Nick has some questions for Stephanie.

Nick drops by the hospital to see Stephanie, who's sleeping soundly. He sits near her bed and clears his throat; Stephanie wakes up and says he startled her; she asks if he's trying to give her a heart attack. Nick smiles and says she's looking well; he guesses it's due to her son's good fortune, even though she's in this hospital, and he bets that this is the happiest week in her life. She says that she doesn't want to talk about Brooke. Nick asks why she thinks that's why he's here. Why else would he be there? she asks. She bets Brooke came running to him, crying great big crocodile tears. He chuckles and asks if she likes thinking of Brooke in tears, devastated. She says that she likes to think of Brooke being out of her son's life. Then this has been a good week, he says, since her heart attack got her what she wants. She asks if Brooke has been filling his head with ideas. He says that he has some ideas of his own, especially after talking to his mother, and he also knows that Brooke was so convinced that this was a scam that she disconnected the ventilator. And Brooke was proven wrong, Stephanie says, hoping he's not here with similar accusations. Nick says he's here because he cares for her - and because he has questions of his own.

Stephanie warns Nick about his accusations.

Stephanie tells Nick to ask away. For starters, he wonders why she didn't call an ambulance. Because she was fortunate to have her son there to drive her here. And why here? he asks. Because Dr. Maclaine is here. But Maclaine isn't a cardiologist, Nick says. He's their family physician, Stephanie says. Nick bets it's nice to have a doc in her pocket - or a cop, like her other family friend, Lt. Baker. In fact, he wonders why the police detective hasn't paid Brooke a visit about her attempt to "murder" Stephanie. Stephanie says that could be arranged, but Nick says that doesn't explain why she didn't call Baker. Stephanie says that she was too exhausted to bother, but Nick thinks it's unlikely that she was too tired to kick Brooke while she's down. Stephanie says that Brooke isn't her concern anymore. But if what Brooke said was true, Nick speculates, how would Ridge and Taylor react to being manipulated? She tells him to leave Ridge and Taylor alone. Nick adds that it would also be bad news for the hospital. Stephanie replies that he'll be very, very sorry if he keeps saying things like this.

Taylor defends Ridge's decision.

In Ridge's bedroom, Brooke tears into Ridge for being manipulated by his mother into reuniting with Taylor. Ridge says it was his decision. He argues that everything happened so fast; his mother was sick and dying, and the chaplain was there, so it seemed like the right time. All because of Stephanie and her heart attack, Brooke accuses. Taylor says it wasn't like that: in fact, she specifically told Ridge that they shouldn't renew their vows unless he was sure that he wasn't being pressured. But he was pressured, Brooke insists. Taylor says that she gave Ridge the chance to back out if he wasn't certain. But he was certain, and they went ahead. Ridge asks Brooke if she wants to talk about this. So now he wants to talk? Brooke sarcastically asks. Ridge thinks they should. Brooke says that she gets it, maybe better than him. Taylor tells Brooke not to blame Stephanie, since this was Ridge's decision. One made, Brooke says, while Stephanie was in a hospital, hooked up to machines and oxygen. She quips how romantic that sounds, and suggests that Ridge and Taylor tour the ER for their first anniversary.

Taylor reminds Brooke that they all knew it might come to this once Ridge chose. Brooke replies that she knows that Stephanie went too far this time. She turns to Ridge and reminds him how his mother hurt them and their children. She tells him that Hope and RJ love him so much. Ridge says that he loves them too, and that will never change. But the children are moving out of their own home, Brooke laments. Taylor tells Brooke that the kids don't have to leave tonight and suggests that Brooke leave them here for a while. Brooke asks if she's supposed to leave her children with Taylor. Taylor thinks they should do whatever is easier for the kids. "You mean whatever's easier for you," Brooke says before turning to Ridge and adding, "and you." Taylor suggests that they not let this turn ugly, for the children's sakes. Brooke tells Taylor not to worry about her kids, as she'll take care of them. At least they still have their mother.

Thomas accepts a gift from Hope.

Downstairs, Bridget tells Thomas and the twins not to feel guilty about this, but Thomas recalls how he asked Brooke to leave when his mom came back. But it was Ridge's decision, Bridget says, and he did what he thought was right. There was no good way out of this, Thomas laments. Hope comes in and says that she's going on a trip. Yes, Bridget says, she is. She asks if RJ is still with Catherine; Hope nods. Bridget sees a doll in Hope's hand and guesses that Catherine found "Dolly." Dolly's going on the trip, too, Hope says. She asks Thomas and the twins if they're going, but Thomas tells her that they have to stay here. With Daddy? Hope asks. That's right, Bridget says, holding back her tears; Thomas and the twins are staying with Daddy, while they're going with RJ to live with Mommy. But she can come see them anytime she wants, Phoebe says, and she and Steffy want Brooke to call them whenever she needs a babysitter. She hugs Hope. Thomas tells Hope to always remember that they love her a lot. Hope hands him "Dolly" and says that Dolly wants to stay with him. Thomas promises Hope that he'll care for Dolly, just like Mommy will take care of her. He hugs her as the twins fight to hold back their tears.

The twins are torn as they have to say goodbye.

Brooke comes down with RJ and tells Bridget that it's time to go. Taylor and Ridge follow; Ridge asks Bridget if she's leaving, too. Bridget thinks her mom needs her. Ridge then calls Hope over and gives her a hug. He wants her to know that he'll miss her, but he'll see her all the time, and they'll still do fun things like swimming, movies and dance recitals. Hope asks if he'll forget. Never, he promises, hugging her again. Thomas asks if they can say goodbye to RJ. Brooke nods, so Thomas takes the baby and brings him over to the twins. Thomas tells RJ to be a good boy and take care of his mom, and the twins promise him lots of "snuggle time" when he comes to visit. Thomas then asks Brooke if they can do anything for her. Take care of his sisters, Brooke tells him, and don't be a stranger. "You, either," Steffy says as she, Phoebe and Thomas hug Brooke. Brooke then takes RJ. Taylor suggests that they help Bridget load the car, so she and her kids carry the bags out, leaving Ridge alone with Brooke and RJ.

Ridge has some final moments with RJ.

Ridge takes RJ from Brooke and says what a beautiful boy he is. He thinks about all the joy RJ has brought him and comments that his son doesn't doesn't deserve this. He wishes he could explain this, he tells RJ, but he's going to miss him so much. He'll always love him and be his daddy. Bridget comes in and says that Hope is buckled up. Brooke takes RJ and starts to leave, but Ridge calls out her name, so she gives RJ to Bridget and says she'll be right out. Once Bridget leaves, Brooke asks Ridge if it was worth it to save his mother only to lose his son. Ridge says that he needs to see RJ, and Hope, too. He should, Brooke says, because he's their father. They should be here with him, under this roof. She bets it hurts. Ridge says he knew it would, but he never imagined how much; the pain is unbearable. This is what his mother does, she tells him, to get what she wants, with no regard for anyone else. She reminds Ridge that they were a family. They still are, Ridge insists, and he wants them to be a family, still. Brooke tells him that Stephanie doesn't care what he wants. She thinks about how hard she fought to keep their dream alive, to realize their destiny. But she can't do it anymore. When he renewed his vows with Taylor, Brooke explains, something died inside her. It's gone for good, just like she'll be when she walks out of this house.