Monday, April 07, 2008, Episode #5284

Bridget has a request for Ridge.

After Ridge calls security to have the recently-fired Storm escorted from the building, Bridget pops in to his office and asks if there's any good news about her mom and him. Ridge tells her that he'd love to marry her mother, but the situation is complicated. Bridget says that it doesn't have to be now that she's spending time with Nick. Ridge explains that he still feels like Brooke's feelings are divided, and he just wants to take it slow to be sure that Brooke's committed to a life with him before they get married. Bridget tells Ridge that she understands somewhat, but she feels like he's holding other people's lives back by not moving forward with her mom, since their moving on will allow others to do the same. Ridge concedes her point, but he thinks they all have to deal with the reality of Jack's maternity. Bridget says she knows that, since it was her mistake in the lab that changed all their lives. Ridge tells her not to blame herself, but she can't help it. Ridge reminds her that he's been around the block in the game of love, and he thinks they both have be realistic. Bridget states that she is, since she and Nick are taking it day by day. Ridge advises that marriage sometimes compounds problems instead of solving them and states that her marriage to Nick, like his relationship with Brooke, didn't work because of Brooke's feelings for Nick. Bridget states that her mom swore that she doesn't have feelings for Nick anymore, but Ridge thinks they should both admit that Brooke's biological ties to Jack have brought her closer to Nick.

Ridge warns Bridget to be careful.

Bridget asks Ridge what he's telling her. He says that he's telling her to be careful, since getting involved with Nick again could be the biggest mistake she ever makes. Bridget appreciates his concern, but she worries that he's going to lose her mom to Nick if he keeps dwelling on this. Ridge agrees, but he'd rather lose Brooke now than after they're married. Bridget says he could avoid that by marrying her, but Ridge says he wants Brooke tied to him by a commitment, not by a piece of paper. Bridget commends him for thinking with his mind and his heart and admits that she should do the same. Ridge doesn't see how he could not think with his head and asks if Nick has been treating her well or made a commitment to her, since it sounds like they've been intimate. Bridget tells him that she and Nick are just spending time together, with no promises or commitments, but he's treated her well. Ridge advises her just be careful through these tricky times. Bridget thanks him for caring about her so much. He tells her not to forget that she's a spectacular woman who deserves a man who will love her for all that she is.

Phoebe stops by to see Ashley.

Phoebe drops by Ashley's house to talk. Ashley invites her and asks what brings her by. Phoebe confides that she wants to get back together with Rick. When Ashley seems surprised, Phoebe asks if she's still... Ashley cuts her off and says that she's not seeing Rick, so Phoebe doesn't have to worry about competition from her. Phoebe asks if there's anyone else she should worry about. Ashley admits that she hasn't been close to Rick lately, so she's not sure who he's dating. Phoebe's glad to hear that, since she rediscovered her feelings for Rick after seeing how supportive he was of her mom through the messy custody situation with Jack. "How can I ignore my feelings for a guy who treats my mom like that?" she asks.

Ashley talks with Phoebe about Ridge.

Ashley goes to get some drinks from the kitchen. When she returns, Phoebe asks what's new in her love life. Ashley admits that she's been keeping things low key since splitting with Ridge. Phoebe notes that Ashley really cared about Ridge, but Ashley supposes that it wasn't meant to be. That's how it seemed, Phoebe observes, admitting she's surprised that her dad and Brooke aren't married yet. Ashley remarks that Ridge is also surprised about that, so Phoebe comes out and confesses that she's been trying to look out for her dad, since she wants him to be happy. She states that her dad seemed happy when he was with Ashley, but she's not sure how happy he is now, as it's like he's always dodging a bullet with Brooke.

Rick makes a plea on Taylor's behalf.

At the Marone mansion, Nick tells Taylor to calm down, but Taylor pleads for him to let her have just one night with her son like he promised. Rick enters and asks Nick to give Taylor just one night with Jack. Nick asks why Rick's even involved with what happens to his [Nick's] son. Rick admits he's not involved personally, but he's here to support Taylor, who just wants a night with her son. Brooke asks Rick what he's doing, since she doesn't think Taylor is ready to be alone with Jack. Rick says that he'll be with Taylor, but Brooke thinks his involvement with Taylor speaks volumes. Nick agrees that Rick's involvement with Taylor suggests that Rick's not thinking clearly, but Rick thinks Nick's hardly one to talk given his involvement with Bridget. When Nick points out that he and Bridget were married, Rick takes back his comment, since this has nothing to do with Bridget and everything to do with Taylor, who Nick once loved. "If you're the man that I know you are," Rick pleads, "you'll let her have one night with her son." Nick hears what Rick's saying, but this is a complicated situation and he needs to think about what's best for his son. Taylor counters that what's best is for Jack to be with this mother, but Nick sees things the way Brooke does. Taylor isn't surprised one bit that Nick is taking Brooke's side.

Nick lets Taylor take the baby.

Nick tells Taylor that her involvement with Rick is wrong on many levels. Taylor asks why it's wrong to have someone who cares about her and states that she's not giving up her son or Brooke's. Brooke contends that this is all about Taylor's desire to get revenge by taking her son as payback for her taking Taylor's, and it's sick! Taylor informs Brooke that two people can share a connection without having sex, but Brooke refuses to listen to any more of Taylor's delusional speeches. She threatens to call the police if Taylor takes Jack. Rick tells her to go right ahead and asks her to make sure to report him as Taylor's "accomplice," since he'll be driving the getaway car. Fed up with all the bantering, Nick tells everyone to pipe down! He tells Brooke to stand aside so Taylor can go up and get Jack. Brooke doesn't move, so Taylor tells Brooke, "excuse me," and thanks Nick as she heads upstairs. Brooke asks Rick why he feels compelled to protect Taylor, warning that he doesn't know what he's getting into. Rick says he's sorry, but someone has to help Taylor. He asks if Taylor spending a night with her son is too much to ask for. Taylor comes down with Jack and promises that Jack will be just fine. Nick tells her to have Jack home by 10 AM sharp. Taylor thanks Nick again and heads out the door, with Rick right behind her.

Brooke questions Nick's decision.

Brooke asks Nick how he could let Rick and Taylor leave with Jack. Nick tells her to let it go, but she frets that Taylor might start drinking again. Nick doesn't think that will happen, but Brooke thinks they should have someone check on Jack to be safe. "No!" Nick states, insisting that Taylor be allowed to have time with her son. Brooke says that she would never have let Taylor leave with Jack, but Nick reminds her that she gave up any say in the matter. "So I'm just the egg donor?" Brooke asks. Nick tells her that he sees her as more than that, but she turned him down when he wanted Jack, her and him to be a family. Brooke says it was hard for her to walk out of here, but Nick reminds her that she did walk out, and the door to this house closed behind her when she did. Brooke says that she can never walk out on Jack. Nick doesn't want to discuss this anymore and asks her to leave. Brooke doesn't want to, but Nick doesn't see anything more to talk about. He states that he wants all of her, but she made it clear that he couldn't have that. Brooke asks him not to shut her out of his life or Jack's, but he tells her that she shut herself out of their lives with her choice. Brooke looks at him and tells him that they'll always share a child, even if she's not able to be in his life, and no one can ever break that connection.