”
“ Because of this.” Grayson handed Isabelle another letter. “ This is just a copy, Beth Logan has the original.”
Isabelle was silent as she read the letter. “He wanted her to tell Brooke the truth.”
“ Yes. He had every intention for Brooke to be there at the reading of the will, but only if Beth agreed to it. He left the matter in her hands. Not only that, he set aside a trust for Brooke to receive when she turned 21 years old. That trust would have ensured that Brooke would have been a very rich woman.”
“ She never told any of this to Brooke. Nor did Beth Logan give Brooke her trust fund.
He might have left it up to Beth Logan to make the decision and there lay the problem. How was she going to explain to her daughter that she had had inherited millions of dollars? How was she going to explain to her daughter that she owned 50% of multi-million dollar magazine industry?” Isabelle stood up. “ It scared her. Beth was so frightened that the truth would surface. More than that she was afraid of Lark than anything. That Lark would reject her so she stayed back in shadows, hidden. She didn’t tell Brooke about her father or her inheritance. She didn’t tell Brooke a thing.”
“ You have no reason to believe that she will tell her now.”
Isabelle turned to Grayson. “ No. I don’t believe that she will. My mother is my main concern.”
“ Don’t be too hard on Olivia. She wants to make things up to your and your brother.”
“ It’s too late for that. Surely, you know that. Too much as happened. I don’t trust my mother. She has this idea that Caspian will be hurt by Brooke.”
“What do you think?”
Grayson listened intently to Isabelle, she always had an insight to people and their motives. “ I think that she had given my brother a reason to hope. A reason to live again. She good for him and I’m not going to let my mother ruin it for him.”

Natasha sipped her wine and had listened to Caspian as he talked about the woman that he was seeing. She in her business, knew about Forrester Creations and had heard one or two things about the owner. She had heard the Brooke Logan was not only beautiful but she was a heartbreaker. However the way that Caspian talked about her, he was indeed more than smitten with the beauty. It was a shame that he was in love, Natasha would have loved nothing more than to have a night of passion with the man. “ Well, it’s a shame that you are officially off the market. Brooke Logan is certainly one lucky woman.” Natasha stood. “ Still, if you change your mind. Here my card with my new number.”
Caspian smiled softly and took the card. He had no intention to start up an affair with Natasha, still however he didn’t want to offend the beauty who has been so accommodating to him in the past. He kissed her softly against her cheek. “ Take care Natasha. And please let Takuta, the manager of where you are staying, know that I’ll take care of your dinner bill for tomorrow night to make up for tonight.”
“ Ahh, always so gracious Caspian.” Natasha brushed up against him for a moment as she inhaled his wondrous male scent. “ Are you sure?”
“ Yes.”
“ Oh well.” Natasha rose up and gently kissed Caspian on the mouth. “ Why is it that all the good men are either taken, married or gay?” With that, she turned and left.

Natasha headed out to her limo when she picked up her cell phone and dialed a number.
“ Hello.”
“ It’s me.”
“ How did it go?”
“ It didn’t.”
“ Why not?”
“ Because he isn’t interested.”
“ You’ve satisfied him before.”
“ Yes, but that was before he fell in love.”
There was pause on he other end of the line. “ Caspian’s in love? How positively wonderful. Tell me, who is she.”
“ Donatella…”
“ Shut up Natasha and tell me what I need to know or your bosses wife is going to get a nice photo of you doing her hubby and you know what that would do to your reputation.
You certainly should no better than to do your fu(king where you make all the glorious money. So, I want all the information about Caspian’s lover and then the pictures are all yours.”

Brooke slammed her door. “ You are really losing your mind aren’t you? You come over here in the middle of the night with little regard for my house or my family who is sleeping. You look like you’ve been drinking and you have the nerve to warn me to stay away from YOUR family. Well, whether or not you like it Taylor, they are my family as well.”
“ What? They aren’t YOUR family. Are you crazy? Are you in such a need to have my husband that you’d stoop so low as to seduce my children onto your side.”
“ Seduce your children? Are you nuts! I was being nice to your children and let me make one thing clear. I’m not interested in Ridge!”
“ You expect me to believe that? I’ve seen you too together. I’ve seen the way that you look at him. Call on him when you have every little crisis.” Taylor spat. “ Year, after year, after year! I’ve watched you and MY husband. You could never get over the fact that he married ME. That we had a child together when…”
“ Ridge and I have a child together Taylor. That child is upstairs sleeping at the moment and she needs both her father and her mother. When are you going to get it through your head that that changes everything. When are you going to get it that you aren’t the most important thing in Ridge’s life? His children are.”
“My god. You are sick. What kind of mother are you? You are going to use your child’s illness to get closer to my husband. Have you no honor..”
Taylor’s remarks was cut off by the slap that she receive across her face. Taylor gasped as her head flew back. She was shocked that Brooke dared to hit her. Her hand flew to her face. Brooke advanced on Taylor with a menacing look at her face. “Just who in the hell do you think that you are! I’ve sat here and listened as you have attacked me but I won’t stand by and let you talk about my mothering skills. My daughter is lying upstairs and she is fighting for her life. She could die and you are sitting here getting mad because I spent some time with your husband and children. Well, let me tell you why your husband felt the need to bring his children to this house. Because he didn’t feel that all of his children would be accepted at his house. He wanted a place for his children to relate to each other, all of them. Bridget, Thomas, the twins and DYLAN.”
“ Dylan..” Taylor said in confusion.
“ Yes, the child that you won’t accept. You really are a piece of work Taylor. Everyone sees you as this wonderful doctor, kind spirit and loving person but I know better. You can’t even look at Dylan can you?”
“ That isn’t true…” Taylor said as she looked away.
“ Yes it is. Ridge told me all about it. You want nothing to do with his son. But I’m not surprised. You weren’t too keen on Bridget when she was born. You couldn’t stand to look at her could you? It ate at you that Ridge and I shared a child. Even years later when Ridge and you had been married you were salivating like a vulture waiting to pick at the carcass of my relationship when you thought that Bridget wasn’t Ridge’s daughter.”
“I was not thrilled. Ridge was hurting…”
“ And you were thrilled! You and Stephanie plotting together, scheming on how you were going to help Ridge get over the pain of losing his daughter. Scheming on how you were going to become his wife once again.”
“ I wasn’t happy that Ridge had lost his daughter and it has nothing to do with you are doing now.”
“ It has everything to do with it. It really hurt you, didn’t it? It hurt you when he thought Bridget wasn’t his and he still didn’t want you.” Brooke’s comment had its intended effect. It was like Taylor had been smacked again. “ He still wanted me. He looked for me when I missing. When everyone gave up on me, he was there. He went to the islands and found me and promised we’d never be separated again. It had to hurt didn’t it Taylor? To know that even though everyone thought that I had changed that paternity test that Ridge still loved me.”
“ Well, he didn’t ask you to marry him did he? He asked me and in front of the world.”
“ No, Taylor. He didn’t. He was angry and disillusioned by the betrayal that he thought that I committed with Grant and he asked you to marry him. So you took a wedding ring and a wedding meant for me. It wasn’t genuine and you knew it. And even the night before your wedding, he wanted me. He tried to stop me from marrying Grant.”
Taylor turned away as horrible memories assaulted her. “He never wanted you the way that he wanted me Taylor and that eats at you, doesn’t it? It makes you insecure, petty and hurtful. Even the affair with Morgan eats at you because you know that if Ridge had been married to me, that he would never would have slept with Morgan. Regardless of a stupid e-mail. Not only that, he wouldn’t have enjoyed it the way that he enjoyed it on the video.” A lone tear feel down Taylor’s face but that didn’t stop Brooke. “That insecurity lives inside of you so you can’t look at Dylan can you? Ridge knows it and sees it so today he brought his children here so that they all could relate and love one another because like it or not, they are all his children. He knows that when I look at his children including his son that it isn’t with scorn. He knows it because I never looked at Thomas with anger or malice. Today all of his children where to together including Bridget and Dylan and if you don’t accept his son and his daughter then you will be the one that Ridge shuts out. Not me. And never Bridget. Whatever is going on with your marriage to Ridge, isn’t my problem. ”
Taylor turned and faced Brooke with anger. “ It isn’t YOUR problem? Is that what you just said. My god…” Taylor laughed bitterly. “ I guess that Bridget really isn’t my problem then. Is she?”
“Bridget? This isn’t about her.”
“ Oh but it is. I think that the lines have certainly been drawn in the sand. I am going to keep my children away from you and YOUR daughter, permanently.” Taylor tried to storm pass Brooke but she grabbed her arm.
“ Just what in the hell do you mean by that?”
“ I’m not going to let you use my children to help you make inroads with Ridge. That ain’t going to happen. I’m going to fight you for my family. And you are so right about my marriage not being your problem. Just like Bridget isn’t mine. You are going to have to work out her problem without me and my children. I’m not going to risk my children or their health for a woman who is using her daughter to get close to their father. You know that I was willing to allow them to help you because Bridget is Ridge’s daughter but you don’t care about that my children won’t be taking any test.”
Taylor’s words shook Brooke to the core. “ Taylor I think that you need to calm down right now.”
“ No. Now it’s time for you to listen. “ I asked you to leave my children alone and your response was to throw every sordid detail of my marriage in my face. You are such a bitch.”
Brooke panicked. She needed Taylor not to do anything that could destroy Bridget’s chances of finding a donor. “ Taylor, whatever is going on is between you and me has nothing to do with Bridget. Don’t do this to her.” Taylor said nothing and Brooke was scared. “ Don’t do this. Bridget is an innocent child.”
Taylor saw the pain in Brooke’s eyes and in a moment, she felt guilt but then she pushed it down. She wasn’t going to be anyone’s victim. Not anymore. “I’m not causing any of this to happen, you are. I’m sorry but my family comes above yours.”
Taylor strode to the front door. “ Believe it or not, I’m sorry for Bridget. I’m sorry she’s ill but I’m not about to let you use her to destroy my family. I won’t do it. I really do hope that you find a donor but it won’t one of my children.”
“ No! No! Taylor don’t you do this. Do you hear me! Bridget’s life is at stake. I won’t let you hurt her this way. My god, she could die! She needs a donor and one of the children could be a match. I’m not going to let her petty jealousies get in the way of her living.”
Fury raced through her body. “ I swear to god, if you push me I’ll destroy everything that you hold dear. I have power to do it. Don’t you dare push me Taylor. I won’t let you do this to Bridget! I am not going to let my daughter die because you are insecure and so afraid of losing your husband.”
“Mom? What’s going on?” Both Brooke and Taylor looked up to find Bridget standing on the landing.”

Donatella walked down the hallway and into Grayson’s study when she spotted her nemesis, Isabelle. Fury swept through her as she studied the woman that she knew had something to do with the disappearance of her beloved husband. She quietly made her way toward the other woman when Isabelle turned around. “ Donatella”
“ Isabelle. I heard that you were back in the country.”
“ And why wouldn’t I be, this is my home.” Isabelle answered in a haughty tone. She didn’t like Donatella and never would. Still, she had to admit that Donatella was a beautiful woman, even in her so called mourning clothes. Wearing tight black dress, with a doubled strapped leather bodice that more that displayed Donatella amble bosom, the woman looked stunning. Her dark hair was swept up in a dramatic fashion. Clearly after her mourning period, Donatella would no doubt have many men willing to be her protector or more. Still, underneath that beauty was a viper.
“ Well, Isabelle. This isn’t your home. Tell, why are you visiting Grayson?”
“ Why are you so interested.”
“ I’m just making small talk.”
“ Really that isn’t your style. Just what are you after Donatella?”
Donatella got closer to Isabelle. “ Wouldn’t you like to know. Who knows what I could be plotting or planning now that I have a great deal of free time since my husband’s death.”
“ Your husband’s death. Yes, I was sorry to hear about his accident.”
“ IF it was an accident.” Donatella whispered.
Isabelle feigned shock. “ You don’t think that is was an accident?”
“No, I don’t.” Donatella said in her voice laced with anger. “But I have no proof of anything so I think that its time to forget the past and to plan for the future. For instance, I am not a free woman. No longer married, just like….your brother.”
Isabelle crossed her arms over her breast. “ My brother.”
Donatella poured herself a drink White Zinfandel from the back of the min-bar in the study. “ Yes, your brother. He is still a very sophisticated, powerful, handsome man.”
“ I’d think that after his first initial rejection of you, you’d get. My brother isn’t interested in the likes of you.”
“ And you think that milk toast English was best for your brother. She weakened him and you know.”
“ My brother isn’t a weak man.” Isabelle said in a threatening manner.
“ No, he isn’t but you know the truth as much as I do. She wasn’t meant for him or this lifestyle. He broke tradition. He didn’t pick a wife worthy of him of power that he was gong to have. If he had been married to me instead of that …” She waved her hands in aggravation. “ If it wasn’t for that writer, he would be running the family. He’d be Grayson’s heir instead of some business man.”
“ A business man who is extremely wealth.”
“ Yes but that wealth and power can’t compare to what being Grayson’s heir would have done for him. I think that you know it. You miss being part of being part of this Isabelle, admit it. Come on, you can admit it to me.”
“ What I miss isn’t your concern.”
“ Avoiding the question?”
“ No. I don’t need to. This world is better suited for me however my brother made a decision and I respect it.”
“ And of course where he goes, you go, don’t you?” She glared at Isabelle. “ Your whole relationship is so strange or better yet deranged. That is why you never liked me, isn’t it? You never wanted Caspian to marry me because you knew that usurp your position in his life. With a wife like me, he’d have no reason to turn to you for support. Tell me, I’ve always wondered why is it that you never married? Regardless of the cold bitch that I know you are, men for some reason found attractive. I’d hear them talking about you, wondering what it would be like to be with you. But I think that I already do know the answer to that question. Could it be that your obsession with your brother isn’t one that isn’t so natural?”
Isabelle eye glittered with scorn. She stepped closer to Donatella. “My relationship with my brother is something that you could never understand. But if you dare to utter one more word that even implies something as disgusting as you uttered, I’ll be forced to be satisfied.”
“ Anytime Isabelle. I’d love to take piece out of you.”
“ Name your place and time. The usual weapons, I presume will be needed.”
Just when Donatella was about to respond, they were interrupted by Grayson’s wife, Sophia. “Stop it right now!” Sophia was a tiny lady but she was time enough for Grayson and anybody else. “ Donatella, you and Isabelle are not going to fight is that understood?”
Isabelle turned her cool eyes away from Donatella toward Sophia. “ I am sorry, godmother. I don’t want to disrespect your home. Donatella and just allowed things to get out of hand, correct?”
Donatella knew better than to cause a scene. She didn’t want Grayson to get wind of any altercation between her and Isabelle. She smiled as brightly as she could to Sophia. “ Of Isabelle is correct.”
“ Ah, you two. Leave the fighting to the men not use women.” Sophia took both the ladies hands into hers. “ Loving that is what we women are made for. Yes?”
“Of course godmother.” Donatella said so sweetly. “ We leave the warring to the men, right?”
Isabelle didn’t answer. She didn’t trust Donatella at all. However, she wasn’t too concerned because he had no interest in Donatella, yet there was something underneath Donatella’s venom that made Isabelle think that were much more to it than just wanting her brother back.

Deacon sipped his scotch, Trudie had decided not to go out. He wondered just how much of that had to do with their conversation. He knew what he saw. The girl, Trudie’s roommate, was indeed Angel. The question was, what did he want to do about it? If Angel wanted to rename herself and wanted to start a new life, it wasn’t a concern of his, however he couldn’t help but to remember just how much he had wanted her all those years ago.

Bridget studied her mother and Taylor. Something happened and she wanted to know what. Brooke gave Taylor a stern look before she turned to Bridget. “ Honey, it’s nothing go upstairs.”
“ Mom. I heard you two fighting. Why?” Bridget came down the stairs. “ Taylor, what’s going on between you and my mother?”
“ Yes, I’d like the answer to that question.” Taylor turned around and found Ridge standing in the open doorway. Ridge looked from his wife to Brooke and then back at Bridget.
Brooke turned to her daughter. “ Honey, you’ve had a long day. Why don’t you go bed.”
“ No. I want to know what’s going on between you and Taylor. You both were yelling.”
“ Taylor’s just upset.”
“ Taylor shouldn’t be here.” Ridge stated angierly. “ When Beth called me and told me that you were here…”
“ I’ve should have known.” Taylor stammered. “ What did she think that you were going to take me home and punish me Ridge huh?”
“ Taylor I don’t understand any of this?”
“ No you don’t. God, you don’t…” Taylor winced. “ You don’t understand a thing, do you Ridge! You see it but I do. The mighty Ridge Forrester and HIS LOGAN! I’m sick of it. I’m just so sick of it all.” Ridge reached out to Taylor but she slapped his hands away. “ Don’t touch me. I don’t want you to touch me.”
“ Listen, Doc. I know that you are upset because you had planned a family dinner and I wasn’t home.”
“ No, because you with her. You were with BROOKE! I’m so sick of Brooke and her needs and her problems and HER children.”
“ Bridget is my daughter Taylor.” Ridge said in an angry tone.
Taylor looked at Ridge and then at Bridget who looked stricken. “ This is about me?” Bridget whispered.
“ No, it isn’t honey. It isn’t about you. Taylor is just upset but upset with me, not you. She just angry.”
Bridget looked at Taylor. “ You never wanted me to be his, did you?”
“ That isn’t true…”
“ God, you are so selfish. You had him. You took my dad away from me and my mom. You don’t even care about that. You are just so worried that my mom is going to take him away from you that you can’t see straight. Nothing happened between my mom and Ridge tonight. We were just a family having dinner. That’s all. Go home Taylor. Just go home and leave us alone. I don’t the twins or Thomas to be a donor for me. We aren’t going to bow and scrape. We will find a way but doesn’t change the fact that they are my brothers or sisters. Nothing you do will ever change that.”
Brooke’s heard broke to hear that Bridget had overheard the argument. “ Bridget, please go upstairs.”
“ Mom”
“ Now!” Brooke softened the blow by saying please softly. Bridget looked at Taylor and then Ridge before she went upstairs.
Ridge turned his attention to Taylor. “ What is Bridget talking about?”
“ You wife has decided that I’m trying to seduce you and your children. She doesn’t want the children to be tested for Bridget. It’s her way of punishing me.”
“ I’m not trying to punish you.”
“ Then what are you doing?”
Ridge turned his attention to Taylor. “ Taylor I think that you need to think about this. Nothing happened between Brooke and I but that isn’t the problem. I want to know why in the world you’d tell Brooke that you wouldn’t let the children to be donors.”
Taylor inhaled deeply before she spoke.“ Because I’m not.”

Trudie looked at the photo of her and Eve. She wondered if it could be possible that Eve was indeed the woman that Deacon was talking about. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure. He hadn’t mentioned the name Angel, all that he said was that Eve looked like this woman that he knew once. Trudie wasn’t sure what Eve’s life was like back before she and her brother found her on the side of the road half alive. Eve only told her bits and pieces. Once of the bits was that she had been a prostitute. Trudie didn’t care what Eve had done, all that matter was they had formed a lasting friendship. But if Deacon were right, what happened between Eve and this man named Jared? Did she dare ask Eve or tell Eve about Deacon. She wasn’t sure. Hell, she had mentioned Deacon to Eve but Eve never acted like she knew his name. Maybe the girl that Deacon knew once and Eve were two different people. The last thing that Eve needed was demons from her past rising up again when she had worked so hard to forget them.

“Beth just calm down.”
“ I want to know what is going on downstairs.”
“ Listen, the last thing that Brooke needs is for you to exacerbate the problem.”
“ I wouldn’t do that. Our daughter was being attacked by Ridge’s wife. You should have heard her.”
“ She was upset Betty.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “ I can’t believe that you are defending Taylor.”
“ I’m not defending her. She is wrong. She shouldn’t have come here especially this time of night but I’m not surprised that this happened. I knew that Ridge being here with the kids was going to become an issue.”
“ There was nothing wrong with Brooke and Ridge spending time together.”
“ Yes there is. He’s married. He’s a married man. No matter how much you want Brooke and Ridge to get back together, they aren’t. The only thing that is going to happen is that Taylor is going to be upset.”
“ So what if she is? That woman has caused our daughter so much pain.”
“ I know that Beth. But right now Brooke needs Taylor. Without Taylor’s permission, Bridget might not get a donor.”

Ridge looked at his wife.“ You don’t know what you are saying.”
“ Yes I do. I know what the procedure entails and I’m not going to allow Thomas or twins to be involved. I’m sorry Ridge but I’ve been trying to tell you that I need something. That our family needs something and you won’t listen.”
“ This isn’t about you Taylor. This is about my daughter. What the hell is wrong with you?”
“ What’s wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong. We are supposed to be working on our marriage but we can’t because you are always with Brooke or Bridget. And understand Bridget because she is YOUR daughter. But ever since you found out, you’ve shut me out.”
“ SO you want my daughter to pay for it.” Brooke stated.
“ No. I’m not against Bridget. I’m just looking out for my children. Believe it or not, I’m sorry about Bridget but I’m not changing my mind. My children won’t be tested.”
“ Don’t do this Taylor.” Brooke said quietly. “ My daughter is suffering and now she is worrying about finding a donor. I’m not going to let you do this to her.”
“ Well, I’m not going to let you destroy my family.”
“ Taylor…”
“ No Ridge. There is nothing that you can do about this. I won’t change my mind. The children won’t be tested.” Taylor walked out the front door into the night.
“ Oh god.” Brooke hands started to shake.
“ Brooke.. I’m sorry…”
“ No. Listen to me Ridge. Go home. Go home and talk to her. Do whatever it takes do you understand me! You do whatever it takes to get her to change her mind.” Ridge pulled Brooke into his arms and kissed her gently on top of her head.
Brooke, Doc is just upset. She’ll come around.”
“ Ridge she’s serious. I know it. I know it. All her anger and all the year of frustration are coming out but she isn’t aiming at me. She’s aiming at Bridget. Now, its time for you to protect Bridget. You are going to have to protect Bridget from Taylor and do whatever it takes for her to get to change her mind. Thomas and twins have to be tested.”


Brooke paced back and forth while her brain ticked away. Ridge had left, promising to get Taylor to change her mind but for the first time, Brooke questioned if Ridge would be able to use charm to get what he wanted. It wasn’t enough. She couldn’t depend solely on Ridge. She had to depend on herself. She knew what she had to do. She was going to play fire with fire if necessary and if it meant destroying Taylor’s along the way to get Bridget her donor, then so be it. Brooke picked up her phone and dialed a number that she had used only once. “ Mr. Shipman. This Brooke Logan. I need your help in a legal matter. It is one of importance. Please contact me as soon as possible.” Brooke left her phone number and hung up the phone and sighed. Connor wasn’t the lawyer that she needed for this type matter. Things where going to get ugly and she needed a viper to help her. Caspian’s lawyer would be perfect. There was only one other person who could help her if it came to it. She didn’t want to go to this person but she’d be willing to make a pack with the devil if it meant that her daughter got a donor. “ Ridge I’m giving you the time that you need to get Taylor to see the light. If you can’t do it. If you can’t make her change her mind then I’ll have to destroy what is left of your marriage.” Brooke felt like the weight of world was on her shoulders. She didn’t want to do it. She didn’t want to hurt anybody but this was a war and one that she was determined to win.

Sophia was caught up in her thoughts when her husband handled her cup of tea. “ Sophia, please drink this, it will calm your nerves.” Grayson had put a drop of liquor into the steaming concoction.
Sophia took the tea and smiled weakly at her husband. “ Thank you.” She shook her head. “I cannot stand all the fighting.”
“ I know honey, but it has always been so between Donatella and Isabelle.”
“Not like that. Something has happened. Donatella was full of venom. She’s very angry.”
Grayson was silent. He knew why Donatella was furious. She suspected that Caspian and Isabelle had something to do with Michael’s death. If only she’d let it go. Michael was endangering the family with his action, he had to do. “She’s just hurting only Michael’s death.”
Sophia never involved herself in her husband’s “business” however she was intelligent enough to know there Michael’s “death” was not just that. And if she knew that, so did her goddaughter. True, there was no love lost between the two women. Both Isabelle and Donatella were very strong, powerful women. However where Donatella was passionate individual in her, her feelings of love and hatred ruled her emotions which made her foolish and unpredictable. “ There is more to it than just that hurt. It is her need for revenge.”
“ She cannot have that. It was an accident Sophia. She will have to learn to let it go.”
Sophia looked at her husband, a grim expression marring her angelic face. “Darling, you know her as well as I do. She will not be able to do that.”
Grayson took his wife’s hand. “That is why we need to change her focus right now. She doesn’t much to occupy her thoughts other than Michael and his death.”
“ And Caspian.”
“ Caspian?”
“ That is what started the argument between her and Isabelle. Donatella feels that now that she isn’t married and Caspian isn’t also that something could happen.”
Grayson didn’t show it but inwardly he cringed. “ No. We cannot allow that to happen. Caspian is not an option for Donatella.”
“ I know that is he wasn’t when he fell in love with Lark, however he isn’t involved with anyone. He hasn’t been for her death. Maybe it would be a good thing if he and Donatella were to reestablish their relationship.” Sophia glanced at Grayson. “ I know how much you love him and how much you hoped that he would the person to run the family when you stepped down.”
“ He is like the son that I never had.”
Sophia regretted never giving Grayson a son. Although she knew that he loved their daughter just as deeply as she did, there was something about a son that she knew he wanted. Sophia had miscarried her son with Grayson and all the bleeding caused complications which never allowed her to get pregnant again. “ So would it be so bad if he got involved with Donatella and returned to the family?”
“If I truly thought that she would be the woman that he needed, it would be wonderful. But, Caspian doesn’t want her. In truth, he never did.” More than that, there had already been one killing based on loyalty. Donatella had her suspicions however they had gone unfounded. However if she ever got the proof that she needed that Caspian had been involved with Michael’s death there would be bloodshed. It was best to keep Caspian and Donatella apart.
“ Then we need to find someone suitable for Donatella soon. Her thoughts shouldn’t be allowed to focus on her pain.”
“ Or on Caspian.”
Sophia conceded. “ Or Caspian.” She sipped her tea. “ There is always Maria Vescantii’s son. He has just come back home. He is handsome, going places in the family and very well may be interested in her. In fact there area bevy of men who’d be interested in her.”
“ The same hold true for Isabelle.”
“ Ohh Gray. When I think of her I become so sad.”
“ I know.”
“ She was such a lovely girl. Beautiful, smart and to think that horrible Hugo ruined her.” Sophia shook her head with regret. “ Every time I think about her, I hurts me so to think about the pain that she is covering up. I hate to admit it, but there are times that I wish that she were more like Donatella and expressed her emotions. But she doesn’t, not even the night Caspian brought her here after that monster….”
Grayson squeezed his wife’s shoulders gently and held her. “Shh, don’t think of that horrible night.”
Tear threatened to spill out of Sophia’s eyes. “ She was so despondent. She looked so little and pale and precious. No girl should have to life through what she lived through.”
“ I know. If Caspian hadn’t taken care of Hugo, I would have.”
“ As you should have.” Death was better than Hugo deserved for what he had done to Isabelle when she was a young innocent girl of sixteen. Still…I thought when Benito and her fell in love it have changed everything.”
Grayson let out a string of curses and the apologized to his wife. “Excuse me my love. I just become upset when thinking about what he did.”
Sophia shook her head. “She loved him…as much as she could love any man. I saw it in her eyes. I thought that they had so much promise. He knew what had happened to her but more than that, I thought that he understood her. I could tell that he loved her. He did love her deeply. I just never thought that it would end the way that it did.”
Grayson sighed. Death and anguish seemed to surround Isabelle. “If I know that things would have ended so badly. I never would have given my blessing to the marriage and neither would have Caspian.

Donatella stood stunned. She had on her way to make amends for what had occurred with Isabelle and her to Grayson when she had stumbled upon their conversation. Hearing her name, she had listened by the door. The news that Isabelle and Benito had been married was shocking to her. When had this occurred? In all the years of being part of the family, she had never heard of the marriage. It had been kept a secret. For what reason? Whatever the reason, the truth had to be covered up to protect someone. And based on the fact that Benito had been missing for so many years only meant one thing.
For the first time in months, Donatella smiled.

Taylor tried to slam her bedroom door but Ridge caught it. “ Doc, we’ve got to talk about what happened tonight.”
“ Talk? Now you want to talk. Why don’t you go back to your precious LOGAN’s house and talk to her. After all, she is the person that you can turn to and listen too. Better yet why don’t you just back your bags and move in with her. That way you can be with the woman you really want and YOUR daughter, Bridget!”
Ridge felt his ears go red at Taylor’s comment. After his dream about Brooke tonight and especially after he had seen the dinner that Taylor created, he felt bad. “ Taylor, I don’t want to be at Brooke’s, I want to be here with you.”
“ Why?”
“ Why? How can you ask me that question?”
“ Easily, because I don’t know. I don’t know what you want anymore.”
Ridge grasped Taylor by the arms. “Taylor I want you. Our marriage, don’t you know that?”
“ How could I know it Ridge. You don’t spend time with me. You don’t talk to me.”
“ What are you talking about? I’m here all the time. God knows that I want to talk with you to get things back on track with our marriage.”
“ Really? When was the last time that you and I had dinner together? Lord knows that I can’t remember. That’s why I was stupid enough to try this dinner.” Taylor sighed. “ Pierce said…”
“ Pierce?” Ridge frowned. “ Pierce Peterson?”
“ Yes, Pierce. MY FRIEND.”
“ That quack is back in town.”
“ Quack? How dare you talk about him.”
“ Taylor, ahhh. I see why you are upset. You had some time with him and I can just imagine what he spent his time doing. Maligning me!”
“ You! You think this is about you! Why you conceited asshole! Pierce isn’t worried about you, he’s worried about me. And you know what RIDGE? He was the one who suggested that I have this special dinner but instead of having dinner with my family, I find out that you are having a party at Brooke’s house. Tell me, who watched the children why she made gooey eyes at you?”
“ Logan did no such thing.”
“ Oh know. Logan would never do such a thing. She would never hit on a married man.” Taylor whined. “ And you’d never cheat on me, right Ridge!”
“ That’s not fair.”
“ No, what isn’t fair if having to deal with your bastard children!”
Ridge felt as if he had been slapped. He looked at the screaming banshee that used to be his loving wife with horror. Slowly his face changed to one of quiet rage. “That’s enough” he said in a quiet yet deadly voice. “You can say what you want about me. God, knows that I deserve it. But I will NOT have you talk about my children that way, do you understand. Whether you believe it or not, I am sorry that dinner was ruined tonight. I had no idea about it. Believe me, I wish that I had known. Now, I think that we are both tired and upset. I think I ought to go before we continue and I say something that we both regret. And in the morning, we are going to have a discussion about the children.”
“ About what?”
“ About them being tested for Bridget.”
“ I’m not changing my mind.” Taylor crossed her arms over her chest. “After tonight and all the things that Brooke said to me, I am not going to help her ruin.”
Ridge looked at Taylor. “No Taylor I think that you are doing that all by yourself. Like I stated, I will talk to you in the morning about OUR children and MY daughter.”
Taylor watched as Ridge closed the door behind him. Tears fell down her face and she collapsed against the bed. She hadn’t meant for anything like this to happen. She really had not thought when she went over to Brooke’s house. She just wanted her to leave her family alone. She wanted them all to leave her family alone. How did things go so bad so quickly?

Brooke opened the door to Bridget’s room. “ Hey.”
Bridget was laying down in her bed. Bridget sat up. “ Hey”
Brooke sat on the edge of her bed. “ I’m sorry honey. I didn’t mean to yell at you downstairs. I was just a little ….
“Stressed?”
“ Yes, stressed. But I’m okay now.”
Taylor was upset.”
“Yes, she was.”
“ She isn’t going to let Thomas or the twins be tested as donors for me, is she?”
“ No. Honey. You don’t have to worry about that. Ridge fixed it. You know how your father is, he just used his charm.”
“So, she changed her mind. Just like that?”
“ Well, she changed her mind because she realized how irrational she was being. Taylor was tired and upset. She said some things that she didn’t mean. She’s never stand in the way ”
“ Thank god.” Bridget smiled as she hugged her mother. “ I was a little scared.”
“ So was I but your father took care of it. Now go to sleep.”
“ You just don’t want to tell me what the fight was about. Do you?”
“ There was nothing to tell.”
Bridget gave Brooke a disbelieving look. “ Listen, I’ll tell you in the morning. Now, go to bed.” Brooke kissed her daughter and cut the light out
. “ Mom?”
“ Yes honey?”
“ I love you.”
“ I love you too.” Brooke said as she closed her daughter’s bedroom door. The smile that she wore faded her face. She hated lying to Bridget but she had no choice. She wasn’t about to let her worry about Taylor. If need be, Brooke would handle Taylor. She’d handle the way the mother lion handled the hunters that tried to destroy her young.

 

 

Against All Odds Chapter 93 Review (The War Begins) Taylor and Brooke argue about Ridge when Taylor suggest that Brooke is using her daughter’s illness to make inroads with him. Brooke lashed out at Taylor and slaps her. Things heat up to the point that Taylor threatens to not allow her children to be tested once Brooke says that she isn’t going to back off. Bridget interrupts the argument just as Ridge arrives. Ridge is floored at Taylor’s revelation. Isabelle has the documents regarding Lark’s birth destroyed yet finds that Brooke inherited Sam Huntington’s fortune however Beth kept her from knowing. Donnetella and Isabelle argue and old hatreds arise. Donnetella ease drops and finds that Isabelle had been married to Benito. Caspian turns Natasha down, who was working for Donnetella. Trudie listens as Deacon recalls a prostitute’s tale of how she was sold to a man named Jared and wonders if the woman was Eve while Deacon knows it was her.


Against All Odds Chapter 94 ( The Waiting Game)

KC filled her plate with more of delicious chicken and dumplings that her grandmother had made. She and Connor had snuck a bit of the delicious concoction and were sitting in the kitchen eating. The food was only a snack since she had eaten a large lunch as her favorite spot in China town. She, Connor and her mother had spent the day together shopping; more or less she and her mother had spent the day shopping while a seemly delighted Connor carried the bags. Her mother remarked for a woman who designed clothes she didn’t understand how she’d much she still loved to shop. KC claimed that she got her from her as her mother held on to another bag from Bergdorf Goodman, which had held her mother’s latest purchase. Yesterday, she and Connor had spent the day visiting some of favorite art galleries and had her old friends who still lived in New York. Later that night her family had a huge family dinner, this time complete with her cousins, uncles and aunts. Grandma Ruth had outdone herself with the food and her wit. She had also had Connor help her with wash the fresh collards, a delightful sight. However it was seeing Connor sitting down with a full belly arguing with her uncle Spencer about the Lakers and Shaq as the basketball game played out that warmed her heart. Her uncles, although maybe but a little put off by Connor had warmed to him once he had proven himself not only comfortable with all the ruckus, laughing, talking about politics and sports along with card playing that went on. KC had felt an urge to laugh when her uncle Benny had wanted to start a card game to wipe Connor out however Connor showed grit by not being bamboozled by Benny. KC’s father had watched Connor and had even tried on several occasions to bait him however Connor was nothing more than charming self and KC was more than proud of him. KC loved him more than ever. When the family had stood together in the family circle in prayer, she had not only felt the joy and the love of being home but the joy of having Connor sharing it with her. The only missing element was that her bother, Corey had been gone for the weekend and hadn’t been there. KC had certainly missed her younger brother.

Ruth sat down next to Connor with her own plate. “So, what do you think?”
Connor finished his forkful. “This is so delicious. I haven’t eaten like I have this weekend like this. If I continue, then I’ll be as big as a house. I’ll have to workout twice as hard out in the gym for the upcoming week.”
She waved her head. “Nonsense” she said with a chuckle. “ It’s natural to eat. Especially around here. Food, family and life that is what is important in life.”
“I’ve learned that.”
“ Even in Hollywood, the land with all the stars?”
“Hollywood? Well, L.A is certainly seems to be called the den of sin at times.”
“ Uhmm. It does. I love to read some of those tabloids that my son hates.”
“Tabloids? A lot of those things aren’t true.”
“ Well, how knows. Last week, I heard that J-Lo had some prenump arrangement that if Ben Afflaic cheats on her she gets 5 million dollars.”
Connor hid his grin however Ruth caught the twinkle in his eye. “ I sincerely doubt that it’s true. Although I’ve arranged some pretty interesting contracts myself.”
“Grandma, I don’t think those rumors are true. There is nothing more gossip than gossip.”
“ Gossip or not, I’ve never heard of such a thing. A woman getting 5 million for a man straying. Hell, if every woman I know got 5 million for her man cheating, there’d be a lot of rich women.”
“ Or a lot of men keeping their minds off their pen*s.” KC added winking at Connor.
“ Ain’t that the truth? Still I’d say that if women wouldn’t put off with that shit, then it wouldn’t happen as much. Still with whoeing catcalling women willing to “steal” your man, it’s hard for women.”
“ Now grandma, I have a agree with you about the state of shameless women who’d do anything to get another woman’s man but if those same women keep making excuses for their man’s trifling behavior and disrespect for them. Believe me, I see it all the time.”
“ Like with Ridge?” Connor added.
“ I wasn’t talking about Ridge.”
“Are you sure? Ridge is just the type of character you are talking about. Poor Taylor, she’s determined to make another go at it.”
“ Who is Ridge?”
“ Grandma, he is a designer that I work for.”
“ An arrogant, spoiled asshole who treats the women he loves with very little disrespect. First of which is his wife Taylor.”
Nichelle who had come into the kitchen reading a paper sat down. “ You don’t like him?”
“ He can’t stand him.”
“ For good reason KC. Ridge has always been nothing more than a spoiled playboy from the time that he was a teen to now. It doesn’t matter that he is a husband and a father, that hasn’t changed.”
“ Ridge isn’t that bad. I’ve talked to him about Taylor. He honestly feels sorry about what has happened to his marriage. He loves her and is sorry.”
“ He loves himself KC. Come on, the man impregnated Morgan based on an e-mail.”
“An e-mail?” Nichelle had heard about the Forrester’s rocky marriage and had known that Ridge Forrester had another child with a designer based on gossip.
“ It’s a long story mother.” KC said glaring at Connor. Connor hated Ridge and would never like him but KC saw that Ridge was actually sorry for his actions. Although he wasn’t probably the best of husbands and would never be her pick for a husband, she did like him.
“ Not a long story, Nichelle. A stupid one. The man was foolish enough to think that his wife sent him an e-mail that gave him permission to have sex with one of her friends, his old girlfriends. Ridge Forrester is nothing more than a fool, plain and simple. He can’t be happy with what he has. A wife, beautiful children and an impressive job, no instead he had to ruin it by needing to be desired by more than one woman.”


Ridge was in a funk. The last two days had been very stressful and Taylor had not changed her mind about the children. They had had heated arguments and Taylor had become more avid about Brooke’s nasty remarks along with her refusal to take the blame for the argument. . Ridge had heard from Taylor how heated argument had gotten and had even blanched at the things that had been said. However, as much as he should be disappointed he might have been with Brooke for her remarks, he knew that she had to be pushed to make those comments or to slap Taylor. Ridge was torn. He knew that Taylor was hurt and angry with him, with every right. He hadn’t done everything that he needed to put their marriage back on track. He should have spent more time with her and talked about their issues, mainly Morgan. Morgan and Dylan was an issue that Taylor and he hadn’t really dealt with and it was needed. Karima had pulled he and Taylor aside this morning during a family session, mentioning that the tension was affecting the children, especially Thomas. Thomas had mentioned playing at Brooke’s and that had caused Taylor to shut down. Karima had asked questions later and was concerned about the tension about Bridget and Dylan. She had told Taylor, that although the situation wasn’t handled with the ease that she would have liked, the children should begin to spend time together as a unit so bonds could be created. Taylor had been furious. Then was their relationship with Brooke. His dream about her the other night still bothered. Brooke and he were no longer lovers but ever since he found out that Bridget was his daughter, there was a stronger bond to his connection to her. The Bridget issue had brought so many memories of his life with Brooke. It was a lifetime ago however the memories of that life filled Ridge with longing from something that he wasn’t ready to name. Then, there was Bridget. Ridge’s heart grew to gigantic proportions when he thought my beautiful daughter. Bridget was everything that a man could want in a daughter, smart, intelligent with wit and beauty. His daughter was also in danger of dying and she needed his help.

Taylor had been summonsed to Dr. Karmina’s office for an appointment. She didn’t understand why she had even bothered, especially after what had happened that morning. Karmia knew that Taylor Forrester was angry with her, however she was going to speak her mind. “ Taylor, I know that you are very busy so, I want to start this conversation with you by thanking for giving me the time. I also want to start off by saying that I know that you love your children a great deal.”
“ Of course I do.”
“ And you want what is best for them.”
“ I do. That why I don’t understand your attitude.”
Karima raised her beautifully arched eyebrow. “ You don’t? I think that you do. Simply put you aren’t helping your children, although you think that you are. Taylor, you and Ridge made the mistake of moving back together without truly with your problems, like I suggested. And now, it’s caused other problems.”
“ My children are doing better with their father around.”
“ On the surface but they are also picking up the tension between you and Ridge.”
“ Listen, I know that Ridge and I are having difficulties but we will work past them.”
“How do you plan to do that? As a doctor you know about what happens when issues are buried. They only come back to resurface in other manners and that is happening. You and your husband haven’t dealt with issue of Dylan.”
“ Dylan isn’t an issue.”
“ Are you sure? Because your children and YOU are going to have to interact with him. The children are too young to understand who he is to them but they are developing a relationship and your husband is doing the right thing in doing that.”
“ Ridge is doing the right thing? He took my kids over to that whore’s house.”
“ Listen, I only know bits and pieces about your marriage and your problems with ridge’s other women. The news that Ridge has a daughter, a teenaged daughter with his ex-wife, is an issue that is going to test your already shaky marriage. Not only does it affect you but also it affects your children because they know about your tension with Dylan and probably with Bridget.”
Taylor wrung her hands. “ I don’t have a problem with Bridget. Bridget is a wonderful girl. She is smart and beautiful and just like….” Taylor paused for a moment. “ It isn’t her fault what happened but it isn’t mine.”
“ Who said that it was? Do you think that this your fault?”
“No of course not. This Brooke’s doing. Believe she’s playing this up to the hilt. Making plans with my husband and my children. Pushing me out with her little act and then accepting Dylan.”
“ Accepting Dylan? What does that mean?
“ She step-mother to the hilt. Saying that she could accept Dylan and I couldn’t.”
“ But of course she can. Dylan isn’t a symbol of betrayal for you. Everything you look at the child, you are reminded of what your husband did.”
Taylor looked out of the window. Morgan had been her friend. She had lied and betrayed her and every time she thought about Dylan she thought about the horrible tape and the way Ridge had looked and sounded when he had been having sex with Morgan. “ Yes, when I look at Dylan, I see the betrayal that Ridge committed with that woman.”
“That is where the issue is. At least one of them.” Karmia took Taylor’s hand in hers. “ I know that you are in pain but the pain isn’t going to go away if you don’t deal with the issue of Morgan and Dylan. You and Ridge need to see a marriage counselor to help you deal with that issue. If you want, I can try to help you both deal with Dylan. Especially you. Taylor, you have to understand that Ridge is trying to let your children get acclimated with Dylan. That has to be done in order for the children to develop a bond between them. You have to understand that, your children will have a relationship with Dylan. It can be one in which they don’t accept him and there is no love between them. Or it can be one in which they care about and relate to each other and accept him as a brother but you have to be the one to help them to it. If not, your family will always be divided.”
Karmia sighed. “ I know that this is hard but you have to make a decision. If you want to keep your marriage intact, you are going to have to find a way to accept Dylan. I’m not saying that it’s going to be easy but you are going to have to find a way if you want to keep your marriage.”



Charlie looked down at her newest patient lists. She had taken over some of the patients for Dr. Mitchell who was out for maternity leave. Recently, she had taken on a couple of breast cancer cases as well. In all, her schedule was going to be booked. Between, the baby, dealing with Morgan and making other arrangement, Charlie had a great deal on her plate. Putting the chart down, she headed toward her 1 o’clock appointment; she opened the door to find a woman with strawberry blonde colored hair in the room. “ Hello, I’m Dr. Dewitt.”

Brooke was silent as she watched Bridget’s blood being drawn from her arm. Bridget looked up and found her mother staring at her. “ It isn’t as bad a it looks mom. Besides, I’m used it now.”
“ I know you are.” Brooke looked at the nurse. “ It’s just that…”
“ You never liked getting your blood taken.”
“ No I didn’t.”
Bridget put pressure on her cotton swab on her arm. “ I can’t believe that you are squeamish.”
“ I’m not squeamish, I just don’t like blood.”
“ Sure mom.”
Brooke looked at the nurse. “ What’s next?”
“ Well, Dr. Levine wants to have Bridget talk to the nutritionist for a session.”
Bridget made a face. “ More shakes.”
“ And more vitamins young lady. And MORE rest.”
“ See, I told you.” Brooke gave her daughter an annoyed look.
“ Mom, I told you. I’m not going to let this thing beat me. I’m still going to continue teaching those art classes for the kids.” Bridget walked to the door. “Dr. Levine, will tell my other about the importance of keeping a NORMAL schedule while I talk to the nutrients.”
Dr. Levine put her file on her desk. “ You know that she is right?”
“ I know.”
“ She’s an amazing girl with a positive outlook. That’s a good thing.”
“ She is pretty special. I don’t know, we Logan women do tend to be strong when the going gets tough. And Bridget’s proven that.”
Dr. Levine poured herself and Brooke a cup of coffee. “ So, how are you dealing with all of this? I already know how Bridget is doing. I heard that she starts her therapy session yesterday.”
“ Yes, a family friend, Dr. Warrick recommended a wonderful woman. Dr. Laura Wright for her.”
“ Doctor Wright is an excellent choice. She had group therapy sessions that have worked wonders for her patients. I’m sure that she will be able o help Bridget.” Brooke nodded. “ So, how are you holding up?”
“Me?”
“ Yes, you Brooke. You are her mother. She takes her lead from you. Your state of mind is just as important as hers. So, how are you doing?”
Brooke was quiet for a moment.“ Not well. I’m scared for my daughter. More afraid than I’ve ever been in my life of anything and that says a lot.” Brooke rubbed her bare arms lightly. “ On the outside I seem fine but deep down, I’m a mess.”
“ That is understandable Brooke. This is natural.”
“ Natural? It isn’t natural for a child to die before her parents. That isn’t nature. And if Bridget doesn’t get a donor that could happen. I could bury my daughter. How in god’s name is that natural? I gave birth to her. I’ve watched her grown from a precious little girl with a heart of gold into this beautiful young woman.” Tears glistened in Brooke’s eyes. “ You know what is funny? When people look at me, they power and money. But it means nothing without having the true love of family. My children are my life, without them. I’m nothing.” Brooke inhaled and exhaled deeply.
Dr. Levine moved toward Brooke. “ Brooke, you aren’t powerless. We are doing everything that we can do. She’s on the donor list. And with Ridge having the rest of his children tested, there may be a match yet.” Dr. Levine watched as the color drained out of Brooke’s face. “ Brooke what’s wrong?”
“Taylor, Ridge’s wife, refuses to allow the children to be tested.”
This was a newer development for the doctor. “ Surely, she will change her mind?”
“At the moment, Ridge is working on it.”
“ Dr. Forrester is an intelligent woman. She knows that there are very little risk for her children.”
“ Well…DR. FORRESTER is angry with me. It’s a personal matter and she doesn’t want her children to help Bridget. But you don’t have to worry; I plan on changing her mind. I’m not going to allow Taylor to stand in the way of Bridget getting a donor.”

Bridget was on her way back to Dr. Levine’s office when she ran into Charlie. Charlie, who enjoyed the freshing young later, offered her a yogurt in her new office. Bridget was halfway through her yogurt when she opened to Charlie the altercation between her mother and Taylor.
“ My mom is lying.”
Charlie swallowed her yogurt. “ Excuse me.”
“ About Taylor changing her mind. She never did.” Bridget looked down in her cup and stirred the contents some more as she tried to get her thoughts together. “ I can always tell when my mother is lying, she has this look. Besides, she’s been very quiet the last two days and there has been some tension in the house.”
“ Why do you think that she lied?”
“ To protect me. Mom still thinks that I’m thirteen or something. She doesn’t really understand that I need to know everything. That she can’t protect me from everything likes she does. When daddy….I mean Eric.” She blushed. “ Tried to take custody of me, she tried to cover it up. Mom does that. She always protects Rick and me as much as she can. It’s just too bad that she spends a lot of time protecting us from our own family.”
Lying to your daughter wasn’t a smart move, Charlie thought. “ How does it make you feel?”
“ The fact that mom lied?” Bridget shrugged. “I can’t be mad because I know why she did it. She wanted to protect me. You see, we Forrester have a tendency to lie when we want to protect someone or manipulate someone.”
“ You said we. Does that include you Bridget?” Charlie was concerned. What was that family teaching this young girl? More and more Charlie began to think that it was a good thing that she had moved to L.A.
Bridget thought about the videotape or Morgan and Ridge. Bridget looked away uncomfortably for a moment. “ I’ve made some mistakes but I really am trying to make up for them.” Bridget stated not really giving Charlie an answer.
Charlie didn’t want to make the girl feel anymore uncomfortable so she didn’t press the issue.
“ Tell, me, how do you feel about Taylor’s decision?”
Bridget felt as if her chest has a huge weight on it, the tightness grew to huge proportions. “I’m disappointed, I guess. For years people has gone on about how trashy my mother is, and don’t get me wrong, there have been times that I’ve been embarrassed about her behavior. Especially when she was dating Thorne. Ridge, I could understand but Thorne? To me, it was disgusting. But no matter what she did or some scandal she was in, my mom is the kindest person that I know. On the other hand, for years people have been praising Taylor. They’ve gone on and on about her beauty and kindness but I know the other side. Don’t get me wrong; I kinda understand her being mad with your sister. I mean, she trick Ridge, and then she made that videotape and kept in that box in her house to use to blackmail him. But Taylor isn’t as innocent or wonderful as she seems. She has her skeletons. Thomas for one, you should have seen the way that she carried on when he was born. She practically blackmailed Ridge leaving my mom and us because Thomas needed him. Yet, SHE calls Dylan a bastard. I used to blame Thomas and twins but I don’t anymore, they aren’t to blame. Taylor was. Just like now. She is so afraid that my mom is going to take Ridge that she doesn’t want her children to be tested.”
Charlie digested the news. “ Do you think that she has a reason to be afraid of you mother?”
Bridget shrugged. “ I don’t know. A long time ago I would have said yes but it’s hard to tell now what is going on between them. There are times, like the other day that we are like this real family but mom and Ridge keep going on about how they are only friends.”
Bridget felt the tears begin to fall down her face. “ Not too long ago, all I ever wanted was for my mom and Ridge to get back together but that is the last thing on my mind now.” Bridget sighed heavily as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. “I knew that Taylor really didn’t like me, but I never thought that she’d want me to die.”
Charlie’s heart was overcome with pain. The games that were being played at the expense of a young girl were ridiculous. Charlie took the young girl into her arms and hugged. “ It’s alright. I’m sure she doesn’t want you to die. She’s just upset and when people get upset, they do some stupid things.”

Taylor headed home from Karima’s office, her mind replaying the conversation that she had had earlier that day. Was she really botching her own marriage? Could she be making things worse by not accepting Dylan? In her heart she didn’t want to have bad feelings about the boy, it wasn’t his fault that he had been born. If only Morgan had gone back to New York the way that she said that she would, things would be so much better. No matter what, Karmia was right about one thing, she needed to talk to someone. She changed the direction of her car from heading home and went in the opposite direction.

Bridget lied to her mother that she had plans with one of her friends but instead she drove directly to Scott’s apartment. When she had told him the truth yesterday about her illness, she hadn’t known what to expect but he had surprised her when he took her into his arms and told her that he’d stand beside her. She had cried then and he, being he loving person that he was, had held her tightly. Scott opened the door to his apartment to find Bridget standing in the hallway. His heart clinched as he looked at the beautiful girl. In a white strapless tube top and a faded jean skirt, she was so adorable and beautiful. He reached out to touch her face for a moment before be took her lips softly. Bridget sighed and felt Scott’s thumb brush against her jaw to open her mouth under his. Sighing she felt a shiver move throughout her body as his tongue brushed against hers. Bridget timidly stroked touched his tongue with her own. Scott’s body was full of fire and her innocence only made him more aroused than he had ever been. The kiss became hot, his mouth branded hers as his tongue mated with hers. Scott felt himself losing control and he pulled away. He had to pry Bridget’s fingers off his shirt in order to do that particular task. Bridget blushed and turned red when she realized that she was clinging to him. Gasping, she stepped back. “ Sorry.” Her ears were red and Scott decided that she was breathtaking.
“No.” He reached down to Bridget her gaze back to his. “ Don’t ever apologize for your passion Bridget, it is beautiful thing.”
“ Oh”
Scott took her hand and brought her into his apartment. “ I just had to stop myself before it became too uncomfortable.”
“ What? I didn’t mean…” She stammered.
“ I know.” He smiled. “ You just have no idea of what a temptation you are, do you?”
Bridget blushed again. “No.”
“ Well, you are Bridget Forrester.” He leaned down and nibbled her adorable nose before he lead her to the picnic spread that he had created in the middle of his apartment. Bridget smiled as she noticed the spread.
“ What’s this?”
Scott pulled her down into his arms. “ Well, I’ve got shrimp salad with your favorite veggie crackers.” He uncovered the other dish. “Bre and sweet grapes.” He popped off a grape and fed it to her.
Bridget chewed slowly. “ Mmm, good.”
“ Yeah, it is.” Scott fingered Bridget’s lower lip.
Bridget left her stomach tightened.“ What else did you get, she asked nervously.” She had never been alone in an apartment with a man. Never but here she was with Scott and they were all alone in his apartment.”
“ Well, your favorite cream soda. And for dessert, fruit tarts.”
“ Wow, I can’t believe that you went through all this trouble for me.”
“ Trouble. Bridget, it’s just lunch.”
Her big blue eyes studied his as she gently cupped his face. “ It’s more than that to me and you know it.”
Tears filled her eyes and he was immediately worried. “ Hey, hey. Baby, what’s the tears for?’
Bridget shook her head. “ It’s nothing.”
“Don’t tell me that, you are crying.”
“ It’s because I’m happy. When I’m with you. I’m just happy.”
Scott held Bridget tightly although he was very careful about her injured arm and kissed her forehead. He knew that there was more but he wouldn’t press her, she’d been through enough. “ Shh, don’t cry Bridget. Just enjoy what we have because we are going to have many more dates like this.”

Morgan looked at her watch once again. “Megan, I’ve been waiting for Brooke for the last half an hour.”
Megan hid her annoyed look from Morgan. “ I told you, Brooke was late for her marketing meeting this afternoon so everything is behind. Why don’t I take a message and reschedule.”
“No. I’ve already been put off two other times. I won’t be put off again.”
“ Listen Morgan, I really don’t have time for this today.” Megan said as she slammed the files that she had been organizing on her desk. “ I think that you had better reschedule.”
“ No need for that Morgan.” Brooke stated as she came down the hallway. “ I’ll talk to Morgan.”
Megan looked worriedly at Brooke. She knew the pressure that she had been under and Brooke had come back from Bridge’s doctor’s appointment in low spirits. Brooke opened her office door and allowed Morgan to entrance. “ I am sorry for the inconvenience but I’ve been dealing with Bridget’s doctor’s appointment.”
“ Why? I thought her injuries were healing?”
Brooke knew that Morgan didn’t know about Bridget’s leukemia at the moment and wasn’t going to discuss it. As it was, far too many people knew when Eric didn’t. “ It was just a checkup and thing are going to be find. But I don’t think that you are here about that although I thank for your concern.”
Morgan sat down and crossed her legs. She was currently wearing black suit, which showed, off her daring legs with a daring single-sleeved blouse soft-shelled pink blouse with an intricate design with a pair of pink colored high-heeled sling back shoes.
“ Well, Brooke, I’m ready to come back to work.”
“ Come back to work?”
“ I thought that you wanted to spend time with Dylan.”
“ I do but I love designing and I miss it.”
“ You are a wonderful designer.”
Morgan smirked. “ I made this company a great deal of money.”
“ You have.” Brooke sighed. “ But you resigned Morgan and we paid you a great severance package.”
“Truthfully, I don’t remember that. The coma, you see there are parts that I don’t remember. And as far as the severance package I never cashed the check.”
“ I know. I heard that it was missing so I had the accounts to cut you another one.”
“ Yes, and I have it right here.” Morgan opened her bag and took out the check to hand to Brooke.
Brooke shook her head. “ Morgan, I don’t want the check back, you more than earned it.”
“ Brooke, I don’t want the money. I want to come back to work.”
“ Morgan I’m very sorry about everything that has happened to you in the last two months. You have certainly been through so much. You have done so much for this company and we appreciate what you have done. But I don’t think you working here is going to be the best thing for the company anymore.”
Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “What are you taking about Brooke?”
“ Morgan I want to make this as easy as possible.”
“Easy? What fu(k are you talking about. You aren’t going to hire me back?”
“ Morgan, I have to think about the element here.”
“ Element? My work speaks for itself.”
“Yes, it does. I agree, it’s wonderful. And if you hadn’t resigned, I wouldn’t have fired you but you did resign.”
“ I didn’t resign.”
“ You don’t remember.”
“ This about Ridge, isn’t it?”
“ I thought long and hard about this and Ridge is a factor. It would be uncomfortable for him to work with you after everything you did.”
“ Everything that I did.”
“ You tricked him into siring your son.”
“ I think that YOU should know out of all people that it doesn’t take much to trick Ridge into bed. Maybe what the problem is that you’re jealous.”
“ Jealous?”
“ Yes. After all, YOU didn’t bed him.”
Brooke almost laughed at the absurdly of the situation. Yes, she had done some things in the past to get Ridge, but she had never stooped that low to get him into bed. However, what made the situation laughable was the fact that she wasn’t even making any moves toward Ridge in that manner. She was beginning to wonder if Taylor and Morgan were smoking out of the same bong, since neither of them seemed to been able to keep their wits about them. In last couple of days people have stated that she wanted to steal Ridge. She pushed away from her desk, standing up slowly. She looked more like a model of simple elegance in her tope colored cardigan hater top and matching colored silk-cuffed pants. Her long hair was held up in a simple twist while a of diamond studs in her ears. “Morgan, I know that you are upset and I understand but you have look the position you left me in. You left without notice and we had to work harder to get your work accomplished. You are a new mother and you beautiful baby boy who needs you. Right now isn’t the time for you to come back to Forrester.”
“ Because of Ridge. I thought that you understood me. I never knew that you’ve make this personal.”
“ It isn’t personal. I love your work. But right now I have to think about others who work here and that does include Ridge.”
“ He put you up to this, didn’t he?”
“No, he didn’t put me up to this. I’m not going to get into that with you right now.”
“ Of course he didn’t, you just happened to come to this conclusion on your own. You’d never let your person grievances with the Foresters get in the way that of your work. Stephanie hates you. When I started working here, neither Ridge, Eric or Thorne was getting along with you and now you are firing me because of my personal relationship with Ridge.”
“ I’m not firing you. I am choosing not to rehire you at the moment. But that doesn’t mean…”
“ You chosen your side Brooke and let you tell you something. You are going to live to regret it!” Morgan picked up her purse and stalked out the door.
“Damn it!” Brooke cursed. Morgan didn’t understand how hard it was for her not rehire her. She had weighed her options and chosen not to hire her back. Brooke wondered if her decision had been the right thing to do.

The flight attendant made her way to her passenger, a handsome blonde man in his mid to late thirties. “ Mr. Forrester, is there anything else that I can get for you?” She said as she handed him his drink of a scotch on the rocks. Thorne took the drink and smiled at the pretty woman.
“ No, thank you.”
“ I’ll be back with champagne and you dinner menu soon.”
“ That will be fine.” Thorne rested his head against the seat. The trip to Paris had not only done wonders for Forrester but it had done wonders for him. With all the events that have occurred, losing Brooke, marrying Kimberly and finding that Bridget was Ridge’s daughter, Thorne had lost himself. He had forgotten that he had been alive. Yet, in one night, he was reminded that he was alive, that was not dead, walking around the living. He had one woman to thank for that and he didn’t even know her real name.
(Flashback)
Thorne had been sitting in a bar of a restaurant. Philippe, one of his friends had planned a wild party but Thorne didn’t really want to be bothered. He had left and wandered into the street until he found this place. He had the bartender draw a draft beer and was in deep thought about the lack of enjoyment of his life. Boy, he had made a complete and totally mess of things. He was married to a young girl he didn’t love and was soon going to be a father. The woman whom he loved was involved with a man he didn’t trust nor liked. Thorne cupped his face when he heard a gentle yet sultry voice with a hint of a British accent stirred him. “ Things are that bad?”
He looked up. A beautiful petite woman with blond hair and blue eyes looking at him. The blond wore an expensive short spaghetti strapped red dress along with a pair of what looked to be Dolce and Cabana heals. The triangular diamonds in her ears matched the diamond necklace that she wore.
“ What?”
She looked at him with mirth in her eyes. “ I asked if things were that bad.” She needed to the drink. “ You had two shots before the beer.” She stirred the olive in her Martini. “ Not that drinking indicates that something is wrong but you don’t look like the heavy drinker type.
“ How do you know?”
The woman eyed the handsome blond male in the black sweater and black pants. She could see his well-deformed muscles molded the form of his sweater to his chest. Nice, she thought. Very nice.
She sipped her drink. “ I know drinkers. I’ve been around them my entire life.”
Thorne couldn’t help to smile at her. “ You entire life?”
She sipped her own drink. “ Yes.” She then looked at him again. “ So, do you want to talk about what has brought you here on a beautiful Parisian night like this?”
Thorne thought for a moment. “ No. Not really.”
“ Ohh, sorry that I bothered you. Have a nice night.” The woman took her drink and slid off the bar stool and went to one of the back tables in the establishment.
He sat there for a moment and was compelled for no real reason to take his drink and go after her.
He found her sitting in a back table ordering an appetizer, however she didn’t look that surprised to see him. She nodded when he asked to join her. “ So, is it work or pleasure?’
“ What?”
“What brings you to Paris? You are American.”
Thorne grinned. “ Yes, I’m American and yes it business that brings me here. And you.”
“ What, I don’t speak flawless French?” She stated in French for his benefit and with a hint of mischief.
“ No, you command of the language is excellent.” He too stated in French.
She laughed at him for a moment before she returned to English. “ I’m here on business as well although it seems a waste.”
“ Because business didn’t go well?”
“ No, everything went well on that end. It’s just the City of Paris, it is a very romantic place and it is a shame to spend it alone.”
Memories of the last time he had been here assaulted Thorne. He and Brooke walking down the streets, shopping, eating and making love. A look melancholy crossed his face. The woman noticed the change. “ Are you missing your wife?”
Thorne was confused. “ My wife?” She nodded toward his wedding ring. “ Is she the reason for the sad expression on you face?” Thorne didn’t answer he however stirred the contents of his drink. “ So, it isn’t your wife. Then, who is it?”
“ There isn’t anybody.”
“ But there was, wasn’t there.”
“ Yes, there was.”
“ You and she spent time in this city.”
Thorne swallowed his drink in a large gulp. “ The last time that I was here.” He savored the taste of the liquor across his tongue. “It was the most romantic time of my life. A time now gone.”
“ Because of your marriage?”
“ Partly.”
“You, I take it, aren’t in love with your wife?” She asked with little emotion.
Thorne was embarrassed, he didn’t love his wife but he didn’t want the woman to know how callous of man he was. “ I care about you, however….”
The woman understood. She had been married to a man who she didn’t love nor loved her for the last ten years. “ You aren’t passionately in love with her.”
“No”
“ Who is, these days?” The woman sipped her drink. “Many marriages are formed without true love or devotion. Honesty and real devotion is hard to come by.”
“ Are you speaking from personal experience?” Thorne asked her.
Her sparking blue eyes, found his. “ Yes, I am.”
“I’m sorry.”
“ Don’t be, it’s part of life.”
Thorne reached across the table to extend his arm. “ I haven’t told you my name. I’m…”
“ No. No real names.”
“ No real names?”
“ No.”
Thorne sat back for a moment. “ Alright, you can call me Adam.”
“ Well, Adam, you can call me…”
“Eve?”, he interrupted.
“ No. How about Delilah.”
“ As in Samson’s?”
“ Yes”
“ Are you going to try to cut my hair?”
She laughed and the sound was like pure music to his ears. “ No. I’m not going to do that Adam.”
(Fade Back to Present)
What happened next seemed like something out of a movie. They talked and Thorne relaxed. When he took her back to her hotel suite, it had been to ensure her safely, however it ended up being more that that. They hardly made it into her suite before he almost attached her. She was just as aggressive as he as she ripped his shirt open, her names scoring down his chest. He hardly had time to push her dress up around her waist, tear the flimsy pair of sexy red panties off before he opened up his pants and she handed him a condemn. Moments later, with her breast inside of his mouth, he was inside of wet heat and he was pounding inside of her like an animal. Later, they undressed and made their way to her bed, but only after having hot sweaty sex on the chaise and floor. Her body was magnificent and her mouth had done things that he hadn’t felt, well, since being with Brooke. They had wrapped themselves around each other when it was over and talked. She spoke of her unhappy marriage while he told her of his marriage to a girl too young for him and a girl whom he didn’t love. She had listened intensely to him without censor as he poured out his heartache and pain. When the morning came, she kissed him deeply and thanked for the wonderful night. Thorne had left feeling more alive than he had felt in a very long time. Truthfully, the ache of loving Brooke was still there, she was deeply embedded in his heart, but the night with Delilah had rejuvenated his sprits.

Pierce was going over the notes regarding his last seminar when his doorbell rung. He was pleasantly surprised to see Taylor. After the other night, she hadn’t answered any of his phone calls and he wondered if she was still his friend. “ Taylor, it is so good to see you.”
Taylor hesitated a bit. “ I hope that you don’t mind me coming here. After the other night…”
“ Shh, no need. We just got caught up in the moment. We each were hurting.”
This surprised Taylor, she had no idea that Pierce was hurting. “ Pierce, you were hurting? Why?” Pierce looked at Taylor. She was such a beautiful woman, excellent wife and mother. She was almost perfect. Today, she looked more beautiful then ever in a silk wrap-around dress in a color, which matched her amazing eyes. Ridge Forrester was such a fool not to appreciate his wife. Taylor took Pierce’s hands in her own. “ Tell me. What happened to you?”
“ I was involved with someone.”
“ Oh.” Taylor didn’t know what to make of his comment especially because what had happened between them. “ Did what happened the other night get in the way of that?”
“No. Taylor, you don’t have to worry about that. My relationship has been over.”
Taylor looked relieved but she wanted to know more about this woman that Pierce hadn’t mentioned before. “ Do you want to tell me about her?”
Pierce sat down and clasped his hands together. His notes for the next seminar forgotten.
“ We met years ago at in Italy. We were both on the same commission for children of abuse. I can remember how attracted that I had been to her even then.” Memories assaulted his brain. How she looked, how she smelled and even how she tasted. “ We met again when I saw her in a restaurant. She was with some gentleman however I couldn’t stop myself.” Pierce smiled. “ She was so unimpressed by me.”
“ I find that hard to believe. Any woman in her right mind would be impressed with all that you accomplished.”
“ Not Bella. She ignored me, however I later found that we knew someone in common. Dr. Vicki Staten.”
Taylor was silent for a minute. “ Isn’t she the doctor who is developing research on mind control?”
“ Yes, Vicki is on her way to developing a solution that will block out certain elements in the mind. She had to move to Europe to do her study there. There are less restriction in Europe than here in the states. In fact, Vicki has done some amazing work.”
“ So, are you working on mind control?”
Pierce laughed. “No, after that incident with Bailey, I think that it was best to stay out of that arena. I’m friend of Vicki and her husband Charles; I was there for a visit when Bella came. I couldn’t let another opportunity pass me by. .”
Taylor remembered when she had first seen Ridge, she had kind of felt that that. “ So, what happened?’
“ It took some time but I convinced her to go out with me. She warned me though that she didn’t want a relationship.”
“ Why not?” Taylor frowned. Pierce was a wonderful man a clearly would be a catch for any woman.
Pierce was silent for a moment but finally he decided to be truthful with Taylor, after all she was a good friend. “ Bella has issues.”
“ What kind of issues?’
“ She was afraid of commitment. She’s afraid of being loved by a man and she won’t allow herself to be.”
“Why?”
“ I’m not sure. Something happened to her, more and more I’m sure it. She closes herself off from people and at times can be…”
Pierce’s pause prompted Taylor. “ At times she can be what?”
“ She can be manipulative.”
“ Manipulative, how?”
“ She plays mind games. She is very cunning and has a way of finding people’s weaknesses to out wit them. Bailey can’t stand her, she says that she’s an ice princess and cold hearted but I know better.”
“ Is that why things ended with the both of you?”
“No. I accepted Bella. She is the one who ended thing with me when she realized that I was falling in love with her. I make a huge mistake when I pushed her about her feelings for me.”
“What did she do?”
“She left? One morning I work up an there was this note ending our affair.”
Taylor couldn’t believe that someone would treat Pierce so callous. “ She just left?”
“ It was too much for her to take. She was running away from her feelings. It’s easier for her to think that it’s just about sex between us but it wasn’t. I loved the way that her mind thinks, the way that loves to go to art museums and analyzes the work or the way that she uses the latest information she has read to prove her point. Taylor, the woman is brilliant she has a myriad of idea on variety of topics. But it was more than her intellect; it was the way that she made me feel. Right or wrong, Bella made me feel things that no other woman ever made me feel. Taylor, she made me feel alive.”
Taylor didn’t want voice her opinion to Pierce but she didn’t feel that she had no other choice but to speak her mind. “Pierce. Could it be that she doesn’t feel the same way about you that you feel about her? Could you have mistaken her feelings?”
“ No. Taylor. At times Bella can seem cold but I know that it’s a mask for her. She hides her feelings and her compassion from others but it is there, just like her feelings for me. I know that she has them, I could see it in her eyes.” Pain surfaced in Pierce’s face and Taylor found herself overwhelmed by it. She had never seen Pierce look the way that he was looking. He was in pain. I’ve been trained to see below the surface and I can see that Bella is in a lot of pain. She’s hurting Taylor. She needs me. I know it. She needs me to tell. NO, to show her that I love her. I want to do that. I want her to know that she means the world to me.”
“ Oh Pierce. I’m sorry, I’ve been so selfish about throwing all of my problems with Ridge at you when you are hurting.” Taylor was even more sorry about what had happened between them the other night. Clearly neither of them had been thinking in the right frame of mind when she almost slept together.
“No. Taylor I want come to me with your problems at least it given me something to do than think about Bella.”
Taylor laughed for a moment before she shook her head. “ Well, then I have a great deal of worries to help you keep your mind off of Bella.”
“ Things aren’t going too well?”
“ No.” Taylor sighed. “ Things aren’t going well at all.”
“ What happened?”
“No. I want to learn more about your Bella.”
Pierce smiled. “How about this? You tell me about what happened with Ridge and I’ll tell you more about Bella.”
“ We can commiserate about our sorry love lives?”
“ Yes, something like that.”
“ But, no wine. After the other night, we don’t need that.”
“ Alright, but how about some food? I have some baked ziti in the oven, from Raymon’s.”
“ Sounds good to me.”

Brooke didn’t have much time to focus too much of her attention on her argument with Morgan. She spent the rest of the days in meetings before she headed to the to the one meeting that held the most important to her. Allen Shipman arrived at her office at 6:00. Brooke Forrester had contacted Allen two day ago; finishing up his tasks he took a flight to L.A to help her legal matter. He had listened intensely on the matter that Brooke has discussed, offering her counsel. He had asked her if she wanted Caspian to be notified; however she declined. She would tell Caspian when he arrived back from Japan. This, she vehemently stated, was her issue alone and she would deal with it in her own manner. This woman was strong determined and full of fire, Allen though. She was indeed the perfect match of Caspian.
Brooke poured herself a cup of coffee. “ Mr. Shipman, can I get you anything?”
“ No. Ms. Logan.”
“ Brooke, please. You’ve helped me the past. Just as I hope that you can now.”
Allen handed Brooke a group of contracts. “ Here are the contracts that you requested to be drawn up.”
She took the papers and read them silently. “ So soon?’
“ It was a matter of importance to your daughter, so I made you the number one priority.”
She studied Allen. “Now, you are sure that there is no possibility for me to be brought up on blackmailing charges?”
“ No, this is perfectly legal. An arrangement, if you will. If Taylor Forrester decides to allow her children to be tested then you will be legally bound to offer her the information that you hold. You cannot be prosecuted on extortion. You aren’t asking for money. This is nothing more than a legal matter. Besides, I doubt that Mrs. Forrester would be willing to take you to court over this matter or her secrets be exposed to all.”
“ Only for their children to be tested in exchange for information. Although I’m quite sure that Taylor won’t see it that way.”
Allen watched Brooke for a moment and realized with her body language that she wasn’t as comfortable as she could be. “ Brooke, are you alright? You still want to go through this, don’t you?”
“ I don’t know. For the last two days, this is all that I’ve thinking about. I’m not proud that it has come to this. I don’t hate Taylor. Although there have been times that I thought that I might, I don’t. But I’m furious with her for making a decision that would affect my daughter’s life. I don’t want to do this to her or to Ridge. If Ridge can’t get her to change her mind, then I have no choice. Bridget is the most important thing my life right now and I can’t allow any feelings of regret to get in the way.”
“ Well, I certainly agree with you on that. With the papers drawn up, I can go over to…”
“ No. I need to take care of this.”
“ Are you sure? There isn’t a need for you to do this.”
“ Yes, there is. She’ll want to deal only with me.” Brooke picked up her lightweight shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. “ It will give her distinct pleasure to see me grovel just to get the information that I need about Taylor.”
“ I can’t picture you groveling for anybody. You have a regal air about you.”
Brooke smirked as she slipped the papers into her satchel. She then went to the safe in her office and took out some of its contents. “ Believe me, I’ve had some moments in my life which were far from regal. I’ve had some moments that were downright pitiful.”
When he realized that she was ready. “ Let me at least ride over with you in the limo.” When Brooke was getting ready to protest, he stopped her. Caspian would kill me if he didn’t think that you had someone to protect you.”
Brooke shook her head at the absurdity of the situation. “ If I argue with you, will you’ll only follow me anyway?”
“Probably.”
“ Alright. But you must stay in the limo.” Allen nodded and as he walked down the limo. Brooke was very quiet on the ride over. Brooke needed time to focus on her task. In this action she was giving up a great deal but if it meant that Bridget could get a donor then it would be worth it.
They arrived in their destination and Brooke made her way to the door. After ringing the doorbell for a while the door opened. The person on the other door frowned when they saw Brooke. “ What do you want?”
“ I need to talk with you and it’s about a matter of importance.” Brooke opened her satchel and took out the contract. “ Read this.”
The person took the papers and skimmed it over. “ Is this a joke?”
“ Do I look like I’m joking?”
The other person frowned for a moment. “ Come on in.” Brooke walked in and closed the door behind her.

Charlie had been reading over her notes about one of her patients when she found herself thinking about her conversation with Bridget. She wished that she could help the teen. The girl was very sweet and maybe Charlie saw a little of herself in the girl. Still, she couldn’t help to remember something the girl had said about Morgan and the tape. She mentioned that Morgan had kept the videotape of her and Ridge in a box. How did Bridget know about that piece of information?

Twenty minutes later, Brooke slid into the seat next to Allen in the limo. He raised an eyebrow.
“ So?” Brooke held up an envelope in her hand that contained the information that she had made a deal with to acquire. She had done something that she never thought that she’d do in order to attain the information that could change Bridget’s life. “ No what? Are you going to head over to Taylor’s house?”
“No. I promised Ridge that I would give him two more days.”
“ Two days, are you sure?’
“ Allen, Ridge and I have been everything to each other. We have been friends. We have been enemies. We’ve been married, we been divorced but most of all, we have been there for each other. This is another chapter of our lives. We are parents, both whom are looking out for the welfare of our daughter. I love Bridget but I also love Ridge. I don’t want to hurt him if I don’t need to.” Brooke lightly fingered the envelope. “ Isn’t if funny, years ago I could have used this information to level the playing grounds for Ridge and I.”
“ Why didn’t you?’
“ Because I didn’t have it then.”


Bridget used her finger to smudge the outline to create a shadowing technique with her sketch. The corners of her mouth curled up into a soft smile. “ Stop moving.”
“ It’s hard.” Scott complained.
“I know it’s hard silly.”
“ It’s your fault.”
“ No it isn’t. You are the one who chose that position. I TOLD you to get comfortable. So..” Bridget nudged Scott with her foot to stay in the position that he was modeling for her sketch.
“ Stay still.”
“ Ahh, the things that I do for love.” Scott whined.
The lighthearted mood in the room changed in that moment when Bridget lowered her sketch and a crease developed in the line of her forehead. Her breath became heavy. “ Do you mean it?”
“ Mean what?”
“ What you just said.”
Scott shook his head. “ You know that I shouldn’t, you know. You are stubborn as hell. You also talk all the time and think that you are right.” Scott moved his position without permission. “ You also are way too young and innocent for me.” He looked into her small face that looked like it was breaking before he continued. “ But you are so sweet and so talented. And there isn’t a morning that I don’t wake without thinking about you first. So, yes, Bridget.”
“ Yes what?”
He looked at her as if she were a simpleton. “ Yes, I do love you.”
“ Ohh.” Bridget wasn’t sure what to say there was a nagging question in the back of her head. “ Scott, how much of this has to do with my illness?”
“ Your illness?” Scott was offended. “ I can’t believe you. Bridget what kind of man do you think that I am?”
“Scott…”
“ No. Let me talk. Yes, the thought of you being sick scares the shit out of me. It scares me so much that I don’t want to think about it at all. I don’t want to think about you being sick, having to take chemo or being so weak from the illness that you can hardly walk let along have enough energy to throw up.” Bridget slightly paled and Scott felt shitty for scaring her the way that he did. Scott cupped her face. “Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t scare me.”
Scott lightly fingered the side of Bridget’s face. “ It does scare you?”
Bridget blinked. “How could it not?”
“ Ahh Baby.” He wanted to sooth her. He held her tightly and kissed the top of her head. “ I know that you are scared and I am too. I don’t want to see you in pain.” Bridget closed her eyes and tears fell down them. “ As much as I don’t want to see you in pain that doesn’t mean that I’d play with your affection. I would never say something that I didn’t mean.” He pulled her head up and he took his time kissing her tears away. “ Bridget, when I’m with you I feel something that I haven’t felt before with ay woman. I know that you are young. I know that you don’t have the experience with relationships.”
Bridget played with Scott’s shirt. “ I’m not experienced.”
“ Yeah, I know.” He said with a grin. “ I think that is part of what makes you even more beautiful. Everything about you is beautiful.” He inhaled in her scent softly. Bridget wrapped her arms around Scott and pulled his head down to kiss her. He took her mouth by storm however he was pleasantly surprised when she slipped her tongue inside of his mouth. Scott groaned her hands pressed against his chest. Bridget sighed and he caught that sigh with his mouth, loving the little sounds that she made in the back of her throat. He continued the kiss for a few more minutes before he pulled away. Catching his breath, he gave her a quick smile. “ You are going to be the death of me.”
The way that he said it, Bridget knew that he meant it. “ Thank you.”
“ For what?”
“ For treating me like I’m normal.”
He took her hand. “ You are normal. And we are going to beat this thing together.”
Bridget wished that were true but she wasn’t sure. “ Besides we’ve got big battles ahead.”
“ Because of my illness?”
“ No because of my parents. We they find out about us, we can expect a real battle.” Scott had found out from Bridget that Ridge and not was her father. Ridge had all but made it clear that he would never support a relationship with Bridget. Scott was going to have to change his mind somehow.

Connor stood in the foyer of the Hunter’s house in a tuxedo. There was a charity ball being given at the Waldolf in which KC’s parents had purchased tickets. Kurt came down the stairs looking like a recipient of a golden globe in his tuxedo and outer coat. “ Nice tuxedo.” Kurt looked down at his tux. “ Thanks.”
Connor nodded. “ You should see what KC is planning to wear, she’ll look like an angel.”
“ She’s wearing something that she designed.”
“ Yes.”
“ Then it’s going to be beautiful. Everything that she designs is beautiful.”
“ I know. Sometimes I come home after a long day and she’s in her studio working hard on some design. She often has this look of pure delight on her face because she is in her element. What I do for a living is important but sometimes it is nothing like creating something from nothing. She is amazing at what she does.”
Kurt looked at Connor. “ Yes, my baby girl is amazing. So, KC has a studio in your house?
“ Yes”
“Are you living with my daughter?”
Connor noticed the tick on the side of Kurt’s face however he wasn’t going to be intimidated. “ KC has her own place but she does stay at my house. I want her to be comfortable.”
Kurt relaxed a bit at that news, however it was short lived. “ I’m very lucky to have her in my life.”
Kurt frowned at Connor however his frown hid a slight grin. He didn’t to admit it but the last couple of days; he had seen how he interacted not only with his daughter but his wife and mother. Seeing Connor wash collards yesterday had proven to be a bit amusing.
Nichelle walked down the steps and Kurt’s frown turned to a smile as he watched his wife. Damn, she looked spectacular. She was a multi-colored shimmering gold dress. The dress was formal, floor length that left her muscular arms bare because of its halter style. Her hair was been done and its tips shimmered with a touch of gold color. Nichelle pulled the matching shawl around her arms and turned to model her dress. “ How do I look?”
A huge smile formed on Kurt’s face. He held out his hands toward his wife. “Baby, you look damn good.” Kurt pulled his wife into his arms and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. Connor was vastly amused until KC looked down the stairs. She looked like a vision. Her formal gown was beautiful; the strapless dress was white that molded tight across her bosom giving a hint of her curves, while the trim was etched in a dark black intricate design done in beaded jewels. The gown’s semi train was etched in the same jewels. A light sparkle of diamonds graced her ears and neck while long black silk gloved adorned her arms. Nichelle and Kurt both turned to watch as Connor placed a watching white and black trimmed shawl on her arms. He kissed her neck gently, as he wrapped the shawl around her.
Nichelle squeezed her husband tightly around his waist as he frowned. She kissed him again. “Behave Kurt.”
Kurt looked into his wife’s eyes and saw the challenge. He couldn’t help but to smile. “ Come on you two. We don’t want to be late.”

Allen poured himself a drink, deep in thought about the day’s actions with Brooke Forrester. If it had been he, he would have confronted Taylor this very night and ended the situation. She had the information that she needed but she was biding her time to allow Ridge Forester to change his wife’s mind. Still, it wasn’t his decision. It was hers. It was up to him to have the next set of contracts drawn up for Taylor Forrester.

Brooke read the contents of the letter once again almost as to ensure that she really had it. In her hand, she had the power. The power to destroy Ridge’s marriage. The power to destroy save her daughter. “Don’t make me do this Taylor. Don’t make me become someone that I won’t like by hurting Ridge.” She sighed heavily feeling as if the weight on the world was on her shoulders and it was.
Katie peeked out of the kitchen where she and her mother had been cooking dinner. Brooke, she had noticed, had been quiet when she had come home. She wiped her hands on the dishtowel and headed toward her sister. “ Honey? Are you all right?’
“ Mmm.” Brooke looked at Katie. “ Katie, I’m fine.”
“ Brooke, you’ve been quite since you’ve been home.”
“ I’m just tired.”
“ And you’ve a lot on your shoulders.”
“ Yeah. Between Bridget, Eric and Stephanie. I’ve been very tired.”
“ That along with running a company. It’s been a lot and you’ve been a trooper.
“ Well, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help. You’ve been a god sent.”
“ I love you Brooke. So, does part of this mood that you are in, does it have anything to do with missing a certain Italian.”
Brooke nodded. “ I do miss him. He calls me every night and jus hearing his voice has helped.”
“ Does he know about the problem with Taylor?”
“ No.”
“ Why not?”
“ Because I don’t want him to worry or end his trip, which he would do. Caspian can’t build his whole life around me.”
“ Well, I must say that he has made an impression on dad.”
Brooke smiled. “ I know. It’s weird, dad really speaks highly of him.”
“ That’s because he has been there for you Brooke. He helped you with that mess with Eric and Stephanie. We tried to save Bridget before she got hit and the way that he looks at you.” She fanned herself. “ Pure heat.”
“ Yeah, Caspian is pretty wonderful.”
“ So, do you know why mom doesn’t like him?”
“ You’ve picked up on that too?”
“ Yeah and it isn’t like her. Did he do something?”
“ No. That’s the weird thing. It was like she disliked him from the start and for no reason. I asked her about it but she didn’t give me a straight answer.”
“ Well, she’s certainly has been acting strange.”
“ What do you mean?” Brooke asked Katie.
“ I don’t know but it’s like she is nervous about something.”
“ Really?”
“ Brooke, don’t worry about it. I just think that she’s worried about you and Bridget.”
“ Maybe.” But Brooke wasn’t sure.
“ You know what you need?”
“ No, what?”
“ A massage.”
“ Oh, god, that would be great. I should call Greg and make an appointment.”
“ All ready done. I called him when you got home. Now go upstairs and change you clothes.”

Brooke lay in her dayroom. Greg had arrived and she lay face down on the massage table when he opened the door. Brooke’s eyes were closed as his expert hands started to massage the tension at the base of her neck. “ Oh god. Greg, your hands are amazing.” Greg didn’t say a word. Brooke only sighed as his hands made their way down her back. Brooke groaned for a second, however when his hands moved the towel down and started to massage her buttocks, Brooke felt a ripple of desire course through her body a second before a pair of lips touch her naked back. Brooke gasped and jumped up. A delighted smile covered her astonished face when she found someone other than Greg was giving her a massage. “ You!”

Taylor found Katherine and the kids down by the pool. “ Hi Taylor.” Taylor waved at her beautiful children. After coming from Piece’s, all the tension that she had was gone. She just wanted to enjoy her children, tonight. Maybe Pierce was right. Maybe she should reconsider allowing her children getting tested.
“Katherine where is Ridge?”
“ He called. He said that he would home soon but he wanted to go by and see Bridget.”
The good mood that Taylor was diminished instantly. “ Brooke’s? My husband is at Brooke’s again?”
Katherine thought that maybe she should have kept her mouth shut. Both Ridge and Taylor had been fighting the last couple of days. “ I’m sorry. I’m sure that he just wanted to see his sister.”
“ Sister.” Taylor laughed for a moment. She headed over toward the outside bar and poured herself a drink. “ I’m sure that is why Ridge want over there, to see his “sister.”

 

 

 

Against All Odds Chapter 95 (Raised Stakes)

Sighs of pleasure echoed throughout Brooke’s dayroom. Masterful hands massaged lightly scented oil made of jasmine, that was created solely for her, into her legs, back and buttocks of Brooke. “ Mmm. That feels so good.”
“ I am a master of many trades. This is just one of them.”
She didn’t bother to open her eyes. She was in heaven. “ Your hands should he registered as lethal weapons, because anything this good is certainly are dangerous.” His breath lightly tickled her ear.
“ I am a very dangerous man.”
“ I love dangerous men but most especially, I love you.” She slowly turned over and found herself looking into the eyes of the man to whom she had given her heart. “ I missed you so much Caspian.”
He took her hand in his and kissed her open palm. “Not nearly as much as I missed you.”
“ Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect you until the end of the week.”
Caspian took Brooke’s foot and expertly losing up her muscles. “ I hurried by negotiations to get back to you. Now, I want you to relax and enjoyed yourself. Close your eyes and feel.”
Brooke obeyed Caspian’s order and closed her eyes. His hands moved across her skin like butter at some times, and then as he searched out her worn overused muscles, he used a deep massage. Brooke had so many things to tell Caspian however the stress of the last few days fled as she relaxed her mind and her body. Brooke was almost in a state in total relaxation when Caspian parted her thighs and she felt warm wetness of a mouth and tongue touch her on her nub. Brooke’s eyes opened. She found Caspian’s head in between her open thighs. “ Caspian.”
“ Shh, relax. This is just for you.” With that, he lowered his head-in between her legs once again. His bold tongue found her again with a deep stroke. The wetness between her legs was like honeysuckle to him, he couldn’t get enough. He lapped at her nub, causing shivers to move throughout her body before he probed deeper inside of her hot heat. Brooke’s cried filled the room and her hands were know knotted against the sides of the massage table. Caspian was like a starving man who hadn’t had a feast in years. He pulled her down further on the table toward him to gain further access. Brooke’s legs began to shake around his shoulders as she came close to coming. His tongue stroked again, once more and then he pushed his fingers inside of her and she climaxed forcefully. Once Brooke’s cried subsided and she collapsed against the table feeling languished. Caspian picked up a handkerchief and wiped he remands of her essence off his mouth and fingers that he had slid out of her body. He gently covered her with a silk robe and carried her out of her day room to her bedroom. Pulling the covers back, he lay Brooke amid the covers and covered her. “ Caspian.” Brooke murmured.
He kissed her on her head. “Rest first. Then, we will talk.” He took her into his arms. “I’m not going anywhere. Sleep.”
Brooke nodded and for the first time in the last couple of days she slept peacefully.

Caspian slipped out of Brooke’s bedroom silently as so not to wake her when he found Ridge Forrester frowning at him standing in the hall.
“ Ridge.”
“ So, you just got back into town DeAngelo and you are at it again.”
Caspian didn’t know what Ridge was talking about. “ I beg your pardon.”
“ Do you care that there are children in this house? My daughter lives here. Little Eric is in the nursery but you don’t care about that. All you think about is boning Brooke!”
Ridge ignored the slight tightening of Caspian’s face and his hands. “ The little tete in the garden was bad enough. You took her out in the open in the garden where anyone could come across you but the sounds coming from her bedroom left little to my imagination.”
“ You watched us in the garden?”
“ I was coming to talk to Brooke, I wasn’t expecting a porn show. You were out in the open. What is about you? You can’t wait two fu(king minutes before you start opening your pants and spreading her wide?”
“ You son-of- a bitch!” Caspian roared in Italian moments before he punched Ridge across the face.

Beth was on her way upstairs when she heard a crashing sound followed by a series of grunts. Beth ran up the stairs to find Ridge sprawled out on the hallway floor with a table and a vase full of flowers knocked over. Caspian was standing over Ridge. “ Get up”
Ridge wiped the blood off of mouth. “ You bastard!” Ridge sat up and Caspian kicked out causing him to fall flat on the floor again.
Beth shoved Caspian hard out of the way. “ Stop it! Stop it right now!” She leaned over toward Ridge.
“Are you alright?” Ridge sat up giving Caspian a look of pure hatred.
“ I’ll be just find as soon as I wipe the floor with him.’
“ Do your best.” Caspian leered. “ I’ve been itching for a reason to bloody your face.”
“NO! There will be no fighting between you too.” Beth was scared. She had seen the glint of danger in Caspian’s eyes. The man was way too dangerous. When it looked like Ridge wasn’t going to comply she manipulated him with his love with Bridget. “ Think about Bridget. What if she came home to find a braw between the two of you? That poor girl had been enough, she doesn’t need this.”
Ridge looked at Caspian for a moment. He swallowed hard. “ You are right Beth. No, my daughter doesn’t need to see this.”
Beth looked Caspian. “ And what about YOU! How dare you come here and start this brawl with Ridge. You are nothing more than bully starting trouble here. You should go home now!”
“ I won’t be going anywhere. I promised Brooke that I’d be here when she awakens from her massage.”
“ Is that what you call it these days?”
“ I think you should have thought about my daughter before you started attacking Ridge.”
“ I was merely defending your daughter’s honor.”
“ Is that what you call it. From where I’m standing, you are the one treating Brooke like she is noting more than your piece of ass.” Ridge stated.
Beth gasped.
“ I have more respect for Brooke than you ever will know. My personal life with her is NONE of your business. Don’t forget that Ridge. You may be Bridget’s father but that is all you are to Brooke.”
“ Is that what you think?”
“ No. That is what I know. Because if I ever got the feeling from you that you want it to be anything other than that then you’d be in serious trouble. I keep what is mine and I don’t share.”
“ And I suppose that Logan belongs to you?”
“ Yes, she belongs to me.” Caspian took a threatening step toward Ridge. “Now I suggest that we try to forget all about this because of my love for Brooke and your daughter. I know that beating your sorry ass to a pulp would upset them because if it didn’t, you be nothing more than a bloody mess.” Caspian took out the handkerchief that was resting in his pocket. “Clean yourself up. And never, mention what you saw between Brooke and I again. It was private and not for your voyeuristic eyes, you punk ass bastard.” Caspian stepped over Ridge and headed down the stairs to clam himself down.
Beth leaned over Ridge. “ What in the world was that about?”
Ridge wiped his face. “ It was nothing Beth.”
“Ridge, that wasn’t nothing.”
“I’ll tell you what Beth. I don’t like DeAngleo, not one bit. I don’t the way that he hovers around Brooke. He is controlling and dangerous. I certainly don’t want my daughter near the likes of him. I certainly don’t plan to stand by and watch this man worm his way deeper into Logan’s or Bridget’s life.”
“ What are you saying?”
Ridge stood up. “ I’m saying that I am not going to stand for him to be involved with Brooke.”
“ If you really mean that Ridge then there is only one way to stop him.”
“ How?”
“ You. Brooke may think that she’s in love with him and maybe she is but I doesn’t even compare to what she felt for you.”
“Beth, what are you saying?”
“ Ridge, I think that you know what I’m saying. Brooke has only loved one man deeply and that’s you. If you were to make a move.”
“ Beth. Stop. You don’t know what you are saying. I’m married.”
“ I know that you love Taylor but when was the last time that you shared a happy moment with her? It’s been a long time. Then think about my daughter and all wonderful memories that you’ve shared together. Can you tell me that in the last week or so you haven’t thought about Brooke or what could have been if you’d known the truth? If you had known that Bridget was your daughter?”
“ Beth…please.”
“ Ridge, I’m not trying to pressure you. I just want you to give it some thought. Brooke and Bridget need you. Are you going to let them down? Are you going to stay committed to a woman who won’t even allow your other children to be tested to save Bridget’s life because she is jealous? Are you going to allow Brooke to be involved or god forbid, marry a man who is so dangerous that he could destroy Brooke? Caspian may have all the perfect words, the right connections and money but there is a great deal more to this man that even you know about.”
“ Beth? What are saying?”
“ I’ve said enough. I’m pleading with you to save my daughter and my granddaughter. You are the only one who can do it.”

Taylor took another sip of the vodka out of the Waterford Crystal glass. Slightly drunk she lounged on the chairs outside on the deck of her pool. The children had finished swimming and Catherine had taken them upstairs to dry off and change their clothes. Her head was slightly spinning however she preferred the buzz over the emptiness that she felt when she thought of her husband spending time once again at Brooke’s. Taylor ran the sleeve of her lounging robe across her eyes to mop off the sting tears that threatened to spill. “ I don’t care!” She bellowed “ I don’t care if Ridge is spending time with HER again.” But that was a lie. She did care. She cared that ever since he had found out that he was Bridget’s father that he didn’t confide in her. He didn’t turn to her to talk about his feelings nor about their own marriage. He didn’t understand her. He didn’t even want to work things out. Taylor stood up on shaky knees. “ Well, if he doesn’t want to try then I don’t either.” Taylor made her way over toward the bar and picked up the cordless phone. Dialing the number on shaky fingers she left a message on he answering machine. “ This is Taylor Forrester. I’d like to schedule a meeting with you. I want to reinstate my divorce proceeding.” Taylor slammed the phone down. “ That will serve you right Ridge. If you want Brooke, you can have the bitch!” Taylor suddenly felt sick to her stomach. In any minute she was going to throw up. On shaky heels, she tried in vain to run toward the bathroom, however her heals got caught in the tie of her robe and she fell. Taylor’s head hit the side of the pool for a second before her body hit fell into the water. Blood leaked out of her wound causing the blue water to turn red as Taylor’s unconscious body sank into the cold depths of the water.

Eric found it difficult to breath and his head heart badly as he awakened from his dream. The private nurse that Stephanie had hired was leaning over him. She mopped his brow and checked his heart rate on the monitor. “ Mr. Forrester. Calm down, it’s nothing more than just a bad dream.” Eric blinked for a second trying to figure how where he was. He looked around at his surroundings.
“ Where am I?” He asked weakly.
“ At your house.”
“ My house?”
“ Yes. You have a bad dream.”
“ A dream?” It was more than just a dream, wasn’t it? It seems so real. He was somewhere with this little girl. His daughter Angela was talking to him, asking him to make a choice. And she had said something about he not being the “one”, the “one” what? He tried to collect his thought and remember his dream but he couldn’t. “ Where is Stephanie?”
The nurse knew how much Mr. Forrester had relied on his wife. She had constantly been by his side since he was bought home. “ She is asleep for the night. Do you want me to get her for you?”
“No. Stephanie needs to rest.”
“ She is devoted to you.”
“ Yes, she certainly is.”

“ Your daughter came by to see you earlier.’
“ Bridget or Kristen?”
“ Kristen. I sent her home because you needed your rest as well. So now that you are up Mr. Forrester, how about we try a few of your exercises and have a bit of dinner.”

“ Can you believe that bitch? She is just doing this to get her claws into Ridge herself.” Charlie did her best not to roll her eyes at her sister. Morgan had been on a rampage ever since she had gotten home and it all had to do with Brooke not rehiring her.
“ Morgan, I think that maybe you need to calm down.”
“ Calm down? That woman is tying to ruin my career.”
“I don’t think that she is doing that. I just think that maybe she realizes that you shouldn’t be working at Forrester. Right now, things between you and Ridge are a bit strained and I don’t think that you working side by side with him would be best. Think about what this would do to his marriage to Taylor. Besides, you went through all of this to have a son you should enjoy him.” Charlie touched the tip of Dylan’s nose with her finger and cooed at the baby.
Morgan studied her sister for a moment and a look of pure hate shown through for a moment. “ You would take her side in this matter wouldn’t you?”
“ I’m not taking anybody’s side. I’m just saying that I understand Brooke’s motives. There are a lot of things going on with the Foresters and rehiring would add tension.”
“ Really? How would you know Charlie?”
Charlie had promised Ridge not to tell Morgan about Bridget being his daughter at the moment. “ Because of Eric’s heart attack. Ridge has been dealing with that issue. Not to mention Taylor.”
“ Taylor? He talked about Taylor to you. When?”
“ I don’t know. I think that other day.”
“ My, you’ve been spending a great deal of time with him lately, haven’t you?”
“Morgan, I don’t know what you are getting at.”
“You don’t? It’s no wonder you support that bitch Brooke. This is about Ridge isn’t it?”
“ Ridge?” Charlie was confused.
“ Yes” Morgan was sick of the way that Charlie defended Ridge lately. Even worse was the way that it seemed that Ridge had been spending time with her sister.“ You always wanted Ridge, didn’t you?”
“ You are being ridiculous I don’t want Ridge. Morgan I think that you need to calm down.”
“ Don’t lie to me Charlie. I used to watch you when Ridge came home with you to do that insipid project all those years ago. The way that you’d look at him with such longing when you thought that he wasn’t looking. He’d never be interested in a tight assed virgin like you. In fact, I saw how jealous of me you were when I started seeing him. How did it feel to lust after your own sister’s boyfriend? To know that late at night when you were having your little sexual dreams, that you were dreaming of him.”
Charlie shifted Dylan in her arms. “ I’m not going to stand here and listen to this bullshit Morgan. You want to take your anger out on someone. Go find someone else to torment.”
“ I’ve seen you Charlie.”
“ You see what you want. Ridge Forrester is nothing more than a spoiled playboy.”
“ Jealous?”
“ No. Just disappointed.”
Morgan crossed her arms over he breast. “ Disappointed that he still doesn’t want you?’
Charlie ignored the remark. “No, disappointed that even after all that you’ve gone through. The e-mail, the videotape, the coma, all you can think about it what you want and not the people you’ve hurt. What about Taylor? She was supposed to be your friend and you betrayed her because of your selfish need to have Ridge’s child. God, Morgan. You have this beautiful baby boy and you don’t even care. You could have died in that coma or he could have died. You don’t even remember what happened. But all you can think about is Ridge.” The baby who picked up the tension in the room started crying. Charlie rocked the baby gently before she gave her sister a sad look. “ He is beautiful. He is healthy and he is yours. Don’t concern yourself with Ridge. He isn’t the issue. Dylan should be the only priority in your life.” Charlie left the room and instantly Dylan calmed down. He smiled up at her and her heart quickened. There is a deep bond between she and the baby. Maybe it was because it was her who got up and fed Dylan since Morgan had opted not to breastfeed. Charlie spent countless time bathing, playing and holding Dylan. Charlie knew she loved Dylan like he was her own. It simply wasn’t fair that Morgan and not her would be able to have a baby. Charlie never said it but she longed for a baby more than anything. If only she hadn’t caught a horrible case of measles when she had been young, she’d be able to have a baby of her own. Morgan did love Dylan and did her best to be a good mother, but Charlie knew that her sister wasn’t the “mother” material. Morgan was too self-serving and although she might have mellowed a bit because of Dylan, she was sure her sister wanted Ridge again.

Ridge had spent some time driving around while Beth’s words replayed in his head. What she wanted him to do, he couldn’t do. Things were too complicated. He loved Taylor and their children and he couldn’t just throw his marriage away because of Brooke. If things were different, maybe. He did love Brooke and a large part of him would always be in love with her. Brooke had a way of getting to him like non-other. She was a fabulous woman, smart, beautiful and the sex was something that Ridge had never forgotten. If things had been and he had known that Bridget was his daughter he would have never left them. Beth didn’t know what she was doing to him. He wanted to protect Brooke and Bridget. Beth’s words about Caspian were ominous and he was very much concerned. The man was scary aggressive and had a way about him that Ridge didn’t trust. He didn’t want Brooke or his daughter anywhere near the man.


Caspian had gone out into the garden to collect himself. He had wanted to beat the shit out of Ridge. To know that he had sat and watched Brooke and he make love burned Caspian with a fury that he couldn’t name. So, he just paced to walk off his anger.
“ You can’t control yourself, can you?”
Caspian turned to find Beth standing the dark night. “ The rage, its all there underneath the surface of the gentleman that you pretend to be.” Caspian said nothing. “The violence and the anger it’s all there and one day, you won’t be able to control it.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about?”
“Yes you do. The part of you that your try to bury or pretend that doesn’t exist. The part of you that is filled with violence and rage. If I hadn’t stopped you, you would have hurt Ridge.”
“Why is it you think that that he is the man for your daughter?” Caspian said in a deep yet strange voice. “ He had hurt her. He has lied and betrayed her countless of times yet ever minute you get you push him in her direction. He nor any of his family members are worthy of your daughter or her love.”
“ You are the one who isn’t worthy of her.”
“ Why? What have I done?”
“ You are going to hurt her.”
“ I love her.”
“ You know nothing about love! What do you know? What do we know about you? My daughter doesn’t see you but I see the real you underneath your money, your fancy suits and your finesse. I see that you are nothing more than some thug who doesn’t understand the meaning of love. Your rage, shows through. One of these days, you won’t be able to control it and Brooke is going to pay for it just like your wife did!”
“ My wife?” Caspian eyes clouded with pain. “ What do you know about my wife?” He said in a dangerously low voice.
Beth hoped that she hadn’t betrayed herself.“ I’ve said enough.” Beth moved to try to get back into the house.
Caspian caught her and turned her around. “Answer my question. How did you know about my wife?” When she didn’t answer. His face became dangerous. “ Answer me.”
“ Get your hands off of me.”
Caspian looked down to see that he was gripping her. He instantly let her go. With bravo that she really didn’t have Beth confronted him. “ See what I mean about that violent streak?” She rubbed her arms where he had grabbed her. “ Brooke told me about your wife’s death. That you said that she fell down the stairs during argument that you had with her. Now, I have to wonder, if she really fell? “
Memories assaulted Caspian of Lark’s body as she fell down the stairs. “ It was an accident.” Caspian closed his eyes. “She fell and I’ve been living with it for all these years.”
Beth didn’t believe that it was an accident. If Caspian had allowed Lark to leave then she never would have died. “Well, I’m sorry for your loss.” She stated only for his benefit.
“ However I have to wonder what kind of argument it was that she was running away from you.”
Caspian swallowed. “ That Ms. Logan is none of your business. Just as my wife’s death is none of your business.
“That is where you are wrong. My daughter is my business and she is involved with you. If your wife died under mysterious circumstances then I have every right to be concerned.”
“ They weren’t mysterious circumstances at all. We argued. She fell. I lived with it ever since however it has nothing to do with Brooke. Brooke knows about Lark. She knows that I love my wife deeply. She also knows that I would never hurt her the way that Ridge and his family has. Ridge has betrayed Brooke. Throne has lied and cheated and nether of them could protect her. I can.”
“ Who is going to protect her from you? Because as sure as I’m standing here I know that you are going to hurt my daughter. I’m not going to allow. Sooner or later, she’ll see the truth.”
The vulnerable look that Caspian wore when taking about Lark vanished. “ What do you mean by that.”
“ You’ll see.” Beth turned and walked away.
Caspian watched her go. “ I won’t allow you to do anything to destroy my relationship Beth. Be rest assured about that.” Beth pretended that she didn’t hear Caspian but she knew that she did and she was frightened for herself and her daughter.

Kimberly took the last of the dinner out of the oven. She checked to make sure that the table was set perfectly. Her husband was coming home from his trip and she was going to give him the welcome that he deserved. She had a new lease on life and everything was perfect. He’d never look in Brooke’s direction now that Bridget was Ridge’s daughter. Even if Brooke wanted him back, there was Ridge and Caspian in her life. Thorne would be a distant memory. So, Thorne had no choice to focus on her and their baby. Hearing the keys rattle at the front door, Kimberly checked her reflection, wearing a soft pink babydoll teddy from Brooke’s Bedroom, she looked perfect for her husband.

Thorne dropped his suitcase in the foyer and picked up the mail resting on the table when he realized that he wasn’t alone. He looked up to find Kimberly standing in the living room a teddy that left little to his imagination. “ Kimberly.”
She smiled and came closer to him. “ Welcome home husband.” She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him fully on the mouth. Thorne was overcome by the onslaught and it took him a moment to pry his lips and her arms off of him. “ Kimberly, what are you doing?”
A sad look came across her face. “ I was just welcoming my husband home.”
“Yeah, but not like this.”
“Why not?” Kimberly ran her hands down her body in an enticing manner. “Don’t you find me attractive?”
Thorne looked at his wife. She was a beautiful young girl and she deserved so much better than what she had gotten from him. “ Yes, Kimberly I think you are a beautiful young woman.”
“ So what is the problem?”
“ It’s not you damn it.’ Thorne brushed past her. His life was nothing more than a big mess. He didn’t want her. All he wanted to do was to make sure that the baby was okay. The high that he felt on the trip because of the business deal that went well and because of the mystery woman vanished.
“ Then what is it?”
“ It’s nothing. When we got married it was because of you and the baby. I wanted to ensure that you were well taken care of. But it isn’t a real marriage. Surely you know that.”
“All I know is that I love you.”
“ What?” Thorne was surprised by this revelation. “ Kimberly you don’t love me. Not after what I did to you. ”
“ But I do. I know that you really didn’t mean it. I know that after that night you were really good to me.”
“ God, Kimberly, you deserve so much better than me.”
“No. I want only. It doesn’t matter that I lost Rick or that I lost my job. All that matters is you and baby.” She touched her belly. “ Please Thorne. Since you’ve been gone I’ve been so lonely.”
Lonely. Thorne knew all about loneness. That is what he had been since the day that Brooke had walked out on him. The only time that he had found some sort of comfort was when he had been in the arms of Delilah. And when he had been having sex with her, he had been breaking a vow to honor Kimberly. “ Kimberly, I know that things aren’t going too well between us and it’s my fault.”
“But it doesn’t have to be like this.” Kimberly approached him. She gently touched the side of his face. “ I know that it can be better, if just try.” She leaned forward to kiss the side of his neck.”
“ Kimberly, don’t…”
“ Please Thorne,” she said desperately as she nibbled on his neck. “ I’ve never known a man’s touch, not fully. The night you took my virginity is all that I know. I want you to show me what it can be like between us.” Her hands made their way down toward his pen*s and she held him in her hand. When she felt the stirrings of his arousal, she smiled herself. “ Please Thorne, I need you. Don’t reject me.” She moved to kiss his gently on the mouth. “ Let me have something.”
Thorne pulled back. “ I don’t love you.”
Kimberly moved her body next to his pressing the vee of her thighs against his member.
“ It’s all right. Because I love you and I want you. Just close your eyes and I can be anyone you want me to be.” Kimberly opened his pants buckle and slid her hand inside of his pants. Thorne groaned. He might not want her but his body did. “ I can even be Brooke, if you want. Just please make love to me.”

Caspian replayed his conversation with Beth again and again over in his head. It still didn’t make any sense why she hated him so much. And she did hate him, it was clear. She was almost desperate in her actions and her motivations of getting Brooke and Ridge back together. Why did she hate him? Caspian had been surprised that Brooke had told her mother about Lark however even with that knowledge it didn’t explain Beth reaction. Lark had died because of an accident. He hadn’t killed his wife nor did Brooke believe that. But Beth was a different matter. She didn’t trust him and he knew, she thought that there was more to Lark’s death. But why? Something didn’t sit right with him. Caspian didn’t have time to spend too much time on his thoughts; Brooke was the most important thing in his orbit. Caspian crawled onto the bed next to the sleeping Brooke and held her tightly. “ I love you much Brooke. I’m not going to allow anybody get in the way of us being together. Including your mother. I’ll win her over Brooke. I’ll win her over for you.” Brooke sighed in her sleep and moved toward him. Caspian smiled softly for a moment. “ I did love Lark. I loved her so much that when she died, I thought that I might die as well. I never thought that I’d find anything near that type of love again. But I did, with you. You aren’t Lark. I know that. You are two different women. You just happen to look alike. But that is all the resemblances ends.” In his heart Caspian had never wanted the question of why both Lark and Brooke looked alike. He had never had the matter investigated but something nagged at him to do so. He needed to know why they looked alike in order to explain part of it to Brooke when she asked. He knew at she would ask just as she knew that she’d be hurt when he told her the truth. He just hoped that she loved him enough to forgive him. He was going to tell her everything. He loved her. He wanted to marry her and for her to be his wife, he was going to have to come clean about the Lark.

Bridget had the biggest smile on her face when came through the front door. “ Mom” she called out but she didn’t get any response. She immediately headed to her mother’s bedroom. Her date had been so perfect that she hadn’t wanted it to end. She had wished that she could have stayed there forever, not thinking about her problems or her illness. She knocked for a second and then stepped into the room. She found her mother curled up on the bed asleep. “Night mom”, she whispered as she kissed her gently on the top of her head. Leaving her room, she noticed the broken flowers and vase on the floor. She picked up a piece of broken glass and cut her finger. “ Shit”. Bridget headed to the hallway bathroom and ran cool water on her finger as tiny drops of blood fell into the sink. “ Are you alright?”
Bridget screamed when she saw Caspian’s reflection in the mirror behind her. “ My god. You scared me to death.”
“ I’m sorry.”
“ Do you always sneak up on people or is it just only me?”
“ Just you.” Bridget smirked.
“ But I am sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Caspian took Bridget’s injured finger and ran cleaned it off with a cloth. “Where are the band-aids?”
“ In my bathroom.”
“Come on.”
Bridget led Caspian to her bedroom and into her bathroom. She sat on the toilet as he took out a band-aid and gently wrapped it around her finger. “ There, there. All better.”
Bridget waved her finger. “ What about you that you are always saving me from something?”
Caspian shrugged. “ It’s the Italian in me. We like to think that we are the protectors of our women. But I’ll tell a secret.”
“ What?”
“ We are nothing without our women. The women are ferocious.”
Bridget smiled. “Are you the reason that my mom is sleeping with a big smile on her face?”
“ Maybe.”
“ I think so.”
“ You do? And what would you know about that?” Caspian lightly touched Bridget on the side of her neck where a strawberry red mark lay. Bridget colored and jumped up. Rushing to the mirror, she saw the love mark that Scott had left on her. She covered the mark with her hair.
“ It isn’t what you think that it is.”
“ It isn’t?”
“No. Well…”
“ You mother didn’t mention that you had a boyfriend.”
“ I don’t have a boyfriend.” Caspian looked at her as if he didn’t believe her. “ That is…well, there is somebody.”
“ This somebody. Is someone that you mother wouldn’t like?”
“ No. Mom does like him but it’s just. It isn’t what you think. This is just a hickey and it’s never gone beyond. I mean I’m still a…” Bridget turned red. “ I can’t believe that I’m talking to you about this.”
“ Being a virgin isn’t something to be ashamed of Bridget.”
“ Most girls aren’t.”
“ You are special. Don’t ever try to lower your expectations to theirs.” Caspian didn’t want to mettle but Bridget was young and needed a bit of guidance. If he had a daughter, he’d want her to hold on her virginity until she found the right man who’d cherish her.
He knelt down on the bathroom floor. “Tell me, does this young man expect you to…”
Bridget cut Caspian off. “ No. He isn’t like that. He is sweet and even though he has experience. Probably lots of it, he doesn’t expect that from me.” Caspian was concerned. Sometimes men lied to young girls. “ If this young man is as wonderful as you say, how come you haven’t told your mother about him?”
“ Because it’s complicated.”
“ It doesn’t have to be Bridget. If he wants to be in your life then your mother should know about me.”
“ She has enough on her plate with my illness with Ridge and this thing with Taylor. I don’t want her to worry.”
“ That an excuse.”
Bridget eyes narrowed. “ How do you know? You don’t know a thing about me?”
Caspian saw the fire in Bridget and knew she had taken after her mother. “ My mother wasn’t so forthcoming about you.”
“ You are right. Maybe she should have been but she was trying to cut me out of her life because believed that she belonged with Thorne. And you are right, I don’t know much about you Bridget. But I do know what your mother had told me and I do know what I’ve seen. You are a special young lady and this young man is very lucky to have you. If you are experiencing your first taste of love, you should share it with your mother. She should only be a part of the heartaches that come along with parenting but also the joys. Share your joy with her.”
Bridget felt bad for the harsh comment that she made toward him. “ I didn’t mean to yell at you. I mean…”
“ It’s okay. You are right. You don’t really know me. I’m hoping to change that.”
Bridget smiled. “ I’m hoping to get to know you better because my mom is really crazy about you.” Bridget sighed for a moment. “ You are not going to tell her are you?”
Teenagers. Caspian hoped never to have a daughter; he’d never rest if he did. He smiled.
“ No. But you are.”
Bridget thought about Scott it was time that they were honest with her parents. “Okay, but not right now.”
“ Bridget.”
“ Caspian please. Just give me a day or two a the most. Please.” Bridget gave him one of the most breathtaking smiles that she had ever seen.
“ Alright little Butterfly.”
Bridget squealed with delight and laughed herself into Caspian arms. Caspian was caught off guard for a moment and then he enclosed his arms around the young girl. More and more, Brooke’s family was becoming his own.

Thorne rolled out of the bed. He looked back at a sleeping and naked Kimberly amidst the sheets. Cursing to himself, he reached for his clothing on the floor. What the hell had he been thinking? Using her for sex. He didn’t love her. Hell, he couldn’t even have sex with her without thinking of Brooke. It had been Brooke’s body that he had lost himself in the first time. And for the second time that he went at it with Kimberly, it had been Dahlia’s body that he released his seed into. He was a weak man. Thorne went to his own bedroom and splashed cold water on his face. He’d never allow this to happen again. He would never take Kimberly to bed again, no matter how much she begged. She didn’t love him. She was confused. She was just an innocent kid whose life he had destroyed. Thorne showered and threw on a pair of worn jeans and a T-shirt. He had to get away from her and the mess that he created. Like a thief in the middle of the night, he slipped out of the condo, leaving his young wife alone in her bed.

Ridge pulled up to the drive to his house to find a police car and an ambulance in the drive. His heart hammering so, he quickly ran into the house. “Taylor! Katherine!” No body answered but Ridge could hear crying from the patio. Running down the hall toward the back, he raced down the stairs. What greeted him made his heart stop. “ No1 My god! No!” Ridge rushed forward when a paramedic tried to stop him.
“ Sir you’ve got to calm down.”
“No! That’s my wife. Please, please tell me that she’s alright!” Fear gripped Ridge’s heart.
“ Sir, we are doing our best.” Ridge watched as the paramedics hovered over Taylor and pumped air into her lungs through a mouthpiece. Blood covered her face mingling with her black hair while her fingers and hands had a bluish tint to it.
His children were weeping next to Catherine.
Ridge pushed the paramedics aside and rushed over toward his prone wife. “Taylor, please baby. Open your eyes.”
“ Sir, you’ve got to step back.”
Tears fell out of Ridge’s eyes. “ I can’t lose you Doc. Please open your eyes.”
Suddenly, Taylor body convulsed. The paramedics pulled the bag away and water gushed out of Taylor’s mouth. She coughed once, twice and struggled for air.
“Thank god. Oh thank god.” Ridge cried. He took Taylor into his arms. “ Doc, thank god you came back to me.”
Taylor was confused. Her head was killing her and she was cold. Ridge was above her crying. “ Ridge, what’s wrong?’
Ridge looked into his wife’s beautiful face. “ Nothing. Nothing is wrong baby because I’ve got you and I’ve never letting you go.”
“ Mr. Forrester, if you don’t mind, we’d like to ensure that your wife is alright and take a look at that gash on her face.”
“ Alright.” Ridge said smiling down at Taylor.
“ You have a let go of her first.”

Brooke awakened to find herself in an empty bedroom. “ Caspian?” She hoped that he had not left for the night. She had wanted to at least talk with him and she had missed his presence. She opened her bedroom door and she heard his laughter down the hallway. Brooke followed the sound and was surprised to find Caspian in her daughter’s bedroom. They both were laughing at something. Bridget looked up to see her mother.
“Mom, you are up.”
Caspian’s eyes lit up with joy at seeing her. “ Looks like sleeping beauty has finally arisen.”
“ And not too soon.” Brooke said as she stepped into the room. “ What are you two up too?”
Bridget showed Brooke a piece of Japanese artwork. “ This is Ukiyo-e, it’s an originally piece can you believe it?”
Brooke had no idea what Bridget was talking about. “Ukiyo-e? What is that?”
“Ukiyo-e was an artistic style that attracted a great deal of attention during the Edo period in Japan as well as in Europe during the 19th century. It revolutionized the Japanese artic style and world. Before the pictures used were of Lords and Emperors, Ukiyo-e was a style in which depicted the inhabitants of theaters, courtesans, kabuki, which were actors, and other more common themes. This piece of work dates back to the one of the earliest timeframes.” Bridget’s fingers touched the glass, which encased the original print. “ If you look closely you can see where the ink blocks were created. See this style of screening in used a carved wood block prints were painted with ink as a sort of press before color was added. It’s totally amazing.” Bridget said with awe. “ In my artistic literature class, we talked about them but I never thought that I’d own one.”
“ Own one?”
“ It was a gift.” Caspian stated. “ I thought that Bridget would enjoy it.”
Brooke frowned. “ What does one of the these originally Ukiyo-e usually run?”
Bridget looked at Caspian and then her mother she knew that it was almost priceless.
“ They are very expensive.” Bridget touched the painting again wistfully. “ I can’t take it.”
Caspian wanted the girl to have the piece of work.“ Yes you can.”
“ I don’t know. It’s expensive gift for Bridget.” Brooke stated.
“ Listen, it was given to me by a friend. A man who wants to continue to do business with me. I had to accept it but I’ve got plenty of artwork in my private gallery at home. I don’t need more. I though Bridget would enjoy it.”
Bridget looked at her mother who wasn’t sure if she should allow her daughter to have such an expensive gift. Caspian moved behind Brooke and wrapped his arms around her.
“ Please.” He murmured gently in Brooke’s ear. “ I want her to have it. Look at her face, she loves it.”
Brooke sighed. “ Why are you making it so hard for me to say no.”
“Because I want her to have it. Besides, its an investment for her Brooke.”
Brooke saw the joy and excitement in Bridget’s eyes. “ Caspian, it’s expensive.”
“ I wasn’t trying to buy her if that is what you are thinking.”
“ No. Honey I know you better than that.” Brooke hesitated for a moment. “ Alright she can keep it.”
“ Yes!” Bridget screamed with glee. “ I love you mom.” She hugged her mother tightly.
“ I love you too.”
Brooke turned to Caspian. “ No more expensive gifts. You understand. I don’t want her to be spoiled rotten like some of her friends.”
“ Who me? Mom that could never happen.”
“Alright young lady. Get to bed. In the morning we will decide where to hang your investment and get the insurance agency down here to appraise it.”
“ Alright.”
“ Don’t worry Bridget, she’s just a little jealous. But I didn’t forget her gift.” Caspian said with a wink as he left the room.
Brooke gave him a knowing look before she stopped and turned around. “ Oh and Bridget.”
“ Yes mom.”
“ In the morning, you can tell me all about that hickey you are trying to hide.”
The color drained out of Bridget’s face as Brooke closed her daughter’s bedroom door.

The ringing of the phone pierced loudly into the dark room. Kimberly woke up and reached for the phone. “ Hello.”
“ Mrs. Forrester?”
“Yes”
“ There is a young lady downstairs. She says that she is a friend of your but she isn’t on the list.”
“ Tell, her to come back tomorrow. I’m not taking anymore visitors for tonight.”
Kimberly rolled over and was disappointed to find her husband missing. “ Thorne.”
“ Mrs. Forrester.”
“ What Greg.”
“ She says that it’s a matter of importance.”
Kimberly took the cordless and walked into Thorne bedroom to find it was empty.
“ Mrs. Forrester.”
“ God Greg. Who is it?”
“ It’s a woman named Honey.”
The color drained out of Kimberly’s face. “No! No! Damn it!” Kimberly threw the phone of the floor. Tonight she had gotten everything that she had ever dreamed of. She wasn’t going to let anyone especially that bitch Honey ruin it.


Dr. Levine rubbed her tired eyes and was headed home for the night when Dr. Greg Huslan stopped her. “Dr. Levine, we had the matter the Forrester paternity situation investigated and the results are in.”
Dr. Levine ushered Dot. Huslan into her office. “ And what was found?”
“You aren’t going to like it.” He handed her the file.
She read the information. “ These are his bank statement, how did you get those?”
We used some underhanded methods. Charles is friend with the owner of he back. As you can see Christopher Hasting was making monthly deposits up until he died. These deposits occurred directly right after he was in charge of he Forrester paternity DNA testing. It seems like he received a payoff. From our investigation, we are at fault because it looks like someone bribed Christopher to change those test.”

Ridge carried a tray of food into his bedroom. Taylor was sitting amidst the pillows in a pale pink nightgown. She smiled softly when she saw her husband. “ Ridge, that isn’t necessary.”
Ridge handed Taylor a cup of steaming hot tea. “ Doc, you are going to stay in bed and rest all day tomorrow.”
“ But Ridge.”
“No buts.” Ridge cupped his wife’s face gently. He was careful not to mess up the butterfly stitches that covered her head. “ You been through so much lately and I haven’t been there for you. Not like I should and I am so sorry. I’m sorry for all the pain that I put you through. When I saw you laid out on the side of the pool….all I could think about is the arguing that we have been doing the last couple of days. And all that I wanted you to do is make it up to you. I want to make everything up to you.”
Tears filled Taylor’s eyes. “ Ridge, I’m sorry for scaring. If I hadn’t been drinking.”
“ Shh. No. It isn’t your fault. I haven’t been the type of husband that I should have been to you. I should of have been more open and honest with you especially when I found out about Bridget.”
“ That’s all that I wanted. Is for you to need me. Tonight when I found out that you were going to Brooke’s again it just upset me so much. I thought about you taking her side once again.”
“ Taylor, I’m taking Brooke’s side. There are no sides right now. I wasn’t going to see Brooke. I wanted to see Bridget. Then I was coming home to you and to our children.”
“ God, what have I done to you to make you insecure?”
“ I wasn’t always like this Ridge. But with Morgan…”
“ Baby I’m so sorry for what happened with Morgan.”
“ I know that you are or least my brain tells me that but when I see Dylan it just reminds me of what happened between you to and it hurts. It hurts to know that you went to her and she had your baby.”
Ridge closed his eyes and brought Taylor close to him. “ Taylor I can’t tell you how sorry that I am for hurting and betraying our marriage but I promise you that I will never do that again.”
“ I want to believe you but I hear that you are spending so much time with Brooke.”
“ Brooke isn’t an issue.”
“ She is for me. She loved and she’ll always love you and know you share Bridget. Don’t tell me she isn’t issue because she will always be one.”
“ I’ll make a promise to you to talk about everything. Including Brooke. Listen. Right Bridget needs and Brooke needs my support but that is all that it is. I swear to you that there is nothing more to it than that. Brooke’s feelings for me are in the past. We share and daughter and a friendship but that’s all that it is.” Ridge tilted her head up gently.
“ I married you and I love you. I’m committed to you. You and our children. But that doesn’t mean that I can abandon Bridget or Dylan.”
“ I don’t want you to abandon your children. Bridget is a wonderful young girl although she can be stubborn. I know that you love her deeply.”
“ I’m worried about her but lets not talk about Bridget or Brooke or even Dylan right now. Let’s focus on you.”
Taylor smiled. “ I’d like that. Do you know what else that I’d like?”
“No. What?”
“I’d like for us to go away.”
“ Away?”
“ On a family trip. Think about it. You, me and the children. It would be wonderful. How about St. Thomas? We could go back to where it all started.”
“ St. Thomas, Taylor…”
“Please Ridge. I need this.”
How could Ridge say no? He hadn’t given Taylor or the children the time that they needed. “ Alright. St. Thomas it is.”
“ Oh, Ridge. I do love you.” Taylor pulled Ridge’s head down for a kiss.

Caspian stretched out beside Brooke. She was beautiful lying in her robe with the light scent of Jasmine on her skin. Although he wanted nothing more than to make love to her, just lying down next to her was enough for now. “ Do you want your gift right now?”
“ No.” Brooke lightly fingered Caspian’s lower lip. “ Do you want to tell me what you and my daughter were discussing?”
“ No” He captured her finger and gently kissed it.
“ Do you about her hickey?”
“ Maybe.”
“And you aren’t telling? Building alliances with my children, what should I do about that?”
Caspian stretched his arms behind him. “ You can always punish me.” Her laughter filled his heart with such joy. Brooke wrapped her body around Caspian’s. She entwined her fingers with his.
“ She likes you know. Even without the gift she’s taken to you. Bridget doesn’t normally like anyone that I see. She’s held up hope for Ridge and I. The bond that you are creating with her is amazing.”
“ She’s the one that is amazing.” He pulled her closer to him and kissing her thoroughly before he pulled his lips away. He than gently fingered her bottom lip. “ She’s a lot like her mother.” Brooke’s smile faded. “ What’s wrong?”
“ There is something that I have to tell you.”

Honey walked into Kimberly’s condo looking around at the expensive furniture. “ Nice place. Boy, you’ve really moved up in the world.”
“ What do you want?”
“ What? I can’t come by and visit a friend. A very rich friend, I might add.”
“ I’m not rich.”
“ You are Mrs. Thorne Forrester and he’s a very rich man.”
“ What do you want?”
Honey checked her makeup in the mirror. “ Well, maybe I want just talk to your husband.”
“My husband isn’t here.”
Honey plopped down on the plush sofa. “ I can wait.”
“ No, you can’t.”
“Alright. I’ll give you the rundown. You see, we have friend in common.”
“ What friend?”
“ Gunter O’Neal”
Kimberly stopped. Honey smiled. “ I thought that would get your attention. You see he and I this thing going from time to time. Right now he’s incarcerated for drug thing but he says he’s innocent.”
“ Well, I don’t know that it has to do with me.”
“ Oh, I believe him. See, he’s really pissed because it was Brooke Forrester’s boyfriend who set him up.”
“ What are you talking about?”
“ The Italian. The sexy one, well, he’s connected or something. He set Gunter because of the little “rape” that you set up to occur.”
“ I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“ Okay, well maybe your husband will want to hear the story. I can tell him about that and also about the night that you wanted me to take some pictures with him.”
Kimberly’s face contorted with rage. “ What do you want?”
“ Money and lots of it.”

Brooke told Caspian everything that had occurred between she and Taylor. She told him of how Taylor had refused to have her children tested. Then, she had told him how she had contacted Allen Shipman. Lastly, she told him of her plan to take down Taylor Forrester.
Brooke’s yellow-green eyes found Caspian. “ So, what do you think?”
“ I think that it will work.” Caspian read the surprise in Brooke’s eyes. “ You thought that I’d censure you?”
“ No. I didn’t think it’s just. It still strange the way that you support me no matter what.”
He didn’t understand why this surprised her. Didn’t she understand that no matter what she did, he’d always support her? “It’s not strange Brooke. I do support you. You are protecting your daughter.”
“ Is that what I’m doing?” Brooke scooted off the bed. “ The last few days have been so stressful to me. I don’t want to do this. This something Stephanie would do. She would act callously and manipulate people without any thought.”
“ You are doing that.”
“ Aren’t I?” Brooke ran her fingers through her long hair. “ I’m threatening to destroy Ridge’s marriage.”
“ But for your daughter.” Caspian took Brooke in his arm, his chest resting against her back.” He kissed the top of her head. “ You are fighting for your daughter’s life. Taylor made a choice and you are giving Ridge time to get her to change her mind. If she doesn’t, then what choice does have?”
Brooke wrung her hands together. “ I just don’t to be like Stephanie.”
Caspian’s heart broke. She was such a gentle caring woman. It went against her grain to do what she planned. “ I could handle this for you.”
Brooke turned in Caspian’s arms. “ I know that you would. And it would be easy for me to let you handle it. However I can’t let you. This is my fight. I’m just hoping that I don’t have Ridge or destroy his family.” Caspian gathered Brooke into his arms tightened his hold on her. Caspian had every intention of helping Brooke if it came to it. If Taylor wouldn’t budge, there were other ways to get what he wanted. He would use them if necessary. He’d do anything in his power to make sure that Bridget got the bone marrow that she needed. He'd do anything for Brooke.

Against All Odds Chapter 95 (Raised Stakes) Chapter Review
Caspian returns home to give Brooke a well needed massage and some tender-loving care. Later, he runs into Ridge at the house and the two become embroiled into a fight, which is broken up by Beth. Beth blats Caspian, however she pulls Ridge asides and tells him to fight for Brooke’s love. Ridge tells Beth, that he is committed to his family, however he notices the fear in Beth’s eyes and wonders why she is so scared. Beth berates Caspian for his violent actions and mentions his wife’s death. Caspian wonders why Beth hates him so much. Bridget and Caspian share a tender bonding moment, however he sees her hickey and suggest that she tells her mother about her “boyfriend.”
Taylor, who is upset at the fact that Ridge is at Brooke’s again, drinks and stumbles into the pool, hitting her head. Ridge arrives home to find the paramedics working on his wife and is relived when she is all right. Ridge promises to commit himself to Taylor and the children. Taylor suggests that they go to St. Thomas and a reluctant Ridge agrees. Investigators begin to investigate Chris Hastings and his back records. Thorne comes home to Kimberly who tries to seduce her unwilling hubby. Feed up with hurt, Thorne makes love to his wife and however he pretends it’s Brooke and his mystery woman. Kimberly awakens alone but her joy of bedding her husband is shattered when Honey shows up. Honey tells Kimberly that she’ll tell her husband the truth, if she doesn’t pay her. Brooke awakens and allows Caspian to give Bridget an expensive piece of artwork. She later tells him of her plan and he supports her although she is upset at the fact that it will destroy Ridge and Taylor’s marriage. Brooke hopes that Taylor will come to her senses.

 

 

Against All Odds Chapter 96 (Diamonds And Promises)

Connor packed the last of his clothing in his suitcase. He and KC were due in the airport in less than an hour. The weekend had been wonderful and although KC’s father was still somewhat reluctant to accept him, after last night, he knew that Kurt respected him. A frown marred Connor’s face, although Kurt respected him, it still didn’t change the fact that Millicent McGromery was nothing more than a racist bigot and he wanted nothing to do with her. Charles had been a long standing client of Connor’s and worth millions however after last night he was sure to take his business elsewhere. That wasn’t what bothered Connor, he didn’t care about that, but what bothered him was that he thought that Charles was a good and honorable man. He never thought that he would raise his daughter to be like that way she was. Worse yet, he had seen flash of pain in KC’s eyes and it had almost killed him. His beautiful loving fiancé had never flattered though by Millicent’s rude behavior, she didn’t cower; instead, she acted like a regal queen and stood proudly by his side. Connor didn’t let Millicent’s comment go, he loved KC more than he had loved any woman and he wasn’t ever going to allow people to put her down.
{Flashback}
Kurt, Nichelle, Connor and KC had a wonderful evening. The event had been wonderful. The food was wonderful, the music divine and company couldn’t have been better. There were the stars who had come such as Oprah Winfry, Ned Betty, Johnnie Chockran and even one of Connor’s favorite singers, Sing. However none of them held a candle to just spending the night in the arms of KC. She was so stunning and she had everyman and woman eating out of her hands with charm. Connor had been going over to the bar to get champagne when he heard a voice that he recognized.
“Connor. Connor. That is you, isn’t it?” Connor turned around and saw a beautiful blonde wearing a haute couture in an amber colored taffeta gown.
“ Millicent.”
She kissed Connor quickly on both of his cheeks. “ What are you doing here in New York?”
“ I’m here visiting my fiancé’s family.”
“ You fiancé? Connor, I had no idea that you were engaged. I must meet this lucky woman.”
Connor took the champagne and headed toward KC who was talking to her mother. “KC darling.” He kissed KC on the lips gently. “ I want you to meet an old acquaintance of mind. Millicent Whitney. Millicent’s father is an old client of mine.
Millicent looked in horror at the woman whom Connor stated that he was engaged to. It couldn’t be right. She studied the woman’s hand and saw her diamond sparking on it.
“ It’s very nice to meet you Millicent.” KC held out her hand to Millicent however Millicent only clashed the tip of KC’s fingers. Nichelle watched the woman and clearly saw the surprise on her face. Even worse, she saw the look of revulsion that crossed her face. Millicent gave Connor a confused looked. “ Connor, what is going on here?”
“ What are you talking about?”
Millicent looked at KC again. “ Connor we need to talk, in private.”
“There is nothing to say in private.”
“ Whatever you need to say to Connor, you can say it in front of me. So I think that you need to say it and move on.”
Connor studied KC and smiled and took her hand. Kurt wanted to step forward however Nichelle stopped him with a look.
“ Connor…KC. I’m sure that you are a wonderful woman. However, Connor you are going places in this world. Your practice is well known in L.A as one of the best. There isn’t anything that you can’t do. You don’t want anything to hold you back.”
“ Hold me back?”
“Yes. You successful and who knows you one day want a judgeship or you might want to run for office. You don’t need anything holding you back.”
“Hold me back. Such as?”
Millicent noticed the tick in Connor’s cheek but she thought it best to tell him the truth. She sighed and then she noticed the look of the black man standing next to the woman who was talking to KC. She took a step back and then swallowed. “Such as marrying the wrong person. Of course.”
“ I’m let me get this straight. I’m that?” KC said with anger in her voice.
Millicent played with her hair. “ Well, I don’t know you and I’m sure that you are a nice person and all but you see that a woman like you.”
“ Like me. Do you mean black?”
“ I didn’t say that.”
“ You didn’t have to. It was right there in your eyes and in your insipid comment. You are right about one thing, you don’t KC or me.” Connor stated. “ But I do know YOU or I thought that I did.” Connor shook his head. “ You really amaze me Millicent. For a woman with all your upbringing and so called class, you are not more than a spoiled rotten bigot.”
Millicent jumped. “ How dare you?”
“Easily because I can.”
“ Connor, there is no reason for you to be upset. I’m just thinking about your future. Having a wife with so many difference than you can hurt your career.”
“ See that is what your problem is Millicent. You are always worried about what people around you think instead of thinking about what you want. I don’t give a damn what anybody says or thinks about my marriage to KC because I love this woman.” Connor turned toward KC. “ This woman has brought me more joy and happiness than I ever thought that I’d ever been allowed. I don’t give a damn what the world things. The only thing that I worry about is being good enough for her. She is all that matters to me.” He kissed KC on the lips for a long kiss before he turned back to Millicent. “ Now, if you don’t mind, I think that you should leave, you and your racist ideas are polluting the air.”
“ Well I never.”
“ I think you have Millicent, after all, you’ve been married three times, my last count. Maybe you ought to spend time thinking about my your marriages don’t work instead of being worried about my wonderfully happy life.”
Millicent turned an ungodly shade of red. “ My father is going to hear about this.”
“ I quite sure that he will.” Connor replied with very little interest as Millicent stalked away.
Kurt had watched the entire seen with and saw how Connor had defended his daughter.
“ Her father. He is a big client of yours?”
“ Yes.”
“ You’ll probably lose him.”
Connor kissed KC’s fingers gently. “ I could lose a million clients like him and I wouldn’t care. I’ll have your daughter and she is worth it.”
Nichelle smiled and took Kurt’s hand. “ Let’s leave them alone. I want to dance.” Kurt didn’t argue with his wife. He led her to the dance floor.
“ Dad’s right. You might lose her father.”
“ I meant what I said KC. I don’t care. I love you. You are the best thing that ever happen me and I’ve never going to let anyone make you or me feel bad about us.”
KC clasped Connor’s hand. “ She won’t be the only. There will be more people who feel that way. Just look at how my dad is taking this. We will have people who thoughts were friends and who are family who are going to be against us.”
“ I know. I’ve accepted it.”
“ Both black and white people who won’t understand us or our children. But I know if we stand by each other that we are going to make it. I love you Connor.”
“ And I love you KC. More than you ever know.”
{Fade back to present}
Nichelle peered into the bedroom that KC and Connor had shared. The man looked deep in thought and you didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what he was thinking about. Taking a moment to smooth out her tan colored slacks and multi-colored silk blouse, she stepped into the room.
“Thinking about last night?”
Connor was jarred out of his thoughts. “ What?”
“ I caught you thinking about last night. And before you go to answer no, I can tell you are because you’ve got a line right here.” She traced the line that had suddenly appeared between his brows.”
He threw his slacks down in the suitcase. “ You caught me.”
“ I had a feeling that you’d be focused on it. Finding out that people you care for or like are not everything you think can be difficult at times.”
“ It isn’t that.”
Nichelle gave him a look that let him know that she didn’t quite believe him. “ So, you’ve been through this sort of thing before?”
“ No. I haven’t. I’m pissed as hell that someone I liked could be so nasty and such a…”
“ A bitch” Nichelle supplied.
“ Yes, such a bitch.” He sighed heavily. “ Don’t get me wrong, I always knew that she could be bitchy at times. But for Millicent to say those things. I wanted to wrap my arms around her neck and just choke her.”
Nichelle hid he smile. A man like Connor had convictions however he knew how to say cool and level headed so to see him so upset about last night allowed her to see an even more passionate side to the man her daughter loved. It pleased Nichelle. She had always thought that Coron was passionless and wondered what kind of husband he would have been to her daughter. Though level headed, something had been missing. Truthfully, Jackson worried her as well. Though they had been friends, there had always been something under the surface, something passionate and possessive at the way that he’d look at KC. Nichelle had suspected that one day her daughter and Jackson would be more than friends, she just hadn’t realized how power hungry Jackson had been. So, power-hungry that he’d crush her daughter in his zest for power. Nichelle would never forgive him for betraying her daughter, their friendship or even her own family’s love for him. Nichelle thought focused back on Connor, he was different. White or no, the man loved her daughter and was a mixture of strength, honesty and passion. Better than that, he was committed totally to her daughter. “ Connor, I can understand you being upset however you handled it properly.” Nichelle put her hand on his shoulder. “You handled it well.”
“ I wish that I hadn’t had to do anything.”
“ That won’t be the last time that you might have to support your decision to be with my daughter. When you get married, you will have friends and business associates who will act differently because of she is black.”
“ I don’t care that she is black. I don’t see color when I see KC. I see the woman that I love. Nichelle, KC being black is just an assets to her not an impediment. I love her. I want her in my life as MY WIFE. I want to spend my nights holding her and my days doing my best to make her dreams come true. I’m not going to let anybody or anything get in the way of that.”
“ That is good to hear but you do know that things are going to be difficult for both you and my daughter not to mention any children that you have.”
“ I don’t care Nichelle. As long as KC and I are together and strong that is all that matters.”
“ Even if you have clients who think last night?”
“Even with clients like last night.”
Nichelle smiled. “ You know she and her brother Corey are our world. We only want what is best for them.”
Connor nodded. He wished that he had met KC’s charismatic brother however he had been away on a ski trip with his friends. If you have children, there will be people who turn them away. Whites will say that they are black and some blacks will say that they aren’t black enough. Things will be difficult.”
“ Not to me. Things would be way more difficult if I didn’t have her in my life.”
Nichelle was silent for a moment before her lit up with a smile. “ I think that you are going to be very good for my daughter. Connor, I’m glad that I could depend on you with her being gone her father and I worry a little.”
“ It’s only natural.”
“ No matter how old your children get, you never stop worrying about their happiness. I’ve wanted my child to find the kind of happiness that Kurt and I share.” Nichelle picked up and studied a picture of her daughter. “ KC is independent. Always was and very talented but she needs roots. Family, commitment, love and god are all rooted in her upbringing. We instilled those things in both of our children. When she moved to Paris it worried me. She would never say it but her breakup with Coron changed her life drastically that I was concerned that she wouldn’t want to come home.”
“ She was very hurt when that relationship ended.”
“ But maybe it was best although the way that it ended wasn’t the best for her.”
“She told me that Coron made it difficult.”
“ Yes, he did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not excusing my daughter’s actions she my made a horrible mistake.”
“Her sleeping with Jackson.”
“ She made a mistake. A horrible one but I think what makes it worse is that the entire thing was set up by Coron’s mother. I’ll never forgive that man for being part of this family and throwing it all away for business. I don’t care how much money or how much stock he was offered.”
Connor had known all about Jackson and night that he had spent with KC. KC had been honest about her how guilty and horrible that she had felt when she had realized that she had given into her feelings and betrayed Coron. However, Connor had seen more pain in her eyes when she mentioned Jackson’s name. The man had hurt her deeply.

Bridget glanced in the mirror once again. The bright red strawberry mark was almost invisible thanks to the concealer that she wore; it was just too bad that her mother had already seen the mark. She had to come clean; she had basically run out of time. Bridget pulled on the cream-colored silk camisole top that matched her cream-colored Capri pants. Leaving her hair down, she put a bit of Oyster Girl lip-gloss on lips before she headed quickly down the stairs. Bridget spotted her mother on the phone; she had been on the phone for the last half an hour or so. She was speaking to Blair in France about a matter concerning Forrester. Bridget picked up her car keys off the hallway table and snuck out the front door.

Taylor snuggled back into bed as Ridge brought forth a breakfast tray. “ What’s this?’
Placing the tray on the bed, Ridge uncovered the covered dishes. The aroma instantly filled the air with sweet crapes and soft sweet fresh country ham. A fresh mango had been cut along with strawberries. “This is nothing more than breakfast for my beautiful wife.” Ridge used a perfect rose to trace the delicate frame of Taylor’s face.
“ I’ve had your cooking remember.”
“ Who said that I cooked it?” Ridge took he fork and cut off a piece of crepe for Taylor. He feed it to her. Taylor savored the wondrous taste for a moment.
“ Hmm. This is good.”
“ Not as good as feeding it to you.” Ridge fed her another forkful. Taylor couldn’t remember being this happy in a very long time.


Brooke hung the phone up and replaced her files back into her briefcase. “Thank god for you Thorne.” She murmured. Thorne had single-handedly taken care of the problem in Paris and things were running much more smoothly. With she and Ridge tied up and Eric out of commission, he had been the perfect choice. Brooke had considered in the past of giving him more responsibility at Forrester and the deal that he conducted proved that he was certainly ready for more than he had been doing. Brooke picked up the phone again and made a call to Megan. “ Megan, I need you to do me a big favor.” Brooke spent the next fifteen minutes talking to Megan before she hung up the phone. A light smile crossed her face and stayed there while she headed toward Bridget’s bedroom. She rapped lightly on the door for moment before entered. Brooke found Bridget’s bedroom neat and empty. “Bridget”, she called as she entered her bathroom. Brooke searched the den, the library and the kitchen for Bridget. It wasn’t until she looked outside and saw that her car was gone that Brooke realized she was gone. “ You little sneak.” Brooke was not only hurt but she was angry. She had told Bridget that she was going to talk with her about that hickey and she had deliberately left. Sick or no, Brooke had given her daughter a direction and she didn’t follow it. Brooke picked up her keys, briefcase and sunshades. She had work to do at Forrester however when she finally caught up with her daughter Bridget was going to get way more than a tongue lashing when Brooke finished with her.

The warm bodied blonde that Deacon had spent the night with was resting peacefully next to him as the rays of the sunlight filtered through his bedroom balcony. A creature of the night, he’d only been asleep for a couple hours however he had a meeting with his investment broker and before that, he had important meeting with Nico. He pulled the sheet away from Martia leaving her naked. Smiling like a cat, which had just received a bowl of cream, he smacked her on her butt. Martia screeched for a moment almost falling off the bed until strong arms pulled her safely. “ Deacon, you ass. Why did you do that?”
Deacon stretch out. “ I’m hungry.”
Martia frowned. “ Why don’t you get that someone on your staff of yours to cook something.”
“ Who said that I was hungry for breakfast?” His finger crept to her nipples and stroked one until it became hard. “ I don’t want breakfast. I want you.” Martia wasn’t too surprised by Deacon’s request. The man was almost insatiable. Martia shivered with need as he pulled her body on top of his and his mouth played against her breast just as she lowered herself on his member.



Rick was reviewing the net profits for the last quarterly sales of the Men’s Line when his sister popped into his office. He eyed her suspiciously for a moment. “ You are in big trouble. Mom has been looking for you.”
“ I know. But I had to do something.”
Rick put the profits down. “So, Budge, what did you do now? Whatever it is it must be good because she had been too worried lately to be mad at you. And, just in case you don’t know, from the sound of her voice. She is pretty pissed with you.”
Bridget sighed and plopped into the chair directly across from Rick. “ Do you get mad that your office is so much smaller than the other ones in this building?'
“ Nice try Budge.” He rapped her on top of her head with a paper. “ Now tell me what you did.”
Bridget rolled her eyes. “ I didn’t do anything. I have a new boyfriend.”
“ A new boyfriend.” Rick studied his sister for a moment. “ One that you don’t think that mom for dad would approve of.”
“ Mom and Dad would like him. He’s a wonderful person.”
“ So what is the problem?” Rick didn’t believe it for a second that there was “no problem”.
“ He is older than me.”
“ Older, how much older?”
“ Rick..”
“ Bridget. How old is this guy?”
Bridget knew that sooner or later that Rick would find out the truth. “ He’s 22.”
“ Twenty-two. Christ Budge, you are only 17. Mom is going to have a freaking heart attack and poor dad is just recovering from one.”
“ That’s not funny Rick.”
“ I’m not being funny. Twenty-Two is too old.”
“ Wasn’t Amber around twenty when you slept with her and you had just turned sixteen?”
“ Yeah and look where I got me. You don’t want to go through what I went through with Amber, do you?” Rick sat down next to his sister. “I’m just worried because I don’t know too many twenty-two year old who are interested in seventeen years old girls.”
“ You know that I should be offended.”
“ Budge I’m not saying that no man wouldn’t be interested in you but twenty-two is too old. This man is going to want to something from you.”
“ You mean sex right?”
“ Yes, sex.”
“ Well, I’m not having sex and Scott hasn’t even asked.” Bridget stated angrily as she stood up. She expected Rick to at least try to see things her way.
“ Scott? Your boyfriend is Scott Granger?”
“Yeah. And before you go on your little tirade just remember that you like Scott.”
“ I do like Scott but that doesn’t mean that I like him dating you. Bridget, Scott is a playboy.”
“How do you know?”
“ I’ve heard the rumors Bridget.”
“ And you haven’t heard “rumors” about mom before. How many of them where true? Scott’s such a playboy but have you ever seen dating lots of girls? How about the models? He isn’t even dating any of them.”
“Because he has been dating you?”
“ No. He hasn’t been dating me that long. Though he wanted to but I wasn’t sure. But he changed my mind about that. I changed my mind about a lot of things. Rick, when I’m with him, I feel wonderful. I can talk my feelings, my fears and my dreams. He’s interested in me and my artwork.”
“ You haven’t done a lot of dating Bridget.”
“That’s true but that doesn’t mean that I’m naïve. How could I be especially growing up in this family?”
“ But Bridget, are for a sexual relationship?”
“ He isn’t asking for that.”
“ Now. But sooner or later he might.” Rick sighed. “Are you ready for that, if he does?”
“Scott cares about me. He really cares about me as young woman. He would never ask me to do something that he doesn’t think that I’m ready for.”
Rick’s eye narrowed in a squint that reminded Bridget of her mother’s. “And are you ready.”
Bridget blushed turning light pink. She sometimes couldn’t believe the questions that Rick asked her. “No. I’m not ready and I’m not for that. I know that and so does Scott but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be together. I really care a lot about him. You know how wonderful he is. Please Rick, I couldn’t stand it if you didn’t at least try to support me on this.” Bridget gave her brother a heartfelt look. Rick felt his composure slipping. He really did like Scott; the guy was a stand up guy. He also knew that Budge wasn’t him. She was much smarter than he was at her age. Sighing deeply Rick pulled his sister into his arms for hug. “ You know what I hate the most about you?”
“No, what?”
“ That you are just like mom. You have this way of wrapping me around your fingers.”
“ So, does that mean that you are going to support me?”
“I want you to know that I’m going to talk long and hard with Scott to ensure that nothing bad happens to you.”
“Alright.”
“ If I find out that he’s laid a finger on you. I’ll have his head.”
“ Alright.”
“ You’ve got to tell mom.”
“ I know.”
Rick kissed the top of her head. “ Yes Budge. I’ll support you. Just be smart about this whole thing. Please.”

Taylor was certainly falling in love again with her husband. Ridge has fed her breakfast and they had spent the morning looking at resorts for their trip. She couldn’t wait to experience it all, the sand, the ocean, her husband and her kids. Best of all, she wasn’t going to have to deal with the likes of Morgan or Brooke. Ridge lightly fingered Taylor’s lips. “ What’s the smile for Doc?”
“ Nothing. I’m just happy to be spending time with my husband. Can you believe that he even took the day off for me?”
Ridge gathered Taylor in his arms. “ It’s the least that I could do for you. When I think about what could have happened last night.”
Taylor saw the concern in Ridge’s eyes. Secretly, she was glad. She wanted him to realize just how important she was to him. Lightly touching his face, she smiled. “ Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. We are going to work out our problems. Last night was just the beginning.”
“ I agree Taylor. That is why I’ve got this.”
Taylor was puzzled. Why did Ridge have her telephone book? “Why do you need that?”
“ To call Warwick.”
“ Why are you going to call James?”
“ I’m going to ask for a recommendation.”
“ For what?”
“ For a therapist for you and me.”
“ A therapist for us?” Taylor was floored. She had tried to get Ridge to think about going to a therapist for just them and not the kids. “ Are you serious?”
Ridge cupped his wife’s face. “ Yes. I want our marriage to work and it can only work if we honest about our thoughts and feelings. I want you to know just how important you and the kids are to me.”
Tears filled Taylor’s eyes. This was everything that she had ever wanted. “ Do you mean it?”
“ Yes, I mean it. And to prove it, I have something very important to ask you.' There is something that I want to ask you.”
“ What?”
Ridge inhaled deeply. The light from the balcony from their bedroom hit Taylor bathing her in beauty. The richness of her sable colored hair and her sparkling eyes wasn’t lost on her. He bent down at the knee at the edge of the bed. “ I want to know if you will marry me?”
“ What?” Taylor was floored as Ridge reached into his pocket and took out a ring box. When he opened it, there was an exquisite diamond ring. There were three huge circular diamonds nestled in a platinum band. With shaky fingers, Taylor touched the ring. “ Oh Ridge.”
‘Three diamonds for three ceremonies. But this one is going to be a keeper. Now, don’t keep me waiting Doc. Tell me, will you remarry me?”
“ Of course. Of course I’ll remarry you!”
Ridge slipped the ring on Taylor’s fingers. “Thank you. Thank you so much Doc for giving me a second chance.”
“ I love the ring Ridge and I love you.” Taylor lowered her head as Ridge reached up to kiss her with passion.

Kimberly looked into the mirror of her bathroom. Boy, was she a sight for sore eyes. She hadn’t slept a wink. Instead of basking in the glow of the glorious love making that she shared with her husband, she was worrying about where she was going to get twenty thousand dollars. She didn’t have that kind of money just lying around. Sure, Thorne had given her a brand new credit card when they had gotten married but she couldn’t just withdrawal that kind of money on credit without him knowing. She splashed cold water on her face. She had to come up with something because she wasn’t going to let Honey tell Thorne the truth ever.


If Brooke thought that she was going to have an easy time at work, she was sorely mistaken. She Okayed the production of Eric’s designs and had a brunch meeting planned with a new buyer from New York City. Brooke had originally planned to talk to Ridge about Taylor and her decision at work however she found that he cancelled his schedule and didn’t plan on being in for the day. “ Did Ridge say why he wasn’t coming into work today?”
“No. All he said was to cancel his meeting and he wouldn’t be in.”
“ That’s just great. We need to talk about Taylor and her decision regarding Bridget.”
“ Do you want me to call him?”
Brooke looked at her watch. No. “I’ve got to go. I don’t want to keep Mrs. Sumner waiting.”
“ Did she take over the Wesley’s stores in New York?”
“ Yes. She is a very big potential buyer. She wanted private showing but with everything going on I thought it would be best if I scheduled that for a later.”
“ Still, brunch at the Café Rouse with you is a good ideal.”
“ I’m taking a few new pieces of lingerie from the Bedroom Line for her as a gift. I trust that the boxes have been wrapped and taken to the limo.”
Megan called down to ensure that Brooke’s orders were followed. “ It’s all done. Also, I need your signature for the matter that we discussed. I’m going to go to Yves and pick out the furniture today.”
“ Thank you. I trust your taste Megan.” Brooke put on the jacket to her suit. She looked lovely in the white ensemble. The white jacket was embroidered with tidy pink colored crystals and it matched the embroidered white peacock shirt which draped off with a longer back hem while front showed off Brooke’s fantastic legs as well as her pink-heeled sandals. The ensemble was topped off with a stunning soft pink chiffon bustier, which displayed a hint of her beautiful bosom. However the dramatic effect to the entire outfit was displayed by Brooke’s upswept hair. Brooke neck sparkled with a pink and white diamond chocker. Megan had asked Brooke about her stunning chocker when she came to work and Brooke explained that it had been a present from Caspian. Megan was more than impressed; a chocker like that certainly must have put Caspian back more than just a little bit. His diamonds to Brooke were impressive, so impressive in fact that Megan wondered if he ever asked Brooke to marry him, what kind of diamonds would Brooke receive then.
“ Have my calls forwarded to me. Especially if it is Bridget. I certainly want to talk to her.”
“ Will you be back?”
“ Yes. I’ve got great deal of work to do. However. I just way stop by Ridge’s before I come back. This issue with Taylor has to be dealt with.”


The smell of hot coffee greeted Thorne as he opened his eyes. The light coming in from the window hurt his head. “ God, close the blinds.”
Sam laughed as she closed the blinds. I remember the days of late nights and hangovers myself.” Sam placed the glass of some odious smelling concoction in front him. Thorne groaned. “ Now, before you decide that you don’t want to take this, you have to understand that it tastes just as bad as it smells but it will work.
Rubbing his eyes, he looked up at his sister’s lover. Kristen had beautiful taste in women. Wearing a light blue satin that displayed was delicately cupped her breast and displayed supple thighs. Sam was indeed a beautiful woman. Stumbling when he got up, Thorne pulled his jeans over his tight black underwear. Sam eyes him trying to hide her laugh as Thorne stumbled around and took forever to get his jeans on. The one thing about the Foresters, they were good looking whether men or women. Thorne had shown up at their hotel suite at 1 am, drunk as a skunk and going on and on about the worst mistake in his life. Kristen had asked him what was wrong. Thorne said that he had slept with his wife. This confused her but Kristen explained that Thorne’s had never consummated his marriage. They didn’t get much more out of him except that he was sorry because he went to sleep in a drunken stupor. With his head pounding and ears ringing, Thorne took the concoction and almost threw up when he tried to swallow it.
“ Drink up Thorne. It will make you feel better.”
Thorne chocked down the concoction and took the ice bag that Sam handed him and place it on his head. Groaning hard he leaned his head back against the sofa that he had used as his bed.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He opened one eye. “ Talk about what?”
“ What lead you to that bottle and away from your home. See I remember those days. When I was in high school and trying so hard to find out why Billy Zeal, the captain of the football team, total hunk and my boyfriend never got me hot and bothered but Sharon Elmore did.”
“ She did?”
“ Yes, she certainly did. She was the subject of plenty of wet dreams during my teenaged years. And she was the reason for my personal hell. I used alcohol to numb the pain not to mention pot. So, I take it that you are trying to numb the pain of what transpired between you and Kimberly last night.”
“ It didn’t work.” He rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “ I don’t know what I was thinking sleeping with her. After everything that I’ve already done to ruin her life. I just made matters worse with my selfish acts. Last night when I slept with Kimberly, I didn’t see her. I saw Brooke.”
“ You did.”
“ Yeah. I owe Kimberly so much more but I can’t give it to her. I don’t love her. I never thought of Kimberly like that. She was nothing more that Macy’s kid sister or Rick’s girlfriend to me. All I ever wanted to do was to help her I never wanted to hurt her. I shouldn’t have married her.”
“ Why did you marry her?”
“ I thought that I help Brooke. Mother wanted to take Bridget from Brooke. I made a deal with her that if I married Kimberly, she’d leave Bridget alone.”
Sam was shocked at the lengths that Stephanie went through to move her children like pawns on a chest board. “ Your mother blackmailed you into marrying Kimberly?”
“ I thought that I had no choice. Brooked needed me to help her and Kimberly. God after what I did, I owed her that much.”
“ What did you do to Kimberly?”
Thorne really wanted to unburden himself. He knew over the years that he could trust Sam. But did he really want her to know what he did. What he was capable of?

“ When was the last time that you saw dad?” It ate away at Rick that his father was going to be so hurt with the news that he wasn’t Bridget’s father got out. As pissed as he was with Stephanie for what she had done with his mother, he agreed with her about Eric not finding out. His father’s health wasn’t the best although he was doing better he wasn’t ready to find the truth.
“ I saw him the other day and he looked much better but he still is sick. Between that and Stephanie acting so funny.”
“ Funny, like what?”
“ I don’t know. She was staring at me all the time.”
“ You think it’s because you are her granddaughter.”
“ Maybe.” She played with a bangle on her bracelets. “ Maybe it’s because of the leukemia.”
Rick knew that his sister was doing the best that she could considering everything that she had gone through. “ Bridget, I don’t think that it’s that. It’s just an adjustment. You go from being her granddaughter to her step-daughter back to her granddaughter.”
“ I know. The whole thing is weird.” Bridget still remembered when she had thought Ridge had been her father. She remembered how much she loved her grandpa Eric and grandma Stephanie. Stephanie would come by the house and do things with her and Rick all the time. It certainly seemed like a lifetime ago now. “ I think that whole family is weird.”
“ It can be at times but can you imagine being anything but a Forrester?”
“No. But it’s still hard. Don’t get me wrong. I love mom but she’s not ordinary by any means. Not to mention the “Whose your daddy debacle?” and the bone marrow donor problem.
“Taylor still not budging?” Rick knew all about the problem with Taylor from his mother. He also knew that Bridget knew all about it. His sister was smart enough to know that Taylor hadn’t just ‘changed’ her mind.
“ Not at the moment.”
“ That is what is worrying me. God knows that Ridge can get her to do just about anything, so why can’t he get her to change her mind?”

Nico was allowed entrance into Deacon’s huge penthouse. She instantly noticed the elegance of the place; it was surprising that the man who lived here was the same man who owned the Lair. Not bad, she thought for a man who was creating a market for himself with his nightclubs. Before she had decided to offer her services to Deacon, she had completed a full background check on him and had been surprised. Deacon, like her, was a from the streets. He had no formal upbringing other than regular public school up to high school and had been raised by a mother who was a prostitute and showgirl. At an early age, he had excelled in school though he had not gone to college; he had aggressive enough to know that the night world was where he belonged. He had been a runner for the local drug dealer at age thirteen, getting arrested for grand theft auto and assault by the time that he had been 15. Still, he hadn’t been afraid and had lived his life on the edge. By he time that he had been 17, he had been involved with racketeering, working at clubs, dealing with the selling of flesh. Although he had no formal education higher than high school, his streetwise smarts streetwise and roguish charm that enabled him to take charge in. Deacon had carved out the starting of his empire using money from illegal card games and his remarkable ability to identify companies that would do well on the stock market. The man had a way with numbers and he had invested very well. With his finical backing a sure thing, he started buying up clubs and marketing them just right that he turned a profit Surprisingly enough, Nico found that Deacon not only dabbled in nightclubs, he had also was partial owner in two well established restaurants and had started to dabble in real estate. From the hallway, she heard a door opening and then close. Padded steps on the floor let her know that he’d be arriving so she wasn’t startled when Deacon clad only in a black robe joined her. With a roguish smile on his face, he greeted her. Yes, Nico thought, he certainly knew how to charm women
“ Morning Nico.” Deacon’s eyes swallowed her whole. Damn, he thought, she looked sexy as hell and he knew she wasn’t trying. Wearing a small form fitting leather jacket, a tight black t-shirt that had the female onyx sign in hot pink letters and a pair of low riding gathered black jean skirt with sharp high-heeled Azo black boots, she was a mixture of sexy and casualness. He noted that her parted long black hair almost reached her waist and he wished that he could wrap his hand around it and pull her in for a kiss. Her lips were naturally full and he’d knew without a doubt that they would give a great deal of pleasure.” Would you care to join me for breakfast? It’s been set up. We can eat and talk there.”
“ Sure, I don’t mind passing up a good meal.” Nico followed Deacon down the hallway toward the dinning room. There, Nico found a beautiful blonde wearing what looked like to be Deacon’s black pajama top. Nico studied the blonde for a moment with the perfect hair, nose, what looked to be double D size breast and legs that went on forever. Deacon certainly knew how to pick his women. “ Good morning.”
“Morning” Martia said with little interest. She knew that Deacon had a wondering eye and she was only one of the few ladies that kept him occupied. She didn’t know who the woman was, however the outfit that she had chosen to wear certainly wasn’t as appealing as the dress that she had been wearing the pervious night.
Deacon slid in the chair next to Martia and kissed her gently before he slipped his tongue into the crevices of her mouth. Martia let her hand drift down Deacon’s chest and then further toward his hard pen*s which was rising to the occasion. Deacon held his groan in check as Marti's used her forefinger to trace the head of his shaft through the material of the robe.
Nico A sly smile marred Nico’ face as filled her plate. Her eyes narrowed as Deacon made his hands toward the blonde’s breast and pinched her nipples. A gasp of sexual pleasure filled the room and Nico found that she was amused by the overwhelming display of ardor. Clearing the blonde was trying to “mark” her territory“ If you’d like I can come back another time.”
Deacon pulled his lips away from Martia. Seeing the pout develop on her face, he ran his finger over her bottom lip. Turning his attention to Nico he licked his lips. “ I’d apologize.”
“ But you aren’t sorry.” Nico stated with confidence as she took a sip of her hot coffee.
“ No. I’m not. You interrupted my morning. However, if you’d like, you could join us.” Deacon moved Martia’s hair off of her shoulder and kissed the stop running his tongue over it in a sensual manner. “ I always love threesomes.”
Nico was willing to admit to herself the thought of bedding Deacon and the blonde did stir her sexual juices, however she wasn’t here for that. Her relationship with Deacon was business. She never mixed business with her personal life. Never“ How would you feel about that?” Nico asked the blonde.
Martia normally didn’t mind sharing as long as she got what she wanted, however there was something about this woman that she didn’t like. It was the eyes, she thought. There was something in her eyes. She looked at Deacon. “ Would that make you happy?”
Nico shook her head. What women were willing to so their “man” could be happy constantly amazed her. Before the girl could answer her, Nico spoke. “ As much as I’m flattered by the offer I think that I ought to pass for right now.”
The blonde smugly smiled. “ That’s your lost.”
Deacon unwrapped Martia from his body. “ Martia, why don’t you go back in the bedroom and wait for me?”
“ But Deacon..” she pouted.
“ Baby, Nico and I have some business to deal with.”
Martia eyed Nico and slowly arose from the table. She wasn’t about to press her luck with Deacon. It certainly wasn’t worth it. “ Alright I’ll see you later.”
Nico couldn’t help but to give the woman a tiny wave before she left. “ It was very nice meeting you.” Martia glared for a moment and left however Nico still watched her as she left. “ Feisty little thing, isn’t she?”
Deacon merely shrugged. “ I don’t know. Why are you jealous?”
“ Of her or you?” Nico smirked as she took off her jacket.
Deacon instantly noticed the perfectly tanned skin that was displayed from the spaghetti straps of her T-shirt. “ Of her, of course.”
Nico never answered Deacon’s question but she did smile. “ Well as much as I’d love to play cat and mouse games with you. I know that Bambi is waiting.”
“ Bambi?”
“ How about Barbie?”
He chuckled at her remark. The woman was witty and didn’t mix her words. That was one of the things that he liked about Nico. Nico was very also very intelligent and crafty. She had a way of getting information out of computers so quick and so fast, he wondered why she even bothered to work her daytime job.
Nico took out the documents that she had in her bag and handed it to Deacon. In a matter of minutes he read the information. The information based on e-mails would certainly give him the edge that he needed on the stock market.
“ Any problems?”
Deacon closed the file. “ No everything is just the way that I wanted it.”
“ Good.” She quickly stood and put her jacket on. “ If you need anything else, just hit me up on my cell phone. Have a nice morning with you lady friend.”
“ You sure that you don’t want to join us, there is plenty of room.”
“ No. I’m sure but thanks for the offer.”
Nico left Deacons and headed to work. It took longer for her to across Microtech’s “Campus” because construction on the new day care and communication building had started. The security measures at Mircroteach were out of this world. The newest ID badges had mini-monitors in them and like a computer screen; it could pick up or access someone with a touch of a mouse pad. Background checks employees, their friends and their bank recorders were done on any given time. Nico had already known of the precaution so she had created a dummy account under an alias for the additional money that she made. Her whereabouts were constantly being watched and there were watchers, who monitored what they did on the computers at their stations. You couldn’t receive e-mail nor even venture on the Internet in certain area in the building. In front entrance, a retinal scan was given to all people who entered and was matched with the ID’s of all workers. Nico couldn’t blame them; Microtech was responsible for software that was cornering the market on communication through text messages on the phone and on the Internet. Microtech’s software program were top of the line. However it wasn’t its fantastic programs on communication that held Nico’s interest, it was what was went on below the surface that interested her the most. Nico suspected that some of the programs offered would scramble and unscramble code such as military ones. If that were true than what Microtech was doing was not only illegal but also it would be worth a great deal to the highest bidder if sold to the right person. Nico had no doubt that neither Caspian Deangleo nor his sister Isabelle would be worried about something being illegal, after all they had or still were involved in organized crime.

Brunch at Café Rouse went well and Mrs. Sumner was more than happy with the results. She loved the gifts from Brooke’s Bedroom and Brooke was pleased that she had made the right decision to bring them. Mrs. Sumner not only wanted to book a private showing the next time she was in L.A, she also planned to have the Men’s Line and Brooke’s Bedroom in her stores, she also was going to make room for the WOW line. Sitting at the table alone signing the check, Brooke realized that she was being stared at. She turned and found a handsome man in his early forties with only a sprinkling of gray at the temples of his hair looking at her. She smiled softly and went back to the check when the man came over. “ Excuse me miss.”
“ Yes.”
“ I’m sorry to bother you however I have to tell you what a stunning chocker you have on.” He paused a minute. “Not to mention the lady wearing it.”
Brooke touched the chocker. Mrs. Sumner had too made a comment about the piece of jewelry. “Thank you for the compliment about the jewelry and me though I’m sure that the jewelry outshines me.”
“ I’m not so sure about that. However, can you tell me where you bought it or had it made? I’ve seen a great deal pieces of jewelry and it is most original. Was it made for you?”
“ I’m not sure. It was a gift.”
“ From someone who no doubt things that you are important.”
Brooke thought about waking up early in the morning and finding it on her pillow with a note from Caspian. A secret smile touched her lips. “ Yes, it was from someone who is just as important to me.”
“ Well, I’m always looking for someone to make special jewelry for my wife. If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave you my card. If you could find out where your special friend got it and give me a call with the jeweler. I’d appreciate it.”
Brooke took the card. Reading the name Jeffery Rush she nodded as she placed it in her gold cardholder. “ Mr. Rush, that wouldn’t be a problem.”
At that moment, a female hand touched Jeffery’s shoulders. “ Excuse me, is he bothering you?” A beautiful Spanish woman in a dark blue strapless dress stood behind Jeffery.
“ Darling, I was only bothering this woman to find out where so got such a lovely piece of jewelry. Now you’ve ruined my surprise for you.”
“ No. I haven’t…” The woman’s breath caught in her throat.
“ Dear are you alright?”
“ Yes, it’s just….”
The woman studied Brooke for a moment. “It’s amazing. You look just like her.”
Brooke stood up. “ Brooke Forrester, right. I am she.”
“ No. Not Forrester. Your last name is Forrester, as in the design house?”
“ The very same.” Brooke stated as she picked up her purse.
“ I’m sorry Mrs. Forrester.”
“ Actually, it’s Logan.”
“ Not Huntington?”
“ Huntington.” Brooke shook her head. “ No.”
“ I’m sorry but you just happen to look like a classmate that I had when my family was living London for part of my school years. I mean, I haven’t seen her in years and I heard that she died but if she were alive, my god, she’d look like you.”
“ Well, you know what they say. There is a twin for everyone. Who knows, maybe, she was my twin.”
“ Darling, it’s time that we go.” Jeffery murmured against his wife’s brow. “ Ms. Logan, if you don’t mind.”
“ I won’t forget the information. It was nice meeting you.”
The couple then left. Jeffery noticed that his wife kept looking over shoulder to stare at Brooke. “ Honey, you’ve got to cut that out.”
“ I am, Mi Amour. But it is amazing. She is a dead ringer for Lark Huntington.

Caspian studied the program on the overhead screen that displayed the computer program. The last hour the coding team explained the problems with the particular program. Each division gave their different reports about what they felt to be the contributors to the problem. Caspian knew that the program writers had been up most of the night and would be working night and day for the next month or more to get the bugs out with the research developed. His vision for his company was becoming a reality and he had spent the last five years focusing totally on his company and although moving his operation to L.A might have easily become a distraction it hadn’t, instead it only added zeal to his work. However in everything, there was problem and it had nothing to do with the programming problems, it had something to do with a man named Louis Collins. Louis Collins owned a small yet productive computer company, which was developing a computer chip that Caspian needed to get his program to work. Caspian wanted to buy the chip however at this point Louis had refused his offer stating that large corporate companies like Microsoft and Microtech were monopolizing the computer industry. Caspian did understand Louis’s point of view, however he knew that Louis didn’t have the capital keep the research and the development on the chip going. Sooner or later, if Louis didn’t watch it, he’d been bankrupt. Collins had been rejected by three major banks for the extra capital that he needed because he had no real collateral but what he had was golden however the banks didn’t want to take any chances with a computer chip that wasn’t guaranteed to work. So, they were at an impasse.

Isabelle headed down toward her new kitchen through a pair of mahogany doors. She had arrived back in L.A earlier that morning going straight to her new home. She had spent the last few hours assessing everything that she had redone with the remodeling of the home. The place wasn’t as gigantic as her estate in Italy, however there was something peaceful and beautiful about the place. She had had all of her items removed from Caspian’s penthouse while she had been in Italy and moved here. Her fingertips moved over her original sketch by Leonardo De'Venchi hanging in the foyer and the hand crafted dinning room set made out of the most beautiful marble that she had recently had ordered for her dinning room. Her favorite books of from Machiavellian journals to Dante’s Inferno had been put into the downstairs bookshelves that lined the front room. The house was perfect and the something new to put a shot of adrenaline in her arm. Although making sure that Lark’s connection to Beth Logan was successful, the memories of her husband and her confrontation with Donnetella had not been forgotten. Donnetella Fury was troubling her mind. The woman was out for blood therefore she could be dangerous especially if she though that she might have a chance with her brother. A woman like Donnetella would cause problems between Brooke and Caspian because she was one of the few people who had actually seen Lark. Donetella opened her brand-new stainless steel & glass refrigerator and poured herself a glass of sparkling water and slid onto the stool to her breakfast bar. She hooked up her laptop and quickly typed up an e-mail and sent it. She didn’t trust Donnetella and she wanted her watched. She couldn’t use any of her connections from family, she had to use her personal connections to let her know the moment that Donnetella stepped out of Italy and made her way toward L.A. She had worked to hard to ensure that her brother was happy and she wasn’t going to let some selfish bitch like Donnetella do a thing to ruin it. With her e-mail taken care of, she knew that she’d receive a reply; she pulled out her files and started working on her work. She had missed a lot of work when she had been gone and had a great deal to catch up on.

Tray Whittaker stopped by Connor’s office to give all the information that he collected on Caspian Deangelo, however he found from Connor’s secretary that he was out of town. “ Just tell him that I stopped by.” He flashed a smile at her and headed out the door. Connor would certainly want to know what he had found out about Caspian Deangelo.

Elisa Carter felt as if she had run the lottery after all it wasn’t everyday that she got to meet her mentor Pierce Peterson. Her heart fluttered and butterflies moved around her stomach. Pierce Peterson looked even more handsome in real life than he did on television. When the handsome doctor stepped into her office she found herself flushed.
Mr. Peterson had asked for listing of open houses. “ If there is anything else that I can do for you Mr. Peterson, please let me know.”
“ I certainly will.” Pierce squeezed her hand gently. “ I thank you for that listings of houses.”
“ I’m sure that an agent will be available for a man of your status looking for a home.”
“Actually, I think that I have a place in mind. Please have your agent contact me as soon as possible.”

Katherine opened the front door to the home of Taylor and Ridge to allow Brooke in.
“ Katherine, I need to speak to Ridge.”
“Sorry Brooke, but he isn’t here.”
Katherine headed back to the living room and picked up the toys where the children left them. “ Do you know when he’ll be back?”
“ I don’t think anytime soon. He and Taylor along with the kids went out. I think after what happened yesterday, they wanted to spend time together as a family.”
“What happened yesterday?’
“ You didn’t hear about it?”
“No.”
Katherine liked Brooke Forrester. The woman had been nothing but kind to her however she knew that Taylor disliked her. She wasn’t sure if Taylor would want Brooke to know that she had been drunk and hurt. “ Listen Ms. Logan, I’m not sure if I should tell you.”
“ Listen Katherine, don’t worry. The last thing that I want to do is to get you into trouble with your job or with Taylor. Just tell Ridge that I stopped by and it’s important.” Brooke headed out to her champagne colored convertible Mercedes and pulled out of the drive. Picking up her cell phone, she called Bridget. “ Bridget, this is your mother and your second voicemail. You had better get your butt home by 4 o’clock. I will be home then and waiting for an explanation about that hickey. You had better be there when I get there. Brooke headed toward Forrester when she changed her mind. With a smile on her face, she headed in another direction.

Stephanie and Eric were both thrilled to hear the news of Ridge and Taylor’s plans to remarry. “ I just knew that this was going to happen. I knew it!” She waved a finger at Ridge. “ If you focused on Taylor and the kids, you’ve find a way back to one another.”
She threw her hands up with glee. “ I’m going to get the champagne.” Stephanie hurried out of the living room down toward the kitchen. In her glee about the remarriage, she didn’t notice the distance that Taylor put between her and Stephanie. However, Eric did.
“Taylor, is everything alright?”
“ Huh?” Taylor read the question in Eric’s eyes. “ It’s nothing. I think that I’m just tired.”
“ Are you sure that’s all that it is honey? I thought you and mother would be bursting at the seems but you’ve hardly said a word.”
“ Ridge, everything fine. I just have a lot to do. I have a wedding to plan an trip to get together.”
“ No. You will do no such thing. Let me handle the wedding and the trip. You just take care of yourself.”
“This is exactly what this family needs. After all of the heartache and pain in the last month or so, a wedding is perfect. Everyone will be invited. It will be a whole family affair.”
Ridge saw the joy that this brought to Eric and he knew that he had done the right thing. Still, it bothered him that they were lying to Eric. He didn’t know that Bridget had leukemia nor did he know that Bridget wasn’t his daughter.
Stephanie came out of the kitchen with champagne on the tray with even glasses of ginger ale for the children. “ I made sure that you too have Ginger ale Eric. You are on a strict diet.”
Eric was too happy to argue with his wife. He was getting his family back. Let’s make a toast. Stephanie handed Ridge a flute and then Taylor. She handed Thomas his glass. “Let’s make a toast to family. Let nothing get in the way of the Forrester family. May we love, support and honor each other forever.”
“ Hear! Hear!” Glasses clinked and they all took a sip. Stephanie however noticed that Taylor’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. After the toast was done and the champagne gone she took the glasses. “ Taylor, why don’t you help me with this dishes?” Taylor hesitated for a moment, however when she saw Ridge’s beaming face, she agreed and followed Stephanie.
Ridge turned to his father. “ I’m glad that mother did that. I’ve got an idea to run by you about Taylor’s wedding dress.”

Bridget hung up her cell phone. “That was my mom leaving me another message. She sounded pretty pissed at me.”
Scott wrapped his arms around Bridget. “ Don’t worry Bridget. Listen, the sooner we tell your parents the truth, the better you’ll be.” He kissed the top of her head. “ Either that or I’ll be out of a job.”
“ Hey, that isn’t funny.”
Scott smiled. “ Yes it is. Because that isn’t going to happen.”
“Rick thinks that she is going to go berserk.”
“ Do you think that she will?”
“ I don’t know. She’s going to be happy. Know I really wish that I hadn’t given my mom a bad time whenever she dated.
Scott pulled Bridget into his lap. “We’ll get through this.”
Bridget leaned back against him and smiled as she laced her fingers through his. “I hope so. After all this is your fault. YOU gave me he hickey.”
Scott laughed. “You skin is so fine and fair. It’s all your fault. Besides, you are delicious. It’s hard for me to keep my mouth off you.”
“ Well, you had better try because tonight is going to be rough.”

Caspian finished up his meeting and was making his rounds when the head of security told him that he had a visitor who was not the list of identified list. Caspian went down to the waiting room and he felt his whole heart clench when he found Brooke waiting for him. She looked stunning as ever in her white ensemble. “ You know, when I came to see you. I thought that I might get your attention but not this amount of attention.” She laughed.
“Sweetheart. I’m sorry.” Caspian hurried to her side, kissing her gently on her check.
Franklin Marcino, the head of security, noticed how attentive that Mr. DeAngelo was the beautiful woman and he wondered if he had done the right thing stopping her. “Mr. DeAngelo, I apologize but you asked us to increase security measures, I was following everything by the book.
“ That you should have done Frank. Don’t worry; rules were set for a reason. This however is a very important woman. This is Brooke Logan and I’m sure that she will be visiting here quite often. Brooke this is Franklin Marcino, the head of security.”
Frank held out his hand to shake Brooke’s when she held her out. “ Ms. Logan, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“ And you.”
“Frank, you did the right thing by detaining Ms. Logan. Nobody should be allowed access without a badge or proper security. Nobody. We will have a special badge created for Ms. Logan.” He glazed into Brooke’s beautiful eyes for a moment before he kissed her hand. Brooke left a tingle race through her insides, making heat up like lava as she tongue gently traced her knuckles on her hand. If he kept that up, she’d soon be out of her clothes, she thought.
Turning toward Frank, Caspian authorized a badge to be made up for Brooke. “ Honey, I’m going to take you to the fingerprint station and the rental scan station.” Brooke was surprised by the amount of security Caspian had for his company.
“ Retinal scans?”
“ Yes, past this hallway, you can’t get past the doors without it.”
“I had no idea that you had this much security set up.”
Caspian lead Brooke down the hallway. Brooke was taken to a station in which a gel was used to coat her fingers and then placed on a screen. Caspian saw the questioning look on her face. “The latest in technology. You don’t have to worry about blank ink darling.”
A middle-aged redhead, named Kathy with a soft smile came forward. “ Mr. DeAngelo, what level of security will Ms. Logan be granted?”
“ Level 4. With full access to my offices and private quarters.”
Kathy was surprised only Mr. DeAngelo, his sister and secretary were allowed access to his private quarters. “ Yes, Mr. DeAngelo.”
Brooke smiled softly at Caspian. “So, I granted level 4, is that the highest level of security around here.”
“ Almost. There is level 5 which deals with our most top secret projects.”
“ You know, I think that I should be offended. Don’t you trust me?”
“ Of course, I do.”
Brooke laughed. “ I’m just kidding. I can understand your need for security. The computer business is little more complicated than dresses.” Brooke turned toward him, her breast brushed against him.
He leaned forward and inhaled her scent while clasping her hands inside of his. His mouth skimmed the side of her neck. “ If you keep up with that, you won’t get the free tour.”
“ Well, I certainly want that. Rental scan is next, correct?”
“ And totally harmless.”
Caspian took Brooke to the next station where she had a rental scan added to the computer base. Brooke was then presented with an official badge.
“ Don’t worry, I’ll have a pen fashioned for you with the information coded on the badge, so you can wear it when you come.” He fingered her necklace for a moment. “ I know how fashionable you like to be.” Brooke’s eyes sparkled for a moment before she smiled at his remark.

Caspian took Brooke on a tour of his company and she was highly impressed. Not only was each department efficient, there were a cultural diversity that she often thought that Forrester was missing. In some departments, both men and women were dressed in business attire, whoever in the lower levels which dealt with the computer programmers, the environment was more relaxing, surprising since it was the programmers work was the ones for more secured measure. Men and women from all ages and backgrounds worked together. From youth with spiked blue hair playing the latest of heavy metal on their headsets to bombshells who looked like they should walking down one of her runways for Forrester were employed. A dark haired beauty in a black t-shirt and a black jean skirt caught Brooke’s attention for a moment because she stared long and hard at Caspian however Brooke’s attention was diverted by Caspian. She noticed how the “cafeteria” ranged from myriad of kinds of restaurants with top of the line food; workplaces were workage with mini-computer stations if a person in a non-restricted environment wanted to work. Caspian discussed how he planned on having a fully operational gym finished as an attachment building. The entire tour took well over an hour as a car was brought around to show Brooke the different parts of the campus as well as the main buildings. Caspian had spent a great deal of money on his company and as a business man, she respected him a great deal.


Stephanie placed the champagne flutes in the sink. “ Do you want to tell me what’s wrong with you today?”
“ What? Stephanie, I don’t know what you are talking about.”
She frowned. “ I know you Taylor. I also know when you are upset. Now come on, you can tell me. What is bothering you?”
“ How dare! How dare you ask me that question after what you tried to do to me!”


As Brooke and Caspian rode up the elevator toward his offices Brooke was in deep thought. Caspian noticed how quiet she had become. “Sweetheart, are you alright?”
“ Why didn’t you tell me?”
He frowned. “ Tell you what?”
“ Tell me how busy you were. This whole operation takes a great deal of time and I’ve taken you away from most of this. With my problems with my company and my children.”
“ Shh. No.” He titled her head up to his. “ For years, I’ve had nothing more on my mind besides creating this empire and it had not brought me not an inch of pleasure that spending five minutes alone with you.”
Brooke felt a moment of insecurity. Everything he had done was for her but there were parts of him that he held back from disclosing. She felt it. She did want his protection and his love however she wanted to do the same for him. Brooke stared up into Caspian’s dark eyes. “But there are things that I have taken you away from. I don’t want to do that. I want to be a part of your life. I want to know what you are doing and thinking. I want to know about your hopes and dreams. I want to meet your sister and your friends. I want to be there for you just like you have been there for me.”
He cupped her face. “ You have been there. Just having you in my life is enough.”
“ But it isn’t enough for me. I want all of you. I want to know everything about your past, your present and your future.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “ I want to share it all with you my love.” And he did. He didn’t want any secrets to between them. He wanted it all or nothing. “ So, ask away.”
Brooke smiled. “ Well, I want about your family. You’ve told me about your father and how much you admire him however you hardly ever mention your mother.”
A look of displeasure crossed his face. “ You know how I feel about her.”
“ Yes, I know that you blame for the rape of your sister but there has to be more than that to it. Caspian, what about your mother now. Is she alive?”
Caspian put space between he and Brooke. “ Yes, my mother is alive but to me. To me, she is dead.”

 

 

Against All Odds

Chapter 97 ( The Private Dinning Room)

Nicco worked steadily on her latest EAR for the company, however she hardly gave a thought to what she was doing. Although she sometimes found her assignments to be challenging, her mind was focused on what she saw earlier today. Caspian DeAngelo was escorting Brooke Logan Forrester throughout the building. If she had her guess, Brooke would be allowed access to Caspian’s sanctuary. Now that security is fully being used, she’d not be able to get access to his or Isabelle’s offices, just yet. However, if she were somehow allotted a card similar to Brooke’s then, she’d be allowed to do so. She needed access to Brooke Forrester and she knew one person who could help her achieve her goal.

Eve stared at the blinking empty e-mail messages. Time had basically run out and she had to make a decision about her job. Nancy, one of the counselors at the shelter came into the recreation room and looked over her shoulder. “ You’ve been sitting in here well over an hour.”
“ I’m almost finished.”
Nancy frowned. Eve was in low spirits today. It wasn’t normal for her. Normally the young lady was not only egar to help but she had a way with run-aways. It had been Eve’s patience and persistence that had finally gotten Tina, one of the most recent run-aways to open up enough to tell them her name. Better than that, Eve had gotten Tina to stick around. “ What’s bothering you?”
Eve’s fingers moved the mouse around the screen and minimized the e-mail. “It’s nothing.”
“ It doesn’t seem like nothing. You been very quiet lately.”
“I’m just having a bad day. Can’t I have one.” She snapped standing up so quickly that the metal chair she had been sitting hit the floor in large thud. “ Shit!”
“ Nice. And nice language.”
Whirling around, Eve stalked to the side of the room. “ Sorry.”
Nancy, who had experience with angry teens with repressed feeling and fits of anger, seeing a chair being knock over meant nothing. “ It’s alright. It doesn’t have feelings. Tell, me. What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing. Something.” Sounding exasperated Eve shook her head and turned toward Nancy. “ I’ve got everything that I ever wanted. Everything that I’ve worked so hard for is coming together in ways that I never thought. My goal was to go to school, work hard and get a job with a well established company.”
“ What’s wrong with that? From what I’ve seen, you’ve done that. Eve, you have a scholarship with one of the highest GPA’s in your class. You are highly intelligent and an a extremely hard worker with a good heart.”
Unwanted tears filled Eve eyes as repressed feelings of pain surfaced. “ It took a lot to change who I was. What I used to be.”
Placing a hand on Eve’s shoulder, Nancy gave comfort to the conflicted girl. “What you used to be was a girl who was taken advantage of during a time when she was vulnerable and alone.”
“ I doesn’t change the fact that I was a whore and an addict.”
“ Eve. We’ve all done things that we have been ashamed of. You aren’t the first girl who sold her body or a piece of her soul. You aren’t the first to use drugs to escape a reality that was so chilling that you could hardly breathe.”
Hard memories of a life that Eve used to live. The memories of countless hands, the smells of different bodies assaulted her. Faced of the different men and sometimes women who used her body sun around in her mind like a tornado. These weren’t some ordinary John’s found on the streets, no, she had only dealt with the very rich. Her clients had been the sort whose idea of sexual pleasure ran the rampant to the range of disturbed. What she had been paid and sometimes forced to do still gave her nightmares. “ Back then, I didn’t know how to get out it. I used to blackout sometimes and wake up in places that I didn’t remember.” Her hands began to shake at the memories of those days. Sometimes, it seemed to be more than she thought that she’d be able to bear.
“ But you GOT through it and that is all that matters.”
“ I wish that it was that simple.”
“ It IS that simple Eve. I just don’t understand any of this. You’ve volunteered here long enough to know that we have to accept our mistakes and forgive ourselves.”
“ I know.”
“ So, tell me what has brought this sudden change in your outlook.” She knew enough about Eve to know that this wasn’t her normal behavior. Something or someone had to be pulling Eve down. “ How much of this has to do with your boyfriend?”
“ Rick. It hasn’t nothing to do with him.”
“ I’m not sure about that. I really have to wonder because you never bring him around. We haven’t met him. You are hiding what you are doing here just like you are hiding your past from him, aren’t you?”

Beth glanced at her watch for the fourth time while she waited for her companion. She had arrived a few minutes earlier to gather some time to clear her thoughts. Ordering a cob salad and ice-tea she drummed her fingernails on the table. Sighing she cursed the situation that she was in. Things couldn’t seem to be any worse then they already were. Everyday that she did nothing was another day that Caspian influence over her daughter grew to gigantic proportions. If that weren’t bad enough, Stephen was asking all sorts of questions and was bothering her to leave Caspian alone. “ If only. If only I could tell you the truth.” But that was out of the question. It had taken years for her and Stephen to get to this point and she would never allow him to know that Brooke wasn’t his daughter. She could never do that to Stephen or to Brooke. She’d have to find a way of getting rid of Caspian without telling her secret.

Pharren Huntington-Marquette strolled through the offices of Huntington Publications toward her enormous corner office. She had just finished her meeting with Ted Dyer and things have not gone well at all. She had found that 20th Century Fox was asking for more royalties in their contract for their part of the “Dark Series” that was being made into a high budget feature films with all rights of three to four other movies. The book series was one of the top ten of most successful books in the company’s history and that said a lot considering that Huntington Publications was one of the most prestigious publications known world wide. The company and all the responsibility of the company and its shareholders rested on her shoulders. She was not only the majority stockholder owning most of the company’s stock that her uncle Samuel had left her but she was the CEO as well. Educated at the best schools as well as being part of the prestigious circle, which had her hob-knobbing with England’s royalty, Pharren had certainly made a name for herself. Proud of her accomplishments she took delight the company had grown a great deal under her tutelage expanding into owning two major magazines and now dabbling into the motion pictures. They were leaping new heights that they would never have considered before. The company her life’s blood and nothing came in front of it. Nothing. Pharren was a strikingly beautiful petite, woman with blond hair and Cobalt crystal blue eyes with an angelic expression. However it hid the tenacity and a ferociousness of a lion. With a well-toned -body from countless of hours of running, horseback riding and tennis, Pharren was the envy of many women. Although way from her twenties, the thirty-nine-year-old woman looked half her age and all without cosmetic surgery or the latest in botox. She was classy, dignified; yet she wield an iron fist under a velvet glove. She had played with the big boys and she wasn’t going to let anybody steam roll her or her company. Pouring a glass of sparking water into a crystal glass, Pharren looked up at the painting of her favorite uncle handing in her office. She had thought of commissioning one of herself but changed her mind. She liked to look up and see her Uncle Samuel. He had been her favorite Uncle. Unlike her father who as best was a lazy, yet loveable cuss, her Uncle had drive. The man had created his empire from scratch battling the biggest publications in England and expanding the company. Some had called Samuel Huntington ruthless but she understood him. Money was power and with it, all things were possible. It had always smarted her when she had been younger that her cousin Lark would one day run the empire. Yes, she had adored Lark, like so many who had known her but Lark didn’t have the heart or the head for business like Pharren. It had been Pharren who had gone to school for business, it had been Pharren who had worked every summer since she was fourteen at Huntington Publications, even starting in the mailroom. Unlike her, Lark had been interested in art and all the aspects of being a writer and not the profit margin or the Bestseller List. Working her way up the company she had the youngest Vice Presidents in Sales and Distributions when her aunt and uncle had died in some sort of botched robbery. Then, all of the stock has basically gone to Lark. Instead of taking over the company, Lark had done something that was even strange for her; she married some Italian businessman. Little did Pharren know that one day that “little business man” would one day own a billion dollar corporation? Never meeting Lark’s husband except for the small formal wedding ceremony in a mausoleum that gave her the willies and for a dark, dank funeral, she didn’t know much about Caspian DeAngelo. The man was strange and Pharren knew a lot of strange people. Once she was married, Lark didn’t run the company, in fact she let the other shareholders make the decisions, even stranger, she never came to the quarterly shareholders meetings. In fact, there had been a rumor that Lark’s husband even bought out another publishing company to publish the book that Lark had been working on. That made no sense since Huntington would have gladly done it. But nothing about Lark’s marriage had made sense. It was as if once she married Caspian, she no longer lived in a world outside of their Villa in Italy. Pharren could clearly see that the marriage was a love match in the beginning, however what it was after that, she’d never know. Like all the shareholders, Pharren was worried when Lark had died. Yes, her father had left her a little of the stock that his brother had left him and although her own husband was rich, Phillip Carpenter, the President was stepping down and she wanted his job. They all wondered what would he do since Lark had left her shares to him? Caspian had surprised them all when after the funeral he had papers messenger to her giving her all of Lark’s shares. Pharren had finally gotten everything that she wanted. Everything had been perfect up until two days ago, that is. Jeffery Paine, her late Uncle’s lawyer and close friend had died suddenly from a heart attack. Pharren, who he had been like an “niece” to helped Elizabeth, his wife clean out his offices. She had been given all of her uncle’s files including an unmarked file labeled the Huntington Heir. Pharren had started to read through the file and found that she was not the major stockholder in her company. She was not the rightful heir to the Huntington millions. No, she wasn’t because her uncle had a secret. One that he had taken to his grave. Her uncle had not had one daughter, he had two. Twin girls. The first- born was baby girl named Brooke and the second born was a baby girl named Lark. Pharren realized with dread that if the file ever got into the wrong hands that she’s lose everything that she held dear. In that moment, she had called a friend, someone she knew she could trust and then decided to conceal the truth. After all, that was what Uncle Samuel would have done. He had only come to the reading of the will and then did some Uncle Samuel believed in hard work and that was Pharren had planned to give him. . Her Uncle . “ Here is to you Uncle Samuel.” She said in a crispy British accent. “ Your company is making leaps and bounds in ways that you’d never though would happen. Your stock is worth more than it’s ever been worth. I hope that I’ve made you proud.” Pharren was more than confident that she could handle the likes of 20th Century Fox. She make sure that movie company have them the royalties even if it meant that she was going to L.A, herself. Draining the water, she studied her schedule, which was packed for the rest of the day until late. Even her nights were filled with work, she and her husband Ewen had a dinner party was nothing more than business for him. She’d play the perfect adoring wife and he the husband. Throwing her champagne colored jacket to her expensive suit on her chair she frowned at the thought of her marriage. Ewen Marquette was extremely handsome, extremely rich, with the right amount of bloodlines that made all the difference. It didn’t matter that their marriage was built on compatible lifestyles and fifteen years her senior nor did it matter that they had never experienced real passion or love for one another. They made the prefect couple of beauty, elegance, money and bloodlines however that was all that there was. Other than seemingly seen like a match made in heaven there was nothing there. They lived in the same household, sleeping next to each other, being warm and cordial however her husband had his preferences. It didn’t even bother Pharren that her husband had lovers since her husband had the common sense to be discrete about his women. Ewen’s taste ran to the extremely young and exotic women, which he bought from time to time. Still, it was what it was. Her marriage wasn’t perfect yet she’d never leave her husband, how could she when she had been no better. She had taken lovers from time to time. Her biggest lover however was her company. All of her love, sweat and life’s blood went into her company. When Caspian DeAngelo had given up all rights to her cousin Lark’s stock, Pharren as the only living relative to her father’s brother, Samuel, had been named heir to the company. She had taken the company and made it the baby that she’d never had because of Ewen’s vasectomy. Her husband didn’t ever want children. He saw no need for them and made it clear when they courted that he’d not like her body stretched out with any child of his or anyone else. Pharren agreed and thus her company became her life.

The ride up Caspian’s private elevator ride to his opulent office had been very quiet. Brooke walked directly into his office and watched him as he headed toward his huge window overlooking the city below. Brooke watched at the tension encompassed his stance. There was nothing but silence as he suddenly moved to his private bar and poured himself a drink. “ Would you like one?” The tension immediately left Brooke’s body. It wasn’t the offer of the drink but it was the warmth in his eyes as well.
“ No. I’m fine.” She moved across the office toward him and slipped her hands into his. Squeezing his hand, she took the decanter out of hands and poured him a drink. Turning toward him, she placed it into his hands while she traced his brow softly with her fingertips. Her fingers were like a healing balm to him. They brought his peace. “ I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pull away from you. It’s hard talking about her.”
“ Don’t you see? You never talk to me about her. She is your mother.”
“ She isn’t to me Brooke. She hasn’t been for a very long time.” He took a long hard swallow of his drink. “ Cutting her off wasn’t easy at first. Growing up, she wasn’t like the other mothers, maybe because she wasn’t Italian and wasn’t raised like they were. But she was my mother and she loved me.” Memories assaulted Caspian. It had been years since he thought about the times that he and his mother had been close. “ I loved her. She was always so beautiful yet she had a power that she wielded over my father and I’d never seen anybody be able to do that.” Smirking for a moment. “ My father didn’t take lovers or have mistress like most of his counterparts because she made him happy.” Looking at Brooke, he took her hand and kissed it softly. “ He was a one woman type of man and he adored her. Although unconvential, I had a family until he died. When he died things changed. She changed.” He pulled his hands away from Brooke. “ She hooked up with the man that I found was responsible for my father’s death.”
“What?” This was news for Brooke. “ I’m so sorry.”
“ You aren’t to blame for this Brooke.”
“ But you blamed her?”
“ Yes. I blamed her. She got involved with the man who had my father murdered.”
“Murdered?” Brooke whispered. She had no idea that Caspian’s father had been murdered. “Caspian what happened.”
He knew that he couldn’t tell her the entire truth. “ My father was murdered for some stock that he had in company. Hugo worked with the man who wanted my father dead.” Picking up his ivory letter opener. “ I didn’t find out until after I killed him for raping my sister. Truthfully it didn’t matter as much then. I had cut my mother out of life by then.”
“Because of Bella.”
“ She knew that he was looking at her daughter and she did nothing. She let him rape her. She let that fu(king monster rape by baby sister. How could I call her mother? How could I when my sister was destroyed because of her!” His voice broke with the weight of his pain. “ She gave birth to Bella. She was her mother and she didn’t protect her. Mothers protect their young.” Tears stung the back of Caspian’s eyes and a lump formed within his throat. “ When I see you with Bridget, I see how you’d lay down and die for her. That is the way that it’s supposed to be. My mother should have done that. She should have laid down her life for Bella, but she didn’t.” He said with complete scorn. ‘Brooke, I think that I could have forgiven her if the rape didn’t have lasting effects on Bella. But it did. A large part of my sister died that day. I can’t forgive my mother for the part that she played in the rape of my sister. I can’t.” The pain and sorrow in Caspian’s entire body moved Brooke to tears. Two twins silver droplets fell from her eyes and ran down her cheeks. “ I had to make a decision after the rape. Bella couldn’t live with her. So she lived with me and we no longer had a mother.”
“ She was sorry wasn’t she?” Brooke couldn’t imagine a mother not being sorry for the pain that they caused their child.
Coldness erected itself around his face and visible lines showed. “ It was to late. I took late for my sister.”
“ What about all these years? Surely she is sorry.”
“Yes, she is sorry.” he sighed. But is makes to matter. What she did cannot be erased even by time.” He wiped his eye with the back of his hand. “I see her from time to time. Believe me, my so-called mother is fine. She has the best that money could offer her. A big home, expensive clothes, jewelry and lost of lovers from what I hear. I make sure that her bills are taken care of but other than that, she is no longer my mother.”
“ What kind of life is that? Cut off from her children? Surely she has tried to make amends.”
“ Oh, she’s tried alright. But it doesn’t change how I feel.” Caspian’s cold demeanor startled Brooke. He wasn’t like this, however a part of her could understand it. His mother’s “error” had devastating effects. “Let it go. Please.” He cupped her face with his hands. “ This is the only way. The only way that I can make peace with this is to pretend.”
“ Pretend that she isn’t around? That she doesn’t exist? She’s your mother.”
“ No, Brooke, she isn’t. She gave up that role years ago.”
“ But…”
“ Please let it go. I have. My mother can never hurt me or Bella again.”
Brooke saw the pain that was eating alive. Caspian still loved his mother. If only she could help him mend the rift.

Scott picked up the lavender colored pencil and shaded in the contours on his evening gown when the door to his office opened. Not looking up, he expected a late lunch delivery. “ Just put it down on the table Stacey, thanks.”
“ I’m not Stacey.”
Looking up, Scott found Rick standing in his office. Gone was the fun loving young man who normally greeted him and in his place was a stoic looking man. Sighing, he put his colored pencil down. “ You know don’t you. About me and Bridget?”
“ Damn Right I do. What in the hell do you think that you are doing with my little sister?” Rick stated as he advanced on Scott.


Olivia stepped through the crowded doorway and made her way through the restaurant until she found Beth Logan. “ Beth, I can sorry for the delay. I had a meeting that ran over.” She slid into the seat and signaled for the waiter.
“ I thought that this was a matter of importance to you.”
“ I assure you, it is. Don’t get me wrong. I love my son very much. However, he some mistakes.”
“Like killing my daughter?”
Olivia gasped in horror. “ No. Whatever you may think about son, knows that he did love Lark very much. Her death hurt him deeply. In fact I don’t think that my son has any since her except…”
“ My other daughter.”
“ Well, she too is an extraordinary woman. He would be attracted to her even she didn’t look like Lark. However I agree with you. It only ends in heartbreak and I don’t intend to watch my son suffer. I’ve already lost my daughter, I’m not going to lose him to.”
“ You’ll excuse me if I don’t have the same sentiment for your son.” Beth sated harshly. “ I want him out of my daughter’s life for good. As time passes he has become more involved with her and I don’t like it. Not only that, now he has taken to buying my granddaughter expensive gifts as well. Olivia hid her small smile. How like Caspian to buy small trinkets for the young girl.
“ How is she doing?”
The waver in Beth’s eyes caused Olivia’s heart to melt. She placed a hand over Beth’s and patted it gently. Beth consider for a moment. “ Listen, I thank you for helping me. You sent Carlos to let me know what was going on and I’m grateful.”
“ I did love Lark. She was special and very sweet. I am sorry for her death.”
“ I just don’t want there to be another one. I just want the past to stay there. I can’t take any chance with Brooke. She’s all that I have left. I let one daughter go and in that I let her down. I won’t do the same with Brooke.”
Olivia knew first hand that giving up one’s child was not an easy task. She had done it because she thought it was the best think for Bella and she had been wrong. She wasn’t sure how Beth had done such a thing. To love and give up a child and never have them know you was a powerful thing. “ Hopefully, you won’t lose her. In fact, things have already been set in motion to ruin my son’s relationship with Brooke. When we are done, she won’t want to have anything to do with him.” Twisting her lien napkin in her hands, Olivia went on. “ I only hope that my son never finds out that it was I who betrayed him.”

Stephanie couldn’t believe Taylor’s attitude after all she had been a strong factor in her son’s marriage. For years, Taylor had relied on her for her guidance and her support.
“ I don’t understand. What is going on with you?”
“ I bet your don’t understand do you. Not that not surprised. I’m sure that you will somehow find a way to credit yourself with Ridge and mine reconciliation.
“ Well, shouldn’t I be?” Scoffed Stephanie.
“ No, you shouldn’t. Because you have NOTHING to do with this.”
“ Taylor, I think that you should calm down.”
“ Calm down.” Taylor whirled around stinking her finger in Stephanie’s face. “ I think that you need a reality check. You threatened my children. You threatened to take them from me by using a letter that I wrote years ago. You were going to show to Ridge and world, if I didn’t play by your rules.”
“ Taylor, come on. Don’t you see…”
“ No. You shut up and let my say.” Taylor inhaled deeply. “ You showed your true colors when Ridge and I were problems. Instead of supporting me, you turned on me.”
“ Well, he is MY son and there were MY grandchildren!” Stephanie bellowed as she placed her hands on her hips. “What did you think was going to happen?”
“Nothing. I guess that you’d care the both of us. That you loved me and you saw me as a daughter.”
“ I did…I mean I do.” She stepped forward however Taylor backed up.
“ No, you don’t. I finally see after all these years. You may convinced yourself that you saw a daughter but when it came down to it, you were willing to use my mistakes against.”
“ You did the same with Ridge.”
“ No, I didn’t. I made him responsible. But you did was much worse. And I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to forgive you.” Tears formed in Taylor’s eyes. “ You broke my heart and your threw away our closeness when you went against me and threatened me. I won’t forget what you did. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going a check on my kids.”
“ Taylor wait.” Stephanie called. However Taylor didn’t wait, instead she left leaving Stephanie in the empty kitchen with an empty heart.

Nancy handed Eve a cup of hot coffee. “ So, do you want to tell me what has you in such a great mood if it isn’t your boyfriend?”
“It isn’t him.”
“ Believe me, he’s wonderful.” She picked up her letter of welcome from Huntington Publications. “ He’s part of the problem.” Throwing the letter on the table she picked up a tissue and wiped her nose. “ You see, I never thought that I’d meet anyone like him. He is so sweet and loyal and loving.”
“ So, what’s the problem? Is it your past?”
“ No.” She looked away. “ He doesn’t know about any of it. He doesn’t about the prostitution or the drugs or any of it. I’m not Angel anymore. She’s gone. She’s reinvented herself and she is so proud of who she is now.”
“So what’s the problem? If Rick doesn’t know the truth. Is it that you want to tell him?”
“ No. I don’t him to EVER find out who I used to be. His family is so respectable and they accept. He mom even likes me. I’ve destroy what we had with my past.”
“ Sometimes your past catches up with you.”
“ I know but it isn’t a case of that. It’s my future. It’s calling me.”
“ Your future?”
“ I’ve been offered a position with Huntington Publications and it’s an internship that has great possibilities for me.”
“ Eve, that’s wonderful news.”
“ Is it? Because at this point, I’m not sure. Don’t get me wrong; I’d love to work there. I’m so tired of working nights just to get by. Trudie wants to move into this condo and it’s going to be way more than I can afford. This internship would take care of my schooling; I’d have a place to live and a chance to advance. It’s a dream come true only it means leaving L.A.”
“ You’d have to leave.”
“ Yeah. Just when I’ve finally made real roots. I know that it isn’t much. It’s not like I have a real family but Trudie is like a sister to me. It’s nice coming home and having someone there.” The wistfulness in Eve’s voice touched Nancy’s heart. More than anything her runaways hungered for a real home. Nancy had seen the hunger in Eve when she first had met her and understood her yearning for love. “ Then there is Rick. He is everything that I could want and even though we are both too young at the moment and our relationship too new, I can see a future with him. He has little boy and I’ve fallen in love with him. Little Eric is as cute a cherub and so smart. He may not be mine but that doesn’t mean that I can’t treat him like he is.” It seemed so unfair for Eve. To have everything that she wanted and then to have to make a choice between them. The job was perfect and she wouldn’t have to work as nearly as hard however that meant leaving Trudie and Rick. She couldn’t do that; it would break her heart in two.
“ So, you have to make a choice between the two thing that you want?”
“ Yes and I have to make a decision today.”
“ What does Rick think?” Looking away, her body language gave Nancy her answer.
“ Oh Eve. These types of decision are important to your relationship.”
“ I know but he is going through enough at the moment. I can’t get into it be he had some real family issues that need to addressed. The last thing that he needs now is his attention divided or on me. ”
“ So what are you going to do?”
“ Make a decision. I have to choose today.”

Connor reviewed the information on his e-mail files. Shaking his head, he read his last message.“ Margo, based on this information and phone call, please have an entire new set of divorce papers ready for Taylor Forrester.”
Margo paused for a moment but said nothing. It seemed that Mrs. Forrester had changed her mind again. “ Yes Mr. Davis.”
Picking up a message from Tray, Connor waited a moment until she left the room before he left a message on his voicemail. “ Tray this is Connor. Listen, I’m going to be tied up in court all day. If you don’t mind, meet me at my house for dinner and drinks and we can discuss what you have found.” Hanging up the phone Connor signed. “ I could be wrong about this Brooke, but I have a feeling that there is a lot more to this man than what meets the eye.

Bridget pulled up in the driveway at the home of Stephanie and her father. The thought of Eric made her sad especially since the truth wasn’t out yet. They knew that he depended on them and loved them. She couldn’t tell him yet. Noticing Ridge’s car, Bridget was filled with delight at seeing her real father. Opening the front door she walked into what looked to be a celebration. Eric looked better than he had in days and standing next to him was Ridge holding some champagne. “ Hey, what’s going on?”
Ridge smiled and hurried over to Bridget. “ Princess.” He kissed her on top of her head.
“ Get over here and give your dad a hug.” Clamored Eric. “ I’ve missed you.”
Bridget and Ridge looked deeply into each other eyes both felt pure regret for the heartache they were going to bring Eric. Scooting around Ridge she hugged Eric. “ I missed you too dad.” Looking around she noticed what looked to be champagne glasses.
“ So, what is going on?”
“ Well, your brother and Taylor have officially made up and have plans to remarry. Isn’t that the best news?”
“ Remarry?”
“Yes, he and Taylor are going to renew their vows in a ceremony and go to St. Thomas with the family.” Bridget looked at Ridge. She knew that he and Taylor has made up but with things strained between Taylor and her mother it hurt. It also hurt to know that Ridge seemed to have forgotten Taylor’s threat not to let the children get tested. “ Wow.” She said with very little enthusiasm. “ I know that Taylor is very happy. It’s everything that she has wanted.” A suffocating tightness filled Bridget’s throat and cut off her air. The weight of everything was too much for her to bear. The truth about Ridge, the years that she lost and the notion her life meant so little to Ridge ate at her. “Hey, I’d like to celebrate but I’ve got to get home.”
“ But you’ve just gotten here.”
“ I know dad. I was just checking on you but I see that you are in capable hands. ” Bridget said kissing his cheek. “ But I’ve got to go. Mom, she says that she wants me home.” With that Bridget hurried toward the door, as she did she heard the laughter and the joy as Ridge’s clamored down the stairs.
“ Bwridget!” Cried the twins.
Bridget smiled. “ Hey guys what are you doing.”
“Playing” stammered Steffie. “Will you play with us?”
“ Yeah” cried Thomas.
Bridget touched the little girl on the cheek. “ I can’t. Sorry, I’ve got to go home.” She looked up at Taylor for a moment and anger filled her. “ Besides a family affair. Right Taylor? Listen guys, I gotta go. I’ll see you later.
Taylor was startled by the animosity that she had heard in the young girl’s voice. Regret filled her.
Eric was very concerned about Bridget’s hasty retreat. “ She still hasn’t forgiven him, has she?”
“ What are you talking about dad?”
“ For trying to steal her from Brooke. She hasn’t forgiven me for that.”
Ridge was concerned. It was evident that Bridget had become distressed when it had been mentioned that he and Taylor were going to remarry. He wondered if it had to do with the fact that he and Taylor were remarrying or the fact that he’d be gone. However he couldn’t address that issue now. Not in front of his father.”

Bridget rushed out of the house as hot tears streamed down her face. “ Why the fu(k should that selfish bitch care about me!” she cried to no one in particular. It hurt her deeply to know that Ridge and his family would be off taking some family vacation why the decision about getting the kids tested still hung in the air. Slipping down in her front seat Bridget opened up to the pain and the fear that she felt and cried. “ It isn’t fair. It just isn’t fair.”

Brooke was curled up with Caspian on his bed. Looking around the finely decorated room that was adjacent to his office with full bath she was amazed. “Wow. All I have is a dressing room and a bathroom in my office.”
Caspian gently traced one of the globes of Brooke’s breast above the chiffon buster.
“ You had a bed in your office. I just ran with that idea. Besides…” he said kissed the top of that globe. “ You might be inclined to visit me.”
Her laughter filled the air. “ With all the security, I’m not sure.”
“ Not in this room. It, like my office, is private. So, how about it? Shouldn’t we test the bed, its brand new shipped all the way from Japan.”
“ Why Mr. DeAngelo, are you propositioning me?”
Stratling the bed, Caspian sipped one of Brooke’s sandals off her feet and kissed her arch. “What do you think?” Brooke slipped her foot out of his grasp and edged it down the front of his body until she came in contact with his large and extremely hard ****. The contact of her small foot against his hard shaft filled him with pleasure. A small growl escaped his lips as her tiny foot rotated against him with expertise. Leaning forward Caspian caught Brooke’s mouth with his own in a fiery passionate kiss. Brooke’s foot slipped and as she was caught up in the kiss however all love play between the two was called to a halt when Brooke’s cell phone beeped loudly. Groaning, she pulled away from him.
“ Sorry. It’s my alarm. I have a meeting back at Forrester.”
“ Are you sure?”
“ Yes. I’m sure. Believe me, I wish that someone else could take it but regretfully, they can’t. I’m in charge. For better or for worse. Besides, it looks like you have a great deal of work yourself. I saw the mountain of paperwork on your desk.” He knew that she was right about the work. He had a great deal to do. He couldn’t spend his afternoon’s making love because once he started he might not stop. They both had business to run. “Besides, I’ve got to get home and ground Bridget.”
“ Why?”
“ Because she left this morning without telling me about her hickey. Teenagers!” Running his fingers through his hair, Caspian no longer looked like his normal immaculate self instead; he almost looked like a schoolboy. Brooke noted his muscular chest and ribbing biceps through his expensive suit, well, almost. Dropping back down to the bed, he kissed her soft lips gently. She patted his face gently for a moment before she looked for her missing sandal and put it back on. He kissed her lips one more time before she stood. Picking up her white jacket from the chair, she put it back on. Then she checked her hair and reapplied her makeup. He watched in awe as she went about the task wondering how he had ever gotten so lucky to have her in his life. He didn’t want to think about what it would be like to not have her.
“ Brooke.”
“ Yes.”
“ Tonight, are you busy?”
“No. I’m just grounding Bridget.”
“ Can we have dinner?”
She smiled. “ I love that. How about Vanillies? I want to try their lobster ravioli.” Brooke’s smile faltered when she noticed that the carefree light that had been in his eye was gone. “ What is it?”
“ It nothing. It’s just….there are some things that I need to tell you. About myself.”
“ About you?”
“ Yes.”
“ Like what?”
“ Sweetheart. Please, I didn’t tell you this to worry. Today, when I talked to you about my mother it was painful but it was like I was unburdening myself to you. I want to know everything about me. I want you to know about my culture and heritage. I want you to know about my business and my plans for this company. I want you to know about my past so that we can have a future together.” Caspian moved toward her catching her hand in his and kissing it lighty on its palm. “ I need to tell you everything about me. The good, the bad and even the ugly.”
“Don’t be silly. There is nothing ugly about you.” Brooke loved this man. She loved everything about him. His strength. His commitment to her and to her children. His power. “Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. I love you Caspian.”
Slipping his arms around her, he held her tightly. “ I love you too. More than you’ll every know.”


The knock on her door brought Pharren’s attention from the marketing reports. “ It’s Jackson on line one.”
At the mention of the Jackson’s name, Pharren smiled. A long time friend and business shark Jackson was one of the very few people whom she trusted. It amazed her that she and Jackson could develop a friendship. Their background and past were as different as night and day, however they both had one goal in mind, conquering it all. It had been Jackson who had given her several ideas for her company. Jackson Richardson was a man who was aggressive, cunning and a force to be recommended with in business. Just recently, he had gone out on his own and started to formulate his own magazine company. With the money that he had accumulated with years of hard work, plus investors who knew that he’d already made his two million when he turned 25, he stared “Morpheus”, an upscale magazine that had the flavor or Vibe, the political structure of Black Enterprise and Forbes and the fashionable flair of GQ. The magazine had only been on the shelves for the last six months and issues were hard to come by since they were “selling like hotcakes” as Jackson put it. Before creating his own magazine, Jackson had helped Pharren out at Huntington two years ago, streaming lining areas that were falling behind profit margins and he had even developed the rapport with 20th Century Fox since of friend of his was Vice President. More than that recently he helped her develop an idea that might expand Huntington’s offices to New York City. Jackson’s ideas were innovative, nonetheless. Jackson, friend or no, didn’t come cheap and however he had asked for 2 % of stock in her company and option to by if the deals that he had made came through. Pharren had no problem forking over the cash and had in turn asked to by some stock in his company. Picking up the phone she spoke. “Hello”
“ Hello gorgeous.”
“Jackson.” She said smiling leaning back in her chair. “ It’s good to hear from you.” She said in a bright crispy accent.
“ I was just calling you to let you know that I’m in town.”
“For business?”
A deep chuckle sounded on the end of the phone. “ You know the golden rule.”
“ Whether it’s dinner and drinks or vacations to Tahiti or even world class best sex, the bottom line is always business.”
“ That certainly is my motto however although I’m here on business I’m also here to see a friend.”
Pharren smiled softly. She knew that it was her urgent phone call about finding out about her Uncle Samuel’s heir that had really brought him to London and not business. “ Thank you Jackson. You are always here when I need you.”

Taylor watched the children as they played with Eric. Ridge wrapped his arms around her. “ They are good for him, aren’t they?”
“ Yes, they are.”
Taylor noticed the line forming in between Ridge’s eyes. “ What’s wrong?”
He looked at his father and turned.“ It’s nothing.”
“Ridge, we made a pack to be honest, didn’t we. Now, does this have anything to do with Bridget? Eric mentioned that she stopped by.
“ Yes and no. I hate lying to him like this.”
Taylor understood. Eric didn’t know that Bridget wasn’t his daughter. “ When I think about the mess that Brooke created.”
“ Taylor, Brooke didn’t create this mess. I know that it seems easy to blame her but she didn’t do this. She’d never hurt Bridget or my father this way.”
“Maybe not but sleeping with both you and Eric in a short amount of time certainly helped to confuse the matter.”
“Taylor.” A slight tick formed on Ridge’s cheek and Taylor regretted her comment. The last thing she wanted to do was to discuss Brook on this day. The woman was a slut but she was Bridget’s mother. There was nothing that she could do about that.
“ I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. What’s done is done. And I can understand your fear of telling your father.”
“ Look at him.” Eric was laughing at the twins. “ Look at what the children are doing for him. He almost died. I can’t Bridget away from him, not right now.” Ridge sighed. “But its hurting Bridget. She can hardly look at him and he knows that something is wrong. Besides it’s not healthy for her to be under stress especially with her condition.”
“ Bridget was upset?”
“ Yeah, she was.”
Taylor thought for a moment. “ Listen, I know that we are supposed to spend the day together but I have something that I have to do.”
“ What?”
Taylor kissed him on cheek. “ Can you handle the kids for about an hour?”
“ Yes.”
“ Good, I’ll meet you at home.” Taylor pulled away however Ridge caught her by the hand. “ Taylor, I uh..noticed something between you and mom. Is everything alright?”
“ Yeah.”
“ You sure?”
“ Yes, I’m sure. I’m just overwhelmed.”
“ If it’s too much the wedding and all…”
“ No! I love it. And I love you.” Taylor kissed Ridge passionately on the mouth.
“ I love you to Doc.” Ridge sighed. Although he was happy that he and Taylor were making their way back to each other he couldn’t help but to wonder how his father was going to react when the truth came to light. Worse than that, he still had the issue of getting the children tested. He certainly hoped that his plan to get Taylor to change her mind was working. After all, he’d get his wife back, he’d have a family for his children and most importantly, he’d get the children tested to see if one of them were a match for Bridget. “Brooke, I’m doing everything in my power to see that Bridget gets what she needs.”

Sally Spectra walked into her office and was surprised to find Kimberly. Wearing a light blue day pants suite with cut high-heeled sandals, with her hair swept up with a dramatic flair, she no longer looked like the young youthful, innocent girl that she once knew. She had done her best to try to do right by Adam by looking after his daughter however for the last few months Kimberly had avoided her. It angered Sally to know that Kimberly was shacking up with Thorne, the man responsible for Macy’s death. Slamming the door, she sauntered over toward her desk. “ You’ve got ten minutes to say what you will and then get out!”
Kimberly was surprised by the violent outburst. “ Sally, what’s wrong?”
“ What’s wrong?” Sally flung her hair over her shoulders, shifting her weight from one side to another. “ How can you ask that when you married the man that killed your sister! What kind of sister are you?”
“Sally, Thorne isn’t responsible.”
“ Don’t give me that. He and that man-eating slut, Brooke are responsible for your sister’s death. How could you? How could you sleep with him, let alone marry him?”
“Because he is father of my child.”
Stunned Sally looked at Kimberly. “ Your what?”
“ I’m having a baby.”
Throwing her hands up, Sally looked up into the sky. “ God, your sister will be rolling over in her grave.”
“ No, she wouldn’t. Macy would be proud.”
“ Proud? What in the world is wrong with you? Why in the world would she be proud to know that you got pregnant by her husband and married him?”
“ Because Brooke didn’t get him. I made sure of that.”
Sally stared at Kimberly in a new light. “ My god. You did on purpose? You got pregnant on purpose?”
Kimberly smiled. She was dying to tell someone the truth. “ Yes.”
“ But how? Why?”
“ It’s a long story.”
Sally crossed her arms over her chest. “ I’ve got time, so tell me.”
For a moment, she wanted to. She wanted to unburden herself. “ I can’t get into it.”
Sally was very worried. “ Kimberly. This isn’t healthy. You are pregnant, do you know what it will entail. How could you do this? How could do you do this to Macy?”
“ I didn’t do anything to Macy. In fact, I did what couldn’t do. I was strong and calculating. I outwitted that woman and made her hurt.”
Sally snorted. “ Some hurt. The woman has already moved on to her latest lover. I hear this one is Italian and very rich. Brooke doesn’t give a damn about Thorne.”
“ Well, I do. He is my husband.”
“ Husband. Ha. What kind of husband was he to your sister? I can only imagine what kind of husband he is to you. That sick bastard! He doesn’t love you, you DO know that.”
“ No. What I do know is that Thorne is committed to baby and me. I do know that. I know that I’m committed and I don’t want you to say another bad thing about my husband. Do you understand?”
“ What?”
“ You heard me. You don’t say another word about him.”
“ Now ain’t this rich. Little girl, this is my building and I can say what ever I want.”
“ It’s your business? Not entirely Sally.”
Sally frowned. “What are you talking about?”
‘ I’m talking about my father. He invested money in your company.” Kimberly pulled out a document. “ You see my father was a business man. Here is a copy of the loan that he gave your to recoup your loses and rebuild your company. He gave you a check for a million dollars did he not?”
Sally frowned. “ What does this have to do with you?”
“ It has a lot to do with me. The loan hasn’t been paid back.”
“ What loan?” Sally picked up the papers. “ Yes, your father gave me the money but he was investing in the company and you know that.”
“ So, you my father offered my stock for your investment.”
“ We worked together.”
“You didn’t answer my question. How much stock have in Spectra?”
“ What are you doing?”
“ I’m asking question. I have a baby on the way and I need to secure his future. As a Forrester, I don’t think that it will help my marriage to be associated with Spectra, so I want I want to sever my ties with company.”
“ Your ties?”
“Yes, as my father heir, I have legal rights to either his stock or either to recoup the money he loaned.”
“ Recoup the money. I can’t afford to do such a thing. You know that!”
“Well, something will have to be done because I’ve already consulted a lawyer. I have a right to get my money back or take stock from your company. You and I both know that the stock really isn’t worth much. Your company is always on the brink of financial ruin, so I’d rather have my money.”
“ You little blood sucking vampire! How dare you. How dare you stand there and ask me for money you aren’t entitled to.”
“But I am entitled to it. That money he used was part of my mother’s money. He used it to help you out. From where I’m standing your company isn’t an investment, its pitfall. A money trap and I want my money back.”
Sally was enraged. This was her beloved Adam’s daughter. Here she was, the girl she tried to look after her and the little bitch betrayed her. “ How can you do this? Your father, he never would have done this. You know that I can’t afford to pay you that money. It was 2.2 million dollars. With the newest line going in, we don’t have that capital at the moment.”
“ You’ll just have to find a way.”
“ Find a way. Did you just tell me I’d find a way! You are going to bankrupt me. You selfish little bitch! You get out!”
Darla came through the door. “Sal, my god, calm down. What going on?”
“ This little bitch wants to bankrupt me.”
“ I just want what’s mine.”
“ What’s yours? You get the hell out of here! Get out of here now before I forget that you are pregnant and Adam’s daughter!”
Kimberly picked up her purse and briefcase. “ I’m very sorry. But I don’t have a choice.”
“ Get out!” Sally picked up a vase of flowers on her desk and threw it.
Darla was very worried; she didn’t know what was going on. “ I think that you better go Kimberly.”
Kimberly walked toward the elevator and got on. In her heart she didn’t want to do this, she didn’t want to bankrupt Spectra but she needed cash. Her father has invested in the company and therefore she didn’t have the capital to deal with Honey. Now, she would.
Sally collapsed in her chair. “ I just can’t believe this. After all these years, I never thought that we’d be betrayed by one of our own. She’s Adam’s daughter. She knew how much this company meant to him, to Macy and to me.” Tears filled Sally’s eyes. “ How could she do this?”

Stephanie thought about her conversation with Taylor with a sense of grief. She wished that she could make her understand that she had done only what she thought was best for her family. She had to protect the children from Brooke. When the family found out that Bridget was Brooke and Ridge’s daughter she had been desperately frightened that Brooke and Ridge would reconnect. She never thought that she’d be happy that Brooke was involved with that horrid man Caspian DeAngelo however she was. She didn’t want Brooke anywhere near Ridge. Now that Ridge and Taylor’s marriage was back on track, she was going to help them stay there. Surely once she started helping to plan the wedding that Taylor would come around. Looking through her phone book, she called Mary Ellen Fletcher, the best wedding coordinator around. This wedding was a sign of all the wonderful things to come.

Ridge hung up the phone. “ Listen Dad, I hate to bother you but that was Megan. I’ve got to go to the office. I didn’t plan on it but I have to.”
Eric knew since his heart attack he hadn’t been able to contribute to the company that everybody was working over time. “ Your mother and I would love to have them.”
“I won’t be too much?”
“No. We’d love to have them.”

Caspian’s office was dark and silent as he sat with his thoughts. Although he had taken a few business calls to Italy and had overseen one of the projects that were in development, he mind wasn’t really focused on work. It was focused on what he was going to do tonight. He had everything a man could ever want, money, power and respect but the thing that he wanted the most was missing in his life. Love was an emotion and a feeling that out-weighted all the money and power in the world for him. Love was an emotion that he craved like some craved for air and now that he had Brooke in his life, he couldn’t see going back to the place that held no love for him. He hadn’t known how much he missed the feeling of love until Brooke. It amazed him that he’d be able to find he type of love that he felt with Brooke. He had loved once and deeply yet his love for Lark was like a child’s love compared to what he felt with Brooke. He had been Lark’s first, her lover, her protector but they had not been equals. He couldn’t unburden himself; he didn’t know how to do it. Maybe in his heart, he didn’t trust that she’d still love him if he bared his soul to her. He had not told her what he was or what his family was really about until after they had been married. Now, when he looked back he knew that it wasn’t fair yet he had wanted her so much back then. In the end, he had destroyed her with and she never loved him the same. If only, he had let her go but he hadn’t. He’d always regret that for as long as he lived. Opening up his wallet, he took out a worn photo of Lark. In it she had been young, beautiful and innocent. Fingering the photo he felt the pain of losing her and their child, he’d always love Lark. “Lark, if I had been a better man, I would have given you the choice that I’m going to give Brooke. I did learn something from the mistakes that I made with you. I don’t intend to make the same mistakes with Brooke.” With a heavy heart Caspian placed the photo back into wallet. For a moment, he was silent again before he spoke. “ Are you just going to stand there or are you coming in Bella?”
Isabelle slightly hesitated. “ I didn’t want to bother you. You were thinking.” She noticed the haunted look in her brother’s eye. Reaching out to touch his hand gently. “Do you want to tell me what is going on?”
“ Thank you for offering Bella but no. It’s something that I have to work out on my own. Besides, I more concerned about you.”
“ There is nothing to be concerned about. I’m fine.”
“ Going on had to be hard Bella.”
“ No harder than usual. Besides, Grayson tried to keep me occupied.”
Caspian’s head snapped up. “Bella, why did you go to see Grayson?”
“ It had nothing to do with “family” business, I just wanted to see him. Maybe it was the melancholy of that day but it was nice to see a family being together.”
“ If could have changed what happened, I would have.” He had wanted so much more for his sister.
“ I know you would have brother.” For a single moment, the mask of Isabelle wore dropped and Caspian saw a look of vulnerability appear on her exquisite face. “ But there are some things that you cannot change. With all of your money and all of your power, even you can’t change the past.” Then as if the look had never been there, it was replaced her mask once again.
“ Bella, do you want to go back to Italy. When I made the decision to move here, I didn’t think about how it would effect you.”
“No. Whether it’s Italy, Paris, or here, it doesn’t matter. We are family, mi familiar, we belong together. Besides it isn’t like I can’t go home from time to time. L.A isn’t Italy but there are things here that make it worth staying.”
“Like, Pierce by chance?”
“Fishing aren't we?”
“ No, Bella, just asking.”
“ Pierce is a dead issue.”
“ Why?”
“ We’ve had this conversation before. He wants what I can’t give.” Picking up the heavy decanter and pouring herself a drink, she turned toward her brother. “ Some things we can not change. You know that. Pierce is one of them, besides, I’ve found someone to occupy my time.”
“ You have?”
“ Yes, he isn’t anything like Pierce. He understands the game and how it’s played. He understands that there will never be any emotional connections.” She sipped out of the glass.
“Who is the mysterious man?”
“ Worried.”
“ Bella.” He said sternly. “ I can find out.”
“ No need. It’s just a fling. Nothing more but his name is Deacon Sharpe. He owns a club called the Lair.”
“ A club?”
“ Yes, a nightclub. He has owned a few of them. Has invested in real estate and other properties.”
“ What’s his appeal?”
“ I think that it’s his drive. Born of a prostitute with no father, living on edge on the streets, he made something out of nothing. He has no formal education however he is making nicely with investment. And he has enough charm to almost cover his street smarts. Besides, he is magnificent in bed.”
“ Is he enough to make you forget about your feelings for Pierce?”
She put her drink down moved to kiss her brother gently. “ Surely, you know the answer to that question. I’m inviting you to dinner tomorrow at my house. I’ll cook. Good night brother.”

Eve opened the door to her apartment, walked in and threw her book bag on the sofa. She took out a bowl from the cabinet and Total cereal. Opening up the refrigerator, she fixed herself a bowl of cereal. Taking it to the counter she ate what would be her dinner. She had at least three hours to get some rest before she was due at work. Sighing heavily, she thought about the decision she made and hoped that it was the right one.

Brooke signed her last document and slipped it in her briefcase before she took other documents and placed them in her file cabinet. Sighing for a moment, she rotated her head to relieve the pressure in her head before she picked up a picture of Bridget. “My little girl.” She pressed the photo against her heart. Something had to be done to see that she got the donor that she needed. Putting the photo back she picked up her bag to head home. She had told Bridget to be home by 4:00 pm and she intended to be there to talk with her daughter. Walking into the hallway she headed to the elevator when she heard Ridge’s voice coming from Eric’s office. Opening the door, she waved at Ridge. Ridge waved for a moment and continued to talk for a few more moments. Brooke was caught up in her own thoughts until she realized what Ridge was saying.“ Yes, Dave, we will need the Villa by the sea. Make sure that it has everything; I want it to have at least five rooms, one for Taylor and I one for the twins, one for Thomas and Katherine. I want to have private beach access so that the kids, Taylor and I can have private quality time together. This trip is very special and I want everything done to my specifications. I’ll fax them over to you. No, no. I’ll call you back tomorrow. Yes.” Ridge laughed. “ Yes, I think that she’ll love everything.” Ridge hung up the phone.
“ You are going somewhere?”
Ridge smiled. “ Yeah. Taylor and I put our differences aside. We are getting remarried, recommitting ourselves to each other.”
“ Really?”
Ridge didn’t notice the frown on Brooke’s face. ‘ Yesterday, there was this accident. She slipped, fell and she almost drowned.”
Brooke gasped. “ Ridge, I’m sorry.”
“ When I saw her laying there, I thought that I had she had died. Brooke I don’t think that I had never been so scared in my life.”
“ Is she alright?”
“ Yes, she is fine thank god. In that moment, I knew what I had to do.”
“And what was that?”
“ Make things right. I thought about the argument that you and Taylor had the other day and all the things that Taylor said.”
“ She was wrong.”
“ Yes she was but a lot of that came from her fear. Logan, I haven’t been fair to her. I promised to made certain promises to her and I didn’t follow through.”
“ But you intend to now.”
“ Yes. You should see what I’ve got planned. I brought her a new ring to make up for the one she lost. We are going to get remarried with an entire ceremony and then a trip with the kids to St. Thomas.”
Brooke nodded and looked away. “ So, you are giving her everything that she wanted.”
The sympathy that Brooke had been feeling for Taylor died the moment that Ridge about his plans. She could understand him being fearful of Taylor’s accident and understand his relief to know that Taylor would be all right. She knew that Ridge loved Taylor and Brooke wanted their marriage to work out however in all of his talk, he didn’t mention Bridget.
“ I really think that she deserves it. I’ve put her through hell.”
“ Well, I can certainly see how she could think that with Morgan and all.”
“I’ve planned a wonderful honeymoon for us and the kids.”
If Ride hadn’t been caught up with his own happiness he would have noticed how quiet and calm Brooke was. He would have recognized the anger building up inside of her. “So, when is happy occasion?”
“ A week from now.”
“ A week. That’s fast.”
“ Well, you know that mother is excited. So is dad. I really think that this wedding is going to be the thing to help him come around. Mother is going to get Mary Ellen Fletcher to take care of the wedding plans.”
“ Mary Ellen, she’s one of the best. She’ll make sure that the wedding is spectacular. Another Forrester wedding.”
For a moment, Ridge thought that he heard something in her voice. “Brooke is everything all right.”
Turning toward Ridge, she gave him a quizzical look. “Why shouldn’t it be? Your wife is getting a brand new life with you while our daughter might die because she is too selfish to get your children. Tell me Ridge in all the wedding plans did you discuss OUR daughter.”
“ Logan, listen. I know what I’m doing. Right now, it wasn’t the time but I promise you that I know what I’m doing..”
“Promises. Do you think that your promises mean that much to me? How many different promises you’ve made throughout he years. Countless of times, you promised to stand by me and that never happened.”
“ Logan, is this what this is about.”
Brooke squinted. She couldn’t believe Ridge’s ego. “ Don’t flatter yourself. Do you really think this is about you? Damn it Ridge, you made a promise to me about OUR daughter.” Tears formed in Brooke’s eyes. “ Doesn’t she mean anything to you at all? She’s dying. Day by day she is dying and you don’t even see that, do you? You talking about Taylor and her feeling and what she deserves. What about Bridget? What does she deserve? Well, I’ll tell you what. She deserves a father who is willing to put her first even before own wife. I put Bridget above Ridge, why can’t you do the same.”
Ridge was shocked by the anger in Brooke’s voice. He hadn’t put Bridget second, he just wanted to give Taylor time and he knew she’d come around. “Logan, you’ve got to calm down. Just listen..”
“ No Ridge. I’m through with listening. I gave you time and you’ve done nothing but plan a wedding. Now, it’s in my hands. I will take care of MY daughter.” Brooke picked up her purse and stormed out of Eric’s office slamming the door.
“ Brooke, wait. Damn it Brooke!” Ridge yelled but she was gone. “ Logan, you didn’t give me time to explain.” Ridge closed his eyes. It was best to let Brooke alone when she was angry. Tomorrow, he’d go and talk to her and make her understand that the wedding, the honeymoon trip in all was part of his plan to get her to change her mind. “Just give me the time that I need.” Picking up the phone, he made a call. After a couple of rings, he hung up. Where the hell was his wife, the last thing he needed was for Brooke to go after Taylor when he was doing his best to make peace with Taylor. It wasn’t too much. Ridge wanted to remarry Taylor, he wanted his kids and he wanted Bridget to get a donor.

Taylor hesitated a moment before she rung the doorbell. It took a minute or so before the door opened. There Bridget stood with red eyes looking at her with contempt. “What do you want?”
“ I want to talk to you if it’s okay.”
“ Listen, I don’t have time. My mom will be coming home soon and I’m already in enough trouble. I don’t think she’d want you here.” Bridget turned to shut the door however Taylor’s arm stopped her. “Please Bridget. There is something that I have to say and it’s important.”
Bridget hesitated for a moment. “ You’ve got five minutes.”

Ridge stepped in Eric and Stephanie’s house. Maria smiled at him. “The children are having a wonderful time. They are out by the pool with your mother. Your father is taking a nap.”
“ Thanks Maria.”
“ Listen, has Taylor called?”
“ No.”
“ If she does, please let me know.”

Bridget sat outside watching as this mother bird in one of her mother’s trees feed her young. A peace that she hadn’t known for a long time settled deep down inside of her. She couldn’t believe what had transpired. “ It’s going to be alright mom. Everything is going to be just fine.”
“Bridget, who are you talking to?”
Surprised, she looked up to find Scott standing in the doorway to step outside toward her.
“Scott, what are you doing here?”
“ I’m here to talk to your mother. Your brother and I had a long talk and I think that I should be here and we will tell your mother together.”
“ You and Rick? How did it go?”
“ You brother laid down some ground rules and I can understand why. He is worried.” Sitting down, he took her hand in his. “So, do you want to tell me why you are talking to yourself?”
“ Taylor came by to see me.”
“ And you are smiling.”
“ We had a long talk, woman to woman.”
“ Woman to woman huh.”
“ She apologized for the way that she’s been treating me. She said that when she found out that Ridge was father that she scared. She admitted that she had always been frightened of the bond my mother and dad had. She said from the moment that I had been born that she was afraid of me and what I represented.”
“ The love between Brooke and Ridge.”
“ Yeah. A living breathing walking proof that they had something special.”
{Flashback}
“ Bridget, I was scared of you. When Brooke told us she was pregnant with you it was like my whole world ended in that moment. How compete with such a bond, a living-breathing reminder of great love between Brooke and Ridge? I couldn’t.” Taylor’s lip quivered. “ I remember he first he bought you home. You were tiny and so unbelievable beautiful and you were her baby. He loved you so much. It was there in his eyes the way he held you and changed you.” A tear ran down Taylor’s face, which she quickly watched. “ I wanted to hate you.”
Bridget felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach. “ You did hate me. You still do.”
Taylor reached out and wiped the tear that ran down the teen’s face. “No, I didn’t. How could I hate you when you belonged to Ridge? Especially when you were such a wonderful baby. I wanted to be a stepmother to you and I wanted to love you but it was hard because your mother. I’ll admit, I did try but your mother have none of it.”
“Can you blame her? You had the man she loved.”
“ I know. I’ll admit that did make it difficult. But back in those days, I have children. I didn’t have the bond that Ridge and your mother did. I felt left out. You were his little princess and your mother never let me forget it.”

Taylor smiled as she pulled into the drive of her house. Today, was a wonderful day, she had finally made things right. She was going to have everything. She’d have Ridge, her marriage, and her children.


“But no matter what I felt for your mother, I still cared about you Bridget you and your brother. However things got difficult because wouldn’t hear of me being an active stepmother in your life. So, I’ll admit when it came out that your bribed the doctor to change the paternity test…”
“ She didn’t do that.” Snapped Bridget. “She would never do that.”
“ You didn’t know your mother back then. She desperate to have Ridge.”
“ This coming from a woman who used her own son as an ultimatum to make Ridge leave my mom.”
Taylor colored a bit. “Things were different.”
“ How were they different. I could live without Ridge but not Thomas.”
“ I’m not proud of actions Bridget and we have part to play in travesty but I’ll admit, you the price and for that I’m very sorry. I’ve made some mistakes in my life. With finding out the truth about Morgan, Ridge and Dylan, let alone losing my own baby I became bitter.”
Bridget couldn’t look Taylor. She hadn’t meant for Taylor to get in that accident and for her baby to die. “ Well, you went through a lot.”
“ Yes, I did, however that didn’t mean that I should take it out on you and I did. When I found out that you were Ridge’s again, I was very scared. I was scared of you and the bond you and Ridge had was afraid of you and your mother.”

Taylor opened the front door of her house. “ Ridge? Katherine?” Stepping down she threw her purse on the table next to the door and went to the sofa when she noticed an envelope made of lilac stationary with her name on it. “What’s this?” She opened it up. It was an invitation. “Meet me at 6:30 at the Private Dinning Room. “ She sighed.
“ Oh Ridge, you romantic.” Taylor looked at her watch and noticed at it was 6:00. She didn’t have much time. She hurried to the stairs to go through her many Forrester gowns and pick the perfect one.

“ I was afraid and that fear made do some things that I’m not proud of.”
Bridget recalled putting the videotape in the viewer at Rick’s party. “Fear sometimes makes you act rash.”
“ Yes, Bridget it does. I’ll admit that I’ve acted rashly. I want to make amends for what I’ve done. I know that I can’t make up for the years that you’ve lost but I do want to try to invite you to be a part of my family. Ridge and I are renewing our vows and we are taking the children with us to St. Thomas.”
“ I know.”
“ I’d like for you to come with us Bridget.”
Bridget’s head snapped up. “ What?”
“ You heard me. Thomas and the girls adore you. After all, you are their older sister and they need to get to know you.” Taylor reached out hesitantly. “ I want to get to know you.”
“ A trip.” Bridget looked at her as if she was crazy. “ Right now, I can’t.”
“ Because of needing a donor, correct.”
Bridget looked at her suspiciously. “Yeah. I a little worried about that.” She said sarcastically.
“ Well, I’ve been thinking. Before I came here I stopped off by he hospital and I made arrangements for Thomas and the twins to be tested. After all, how can you go with us if you and worried about getting a donor.”
“ I thought that you were against it?”
“ How did you…”
“ I’m not stupid. You and my mother argue pretty loudly and she’s been pretty tense lately.”
“ I’m very sorry Bridget. I don’t want you to think that I want something to happen to you. I let emotions and my fears take over. I love my kids and I was scared for them. I was also angry and I wanted to hurt your mother.”
“ And me.” Bridget said angrily.
“ God no! Bridget, I’d never want to hurt you. Ever. You’ve got to believe me. I’m sorry for what I did. Please Bridget, forgive me. Give me a chance, I want to be your friend.”
{Fade Back}
“ So you and Taylor made peace.”
“ In our own way, I think that we did. No matter what, she’s going to get the kids tested.”
Scott wrapped his arms around Bridget. “Thank god Bridget.” He kissed her gently.

Ridge and the kids walked into the house. “Thomas, go upstairs while I get dinner ready.’
“ Where is mommy?”
Ridge was surprised that Taylor wasn’t home. “ Doc, where in the hell are you?”

Caspian hung up the phone. He had made arrangements for dinner to be delivered from Brooke’s choice of restaurant. Tonight, he’d tell her the truth. He had no choice.

Bridget frowned. “ This is strange, mom told me to be home hours ago but she isn’t here yet.”
“Do you think she forgot?”
Bridget fingered the hickey on her neck. “ I doubt it. Mom, never forgets anything when it comes to me.”
“Maybe she got caught up in a meeting at Forrester.”
“Maybe. Or maybe she wants me to sweat it out. She’d do something like that.”

Brooke looked into the mirror. She looked the part that she was going to play for the night. Gone was the pink and white and in it’s place was a pair of tailored tuxedo pants with fitted matching black vest with a slight plunge to give a hint of her bosom. In place of the exquisite necklace that Caspian had given her was a simple triangular diamond with matching studs. Her was hair lay long well past her shoulders down to almost and it gleamed against the black of her outfit. Tonight was a very important night for her and she wasn’t going to ruin it. She wanted to look and act the part.

Taylor opened the door to the private dining room. She wore the first Forrester gown that Ridge had ever had designed for her. It was a beautiful black dress and it had taken a little time for her to get into it but it had been worth it. She wanted to start over, make things new. The room was beautiful, filled with candlelight and she could smell the delicious horderves on the table. She filled one of the crackers with caviar and tasted the delicious treat. She noticed a silver tray. “What other surprise do you have in store for me.” She picked up the tray and found only an envelope. “Another envelope?” She opened it and found a letter. “ A letter..” She started to read the letter. “My dearest Ridge. It’s with a heavy heart that I write you this letter..” Taylor’s mouth dropped open with shock and horror as she realized what she was reading.




Against All Odds

Chapter 98 (Truth Hurts)

With shaky hands, Taylor reread the contents of the letter when a drop of waters hit the paper. Tears would have smudged the writing if the letter hadn’t been a copy, however copy or no the letter had a devastating effect on her. Pacing in an agitated state she remembered the time when she had written the letter. It was ages ago, it was a lifetime. A lifetime that she had almost forgotten the time that she had written this letter to Ridge. She had written during a time in her life when she had been so unsure about the choices that she had made and her marriage. Ridge had been spending more and more time with Brooke and she hadn’t been able to have the babies that she so desperately wanted. Taylor hadn’t been able to deal with it and when she had taken James as a patient she had been able to help her mentor. When the earthquake hit the cabin and she James has been trapped together and something unexpected happened when she thought that they were going to die. James had been a virgin and she hadn’t wanted him to die one, so they had come together and had made love. Taylor, once the situation was rectified realized what a mistake she had made, she wanted to come clean with her husband. She couldn’t live with the guilt of what she had done to her marriage and she confessed in a letter that she had left for her husband to read. A letter that he had never read. A letter that Stephanie had hidden for her. A letter that she now had in her hands. Folding the letter and wiping the ears in her eyes she finally collapsed into the chair. She didn’t understand where the letter had come from and how it got to the private dinning room. Did Ridge know about the mistake that she made so many years ago with James? Could he have found out? If he had, what did that mean to their remarriage? And if he knew about her transgression, why had he planned this romantic evening with her?

Ridge put down the phone. He had tried calling Taylor’s cell phone but she hadn’t answered. Not for the first time today he wondered where his wife had gone. “Damit Doc, where are you?” He murmured to himself more than anybody in the room.

Caspian finished lighting the last candle on the dinner table. Everything had been prepared to perfection, the aroma of the food filtered from the kitchen, music was playing in the background and he had dismissed the staff for the night. He wanted tonight to be able he and Brooke. He wanted tonight to be a moment of truth for him. He wanted her to understand him, who he really was and be willing to love him despite of it. Because, he loved her very much. He strolled from his dinning room and headed toward his second floor to a bedroom that he had yet furnished. The room housed some of his favorite artifacts from his home in Italy. One of the things that he had brought with him was a hand-painted painting of Lark. It was a small oval painting that had been done in her likeness one morning in the earlier years of their marriage. Bathed in sunlight, in a near transparent night rail, she had looked like an angle from heaven with her long golden-hair and her sparkling golden eyes. He had always loved this portrait, it was one of his favorites, such a favorite that he had never actually parted with it. It was time that he share every aspect of his life including this portrait with Brooke. Taking the portrait, he took it downstairs and placed it on the mantel in his study where it would be in his reach when the doorbell chimed. With a heart that was beating faster than he could ever remember, he reached and opened the door.

Stephanie placed the spoon in her empty dish of chocolate-chip ice cream. “ Mmm, I think that was just what the doctor ordered. How was yours?”
Eric smiled. “ It was fantastic. I guess that I didn’t realize how much I missed ice cream until it became part of the restricted list.” Eric didn’t like the diet that the doctor had supplied Stephanie since it restricted him from most of his favorite meal.
“ I know that you miss you favorite meals Eric, but the doctor states that a healthy diet will help you get on the right track.” Caressing her husband’s face loving she kissed him. “ We are going to follow every direction that the doctor ordered.”
A long time ago Eric would have argued with Stephanie, however he knew how close that he had come to dying. He wasn’t going to risk his second chance. “ Don’t worry Stephanie, I don’t plan on leaving you or the children anytime soon. In fact, there is something that I want to talk to you about.”
“ What is it?”
“ Well, it’s about Brooke.”
“ Brooke.” Stephanie frowned. “ What about her?”
“ Well, after the fiasco with Bridget, I expect that she is still pretty angry with us…especially me.”
Stephanie wasn’t so sure if Brooke was as angry anymore. After all, Brooke’s mind was on finding Bridget a donor. Brooke wasn’t the only one with Bridget on her mind, Stephanie had been as well. She had thought about talking to the members of her social comities, garden clues and the board of her country club in order to get them to at least submit to a bone marrow test, however there was the fact that Eric still didn’t know. Sighing heavily, she took Eric’s bowl.
“ Stephanie. I know that you and Brooke have your issues but…”
“This isn’t about Brooke. Right now, I’m not concerned with her.”
“ Sweetheart, I know that you will never forget the bad blood between you too.”
“ Or forgive Brooke for what she has done. I won’t. That woman has single-handedly tried to tear my family apart, not mention what she has done to our company and Ridge and Taylor’s marriage.”
“ What is done is done honey. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to have the company back in my hands but I can’t. I made a horrific mistake in almost using Bridget to get the company back and it wasn’t worth it. We were wrong in what we tired to do.”
“ Eric. We just…”
“ Used my daughter to get company stock. It was wrong. Just like it was wrong for me not to have been honest with you about my dealings with Sonny DeAngelo.”
Stephanie who had been furious with her husband could no longer hold that against him. Patting his hand lightly, she gazed lovingly into his eyes. “ You made a mistake. You thought that you were doing what was best for the company. You had no idea that Brooke was going to become involved with his son.”
Sighing heavily, Eric wondered if Brooke really knew what kind of business that Caspian’s father had been involved in. Although it seemed that DeAngelo was legitimate, it did make Eric nervous that Brooke was involved with him. If only he was on better terms with his ex-wife, things would have been different. He could have sat and talked with her about who Caspian’s father was and the business his “family” business he had been involved. In. “ You are right. I couldn’t have predicted that she and Caspian would become involved. However, I think that there are ways of making things right. We need to try to make things right with Brooke.”
Stephanie’s face contorted with anger. “ Brooke.”
“ Yes, Brooke. Like it or not, she is part of the family. She is the mother of my children and we worked together. We may not like everything that she has done but in my heart I don’t think that she is malicious.”
“ How can you say that Eric? Think about Ridge and Taylor’s marriage.”
“Brooke wasn’t the blame for that.”
“ You think not. What about that videotape.”
Eric sighed, he knew that getting Stephanie to change her mind about Brooke was going to be a hard task. “ Deep down, I think that you know that Brooke didn’t do that.”
Rolling her eyes, Stephanie thought about how Brooke had blackmailed her, Eric had no idea the lengths that Brooke would go to get what she wanted. “ I believe that she had something to do with that videotape.”
“ But why? What would she have to gain by showing that tape.”
“ Isn’t it obvious? Ridge! It has always been about Ridge.”
“She was with Thorne then.”
Stephanie snorted. “ She never cared about Thorne the way that she cared about Ridge. I can’t tell you how worried that I’ve been about Brooke and Ridge especially now that…” Stephanie’s voice trailed off.
Eric’s eyes narrowed for a second. “ Especially now that what?” Concern clearly shown on his face. Stephanie moved away from Eric, however he grabbed her hand. “Stephanie, what is it that you aren’t telling me?”


Nicco opened the door to her dark apartment, flicked on the lights and took the mail from her teeth, which she was, holding since she had bags in each hand. Throwing the bags on her beat up sofa, she collapsed next to them with an unladylike groan. For a few minutes she lay they’re not moving, her head and body lax against the soft cushion. Finally, she pulled off her high-healed boots and rubbed her feet for a moment. Searching in her pocket, she got out her cigarettes and lit it and took a long drag. Hearing nothing but the droplets of water hitting the empty sink, she sighed deeply. This is what she needed, time alone, to sit and think and reflect. Rising only to get out a glass and a bottle of Jack Daniels, Nicco poured herself a cocktail. “ To another day at work and another day closer to my goal.” Sipping the liquid down in almost one full gulp, she poured herself another drink. As much has she’d love to finish the bottle and take a hot bath, she knew that she had too much work to be done to knock off for the night. Her day job had ended, however her night job had just begun. Knocking the ash off her cigarette, she took the glass and bottle and headed toward her bedroom. Next to the bricked up wall laid a large futon bed that hadn’t been made from the previous morning. A simple stereo/CD player sat on homemade shelves next to homemade aromatherapy candles, which she liked to light. The walls were covered with huge posters of her favorite movies and one photo of her and a woman with dark hair and lumming eyes. Different types of books lined the windowsill, that varied Shakespeare, Dante’s Inferno, The Millionaire Mind, to a great many of linguistics books. Next to the copy of the Informative Guide to Guns was the latest Harry Potter hardback and if someone paid attention, they’d see the rest of that series was also in her possession. Walking to the wall opposite to the bed, she turned on the state of the art laptop; she pressed the correct keys and the password on the encrypted login site. There, in a press of a button, she was in cyberspace and in her element.

Bridget and Scott were curled up in each other’s arms lying in the hammock in her mother’s garden watching the twinkling stars in the sky. Bridget rested her head against Scott’s chest, listening to his heartbeat while he held her hand and kissed her on top of her head. “ You know. I can’t think of a place that I’d rather be than here.”
“ You may not think that when my mother gets home. In fact.” She said as she wrapped her arms around him. “ For a man who might met his maker tonight, you seem pretty calm.”
“ Well, I am nervous. I know that you mother likes me but that doesn’t mean that she is going to want me dating you. If what Rick says is any indication.”
“ Hey.” She replied cutting him off. “ Don’t let Rick get to you.”
“ I’m not. But your bother is right. Your mother is most likely going to be against us.”
Sitting up with a little difficulty, Bridget thought for a moment. “ The truth is. I’m not sure what my mother is going to say or what she is going to do. She isn’t the most predictable person in the world, is she?”
“No, but that is part of what makes her such an exciting person.” Bridget studied Scott for a moment. “ Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
“ What? Bridget, what are you saying?”
“ I’m saying that maybe tonight isn’t the best night to tell her about us. After all, she’s going to be PO’d about me leaving, but then there is the good news that Taylor changed her mind. I know that she’ll be focusing on that. I don’t think that telling her about us when she won’t have her mind solely on what we are saying is the right thing.”
Scott didn’t like this. “ Bridget, you and I agreed.”
“ Yes, we did. And we are still going to tell my mother but not tonight.”
“ If not tonight. When?”
“ Listen, maybe tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll tell my mom that I have a boyfriend.”
“ And you think that she is going to just let that go?”
“ No, she probably wouldn’t under normal circumstances, but this isn’t normal. So many things are going on. My dad…er Eric is getting better. Forrester is working toward one of the biggest shows for a new line. Dad and Taylor are renewing their vows. I’m just thinking that there is a lot.”
“ Bridget, not telling your mother the truth isn’t going to help our case. I think we should tell her. In fact I think that we should have told her long ago.” Clasping his hands with hers, he pulled her back down to the hammock. “ I should have been more open and up front from the beginning but truthfully, I didn’t think that it would develop into this.” He traced the light pattern of her veins of her soft hand. “ I never thought that I’d feel for anyone what I’d feel for you. I was so unexpected and so scary at the same time. If I were honest, if I were given a choice, you wouldn’t be the person that I’d pick to be with.”
Hurt by his words Bridget tried to pull away however he didn’t let her. “ But, I don’t have a choice because my heart and soul wants you Bridget. I want you even though we very well have an uphill battle. I want to love you in the daylight, in the sunshine and prove that our relationship is nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, you are younger than me. And I fully understand that there are certain paths that we cannot go because of that, however I don’t see that as a detractor.” Kissing her soft lips with a gentle kiss he hypnotized her. “ You are worth it. I’m not going to hide our feelings like it’s something dirty or something to be ashamed of. I want your parents to know the truth and to come to accept it. I know that isn’t going to be easy however if you want them to treat you like an adult, you can’t hide or sneak around like children. We must be open and honest.”

Stephen closed the curtain to his bedroom and obstructed the view of his granddaughter and her boyfriend in the garden below. He had watched the couple from time to time and had seen the young man as a gentleman. Recognizing he young man from the hospital, he didn’t have the heart to break up their interlude although he knew that if Brooke caught them, she’d be livid. To his knowledge, Brooke had never mentioned that Bridget had a boyfriend. Chuckling, he thought of the headache that his daughter was going to have.
“I just hope that this young designer isn’t like Ridge.”
“ Talking to yourself Stephen.” Beth said a she walked through their bedroom door.
“ Naw Bethy, Just chuckling that’s all.” He kissed her on the lips with a welcoming kiss. “ Where have you been?”
“ I had a light lunch with a friend and then I decided to do some shopping.”
Grinning, he kissed his wife once again. “ It’s good to see you getting out and shop worrying so much. I know that you ‘ve missed many of your friends living in Paris.”
Beth had missed some of her friends by living in Paris, however it had been worth it to be with Stephen. Over the many years, her husband had matured into a very loving and supportive husband. She just wished that she could be honest with him. If only she could have told him the truth, then he’d understand why it was so important that she keep Brooke away from Caspian. Clasping her husband’s hands in hers, she looked deeply into his eyes. “ I may miss my friends but it is nothing compared to what I’d be missing if I didn’t have you in my life. I may not say it as often as I should but I want you to know that you’ve been a wonderful husband and that I love you very much Stephen.”
“ I love you too Bethy.”
Pulling her husband’s head down toward hers, Beth kissed him with a long languid kiss that filled Stephen with a renewed interest in his wife. Beth pulled her lips away from Stephen and gave him a sultry looks that some would say that her daughter perfected. Fingering his shirt lightly she unbuttoned the first two buttons and kissed his slightly hairy chest. Groaning lightly, Stephen lavished the attention from his wife. Knowing how to get her husband in the mood, Beth slowly unbuttoned the rest of his shirt. “ Tell, me Mr. Logan, what are you plans for the rest of the night?”
Grinning like a teenager, Stephen quickly closed and locked his bedroom door before turning toward his wife. Feeling like a teenager herself, Beth unzipped the zipper that the side of her dress, allowing it to fall to the carpet. Looking at his wife amazing body in a pair of cream-colored satin panties, Stephen felt very blessed to have such an amazing wife.

The door to the private dinning room opened slowly and a person entered the elegant setting which purpose was to wine and dine. Taylor was so engrossed with her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed that she was no longer alone. It wasn’t until she heard a clearing of someone’s throat that she finally looked up. Standing before was Brooke who was dressed in for an evening out in all black. Trying her best to mask her pain she stood.
“ Brooke, what are you doing here?”
“ I had dinner plans tonight.” Looking perplexed she looked around the empty dinning room she noticed that the evening had been set for a romantic evening. “ Are expecting Ridge?”
“ Ridge..uhmm Yes, I think.” Taylor stood up trying her best to hide the letter in her hand.
“ Taylor, are you alright? You look at if you’d seen a ghost or something.” Brooke picked up a glass and poured some water in it. “ Here. You look like you need a drink.”
Shaking her head Taylor addressed Brooke. “ No. I’m fine.”
“ You don’t look fine. You awfully pale. Are you sure that you are okay?”
“ Yes, Brooke. I’m fine!” She snapped. Feeling a moment of regret Taylor tried to calm herself down. “ Listen, I’m sorry. I’ve had a long day and ….”
“ You want to continue your romantic evening with Ridge.”
‘What?” Taylor snapped
“ Your romantic evening with Ridge. After all, I hear that you too have reason to celebrate. A new wedding ceremony and a trip to St. Thomas.”
Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, Taylor nodded. “ Yes, we have every reason to celebrate. We’ve been through a lot together this year.”
“That you have.” Brooke walked over toward the chilling champagne and picked the bottle up. The candle lit bathed her long golden hair and tanned skin in it’s light while the diamonds sparkled in her ears and on her throat. “ Let me guess, the best champagne, dinner of lobster and filet mingon, medium rare, roasted potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise sauce. Ridge likes the best of things doesn’t he.”
“ I’m sure that he does.” Taylor stated in an annoyed voice. The last thing that she wanted at that moment was to have a conversation with Brooke, she needed to figure out what was going on? There was only one person who has access to the letter and that was Stephanie. She couldn’t believe that Stephanie, no matter how badly things had gotten between them, would show the letter to Ridge. An ache formed at the pit of her stomach. What was going on? Has Ridge gotten this romantic evening together and then seen the letter? Had he run away? “ Listen why are you going on about my meal and how did you know…”
“ How did I know what dinner you were having?” Laughing slightly, Brooke opened the champagne and poured herself a glass. “ You don’t mind do you? Of course not.” Taking a sip, she addressed Taylor. “ Don’t worry, it was most likely a lucky guess. After all Ridge takes all of his women here when he proposes. He did it to Caroline, he brought me here to propose.” Brooke noted Taylor’s surprised look. “ You were “dead” then. I also heard that both of you came here when you told he about the twins. So, Ridge predictable about certain matters. I’ll take a guess that the ring that he gave you was from Smith’s jewelers. He really likes their work.” She whispered.
“ I really don’t have time for your game playing Brooke.”
“ Game playing, who me? I’m just making small talk while I wait. It can’t be bothering you, can it?” Brooke smirked for a moment. She strolled over toward the double doors to the balcony and opened it. “ Mmm, the scent of the air here brings back memories.” I remember the first time that Ridge brought me here.” Brooke smiled at the memory as he laughed a little. “ You should have seen me then Taylor, so young and so impressed with the grander of the country club and all the accolades that came with being with a man like Ridge. Ridge was so romantic back then, I think that he liked showing off a little. Everything was perfect, the wine, the food and the atmosphere. Ahh, I was so much in love and so green back then. But that was the first of many nights here in this dinning room. I remember the dinners, when I was married to Eric, we’d come here and shut out the world and then the time would stand still… ”
“ Brooke! I really don’t have time for your little stroll down memory lane right now.” She could care less about the many nights that Brooke had spent with Ridge.
“ Ohh, it guess that the subject is inappropriate since Ridge is your husband.”
“ Listen, I don’t have time for this. Why don’t you go on and have your own dinner. I suppose that you are here with Caspian.”
Sipping her champagne Brooke shook her head. “No, Caspian isn’t a member here and although I am, this isn’t his style.”
Rolling her eyes. Taylor gave Brooke a chastising look. “ Why am I not surprised? So, who is the new man?”
“ Now Taylor, why do you always think that I am with some man?”
“ Because most of the time you are.”
“Maybe.” Brooke turned and her sequence vest sparkled in the light as she made her way to the horderves. “ You don’t mind if I have one.” She stated as she picked up one and bit into it. “ Mmm, no body does stuffed shrimp like the country club. Would you like one?”
“ No!” Taylor was getting madder and madder as time went on. “ I don’t want any food, I want you to leave! Can’t you get that through your thick skull. Are you dense are just trying to be a pain? After, all that has happened today, you’d think that you would have better things to do besides bothering me.”
“ Oh Taylor, I really seem to be upsetting you.”
“ You are. I just don’t understand what you are doing here?”
“ I told you that I was here to meet someone. Haven’t you figured it out yet?”
“ No. I haven’t. I don’t care who it is that you are dating.”
“ Taylor, I told you I’m not meeting a man. I fact I’m with the person that I was planning to meet.”
‘ What, what are you talking about?”
“ You. I planned to be meeting you.”
“ What, how could you?” It then dawned on Taylor that she wasn’t supposed to be meeting Ridge. “ Ridge didn’t set this up?”
“ No. I know him really well, so it didn’t take much to copy one of his old charms for one of his old haunts. I had the message delivered to you and I knew that you’d come running.”
“ You? You did this?”
“ Yes.”
“ But why? How…” Taylor’s voice trailed off as she remembered the letter in her hand. Slowly raising it to up she stared that the folded letter. “ You had something to do with this?”
“ Now come on Taylor. I wasn’t even there when you slept with James. In fact, I think that your adultery is one of the things that you just can’t blame on me. Now can you?”

Olivia looked at her son. “ Hello Caspian.” She waited for a response but she didn’t get one. Are you going to stand here or are you going to let me in?”
“ I’m thinking about closing the door.”
Sighing heavily, she shook her head. “ I only want a moment of your time.”
“ I have nothing to give. Besides I’m waiting for…. Never mind.” The last thing that he wanted was for Brooke to interrupt him trying to get rid of Olivia.
“ Brooke. Am I correct? You are seeing her tonight, aren’t you? I could always stand in the hallway and wait for her.”
“ I don’t suggest that you do that.”
“Don’t take that dangerous tone with me Caspian, it doesn’t work.” Olivia regretted that it came to such a point just to have a conversation with her son. “Please, let me talk to you without it becoming an argument.”
Caspian admitted his mother. Taking in her son’s penthouse she noted that he still had is own sense of style. “ This place certainly has your mark.”
“ I’m sure OLIVIA that you didn’t come all this way to discuss my interior designs for my home.”
Laying down her purse on the chair in the living room, she turned toward her son. “ You are right,” she stated in a quiet yet crisp voice. I’m not here for that.”
“ Why are you here?”
Smiling a bittersweet smile she shook her head. “ I just wanted to see my son. I’ve been here in L.A for a while which I’m sure that Bella let you know.”
“She did.”
“ I thought that maybe, you’d come to see me. But you didn’t. So, I’m here to see you.”
“ You’ve seen me.”
“ Yes, and I also saw the look on your face when you answered the door.” She touched his face lightly for a moment before he moved way from her. “ Well, I haven’t seen that look on your face for years. You looked extremely happy.” He still didn’t answer her.
“ It’s alright, you don’t have to tell me. I know that it’s because of Brooke Logan.”
“It is because of her that you have moved here and opened an office here, isn’t it? You are doing this for a woman who looks like your dead wife.” Caspian still said nothing.
“Caspian, do you really think that this is healthy for you or for her?”
“ I love her and it has nothing to do with Lark.”
“ Do you love her as much as you loved Lark?”
“Haven’t we had this conversation before? Yes, I love her as much…if not more than Lark.”
Turning away from her son, she walked toward the fireplace. Seeing the portrait of Lark she shook her head. “You don’t know how much I wanted you to find love however, I’m just sorry that I’m sure if Brooke is the woman that is right for me. How can you say that the lines between the two women aren’t blurred.”
“ Time for you to leave mother because I’m not going to defend my love for her.”
“Caspian, listen to me. I’m not saying this to hurt you but I’m telling you that your relationship with Brooke can only end one way. You’ll be hurt and I don’t want that for you.”
“ That’s enough.”
“ Please listen to me. There are things that you don’t know. Things that would change everything for you and for her. End it now before it’s too late.” Caspian grabbed his mother’s purse and opened his front door. “Caspian, please listen to me. I want you to think long and hard. Think about Lark and Brooke and how they look so much alike. I want you to remember when Lark had that riding accident in which she told you about the dream that she had.”
“ What are you talking about?”
“ The dream that she told you about. I was there in the doorway listening to her, if you’d just remember then you’d see that there is a connection.
“ I don’t want to here anymore nonsense about dreams, do you understand.” Caspian didn’t know what games that his mother was playing and he wasn’t going to wait around for her to play some more. “It doesn’t matter. You’ve come here to start some trouble.”
“ Yes, and why? Why would I come here knowing that you’d be upset by what I have to say.”
“ I don’t know. I don’t care.”
“Caspian. I love you and I want what is best for you. You’ve been through enough for lifetime. Your father died and you were left with a great deal of responsibility for a young man to deal with. The problems with the family, the business, the turf wars. I was so despondent after your father died that I didn’t take of things the way that I should have. I should have taken better care of you and your sister. I made a lot of mistakes but now I’m going what I think is best for you.”
“ Did you want what was best for Bella?”
“ That isn’t fair. I’ve suffered greatly for my part in what happened to her. For the rest of my life I will have to live with my mistakes. I will have to live with the knowledge that I destroyed my daughter. I had hoped that time would soften your heart toward me if not hers.”
“ You are asking way too much.”
“ Am I? We are family. Is it too much to want to be one after all these years? If I thought not having a relationship with you or Bella would help her, I’d give up. But what has it done for her? Or you? It’s time that we start healing because if we don’t start, she will never will. And neither will you my son.” A single tear ran down Olivia’s cheek. “ I’ve missed out on so much. I just my children to be happy. We have all suffered.”
“ Bella suffered. She suffered more than she should have.”
“ Yes, she has. But at least, she had you. That was something. But is it enough now? It can’t be. She doesn’t have relationships and she doesn’t know how to trust.”
“ And you think that coming here is going to change that?”
“ No. I don’t think that. I’m not that foolish. I’m just a mother who wants to see her son. I also want to warn you of the heartache that may be heading your way. It isn’t that I don’t like Brooke, I don’t know her. Truthfully, I like the way that she makes you happy but there is so much to things that meet the eye.” Shaking her head, she thought about how she wanted to avoid thing however she hadn’t. “This is why I never wanted Bella to show you the picture of her because I knew that this would happen. I knew that you’d fall for her.” Looking dejected she took her purse from her son. Pausing at the doorway she turned again to take one long last look at her son. “ Remember what I said about Lark’s accident and remember that if you need me, you only have to call.” Olivia walked toward the private elevator and got on. If she had turned around, she would have seen the look of confusion that shown for a moment on her son’s face.

The ringing of the cell phone pulled Nicco away from the computer for a moment. Checking the number on the phone she answered. “ Hello.”
“ How are things coming along?”
“ You mean have I found out what Caspian DeAngelo is up to yet? No. I haven’t. And no, I still don’t know what is going on with the private sectors of his business.”
“ I expected for you to have something by now.”
“ I think that you know how shrewd that he is. The last thing that I’m going to do is call attention to myself while I try to get the information that I need. As you already know, he has increased his security. Right I’m taking my time with working for Microtech. Besides, I’m working at nights as well, I’m involved with a business dealings with a man called Deacon Sharpe.”
“ Why should that interest me?’
“ Because, he is sleeping with Isabelle.” Hearing the pause on the other end of the phone. Nicco continued. “ I thought that would interest you.”
“ He could be another one of her boy toys.’
“Maybe, maybe not, but I have a feeling that Deacon will prove to be useful. However that isn’t my other connection. I have another one and this one is going to help me get into Caspian office and into computer files.”
“What do you have planned?’
“ It doesn’t matter at the moment. Don’t worry, I’ll contact you when I get in.” Hanging up her phone, Nicco turned her attention to the computer screen that had a picture of Eve on it. Eve was going to be her key to get her thought the door into Caspian’s office. Reaching in a bag of Lays Salt and Vinegar potato chips, she munched on that night’s dinner.

Taylor couldn’t believe the words that Brooke was uttering. “How? How did you do this?”
“ You really shouldn’t have written that letter Taylor. I mean, come on. Having an affair with James because you thought that you were dying. It’s not a really good excuse, is it? It is amazing all the things that we have in common. Or shall I say the men. Ridge, Grant and James. We aren’t so different, are we? All these years you and Stephanie have called me a slut and a whore when it’s you who have committed adultery on her son. In fact, you did most of your preaching about all of my horrific deeds when you had been I’ve committing them as well. My, my, my you have been a busy little bee. Committing adultery under the guise of helping James when he was your patient, doesn’t seem like something that a doctor should be doing, now does it? I wonder what the hospital board would say about this. Don’t you?”
“ You have no right to sit and judge me. After all the marriages that you’ve broken up. Eric and Stephanie. Thorne and Macy and mine!” Taylor hated the smug look that Brooke was giving her. How did this happen? How did Brooke find out her one mistake that she made many years ago? Her mistake was nothing compared to the things that Brooke had done. How dare Brooke sit in judgment in her?”
Waving her hand in front of her face Brooke seemed as if she were warding off the insults. “ You little slurs mean nothing to me, especially coming from a woman like you. A woman who had this deep, dark secret that she kept from her husband for so many years.”
“ I wasn’t hiding a thing. I was down right despondent about what I did. But you wouldn’t know anything about guilt would you? I made one mistake and I tried to come clean.” Stalking over toward the table Taylor poured herself a glass of cold water and took a huge gulp. “ I agonized over my actions and took the chance that telling Ridge the truth would ruin my marriage.”
Brooke crossed her arms over her chest. “Funny. I don’t remember you coming clean to Ridge about anything at all.”
“ That is because of the plan crash! My god Brooke! I was thought to be dead and when I came back the last thing that was on my mind was my actions before I left. All I wanted was my husband…”
“ You mean MY HUSBAND right? Because at that time, he was married to me. You spent months hiding and dressing up, remember? Then when Ridge and I were at our happiest point you showed up. When Ridge didn’t dump me the way that you thought that he would, you took me to court to have my marriage declared invalid. Did you even think about how your actions affected me, Ridge or my children? No. You didn’t. But you made sure that you never came clean with Ridge about your affair because deep down you knew that he’d see you in a different light. He would have seen the truth and the truth hurt, didn’t it Taylor?”
“ No. That wasn’t true. All you could think about was what you were going through. I had been through a horrific ordeal during that time. I almost died and lost my memory. I was kidnapped and held against my will and forced to marry Omar.
“Save it Taylor. Save the sob story for someone who is willing to listen. Because I don’t care to listen to it.” Throwing her a tissue. “ You can save all those tears for Ridge because they don’t move me.”

Eric was frustrated with Stephanie. He knew his wife and he knew she was keeping something from him. She was but what? He knew that after his heart attack that she worried more than usual but that didn’t mean that she should be keeping things from him. He was the head of the family and he desperately wanted to know what was going on with his family. What about Ridge and Brooke? What did they have to do with it whatever it was upsetting Stephanie? He was tired of sitting around he was going to find out what was going on with his children.


Caspian studied the clock on his mantel; he was concerned that Brooke was very late for dinner. He had called her house and her cell phone however nobody was answering. As much as he’d like to pretend, his mother’s visit had gotten to him. Olivia was playing games but he wasn’t sure what games that she was up to. It didn’t add up. Going over toward the portrait of Lark he thought about his mother’s message. She told him to remember Lark’s riding accident. It had been during their first year of marriage and he had been away on family business when he had gotten a frantic call that Lark had been hurt. Rushing home, he had been annoyed that his mother was in his home, however his concern was solely about his wife and not his mother.
{Flashback}
Opening the door to the hospital room, he walked toward his wife who was lying in the bed. Sitting by her bedside, he took Lark’s pale hand and kissed it. “ Little Bird. Please open up your eyes.” Fear filled through his heart and body, he wouldn’t know what to do if he had lost her in the accident. Caspian had been so caught up in his grief as the hours went by and he waited for signs of his wife coming to. Family and friends were ignored that he didn’t even notice his mother in the doorway watching him watch Lark. Just when it seems that he was starting to loose hope, Lark’s fingers started to twitch. A small moan escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered open. “Caspian..” she moaned weakly. Jumping up, he leaned over her.
“ Little Bird, I’m here. Baby, I’m here.” He laughed as he kissed her lips lightly. “ Thank God that you woke up.”
“ What? What happened?”
“Firestar and you tried to make a jump but it wasn’t successful.” Closing her eyes, she tried to remember but she couldn’t. All she could remember was the dream that she had.
“ Don’t worry honey. Don’t focus on the fall. Just get some rest.”
“ I am. It just..”
“ What? Honey are you hurting?”
“ No.” She said softly. “ I just had a very weird dream.
Kissing her hand lightly he smiled. “ What kind of dream. Ones of little babies and ice cream sundaes.”
“ No.” She smiled softly. “I was dreaming of a family. My family.”
“ Your parents?’
‘No, this was different. My mother wasn’t my mother.”
“ What?”
“ My mother was someone different. She was so pretty with blonde hair and a soft sweet smile. We were all at some family picnic together. But I wasn’t alone, I had a brother and sisters.”
“ I bet that was a nice dream.”
“ My sisters were kidding him around and Stormy, that was my brother’s name I think, threw me in the water. But I didn’t care, I just swam around in the water laughing at him and sisters”
“ You had sisters.”
“Two of them. It was a wonderful feeling being part of a real family.”
Caspian regretted that her parents were dead and that she had no siblings. “ I promise you that one day you are going to have the type of family that you want.”
{Fade To Present}
Caspian had forgotten all about that conversation that happened so many years. He had thought that Lark’s dreams about a family were nothing more than a side effect of her fall and bump on her head. But now he remembered what she had said. A mother with short blonde hair, well that didn’t include Beth because she had auburn hair however a brother named Stormy and two sisters. Two sisters.. Could it be? “ Think about the connection”, his mother stated, the connections between Brooke and Lark. Lark remembering a family like Brooke’s. His memory went back to the time that he and Brooke shared on his island. Brooke talked about the dreams that she had having a horse names Quennie just like Lark had when she had been younger. Two women, who look exactly alike, mirror images. Almost as if they were….”
The glass dropped out of his hands, hit the carpet and shattered into pieces.

Taylor blinked several times. Today was supposed to be the happiest day in her life. She finally was going to get her husband back and they were going to have the type of marriage that she had before Morgan. What would this do to the plans that she had been making? “ This happened years ago, I’m sure that Ridge would understand. After everything that we have been through this is just one small setback.” She said with very little conviction.
“ I think that you and I both know what kind of reaction that Ridge would have. Maybe he would have forgiven you right after you returned from the dead. He would have been so happy to know that you were alive but you weren’t honest.” Brooke’s words filtered through Taylor’s head. Would Ridge have forgiven her?
“Ridge and I have been through so much more especially with Morgan and Dylan, I’m sure he would understand how confusing things can get.”
“ You see. You are correct. He MIGHT have but your roasted him pretty bad. In your entire holier-than-thou attitude that you had with him, you never told me the truth. You made feel like he was the only one dishonest and untruth worthy in the relationship. Do you really think that he is going to forget or forgive that and open his arms to you?” The nerve of Taylor to pretend what she was doing wasn’t wrong got to Brooke. “ You know that I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life however I never pretended to be something that I wasn’t. You on the other hand spent your entire life pretending to be something or someone you weren’t. You held me and even Ridge up to a standard that you couldn’t even reach. I’m sure that this will give Ridge a great deal of thought about the woman he has been married to for all these years. Ridge also has a very strong problem with dishonestly. Believe me, I should certainly know how he relates to people who aren’t honest with him. Let me tell you, it isn’t pretty.”
“ So, is this some sort of game for you? Is this some sort of way to make me suffer because you aren’t happy? Are you that jealous of me and the happiness that Ridge has found with me?” Taylor spat. “ I never knew that you’d sink to such a level just to destroy my happiness.”
Brooke’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “ You would think that this is about you ? I’ve got news for you. I had to damn near sell my soul to get this information. I had to make a deal with a person that I hated in order to get this.”
“ Stephanie..”
“No not Stephanie.” Brooke huffed. “ If I had wanted to destroy you, I could have a very long time ago. I had this letter for a very long time. No, your best friend didn’t sell you out. Stephanie protected you in way that she’d never protect me. What amazes me the most is that she’d keep your secret the same time that she’d do anything to have secrets exposed. I was never good enough for her son but your, even with your affair, was. But that is water underneath the bridge, isn’t it.” Moving toward Taylor, Brooke closed the gap between them. Shaking her head slightly she gave a bitter laugh. “Amber needed some leverage with me when she married my son. When she stayed with Stephanie, she found your letter.”
“ Amber but…”
“ I’ve had it for years. I never saw the need to show it to you or Ridge even after that fiasco with Italy. I had it in a box never thinking that I’d use it and it stayed in my possession until Kimberly broke into my house and stole the contents in black box. I had a deal with her, giving up the information that would have freed Thorne for his horrible marriage.”
“ All to get at me and my marriage.”
“ I have news for you and your marriage are not on my list of priorities. Ridge is NOT my sun, moon or earth. With all the things going on in my life, I could care less about how many times you and Ridge marry and divorce. This is about something more important than Ridge, this about my daughter!”
“ Bridget? What about Bridget?”
Brooke’s face contoured into a hard mask. “ Everything is about my daughter and her life.”

Ridge kissed his Steffie goodnight and shut off the light. He was worried about his wife and wished that she were home. “ Doc. Please come home soon. I miss you.” Picking up his phone he made a call however he only got the voicemail. “ Logan, it’s me. I know that you are upset and I guess I can kind of understand why. I haven’t forgotten about Bridget at all. She’s my daughter and I love her. Please just me call because we really need to talk.” Hanging up the phone, he threw it on the bed. There was still the issue of Bridget; his daughter had been upset today. The last thing that he wanted to do was to upset her. But he’d make it up to her, soon. Bridget was his daughter and he’d do anything to protect her.

Grace Stewart watched as her children splashed around in their pool. Her husband, Frank, had grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for the children while she had a nice New York Strip. Coming from behind her, Frank handed her a glass of ice tea. “ Grace, I meant to tell you. You’ve got a call from Memorial, they left a message on the answering machine.”
“Memorial?” She had worked for eight years as a nurse for the lab department before she quit her job in order to become a full time mother. “What did they say?”
They want you to come in tomorrow if possible. They say that they are looking into a hearing of some sort that dealt with someone name Christopher Hasting.
“Christopher Hasting?”
“ Yes. Isn’t that the man who died in that motorcycle accident?”
Grace had gone to the funnel. Christopher had been a very funny and fun-loving man.
“ Did they say what this was about?”
“No.”
“ Do you know what this about?”
Grace didn’t answer her husband.

Stephen snuggled closer to his naked wife. Kissing her gently on the top of her head his body totally relaxed, he counted his blessing to have her. “ You still got it Bethy.”
Laughing softly, she squeezed his hands tightly. “ I think with everything that has happened with this family, this is what the doctor ordered. I needed some alone with my husband. I know that you’ve been feeling somewhat neglected lately.”
“ Don’t worry about that honey, I know that you’ve been worried about Brooke and Bridget.”
“ I just wish that Taylor would allow to have the children tested. Ridge has three children with her and one of them might be a match for Bridget.”
“I’ve been thinking long and hard about Taylor lately. She and I don’t know each other well and maybe that is a good thing.”
“ Why do you say that?”
“ Well, because she doesn’t have a history with me. I’m thinking of talking to her. Going to her as a grandfather who loves his granddaughter. Maybe a heart to heart might melt her heart.”
“ At this point, anything might be better than what going on now. I think that it’s a good idea. In fact, I’ll go with you. We have to help Brooke. In fact, I think that I know of another person who could help us reach Taylor.”
“Who?”
“Stephanie.”
“Stephanie?”
“ Yes like it or not, she is Bridget’s grandmother. She had better start acting like it.”

John Mayer’s “ Something’s Missing” from his Any Given Thursday CD blared out on the speakers in Nicco’s bathroom. Lying amidst the hot bubbly water in the old but wondrous porcelain tub, she used her right foot to cut off the hot water. Steam billowed around her, casting her in a light of mist as if reflected on the dozen or small candles that had been lit around the tub and on the floor. Slipping out of glass, slowly, she enjoyed the task of the liquor as it warmed her body. Leaning over to place the glass on the floor, she then slid under the hot water, completely submerging herself and then rising to the surface to push the wet hair out of her eyes and lay back. The words of John’s song through his melodic voice filtered through her head and touched a part of her.
“Something’s missing and I don’t know how to fix it.
Something’s missing and I don’t know what it is.
No I don’t know what it is.”
I can’t be sure if this isn’t from my own desire.
I wish there was an over the counter for loneliness….like this…”{John Mayer}
John’s words were true. Loneliness was a son-of-a-bitch. But deep down, Nicco knew that was missing in her life. It was knowledge of who she really was. But when this job was finally over, she’d have the answers that she so desperately wanted.


Taylor looked at Brooke as if she had been using drugs.
“ I don’t understand what Bridget has to do with whatever you are doing. But I’m not surprised, using your daughter as an excuse for your actions. ”
“ You know nothing about my actions or my motivations. A mother’s love is a deep love Taylor. It will make you do anything. I’m willing to do everything and anything to protect my daughter. Her life is my life. I’m not here to mess with you marriage but I will if I have to. I will show Ridge the original copy of this letter if you don’t comply to my wishes.”
“Comply to my wishes? Are you blackmailing me?”
“ No. We know that blackmail is illegal and I’m not one to break laws. However. I am willing to give you the original and the copy of this letter if you are willing to allow your children to be tested as donors for Bridget. If any of your children matches, you will allow them to donate their marrow to my daughter.”
Taylor turned, so Brooke couldn’t see the look in her eye. “ You planned all of this. The dinner, he letter and all for Bridget.” Looking at the letter in her hand she concentrated solely on that.
“ My daughter is worth it. You forced my hand. I warned you. I warned you not to do this. I asked you to think about what a donor would mean to Bridget. Did you think that I’d let my daughter die? Did you think that I’d just allow you to get in the way of her getting well.” Storming over toward Taylor she swung her around to look her deeply in her eyes. “ What would you do? If it were Thomas or one of the twins. I’d give my life for my daughter so destroying you in order to get what my child need means nothing to me. However if doesn’t have to mean the end of your marriage if you are willing to comply to my wishes.” Brooke went to her purse and opened it. Taking out the paper she had folded, she handed it to Taylor who snatched it.
Taylor read the contract and her eyes widened with surprise. “ You had made up.” She said incredulously
“ Yes, my lawyer, not Connor because of his conflict of interest however, has made this agreement. All you need to do is to sign the dotted line and this nightmare will be all over. You and Ridge can have the wedding of the century and my daughter will have a donor.”
Taylor strolled toward the balcony with he contract in her hand. “ You went through all of this.”
“ You forced my hand.”
Taylor couldn’t believe the irony of the situation. She had made the decision to allow the children be tested earlier today. She couldn’t believe that she has been willing to change her mind and make some sort of amends when Brooke had been plotting her downfall.
“ You know, you really are something Brooke. I can’t believe that I…”
“ That you what? That you were willing to use my daughter to get back at me? I can’t believe that you’d be willing to make my daughter suffer.”
“ Have you ever thought that I might have changed my mind if you were willing to simply ask?”
Brooke gave Taylor a look that let her know that she didn’t believe her. “ I asked and you refused.”
“ I was angry and you were… God, it doesn’t matter anymore. You’ve played your card.” Taylor wasn’t about to tell Brooke that she had been willing to let the children get tested, not when Brooke was holding all of the cards. She wanted the letter. “ It doesn’t really matter now. What could have happened not longer exists.”
“ You are right. We both have made decisions and it’s comes to this point. We aren’t friends, associates or family. I don’t trust you and you don’t trust me. We are nothing more than business partners. Sign the contract and secret is safe with me.”
Taking the contract to the table Taylor picked up the gold pen that Brooke handed her, she signed the contract and then handed it to Brooke. Looking over at the signature Brooke nodded.
“ I’ll have my lawyer look over this. After the children have been tested, you’ll have the original of the letter, you can keep the copy. I’d like to say that I’m sorry that it came to thing but you forced my hand.” Putting the signed contract in her purse Brooke stared into Taylor’s angry eyes yet found it hard to be sympathetic to the woman who had no problem in hurting her daughter. “ Dinner was a enlighting experience. You can eat and drink as much as you’d like. The bill is on me.” Picking up her purse Brooke left Taylor alone with her misery.

Bridget toweled herself off as she came out of the pool. She wanted to take a long swim to clear her mind and think. Scott had left a while ago, and Rick had showed up to talk to their mother, however she hadn’t show. Maybe she had gotten caught up in some sort of meeting with Forrester. Still she couldn’t wait to tell her mother the good news about Taylor’s change of heart. Bridget has shared the news with Rick and the two had celebrated with ice cream. Rick stated that was had been surprised by Taylor’s efforts figured that it had more to do with her remarriage to Ridge than anything else. Bridget wasn’t sure what to make of Taylor’s new change of heart, however she was willing to try. It was time that she left the past in the past, besides she had done so many things that she was ashamed of. Getting a donor was going to be a new lease on life and as soon as she had it, she was finally going to make things right. Wrapping the towel around herself she headed back into the house up to her bedroom when she was hit was a sudden wave of dizziness. Trying to step forward, the rush didn’t go away; instead, she was forced to sit down on the stair. A slick coldness came over her as she noticed that her hands had started to shake. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against the stairs to calm herself down. She wasn’t sure how long she stayed there but when the dizzy spell was over, pulled herself up and walked up the stairs. Once she reached her bedroom, she closed the door and lay down. “ It’s just nothing Bridget.” She said trying to convince herself that everything was fine. “ Just a little tired, you had a long day. That’s all that this is.”

A half of an hour had crept by when Bridget’s bedroom opened slowly and a shadow of light enveloped the sleeping teen on the bed. Brooke was silent as she made her way toward her daughter. She had come directly home after her confrontation with Taylor. She had missed her dinner with Caspian and had called his place to let him know that she wasn’t coming only to get the machine, however maybe it was best that she hadn’t talked to him. She had to deal with her own demons and she didn’t want him to try to make her feel better about what she had done. Brooke gently cleared off the remnants of books and clothes on the bed and noticed that her daughter was still wearing a light blue bikini and that her hair was slightly damp. She considered waking Bridget, put quickly changed her mind. Lightly stroking her daughter’s hair she spoke to only the lingering shadows in the room. “My sweet, sweet baby. I would do anything for you. From the moment that you born you brought such a light into my life that I couldn’t put into words. You are talented with artistic ability that you, no doubt have gotten from your father. Constantly you amaze me with your talent with your fire and the strength. I’d do anything to see that your life blooms and you have the chance to experience everything from that artistic school in Paris to your wedding to having your own babies.” Tears slipped down Brooke’s cheeks. “Tonight, I did something that I’m not proud of. I acted just like..’ she shuttered. “Just like Stephanie. But as wrong as it was, I’d do it again, if it means that you will be given a chance to live the type of life that I know that you can live.” Feeling lower than she had in a very long time, Brooke kissed her daughter on her cheek and covered her up. Tonight, she knew that she had crossed the line. She had blackmailed, plotted, played off and made certain compromises all in order to get what she wanted and deep down it made her ill to know what she was capable of. Rubbing her bare arms as if to ward off the cold and chilling feeling growing inside of her she snuggled closer to her sleeping daughter hoping to find some semblance of peace.




Against All Odds

Chapter 99 A Mother’s Love, A Mother’s Pain

Taylor watched as her children as they slept peacefully in the early morning light blissfully unaware of their mother’s personal torment. Touching Phoebe’s hair lightly, she stroked her. “My precious baby you and your bother and sister are so important to me. Your father and I have worked so hard to get it back the family that you deserve. Thinking about last night, she finally found her voice. “ I’m not going to let anyone ruin it.” Kissing Phoebe lightly, she noted how the light gleamed against her sparkling new engagement ring that Ridge had gifted her with. Yesterday, everything had been perfect. She had had a new life, a chance to start over, but it was all ruined. A cast of shadow hung over the life she and her children ad yearned to have and all because of one woman Brooke. Slipping out of her children’s bedroom, she made her way down stairs and out of her house to her pool. She needed to get out into the fresh air for fear that she was going to scream. Inside she was raging at the turn o events. She still didn’t believe that this had happened to her. Yes, she had made a horrific mistake all those years ago but hadn’t she paid for it. Wasn’t her near death and her imprisonment enough. If that wasn’t bad enough she had to not only deal with Brooke but also Morgan. Nothing that she had done was equal to the amount of pain that she had been through. Truthfully, she had no longer given any thought to the night she shared with James until Stephanie had threatened her with it.
“Why? Why did you keep that letter, Stephanie?” If only she has destroyed it, none of this would have come to light. Clearly agitated, she passed back in forth. Oh God. How could she have been so foolish all those years ago? She had been so confused back then and she wanted comfort for the pain that she had been in. She had made a mistake, one she had been willing to own up to back then. She hadn’t wanted a marriage based on lies so she had written the letter to her beloved, Ridge. However, fate had stepped in and her plane crash changed everything. She had lived through hell, almost died and then had been held captive by Omar. Once she had been freed she wanted nothing more than to get her life back. She had had a right to it, because it had been stolen. Her life, her marriage and her husband had been stolen. She had wanted them back. Deep down, she saw her mistake as something in the past. Something that should never come to light and why not? She had come back to fight for everything she wasn’t going to just hand a smoking gun over to Brooke. “ Oh Taylor, what a mess this is.” Brooke’s words of Ridge’s possible reaction had gotten to her. Could it have been that Ridge would have understood and would have been willing to forgive her for her transgression? They had been through so much and still loved each other. Even after all the pain and suffering that Morgan and Brooke had put them through, there was love. Looking up at her house, she saw the home that she made for her children and for Ridge. If she had told Ridge the truth back then, would they have survived?


“You did what?” Beth was in awe as Brooke explained her confrontation with Taylor from the previous night. Never in a million years did Beth ever think that Taylor would cheat on Ridge let alone her own daughter would blackmailing Taylor about it.
Brooke put down the brush that she had been using to brush her long glorious hair and stood up, her black silk robe with the white delicate flowers, swayed with her as she walked toward her closet. “I’m not going to make apologies for what I did. I know it was wrong, however, this is war. Taylor flat out refused to have Thomas or the twins tested for Bridget. She was being vindictive toward my daughter because of her problems with me.” Picking out a black dress, Brooke placed it on the bed. “ I wasn’t about to let her play God, no matter what kind of God complex the good doctor thinks she has.” Sighing heavily Brooke looked at her mother. “ I now that you are not happy about what I did, but I had no choice mother.”
“Sweetheart, what you see in my eyes isn’t disapproval.”
‘ It isn’t? You don’t think that I’m being like…”
“ Being like what?”
Sitting down on the foot of her bed, Brooke sighed. “ Like Stephanie. For years she has been manipulating people for the “good” of her family.”
“ Stop it right there!” Beth sat down next to her daughter. “You are NOTHING like Stephanie. Stephanie has done some horrible things to manipulate almost every member of this family to do what she wants. Her actions are rules by her own selfish and sick need to control her sons, well as least Ridge.”
“ She never cared that much about Thorne, did she? It used to really bother me, the way that she treated Thorne, like he didn’t matter. In fact, it still does. He deserved more.”
“ You still care about him?” this surprised Beth.
“ Of course I do. Thorne has made some mistakes but deep down he is a good person and when I think about him being married to Kimberly.” She shook her head. “ Even though he slept with her, he deserves better. Now I can’t even save him from that disastrous marriage.”
“Listen honey, what you did, you did to protect your daughter. As much as you want to help Thorne, Bridget is your number one concern. You are mother and real mothers protect their children at all cost. To tell you the truth, I’m floored that you had this information for such a long time and didn’t say a word to Ridge.”
“ Amber gave me the letter. It made no sense to break up Ridge and Taylor’s marriage.”
“ She would have done it to you. In fact, she has.”
“ Mom. What’s gotten into you? I’m surprised that you feel this way.”
“ Honey, it’s just that woman has caused you a great deal of pain over the years. She and Stephanie have looked down on you when they conspired to keep the truth from Ridge. God knows how things might have been different between you and Ridge if this had come out.”
Groaning, Brooke stopped her mother’s rant. “ Don’t start on that again. It serves no justice.”
“You loved him Brooke. In fact you still do.”
“ Of course I loved him. But that’s in the past. I do love Ridge now but as a friend. That life and the clinging, desperate girl who wanted nothing but Ridge is gone. Instead, I’m strong, confident and powerful. It has nothing to do with Ridge. In fact, it has a lot to do with Caspian.”
“It has nothing to do with him.”
“ Yes it does. I know that you don’t like him, he helps me. When he heard about my plans, he didn’t look disapproving. He supported me. In fact, I went to his lawyer to help me draw up the papers. Caspian has been a rock that I can count on. That’s more than any Forrester has ever been for me.” Brooke headed to the bathroom to take her shower, leaving Beth shaking her head.

Ridge walked down the steps toward the pool and watched Taylor for a moment. She had been up before the crack of dawn. He had heard her slip out of their bed. A slight frown marred her face and he wondered what was she was thinking about. Stepping out toward her, he called out. “Hey, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Startled from her thoughts Taylor realized that Ridge had joined her. “ I just thought that I’d come down here to think. In the morning it’s so peaceful here. I think hat this might be one of my most favorite spots in the house.”
Ridge wrapped his arms around while he kissed her neck. “ I thought that I’d get my morning kiss.” Moving toward her mouth he gave her a long languid slow kiss. Slowly pulling his head away from her, he stared into her eyes and used his hands to play in her hair. “That’s more like it.” Leaning down, he kissed her again. “Mmm, you taste so good.”
She patted his face gently. “You too.”
“Hey, why don’t I get you a coffee made just the way you like? I can join you and until the kids wake.”
“ I think that is exactly what the doctor ordered.” She needed some alone time with her husband to help get her thoughts away from the letter.
Ridge noticed the tears in his wife’s eyes. “ Hey, what’s this all about?”
“ It’s nothing. It’s just me realizing how happy we’ve been together. I know that there have been some rocky times but there have been so many good times.”
“ Yes, there has been Doc.” Touching their heads together, he whispered. “ And there will be so many wonderful times in our future. You, me and kids. Alright?”
“ Yeah. You are right. We have been through so much we aren’t going to let anyone stop us.” Including Brooke, she thought.

Connor was lounging on his patio watching with avid interest as KC balanced on the edge of the diving board in a scanty ocean red bikini that displayed her ample bosom and fantastic body, as she dove in the crystal blue water. His mouth went dry as he watched her slide through the water like a trueborn water nymph doing her earlier morning laps. KC came up through the water spraying Connor with the droplets.
“ I’m going to get you.”
“Ahh, you could always come and get me,” she said splashing him some more. Before swimming out of his reach.
Making his way to the edge of the pool dove in to follow her. The case was on as he grabbed her in the middle of the water, dunking her a few times before he captured her in arms. “ Now, I got you.” He leaned down the water droplets dropped onto KC’s nose before his mouth captured her own with his soft lips. Slipping her tongue to stroke his own, the kiss deepened as his hands captured the ties of her bikini.
“ Do you know what you are doing?”
“ I told you. I got you.” The bikini slipped out off of her and bared her marvelous breasts. Fingering a dark nipple that had gone hard against the cold water, he watched how aroused her body had become. Looking into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes, his caressed her breast. “ You are so beautiful. The most beautiful woman that I’ve ever known.” Kissing her lips again, he moved down the slope of her neck, gently kissing her heated skin until he came to the valley of her breast. He took the satin nipple into his mouth and suckled gently. She gasped at the sensation of his mouth on her body. Her breath was no more than sighs in the morning air as she cried out from his the administrations of his mouth. Suckling at her breast with molten need, he continued to make love to her breast. Through the wet water, he moved his hands down to find the ties to her bikini bottom which his removed in haste. Gently, he nudged her silky thighs apart and found her entrance to be warm and hot. Kissing along her ear, he slipped a finger inside of her. “ Connor,” she moaned. She was hot and wet to the touch. Groaning out loud he thrust another finger into her tight sheath. Her mouth created little moans in his ear, which furthered his ardor. Using another finger to find her nub, he circled it softly at first but at her wetness drenched his fingers, he quickened his pace. He increased the pressure until the orgasm rippled throughout her body. Through the cold clear water, KC ran her hands up and down his back until she reached his backside, squeezing his bottom with her soft fingers for a moment, she slipped her hands inside his trucks to pull them down slightly. The feel of her hands sliding up and down on his hard manhood was almost enough to make him reach the edge. Sipping from her breast he backed her up against the edge of the pool.
“ Are you ready for this.” He lifted her against this edge of her pool as wrapped her legs around his waist.
“ More than ready for you.”
Fingering the wet curls that lay on her head, Connor looked at KC with awe and amazement. “ You are so beautiful and so wonderful. You are everything that I could ask for in a woman, a lover or a wife.”
Smiling as he holstered her up slightly, he entered her slowly. Inch by delicious inch she took him inside of her warm body. The feel of her heels pressing against the small of her back, beckoned him to take his time with her. He wanted their time together to last. KC moved her body against Connor. Her sensitive nipples rubbed against his chest as their bodies came together. Clinching her muscles against the hardness of his pen*s, she decided that she was going to give her man the ride of his life. Moving slowly in and out of her tight hot body, Connor buried his face in the nape of her neck. She was trying to kill him, he thought, as she moved against him. Arching back, he drove forward and then back against. They continued their dance until KC could hold out no longer and her body shook with a hard orgasm, which in turn caused Connor to follow her.

Kimberly slowly padded her way into her sleeping husband’s bedroom holding a tray that consisted of the breakfast that she had made for him.. Ever since he had made love to her he had been more distant and withdrawn than ever. Very moody and hardly speaking to her. If she hadn’t been so busy with that blackmailing Honey, she’d be more upset than she already was. With Brooke no longer breathing down her back, Scott properly shut up and Stephanie on her side, she be more than ready for some greedy coed. Placing the tray on the nightstand, she paused over her sleeping husband. Thorne looked so handsome and sexy sleeping like a child amid the covers. Reaching forward, she lightly caressed the lock of hair that fell over his brow. That light touch must have woken him because his eyelids started to blink before he opened them. Thorne had been asleep when a light touch on his brow reached him, it wasn’t until he found Kimberly standing over him and he actually jumped. “What are you doing?”
“ Thorne, I was just checking on you. Besides, I made you breakfast.”
He noticed that tray of delectable dishes on that nightstand.
Sighing regretfully, he slid farther away from his wife. “Thank you for the thoughtful gesture but it isn’t necessary. I’m already have plans for breakfast this morning.”
“ You do?” She looked disappointed. “ But I thought that we’d dine together.”
“ I’m sorry Kimberly. It can’t be helped.” Thorne was about to get out of his bed until he realized that he was naked. Pulling the bed sheet around his waist to cover his nudity from her prying eyes.
“That seems to be your comment lately whenever I want to spend some time with you.”
Feeling extremely guilty for the way that he had treated her, he wanted to let her know that it wasn’t her but he couldn’t do it. Since the night that he made the error of sleeping with her, he had avoided her like the plaque. He had been a fool to touch her like that. She was young, inexperienced and too trusting. He felt guilty for the life that he had taken from her, however at the same time, he felt guilty for the resentment that he felt when he looked at her. “ Listen, I’m sorry.” Leaning on the bed she tried to get a better look at him as he went into the bathroom to pull on a pair of sweat pants. He came back from the bathroom. “ I really appreciate you cooking breakfast for me but you don’t have to do things that like for me. The other night. I made a mistake, I shouldn’t have touched you.”
“ Thorne, that night was beautiful. I never had been touched by anyone the way that I’ve been touched by you. You were so sweet, gentle and caring.”
“ Stop it, please. Kimberly, do you hear yourself. It wasn’t romantic. I wasn’t making love to you in fact….”
“ What?” She looked so hurt.
“ You know that I wasn’t making love to you. Is that good enough for you?” She said nothing however he felt even worse. “ It isn’t good enough for me. That makes me upset to know that I can’t cherish you the way you deserve.”
“But it was good enough for me because it was a start. I know that if we could spent some quality time together that you’d begin to have feelings for me and the baby.”
It pulled at his heartstrings to know that he was going to disappoint her again but he couldn’t give her what she wanted. “ What happened between us shouldn’t have happen. I took advantage of you and touched you when I should have left you alone. We don’t have a real marriage Kimberly. I care about you but I’m not in love with you. Having sex with you was my fault. I shouldn’t have crossed that line. I won’t ever do that again.”
“ What are you saying?”
“ I’m saying that you deserve so much better than me. You deserve a man to love and cherish you. I can’t be him.” He cupped her face gently. “ You deserve so much better than a life trapped with a man who can never be like a real husband.”
“ But I love you Thorne,’ she whispered in childlike ardor.
“No Kimberly, you don’t.” He didn’t know how to explain it to her. “ Kimberly, you were in love with Rick You have been since the day that I met you.”
“ What I felt for Rick is over.”
“ Because he hurt you?”
“I don’t love Rick anymore. Besides, it was clear that he didn’t feel anything real with me. He cheated with Eve.”
“ But you don’t love me. Don’t you see, you were hurt and in pain. Then the night….the night that I… I took advantage of you.”
“ You didn’t mean too.”
“ But I did.” He interrupted. “ I can’t change that but I’m not going to continue to multiplying my mistakes. You’ve been through a confusing time. You lost your father and then Macy You loved Rick and you felt that he betrayed you leaving you alone. Then, I took at advantage of you and you found that you were pregnant. Don’t you find it strange that you’ve never had any romantic feelings for me up until now. That’s because your are looking for love to make up for the hurt you are carrying. That’s not love Kimberly. You aren’t in love with me, you are just attracted to having someone to care about.” She wanted to argue with everything that he stated because she has loved him for so such a long time but she couldn’t. “This is my fault and I’m going to help you through this rough patch in your life.”
“So, spent time with me. Eat breakfast with me. All I want is for you to spend time with you.”
“ No, I can’t. It would make matters worse. I promised you that I’d be there for you and the baby and I will do it. But once the baby is born, I’m going to free you. I’ll see that you have a wonderful home and that you’ll get a good settlement so you’ll be taken care for. I’ll be a good father to our child but as soon as the baby is born, I’ll set it up for our marriage to be annulled.”
“Annulled.”
“ Yes, annulled. This farce of a marriage isn’t healthy for either you or me.”
She touched the light swell of her stomach. “ What about our baby?”
“ I will be there for our baby. I will be a good father to him or her but the marriage will be over. I’m sorry Kimberly, but I’m not going to ruin your life any further.”
It certainly wasn’t going to be that easy, she thought. He didn’t understand, she’d never let him go. She’d find a way to make it impossible for Thorne to annual their marriage.

Pouring herself a cup of steaming coffee while Isabelle stood on the balcony on her first floor overlooking the garden. She had eaten a light breakfast of fresh fruit, granola and yogurt. The beauty of the morning wasn’t lost on her, for the sun seemed to hit the over the white, yellow and pink roses perfectly. A gardener’s services had come up her home however she had declined his services, she didn’t like to admit it she had gotten her love for gardening from her mother. So she had taken to the earth yesterday to continue to cultivate the growth of her roses as well as to repot orchids. The aroma of the flowers through the morning breeze somehow made her house more like a home. Reluctant to admit to anyone but herself there was a sense of peace of this house nestled in the hills away from the city. Although not as enormous as her home in Italy, her new home was big enough to suit her needs; it would allow her to entertain if she wanted; yet afforded her own peace. Her nearest neighbor, whose home was at least 3 acres away, was away for a year was away on Egypt for a sabbatical. The fact that her neighbor was gone was a plus for her, she was certainly not the chatty neighbor type. She had no uses to be involved with any neighborhood societies or comities with grand lunches. She wanted to keep to herself and live quietly for the time she was in L.A. Making her way toward the table that housed the remains of her breakfast outside, she sat down barely glancing at the business section of the paper that she had read earlier that day, when she noted the society pages. Reluctantly picking it up, she traced a picture of Pierce at a benefit lunching that he had went to for the opening of the newest wing dealing with AIDS research at the hospital. How like Pierce, she thought. He had a soft heart, always giving and admittedly she didn’t want him any other way. Picking up the phone that lay next to the number, she dialed. “ Yes, I’d like to make an anonymous donation to your hospital wing.” Finishing her call, she made arrangements for the check to be delivered later that afternoon. AIDS was a killer, which didn’t take color, creed, or sexual preference, or even status of life into consideration and it would take a great deal of money to see that a cure was developed. Still a small part of her would admit the fact that Pierce had something to do with this cause made the check heavier than she would have normally have given. Sitting from her position, she could see past her sliding doors to her living room to the columned table that housed her marbled chess set which had been a gift from Pierce. Although they could not be together, she’d always remember the wonderful times that they had spent together holding them in a sacred peace of her heart where nobody had touched since Benito.


Ridge kneaded the tense muscles at the base of Taylor’s neck. Groaning slightly she moved her head forward to allow his fingers to work on her pressure points. “ Doc, I can’t believe that you are so tense.”
“ I think that it’s been everything from the last couple of days.”
Turning his wife around he touched the red mark and healing scar of her head. “ I know. It seemed like a lifetime has gone by the last couple of days. When I think about losing you, it scares me to death.”
“ I know. We’ve been through so much and we’ve found a way back to each other. Not everybody has that. It is something remarkable.”
‘ No, you are remarkable. I know that I’ve made a series of one mistake after another but I promise you that those mistakes are over. When I think about how I messed things up with Morgan….”
“ I don’t want to talk about her right now. As far as I’m concerned she’s out of our hemisphere.”
“ Taylor, I wish that was the case but she is Dylan’s mother. You are going to have to accept that.”
“ I know that. I know that when it comes to your son we were going to have to deal with her however she has nothing to do with our marriage. I will never forgive Morgan for using me and our friendship to get to you but I will try to deal with her because Dylan.”
To hear those words come out of Taylor’s mouth meant a great deal to him. He knew that his wife had a big heart. Stroking his wife’s hair, he looked deeply into her eyes. “ You are an amazing woman.”
“ No I’m not Ridge. I’m just a woman who like everyone else has made mistakes and I need to tell you that I need to talk to you about one of those mistakes.”

KC rested her head against Connor’s warm chest. They lay together naked on one of their plush pool chairs covered lightly with a blanket. One of the things that Connor loved most about their home was that the ranch was out further enough to give them the privacy that they craved so clothes were just that, an option. Cupping KC’s backside, he pulled her into the curve of his body. “I wish that I didn’t have to go to work today.”
“You aren’t the only one. But I think that your clients would notice if you didn’t show up for court. Besides, the sooner you get to work the sooner you can come home to me.”
Kissing her neck softly his sighed. “ I think that I like that. Besides, tonight we’ve got an important date to pick tonight.”
Although they were both extremely busy, and had decided not to start planning their wedding until after the WOW fashion show, they had chosen tonight to pick a wedding date. Looking up into Connor’s handsome eyes KC felt a jolt of joy fill her. She couldn’t wait. This wedding was going to be everything that she had hoped and planned for since she was a little girl. When she had been engaged to Coron, he had wanted to take over and control almost ever aspect of the wedding according to his family’s wishes. Looking back, she knew that Coron thought that he was helping her because of her busy schedule but what he was doing was controlling her. Connor however was different. Although she was sure that some of her family might have reservations, they were starting to see what she saw and loved in Connor. She personally couldn’t wait to start planning her wedding and her wedding gown. As soon as the fashion show was done, she’d focus on the happiest day of her life. Thinking about the life she was going to have with Connor made her happier than ever.

Pierce hadn’t felt this good in a long time and it was all do to one woman, Elisa Cater. She had been responsible for his good fortune. Elisa had helped Pierce contact an old friend of his, Renard Battle, when Pierce found that he had had been out of the States for months and planned to be gone for another six months. Renard being a factious man, was leery of leaving his home with just any house setter had been distraught when his normal house sitter had gotten an internship while on sabbatical, however one phone call, it had been set up. Pierce would “house” set for Renard and stay out of his place. All the arrangements had been made and Pierce had all of his few items moved into Renard’s house last night. Feeling like a million dollars, he headed out of the front door, down the winding lane off of his property and started toward the walk to the house nestled down off to the right of him.

Brooke had showered and dressed in an alluring single sleeved form fitting black dress that left her left arm and shoulder bare. Her long hair had been left down as she gleamed against the midnight black of her dress. While her legs looked extremely long in stiletto sandals which her perfectly painted toes peaked out. Wearing nothing but a pair of a single strand of black pearls, and the diamond anklet that Caspian had given her the night she had first stayed at his hotel, she looked simple yet alluring at the same time. Brooke checked the last of her makeup in her compact when Bridget came down the stairs. Seeing her daughter, Brooke put her compact down. “ Sweetheart, I’m glad that you are up. We need to talk.” Truthfully, Bridget had awakened with a nauseous stomach, which she had taken Pepsi and crackers to sooth. Although feeling slightly tired, she felt better than she had felt the night before. Brooke noted the lack of pallor in Bridget’s face. Instantly concerned, she put her hands on Bridget’s face. “ Are you feeling alright? You don’t look too well.”
“ Mom, stop panicking. I’m fine. Just too much pizza and chocolate cake last night.”
“ Are you sure that is all that it is. Do I need to call the doctor?”
“ No! Mom, everything isn’t cancer. I just ate too much.”
“ I know honey. But I worry.”
‘ Well, you can stop.” Bridget picked up a muffin and pretended to eat a bit of it.
“ Honey, we need to talk.”
“ I know that you are upset with me for leaving yesterday but…”
“ We will talk about that later. I have some good news.’
‘ So do I mom.”
“ Taylor has changed her mind. She’s going to let the children get tested to see if one of them were a match for you.”
“ You talked to Taylor?”
“ Yes, last night.”
Bridget was surprised, she thought tat Taylor had wanted her to tell her mother.
Brushing a lock of her daughter’s hair out of her face, Brooke smiled. “ Well, it’s all over. The children will be tested and I’m sure that one of them will be a match for you. This nightmare will be over soon and you’ll be healthy and in Paris before you know it.”
“I hope so. Believe me, I never thought that I’d say that I was thankful that Ridge and Taylor had children, but I am. Besides, I kinda like the little brats.”
“ You had better not let Taylor hear you say that.”
“ I’m just joking. I like them. Besides, with Taylor’s change of heart, I don’t want to piss her off.”
Change of heart, ump. Brooke thought. Taylor had no such thing though she’d never tell her daughter so. “ Well, she is unpredictable.”
“ I know.” Bridget said as she poured a glass of orange juice. “ I guess that the remarriage has changed her heart. She really wants her marriage to Ridge to work out.”
“ It’s been her dream to have the perfect marriage. Maybe this is her chance.”
“ Maybe.” Bridget was silent. “ Maybe I haven’t been to fair to her mom. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think that Taylor and I are going to be the best of friends. But, she is my step-mother, I guess.”
“ Yes, she is.” Brooke looked away.
“ I should try to get along with her, right? I mean, it’s the least that I can do after what I did to her.”
The last thing that she wanted was Bridget trying to be chummy with Taylor; however, Brooke saw the guilt in her daughter’s eyes. Bridget had done a very destructive thing and set off a chain of events that caused Taylor’s baby to die. No matter how much she hated Taylor, Brooke did feel compassion for the baby that Taylor had lost. Pushing down her own thoughts she turned toward her daughter. “ You are right. What you did at Rick’s party was destructive and hurtful.”
“ I know mom. I feel so bad about what I did.”
“ I know honey. I know that you do.”
“ I promise not to do anything like that again. I had no right to try to destroy their marriage for my own selfish reason. I’m so sorry mom. I’m sorry than you know.”
Seeing the pain in her daughter’s eyes, Brooke hugged her closely. “ I know that you are.” The ringing of the phone broke the two apart as Brooke answered the phone. It was for her mother, calling out to Beth, Brooke waited for her mother to answer the phone.
Bridget picked up her blue denim purse that matched her jeans that she wore with her light pink baby-doll blouse and her pink sequenced flip flops when she turned toward her mother. “I better get going. I want to go to the library this morning.”
“ Wait, I need to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“ About that hickey that you were sporting.” Brooke said giving her a knowing look.

Lauren stepped from the kitchen of Connor and KC’s ranch home and headed to the living room. KC followed her. “ Connor certainly had a euphoric look on his face when I got him. I guess I don’t have to ask what you were doing this morning, do I?”
KC smirked at her friend. “ Let’s just say, I know how to keep him happy.”
Raising an eyebrow. “ You do?”
“ Yes, I do. Connor’s a good man. Besides things with him aren’t only wonderful, they complicated warped.”
“As opposed too?”
“ As opposed to how things were the last time I was engaged.”
Dropping into the love chair Lauren gave her a knowing look. “Controlling was he?”
“ If I had to be honest Coron didn’t know how to stand up to his mother. Now that I’m older, I can see that I would have had problems cutting the apron strings. He spent so much of time trying to be perfect and molding me into the “perfect” woman that we wouldn’t have found happiness. This is a man who had a fashion consultant come and pick some more suitable outfits for me.”
“ I can’t believe that.”
“ Well, he did. His mother didn’t think that my taste of clothes were appropriate.” Lauren and KC both burst out with laughter. When it died down KC wiped the laughter tears from her eyes. “ Who would have thought that being betrayed by Jackson would probably been the best thing that happened to me. It made me stronger.”
Lauren didn’t want to bring back bad memories but she had to ask. “ Do you ever think about him?”
KC was silent for a minute. “ Yes, of course I do. For such a long time we were close. Closer than two people ought to be I guess.”
“ Especially when there was sexual tension. And believe me, you two in the same room heated it up.” KC thought about how she’d sometimes find herself starring at the Jackson on those late working nights. She wouldn’t admit it to herself but the attraction had been there, building up over time. “ Well, you see where it got me. I lost my job, one of my best friends and fiancée. It wasn’t worth it. But Jackson thought it was. He threw away our friendship for stock options, I just wonder if that keeps him warm in his bed at night.” Lauren sipped her coffee. She had seen the animal magnetism that Jackson had; she didn’t think that he was having any problem with keeping his bed warm.

Ridge came back down the stairs to where his wife was, he had been called away by one of the children and had to take care of the missing blanky drama. “ Did you find it?”
“ Yes, I swear if we ever permanently lose that thing, we are going to have some serious problems.”
“ Hopefully, that won’t happen but I suppose that we need to wean her off of her blanky although there are times that I wonder if that blanky might follow her to her grave.”
‘If no her, then one of us.” Ridge added.
“ I certainly hope not. I can’t see quite see myself laid out in a casket with her blanky.”
“ Hey, no more talk about you being laid out.” He replied dryly kissing her on top of her head. “Now, before I left to take care of the blanky dilemma, you were going to tell me about some mistake that you thought that you made.” Lightly clasping his wife’s hands in his and kissing her new engagement ring he stared into his eyes. “ Why don’t you tell me about mistake.”
“ Well, it has a lot to do with Brooke.”
“Brooke?”
“ Yes, I made the mistake of allowing my personal feelings about her get in the way of how I treated Bridget. I’m not saying that I liked what Brooke was doing because I really thought she was shutting me out and it hurt.”
“ I’m sure Logan didn’t mean that.”
Rolling her eyes, she said nothing. “Well, whatever her motives were, I was wrong to let my personal feelings get in the way of Bridget’s health.”
“ What are you saying Doc?’
“ I’m saying that I was wrong and I think that we should let the children get tested.”
Pure joy spread through Ridge. “ Doc, thank you! Thank you so much!” He gathered her up in his arms and swung her around. “ Thank you!”
The joy that Taylor would have felt was destroyed by the knowledge that Brooke was blackmailing her. Instead of basking in the love of her husband, she was worried about what Brooke was going to do. “ Ridge, please just put me down. Please.”
Ridge complied with his wife’s wishes. “ Thank you honey.”
“ It isn’t just for you. It’s for Bridget. She’s your daughter and although we haven’t always seen eye to eye, I don’t want her to suffer.”
“ Just wait until I tell Logan.”
“ Please, leave Brooke out of this.” Taylor said walking away from Ridge.
“ Taylor, she’s going to be elated.”
“ She already knows.”
‘She does?”
“ She and I had a conversation about this last night.”
“ You did?”
“ Yes, she did.” She said bitterly.
“ Honey, I hope Brooke wasn’t too tough on you. She was pretty pissed at me yesterday when I told her about our wedding. She was thinking that I was ignoring Bridget’s health.”
Taylor had paused at this piece of information. “She was angry about our remarriage.”
“Yes. But I think that it was just the stress of everything.”
Taylor didn’t believe that. Brooke had tried to make her think that this was about Bridget but it wasn’t. This was about her. “ You selfish bitch.” She whispered so that Ridge couldn’t hear her. Turning toward Ridge she asked for a favor. “ I know that you and Brooke have this relationship because of Bridget, but I’m going to ask you to keep her out of my life. I don’t her here at my home and I don’t want to deal with her unless I have to.”
“ Where is this coming from?”
“From the fact that I have to be honest. I don’t trust Brooke and I don’t like her. She is manipulative, cunning and every chance she gets she embroiled all these crises.’
“ Doc.”
“ No, let me finish. I know that she’s Bridget’s mother. She has been a good mother to her, but I still don’t like her. I’m not going to be foolish enough to think that you aren’t going to have a relationship with her but in order for my peace of mind here. I don’t want her discussed and I don’t her to be involved in aspect of our marriage. To me Bridget and Brooke are separate issues, Bridget isn’t a young girl, she’s seventeen and I can have a relationship with her that has nothing to do with Brooke.”
Ridge was surprised by the amount of animosity that was in Taylor’s voice. “ Honey, this thing between you and Brooke, it’s over. I’m with you and she knows that. Besides Brooke isn’t interested in me like that. She’s involved with DeAngelo remember?”
“Like that has ever stopped her before.” Remembering how satisfied Brooke had been at taunting her the night before, she spat. “ You give Brooke an inch and she’ll take a mile. She’s attacked this family more times than any other person. I don’t trust her. I don’t want her in my life. Bridget, unlike her mother, is a different story. I want to try to have a relationship with your daughter but don’t ask me to accept Brooke. It’s too much and I can’t do it. Just keep that woman away from me.”
Ridge sighed; he didn’t understand what had happened to make Taylor feel this way towards Brooke. He was sorry that Taylor didn’t understand that Brooke wasn’t a threat to their marriage but only time would prove that to her. “ Alright Taylor. I promise to keep Brooke away from you, if that is what you want.”

Caspian had been up all night thinking about his discovery and spent the early part of the morning making arrangements for Lark’s records to be sent from Italy. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that deep down maybe he had suspected about the connection between the two women and had ignored it. When he had first met Brooke it was because of her look a-like appearance to Lark that he had wanted to know her, but as he fell in love with her, he didn’t want to think about a possible connections. What a fool he had been. He wasn’t the kind to simply ignore things and in doing so, he made a mistake. It was time that he rectify that mistake. At his disposal, he had private investigators, the resources and the connections to help him find the truth. Now that he looked at the questions, the clearer it became. Now he needed answers. To his knowledge neither Brooke nor Lark were adopted and had been born in different countries on different dates. But it still didn’t change the fact that in his opinion, they were sisters, twin sisters. If that was the case, as he strongly suspected, this changed everything. Wiping his eyes with a cold washcloth in his office bedroom, he willed himself to find out the truth. The first thing on his agenda was to find any real proof that his dead wife and the woman and he loved was related.

The ringing of the doorbell caught Isabelle off guard. She hadn’t expected a visitor. Standing up, she walked down the hallway toward her front door. Opening it without looking, she was surprised to find Pierce standing in her doorway. The early daylight flickered against his blond hair. Looking positively scrumptious wearing a cream colored shirt in which the first two buttons were opened to show a hint of his tanned chest. The tan colored shades he wore added a mix of color to his eyes and for a moment, Isabelle thought that her breath caught in her throat, however she repressed her feelings. “What are you doing here?”
Smiling a smile that was worth a million dollars, he held up an empty cup. “ I thought that I’d borrow a cup of sugar.”
“ A cup of sugar.” She raised an eyebrow. Isabelle wasn’t amused but it was worth to see her. In the early morning, she looked beautiful wearing a black silk robe. Yes, a cup sugar.”
“ What are you doing here?”
“ Are you going to ask me in?”
“No. Answer my question.”
Pushing past Isabelle slightly he moved into the foyer and started down the hall toward the living room. “ This is a beautiful home.” Noticing the chess set that he had given her, he touched the queen. “ Isn’t that Sara Brightman playing? You must have surround sound, don’t you?” Walking out toward the sliding door. “ That’s a breath taking view.”
Stepping down into her living room, she picked up a remote control to stop the surround sounds and crossed her arms. “ I asked you a question and I want an answer. What are you doing here? And,” she gave him a penetrating stare. “ ..if this is some sort of plot to get me to change my mind about our relationship, it isn’t working.”
“ No, Bella. It isn’t a plot. I told you what I wanted.” Raising a cup into the air. “I need a cup of sugar.”
“ Sugar?”
“ Yes, I preparing a fruit tart. You do remember that I can cook.”
Yes, she did remember. Pierce, like her brother, had culinary skills. “ You came all the way cross town to get a cup of sugar.” Slowly moving her head to the right. “ How did you know where I lived?”
Sitting down on her sofa he gave her a very serious look. “ You aren’t the only one to have your “ways” Bella.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find out how you found out and take care of it. You’ve obviously gone through a lot of trouble to come here and see my new home. So, you’ve seen it. Now get out.”
“ Bella, is that any way to treat your new neighbor?”
“ You are not my neighbor. I had all the people in this neighborhood checked out before I moved here. You don’t live here.”
“ Renard, is on sabbatical. He is an old friend of mine and I’m house setting for him.”
“House setting isn’t that quaint. Tell me, are you going to have frat parties and invite insipid girls over?” she said sarcastically. You can buy any house any place in L.A but instead you are house setting for friend that happens to be across the street for me.”
“ Yes. I am.”
“ You are wasting your time. Moving here isn’t going to change anything between us.”
“ I’m not here because of us. I’m doing a friend a favor and if you happen not to live too far, that is certainly a plus.”
“ Playing games isn’t your strong suit.”
Pierce moved toward Isabelle to stand directly in front of her.. She was so perfect, so beautiful and so in control all of the time. He decided that he was going to push her to point that she’d show him what was behind her mask. But first, he was going to have to play her kind of game.” Lightly touching her face, he bent his head, to whisper lightly to her ear. “ You have no idea the games that I can play.”
The pupils of her eyes dilated slightly as he said the words. A shiver of arousal hit her as he moved to look deeply into her eyes. “ I had better get that sugar.” Pierce turned from Isabelle and after searching for a moment, made his way to her kitchen and got the sugar that he needed. Finally after putting what he needed in his cup, he found Isabelle still standing in her living room. “ I’ll be leaving. However, if you want to borrow a cup of sugar or anything, I’m not too far from you.” Appraising Isabelle light, he noted how her nipples hardened under her robe. Good, he thought. He wanted her to want him that way it would be better in the end. He was going to play the game according to her and at the same time get the real Isabelle to emerge. He was going to help her deal with the pain that made her afraid of love. Yes, this was certainly worth it.
“ Playing these games to get me back.”
“ Who said that I want you back Bella? I was just being friendly. Besides, this house is very interesting. I heard that Harry Houdini once owned it, a man with a thousand illusions. You know all about illusions, don’t you Bella.” With that as a parting remark, he walked out the front door. Smiling to himself, he walked toward his new home knowing deep down that Bella was watching him. Good.
Bella let go of the curtain as she watched Pierce. The parting remark was a nice touch, she thought. In fact, he played it right. Pierce certainly was playing games and if it were anyone else, she’d join right in. However, he had a soft heart and there was only one way this would end. Still, she had to admit, it had been a slight thrill to not only see him put to see him playing her type of game. Moving into her neighborhood was a very nice touch indeed.

Brooke gave her daughter a knowing look.“Alright Bridget, I’m waiting.”
“ Mom, the hickey isn’t what you think it is.”
“ It isn’t? Because as old as you might think that I am, I certainly know where hickey’s come from. Bridget, I know that you aren’t a little girl anymore and that it’s natural in a sense for you to want to explore your sexuality.”
Jumping up from the sofa exclaimed, “ God mom, that isn’t what this is!”
“ Then what is it? Because to my knowledge, you’ve never been on anything serious than a couple of dates with boys from your school. Now I’m seeing this hickey and I’m wondering what’s going on.” Caressing her daughter’s hair Brooke studied her daughter’s face. “I have to wonder what is going on with you and all the changes in your life. Bridget, please tell me that you aren’t experimenting with any boys.”
“ Experimenting?”
“ Yes. You are young, viral and beautiful young woman and boy would most definitely be attracted to you.”
“ Mom, it isn’t like that. I wasn’t fooling around with some guy.” It hurt her to know that her mother thought that she was like that. “What kind of girl do you think that I am?”
“ Bridget, I’m just concerned and I have every right to be.” Sighing heavily she looked worried. “In this day, letting a boy touch you can lead to so many things. Your body starts to respond and you begin to have sexual feelings, which are natural. Yearnings for more can cause situations of pregnancy, STD’s and AIDS.”
“ Mom, we’ve had this talk.” She replied an annoyed manner.
‘ And we are going to have this talk again and again. Too many of your friends of losing their virginities at such young ages. The risk of getting pregnant is high and the dangerously high number of teens with AIDS is astounding. Don’t think that I don’t know about those things to go on..”
“Mom, listen. It isn’t what you think. I wasn’t at some party necking with some friend or experimenting with anybody. I got this hickey from my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend? Bridget, you have a boyfriend?”
Bridget too in a deep breath. “ Yes, mom, I do. And his wonderful.”
Surprised by this new, Brooke wanted answers.“ Who is this boy?”
“Mom, he is smart, funny, supportive. We have so much in common and we spend hours talking about books, literature and art.” Bridget started to gush and her eyes lit up. “ He always thinks about me and my happiness. And he isn’t afraid to communicate with unlike most guys. He says how he feels about me and tells me that he cares about me all the time.”
Brooke was floored. “This is why you’ve been so happy. Because of this boy.”
“ Yeah. I guess that I ought to be scared and with the cancer but I am happy mom. But now with the Thomas and the twins being tested, everything is working out fine. It’s going to work out.”
Brooke laced her fingers together deep in thought. “ How long have you been seeing each other?” She said seriously.
“ For about a month or so.”
‘ A month.”
“ Well, not really. Close to a month.”
“ And in all this time, you didn’t think to say anything to me.” Brooke was hurt; she thought that she and Bridget were closer than this. To know that her daughter had a boyfriend and she didn’t know a thing about him had hurt her.
“ Mom, at first it didn’t seem like anything to say. We were friends and hung out but things changed.”
“ Yet you never said a word to me about. I have to wonder if I didn’t see your hickey, would you have said anything in all.”
Reaching out to her mother, she touched her hands. “Mom, it isn’t like that.”
“Then what is it like?”
“ I would have told you. Believe me, I wanted you to know how happy that I was.”
“ Then why didn’t you tell me about your boyfriend. Why haven’t I met him or why hasn’t been come to the house to pick you up. As much as you’d like to make this sound a wonderful relationship. I have real reservations about this because if you are hiding this boy from me, you are doing it for a very good reason. Who is it Bridget? Who is this mysterious boyfriend of yours.”
It was do or die time. Bridget knew that her mother wasn’t going to let this go. “ It’s Scott.”
“Scott? You mean Scott Bailer, in your class.” Brooke had met him on a few occasions when he and Bridget had to work together on a project, but she never thought that there was anything more to them but friendship.
“No. Mom, it’s Scott Grainger.”
“ Scott Grainger?’ Brooke was startled and it took a moment for Bridget’s words to set in. Standing up she faced her daughter. “ You aren’t serious. Tell me Bridget, you cannot be seeing Scott Grainger.” Brooke saw the look of fear crossing her daughter’s face. “ Oh my God, it’s true. I can’t believe this.”
Bridget saw the look on her mother’s face and was instantly worried.“ Mom, you like Scott. I’ve heard you talking about him.”
“ Yes, I like. I think that he is talented and going to go places. However, he totally inappropriate to dating you. My God, what was he thinking? You are in high school and much younger than he is. Scott is 23 years old.” Brooke was livid. Scott, in her opinion should have known better than to get involved with her daughter.”
“ His age shouldn’t matter.”
“But does Bridget. You are too young and too inexperienced to be involved with man. You are still underage.”
“ I’m seventeen.”
“ You are still a teenager and Scott is too old for you. You knew how I would feel about this Bridget, that why you hid from me.” Bridget knew that her mother was going to be upset by the news that she was dating Scott but she didn’t know that her mother was going to react like this.“ I can’t believe this. All this time…now it makes sense why Scott was at the hospital. I knew that he liked you but I had no idea that this was going on.”
“ You are acting like this is something sordid or dirty. We weren’t sneaking behind anyone’s back. We were friends. He was there for me and listened to me and then something developed. It’s not dirty and nothing happened.”
“ Oh Bridget. I’m not saying it’s dirty. Honey, I do like Scott but you have to know that it isn’t something that I can support.”
“Mom. He cares about me. He makes me happy.”
“ I’m sure that he does honey. He is very handsome and charming. In fact, he is a lot of how Ridge was when he younger. But Scott also has a history as a playboy.”
“ That was in the past.”
“Is it?”
Bridget’s remark was cut off by ringing of the doorbell. Brooke stalked to the door and opened it to find Scott standing on the other side. Scott saw the stricken look on Bridget’s and the furious look on Brooke’s. “ I guess Bridget told you.”
“ Yes, she certainly has told me all that you’ve been up to. Please come in.” Brooke watched as he entered the house and went toward Bridget.
“ Bridget, I thought that you were going to wait until I got here. I didn’t want you to go through this by yourself.” He lifted her face and stroked her hair. Watching the tender moment Brooke felt her heartstrings pull for a moment however she had to bury those feelings because this had to be cut off before it turned into something else.

It had only been one mistake. One stupid mistake that she had done in a time where she had been confused, neglected and fearful that her marriage to Ridge wasn’t going to work and it could cost her everything because of one selfish bitch, Taylor thought. How could she have let this happen? How could she have been stupid enough to sleep with James? The entire situation seemed more than a lifetime ago but it was like a time bomb waiting to implode. She wasn’t going to let that happen. She’d given Brooke what she’d wanted but never again would she allow that woman near her family. “You aren’t the only one who can protect their families Brooke. I will never forgive you for this.” She was pulled away from her thoughts by Ridge calling her from the second story of their mansion.
“ I’m coming!” He wanted to take the entire family out for breakfast, and then they were going to make a trip to the hospital. Ridge certainly was coming around and being the type of husband that she has always wanted. She wasn’t about to let anybody ruin that or her impending wedding. She’d have the children tested, get the letter and destroy it. However, from that point on, she’d never be Brooke or Stephanie’s victim again. Taylor was going to have a new lease on life. The Taylor who’d lie down and be somebody’s victim was gone, forever.

Colleen Franklin put down the file she had been engrossed in and turned the members of he hospital staff. “As you all well know, I’ve called this meeting about the inquiry that has been made on the behave of the Forresters. The Forresters are certainly one of the most respected and powerful families that we have in L.A, so the fact that two private paternity test have been done in which two different men have been named as Bridget Forrester’ fathers has us looking not only unprofessional but incompetent as well. An investigation has been going on to find out what happened to make these test done by the proficient members of our staff incorrect.
James Stafford leaned forward. “ The problem is that both of the persons in charge of doing the two separate test are deceased. The first test stated that Ridge Forrester was the girls father.”
“ Yes, but years later, we were contacted by Brooke Logan Forrester stating that there was a chance that it could have been incorrect. If memory serves me correct, the problem was that some members of the family thought that Ms. Logan had paid off technician.”
“ Was there any truth in the matter?”
“ We tried to check Laura’s bank statements at the time but thing were different and we couldn’t find anything. However when the tests were redone, Eric Forrester and not Ridge Forrester was found to be the young girl’s father. We didn’t press any charges against Ms. Logan because we didn’t have any real proof against her nor did we want to get on the bad side of the Forresters. But we have found that those test we correct so we have been investigating the latter test done. Through interviewing of staff members as well as looking through the bank records of anybody who had been working in the labs during that time, we looked to see if one of our technicians had been bribed.”
“ What did you find.” Said Elizabeth Thomas asked.
“ This morning we wrapped up our investigation with Grace Stewart.”
“Grace Stewart worked for our labs years ago when the Forrester test had been done. This morning she testified to some startling information. Ladies and gentlemen, with this information that we received, we simply can’t bury this investigation or ignore it no matter how much we’d may like to.” Standing up, she handed each person a file. “ You are not going to like what we found.”

Brooke wore a look of disapproval as she studied Scott. “ So, you’ve been sneaking around with my daughter.”
“ Mom!” Bridget cried.
“Brooke, we weren’t sneaking around.”
“ Then what would you call dating my daughter without letting me know about it?”
Scott knew that this wasn’t going to be easy. “ Listen Brooke. Bridget and I didn’t mean for anything to happen. We started out as friends. I was there for Bridget when she needed someone to talk to. During that time she was upset about you and Thorne, Ridge and Taylor. She was going through a really difficult time and I was there. We spent time together and our feelings began to develop. Believe me, I tried to fight them but I couldn’t.”
“Well, you should have controlled your feelings. After all, you are the adult here. My God, she’s only seventeen. She’s still in high school for god’s sake! She has no experience with boys. What were you thinking?” She raged at him.
“ I was feeling with my heart. Brooke, you know what kind of daughter you have. Bridget is so amazingly different than anybody that I have ever met. She’s bright, insightful, and talented. She has this way of seeing things like nobody has ever seen them before. How could I not be attracted to that? How could I not be attracted to the beauty of her soul.” He looked sheepishly at Bridget for a moment before he looked at Brooke again. “ I know that the age difference is a problem. That is why I fought it, examining all the reasons that this wasn’t right or going to work out. I know that there are many differences but there are similarities. Bridget and I both love art. We love to create something from nothing. We love the same music and books. He clasped their fingers together. “The more time that I spent with your daughter, the more I began to care for her. I couldn’t let that go especially because of our age difference.”
Bridget smiled. “ Well, you kinda made it hard for me to ignore you. See, he called me on my brattiness at times. At first, I thought that I hated him but I realized that his arrogance was nothing more than confidence.”
“Confidence huh?”
Brooke had enough of the cute banter between the two of them. “ Let’s stop it right here. I can maybe understand how this might have developed. Scott you are certainly going to be attractive to my daughter. You are handsome, charming, and rich and are so different than other boys her age. Such an attractive thing for a girl like Bridget who you all but admitted was vulnerable at the time.”
“ Scott didn’t take advantage of me if you are implying it.”
“ No, he certainly knows better than to get involved with you. He also knew that you were a minor where as he is a grown twenty-three year old man. If that isn’t enough, there is his reputation with the ladies.”
“That isn’t fair.” Bridget exclaimed.
“ He has a reputation Bridget, of being playboy. There are rumors that he has a love them and leave them style. Can you think that I would find that appropriate for my you?”
Scott had expected this from the start.“ You are right Brooke. I do have a reputation.”
“A bad one.” Brooke replied pointedly.
“ And this coming from you mom? Think about the reputation that you have. All the things that people say about you of being a man-eater, would you like someone to hold that against you?”
“Believe me, they have.”
“ Bridget, that’s not fair.” Scott admonished her gently “ Your mother has every right to be concerned about my reputation. It’s true, I have been around. I’m have had quite a few relationships, if you want to call them that. But I was young and I made a lot of mistakes. However, I’m not going to make any excuses for my behavior. I never hurt anyone. Everyone that I’ve been involved with knew what they are doing. I didn’t make any promises and was completely honest with those woman.”
“But they were just that. Women. Grown women who had enough experience not to let their heart get too heavily involved. But Bridget is a different story. Think about it, you are a young viral man?”
. Bridget slid an uncomfortable look at her mother. “ What does that have to do with our relationship?”
“Everything Bridget. Scott has had relationships with women. Most of them purely sexual relationships, by my guess. He has spent years being the ultimate playboy, enjoying the best that money can offer as well as the best women. Sailing around the world, jaunting from one country to another. He has lived a life that you haven’t Bridget. He’s been exposed to things that you don’t yet understand. Whether or not you like to think about it, there are a lot of differences that has nothing to do with just the age factor.”
Tears formed in Bridget’s eyes. “ It doesn’t matter.”
‘ Of course it does. He is more mature than you in matters. He has experienced much more than you. Bridget, you haven’t had a boyfriend a real sense. You have experienced first love crush with a boy your on age, how could you think that you’d be ready for something like this? Right now it might not seem like the differences are huge but as time goes on they will matter.”
“ You are talking sexually, aren’t you? Is everything about sex?”
“ No. It isn’t all about sex. You are still finding yourself Bridget. And as far as sex goes, that another problem.
“I would never pressure her to have sex with me.”
“ Are you sure because from where I stand it would become an issue, if not now, then down the line. You are used to having a level of intimacy in your relationships. How long do you think that you’ll be able to be satisfied with cuddling and kissing? It won’t be enough.”
“ It would be.”
“That hickey on her neck proves that it won’t be.”
“Nothing happened.” Scott said quietly.
“ It was just a hickey mom, besides are you going to tell me that you hadn’t had a hickey when you were seventeen.”
“We aren’t talking about me Bridget, we are talking about you. Besides, when I was seventeen, I wasn’t dating a twenty-three year old. Besides, that little hickey could have turned into something else. It wouldn’t take much. A kiss. A caress, a touch on her breast.” Brooke’s words reburerated in Bridget’s head. “Tell, has it gone that far? Or past that.”
“No, it hasn’t mother.” Bridget spat.
“Good.” Brooke looked at Scott. “ Good, because it could have gone past that.”
“ I would never touch her. I care to much about Bridget.”
“ She’s a virgin. She’s inexperienced. She’s never had a boyfriend or a relationship of any caliber. And she’s fighting an illness that could take her away from me.”
‘ I’m aware of that.”
“ And he still hasn’t turned away from me mom. It could have been easy for him to do that. To turn his back on me and date someone easier, but he hasn’t. Doesn’t that say something to you? He cares about me. He doesn’t care if I’m only seventeen. He doesn’t care that we can’t be intimate. He cares about me having cancer. All he cares about is mom. Me. Can’t you understand that?” Heavy tears flowed down Bridget’s cheeks. “ In spite of everything he cares for me. Why do you find that so hard to believe?”
Seeing the pain that Bridget was in nearly tore Brooke apart. “No, I don’t find it hard to believe that a man would find you appealing. You are everything that Scott says that you are. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is inappropriate.”
“ By YOUR standards.”
“ Yes, my MY standards. I’m your mother. I love you Bridget but I can’t allow this relationship to continue for the reasons that I stated. Love is an unpredictable thing and it can give you the highest highs or the lowest lows. First love can be so special and heartbreaking at that the same time. I want you to experience everything that life has to offer including love, but one step at a time. First you need to date boys your age, go out, see movies, and have fun. You have this wonderful experience in Paris waiting for you. I want you to experience all the beauty and art of that country.”
“ I can still do that and see Scott.”
“ Can you? Because I don’t think that you’ll be able to focus on your artwork or your health in this type of relationship.”
“ Brooke, I’d support Bridget in her artistic endeavor. I plan to be there to help get through her illness.”
Smiling sadly, she shook her head. “ I think that you intentions are good, however, things don’t work out as you plan. I can’t take a chance with my daughter’s happiness or future. I made a mistake once with Rick. I allowed him to date Amber even when I was against it because I afraid of losing him. In the end, Rick suffered because I didn’t step in. I’m not going to make the same mistake again.”
“ He’s not Amber, mom He’s nothing like that bitch. Besides, I’m not Rick. It isn’t fair to use his mistakes against me.”
“ You are right Bridget, Scott, you aren’t Amber but in a way you could be just as dangerous if you tried. Bridget, you aren’t ready for a relationship with a man. Dating yes, but a relationship like this, no.”
“ So, we will just date.”
“ I’m sorry but I can’t let you do this. When you are eighteen and after you’ve had time to focus on your health, your artwork and date other boys your age, if you want to have relationship with Scott, I won’t stand in the way. However, I can’t allow your relationship to continue as it stand rights now.”
Bridget felt as if her heart were about to cave in. “ You haven’t even given us a chance.”
Shaking her head, Brooke reached out toward her daughter, however Bridget backed up.
Feeling slightly stung by the rebuke, Brooke felt her own tears weld up in her eyes. She didn’t want to hurt her daughter but she truly thought she was saving her daughter from emanate heartbreak. “ I’m sorry Bridget, but I can’t.”
“ I can’t believe you. You won’t even give it a chance.”
“ I’m sorry but I can’t.”
Bridget gave her mother a furious look. “ I can’t believe that you are doing this to me!” She ran from the room, up the stairs and she heard her bedroom doors slam. Scott started as if he was going to go up the stairs but Brooke stopped him. “ No. It only makes matters worse. Don’t do it. Don’t make this into a love story of unrequited love. Let it go. If you care about my daughter and her happiness, you’ll leave her alone. Neither one of you are ready for this.”
“ How can you say that, you really don’t know me?” Scott spat angrily.
Brooke’s eyes narrowed. “ And you don’t know the lengths that I would go through to protect my daughter.” Brooke’s looks softened. “ Scott, you never in relationship with a woman that wasn’t based on sex. How do you know that you are ready for this? How do you know if you are emotionally ready for a relationship let alone one with a young girl? It could be so easy for her to fall in love with you. Deeply in love. Are you ready for that? Is she?” Shaking her head. “No, I don’t think that you are. And I think that you knew that Eric and I would disapprove so you hid. Part of me is furious with you for letting this happen however; I do know that you care about Bridget. So, if you do, respect my wishes and stay away.” She pointed it out. “ You can let yourself out.” The last thing that he wanted to do was to leave but he didn’t have a choice at the moment. He headed to the door. “ Scott.” Brooke called. “ When she comes to you, and I know that she will, do the right thing. Turn her away and don’t give her any hope in continuing your relationship. It’s over. Please respect my wishes and do what is best for her.”
Brooke waited for a reply but he said nothing as he closed the door behind him.



Looking like the millions that she was worth, Isabelle walked into Forrester Creations. Ignoring the passerbyers, she barely noticed them. Wearing a silk black and white Como blouse with triangular sleeves, a black tie belt overtop of a tight black strapless dress, she looked exotic. Her hair was pulled back into a tight circular knot at the side behind her ear, while a black silk flower adorned it. While her makeup was flawless it gave her a slightly glowing completion next to the black she wore. She ignored the looks as she made her way to the office of the person that she was looking for. Coming to a secretary’s desk, the brunette with a cheery disposition greeted her. “ I’m Isabelle DeAngelo. Mr. Forrester is expecting me.”
“ Yes, go right on in.”
Walking into the comfortable office, she was greeted by young Rick Forrester.” Rick stood up feeling a bit flustered as the beautiful woman greeted him. “ Ms. DeAngelo.”
“ Please Rick, I’ve told you before, call me Isabelle.”
“ Please take a seat Isabelle.”
She did as she took in is office. It certainly wasn’t an entry-level office however it suited him, although it lacked the amenities of most offices of children who worked for companies that their parent’s owned. That was a good sign. It seemed that Brooke and Eric Forrester were going to make their son work his way up, building a good solid background for the Forrester heir. Rick offered her something to drink, which she quickly declined.
“ I received the information that you faxed me and I have to say that I can’t believe that you did all of this in the time that you were gone. I know that you’ve been busy.”
“ It wasn’t anything. You have to remember that I have certain advantage by owning part of Microtech, it’s easy for me to get information. Besides, this is a matter that is important to you.”
“ It is.” Rick sighed as he read the information.
“ I have to say that I’m surprised that you got back to me so quickly. I know that you’ve been dealing your sister’s illness. In fact, I’ve done a little work on that and I’ve had a friend of mind to look into harvesting.”
“ Harvesting?”
“ Yes. I have to warn you that it isn’t always seen as an ethical practice. If it was, I’m sure your mother would have looked into it. Actually, I’m surprised that my brother hasn’t thought of it. ”
“ You’ve met my mom then?”
“ No, not yet. Though I want to.”
Rick had been relieved when Bridget had told him that Taylor had changed her mind about getting the children tested, however he was still interested in this procedure. “What is harvesting?”
“ Before you get excited. It isn’t legal.”
“ I’m not worried about that. Just tell me. Please.” He added when he thought that his voice had been too harsh.
“ It’s something that is sometimes done on the black market. People buy and sell all sorts of things. They sell internal organs…’
“ Internal organs.”
“ Yes, Rick. With he right amount of money and the right connections, you can buy just about anything, including organs.” She stopped his next question with hands. “ Don’t ask me because I’m not going to tell how I know about it.”
Rick laughed. He had no idea what she knew, but she he knew she wasn’t kidding. “ You aren’t pulling my leg. You know about this kind of stuff?”
“ Yes, I do. Let’s just say that I know certain people. And yes, people are willing to steal, lie, cheat and rob in order to be there for a loved one.” Isabelle moved toward Rick’s desk where a computer was. “ My I?” She leaned across him slightly. Rick swallowed for a second.
‘Sure.” Typing a few a few codes quicker than he had seen anyone type. Quickly he saw her punch in three didn’t codes before a screen popped the computer. “You got to be kidding me. It’s here on the net?’ “
You’d be amazed how many things are often hidden in plain view.” She said accidentally knocking down Eve’s picture without knowing it. Rick didn’t notice since his minds were on the bids on internal organs from kidneys, to hearts, to corona was being sold. Then he noticed the word bone marrow and clicked on the word instantly on the link when the page changed to chart out people willing to sell their marrow or a high price. “ My god.”
“ Amazing, isn’t it?”
But if this isn’t legal, how come they are there on the net.
“ That’s because I have a contact that helped me to get access to this hidden page. You wouldn’t be able to find even if you looked. You have to notify the right people to get access. Of course I happen to know the right people.”

Brooke knocked on Bridget’s bedroom door for a moment before she stepped in. Bridget who had been standing by the window threw her mother a look of pure hatred. “ I don’t have anything to say to you! Just leave me alone.”
“ I can’t do that. I’m your mother.”
“ So, that just gives you the right..”
“ Yes, it does. And you might as well stop that belligerent tone with me. It’s NOT furthering your cause.”
Bridget snapped her mouth shut and turned away. How could her mother be so unfair? Her mother spent her whole life looking for love. Hell, she and Ridge had shared the greatest love story trying to make it against all odds and now she wanted to stop her from having her own love. “ You weren’t fair to me or to Scott. You didn’t give us a chance before you made your decision.”
“ I explained my reasoning to you. You are too young and too inexperienced to be involved with him.”
“ Because you think that I’m going to have sex with him.”
“ That is only one of the issues. I have real reservations about this relationship. I can’t allow you to become involved or hurt.”
“ But you are the one hurting me.”
Brooke felt the weight of her daughter’s pain and wanted to take it away. “Bridget you’ve been through a lot. The custody issue. You are healing from your car accident and then there’s your health.”
“ My health is just fine. But that just happens to be your excuse that you want to use to keep me apart from him.”
“Your health isn’t fine Bridget, but it will be. And because of that, I am going to look out for future.”
“ And it can’t include Scott because you don’t think that he’s good enough for me because of hi past.”
“It’s not his past Bridget.”
“ Yeah right.”
“ It’s the whole situation. And it’s YOU. You aren’t ready for this. You need time to grow and find yourself. I want you to date boys your own age. Start lightly, with baby steps. In time, if your feelings for Scott are as deep and his are for you, then he’ll wait until you are ready.” Brooke tried to reach out and touch her daughter but Bridget moved away from her like a hurt animal. Dropping her hand, she stepped away from Bridget. “ A mother’s love is deep and powerful. I love you Bridget. I know that you don’t understand but I’m looking out for what is best for you.” Bridget still said nothing. She couldn’t look at her mother. She’d never forgive her for doing this to her. Hearing her mother’s sigh, and her retreating footsteps, she heard the door open and then close.

Caspian couldn’t believe how complicated things had gotten in just a short about of time for him. Although he tried to focus on work, he couldn’t, not until he had the proof that he needed. He’d come back later to finish some pressing business but in the mean time he’d wait for Lark’s files to arrive. It would take time, something that he didn’t have much off. After showering, he found himself driving his black Porsche speeding down the roads until he found himself in front of Brooke’s front door. He had missed her. He had missed her laughter, her smile, and her scent. Deep down, he should have seen the truth. It had been there. Yet, he had asked no questions. Yes, Lark and Brooke were different but there were similarities…some he couldn’t help but to explain. Knocking on he door, he realized that the front door was open. Stepping inside he called out for Brooke, Beth, Stephen or Bridget but he didn’t get an answer. He figured that they were out back so when he saw that the French doors were open. He’d just wait for them. Sighing, he poured himself a glass of water when he noticed the bookshelf. There were many different photo albums on its shelves. Walking over toward the wall, he picked up three of the albums and took them to the sofa. With his heart hammering in his chest be began to look through Brooke’s family albums looking for something, some sort of clue that would tell him if his hunch was correct. Smiling at the baby pictures of Rick and Bridget, frowning at the photo album that housed a myriad of Brooke and Ridge, he went through the photos. Finally, after getting another album off the shelf, he found photos of a young Brooke. Brooke was just a spirited and beautiful as a young woman as she was now and he laughed at the different photos of her. It was only when he came one of the many family pictures of Brooke and her siblings did he stop. It was like the bottom dropped under him. With uncharacteristly unsteady hands, he picked up the photo. It was one with Brooke in about her very early twenties; she and her brother Storm were wet, standing beside their sisters at some sort of lake. There was another picture of them, one where Storm was throwing a laughing and giggling Brooke in the water. Then finally one with Beth and her children. Beth, he noticed at blonde hair. The words of Lark’s dream came haunting back. It wasn’t just a dream. It was real. It was proof that the connection between the two women was real. Pocketing the picture, he started to put the albums away when he found something he hadn’t expected. Brooke’s baby book. Looking through it he noticed how cute she was as a baby. Beth had taken her time to include the information of Brooke’s birth, hospital and doctor. Taking out a pen, he quickly copied that information down. Caspian couldn’t help but to notice that ever section of the book was filled out except for the part with a copy of the birth certificate, it was empty. Closing up the Baby Book he put it back. Everything had been covered in that book; even a picture of a very pregnant Beth, still the birth certificate was missing. “Why Beth? Why was that missing? Was it to protect you from something?” Caspian had to find out. Looking into Lark’s history wasn’t enough; he had to know about Beth Logan as well.

Bridget stepped down on the stairs and watched at Caspian put the albums back. It wasn’t until he heard the creak of the stairs that he looked up to see a very puffy eyed Bridget standing there. “ What are you doing?” She asked with very suspicious look on her face.

Lauren listened to the ringing of her son’s cell phone and got the voice mail. Scott, this is your mother. When you get a chance, give me a call on my cell.” Hanging up she frowned.
“ What’s wrong?”
“ I guess it’s nothing but he cancelled another dinner with me. When I came into town yesterday and he forgot to show. I swear that I must be losing my touch if my own son is standing me up.”
“ I’m sure that he doesn’t mean too. He’s been very busy.” KC neglected to mention that Scott had been very busy with Bridget Forrester.
“ I guess, so. Tell me, what’s her name?”
Finishing placing their mugs in the dishwasher, KC looked perplexed. “ Her who?”
“ The latest in my son’s life.”
Shrugging KC pretended that she didn’t know. Lauren was her friend but Scott was grown when he was ready to tell his mother the truth, he’d do it. KC had learned early in life not to get involved with matters that didn’t concern her if she didn’t have to. “ With everything going on with Forrester, I’m not sure.”
Lauren knew what a mess that Forrester was with two designers missing. “How are things coming with Eric gone? I wanted to stop and see him but I know that Stephanie wouldn’t allow that. She’s still sore over that little fling that Eric and I had years ago.”
“ It’s tough. We are so close to the showing and although he doesn’t design for the WOW line, it’s hard to believe that this might be the first showing that he’d miss. But I know that Ridge is trying to finish some of his designs.”
“ What about Morgan?”
“ I heard that Brooke opted not to let her resign. But the rumor is that she’s asking Kristen to take her place.”
“Kristen, I thought that she lived in New York.”
“ She does, but she and Sam have been here since Eric had his heart attack.”
“ Stephanie is probably having a heart attack. She always had problems with Kristen and for her and her lover to come home, it’s got to be getting to her.”
“ How did Morgan take it that she isn’t coming back to Forester?”
“ Bad, from what I heard.”
Hearing about the redhead’s temper in the pass, as well as the problems of Ridge and Taylor’s marriage maybe that was the best thing. “ Maybe that was best.”
“ I’m not sure. She was talented.”
“ And a little nuts. Tricking a man to sleep with you to have his baby is something a crazy and desperate thing to do.” A slight chill went through Lauren’s body. “ I tell you, there is only one other person that I knew who’d do something like that. That god that bitch is gone.”
Noticing how distressed that Lauren looked KC was concerned. “Lauren, are you alright?”
“ I was just thinking about Shelia Carter.”
“Shelia Carter…isn’t that Eric’s ex-wife.”
“ Oh, she was much more than that. Much more indeed.”

Lt. Burk was called into his office. “ I was just in the middle of the best tennis match of my life when I was interrupted. What is going on?
“What’s going on is that we have a problem with one of the Forresters and since you have an “in” with that family, we wanted you advice on how to handle this situation discreetly.

 

 

Against All Odds Chapter 100 (Confusion)

“ I asked you a question, what are you doing?” Bridget asked Caspian with suspicion in her eyes.
“ I was looking for you mother and I saw the photo albums. I guess that I got engrossed with them.”
“ Well, she’s not here.”
Caspian noticed Bridget’s reddish looking eyes. It was clear that she had been crying.
“ Bridget, are you alright?”
“ Why do you care? I’m sick to death of people acting like they care about me when they don’t. Especially my mother.”
“ Bridget, your mother loves you very much.”
“ You can stop the wonderful mother speech. She’s not here, you don’t have to worry about getting Brownie Points from me.”
“I have never tried to get Brownie Points from you. I happen to care about you.”
“ You hardly know me.” She said in a sarcastic tone.
“That’s where you are wrong. I know a great deal about you. From the moment I met Brook she had talked so much about you and your brother. You are both the center of her universe.”
“ Well, I don’t know much about you except that you are rich and you are banging my mother.” Caspian was surprised choice of Bridget’s words. What had happened to upset her so much. “ You ARE sleeping with her, aren’t you?” She spat.
“ That isn’t any of your business, Bridget.” He admonished gently. “ That is between your mother and I. However you know that we are involved in a relationship.”
“ See! You are just like her. She doesn’t ever have to explain what SHE does. First it was Thorne and now it’s YOU she loves. Don’t forget her long-standing love affair with Ridge but that’s okay. My god, my father was supposed to be their father that was OKAY. I’ve never passed judgment on her when she has lived a far from moral life. I’ve had to live with the ridicule of my peers because my mother has been through the entire family but that’s okay. BUT when I finally experience what it’s like to have a boyfriend who loves and cares about me. SHE doesn’t approve of him. Just who is SHE to past judgment on me!”

Rick took his eyes off the computer screen. He moved his head and slightly got a whiff of the scent that Isabelle was wearing. He had never smelled that particular scent before, it was very alluring yet strangely sensual. It was almost as if the scent itself had enraptured him. Isabelle had been saying something to him but he had been caught off guard and didn’t fully remember what she had been saying. Rolling back a little in his chair to put some distance between them, he asked her what she had been saying. She crossed her legs slightly as she leaned moved herself up to sit on the edge of his desk. Rick couldn’t help but to notice how gorgeous her exceptionally toned legs where especially in those black stiletto heels with the capped leather strap that encircled her slender ankle. “ I asked about Bridget. I was wondering how the search for matching bone marrow was going.”
“ It seems to have taken a change for the better.”
“ It has?” This was news for Isabelle.
“Taylor, that’s my half-brother’s, Ridge’s wife. Well, she is going to allow her kids to be tested to see if they are going to be a match for Bridget.”
This was news to Isabelle, last that she had heard from her brother, Taylor was being difficult. She however, was relieved to here that the young girl would have candidates to see if they are a match. “That’s good to hear. The chances for finding a donor for Bridget certainly will improve now. What motivated Taylor to change her mind?” Wondering how she knew about Taylor’s refusal, Isabelle answered the question in his eyes. “Caspian told me of the stress that your mother had been under.”
Rolling his eyes, he made a face. “ From what I gather, Ridge and Taylor are remarrying with a new wedding. That happens every so often with them however, I think that this particular marriage is kind of olive branch is her way of looking good in Ridge’s eyes,” he said sarcastically.
“ Another Forrester wedding for Ridge and Taylor? That is interesting.”
“ You know about Ridge and Taylor.”
Sliding off her desk, she smirked a little. “ I’ve heard some things. Some good, some bad. Interesting though. I thought they had already made up.”
Rick shook his head. “ You can never tell with them. It’s always something. I guess they want to start over. Ridge surely has enough money to have hundreds of weddings if he’d like. Tell you the truth…,” he said throwing a file on the desk. “ I could care less about Ridge right now. I’m just glad that this wedding is helping Taylor to see how selfish that she was being and she changed her mind. I just pray to God that one of those children are matches for Bridget.”
His love for his sister was so evident and it reminded her of the love her brother had for her. “ I hope that you wish Rick.”
“ Me too. She’s a great kid, you know. She never got underfoot or anything. We used to have so much fun together. We’d go to the movies, go surfing and hang out. It was like she was a buddy of mind. I can’t image…”
Feeling slightly uncomfortable, she watched as slight tears formed in the his eyes. “Rick, I don’t think that you’ll have to worry. I’m sure that everything is going to work out just fine for your sister. Your whole family is pulling for her.”
Blinking away and quickly wiping his tears, he turned slightly red. “Sorry.”
“ Don’t. Don’t apologize for loving your sister. There is this saying that my father used to tell me when I was a little girl. Loyalty, love and family. That’s everything that matters. Along with power.
“ Power, huh.”
“ Yes. Power. It can do some amazing things. Being powerful and ambitious aren’t bad things Rick. I have a feeling that is something that you you’d like to have. The question is, are you ambitious to take what is yours and make a claim to it?”
“ When you said take what’s mine, you are talking about Forrester aren’t you? It will be your and your sisters one day.”
“ Along with my other siblings.”
“ Yes, that is true but you and Bridget will end up owing 51% of the company. Your slice of the pie is going to be bigger than any of your siblings.”
Rick hadn’t given much of a thought to his inheritance especially with the entire on goings with his family, however what Isabelle said was true. One day he and Bridget might run Forrester Creations. He had always wanted to work at Forrester since he was a young boy, true , he didn’t have the artistic abilities that Bridget had and would never be a designer. He, instead had a studied the business end of the Forrester and deep down wanted to run the company. Still he had to work his way up. “ I still have a long way to go.” Watching the wheels turning in Rick’s head was exhilarating. The boy was young, smart, fresh and hungry. She was going to help him get what he wanted. “I’m sure you do but with the right guidance, I think that you are going to make it. So, why you show me what you’ve got.”


The teen sat in the chair across from Eve intently shading her drawing. “Jane”, the name that the center had given her didn’t quiet fit however it was a joke such as Jane Doe.
Jane had hardly spoke to anyone in at the center since she showed up a week ago yet she seemed to murmured to Eve from time to time. So, Eve just wanted to be there “if” she wanted to talk to her. Jane looked up and frowned. “You are wasting your time if you think that I’m going to tell you my real name.”
“ I’m not interested in your name. I told you that but if you don’t like being called Jane, pick a name for yourself.”
Jane scratched her ear with her pencil. “ Just like you did.”
The hairs stood up on the back of Eve’s neck. However she pushed that feeling down. This is the first time; Jane was connecting with her. She felt that she had owed Jane the truth. Closing her laptop she studied Jane for a moment. Jane, as if she knew that this subject was somewhat important, pushed her hair out of her face. “Yes, just like I did. I changed my name. I changed my entire life.”
“ How?”
“ What?”
“How did you do that? How did you change yourself?”
The reality of the transformation came from inside of me with a great deal of help. First, I had to deal with my drug problem.” A slight shiver raced up Eve’s back. “ I’m not going to tell you it was easy because it wasn’t but over time I beat with the help of Narcotics Anonymous.”
“ Yeah like that shit is going to help me.”
“ It’s not what you think.”
“ It’s not a lot of dope heads getting together and crying over their problems. No thank you.”
“ I’m not saying that you need THAT type of help but that did help me. I did and I tell you the kind of meetings that they have now a days are very helpful and it can help.”
“ It’s lucky for me that I don’t have that particular problem.”
“ We all have problems Jane and it’s alright for you to get some help.”
“ From where I’m standing, you don’t have any problems at ALL Eve, your life is just perfect.” Annoyed that she had even started this conversation, Jane pushed her pad away and stalked out of the room.

“Well, tell me, how do I look.” Kristen turned so Sam gets the full effect of her slimming red pants suit with leather trim on the edge of the jacket and the waistband of her pants. . Sam who was nothing put a long black shirt on wrapped her arms around Kristen.
“ I think that you look beautiful.” Adjusting the collar the somewhat plunging neckline which gave more than a hit of Kristen’s breast, she kissed her neck lightly. Far too sexy for the offices of Forrester.” She pulled Kristen’s head down to take lips into a long languid kiss. When her tongue stroke Kristen and she moved her body to brush her nipples against Kristen’s body, Kristen ended the kiss. “ Stop that.”
“ Why.” Sam breathed as her teeth scraped the sensitive spot at Kristen’s ear.
“ Because, I’ll be late for work.” She reluctantly pulled away. “ You know that you aren’t playing fair.”
“ Sorry.” Sam murmured as she headed to the table that they had just shared their breakfast.
Kristen joined her. “ Thank you.”
“ For what?”
“ For this. For agreeing to live here for at least six months to see how it goes.”
Sam’s delicate finger stroked across Kristen’s knuckles. “ I love you. I couldn’t see living without you and I also know how much your father means to you. My family knows about us and loves you. Maybe living here will help you to mend some sort of fences with your mother.”
“ I know that this wasn’t something that thought that we’d be doing when you came here. I know that our lives have been in New York.”
“ Well, Ken and Carl will look after our place. I can work basically anywhere and it’s not like we can’t visit New York. The bottom line is that I love Kristen. I don’t want you to choose between family and me. You deserve both.”
“ I love you.”
“ I know. So, go on and get to work. I’ve got a lot to do here. Your brother and sister-in-law were nice to let us live in their beach house.”
Kristen nodded. “ I guess so. After Ridge moved the kids and Taylor into their mansion, this place has been rented out.”
“ Well, as much as I like your brother, the first thing that I’m going to redo is this place. A flowered couch certainly isn’t me. So get going. I’ve got to do some shopping and I’m going to look for office space to rent. ”
Kristen stood and picked up her briefcase. “ Thank for allowing me this chance. Working at Forrester, helping my dad and have you are more than I thought that I’d ever get.”

Isabelle studied the demographist charts that Rick had presented her. He was currently pacing up in his office with his sleeves rolled up. She ignored his agitated state and addressed him. “ You took a lot of planning with this, didn’t you?”
“ Well, I used the notes that you sent me on the e-mail about creating the perfect presentation as my guidelines.” He pointed to a line on his portfolio. “ As you can see, I used each of your points.”
“ And added enough to make it your own. Nicely down.” Standing, she put the charts back on the presentation table and picked up the ad. “Having the mock-up of the each of the ads was a brilliant idea.”
“Actually, that idea was my girlfriend, Eve’s. She said that the presentation should encompass all of the senses. Having two separate ads to appeal with both the men and the women was her brainchild. She thought the two different type of ads would appeal to both men and women.”
“ Your girlfriend must be an intelligent young woman.”
“She certainly is. Eve always seems to have wonderful ideas. Her mind is really amazing.” “Having people of high intelligence and loyalty on your side is certainly a plus.” Picking up demographics she nodded her head. “ You did your research. It is clear that you have the data to support your idea.”
“I had Rhonda in R&D team do it for me.”
“ Delegating responsibly already?”
“ I had to.”
“ What did you find?”
“ That the WOW line is going to be one of the most talked about fashion shows in Forrester history. You can see all the interest and hits on our websites. This line is making history for us. I just think that having the show at a change of venue, somewhere other than our showing room is called for this is why I picked these places. They each have a sense of feel to what WOW represents. Also, it’s opening up in other market areas.”
“ Such as?”
“ Although our clients in the past have varied in ethic background, 65% of them are Caucasian making the other 35% However, the interest in this line, has increased interest in our African American and Latino clients, something we have been wanting to do for some time.”
“ Opening markets in other potential clients, smart move on your mother. Tell me, what does this line represent?”
“ I asked KC what she thought the line represents and what inspired her when she designed. I guess that I could have asked Ridge or Scott, but I wanted another perspective. KC is lead designer, it more or less her vision. Then, I talked to my mother what drove her to want this type of line since it was so different from the other lines Forrester has had in the past. Both of these women are vibrant, involved with business, smart and sexy. That is what the line is about. It’s about being a businesswoman, a sexy woman, and alluring woman and doing it all without being constricted. With that idea, I came out with the list of these venues.” He had her turn to page 12 of the portfolio.
Studying the list of venues, there was one that peaked her interest. “ Your idea is inspiring and it hasn’t been done by any other fashion house.” Standing up, her mind began to work.” It’s going to cost money but the type of publicity you’d get would more than make up for it. It would be worth it.”
“ A must be there event.”
“ With your precedence of only exclusive clientele and the star’s of Hollywood, this even would be spectacular.”
Rick was egger, it seems that Isabella liked it. “ So, you like it?”
“ I think that it is a truly remarkable idea. Rick Forrester. I believe that you’ve struck a goldmine.”
“Yes! I knew it!’ Grabbing Isabelle, he kissed on the cheek and hugged her tightly.
Isabelle although was used to sexual encounters with men, was thrown off guard by the kiss of innocent affection and glee that Rick gave her. She quickly stepped out his arms and was almost stiff for a moment before she relaxed her composure. “ So, when are you going to present your campaign?”
“ Tomorrow is the fashion show campaign meeting. Most of the time, it’s done with the heads of the department.”
“ Why not go higher?”
“ What do you mean?”
“ I know that normally the heads of the department would be the best route but you are in position that you have access to the stock holders. From what I gather there is a stock holder’s meeting.”
“Yeah, but that’s today. This evening.”
“ What better people to run your idea with than your family. What better place to demonstrate all that you’ve done and the fact that you are serious about working here at Forrester than at the stockholder’s meeting?”
Rick rubbed his chin. To tell the truth, he had put this together just for the heads of the division and had never thought of doing it for the stockholders. “ I don’t know. There isn’t much time, the meeting’s today.”
“ Sometimes in business you have to act on hunch or just a chance to make your mark. A great deal of it is proper planning but you have to plan for the unexpected at all times. This is your chance Rick. Your chance to show your mother and father what you are made of. So, are you up for it.”
Rick only hesitated for a moment. Why not go for it. He was a Forrester and one day it would be his legacy.“ Yes, I think that I am.”
Feeling quite satisfied about the leaps and bounds that Rick was making, she smiled. “Good. Now the first we do, is get you out of that suit.”

Caspian had dealt with a great deal in his life. He had dealt with guns, death threats, friends who had become enemies and even in some cases enemies who had become friends, however he had never dealt with a distraught teen. Bella, after the rape wasn’t very emotional so he didn’t have to deal with those experiences. He simply couldn’t command that Bridget stop being angry with her mother. He truly wanted to help her. “Bridget, could you tell me what this is all about?”
“ I don’t want to talk about it. You’ll just take HER side.” She turned away however Caspian captured her and pulled her over to the sofa.
“ No. What I am going to do is listen.”
“ Listen. You don’t even seem like the type. You are probably used to ordering people about.”
Chuckling to himself more than her. “ You are right about that.”
“ So, what makes me so special?”
“ Bridget, if you saw what I saw in you. You wouldn’t ask yourself that. So, why don’t you tell me what has you so upset with your mother?”
She crossed her arms in a defensive movement. “ It won’t matter. She won’t change her mind. Even YOU can’t do that.”
“ She won’t change her mind about what?”
She looked at him for a long time. It made no sense why he’d even be interested in her. After all, he already had her. Yet, she needed to unload on somebody. “ It’s about Scott.”
“ Scott?”
“ He works for Forrester.”
“ The young man who visited you in the hospital.”
“ Yeah. That’s him. He’s my…” Tears filled her eyes. “ He was my boyfriend.”
“ Boyfriend.”
“ Yeah my first. He so sweet and caring. You saw him at the hospital.”
“ Yes, I did.” Caspian shifted slightly. He knew Brooke and he knew that she didn’t like this news. He didn’t blame her. Bridget was a sweet young girl. He didn’t know this Scott, but he knew that man’s age. He was way to old for Bridget. Dealing with diplomacy he wasn’t going to point that out directly.
Bridget had been waiting for outburst studied him. “ Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“ Not right now. I promised that I’d listen.”
She wasn’t sure what to make of him. “ I wish that my mother would do that. Just listen to what we said. But she didn’t. All she said was that I was too young and then she went on about Scott and how she thought that he was going to push me into having sex.”
“ She’s your mother.”
“ She shouldn’t pass judgment on me. I wasn’t doing anything with Scott. This was the first boy who liked me that I liked back. He understands me. Do you know how hard it is to grow up with a beautiful mom who every guy wants? Even your guy friends.”
“ That could be hard.”
“I never blamed her for that. But Scott understands how it feels to have an unconventional mother. Lauren is a lot like my mom. He understands how that feels. More than that, he understands my love of art. He treats me like my idea are important and he doesn’t care that I sick. My mom doesn’t see that. All she sees is that he is “too” old and that he’s had sex.”
“ Your mother wants to protect you.”
“ I’m not a little girl Caspian.”
“ No. You aren’t. But to your mother you are her little girl. She wants to protect you. Bridget, you are growing and maturing. Your mother does see that but I can understand her reservations. You are not woman yet.”
“ I knew it. I knew that you were going to take her side. She gets everything. She gets to have love and you. But I’m not ready for that according to her. She just wants me to stay her little girl forever. I’m not a little girl. I’m almost a woman. There is nothing wrong with me seeing Scott. She thinks that I’m going to get over this. But I’m not. This is my chance to be happy to find love. Maybe it will workout maybe not but I deserve better than just a no. I thought with everything that my mom had been through that she’d give Scott a chance. She’d give me a chance to be happy.” Bridget’s voice broke and hot salty tears came out of her when she felt strong arms envelope her. It didn’t matter than it was Caspian. She needed to be held. She wept her heart out wetting Caspian shirt however he didn’t let go.

Connor was shown into Tray’s office where his friend and private investigator was waiting. ‘Sorry about yesterday a matter in court came up.”
Pouring himself a cup of coffee and then handing Connor one Tray sat down at his desk.
“ Don’t worry. It gave me time to work on another case that I have been hired to do.” Pulling out the file he handed it to Connor. “I must say this case was more than interesting. Caspian DeAngelo is no ordinary man.”
Connor opened the file and started to read.

Megan, KC and Brooke had plans for breakfast at a newly modern restaurant with a menu to die for. Looking stylish in her soft suit with an empress tie under her breasts along with her new haircut, Megan more than caught the eye of two businessmen having a breakfast while she sat on the outside patio. KC who had wandered in looking stunning herself in her pink roped off the shoulder top and faded blue form fitting designer jeans, with pink mules. Her long dangling pink-jeweled antique earrings gave her a NuRove look. She smirked with amusement she took off her pink colored shades and threw her matching purse on the table. “ I see that you are starting the day right.”
Megan winked. “ I learned it by watching you. Besides, you didn’t notice the tall drink of water over by the bar. He certainly seems taken with you.” Looking over at the bar, they noticed a handsome dirty blonde man in an expensive black suit with a silver shirt that showed a hint of his chest. He raised a glass to them before he put on his silver tinted shades.
“ Ladies, you must be joking. Clearly he was interested in me.” Purred, Lauren who came in behind KC in her black and white sequence tank top that stated Fenmore Feline along with tight black leather pants. “ Mmm, he certainly is a looker, isn’t he?”
Megan gasped and jumped to hug Lauren forgetting the man. “ Lauren! You two make me sick. Only KC could dress up jeans with that top and make it look so stylish. Then there you are with those pants and those toned arms.”
“ Kick boxing honey. Raul gives me one hell of a workout.”
KC shook her head.“ I just hope he isn’t going to sue for sexual harassment, Lauren.”
“ I certainly wouldn’t call it harassment.”
“ So what are you doing here? I didn’t know that you were in town.”
“ I thought that I’d stop by and see my son. Besides Eric WAS planning a private fashion show for Fenmore. I’m hoping that Brooke will honor his agreement.” Sliding in to her seat she looked around. Speaking of Brooke, where is she?”
“ I don’t know. Normally she isn’t late but with everything going on she might be.”
“ I heard that she is going through it right now. With Eric..”
“ Not to mention Bridget.” Added Megan
“ Bridget? What’s wrong with Bridget?” KC and Megan stared at each other for a moment. “ Spill ladies. What’s going on with Bridget?”

Brooke sat in her car staring at the entrance of the drive to the restaurant where she was supposed to meet with KC and Megan. She had been sitting in the car for over fifteen minutes, yet she still needed extra time to compose herself. Leaving Bridget didn’t sit right with her especially knowing how upset her daughter was. But deep down she knew that her daughter didn’t want her around. Knowing that Bridget didn’t want her around, she called her mother and asked her to check up on her. Her mother would try to sooth Bridget the way that Brooke would have if Bridget would let her. Her baby girl thought that she was old enough for a relationship with Scott but she wasn’t ready. It Brooke her heart to know that she caused her daughter pain. Bridget was angry with her and she understood part of that anger. She didn’t want to say no to her but the potential of heartbreak was so great. Her daughter wasn’t ready for Scott or the pressure that a relationship of that magnitude would entail. Bridget wasn’t ready for anything at the moment. Her health was Brooke’s main concern and it had to be Bridget’s focus as well. Stress could tear down the body and make matters worse. As a mother, she had no choice; she had to do what was best for her daughter even if it mean that Bridget was going to be angry with her. However that didn’t mean that she wanted to ignore her daughter’s pain.


Eve fingered the address in her hand once again. She was certain that she had this wrong, why in the world had Trudie told her to come to place. Standing back to allow the sunlight to strike her, she studied the beautiful beach house. She also noticed Trudie’s motorcycle parked on the other side of the street. This must be the place. Being hesitant, she knocked on the door but when she didn’t get an answer, she opened the door and stepped down into the house. “ Hello! Hello Trudie?” The beach house was beautiful as well as spacious. Taking off her shoes so her flip-flops wouldn’t make marks in the plush white carpet, she headed through the living room toward the sliding door to the patio. Standing outside she inhaled the sweet scent of the salty air. It amazed her how the smell of the water could rejuvenate her senses. She closed her eyes and inhaled.
“ I see that you’ve found the view to be pretty amazing. I knew that you’d love it.”
Turning, Eve found Trudie standing in the doorway of the staircase that led to the second floor of the house. “Come and see the kitchen.” She pulled Eve away from the sliding glass door past the fireplace into a little step that led to an alcove to a small yet quaint and cozy kitchen. “ Just look at this appliances, the state of the art range and stove.” She pulled Eve back toward the living room, and just look at this space. Imagine how great this place is going to look with furniture. Upstairs there are three large bedrooms each with their own private baths as well as balcony but I was thinking that we could use that last bedroom as an office. After all you will need a place to do all that studying. You are going to love it. Come on.”
Eve was confused. She didn’t understand what was going on and why Trudie was trying to show her this house. “ Hold on. True, what’s going on? Why are you going on and on about furniture and bedrooms.”
Trudie smiled, her hundred-dollar smile that the Forresters paid her well for. “ That’s because this is our new home.”
“ Our new what?”
“ Our new home. I just signed the contract today.” Looking pleasantly pleased with her, Trudie walked in the middle of the empty living room. “ This place is gorgeous. We are right in the beach. This house so beautiful and it is prime property that is certainly going to increase its value.”
“ Prime property in this type of neighborhood. It’s upscale and though on a level this house is small, I can tell you that this is couldn’t have cost no less than two hundred thousand dollars. So, I want to know where in the hell did you get that kind of money.”
“ Don’t worry about the money. Eve it’s all taken care of.”
“What do you mean by that True? Who took care of it? I know that the Forresters have paid you well however they didn’t give you that kind of money.”
“ No, they didn’t. Eve, I don’t want this to be about money.”
“But it is. We can’t afford this.”
“ Yes, we can. I bought it outright. Listen, I found out that Christopher had another insurance policy that I didn’t know that he had. The money came through.”
“ You got the insurance money before.”
“ Yes, but not for this one.” Thinking about the information that she had on Stephanie and the check she received for her silence. “It paid big.”
Looking around, Eve did think that the place was beautiful. “ The rent at the apartment. I could afford but not something like this.”
“Oh, is that all. Sometimes you can be so silly.” Trudie wrapped her arm around Eve’s shoulder and pulled her outside where the patio had a hot tub. “ You are my best friend. You’ve been a sister to me, do you think that I care about rent. You can live here rent free.”
Eve loved Trudie but part of her transformation meant that she had certain rules that she lived by. She didn’t owe anybody and she certainly paid her way. That meant everybody including Trudie. “ I can’t do that.”
“ Is this about your silly little rule.”
“ It isn’t silly!” Pushing away from Trudie she stepped down into the hot sand. “ You don’t understand. I have to live my life a certain way; it’s the only way that I can survive. I can’t beholden to anyone.”
“ Including me.” Trudie knew that Eve had issues and rules but she thought that their friendship had helped her to get past some of her issues.
Hearing the pain in Trudie’s voice softened Eve’s response. “ Yes, including you.” She stated truthfully. It’s not personal but it’s what I have to do to keep things going. I spent a part of my life being owned by someone.”
“ But that’s over.”
Eve’s haunted eyes found Trudie. “ Is it? Because there are times that I can pretend that it didn’t happen but other times.” A shudder went through her body as she paused to maintain her composure. “ Other times, it isn’t easy. So, I have to pay my way.”
“ You aren’t the same girl Eve. I’d wish that you’d see that. You aren’t the same girl who we found on the side of the road that night. That girl died and you were reborn. You aren’t Angel anymore.”
“ I know that I’m not but I still can’t take this from you.”
“How about you just pay the rent that you paid at the apartment.”
“ That isn’t fair. It’s much more expensive to live here.”
“ Yes it is, but I’ve already bought this place. With the rent that you’ll give me it will help me with upkeep. Besides, you know that I don’t want to live alone. I want you around to keep things fun and lively. You know that I’m going to need someone to keep me grounded and on task.” She eyed some college students who were coming up out from the beach.
Seeing the long legged beauty wearing little next to nothing in slimming tight white designer shorts and an a designer top that slopped off her left shoulder to show her perfect tan, they came toward the direction of them. “ Hey.” The blond male with the lean yet well toned body and the surfboard. “ Are you new around here.” Tyler barley glanced at the brunette with the cargo pants and the matching green tank. Though she was cute, the other one was stunning especially in those white shorts.
“ Yes.” Trudie answered. “ We are just moving in.”
“ Alright.” He nodded. “ This place to great for surfing, fun and some other things. This is a great place. We live over there. Some nights we have cookouts and play volleyball. Sometimes we have keg parties. We certainly would love having you around any time. I’m Tyler and this is my best bud Andy.”
Turning on her infamous charm Trudie shook their hands. “I’m Trudie and this is my roommate and best friend Eve.”
“ If you need anything, just come by we will sure to help you all move in.”
“ Thanks, I’d like that.”
The boys walked away. “ Did you know who that was?” Andy said to Tyler. “ She is that model for those WOW ads.”
“ Get out of here.” Replied Tyler.
“ Seriously. I’ve seen those ads. Just look at her.” They stopped to turn stare at Trudie and Eve for a minutes.
Trudie laughed and waved at them before she turned her attention back to Eve. “ See, what I mean. I can’t live here by myself without you. I just might get distracted.”
“ Distracted? Huh?”
“ Come on. The way that you are acting it’s making me think that you don’t like it here when I know that you do. I saw the way that you took in the sun and it’s rays. You haven’t seen the rest of the house. You are going to love it. So? What do you say?”
She never could say no to Trudie even when she wanted to. Truthfully, she didn’t want to say no. The house was beautiful and it had been so long since she had a real home. She certainly could picture having Rick come over bringing Little Eric and making meals for them. She could frolic in the water and spend quiet nights watching the sunset. It was perfect. “Alright. You’ve twisted my arm. When do we move in?”

Connor put the folder down. “ Are you telling me that there isn’t anything on this man? Not even a parking ticket?”
“It’s like he suddenly appeared six years ago when he started his company. That makes me very suspicious. Because with no past at all, it means that he’s hiding something.”
“What could it be?”
“ Whatever it is, it could be big. Another life that nobody knows anything about. One that he could probably afford to keep hidden with the right kind of money.”
Connor was even more concerned. “ It means that he could be hiding anything.” Connor knew that Tray was good at his job and if he couldn’t find a thing on Caspian, it meant the man covered his tracks well.
“ I could go further. I could go to Italy and further investigate matters.”
Brooke was one of Connor’s closest friends. He always did his best to look out for her out of sheer protectiveness, because deep down, he knew that she needed protection. She trusted Caspian DeAngelo but he didn’t. If there was something he was hiding, Connor wanted to know what it was in order to protect Brooke. “ Go to Italy. Find everything you can.”

Lauren took a sip of her drink, a Key Lime Martini, she didn’t care that it was morning; after all that Megan and KC had told her she needed on. The worst of it was that poor Bridget Forrester had cancer. “ So, you are telling me that nobody has told Eric the truth.”
“ How can they? He is just starting to recover. I think that the family wants to wait however in the meantime, they are searching for a donor.”
“ I’m floored that Taylor isn’t having her children tested.”
“ I think that finding out that Bridget is Ridge’s is too much for her to take.” Megan muttered. “ Still this is about BRIDGET and not her. I swear, she gets on my nerves. Always acting like a do-gooder but when she is needed she is being a selfish bitch.”
Lauren wasn’t used to the sweet natured Megan using that particular tone.“ Well, Megan, tell us how you really feel.”
“ I don’t like what she is doing. If it were one of her children who needed the transplant Brooke would have had all of her children tested.”
Nobody dared to argue Megan’s point. Why would they when they knew it was the truth? Brooke, loved her or hate her wasn’t malicious. The ladies quieted when the waiter came around for their orders. The waiter had just taken KC’s order of Egg’s Benedict with poached salmon when Brooke finally arrived. “ Sorry that I’m late ladies. I had an important matter to handle.”
“ Don’t worry. I ordered for you. I know how much you love French Crepes with orange marmalade sauce.”
“Thanks Megan.” Brooke turned her attention to Lauren. “ Lauren, I had no idea that you were in town.”
“ I got in late last night.” Reaching out to touch Brooke’s hand. “I heard about Bridget. I’m very sorry Brooke.”
“ We hope you don’t mind.” Megan told Brooke.
Pulling a long stand of her hair out of her face, she shook her head.“ Lauren’s a friend. Thank you for your support.”
“ So how is the search going?”
“ Well..” Brooke placed her linen napkin in her lap. “ I think that we might have found a solution. Taylor has decided to have the children tested.”
“ Thank god Brooke.”
“ Thanks for your support KC. I had heard that you went to get tested. I really appreciate it.”
“ It was nothing. I’m just sorry that neither I or Connor were a match for her.”
“Well certainly one of those children will be a match. So, we have reason to celebrate. Mimosas for everyone.” Lauren stated.
KC noticed the look of Brooke’s face it certainly wasn’t on of celebration. “ Brooke, you are really worried aren’t you.”
“ Yes, but…” She looked at Lauren. ‘It’s not just Bridget’s illness.”
“ Don’t tell me that it’s that new man that you are seeing. I had a proposal with Mr. DeAngelo myself and found him quite yummy. To bad he turned me down.”
“ On business or the OTHER offer you probably made.” Megan asked.
“ Both.” Brooke always seemed to get the good ones. “ However Brooke, if you no longer want that man. I’d be more than willing to take him off your hands.” Lauren crossed her legs, that man made her downright wet.
Smiling softly to cover the pain in her heart Brooke nodded. Caspian had told her about her dealings with Lauren. “ Sorry Lauren but I’m beginning to think that that is the only thing going well. However, what is bothering me has something to do with Bridget and Scott.” KC looked at Megan. She knew that this wasn’t good.
“Bridget and Scott. What does it have to do with…..” Lauren’s eyes narrowed. “ Oh my God, tell me that he isn’t still seeing her. He promised me that he would stay away from her.”
“ Lauren. You knew. How could you know something like this and not say something!”
“ Brooke. You are my friend. Believe me, if I had thought that my son would be stupid enough to try to see Bridget, I would said something.”
“ But you just said…”
“ I noticed something between them at Rick’s party.”
“ That was months ago. You should have said something to me about this. I’m her mother.”
“ I would have but I thought that it was a crush on Bridget’s part and a small infatuation on Scott’s. I confronted him and said that he had told her he could be friends.” Lauren also knew that he had been on a least one date with Kimberly however she didn’t want to bring her into the fray. “ Believe me, I thought it was over.” Lauren turned to KC. “ He works with you and talks to you, did he ever say anything to you about Bridget?”
KC didn’t want to be in the middle of this. She had seen Bridget and Scott together. They were cute and cared for each other. However she understood Brooke reservations. “ I knew they were seeing each other.”
“ You didn’t tell me.” Brooke accused. “ KC, I thought you were my friend. This is about my daughter.”
Holding up her hand she stopped Brooke. “ You have to understand MY position. I am your friend however I’m Scott’s as well. I could tell that his feelings for Bridget were strong. I didn’t encourage it however I wouldn’t say anything.”
“ I can’t believe you.” Brooke snapped. “ All this time you knew and didn’t say anything.
“ Brooke, this wasn’t about you. It was about Scott. I owed him some loyalty as well. Scott isn’t some boy that I could go squealing on. He is a grown man and it was his personal life. I work with him. I’m not his keeper.” She said sternly. “I want you to know that I did encourage him to go you and to Eric to tell you about his budding relationship with Bridget. I told him to be open and honest with you about his feelings and what he was doing with Bridget.”
“ Brooke, this isn’t KC’s fault.” Megan reproached gently.
“ If makes you feel any better. I kept a small eye on them. I talked to Scott about Bridget and how it is with a girl her age. I made it clear that there were some things that she wasn’t ready for.”
Brooke felt some of anger ebb away. Megan was right. It wasn’t KC’s responsibility to come running to her. She just wished that she had known about this.“ I’m sorry KC. I didn’t mean to blame this on you. I guess you are right, it would have a difficult situation for you to be coming to me about another employee.”
KC instantly forgave Brooke. “ Believe, it wasn’t easy NOT saying anything. IF things had gotten out of hand. I would have said something.”
“ I guess that I’m angry with myself. What kind of parent am I becoming? First Rick with Amber. I didn’t see that happening under my own roof. And now my daughter was seeing Scott and I didn’t know about it.” Looking at Lauren, she continued. “ It’s not that I think that Scott is anything like that lying tramp. I know that he isn’t however he’s just too old and experienced for a girl like Bridget. I have to wonder what kind of mother I’ve been.”
“ Brooke, don’t go there. You are a good mother. I’ve seen you with your kids. You’ve been there for BOTH of them countless of times. This wasn’t something you could foresee.”
Tears formed in Brooke’s eyes. “ I love Bridget and Rick more anything. It’s frustrating to know that they don’t come to me about these type of things.
This was new for Lauren. She was used to the self-assured, confident, man-eating Brooke Logan. The one who took no shirt for anybody? However Brooke didn’t look too confident at the moment. “ Brooke, don’t you blame yourself for this. These things happen all the time and to the BEST of parents. We can’t be with our children every minute of the day. Just think about what a wonderful job that you have done with both Rick and Bridget. They are well-adjusted, kindhearted children. Just think about it. I’ve had plenty of friends who children have turned out to be nothing more than spoiled brats who don’t care about anything or anyone. Your children are nothing like that. That is because of your influence. As for my son, I’m sorry for the part that he has played in all of this.” Lauren stood up. “ I should talk to him right now.”
“ No. Lauren.” Brooke interjected. “ I don’t want to ruin breakfast. Just wait and talk to him after we eat.” She wiped away on unwanted tear. “I guess that I’m feeling sorry for myself. Lately…things have been very stressful. The waiter arriving with champagne for the entire table cut off Brooke. None of the ladies had ordered the drinks therefore they were surprised. The waiter answered their question before they had a chance to ask it. “ Compliments from the gentleman over there.” He pointed to the man who had been standing near the bar earlier who was making his way toward them. He took off his shades and his blue eyes sparkled as he slowly looked over the woman at the table. He gave them a sensual smile. “Ladies,” he said Stroking his chin. “ I couldn’t help but to notice your table. After all, I’ve never seen a table full of such beautiful women.” He started at KC, then Megan, Brooke then finally Lauren. “ You know that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. This table is a testament to that.”
Brooke turned to the man.“ Well, thank you for the drinks however it’s too early for champagne.” Leaning forward, he picked up the champagne flute from the table. “ It’s never to early to buy a woman a drink. Buying three ladies drinks is even better.” Taking a sip, he winked at Brooke. “ It’s nothing. Think of it as a little thank you for brightening up this restaurant. See I was having very boring breakfast with my accountant.” His eyes trailed down Brooke’s legs before he turned his attention to KC giving the beautiful woman a through look until he noticed the ring sparkling her third finger. Damn, too bad he thought. However, he thought, as he gaze rotated to Lauren smiling wickedly. ‘Seeing how you enchanted my morning I thought that I’d repay the favor. If you ever think that you’d like to brighten a room like you have this morning, I’d love you to have my place.”
“Excuse me?” Megan interrupted. “I’ve heard of threesome, but what you are suggesting…”
“ Now Blondie, that isn’t what I meant.” Looking at Brooke smirked. “Isn’t it always the innocent ones who have the dirty minds. However, I’m sure that you won’t have any accusing YOU of being innocent. Would they Ms. Logan.” Surprise, registered on Brooke’s face. She didn’t know this man. “ How did you?'
“ Ahh Ms. Logan. Women aren’t the only ones interested in fashion. Besides, don’t you know that you are infamous?” The man’s cell phone rang. He flipped it open and listened for a moment. “ Well, I’m certainly sorry that this little introduction has to end but I’ve got to run. Have a nice breakfast.” His eyes singled out Lauren with his gaze a moment before he walked away.
“My god, what was that?” KC murmured.
Lauren who was fanning herself watched the man as he walked away.
“ Lauren!”
“What?”
“ He is younger than you.”
“ So, not that many years.”
“ About ten years.” Megan stated.
“ Don’t you know, the younger the man, the more stamina he has.”
Brooke sighed. At least the dramatic come on had taken her mind off her daughter for a second. “ Well, our mystery man left a card.” There in the middle of the tray, which housed their drinks and the champagne bottle, was a card. Lauren picked up the card and read it for a moment. “The Lair. Owner Deacon Sharpe.”

Caspian held on tightly to the Bridget. Finally when it seemed that she had no more tears left to flow. He slowly pulled her away from his arms. “ Bridget, I think that you should talk to your mom…” Caspian’s words were cut off as the front door slammed.
“ What the hell do you think you are doing?” Beth pulled Bridget away from Caspian. “My god. You are disgusting. Isn’t MY daughter enough?” She turned toward Bridget.
“ Go upstairs young lady.”
Beth who had never spoken a cross word to her granddaughter startled Bridget. “Grandma..”
“ Now! Go now Bridget.” Bridget’s face turned red with embarrassment. Nobody treated her like she was an adult. She stormed up the stairs.”
Caspian who had had enough of Beth Logan turned his heated gaze on the woman. “What do you think you are doing?”
“ What do I think I’M doing? I come home and find Bridget in your arms.”
“ My arms? What in the world….” He gaze turned thunderous. “You had better not be insinuating what I think you are.”
“Feeling guilty. When I tell Brooke what I saw.”
“ Tell her what? What the HELL are you going to tell her? That I was comforting her distraught daughter. Bridget was upset. I would NEVER do what you are suggesting. Brooke knows that. If I ever hear that you are spreading such filth I’ll…”
“ You’ll what?” Beth spat.
Caspian’s face turned murderous so quickly that Beth was a bit frightened, however she would hold her ground. “ What are you going to do? Hurt me. Get rid of me.”
Caspian felt his grip of his anger slipping. He wouldn’t allow Beth to push his buttons.
Stepping forward slightly he shook his head. “Why would you think something like that Beth?”
“ Because I know your type.”
“ What type is that?” She pressed her lips together. Oh how she wished that she could tell him what she about him. “ What Beth, are you finished with tirade. Tell me, why is it that you hate me so much. I’ve done nothing to you.”
“ You’ve done enough to me!” His eyes narrowed. “ Just getting involved with Brooke was enough”, she stammered as she turned away not able to look at him any longer.
Thinking about the information he had in pocket he headed to the door. “ You know Beth. I think that I’m finally putting the pieces together. However this isn’t the time for that, Bridget is upset. ”
She quickly turned her eyes wide with surprise. “ I’m well aware why Bridget is upset but that isn’t any of YOUR business. Is it? You have no place here. You never will.”
“ We’ll see about that Beth. Because I have no intention of going anywhere.” With that Caspian closed the door and headed to the car. He smelled fear. Why hadn’t he seen it earlier? Beth Logan was deathly afraid of him or more accurately, she was afraid that he was going to discover the truth. Beth had hated him from the start for no apparent reason. But was it no reason. Did she hate him because he had been married to Lark? Was Lark Beth’s daughter? He wrenched the door open to his car. God, he hoped that he was wrong. If they were sisters it made the situation worse much worse than he’d thought it would ever be.

A carrier came into the offices of Microtech and headed to the information desk. “ I have a packet for Caspian DeAngelo.”
“ I’ll sign for him.”
“Sorry but these papers came with the express directions that they are to be personally delivered to him.” Picking up a phone, the receptionist called upstairs. After conversing on the phone for a minute, she turned to a carrier. “ You’ll have to deliver them to his home. I’ll give you the address.”


Ridge cleared the dishes from the breakfast remains off the table. “ Ridge, let me do that. You already cooked a wonderful breakfast for me and the kids.”
“ So, I want you to sit down and finish your coffee. Just relax.” Kissing the top of her head before he went to the kitchen.
Taylor’s smile faded. If only she could do that, but how? How was she going to relax when Brooke was like a circling vulture ready to attack at any moment? The only thing she could do was to get the children tested and get that letter. Then, with Ridge’s promise, she’d never have to deal with Brooke ever again. Picking up the phone, she dialed the hospital. “ Yes, I need to get the office of Dr. Levine.”

Rick couldn’t believe it. When Isabelle had told him she was going to get him out of his suit, she hadn’t been kidding. He should have been offended. After all, he was a Forrester and he knew how to dress. She, on the other had told him that he needed to look more powerful. Taking him to her personal tailor, he found himself standing in a dark beautifully decorated room in his boxers, while he got his measurements taken. An Italian man spoke rapidly with Isabelle who was nothing but calm cool and collected as usual. She had told him that she had also made a special appointment with her stylist to help him create a look of all power and control. “Appearance, Rick. Is only part of the game.” She had whispered. Isabelle finished her conversation with Antonio her tailor and turned her attention back to Rick. “ Remember, he must wear nothing but Forrester. He has to make a statement. Also, have Renny go and make the purchases that I’d ordered for Rick. Isabelle realized that she needed something. Some “fun” if you were to call it, in her life. A project of sorts. Rick Forrester was going to be her protégé.

Brooke picked up her photo of Bridget and her on her desk. Her little girl wasn’t her little girl anymore, was she? “But you will always be my little girl. No matter how old you are Bridget.” The ringing of her phone cut her thoughts off. “Brooke Logan.”
“ Ms. Logan.”
“Dr. Levine. Is there something wrong?”
“No. Ms. Logan, don’t be alarmed. I’m just calling to let you know that Mrs. Forrester had set up a time for her children to be tested. By the end of the week, we should know if the children are going to be a match.”
“ A week. How come it is going to take so long?'
“ Taylor’s children are young. It isn’t feasible to test them all together. We are going to test, Thomas first, then the girls. I just wanted to let you know how things are standing.”
“ Thank you. I know that you are doing everything in your power to help Bridget. I appreciate.”
“ I want to help Bridget. I want to see her get well just like you.”
“ Well, I appreciate it.”
There was pause on the other end of the phone. “Ms. Logan I hope that you understand that it isn’t definite that the children will be a match.”
“ But one of them COULD be a match. I’m holding on to that hope. Thank you Dr. Levine.” Brooke hung up the phone. Leaning back in her chair she closed her eyes. She was holding out that one of the children was a match. She had played her ace in the hole. She had made a deal with Kimberly that would make it impossible to tell Thorne the truth about her marriage when she wanted to do nothing more was to free him from that bitch. Then there was Taylor. She should have felt some sense of satisfaction in sticking to the bitch but not while her daughter’s life hung in the line. This wasn’t some sort of game, not to her. Picking up her phone, she dialed Caspian’s cell phone. After the morning that she had, she needed some TLC that only he could provide. However she only got the voice mail. “Caspian, just where are you when I need you the most.”

Beth knocked on Bridget’s bedroom door. “Bridget..”
“ Go away.” But Beth didn’t go away. Instead she found her granddaughter laying across her bed with tears streaming down her face. “Bridget, I’m sorry for screaming at you downstairs. I wasn’t upset with you.”
Finally looking up, she looked at her grandmother.“ You were upset with Caspian right?”
“ Yes, he had no right to have his arms around you like that.”
“ Grandma. He wasn’t doing anything. He was trying to listen. Something that NOBODY does around here.” Hitting her pillow, she rolled off the bed sitting up to look outside her balcony doors.
“ That isn’t true honey. You know that I listen to you.” Beth touched a light strand of Bridget’s hair while her granddaughter tensed. “You are just feeling this way because you are upset and disappointed with how things went with Scott.”
“ SHE didn’t listen.”
“Honey, your mother is afraid.”
“ Oh what? That I’m going to be happy.”
“ Right now, she’s afraid of so many things. She wants you to be well. She wants you to live a wonderful life full of everything. That does include boys and somewhere down the line a real relationship. Most of all she wants you to be happy.”
“ As long as Scott isn’t the boy.. Right. Because he is not right for me, in her eyes. How does she know what’s right for me and she couldn’t figure out what was right for herself.”
Bridget had so many questions that she couldn’t answer. “Honey, she’s a mother. And all mothers want to protect their children. She doesn’t want you feel an inch of pain. Deep down inside she knows that she can’t protect you from everything but she will.”
“ What a load of crap! Her whole life she’s been on a mission to find love but now she doesn’t want me to find it. I thought that SHE out of all people would understand. But all she did was say no. My feelings didn’t even fit in the equation. She didn’t even try. I can’t forgive her for that. Not now. Not ever.”

Pulling his car into the parking space right next to Trudie’s motorcycle, Deacon parked his black porche. It had been his real estate agent who had helped her to find the beach house. Checking his rearview mirror, he looked at himself. He couldn’t believe the drastic change that he had made with his appearance. He had his hair lightened and was clean-shaven. It made him look less like a dark character in some novel and gave him a younger appearance. The women had liked it. He saw the glances he received. Even this morning, he knew that Blondie and Hot Red was checking him out. Damn, they had been good looking. Still he was the same O’le Deacon, looks meant nothing. Slipping out of the car and crushing his cigarette under his feet he took the bottle of wine that he had bought Trudie. Hurrying up the stairs, he called out. “ Hey Trudie. Get your ass down here and thank me.”
Trudie who had been outside came in. “ Is that anyway to talk to a soon to be famous fashion model.”
“ Famous…infamous. It’s all the same.” He pulled her into his arms and laid a huge kiss devouring her lips. Heavy footsteps echoed ad CJ who had been outside with Trudie came inside to find Trudie being kissed by Deacon.
“ Do you mind getting your lips off my girlfriend.”
Deacon pulled his lips away from Trudie’s to look at CJ. “ Well, CJ, considering that Trudie and I are old friends. I didn’t think that you’d mind.”
“ Well, I do. Keep your fuc(king hands off my girlfriend.”
“Touché. Isn’t he?”
“ Stop it Deacon.” She turned toward CJ. “ Don’t pay him any mind. He probably kissed you me just to get at you.”
Wiping the lipstick off his mouth he shrugged. “ if that is what makes you feel better old Cjee.” He winked at Trudie.
CJ couldn’t stand Deacon. The man was arrogant punk who acted like women were nothing more than his playthings. What he couldn’t understand was why Trudie called this fancy dressed pimp her friend. It bothered him that she didn’t mind the way that he acted. He hated the fact that it had been Deacon who had helped her find this place. “Deacon helped you find this place.”
“ I sure did CJ.”
“ It wasn’t like that honey.” Trudie glared at Deacon. “Stop being an asshole. CJ you were really busy when I went looking.”
Deacon lit a cigarette. “ Yeah, I heard you were baby sitting your kid or something.”
“ My son.”
“Whatever. You were busy so I helped her when you couldn’t.” Blowing out smoke he handed Trudie the wine. “So, let’s celebrate or is your Lord and Master going to have problems with that?”

Lt. Burke listened to all the information given to him in the briefing “ Are you sure that this is correct?”
“ All the evidence has been pointed in this direction. What we need now is a warrant.”
“ A warrant.”
“ Yes, we need bank documents to support our case, if we get it then it’s going to a clear cut case.”
“ A clear cut case that could rock the core of the Forrester family.”


Megan handed Brooke the black portfolio that she asked for. “ Have all of the arrangements been made.”
“ Yes. Everything is set and ready to go. Brooke you should see the office. We had Melody Michaels to design it. He is going to love.”
“I saw the office that she did for Cynthia Gellar, it was amazing. I really want Thorne’s new office to reflect him.”
“ It’s about time that he got out of that dungeon. Brooke, are you sure that you want to do the rest of this today. You’ve been under a lot of pressure.”
like my little break down at breakfast. Sorry that I ruined it. We were supposed to be discussing KC and Connor’s wedding.”
“ I don’t think that anyone minded. After all, what are friends for?
“ This has been a stressful day.”
“ I assume that Bridget hasn’t called.”
“ No. She still isn’t answering the house phone. If I thought that things would be different, I’d be home now. Regardless of the shareholder’s meeting. But I know that she needs time to cool down. She’s very angry with me at the moment.”
“ Brooke, we’ve all been there. I remember how my mother objected when I wanted to go out with Rocky Snyder. I thought that I loved him and she objected. I swore that I’d never forgive her. But in two months, I did.”
“ I think what makes this so frustrating to me is that I like Scott. He is talented. He’s charismatic. However for a girl like Bridget. It’s dangerous. I just don’t want her falling in love with a man who really can’t reciprocate her feelings because the relationship really wouldn’t work. Scott wouldn’t hurt her on purpose however it could easily happen.”
“Like it happened to you and Ridge?”
Brooke poured herself a glass of water. “Loving Ridge certainly has seemed like a curse at time and others, a blessing. There were so many times that I thought that we’d make it. But we didn’t. I’ll admit, there are some similarities between Ridge and Scott. Both were wealthy privileged playboys who women couldn’t resist. And Bridget is much more green than I. I just want her not to focus on a relationship. I want her to concentrate on her health. I want her to concentrate her on her studies and artwork. I want her to date. Then, when she’s older to find love. When she’s ready. If she has to go through hat I did when I feel in love with Ridge, I want her to wait. Loving cost me a great deal.”
“ Brooke, so do you ever feel cheated?”
“ Cheated.”
“ Yes. Finding out that Ridge is Bridget’s father. That would have made a difference in your life. If the truth had come out back then you and Ridge had been together, you would have been married and probably with a couple of children by then.”
Laying her head on her hands Brooke sighed. “ I’ll admit that I have thought about how different my life would have been. Back then; all I wanted was to prove that I didn’t bribe that doctor. I wanted to prove to everybody that I deserved Ridge. I wanted our family to be together and in the end, I was devastated when the tests stated that Eric, not Ridge was her father. Yes. I have wondered what my life may have been like if Ridge had gotten married and had the family we wanted.”
“ Have you ever wondered how that letter had gotten into your house? It stated that you bribed that doctor.”
“ For a time I did. But then I had to deal with the “truth” and almost losing the children. I never figured out how that happened. I just moved on. Things didn’t work out between Ridge and I. I can’t look back. I have to look forward. Ridge isn’t in my life, not in that way. And the way that I’m feeling about Ridge right now, he certainly isn’t the man for me.”
“Something happened between you and Ridge?”
“ Oh, I don’t know. Right now I’m a little peeved at him.”
“ For what…”
“ For NOT putting Bridget first. You should have heard him yesterday going on and on about his wedding.”
“ He’s excited Brooke.”
“ I can understand that however in all his excitement he forgot about Bridget. OUR daughter. He was too busy making plans to even deal with the fact that Taylor hadn’t changed her mind to allow the children to be tested.”
“But she did change her mind. Maybe it was the wedding that changed her mind.”
“No. Believe me. It wasn’t the wedding that changed Taylor’s mind. Nothing is further than the truth.”

Taylor watched her children played in the pool. They were happy and well adjusted now that things were better between her and Ridge. She wasn’t going to allow her children to suffer because of Brooke. She wouldn’t allow anybody to ruin what she had worked so hard to create.

Brooke had a very difficult time keeping her mind focused on her work that day. Thoughts of Bridget consumed every second that she hadn’t noticed until 3:30 that she hadn’t hard from Caspian. Normally, they talked however he hadn’t called her. “ I suppose that you are disappointed that I never made it to dinner last night. Brooke had been caught up with dealings with Taylor. She was sure that Caspian would understand however, she remembered that last night he had wanted to tell her something. Whatever it was, it seemed to be important. Brooke was just about to pick up her phone to try to reach him again when her door opened and a white flag appeared from the other side. “ What the…”
Ridge popped his head through the door from the other side. “ Can we talk Logan?”
“ I’m really busy right now.”
Closing the door behind him, he threw the made-shift flag on her sofa. “ We need to talk.”
“ There isn’t anything to say.” She stated angrily as she got up.
“ Yes there is Logan.” He pushed her back down in the chair. “ You are going to listen to what I have to say.” She crossed her arms and gave him a determined look that let him know that he had his work cut out for him.

The carrier arrived at his home with the documents that he had asked for. Wasting no time he opened the package. Leafing through the information there was there, he was alarmed. Lark’s birth certificate was missing along with other important documents, such as her father’s will. He had documents secured in his safe at him home in Italy, how in the world did this happen? He had never bothered himself to review her birth certificate however he needed the proof now. The documents he needed were missing and it couldn’t be an accident. His safe was in a very secured environment, that only two people knew. Picking up the phone he got the number he needed and dialed the hall of records in London.

Tray hung up the phone. The arrangements had been made, he’s be was on his way to Italy in a coupe of days. He had some other matters to clear up into. It wasn’t all about Connor anymore, his interest was peaked.

Brooke has listened with to Ridge as she told her of his plan to use his wedding as some sort of bargaining tool for Taylor to change her mind about letting the children get tested.
“ So, this is what the marriage is about?”
Giving Brooke a sour look, he frowned. “ It’s about more than that. I want to new start with Taylor and a new wedding with a ceremony. However, I felt by giving her something to focus on…”
“ That she’d cave and let the children be tested.” Brooke interrupted. “ Typical Ridge.”
“ What does that mean?”
“ Ridge, you don’t get it do you. It’s because of plot devices like this that you and Taylor have problems. Why didn’t you sit down and tell her that Bridget is YOUR daughter. She needs help. She needs your children’s help to live. It has nothing to do with me or you but Bridget.”
“ I would have if you too hadn’t gotten into that argument. She is pretty miffed at you.”
“ Well, my feels are so hurt, aren’t they? The world is falling apart because the SAINTED one is mad at me.” She stated spitefully.
“ You aren’t being fair. Logan she changed her mind about getting the children tested.” Ridge waited for a reaction but he got none. “ Did you hear me?
“ I heard you. What are you waiting for? For me to get down on my knees and thank Taylor. That isn’t going to happen.”
“ What’s gotten into you?”
“ I don’t know Ridge, maybe it’s the stress of fear of losing my daughter. Or the fact that you are playing little games with your wife to get her to do the decent thing.”
“ I’m not playing games with her.”
“ That’s not what it looks like from this point of view. It looks like Taylor was nothing but a spoiled little brat who used my daughter as some sort of leverage to hold over me.”
“ Logan, that isn’t true. Taylor was going to through some things. She was angry with me and at YOU because I was spending time with you. You know how insecure she is when it comes to you and me.”
“But that’s just it. I’m tired of all of this. I’m tired that Taylor’s feelings are the only ones being the ones considered. What about what this could have done to Bridget if she had found out? What bothers me is that you aren’t even to admit that Taylor is being selfish.”
“ She’s been through a lot.”
“ Damn it, so have I Ridge!” Brooke slammed a folder down on the table. “ I’ve been through hell the last couple of months. I found out that your brother cheated on me and got Kimberly pregnant. Then, I was almost raped. Your mother and father come up with some brilliant scheme to steal my daughter. Followed by Eric has a heart attack and Bridget’s accident. Then, Bridget has cancer but wait, Eric isn’t her father you are. Everything is a mess and I don’t have time to placate your spoiled wife.”
Ridge could see the resentment in Brooke’s face. Things were really bad between her and Taylor. It seemed that his wife, based on their conversation that morning, felt almost the same way. “ Logan, can’t you see that I’m caught in the middle.”
“ Where you love to be.” She spat.
“ That isn’t fair.”
“Come off of it. It’s where you’ve always needed to be in between us. Only now it’s not about you and me because there is no you and me. Although… UGH!” Frustration build inside Brooke like a growing inferno.
“ Although what Logan?”
“ In all of this, have you ever considered what not only Bridget lost but what we lost. You and I.” A myriad of emotions showed on Ridge’s face however the look of regret somehow touched a place that echoed Brooke’s feelings.
“Yes.” He said softly. “ How could I not? How could I not forget the love you and I had for one another or the excitement we had at the thought of getting married. Of finally having the chance at a real family. What you and I shared was unforgettable.”
Brooke couldn’t but to smile softly. “We were something weren’t we?” A small tear rolled down Brooke’s face. She turned from Ridge. “ We never stood a chance.”
Turning Brooke toward him. He rubbed the salty tear away. “ I don’t know Logan. I think that if we had gotten a fair chance then things would have…” He paused. “ Things would have turned out differently for us.” Feeling caught up in the moment, Brooke rubbed her face against the outstretched palm of his hand feeling a part of the connection that they had shared so many years ago. Ridge looked down into Brooke’s beautiful eyes feeling the regret that things had been so stacked against them. Ridge leaned down and kissed her forehead. “ I want you to know that back then, all I ever wanted was you, Bridget and Rick. I did want that family so very much.”
“ I know you did. We both wanted a life together.” Brooke pulled away and out of Ridge’s arms. Memories had a way of bringing up buried feelings. No matter what happened or how angry that she’d get at him at times, a part of her would always love him. “ But I guess that fate has a way stepping. Funny,” she smiled. “ I thought back them that we were fated to be together but now I’m thinking that we are fated for other things. Other people.”
“ Other people. Like DeAngelo? Brooke you aren’t fated to be with him.”
“ How do you know that?”
“ I just do. He isn’t right for you Logan.”
“Who is in your eyes? You’ve never liked anyone being in my life. But what you think about Caspian doesn’t matter. It’s what I think about him that matters. I love him Ridge with my whole heart. He is strong, support, honest as well as loving. What matters is that he loves me. Really loves me for who I am and not what he wants me to be.”
“ What does that mean?”
“What do you think it means Ridge? It means that you have some sort of warped expectation that your mother has drilled into your head about what would be the perfect wife. God knows I tried to live up to it and when I fell short, there was hell to pay.”
“ That isn’t true.”
“ Yes it is.” She paused for a moment. “ Tell me. What would you do if you found out that Taylor wasn’t the perfect wife you thought her to be? Would you still love her or would you abandon her for someone who fit the bill?”
“Brooke, of course I’d still love her.”
Giving him a skeptical look she laughed to herself. “ I don’t believe that anymore than Taylor does. After all, you stopped loving me when I became tarnished.”
“ Whoever said that I stopped loving you Logan?” Ridge’s statement was uttered in such a way that it felt like he had told her a long lost secret.
Brooke looked at Ridge for a moment feeling somewhat shaken. “ A large part of me never stopped loving you either. Maybe that part in me will never die. But what was between you and I is over. All we are is Bridget’s parents and very good friends. I’ve found happiness with Caspian whom I love deeply. And you…well you’ve got Taylor. I hope that you and her can fix your marriage but as far as I’m concerned, I can’t forgive her for what she has done. Maybe it’s best if you keep your wife away from me. I have a strong feeling that I’m not good for your marriage. Am I wrong?” Ridge said nothing. “That’s what I thought.” Brooke headed for the door when he reached out to grasp her lightly on the arm. “ Logan, it doesn’t have to believe like this.”
“ When it comes to Taylor and I. It can’t be any other way.”
“ Brooke why…”
“ Don’t ask questions that you aren’t really ready for.”

 

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