Tuesday, February 26, 2008, Episode #5257

Nick tells Brooke that he wants Jack to be raised by two parents.

Brooke stops by Nick's house and gets the lowdown on his visit from Taylor last night, including Taylor's desire to take Jack home with her. Nick tells Brooke that he doesn't know how to handle this. Brooke agrees that he has a right to be concerned and confides that she is also concerned, because she doesn't trust Taylor with baby Jack. Nick tells Brooke that Taylor has gotten her act together. Brooke is glad to hear that, but she thinks Nick would agree that they can't trust Taylor to watch baby Jack on her own . She suggests they take steps to protect Jack. Nick laments that he finally has the child he waited his whole life for, but he concedes that Taylor has a right to be with their son, too. Brooke assures him that she'll always be there for him and for their son, because she knows how much Jack means to him. Nick explains that he can't grasp the idea of not having Jack with him, because he thinks about his son all the time. But at the same time, he knows Taylor has rights, too, so he doesn't want her separated from her son. Still, he can't help but think about how he expected to be a part of every step Jack takes in life, because he wanted his son to have the family that he didn't have, a family that includes two parents who love each other unconditionally.

Brooke tells Nick that she loves him and she loves Ridge.

Brooke tells Nick that she knows he wants her to be part of his life, and a part of her wants that, too. Nick says that he's waited a long time to hear her say that, but Brooke cautions that this is also her last chance to be married to Ridge and raise Hope and R.J. with him, and she can't bear to deprive Hope and R.J. of the chance to have that family. Nick admires her attitude, but he wants to know how her feelings for him and Jack factor in. Brooke states that she thinks about having a family with him and Jack all the time, but the truth is that she loves him AND she loves Ridge. She feels divided between her desire to be with him and Jack and her need to have a family with Ridge, Hope and R.J. She fears that Ridge would end things if he heard her talk this way, and she can't let that happen again. "You don't love Ridge the way you love me," Nick declares. He points out that she fell in love with Ridge when she was 18 and put Ridge on a pedestal, but things have changed now that she's grown-up. He's sure that her relationship with Ridge won't last because that relationship isn't based on truth and honesty like her relationship with Nick is, and he thinks R.J. will realize someday how his mother sacrificed what was in her heart for his sake. "You're gonna be the one who has to live with that," he advises. He tells Brooke that he's not going to beg her, but he loves her, and he thinks they both know how she feels about him. "You're still deep in my heart," Brooke sobs as she embraces him. Holding her tight, Nick responds, "That's all I want to hear."

Ridge gives Taylor some advice.

Ridge visits Taylor at her Bel Air home and tells her that she did the right thing dumping Nick and moving back here. When Ridge notes how badly Phoebe feels about the situation, Taylor admits that she doesn't want Phoebe worrying about her, since the parents are supposed to be protecting their children. Ridge commends her for the way she's always put their kids first, and he's sure she'll show the same devotion toward Jack. He asks if she and Nick have made any arrangements regarding Jack. She explains that she left the baby behind while she got the house ready for a baby and got her emotions under control, but she's ready to bring Jack here today to live with her. Ridge is glad to hear that, since he admits he's been worried that Brooke might start to bond more with Nick and Jack. Taylor asserts that she wants Brooke to mind her own business and accept that Jack is not her child. She advises Ridge not to rush into a marriage with Brooke, especially after the way this whole mess started over Brooke's attempt to conceive Nick's baby; she's sure Nick isn't over Brooke and Brooke isn't over Nick, either.

Taylor tells Ridge about her friendship with Rick.

Ridge doesn't want to believe that, since his situation with Brooke is different than Taylor's with Nick. Taylor, however, sees no difference, although she personally doesn't care what Ridge does with Brooke as long as Brooke leaves her and Jack alone. Ridge agrees that it's best that he and Brooke not rush into a marriage right now, since he wants to let the dust with Popeye settle first. Taylor thinks that's a wise move. Ridge promises to do anything in his power to help Taylor through this ordeal. Taylor thanks him, but she tells him that she doesn't have to worry about her, since she has a new unexpected friend who's been really good to her. Ridge asks who this friend is; when Taylor tells him it's Rick, Ridge warns her not to trust Rick after what happened with Phoebe last year. Taylor tells him that Rick has grown up and has been there for her, so she is very grateful for Rick's friendship.

Ashley sees that Rick is preoccupied.

In the Forrester lab, Ashley lets Rick sample some new scents she has been working on. When Rick seems distracted, Ashley asks what's wrong. Rick informs her that Taylor moved out of Nick's place and moved back into her old Bel Air home, and he admits that he's worried about the idea of Taylor alone in that big house. Ashley thinks it's sweet that he's so concerned about Taylor. Rick tells her that he just wants Taylor to be happy. Ashley admits that it's been a while since she and Taylor spoke last, so she thinks maybe she should give Taylor a call. Rick thinks Taylor would like that, especially after the toll the whole egg mix-up thing took on Taylor. He wants to be there for Taylor, since Taylor has nobody, and because he feels responsible for what happened due to his mother and sister's involvement in the egg mix-up. He fears that Taylor might go over the edge and wants to ensure that she doesn't fall off, since she's such an extraordinary woman. Rick starts to flash back to kissing Taylor and loses his train of thought. Ashley sees him get quiet and asks if he's consumed by this whole Taylor thing. He says that Taylor is planning on doing something today, and he thinks it's a bad idea. Ashley suggests that he go talk to Taylor about it, noting again how special a guy he is for looking after Taylor this way. She wishes him luck and sends him on his way.