Friday, January 11, 2008, Episode #5225

Storm wants to thank Stephanie.

The Logans gather at Brooke's house, where Storm confirms that the charges against Stephen have officially been dropped. A grateful Stephen apologizes to his family for what he's put them through. He's ashamed that his walking out on them forced Storm to be the man of the family, and while he knows he can't go back and fix all the problems he created for Storm and the girls, he can at least take responsibility for his actions, and he plans to start by taking Storm to Europe so Storm can get the professional help he needs. Storm chimes in that he's actually grateful to Stephanie for bringing their family together and wants to thank her, but his dad and sisters encourage him forget about Stephanie for now and move on. Donna's cell phone rings; after looking at the display, she goes outside to take the call. On the other end of the phone, Stephanie asks Donna if she ended things with Eric. Donna tells her that it's not that simple, but Stephanie orders her to figure out a way to make it happen if she wants to keep her brother out of jail.

Bridget wonders why Stephanie changed her mind.

After ending her call to Donna, Stephanie gets a visit from Bridget, who sees a suitcase and asks if Stephanie is taking a trip. Stephanie explains that she got a call from her sister Pam that their mother is ill, so she's on her way to Chicago. Bridget is sorry to hear about Ann, but she fears a trip will halt Stephanie's physical therapy at a critical juncture and offers to call her colleagues in Chicago so Stephanie can continue her therapy there. Stephanie thanks Bridget and asks if she heard about her grandfather. Bridget says she did, and that's why she's here. After hearing the news, she wondered what changed Stephanie's mind about her grandfather, since Stephanie was so sure Stephen shot her. Fumbling to explain, Stephanie tells Bridget that she just had these flashes of memory come back to her. While she still can't make out who shot her, she knows it wasn't Stephen. Bridget wonders who could have set her grandfather up and admits that she heard in medical school about this kind of spontaneous recall, so there's still a chance Stephanie's memory might fully recover. "Maybe it will," Stephanie chuckles.

Stephen says goodbye to Katie.

Donna returns to Brooke's living room, where Stephen is talking with Brooke and Katie. Stephen wonders if Stephanie can be trusted not to turn Storm in. Donna assures her dad that she'll find a way to end things with Eric so Storm c can stay out of jail, even though it's so hard to convince Eric that it's over because she loves him. Stephen thanks her for her sacrifice, which has inspired him to do right by his family. That's why he intends to find Beth in Europe, since he wants this to be a new beginning for their family. He just wishes he could have seen what he had all those years ago. Brooke assures him that they're all here for him and then joins Katie in adding thanks to Donna for what she's done to save Storm. Storm comes in and tells Stephen that their bags are outside and the car's coming up the driveway. Donna breaks into tears at the thought of her father and brother leaving. Storm tells her not to cry, because he'll be back once he and Stephen work out their issues. Stephen gathers his son and daughters around him and tells them that their family is stronger than ever. The girls exchange hugs with their father and brother before Storm and Stephen head for the airport.

Donna tells Stephanie that she tried to break up with Eric.

Donna is alone in the house when Stephanie stops by. La Forrester tells Donna that she heard about Stephen and Storm's trip to Europe and promises to track Storm down and send him to jail if Donna reneges on their arrangement. Donna insists that she tried to break things off with Eric by telling him she had a "problem," but he still wouldn't give her up. Stephanie asks Donna what kind of problem she told Eric she had. When Donna admits that she told Eric she has a sexual addiction, Stephanie laughs, "Is it true?" What's true, Donna states, is that Eric was willing to work with her to solve her problem, since he said they could work through anything together.

Stephanie gives Donna a warning.

Stephanie doesn't want to hear any of Donna's excuses. She makes it clear that Donna has to find a way to convince Eric that she doesn't love him, and she doesn't care how Donna does it. She only knows that she wants her husband back, which is why expects to come back from Chicago to find Donna and Eric are finished. If that hasn't happened, she warns, Storm will spend the next ten years in prison!

Nick tries to apologize to Taylor.

At the Marone mansion, Nick comes downstairs and greets Taylor. He asks if she heard that Stephen Logan has been released from jail, guessing that Brooke and her family must be excited. He wonders who shot Stephanie if it wasn't Stephen, but Taylor asks why he'd think she cares about Brooke Logan and her family when he knows how she feels about Brooke. Nick tries to apologize, but Taylor is sick of hearing about Brooke. Just then, Jackie arrives with a sweater for her grandson. Nick asks his mother if she could knock first when she stops by. Jackie asks if anything's wrong and sees that Taylor looks out of sorts, but Taylor insists that she just has too much on her plate right now. While Jackie goes to take the new sweater up to Jack, Nick suggests to Taylor that they let his mom watch Jack so the two of them can grab coffee and a muffin at Insomnia. Taylor tells him to go if he wants, but she's not in the mood. She promises that she'll be fine while he's gone.

Jackie suggests that Taylor join Nick.

Jackie comes downstairs and sees that Taylor looks much better, so she suggests that Taylor catch up with Nick and have that "cup of joe" with him. Taylor thinks that's a good idea and goes to put on some fresh clothes first.

Brooke worries about what Nick tells her.

At Insomnia, Nick is getting his coffee when Brooke comes in and sees him. He tells her that he heard about her dad and offers his congratulations. Brooke thanks him, admitting that Stephanie of all people came through for her family. Although he's a bit surprised that Stephanie offered any help, Nick is glad that things are calmer for Brooke's family and invites her to join him to celebrate. Brooke thanks him and orders a soy latte before sitting down and asking Nick how he's been. When Nick admits that Taylor can't get over that Brooke is Jack's birth mother, Brooke offers to talk to her former rival, but Nick thinks it's best that Brooke, who is the target of Taylor's anger, just stay away for now. He then tells Brooke that Taylor suspects her and Bridget of conspiring to get Brooke's egg implanted in Taylor. Shocked. Brooke asks if Taylor is alone with Jack. Nick asks what kind of question that is, because Taylor is Jack's mother. Brooke tells Nick that he obviously needs someone to confide in and offers to talk with him about it, but Nick thinks he can manage. Brooke asks if Jackie knows about Jack's maternity; when Nick says she doesn't, Brooke suggests he tell his mother, since Jackie might be able to help.