Monday, October 02, 2006, Episode #4905

Shane tries to reassure Phoebe.
A shirtless Shane is by Taylor's pool, flexing his injured hand, when Phoebe brings him breakfast. She tries to leave after setting down the tray, but Shane sees her rushing off and asks her to wait. He assures her that she has nothing to fear from him. Phoebe reminds him that what he knows can send her and her mother to jail, but Shane promises not to let that happen. Phoebe asks why he would take a job as their gardener and not tell them who he is. Shane tells her that he just wants to be her friend. Phoebe thinks that was a bizarre way to befriend her. Shane suggests that she or her mother would have slammed the door on him if he looked like he did the night Darla died. And had he told then what he knows from the beginning, they would have gotten all paranoid, like Phoebe is now. That's why he wanted them to get to know him first. He assures Phoebe that he just wants to be a part of her life. Phoebe says she has to go, since her grandmother is coming over to make plans for her eighteenth birthday party. After Phoebe leaves, Shane fantasizes about being with Phoebe after she turns eighteen. In the fantasy, he suggests that he show her how to have some fun. Phoebe tells him that she wants to make some grown-up decisions, and she doesn't want him to leave. She then kisses him. Back in reality, the prospect of the fantasy makes Shane smile.

Taylor tells Stephanie that Shane knows about Darla's death.
At the Bel Air mansion, Taylor and Hector argue about Shane. Taylor points out that Phoebe feels guilty about hurting Shane, who hasn't threatened her at all. Hector thinks that's just Shane's way of worming his way into Taylor's life. Stephanie arrives to make plans for Phoebe's 18th birthday and is surprised to see Hector there; she makes a point of telling Hector how close Thorne and Taylor are becoming. Hector thanks her for the information but thinks they have bigger things to worry about - like Taylor's gardener, Shane McGrath, knowing how Darla died! Stephanie asks how that can be, so Taylor and Hector explain how Shane was the homeless man who frightened Phoebe that night. Stephanie fears that Shane wants to blackmail them and prays they can find a way to pay Shane off, or they're all going to jail!

Hector tells Stephanie about Shane's criminal record.
Taylor explains that she wants to trust Shane. Hector then tells Stephanie about the background check he ran, and about Shane's brushes with the law. Taylor reminds Hector that Shane had an explanation for that, but Hector is still skeptical. Having learned about Shane's past, Stephanie agrees with Hector and thinks they have to find a way to "neutralize" Shane. Unseen by any of them, Shane enters the room at just that moment and overhears. Taylor says that she'd love to discuss this more, but she has to take Hector to the doctor. Stephanie says that she'll stay here to talk to Phoebe about plans for the birthday party. Once Hector and Taylor leave, Shane comes out and introduces himself as the man Stephanie wants to "neutralize." So he's Mr. McGrath, Stephanie observes, asking him just what he wants.

Nick tries to reassure Bridget.
At the hospital, Nick tells Bridget that they have no choice but to tell Brooke about the baby. Bridget is torn; she knows this could tear his marriage apart, but she's going to be a mother again. Bridget asks Nick if it's wrong to be happy about this child; he replies that it's natural, since the birth of a child is a beautiful thing. Bridget doubts her mother will see that way, but Nick thinks Brooke might surprise them. He explains to Bridget how he and Brooke talked about children, and Brooke decided that she doesn't want any more children. Bridget reminds him that this baby could cost him his marriage, but Nick hopes they can make some kind of arrangement that suits everyone. Bridget is unsure, but Nick doesn't think they have any choice. One thing he wants to be clear about is that he won't lose Brooke over this! Bridget can't see her mother accepting this situation, but Nick thinks they have to find a way to make Brooke accept it. Bridget doesn't see Brooke accepting the idea that her own daughter is pregnant with her husband's child. Nick suggests that they be positive about this: even though a mistake led to it, they are going to be parents. He chooses to believe that Brooke knows how much he wants to be a father, and she knows how much he loves her, so he really thinks Brooke can accept this. OK, Bridget agrees. Nick hugs her and says they'll have to make this work.

Bridget prays that Nick can get through to her mother.
Bridget is still skeptical. Nick reminds her that Brooke hasn't led the most conventional life, so if anyone can accept this, it's Brooke. He suggests they get the ball rolling by telling Brooke; Bridget asks if he wants her to come along, but Nick thinks this is something he needs to do alone. After Nick leaves, Bridget flashes back to when Nicole was stillborn; she cries as she vows that the same thing won't happen with this baby. She just prays that Nick can find a way to convince her mother that this isn't the end of the world.

Jackie is disappointed by what Brooke tells her.
In Brooke's office at Forrester, Jackie drops in, having heard from Eric that Brooke and Nick renewed their vows. She's pleased that Brooke and Nick are so happy and wonders when she can expect her first grandchild. Brooke is sorry to disappoint Jackie, but she fears that's not going to happen. She explains to Jackie that she and Nick discussed having children, and they agreed that Brooke has enough going on with Hope and RJ. That's why they decided not to have a child of their own. Disappointed, Jackie reminds Brooke how much Nick wants to be a father. Jackie offers to pitch in if Brooke needs help with Hope or RJ, but Brooke says that she and Nick have made up their minds. Jackie wonders if Brooke has made up her mind, and Nick is just going along with her decision. When she thinks about how Nick felt when he lost Nicole. Brooke says that having a child with Nick will not replace Nicole in Nick's heart. But Nick helping her raise Hope will fulfill Nick's needs, and that's something they decided on together. Jackie hopes Brooke might change her mind, but Brooke doesn't see that happening.

Brooke asks Nick what he's trying to tell her.
Nick arrives just as Brooke tells Jackie that she doesn't want another child. He stands in the door with a worried look on his face. Jackie sees him and tells him that they were just talking about him. Brooke asks Nick to tell his mother that they both agreed not to have a child of their own. Jackie assures Nick that she's not interfering, but she knows how disappointed he must be. Nick asks his mother if he can have some time alone with his wife, so Jackie excuses herself. Brooke then asks Nick what's up. He says that he has something to tell her. Brooke responds that she has a meeting, but she can cancel if she has to. She asks Nick if something's wrong. He replies that there might be, but he thinks she might think it's wonderful, depending on how she looks at it. Brooke promises to do her best. Nick tells her that life sometimes throws them curve-balls, especially when the unexpected happens. It seems frightening at first, but some good might come out of it, so it's best to face those fears head on. If they do that, their fears might turn out to be blessings. Brooke tells Nick that he's making her nervous now with what he's saying. Nick asks her to remember how much they love each other, and to think about the life they're building for her children. Confused, Brooke asks Nick what he's trying to tell her.