Wednesday, December 20 2006, Episode 4960

Eric talks to Stephanie about her mother.

At the Forrester mansion, Eric decorates the Christmas tree while Stephanie goes through a pile of Christmas cards they received, checking to see if she missed anyone on her list. When she comes across a card from her sister Pam, Eric suggests she ask Pam for the Douglas family's yule log recipe, since it tasted like sawdust when Stephanie last made it. Stephanie tells him that the recipe was her mother's; she recalls how her mother baked for a week to get the "Bush Noel" ready. With her happy childhood memory tied to her mother, Stephanie stops and tells Eric that he's right that it's too late. Eric admits that some people aren't good at love, but they keep doing it anyway - like her her mother. Stephanie feels foolish to have ever accepted her mother. Eric remarks that love sometimes makes fools of them, as he well knows. Stephanie agrees and kisses him. Felicia interrupts the tender moment between her parents and asks if they're having sex again. When Stephanie embarrassingly admits they are, Felicia quips, "Well, joyful all ye nations rise." Felicia then tells her parents that Dante is coming from Italy for Christmas. Stephanie suggests they talk about wedding plans; Felicia tells her mother to give Dante some space and plan Thorne and Taylor's wedding instead, since they're not here. Speaking of Thorne, Eric remarks how different the holidays will be this year without Darla. Stephanie suddenly remembers an errand she has to tend to. Felicia asks if she's going to get a gift for her favorite daughter. "Is Kristen here?" Stephanie asks, smiling as she leaves.

Ridge reads to the kids as Brooke looks on.

At Brooke's house, Ridge reads "The Night Before Christmas" to Hope and R.J. as Brooke looks on. When he finishes, the kids ask him to read it again, but Brooke tells them that three times is enough. She tells the kids to go get ready for Grandma. Hope can't wait for Christmas to arrive, since the whole family will be together. She especially feels bad about Alexandria, who must be sad missing her Mommy.

Ally offers to let Taylor use Darla's stocking.

At Taylor's house, Taylor and Thorne help Alexandria unpack a box of Christmas decorations, while Phoebe is in the kitchen baking cookies. Ally asks if they'll have room for all the decorations. Taylor promises to find room for everything. Ally comes across Darla's Christmas stocking, with the word "Mommy" embroidered on it, and offers to let Taylor uses it. A touched Taylor tells Ally that she already has her own stocking, but she thinks they should still hang Darla's by the fireplace, as a reminder that Darla is still part of their family.

Thorne is grateful to be living at Taylor's.

After Taylor helps hang Darla's stocking, Ally leaves the room. Thorne tells Taylor that he's glad that he and Ally are living here, since their first Christmas without Darla would have been hard at the beach house. He admits that he misses Darla more than ever, since Christmas reminds people of what they've lost. Taylor says that she prefers to think of Christmas as the end of year full of hopes for her life, paving the way for a new beginning - like the new beginning she's found with him. As they get back to trimming the Christmas tree, Thorne suggests that they invite Sally over once she gets back from spending Christmas with C.J., since Sally has lost so much these last few years. Taylor supposes they'll all suffer losses as they get older. That makes Thorne think about Grandma Douglas, who's all alone because of her actions. He's just grateful that Ally will never have any unfinished business with Darla, like his mother did with his grandmother. Taylor agrees that nothing can replace the bond between a mother and her daughter. Thorne wonders how his mother cops with having unfinished business with both her parents. Taylor points out that the bond between a child and a parent survives, even if they wish it didn't. But there are new beginnings everywhere, Thorne notes, wondering if his mother can find her new beginning someday.

Ridge suggests that Brooke wrap herself up for him under the tree.

Back at Brooke's house, Ridge catches Brooke sneaking around to wrap presents. He offers to help, but she declines; she finds it funny that someone as artistic as he is can make wrapped gifts look like paper mache. They talk about how entranced the kids are with Christmas. Ridge especially is amazed with how eager Hope is to smile at whatever life throws at her. Broke agrees that Hope is survivor. Like her mommy, Rodge notes. And like Thorne, Ally and Stephanie will have to be this year, Brooke adds. Ridge marvels at the magic of Christmas and kisses Brooke. He then suggests that Brooke wrap herself in some of her wrapping paper and put herself under the tree. Brooke laughs that she'd want him to open his present right now if she did. Ridge likes that idea, since she's all he ever needed. He had some obstacles, but right now he waits for the day when he can commit to her for a lifetime and seal it with a kiss. For the last time, they both agree as they kiss.

Stephanie thanks Brooke for giving her a second chance.

A knock at the door interrupts the smooching; it's Stephanie, who has stopped by early to see Hope after picking up a photo album for Alexandria. Ridge goes to get Hope and asks his mother to come with him, but Stephanie says she wants to chat with Brooke; she assures him that she didn't bring a gun with her. Once Ridge leaves, Stephanie tells Brooke that she's been thinking about their history together. She thinks about all their battles, yet here they are, about to be mother-in-law and daughter-in-law again. She wants to thank Brooke for giving her this second chance that has helped reunite the family. The two women hug. Stephanie then jokes that even after this warm, fuzzy moment, she still expects a gift with diamonds for Christmas. Brooke laughs that she's looking forward to some pretty presents, too. Stephanie hopes she'll be getting a front row seat for Brooke's wedding to Ridge, hopefully early next year. Brooke thinks she can do better than that. Still, she can't get over how differently Stephanie sees things now, after all they've been through. It feels so unreal. Stephanie admits that she's learned a lot about herself, so she's grateful for Eric and her children, and for what Brooke and Taylor have brought to the family. She feels like there's finally peace in house. Brooke asks Stephanie if she can ever forgive her mother. No, Stephanie replies. She thinks some things are unforgivable and never wants to see her mother ever again.

Ann is surprised by Eric's call.

At the Forrester mansion, Eric admits to Felicia that he doesn't know what to get Stephanie for Christmas. He wants to get her something extraordinary, to show her what she means to him, but she doesn't want jewelry and he doesn't dare buy her clothing. He thinks it's hard to find a gift that won't annoy her. Felicia thinks her mother might hate a tropical bird, but Eric wants something more rare. How about an iguana? Felicia asks, rethinking that when she suggests that her mother might get along with the iguana. Eric says he was thinking more along the lines of something Stephanie needs, even if she doesn't know it. He picks up the phone and calls Stephanie's sister Pamela, who is glad to hear from him. Eric suggests to Pam that she and Ann join his family for Christmas. Pam hands the phone to Ann, who is surprised at Eric's invitation. She asks if Stephanie changed her mind. Eric says it will be a surprise. Ann isn't sure, but a persistent Eric promises to make her very comfortable. Ann frets about traveling, so Eric offers to send the jet to bring her and Pam to L.A. Ann worries that her older daughter hates her, but Eric urges her not to give up on Stephanie. Wanting to give her daughter the peace she has sought for years, Ann accepts the invitation.