Thursday, April 06, 2006, Episode #4780

Brooke admires how Nick is so at ease with himself.

Brooke, Nick and the kids prepare to leave their island camp. Brooke playfully ribs Nick about the tents, since he has an even harder time taking them down than he did trying to put them up. She reminds him that he would have slept on the beach last night had she not put his tent up. Nick asks if she would have shared her tent with him. As they wrap their arms around each other, Brooke replies to Nick that they wouldn't have slept a wink. They're about to kiss, but Nick stops briefly when he looks at the kids. He and Brooke then kiss, as she tells him how happy he's made her. They then return to the Shady Marlin. After putting RJ down and leaving Hope to count her treasure, Brooke joins Nick, who warns that things might be choppy because of some fog. He advises her to sit tight, smile and try not to throw up. "Aye, aye, Captain", Brooke says as they put their arms around one another and watch the unsettled weather. Brooke goes to check on the kids; she soon returns and reports that Hope is asleep. The sea air will do that, Nick says. Massaging his shoulders, Brooke admires how happy he is with next to nothing. She recalls how her family was comfortable while she was growing up, even though they didn't have fancy things. But she has those things now, Nick points out. But none of that really matters, she says; she had to learn that, even though he's always known it. She asks if knows how lucky he is to be that way. Nick says that he does and kisses her.

Ridge barges into Massimo's office, livid that Brooke is still not back after 24 hours! He threatens to kill Nick if "that SOB" has laid a hand on Brooke! Mass tells him to calm down and shows him a satellite image on his laptop of the Marlin approaching the marina. Ridge wants to go over there right not and deal with the man who "kidnapped" his son, but Mass points out that Nick didn't kidnap anyone. Ridge can't believe that Nick is going to get away with this, but Mass assures him that they're on the same page. He agrees that what Dominick is doing is wrong and has to be stopped, but it has to be done peacefully, in a way that Ridge's younger brother will understand. He calls his assistant, Shelley, and tells her to have his driver pick Nick up at the marina and bring him to the jet. Ridge asks Mass if he's going someplace. Mass says that he doesn't want to be interrupted. Ridge wonders if Nick will listen to mass. Mass says that Nick may be stubborn, but he's not a fool. Just then, a red phone on Massimo's desk rings. Ridge asks if it's the Pope or the President; Mass says it could be either. He tells Ridge not to worry about Nick and takes the call. Ridge leaves, and Mass tells the person on the other end that their timing is perfect, as he needs this person to do something right away.

Hope wants Nick to promise more adventures in the future.

The Marlin docks, and Hope hangs on Nick's neck as he drops anchor. Brooke thinks it's time to get her pirates home and tells Hope to say good bye. Hope says she doesn't want to go; Nick tells Brooke that Hope doesn't want to go. Brooke says they have to leave, but they'll have more of these adventures. Hope asks Nick to promise that they will; he brings her around front, touches her nose and promises.

Nick is surprised by a summons from his father.

Brooke then leaves, leaving Nick to mop the deck. As he gets to work, Mass's driver arrives and tells Nick that he's been sent to bring Nick to his father. Nick says he's busy. "Not too busy, I hope," the driver says.

Massimo lays down the law.

Soon after, Nick arrives at the Marone jet, curious as to why he's been summoned. Massimo says that he had some business in Long Beach, so he thought they could share a meal there together. So they're having lunch? Nick asks. Mass reminds Nick that he's his son, his right hand. Both things require nurturing. As the jet approaches Long Beach, Mass gets some champagne, to celebrate their time together. He toasts with Nick to the family and looks out the window, pointing out the port of Long Beach below. It's one of the world's busiest sea ports, Mass says, and many of the tankers there bear the Marone name. It's an empire that Mass built with his own two hands, and it will be Nick's and Ridge's some day, to protect as he has from enemies outside the family... and from within. Nick asks what Mass is getting at. Mass says that he will not let his life's work be jeopardized by a very beautiful, very dangerous woman. Nick is silent as Mass tells Nick that it's over between him and Brooke. Mass gets some champagne and suggests that they go to Las Vegas and let their hair down, but Nick doesn't look very happy.

Ridge is waiting at Brooke's house when she returns.

Brooke and the kids get home, where Ridge is waiting. Hope gives "Daddy Ridge" a hug and tells him all about their treasure hunt on the island. Brooke asks Catherine to give the kids a bath, but Ridge wants a minute with his son first. He takes RJ from Catherine and asks how he is. He's fine, Brooke says. Hope asks Ridge if he wants to come next time they go; maybe so, Ridge says, handing RJ back to Catherine, who takes the kids upstairs. Ridge then sees the back of Brooke's shirt with the words "pirate booty." It was a joke, Brooke says. Very funny, Ridge says. Brooke guesses that he's unhappy that was with Nick. He reminds her that he planned to take RJ to the car show. Brooke admits it slipped her mind and apologizes. Ridge tells her he was looking forward to some time with his son, but Brooke guesses this is about more than just RJ. She knows it's hard for him to accept, but her future is with Nick. She reminds him that she has a right to have a life. But the life she chose is wrong, Ridge responds. She reminds him that it's not his decision. He tells her that there are bigger forces at work, like fate and destiny. Brooke reminds him that she already told him that she didn't believe in their destiny anymore. Fortunately for them, Ridge says, he still does.

Stephanie and Eric drop by Dante's to see Bridget, Dante and the baby. Eric comments that they seem to be thriving. Dino has the same appetite as his father, Dante says. Dino? Stephanie asks. Bridget explains about the nickname, which Stephanie likes. Bridget is glad that Eric and Stephanie are here, because she and Dante want them to spend time with Dino. Eric says he'd like that. He then tells Bridget and Dante that he and Stephanie came by to share some incredible news with the,. Bridget asks what it is, but Eric says that it would be better to show them. Dante asks where they'd be going. Stephanie tells him and Bridget to trust them. Bridget thinks it sounds so mysterious, but Eric assures her that they'll understand when they get there. Stephanie promises that they won't be disappointed, so they get on their way.

Felicia prepares to see her son and her sister.

At the clinic, Christian checks Felicia out before her visit with her son and her sister. She can't wait to see them. Christian reminds her that her guests shouldn't stay long, as she needs her rest. Felicia asks him how long she has to live. He assures her that she's not going anywhere anytime soon.