Wednesday, April 11, 2007, Episode #5036

Bridget wonders if her mom is sure about her decision to resign.

At Forrester Originals, Brooke tells Bridget she's decided to resign from Forrester Originals. Bridget asks her mom if she's sure, because she knows what Brooke's career means to her, and because she knows Broke loved Ridge. Brooke admits she loved Ridge, but that love drained from her when Ridge hit Rick. Bridget guesses that this decision has nothing to do with working with Ridge and everything to with Nick. Brooke confirms that she needs Nick to see that she's really done with Ridge, but Nick will never see that if she keeps working here. She really wants to be with Nick, so she has to do this.

Taylor gives Nick her opinion of Brooke's decision to resign.

Taylor arrives at Forrester Creations and finds Nick on the phone, fielding questions about Brooke's resignation. He suggests the reporter call Forrester Originals to find out what's going on at that company. Taylor asks if she heard rights that Brooke is resigning. So rumor has it, Nick states. Taylor immediately sees this decision as a sign of Brooke's unhealthy obsession with Nick, where Brooke does anything to get what she wants, no matter who gets hurt. Nick tells her to forget that ridiculousness for a bit and kiss him. Taylor warns that he should be on his guard, but she still kisses him. After a couple of minutes, Nick pulls away from the passionate kiss and offers to lock the door, but Taylor has something else in mind. She invites him to dinner at her place, since they might have reason to celebrate. Nick asks what they'll be celebrating; Taylor tells him that she bought a home pregnancy test kit, so she wants him to stand by and wait while she takes the test. She asks Nick if he'll do that for her; Nick says he'd do anything for her.

Ashley thinks about what happened last night.

Ashley is alone in Eric's office at Forrester Originals. She calls Rick to talk about what happened last night. Rick tells her he's just arriving for the meeting with his mom, so he suggests they talk after that. Ashley agrees and hangs up just as Ridge enters; he asks Ash if she's there for the meeting Brooke called. Ashley says she is and asks if it's true that Brooke wants to resign. Ridge says he'd normally never expect anything like that, but now... But now everything has changed after what happened with Rick, Ashley surmises. Ridge thanks her for putting his hitting Rick in such kind terms. She asks if he'd hit Rick again in the same situation. Ridge admits he probably would. Even so, Ashley knows how much time and money Brooke has invested in this company, so she wonders what it means that Brooke would even consider walking away from that. "It means I've lost her," Ridge laments.

Thorne and Felicia consider the impacts to the company if Brooke resigns.

Eric, Stephanie, Thorne, Felicia and Rick join Ridge and Ashley. All the Forresters but Stephanie fret that losing Brooke would be a massive blow to their new company, but La Forrester thinks they can survive, no matter what Brooke has done for them. Ridge insists that they all need Brooke - and more importantly, he needs her. Stephanie tells him not to worry, because she's sure Brooke will never cut a tie like this company that binds her to him. Brooke and Bridget arrive. Ridge immediately urges her not to let their personal problems get in the way, because she's still an important part of this company. Eric agrees, pointing out that Brooke is their spokesperson. Brooke suggests that Phoebe is ready to take that role from her, but Ridge thinks that may be a big responsibility for his daughter. Thorne and Felicia point out that they took a hit in the press when the wedding didn't happen. Brooke admits she feels responsible for that; even though the others tell her not to dwell on it. Stephanie suggests that they move on.

Eric tells Brooke that she doesn't have to resign.

Eric again tells Brooke that she doesn't have to do this, but Brooke tells him that her mind is made up. She goes around the room and says her goodbyes. She thanks Ashley for joining them, confident that Ms. Abbott will be a huge asset to this company. She hugs Felicia, who playfully tells Brooke not to get sentimental on her and teases about having to send wedding gifts back to places like Morocco. She says goodbye to Thorne, who praises her for always doing the heavy lifting when they needed it. She then looks to Rick, announcing to the others that Rick has decided to stay at the company, even if she's leaving. Rick confirms that he's staying, but he doesn't think it will be the same here without his mom. Brooke then turns to Eric and thanks him for always being there; she calls him the heart and soul of this company, which is why she respects him more than anyone else in this business, and she hands him an envelope (presumably with her stock in the company). Of course, she has no goodbye wishes for Stephanie. That leaves Ridge; Brooke simply looks at her former soulmate for a moment and then leaves.

Rick talks with Ashley about the kiss.

Ashley goes down to the lab and Rick follows. She asks Rick if he's OK. He admits all the changes of the last year have been hard. Ashley says she understands and then changes the subject to the kiss. Rick admits that he still has feelings for her, so he's be tempted to kiss her again if the change arose. But he doesn't think he could go through with it, since he'd feel like he's cheating on Phoebe. Ashley asks if he's OK not having sex with Phoebe. Rick says he can do it for Phoebe, but Ashley asks him to consider the effect of the stress of his relationship with Phoebe on everyone else, including her. Rick says that he loves Phoebe. Ashley reminds him how he told her in Paris about how Amber took his childhood from him and advises that falling for Phoebe won't help him relive what he missed. She knows what she shared with him in Paris was real, but it was only scratching the surface. She teases that she misses his long hair and hopes Phoebe realizes how lucky she is to have him. Rick thanks her. Ashley feels like she's going to cry, so she asks Rick to leave.

Ridge asks Brooke if they can save what they shared.

Ridge finds Brooke packing her things and asks if they can have one last dance to "Unforgettable", or maybe one more roll on the couch. Brooke asks him not to do this. Ridge asks if they can please talk about this, since there must be something he can do to save what they shared. There isn't, Brooke tells him. Ridge reminds her how he kept waiting and hoping that they would find each other again when she married Nick, because he believed in them. But he won't be able to wait anymore if she walks out of this building today, since he'll have to move on. He pleads one more time for her not to do this. "It's already done," she laments. After Ridge leaves, Stephanie makes her way in and asks if she'll finally be lucky enough to be rid of Brooke for good. Brooke tells Stephanie to take her sick mind elsewhere, but Stephanie asks how hitting Ridge justified Brooke just dumping him and running straight to Nick. Brooke laments that she put up with so much abuse from La Forrester just for loving Ridge. She has no interest in trading barbs with Stephanie, so she says she'll leave now and send for the rest of her things. She tells Stephanie that all she ever wanted was Stephanie's acceptance. Stephanie doesn't think that would ever happen, but she's glad that Brooke's obsession with Ridge is finally over. She just hopes that Brooke will prove she's done with this family by staying away. She also warns Brooke, "Remember, Taylor is very important to me." Brooke replies that if things go as she hopes, Stephanie will have her precious Taylor back. She then bids Stephanie goodbye and leaves.

Ridge stops by the lab to thank Ashley for their little chat yesterday. He teases that she had a chance to take full advantage of him while they were locked in that closet. Ash says she'll remember that next time they are locked up together. Ridge recalls what she said yesterday about endings becoming new beginnings. Ashley says they're both standing there at new beginnings, which show up when they least expect them. Ridge agrees with that sentiment and leans in to kiss Ashley!