Tuesday, July 15, 2008, Episode #5355

Ridge and Brooke reflect on where they are.

Having returned home after the wedding, Brooke goes to the bedroom while Ridge gets the kids ready for bed. Ridge pokes his head in and asks where R.J.'s monkey book is. Brooke isn't sure, so Ridge goes to look in the hall. When he returns, he finds Brooke looking at wedding photos from their first wedding on the beach at Malibu. Ridge comments that she was beautiful. Looking a bit depressed, Brooke wonders if they'll ever be that happy again. Ridge tells her that she is happy, since her daughter just got married, but Brooke tells him that she was thinking about their relationship and asks, "What happened with us?" Ridge thinks they're fine and just have to make some adjustments, but Brooke tells him to be honest and admit that they feel uncomfortable just being in the same room. She reminds him how he treated Storm, but Ridge retorts that her brother was mentally ill, and it was hard to find any compassion once people started getting shot. Brooke then asks about the way he treats Donna, but Ridge counters that he's appalled at how Donna has changed both his family and the company. Brooke reminds him that Donna didn't force Eric to marry her and laments that they never used to let their families come between them. Ridge points out that they're still in love and are living in the same home. Brooke apologizes, but Ridge tells her that neither of them is really totally wrong. They tell each other, "I'm sorry" and forgive each other, and then they kiss.

Nick and Bridget read a note from Katie.

At the Marone mansion, Nick carries Bridget into their bedroom. Bridge tells him to be careful, but Nick laughs that he has cuff links that weigh more than her. They see some champagne and beer in the room with a note from Katie telling them to blame Jackie if they don't like the champagne or her if they don't like the rest. Bridget laughs that Katie could find a new career in event planning. Speaking of which, Nick asks why she didn't warn him that Katie would officiate at their wedding. Bridget explains that she thought it felt right since Katie was the one who brought them back together, but now they're married, and that's all that matters. Nick agrees and proposes a toast to future anniversaries. Nick then apologizes for not taking her someplace like Rome for a honeymoon, but Bridget says she's fine with staying here, since it lets them stay close to Jack and Katie. They can always plan something later, but she doesn't think that even matters, as she's come to love the ordinary life they share now. She recalls how she counted on him to fill the emptiness in her during their first marriage and promises that things will be different this time, since it's easier to just stay in your same old skin. Nick hopes he can still get under that skin, so Bridget suggests they get to bed.

While Bridget goes to get ready for bed, Nick looks at the note Katie left. Bridget returns in a skimpy negligee. After trading some romantic banter, she and Nick make love. After the sex, Bridget asks Nick if he needs anything. He tells her that he needs to be a better man, but he thinks he can do that now that he has the right partner. He's just sorry that he failed her the first time. Bridget suggests that they had to go through that to get here. Nick tells her that whatever he does and wherever she is, she's in his heart. He asks if she knows that. She says that she does and they kiss.

Owen gets prepped by Felicia.

At Forrester, Felicia preps Owen to meet with Donna. He asks about the job he's applying for, but she tells him to remember that there is no job yet and just act like he came to collect the money he's owed. She's sure Donna will bring up her need to hire an assistant once he gets her talking about their receptionist, Aunt Pam, who sits outside.

Pam learns that Donna has a new assistant.

Inside Eric's office, Pam tells Donna that she could have gone to the wedding if she wanted to. Donna cuts her off and asks Pam why she's here this late. As Owen comes in, Pam explains that she was making the arrangements for Eric's trip to New York. Donna asks to see the itinerary and is surprised that she's not included in Eric's plans. Pam informs her that Eric said he was going alone, snidely remarking that Eric must want to make a certain kind of appearance, as opposed to some other kind of appearance. Pam sees Owen and asks why he's there. Donna replies that Owen is there to see her and asks Pam to excuse them. Once Pam is gone, Donna goes to get Owen his check, but he tells her to give that to the lady who just left as severance pay, since he can't believe how Pam talked down to her. Donna sighs that Pam gets to stay around because she's civil to Eric and is his former sister in law, and she then reveals to Owen that she won't have to put up with Pam much longer since she's hiring her own assistant. Owen starts to ask her what kind of person she's looking for. As she starts to explain, Owen thinks he used to do all the things she needs as a paralegal and a legal investigator. Donna agrees that he'd be perfect for the job and tells her to come with her. As they step outside the office, they see Felicia and Pam, so Donna takes advantage of the chance to tell Pam about a change to her job duties. While Pam will still be Eric's executive assistant, Donna will have her own: Owen.

Donna is pleased by Owen's work.

Alone with Felicia, Pam gripes about the new hire. She doesn't mind not having to listen to Donna's whining, but she doesn't think Eric will want to turn this into a home for wayward lifeguards and wonders how Eric will feel about his wife's new "assistant." Felicia points out that Eric will be away a lot this summer. Pam wonders if that will leave Donna in charge, but Felicia supposes that Donna will just do whatever comes naturally. Back in the office, Donna wonders if she should have checked with Eric first, but Owen points out that she should have the right to hire her own assistant. He adds that it's obvious that Eric doesn't feel he has to consult her on everything given how Eric didn't tell her about his New York trip. Donna thinks Pam was just trying to get a rise out of her and is sure Eric will explain once they get to talk. Owen then asks when he starts. "You just did," she tells him. Owen asks for her password so he can start organizing her calendar and emails. She tells it's "honeybear," so Owen gets to work. He starts to arrange dates for facials, manicures and workouts with her personal trainer, but Donna tells him that the most important thing is to spend time with her family, and she doesn't want to waste time on those lunches with "the ladies." Owen says he has it covered. Donna is pleased to finally have someone she can trust.