Friday, June 16, 2006, Episode #4831

Stephen tries to warn Nick.

At Marone Enterprises, Nick still objects to Brooke "prancing around in her skivvies," but she assures him that the sexy and provocative side is just part of what she does. She promises to bring back some of the designs so they can have some fun of their own. She gives him a kiss and tells him that she saved him a seat next to Bridget. She asks if he's sure he's OK with this. Maybe not, he says, kissing her again. After Brooke leaves, Stephen drops by, worried that Nick is so complacent as to let Brooke go to Forrester alone. Stephen is sure Ridge has something up his sleeve. Nick contends that Ridge being up to something will only make it clearer to Brooke that she can't work with Ridge. Stephen asks if that means Nick's asking Brooke to quit again. Nick replies that he didn't say that, but this will be the last time Ridge and Brooke are together on that runway. Stephen still doesn't like it. Then it's good that Stephen doesn't have a ticket, Nick quips. Stephen says it doesn't matter, as he has other plans.

Eric and Stephanie praise Ridge's efforts.

In the Forrester showroom, Eric and Stephanie admire all the work Ridge has put into this show. Ridge thanks them and hopes it has a similar impact on Brooke. Eric asks Ridge if that means he's hoping to use this show to win back Brooke. Ridge says he's counting on it. Stephanie tells a skeptical Eric that Ridge has a plan. Ridge then tells Eric about his plan to sweep Brooke off her feet with a kiss like none ever seen on a runway, one that will be the "kiss of death" for Nick and Brooke. Speaking of Brooke, Stephanie points out that their CEO is here. Ridge approaches Brooke and tell her they are "a go for relaunch." Brooke credits that to his work on the designs and the theme. Stephanie comes over and agrees. Ridge says it was a labor of love to create a show that no one will ever forget. Thorne and Eric tells everyone to take their places so they can let the press in.

Felicia and Dante bond backstage with his family.

Backstage, Felicia brings the Damianos to find Dante, who is adjusting an outfit on a model. Dante's family praises his work. If they think this is impressive, Felicia boasts, just wait until she and Dante get married in this very room. Bridget comes in and overhears that comment; she and Dante gaze at each other before she goes to find her mom. Bridget finds Brooke and wishes her luck. She also tells Brooke to forget what they talked about earlier about Dante, since it doesn't look like that will work out. Brooke asks what happened; Bridget says she'll explain later just as Eric comes over with a question for Brooke. As Eric ushers Brooke away, Dante asks Bridget to talk. They go behind a clothes rack, where Bridget again tells Dante that she can't take him away from her sister, the mother of his child. Dante responds, "I can't marry her if I'm in love with you. How can I?" Just then, Eric asks Felicia where Dante is; Felicia offers to find him just as someone wheels away the clothes rack that Bridget and Dante are behind. Felicia sees her sister and her fiancee standing close, involved in a deep and intense conversation.

Nick tells Ridge not to get his hopes up.

Nick arrives backstage and asks Ridge where Brooke is. Ridge tells Nick that only Forrester personnel should be back here with the show about to start. Nick thinks Ridge is so proud of himself, having engineered this chance to get off by having Brooke dress in Ridge's underwear; he warns Ridge that this is just a job to Brooke and vows that this will be the last time Brooke walks down that runway. "If you're lost, I'll have someone escort you to your seat," Ridge retorts, walking off. Nick follows and says that he still wants to talk to Brooke. Ridge advises Nick not to let his insecurities ruin Brooke's big day. Nick says he's not insecure over a fashion show. Ridge then shows Nick the program for the show. Seeing the "It Begins With a Kiss" title, Nick responds, "You really do make dresses, don't you?" before dropping the program and walking off.

Jackie wonders what Stephen hopes to find.

Stephen goes to the CEO's office and starts looking around for a clue of what the Forresters are up to. Stephanie comes in and asks what he's doing here. He says this is his daughter's office, but she counters that Brooke wants nothing to do with him. He argues that she and his family are the ones Brooke should be suspicious of, not him. He boasts that they can't do anything to break up Brooke and Nick. Then why is he here? she asks, telling him to keep looking while she tends to her fashion show. After Stephanie leaves, Jackie arrives, curious as to why Stephen asked her here. He explains his fears that Ridge is planning something. Then why isn't he in the showroom? Jackie asks. Stephen responds that he's not welcome, which is why he has to find some clue here of how the Forresters plan to manipulate his daughter. Jackie doesn't know what Stephanie can do. Stephen reminds her of what Stephanie has done in the past, so Jackie joins him in the search.

Bridget is taken aback by Felicia's comment.

In the showroom, Bridget finds her seat next to Felicia. Bridget says this seems so exciting, but Felicia seems distracted. Felicia then apologizes; she knows today is Bridget's mom to day to shine, but she was just thinking about how this room will look when she marries Dante. Bridget is silent; Felicia looks to see her sister's reaction as she flashes back to the intense moment she saw earlier between Bridge and Dante.

Backstage, Brooke and Ridge give a pep talk to the staff before the show begins. After everyone applauds, Ridge tells them it's showtime. As Brooke gets an outfit off one of the racks, Nick finds her and gives her a quick "good luck" kiss. Half joking, he tells her to remind Ridge that he'll kill him if Ridge tries anything. Brooke says she will as Nick goes to find his seat. Ridge then finds Brooke and tells her how great she looks. He especially wants to check her lips, since everything is riding on them. "It begins with a kiss," Brooke quotes from the title. That's right, Ridge replies. Meanwhile, Nick finds his seat next to Bridget as Stephanie's voice on the P.A. system introduces Ridge and Brooke, who take to the runway. Smarmy reporter Jarrett says it's a pleasure to see them in charge. Ridge replies that Brooke is the heart and soul of Forrester, and she's today bringing back one of their most successful lines. He holds her hand in the air and tells the crowd that like all great love stories, "it begins with a kiss." Ridge and Brooke then leave the runway as graphics of the "Forrester Creations," "Brooke's Bedroom" and "It Begins With a Kiss" logos are flashed on stage. Backstage, Brooke puts on some makeup as the first set of models take to the runway. The crowd loves it, Stephanie tells Brooke, almost as much as Ridge loves Brooke. Brooke tells Stephanie to stop; Stephanie mimics her and asks Brooke to come back here, where she belongs. She urges Brooke to enjoy her homecoming and moment of triumph. The two women smile at each other.

In the audience, Bridget asks Nick what he thinks. She sees he's bothered and guesses the introduction disturbed him. She tells him not to worry, as that was just her mom putting on a show. Nick admits he doesn't like this. He intends to tell Brooke that he doesn't want her involved with this company, and he won't take 'no' for an answer.

In the CEO's office, Stephen and Jackie search as they view the show on the monitor. Jackie finds a copy of the program, which says that Brooke will model the showstopper. Stephen asks if that's where the designer and models are on stage together. That's right, Jackie replies; it's like a victory lap. Stephen realizes that Ridge intends to make his move when he's with Brooke in their moment of triumph.