Wednesday, February 18, 2009, Episode #5504

Clarke tells Bridget the real reason Jackie hired her.

At Jackie M, Clarke looks over Bridget's designs. He thinks they're interesting, but they need some polish. Bridget asks for suggestions. Clarke is stunned that a Forrester would ask for his advice. Bridget explains that she was inspired by his previous line, so she'd appreciate any tips he might have for a newbie like her. Looking a bit guilty, Clarke turns away and tells Bridget that she has talent, but he thinks they both know that "Lady M" had other reasons for bringing her into the fold. Bridget insists that Jackie didn't know who she was when she was hired, but Clarke thinks that finding out that the mystery designer was Nick's ex sealed the deal. Bridget assures Clarke that she and Nick are over and she's building a new life, but Clarke contends that it's a new life in an office where her old life spends most of his day. Bridget asks if this looks like a hospital. Clarke concedes that it doesn't. Bridget states that she loved being a doctor, but she loves designing so much more, and she thinks Clarke can understand that given the passion that went into his last collection. Clarke reminds her that they're talking about her, and he thinks there's something other than drawing that stirs her passion when she comes to work in the morning.

Despite Nick's objections, Jackie lets loose on Katie.

At the Marone mansion, Nick scolds his mother for taking such a harsh tone when speaking to Katie. Unable to contain herself, Jackie lets loose and tells Nick that she can't hold her tongue any longer, since Katie is the most pathetic woman she ever met. She accuses Katie of forcing Bridget out of this house, but Nick reminds his mother that Bridget left on her own. "And she's the reason!" Jackie shouts, pointing to Katie. She hates sounding like a meddling mother, but she hates what Katie did to Bridget even more. Nick states that Katie just wants to make him happy. Jackie points out that he reached out to a dying woman and took her to Catalina on a mission of mercy, but what happened on the island was anything but merciful. It was seduction, pure and simple. Nick insists that he wasn't seduced, but Jackie counters that Katie tempted him with the chance to be a hero and grant a dying woman's final wish. Nick asks his mother to go, but she tells him that he doesn't have to marry Katie to make things right since there's no longer a baby to consider. Nick asks Jackie again to stop, but Jackie insists that Katie took advantage of him. Nick warns his mother that he'll drag her out if he has to. Jackie says that there won't be a need for that, since she's said her piece. "I just hope you heard me," she adds as she storms out.

Nick tries to reassure Katie.

Nick apologizes to Katie for what his mother said. He knows she feels guilty about Bridget, and he feels that way, too, but he also feels blessed to have her and Jack in his life. Katie points out that some of what Jackie said was true, and that's a lot of baggage to bring to a marriage. Nick reminds her that they've been through a lot and tells her to hold on to the fact that he's completely committed to her. Katie asks if his mother told him how she felt about her when she hired Bridget. Nick states that his mom hired Bridget as a designer, but Katie thinks they both know there is more to it than that, since Jackie thinks she stole Bridget's life. Nick assures Katie that she's not the villain here, but Katie points out that his mother obviously disagrees. Then Jackie can take her opinions and find something else to do on their wedding day, Nick states, suggesting they exclude his mother from the guest list and make some excuse for her absence.

Katie likes Nick's idea of getting married today.

Katie points out that won't have to make any excuses if they simply decide not to have a big wedding. Nick reminds her that a big wedding with her family was always her dream, but Katie says that he and Jack are her dream, and she actually thinks that her family might be relieved to not have to come. She likes the idea of a small wedding and wants to do it as soon as possible. How about today? Nick asks, pointing out that they already have a marriage license. Katie thinks that sounds perfect. Nick goes upstairs to change clothes and make some calls. When he comes down, he tells Katie that they can start immediately if the minister arrives before the caterer. Katie asks if the minister is on his way. He is, Nick confirms, since he knew Katie wanted to do this quickly. Katie laughs that they can try to set a world record with their small, low-key, laid-back ceremony. Nick asks if that means he can forget about wearing a tie. Katie tells him that he can have whatever he wants, and they can even include Jack in the ceremony if he wakes up in time. And if Jack doesn't wake up, Nick adds, they'll have a great story to tell once he wakes up. "We're allowed our fairy tale, no matter what anyone else thinks," promises Nick.

Bridget is stunned to learn that Nick is getting married today.

Jackie returns to the office and asks Bridget if she'd take Nick back given the chance. Bridget reminds Jackie that she made it clear when she took this job that she's over Nick, but Jackie recalls how in love Bridget and Nick were until Bridget's opportunistic aunt stole Nick away. Bridget tells Jackie not to blame Katie, but Jackie claims that Katie has done well for herself by living Bridget's life. Bridget says that this is exactly what she hoped to avoid when she started working closely with Nick. Jackie thinks that Katie is worried, and rightfully so. Bridget begs Jackie not to make her regret taking this job, because she doesn't want to cause problems for Nick and Katie. Jackie pleads with Bridget to save Nick by giving him a way out of this marriage, since she is sure her son will take it. "He needs you," Jackie insists. Bridget tells Jackie to stop this if she wants her to keep working here. Jackie tries to change Bridget's mind, but she is interrupted by a call from a caterer. Bridget's ears perk up when Jackie learns from the caterer that Nick's wedding has been canceled, but her mood quickly changes when she hears Jackie say that the order has been changed to a smaller one for a reception at Nick's house today. "Nick's getting married today?" a saddened Bridget asks. "No, he's not. You want to stop it," Jackie responds. Bridget insists that she doesn't want to stop the wedding, but Jackie saw how Bridget reacted to the news that the wedding had been cancelled. "We have to stop it. He cannot marry Katie!" Jackie declares.

Rick asks Steffy to wait for him.

A shocked Steffy asks Rick if she heard him right. He confirms that she did: he went to the recruiting office and joined the Army because no one wants him around here, and he can't really blame them. Steffy knows serving your country is honorable, but she feels like this came out of nowhere. Rick says that he did this to prove that he's worthy of her. Steffy is afraid of losing him, since the thought of his going to war, with guns and bombs everywhere, is scary. Rick says he can handle that, but he can't handle losing her. He assures her that this will make him stronger. Steffy says she'll die here without him, but Rick tells her that neither one of them is dying. Steffy doesn't see how he can promise that, but he tells her it's a done deal, the first big step for the two of them. Steffy suggests that there must be some other way to show that he's changed, but Rick thinks she deserves the kind of guy who will give himself to serve his country. Steffy says she's scared. Rick tells her that his mom was too when he told his parents, although his dad understood. Even though his father forgave him for betraying the company, Rick feels like Eric couldn't defend him anymore after he admitted his relationship with Steffy. Rick laments that he let his hatred of Ridge consume him and ruin his life, and now he lost everything, including his job, his family's trust and a shot at a future with Steffy. Steffy asks how they can have a shot if he goes away. Rick concedes that they'll have to be apart for a while, but he has to do this, and he asks Steffy to wait for him.