Wednesday, October 25, 2006, Episode #4922

Felicia and Dante try to understand how Dante fathered Bridget's baby.

At Bridget's beach house, Felicia is stunned at the news that Bridget is having Dante's child. Dante asks Bridget about the home pregnancy test she took when they were still together. Bridget explains that she took that test too soon. Felicia asks how far along Bridget is; near the end of her first trimester, Bridget replies. Felicia quips that Bridget kept this baby in the family - except this time, it's in HER family! She asks Eric if he's here to play referee. Eric admits that he knew about the baby's paternity. Felicia takes his hiding that from her as a sign of which daughter he favors, but Eric asks her to listen to Bridget. Felicia retorts that she has listened to Bridget, especially when Bridget tells her the opposite of what she said the day before. Bridget assures Felicia that this wasn't intentional; Felicia argues that Bridget always says that, and this time, she even busted up her own mother's marriage by mistake. Bridget insists that this doesn't have to change anything for Dante and Felicia. Felicia hopes Bridget isn't thinking she's feeling threatened right now, because she isn't. She argues that Bridget can't turn their lives upside-down anymore, since Dante knows that his future is with her!

Eric tries to help Bridget explain.

Felicia invites Dante to jump in any time. Dante admits he once wanted a family with Bridget more than anything. He can't believe that it's happening now, yet Bridget has to go through it alone. Eric tells him that Bridget will never be alone. Of course not, Dante agrees, since he intends to be there for his child, just as he's been there for Dino. But he's also sorry. He tells Bridget that the time they shared was amazing, but that time is gone now, because his life is with Felicia now. Bridget tells Dante that she always wanted the best for him, but things between them just weren't quite right. Dante thanks her for saying that. He then turns to Felicia and asks if she heard what her sister said. He knows Felicia has been through so much, fighting death, sickness and even him disappointing her. But he promises her that she'll never go through that again, because he loves her. Felicia says, "I love you," as she leans in to hug and kiss him. That said, Eric asks Felicia if everything is settled. Felicia thinks it is; she laughs that having a baby might even help Bridget grow up, since it worked for her. Bridget promises to keep that in mind. Felicia then suggests that Bridget and Eric have some of the bundt cake that Bridget made for dessert, although Bridget might have to watch their dad's blood sugar. Felicia and Dante then leave; Eric tells Bridget to forget about his blood sugar and offers her some cake. She motions with her fingers that she'll have a small piece, but then motions for a bigger one. Eric tells her that she did good and he's proud of her.

At the Cafe Russe, Nick asks Brooke how they can fix their marriage if he's not around. Brooke thanks him for tonight. She really believes that he heard what she said and understands what she needs. But at the same time, she doesn't want him to come home with her tonight. What about the kids? Nick asks. Brooke answers that she can't put the kids through another disappointment. Nick responds that he won't disappoint her; he promises to do anything to prove that. Brooke reminds him that she gave him her heart, yet he hurt her in the worst possible way. She doesn't want to rehash any of that, but she's just not ready to take him back yet. Nick asks if he'll hear from her tomorrow. Brooke promises to call him soon and leaves.

Stephanie tells Jackie to take her filth and her son and get lost!

At Taylor's house, Jackie fumes that Stephanie slapped her. Stephanie tells Jackie to take her vile mouth and mind back to the gutters, but Jackie again accuses Stephanie of lusting after her own son! Stephanie refuses to listen to this filth and orders Jackie to leave, but Jackie says she'll only leave if Stephanie gets out of Nick's life and leaves Nick and Brooke alone! Stephanie argues that Brooke is leaving Nick because Jackie never taught Nick that some things just can't be forgiven. That's for Brooke to decide, Jackie counters. Stephanie tells Jackie that there are plenty of women besides Brooke, so she suggests that Nick find someone else to marry and to betray. Jackie insists that Nick loves Brooke, but Stephanie thinks Brooke just wanted someone to care for her. Jackie thinks it's sad that Stephanie doesn't know what it's like to really love someone. "Like you did?" Stephanie asks. Jackie points out that Stephanie hates Brooke. That doesn't matter, Stephanie replies, as long as Ridge is happy. Jackie recalls Stephanie's fake heart attack and points to that as the source of Ridge and Taylor's break-up, and even of Darla's death. She wonders if Stephanie feels any responsibility. Stephanie says she has her family's forgiveness. Jackie accuses La Forrester of only wanting Brooke with Ridge as a way to get Forrester back. Stephanie admits that she is planning for the next generation in ways Jackie can't even suspect. She has Eric and Ridge will have Brooke, so she suggests that Jackie take her son and her well-maintained accent back to Seattle, or whatever hell-hole she crawled out of. Or what? Jackie asks. Stephanie warns Jackie not to test her.

Nick sees the mark where Stephanie slapped his mother.

Jackie leaves Taylor's house and heads for the Shady Marlin, where Nick has just returned. She takes his being there as a sign that things didn't go well with Brooke. He tells her that he and Brooke cleared some things up, but Brooke still needs time to think. Jackie thinks that's good, but Nick can't help but wonder if he's any good at this "husband" thing. Jackie advises him to do whatever it takes to get Brooke back quickly, before Stephanie can marry Brooke back into the Forrester family and reclaim Forrester Creations. She tells Nick that she never saw Stephanie as abusive as she was tonight. Nick tells his mom that Brooke doesn't listen to Stephanie any more, and he doesn't think Jackie should either. He then notices the red mark on Jackie's cheek, from where Stephanie slapped her. Jackie explains that she made a remark that Stephanie didn't like. Even so, Nick is stunned that Stephanie would hit his mother. She's out of control, Jackie states. An angry Nick storms off the boat, despite Jackie calling for him not to go.

An angry Nick confronts Stephanie.

Nick dashes over to the Taylor's house, where he pushes his way in and tells Stephanie to stay away from him mother! Stephanie asks if he's kidding. "You hit my mother!" Nick argues, but Stephanie insists that Jackie pushed her too far. She doesn't even know why Jackie was there. Nick accuses Stephanie of trying to push him, by slapping his mother and by filling his wife's ears with poison. Stephanie tells Nick to get a hold of himself, but he tells her that he believes in justice at sea, between him and God; he assures her that he has no problem answering to God for making her pay for what she's done to him. Stephanie argues that he lost Brooke not because of her, but because of what he did. Nick warns her not to cross the line again, or he'll make sure she loses everything she holds dear. He then storms out, slamming the door behind him.

Ridge promises Brooke he won't repeat his past mistakes.

Brooke comes home just as Ridge comes downstairs. He tells her that he came by to say goodnight to the kids and just put them to bed. Brooke asks where Catherine is; Ridge replies that Catherine thought he was there to relieve her, so he did just that. He asks Brooke how dinner with Nick was; fine, she replies. Ridge is glad to see her happy and promises not to pry, because he has faith in her - and in their relationship. Brooke tells him that she took Nick out to dinner to set him straight about a few things, so she may as well have a similar conversation with Ridge right now. Ridge promises not to repeat his past mistakes, but Brooke warns him that she'll never play second fiddle to any other woman in his life. Ridge asks when he has done that in the past; she reminds him that he did it with Caroline, with Taylor, and especially with his mother. Ridge confesses that he cleared everything but Brooke in his life, and there is no backup plan. What about Donna? Brooke asks. Ridge tells her that her sister has always known where he stood. He notes that he still sees the same look in Brooke's eyes as he did when they first met. Brooke tells him that she's not the same woman, so she needs more from him. Ridge points out that he has changed, too, but the love between them hasn't. They're stronger and smarter now, he says, so they can finally be happy. Brooke wants to believe that. Ridge asks how he can convince her; she tells him to come back tomorrow night at 6 PM, after work. She'll have an answer for him then. Ridge says goodnight and gives her a goodbye kiss before leaving.