Thursday, March 22, 2007, Episode #5022

Before I get into today's show, I'm happy to report that the folks at B&B finally changed the line-up of stars in the show's opening montage. On Monday, March 12, to coincide with Ashley's arrival, Dante, Hector, Harry and Sally were removed to make way for newcomers to the show. The line-up of stars now consisted of, in order: Stephanie, Eric, Brooke, Ridge, Taylor, Nick, Bridget, Ashley, Rick, Phoebe, Felicia, Thorne, Pamela, Shane, Donna and Jacqueline; I must say that I found it odd that Shane (who hasn't been seen since he walked out on Phoebe at Cafe Russe) was included while Storm (who at least shows up occasionally at Forrester Creations) was not. What was even odder was that on March 20, the line-up was revised again: this time, it was Stephanie, Eric, Brooke, Ridge, Taylor, Nick, Bridget, Ashley, Rick, Phoebe, Thorne, Felicia, Storm, Donna, Shane and Jacqueline who were in the montage. So now Storm has been added. But why is absentee Shane still there, while recent newcomer Pam isn't? It's quite curious, I must say. But now, let's get back to today's B&B.

Ridge isn't thrilled by one of Brooke's suggestions.

After a one minute of montage of scenes from Down Under that seems like an ad for the Australian Tourism Board, we see Brooke stroll along by the Royal Botanic Gardens, looking out on Sydney Harbor. After taking in the sights' beauty, she tells herself that Ridge will love it here - and she's so inspired by that thought that she calls Ridge, who is in his office at Forrester Originals packing. She tells him how beautiful it is and can't wait for him to get there, especially since there's already lots of buzz about their boutiques and their new fragrance. Ridge is amazed that word of the fragrance got out so soon. Brooke suggests that they capitalize on that buzz by giving the folks Down Under a chance to meet Phoebe, the young lady behind the new fragrance. Ridge loves the idea, since he didn't really want to leave Phoebe in L.A. Brooke then suggests that Ridge bring Rick too, because of his international marketing skill. Ridge doesn't relish the idea of spending 14 hours on a plane with Rick; Brooke says this is important to her, since it will bring their family together, so she begs Ridge to do this for her. At just that moment, Rick comes in to give Ridge a file, so Ridge tells Brooke that he'll see her soon. Standing by the harbor, Brooke thinks back on all the clashes between Ridge and Rick since Rick's return to L.A. and prays that her family can come together.

Rick learns that his mother wants him in Sydney.

Back in L.A., Ridge tells Rick that Brooke wants him to come to Sydney. "That wasn't the plan," Rick responds. Ridge agrees with that, so he'll understand if Rick has his hands full here, in which case it will be just Phoebe and him joining Brooke in Australia. Rick is surprised that Phoebe is going; Ridge explains Brooke's idea to use Phoebe to do some cross-promotion. "And if it puts an ocean between your daughter and me, well, so much the better," Rick retorts. Ridge tells Rick that the plane leaves in an hour, with or without him - but either way, Phoebe is going.

Phoebe is excited when she hears about the trip.

Rick finds Phoebe in Eric's office - since for some reason, Eric and Ridge seem to have the only two offices in the place - and tells her about the trip. He tells her that her dad didn't want him to go, but his mom insisted. Phoebe is thrilled. Rick gives her a hug but reminds her that they still have to be careful. When they hear Ridge's voice outside, Rick tells Phoebe not to let on that she knows about the trip and hides behind a changing screen. Ridge enters and tells Phoebe about Brooke's plan to introduce the world to the girl who inspired their fragrance. Phoebe starts to point out that she's a young woman, not a girl, but she stops herself. Ridge suggests that they use this trip to reconnect as father and daughter, so they can communicate like they did before Rick came home. He wants Phoebe to know that he hates being at odds with her. Phoebe says she hates it too, and she thinks things would be so much easier if he would only accept Rick. She asks her dad if he's using this trip to keep her away from Rick. Actually, Ridge explains, Rick is coming too, provided he can free himself up from everything that's going on here. He tells Phoebe that he has a few more things to do here, so he wants her to go pack and he'll pick her up on the way to the airport. After Ridge leaves, Rick comes out and gives Phoebe another hug as they revel in the fact that this is really happening.

Later, Ridge and Phoebe board the Forrester Originals jet [which looks like their old jet that they somehow kept, even after Nick bought Forrester Creations, but with their new company logo]. Andy the pilot tells them they're ready to take off, but Phoebe frets that Rick's not there yet. Ridge assumes Rick couldn't make it, until Andy prepares for take off and reports that there's a young man on the tarmac! Ridge tells Andy to let the young man on, so an apologetic Rick boards after getting stuck in traffic on the way. Rick quips that he's looking forward to 14 hours with his 'mate' Ridge, but Ridge doesn't look as enthused. Once Ridge nods off, Phoebe tells Rick that her dad can't possibly watch them every minute when they're in Sydney. Rick hopes he and Ridge can make it to Sydney peacefully, but Phoebe is sure her dad won't harm Rick after the warning Brooke gave Ridge not to lay a hand on Rick. Rick is still nervous, but Phoebe is sure they'll have time alone to do as they please.

Taylor is pleased and honored to accept Nick's proposal and have his child.

On the new Shady Marlin, Nick asks Taylor to be his wife. He tells her his knee is hurting, so a stunned Taylor helps him up. She admits she never expected this. Nick doesn't want either of them to miss out on the chance to build a life together - and on top of that, he wants Taylor to have his child! Taylor is even more shocked. Nick tells her that he doesn't want to pressure her, but he'd like an answer to his proposal soon. Taylor laughs that he's going to drive his shrink crazy, but at least he's honest. She confesses that she never thought she's fall for a sailor turned fashion tycoon, let alone one who wants her to give him the child he's wanted for so long. But she then admits that she's already thought about having his child and even went to see a doctor, to make sure she could even get pregnant. She knows how amazing it is to have a child, and she wants him to know how that feels, too - and that's why she'd be pleased and honored to have his child.