Darla offers Hector some advice.

Darla sees Hector wandering around Forrester and asks why he's there. He says he was looking for Taylor. When Darla says Taylor went home, Hector says that's too bad, as he wanted Taylor to thank Thomas for his help in the toy drive. Darla asks why he doesn't tell Thomas himself. Hector tries to cover by saying he was in the area checking sprinklers. And he gets dressed up to do that? Darla teases, looking him over. She tells him not to worry, since she saw him and Taylor being chummy at the Christmas party. Hector says they were just talking about Thomas and Caitlin, but Darla knows better. Hector comes clean that he thinks Taylor is wonderful, but she's also married. But he didn't say HAPPILY married, Darla says, which means he's willing to knock Ridge down a peg and give Ridge a run for his money with Taylor. Hector takes it that she doesn't approve of Ridge. Ridge is a bully, Darla says. He's not abusive, but he puts down the people closest to him, like Thorne, and he even calls her a dingbat to her face. She knows Taylor thinks the world of Ridge, and she doesn't want to wish anything bad on anyone, but she thinks Taylor could do better. She can't believe that Ridge would miss Taylor's first Christmas back home. So she thinks Ridge and Taylor breaking up might not be so bad? Hector asks. It's obvious to Darla that Ridge isn't making Taylor happy, so she suggests Hector go for it and try to put a smile on Taylor's face. Hector says that he has something important to do and leaves.

Taylor defends her husband.

At the Bel Air mansion, Taylor tells a visiting Stephanie that Ridge is still in Paris, meetings with buyers. Stephanie can't believe that Ridge isn't with his family after missing Christmas. On top of that, she frets, he doesn't even know about Felicia. Taylor reminds her that Felicia wants to tell him herself. That's all the more reason to get him home, Stephanie says. Taylor laments that her first Christmas back home didn't live up to her expectations. She wonders if Ridge staying away is his idea of pay back over his disagreement with what she and Stephanie are doing with the company. Stephanie can't believe that even someone as thoughtless as Ridge would be that vindictive. She offers to talk to him, but Taylor declines. She wants Ridge to come home because he wants their marriage, not because his mother lectured him. Stephanie thinks this is just a rough patch in Taylor and Ridge's marriage and is sure Ridge will come around. Taylor says that this is more than just a rough patch: she recalls the dreams she had of the incredible life she'd have once she reunited with her family, and she fears that the reality hasn't lived up to the fantasies. Stephanie says that marriages are like that sometimes, but Taylor doesn't think it should take this much effort to make her marriage work. She even wonders if Ridge would have chosen her over Brooke had Stephanie not faked a heart attack. Stephanie doesn't want to hear her talk that way, since Brooke can't hold a candle to a saint like Taylor. Taylor says that does her little good. With the distance between them, she wonders why she and Ridge are even still married.

Hector asks Taylor to start a new life with him.

After Stephanie leaves, Taylor puts on a swimsuit and goes down to the pool, and she's surprised to see Hector in the pool. He says the gate was open. And so was the pool house, Taylor says, eyeing his swimsuit and asking why he's here. he says that he couldn't wait for New Year's to see her. She says that he won't see her then, since Ridge is coming home. Is she sure? he asks. As they sit by the pool, Taylor says he shouldn't be here. Hector says that he's usually not the type to chase after married women, but he is the type to save someone from something perilous. She suggests that he's creating a perilous situation, but he thinks Ridge is doing that by constantly letting her down. Helping her to her feet, he asks when she's going to stop letting Ridge disappoint her. He gazes at her intently, telling her that he can't stop thinking about her, but Taylor looks away and says that she can't do this. Hector says that he can't stop his heart from racing any time he sees her. Sweeping her off her feet and carrying her to a chaise, he says that he only wants to make her smile, and to make her completely happy with her life. Taylor admits that there is something between them, and it's more than just anger toward Ridge, but she has to remind him that she's married. To the invisible man, Hector says, saying that she needs real passion in her life. He can give that to her, but her loyalty to Ridge is holding her back, which is why he's come to her. He leans in to kiss her, but she pulls away. Hector reminds her that tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and he'll be there as promised if Ridge lets her down again. It could be the start of something incredible, he says, the chance for the two of them to start a new year - and maybe a new life.

Nick and Bridget are relieved that the baby is OK.

In the hospital, Bridget panics when Dr. Caspary can't find the baby's heartbeat. Trying to remain calm, Nick reminds the doctor that they saw the heartbeat during the procedure, so he wants to know why it's not there now. The doctor reminds him that the baby has a lot of room to move around in there. Worrying about her unborn child, Bridget urges the doctor to find the heartbeat. The doctor finally finds it, bringing relief to the anxious parents. The heartbeat is nice and strong, the doctor says. Bridget apologizes for getting so upset. The doctor tells her not to worry, as it was just her maternal instincts kicking in. Nick hugs Bridget, who says how scared she was. Just then, Brooke rushes in and asks what's going on. Bridget is surprised to see her mom, so Nick tells her that he called her. Bridget tells Nick that it's fine and then tells her mom that she and the baby are both OK. Brooke asks about the fall, so Bridget fills her in on what happened. She admits that she was terrified that she was going to lose the baby, but she and the baby are both fine.

Dr. Caspary tells Bridget to get some rest tonight so she can be released in the morning. She says she's optimistic that Bridget can carry the child to term, but there are still risks. That's why she needs Bridget to avoid stress, get lots of rest and avoid sex until she gives the OK. Whatever she says, Nick replies. Some orderlies come to take Bridget to her room; Nick says he'll be right there once he gets Bridget's clothes. Once the orderlies and patient are gone, Nick gathers Bridget's clothes. Brooke tells him how scared she was when she drove over: she doesn't know what she would have done if Bridget had lost the baby. Nick tells her not to worry, since it didn't happen. Bridget and the baby are both fine, he insists, and he's going to take care of both of them. He gives Brooke a reassuring hug, just as Stephanie arrives and sees the embrace through the window in the door. She shakes her head in disbelief. Nick asks Brooke if she's going to Bridget's room. She tells him to go ahead and she'll be right there. He leaves, leaving Brooke behind to wipe her tears.

Stephanie accuses Brooke of trying to steal Bridget's husband.

Stephanie enters and asks Brooke if she's wiping the guilt off her face. Brooke can't believe Stephanie is here making accusations when Bridget just came out of surgery. And what was she doing with her hands all over Bridget's husband? Stephanie asks Brooke. Were they just "celebrating"? Brooke says there is no need for Stephanie to stay and asks he to leave, promising to tell Bridget that Stephanie stopped by. Stephanie thinks Bridget would be interested to hear about what she just saw down here. Brooke tells her to shut up! She thinks the last thing Bridget needs after her ordeal is to hear these accusations. She tells Stephanie that Bridget almost lost the baby. Stephanie guesses that the doctor told Bridget to avoid sex, so she bets that Brooke is ready to play "Naughty Florence Nightingale" and help Nick through the dry spell. Brooke says that she didn't think Stephanie could sink any lower until now; Stephanie says she thought the same thing seeing Brooke cuddling with Bridget's husband!