Wednesday, July 12, 2006, Episode #4849

Ridge tells Taylor how sorry he is.

At the Bel Air mansion, Ridge apologizes to Taylor, wishing he could change how things turned out for them. But he can’t do that, Taylor says, lamenting that it’s not fair that Nick and Brooke are the only ones to be happy. She thinks about what the cost was for her, Ridge and their family. Ridge tells her that she deserves to be happy, but she isn’t, nor or the kids. He blames himself, since he never saw how much pain he caused them until Brooke did the same thing to him. He was so focused on winning Brooke back that he failed to see what it was doing to Taylor and their kids. It was an impossible situation, Taylor says, and they all knew it. “Knew what?” Thomas asks, entering. Taylor says they were just talking about history and stuff. Like their son interrupting? Thomas asks. He didn’t do that, Taylor says, suggesting that Thomas and Ridge get to Alexandria’s birthday party. Thomas tells her that Phoebe will be at the party and asks her to come, but Taylor declines. She asks Thomas to give Alexandria a big hug for her and sends him and his dad on their way.

My, how Alexandria has grown.

At Forrester, Darla and Alexandria are with Stephanie and Phoebe. Darla tells Phoebe that Alexandria missed her. They all did, Stephanie adds. Darla looks at her watch and realizes that she has to pick up the cake, so she asks Grandma and Phoebe if they can stay with Alexandria. Of course, Stephanie says, telling, Darla “make sure it’s a chocolate cake.” Darla tells her little girl to behave and gets on her way. A bit later, Stephanie returns from bringing Alexandria to Eric’s office - Eric designed a birthday dress for Alexandria - and finds Phoebe looking at a drawing Alexandria was working on. Stephanie suggests that Alexandria must have gotten her artistic talent from her grandpa. Taking advantage of the time alone with Phoebe, Stephanie guesses that Phoebe is worried about her parents. Phoebe admits she is, and she wishes her dad would just come home. She thinks things could work out, especially since her mom needs the family’s support right now. The important thing, Stephanie replies, is that Phoebe is home, since Taylor needs all their love right now. “Especially my dad’s,” Phoebe laments.

Sally and Thorne show off their party decorations.

Darla arrives at the beach house and is thrilled with the way Thorne and Sally have decorated, thanking them both with a big group hug. Sally says that she may have moved back to her “old dump,” but she still intends to be their for her goddaughter, including holding the title of “#1 baby-sitter.” Crying tears of joy, Darla gives Sally a hug and thanks her for always being there for her. Stephanie comes in with Alexandria, who asks why her mommy and “Grandma Sally” are crying. Grown-ups sometimes do silly things like that when they’re happy, Stephanie explains. Thorne puts on a red clown nose and decides to be silly himself as he kisses his little girl. Stephanie goes over to Sally and gives her a hug, just as Eric arrives and takes in all the warmth in the room.

Stephanie tries to reassure Ridge.

After Ridge and Thomas arrive, the festivities begin. Thomas tapes all the fun with his camcorder and sees his dad looking a bit thoughtful; he guesses that Ridge is thinking about when the twins were four. Phoebe wanted a puppy, they recall, but Steffy wanted a cat... so Taylor decided what they both really needed were goldfish! Taylor always had a way with the kids, Ridge recalls... He stops and tells Thomas that he needs some air, so he steps outside. Eric spots Thomas watching his dad go outside and assures Thomas that Ridge will be fine. Thomas says that he knows; it’s just that he found his parents talking before and he got the feeling that... He stops himself and attributes it to wishful thinking. Meanwhile, Stephanie follows Ridge out. He assures her that he’s fine. He knows Brooke has made her choice, and they all have to accept it. Stephanie agrees, which is why she intends to take back control of the company; she refuses to let Brooke keep stock that was only offered to bring Brooke back to Ridge. Ridge doesn’t think a fight over the stock will help; he points out that Taylor never forgave her for giving Brooke half the company, just like she never forgave him for trying to get Brooke back. He called Taylor a hypocrite, but he still hurt her, which is why he doesn’t think he has any right to judge Taylor ever again..

Eric talks to his “perfect little granddaughter”

As Alexandria pops the Pinata, Ridge and Thomas realize that Phoebe hasn’t arrived yet. Thomas says she’s being a typical teenage girl and is still at the mall. She’s not the only one who’s late, Thorne notes, since Clarke was supposed to be there an hour ago with a surprise for Alexandria. Sally tells them not to worry about that, since they’ll save cake for the latecomers. The cake comes out and everyone gathers to sing “Happy Birthday” to Alexandria, as Darla tells “Allie” to blow out the candles. Everyone puts on red clown noses, and Darla asks Eric to cut the cake. As Eric does the honors, Alexandria thanks him for her pretty party dress. Eric tells her that it’s pretty because he made it for his perfect little granddaughter. Darla looks on joyfully as Allie takes Uncle Ridge a piece of cake and sits on his lap.

Darla has warm words for the family.

Thorne then gathers everyone together, since his wife has something to say. Darla thanks them all for making today so special. She’s proud to be part of this special family, since she never had a family growing up. But then, this beautiful, amazing woman - she takes Sally’s hand - took her into her family and her heart. Then, when she got married, her husband’s amazing mother - she looks to Stephanie - took her into her heart, as well. She feels so lucky to have Thorne and Alexandria, as well as her two “mothers” - Sally, who taught her to be tough, but compassionate, and Stephanie, who taught her about dignity and self-respect. Thanks to them, she feels worthy of the love she’s found in this extended family, and she loves them all more than words can say. Darla stoops between Sally and Stephanie and tells Thomas to capture the moment on video.

A lost Phoebe calls her mom for help.

Back in Bel Air, Taylor is looking at a photo of her and Ridge, asking herself, “Why, Ridge?” Just then, Phoebe calls from the car; she’s on the way to the party, but she thinks she missed her turn on the foggy Pacific Coast Highway. Taylor asks if she recognizes any landmarks; Phoebe says she passed the restaurant Darla likes about a mile back. Then she went too far, Taylor says. Phoebe wants to turn around, but Taylor thinks that’s too dangerous on PCH and tells Phoebe to come home. Phoebe thinks she’ll be fine now that she knows where she is. She promises to be careful and tells Taylor she’ll call when she gets to Uncle Thorne’s house. Taylor protests, but Phoebe hangs up. Taylor drops the phone on the table and picks up the photo of her and Ridge; she looks at the photo, and then at a wine bottle across the room with a glass next to it.