Wednesday, January 17, 2007, Episode 4978

Jackie and Bridget learn that Nick's marriage to Brooke is over.

Bridget stops by Forrester Creations to see Nick; he tells her that she looks beautiful, although he wonders what her family would think of her consorting with the enemy. Bridget replies that she doesn't see him as an enemy, even though things would be simpler if she could. She thinks her family's exposing his mother's past was wrong, although seeing him behind her father's desk seems just as wrong. Nick then gets a call from his lawyer; he explains that he's waiting for Brooke to sign the papers. Bridget takes that to mean he's going through with the divorce. She's surprised, since her mom told her that he was the one dragging his feet. Nick confirms that he was, until he went into therapy with Taylor. He thinks he was as shocked as anyone to find answers just by talking to Taylor. He sees now that he wanted to take care of everyone all his life, when the truth was that he couldn't protect anyone - especially her mother or his from Ridge and Stephanie. Bridget says she's sorry, since she knows he loved her mom. She's just sorry that it has to end for him this way, although she's relieved that he's able to end the marriage and move on. Jackie comes in; having heard Bridget say that Nick's marriage is over, she tells her son that it couldn't be easy for him to end that beautiful era in his life. Bridget tells Jackie that she's sorry for the way Stephanie exposed Jackie's past; she laments that her parents might be running this company right now if Stephanie hadn't interfered. But she didn't come here to plead anyone's case. She just wanted to check in to see how Nick was doing.

Nick is done riding on white horses.

Bridget asks Jackie how her headaches have been; she's sorry to heart that the pains still come and go. Jackie notes that she heard about Alexandria from Nick; she asks Bridget if Thorne and Taylor will postpone their nuptials tomorrow because of Aly's confusion. Bridget doesn't think they will, since her whole family is rallying to give Aly the love and support she needs. Jackie still wonders if it's wise to proceed with the wedding. Nick chimes in that Thorne and Taylor should think about why they're getting married; Jackie explains that Nick thinks Taylor is marrying Thorne out of guilt. Bridget actually agrees; she knows Thorne and Taylor love each other, but she thinks they're getting married for the wrong reasons. She didn't want to say anything because of what Aly's going through, but she can't help but wonder if this wedding was meant to be. Bridget then asks Nick to walk her to her car. When Nick returns, Jackie tells him that she's sorry that his marriage to Brooke is over. "Things change," Nick remarks. Jackie wonders if that's why Taylor came into his life. She asks if he spoke to Taylor about Thorne. Nick says he tried, but Taylor won't listen. Jackie thinks he has to do more than just talk, since he shares a special bond with Taylor. She urges him to do something before Taylor marries Thorne. Nick responds that he's done riding in on white horses; he tried, but he hasn't been able to find any happy endings. Jackie presses him to stop Taylor's wedding before it's too late. He replies, "If Taylor and Thorne are meant to be married, then so be it." He won't be the one to come between them.

Ridge asks Taylor about Brooke's suspicions.

Taylor is at home, staring at the crystal globe Nick gave her on New Year's Eve. She recalls Nick telling her that it's wrong for her to marry Thorne out of guilt. Ridge drops by; seeing Taylor deep in thought, he guesses that she's thinking about her wedding tomorrow. Taylor reminds him that her wedding plans are still up in the air. Ridge tells her that he's sorry, as he had no idea that Hope knew how Darla was killed. Taylor just wishes Aly had heard about it from her. She knows Aly is confused now, but she's sure the little girl will come around in time, and then she and Thorne can have their wedding.Ridge notes that there isn't a lot of time to work this out. Taylor tells him that she and Thorne will postpone the wedding if necessary, although Thorne hopes they won't have to. She's just glad that the whole family has stepped up to be there for Aly, who needs their love and support now. Ridge hopes that's the only reason she'd postpone the wedding. Taylor gives him a puzzled look, so Ridge tells about Brooke's silly theory that she and Nick are involved. Taylor can't believe Brooke shared that with him, since the whole notion is absurd. Ridge agrees that she and Thorne love each other, but he can't help but think that Nick would try and find a way to use this to his advantage in his quest to destroy the Forrester family. Taylor doesn't think Nick would do that, but Ridge disagrees. Taylor suggests they table this conversation for now, since they have to meet the rest of the family at the mansion.

Eric and Pam wonder if there's going to be a wedding.

At the Forrester mansion, Pamela works with the florist on flower arrangements for the wedding. Eric enters and commends Pam on all her hard work. Pam says it was her pleasure, although this is more her sister's forte than hers. Eric thinks Stephanie has her hands full right now helping Ann put together a shelter for abused women in Chicago. Pam hopes her mom and sister will make it back for the wedding. If there is one, Felicia notes. Eric remarks that Thorne is hopeful that there will be, which is why he's bringing Aly by. Felicia asks what Thorne wants from them. Eric explains that Thorne wants them all to tell Aly that they forgave Taylor in a way that doesn't pressure the little girl.

Felicia tries to talk to Aly,

Right on cue, Thorne and Aly arrive. As soon as Eric shows her all the flowers, Aly wants to go home. Thorne reminds Aly how they talked last night about how Taylor would never hurt Darla. "It's her fault mommy's dead," Aly states. Felicia sits Aly down and says that she knows what it's like to want to blame someone when bad things happen. But at the same time, she doesn't think it's right to blame Taylor for Darla's death, since what Taylor did is an accident. She knows she's done things that she regretted after. Eric and Pam agree that they all have. Felicia explains to Aly that Taylor is not a bad person just because she made a mistake that hurt Aly's mommy.

Thorne tries to talk to Aly,

Ridge and Taylor arrive. Taylor sits down with Thorne and Aly and tells Aly that she knows Aly has reason to be upset with her right now, and that's OK. She knows she can never replace Darla, but she does love Aly and wants to help her and Thorne. Thorne tells Aly that he wouldn't have asked Taylor to marry him if he didn't think she was good for them. Aly asks if he cares what Taylor did. Thorne tells her that he'll always miss Darla, but Taylor makes him happy. Aly says Taylor makes her sad. Thorne says he was sad at first, too, but then he forgave Taylor. He reminds Aly how much fun things were when he proposed to Taylor; he thinks they can be that way again if she forgives Taylor, but he won't get married if Aly isn't ready. Taylor echoes that sentiment. Aly says the flowers will die if there's no wedding, but Thorne says they can get new ones. Aly asks if she can take some flowers home to put on the deck at home. Thorne takes that to mean she wants to go back to beach house and says she can take some, so Felicia and Pam go to help Aly pick some flowers out. Thorne goes over to Taylor and tells her Aly just needs time, but Taylor says Aly doesn't want this.