Friday, June 30, 2006, Episode #4841

Nick worries about Brooke posing in lingerie.

In Nick's office at Marone, Brooke and Nick share a kiss before Nick offers Brooke some donuts. Brooke declines, as she has the Brooke's Bedroom photo shoot today. Nick still frets about her having to stand there in her underwear for the whole world to see, especially since it means she has to work with Ridge. She reminds him that she said her goodbyes to Ridge last night. But what if Ridge changed his mind? Nick asks. Brooke assures him that there won't be any "strike three" coming between them, especially not from Ridge. Nick suggests they forget the wedding announcements and just go find a Justice of the Peace right now; he says they can even use the donuts as wedding cake. Brooke says they can't do that, since he already sent the announcements out. Besides, she has a special surprise as to where she wants to have the wedding. Nick asks what she's planning, but she says she has to do; she promises to be careful, blows Nick a kiss and leaves.

Jackie questions the choices Nick is going to offer Brooke.

Later, Admiral Perkins drops in to tell Nick that their ships are having problems getting to ports. Nick promises to look into it just as Jackie arrives. As the Admiral excuses himself, Nick asks his mom what brings her by. His wedding announcement, she answers, holding hers up. She didn't think he'd send these out until his divorce was final. Nick explains that Bridget is now happy with Dante, so they moved ahead with the divorce. Pleased, Jackie asks for details about the wedding. Nick tells her that Brooke has a surprise, but she wouldn't show him until her photo shoot - a shoot he's not happy about. Jackie reminds him that the fashion world is buzzing about the relaunch of the Brooke's Bedroom line, but Nick thinks he can do without the buzz, especially since he still doesn't trust Ridge or Stephanie. Jackie asks what either of them can do when Brooke has made her feelings clear. Nick isn't sure, but he knows that Stephanie always has something up her sleeve; that's why he told Brooke they have two strikes against them, and he won't allow a third. Jackie points out that this isn't a baseball game. Nick knows that, but he also knows that he can't stand by trying to protect Brooke when she keeps forgiving Ridge or Stephanie for abusing her over and over. That's why he'll lay down the law with Brooke after the wedding: either she fires the Forresters or she quits! Jackie doesn't think Brooke will like that choice, but Nick says it's for her own good. He can deal with Brooke modeling clothes there, but thinking of her modeling lingerie makes him sick.

Thorne talks with Ridge about Brooke.

At Forrester, Thorne finds Ridge after a workout and asks if it's too soon for that after Ridge's surgery. Ridge says Christian said it was OK if he didn't overdo it, and he needs this to get his mind off Logan. Thorne says he heard about last night's dinner with Brooke from their mom. Ridge laments that he had it all and let it go. Thorne asks if that means he's giving up. Ridge says that Brooke made her feelings clear, so there is nothing he nor anyone can do now, even though he knows Nick can never make Brooke happier than he could. Thorne asks if Brooke needs to learn that for herself. Ridge points out how Nick wants to rein Brooke in, because Nick doesn't understand Brooke's independence. Thorne suggests that Nick thinks Brooke needs some reining in, but Ridge says it's not right. Then why is he giving up and waiting for Brooke to see that she wants him? Thorne asks Ridge. Ridge says he has no choice but to be there when Brooke decides to come back to him.

Stephanie tells Massimo that her plan will bring the end for Nick and Brooke.

Massimo drops by the studio as Stephanie works with their photographer, Brio, to prepare for the shoot. Mass asks Stephanie what she's up to, especially since Brooke has made her choice. He thinks even Ridge sees that Brooke wants to be with Dominick. Stephanie says that Ridge is only trying to do right by Brooke, who is marrying Nick out of guilt over taking Nick from Bridget. They only need to find a way to make Nick see that, so he'll walk away. Mass asks what a fashion shoot has to do with that. She tells him about Nick's ultimatum to Brooke, that it'll be over if there's a third strike called against them. She thinks Nick doesn't really understand Brooke, and she plans to use that photo shoot to prove that. That will deliver strike three, and Brooke and Nick's relationship will be over.

Brooke enjoys posing.

After Massimo leaves, Brooke arrives and asks where Ridge is. Stephanie says that Ridge is keeping his distance to honor Brooke's request, even though he loves Brooke dearly. Brooke says she's made her choice and wants to get started. As she takes off her robe and reveals a black lace teddy, Ridge arrives and asks if there's room for one more admirer. Of course, Brooke says as she and Brio get to work. Brio snaps shots of Brooke in several outfits as Stephanie watches and thinks, "This is great, but the best is yet to come." After Brooke models the showstopper (minus the headband veil) and then a blue teddy, she seems to be enjoying herself.

Ridge tells Massimo how he still feels about Brooke.

When Brio suggests they take a break, Ridge walks over to Brooke, who raves that she forgot how much fun this was. Ridge tells her that she did great, but he as to get back to work. Brooke thanks him for being so understanding. Ridge says that he understands one thing: that there never ever will be anyone else for him. He lightly touches her chin and leaves. Ridge then returns to the CEO's office and winds Massimo there. Mass says he heard about the wedding and still thinks Brooke is marrying the wrong man, except she's too stubborn to see it. He tells Ridge, "You two are meant for each other, so keep the faith, son, and be strong."

When Brooke and Brio review the photos on the computer, Stephanie suggests an idea that she knows no one would expect from her, but she thinks it would capture of the essence of Brooke's Bedroom: what if Brooke posed in the nude. Brio thinks about it and says it's a brilliant idea. Brooke is hesitant, but Stephanie assures her that it would all be tastefully done. She thinks it would generate a lot of talk that would let them take the market by storm. She asks Brooke if she thinks it's too much. Brooke agrees that buzz is good for business, like the runway kiss was, but she's still not sure. Stephanie asks if that's because Nick wouldn't approve. Brooke considers it and thinks she'll try a few shots and then decide whether they should use them. Pleased, Brio says she'll go set up. Stephanie tells Brooke to trust her instincts, which have never failed her in selling her image. Brooke starts to warm to the idea and takes off her clothes, posing with only some strategically place fabric on her. Stephanie watches and says it's really striking, and she can see that Brooke is having a good time. Just them, Ridge returns. Stephanie tells him her idea, since she thought it would make a splash. Ridge says she was right and has just the slogan to go with the photos: "Brooke's Bedroom - or nothing at all." Stephanie approves.