Tuesday, March 31, 2009, Episode #5531

Bridget tells Eric that she's Madame X.

In Eric's office, Bridget has some news for her dad. She reminds Eric of her decision a few months ago to take a leave of absence from the hospital. Eric recalls that he didn't want to pry, since she's a grown woman. Bridget raves about his design work, but he doesn't see where this is going, so she shows him her sketchbook and reveals that she's Madame X, the new designer at Jackie M Designs. Eric is stunned. Bridget explains how she she anonymously sent her designs to Jackie to get the job so she could prove herself in the industry without using the connections that come with the Forrester name. She hopes he's not upset with her for keeping this from him until now. Eric says that he's not upset, and in fact, he admires her decision to prove herself on her own terms. But now that she's done that, he wants her to come back here to Forrester and take her rightful place with the rest of the family. Bridget is thrilled that he wants her to work here, but she thinks she owes it to Jackie and to herself to at least see this first collection through to completion. She knows that disappoints him, but she's sure they'll have a chance to work together someday. Eric agrees that she'll be back here in time. He tells her that her gutsy and courageous plan to enter the fashion world is just what he'd expect of her and he gives her a great big hug.

Jackie makes Owen an offer.

A confused Owen shows up at Jackie M and asks Jackie why she called him over if she's not hiring. Jackie tells him that there's always room at this company for the right person, assuming he still wants a job here. Owen asks what changed her mind. Jackie explains that she was going to offer him as a job as a designer until she realized that design really isn't his forte. But she looked at his resume again and saw that he has "other assets" that he can use to assist her with contracts and with dealing with their suppliers and retailers. In return, she'll show him the ropes and raise his profile in the fashion world. She asks if he's intrigued. "In more ways than one," Owen replies, suggesting that they seal their deal with a glass of champagne from the bottle he brought along just in case. Jackie laughs that he came prepared and asks how he knew that she was going to offer him a job. Owen reminds her that she called him a "cocky little bugger" the other day. Impressed by his determination, Jackie says that she'll be relying on him a lot, especially with Bridget's designs about to launch. Owen's pleased that he's going to be working with Madame X; between Jackie's leadership and Bridget's designs, he's sure there's no way they can miss. Owen pops the cork on the bottle of bubbly so he and Jackie can toast to their new arrangement.

Owen celebrates with Bridget.

Later, Bridget enters the office, ready to celebrate. She's surprised to find Owen there with an open bottle of bubbly in hand and asks what he's doing there. Owen explains that "the divine Miss M" just hired him, and they were about to celebrate when Jackie got called away. He asks Bridget why she's in such a good mood. Taking a glass of champagne, Bridget explains that she just told her father that she's working here and he accepted her career path and even encouraged her. Now that she doesn't have to hide that she's working here, she feels like this huge weight has been lifted off her. She hugs Owen, who leans in and gives her a kiss. Owen quickly pulls away and apologizes for getting carried away. He knows she's not ready to jump into a new relationship since her marriage just recently ended, so he promises not to cross the line again unless she begs him to.

Brooke summons Ridge to the steam room.

Brooke stops by Rick's office to tell him how thrilled she is that he and Steffy are getting married. Rick agrees that it's a miracle, especially now that Ridge promised not to stand in their way in return for his covering for Thomas. "Now that I've finally done something to impress the guy," he quips, "'Old Cheekbones' has to stop thinking I'm the scum of the earth." Brooke hugs her son, hoping that this is a fresh start for both families, but Rick doesn't seem quite as enthused. After leaving Rick's office, Brooke calls Ridge to meet her in the steam room. Ridge says that he'll be right there. Within minutes, he enters the steam room and finds Brooke waiting for him. Brooke tells him how happy she is that he agreed not to fight her son and his daughter anymore. "I live to make you happy," Ridge laughs. Brooke thinks it's amazing that he found a way to accept her son's relationship with his daughter. Ridge doesn't think he had a choice, since Rick refused to keep the secret about Thomas unless he agreed not to stand in Rick and Steffy's way anymore. Still, Brooke points out, his actions will give their families a chance to heal, and she thinks that deserves a special reward. Having said that, she drops her towel and removes his, and the two of them steam things up as they get passionate with each other.

Marcus learns about Steffy's wedding plans.

Marcus runs into Steffy in the hall outside Ridge's office and sees her holding a garment bag. Thinking it's a dress that needs to go down to be altered, he tries to take the bag from her, but Steffy pulls back and tells him that this is her wedding gown. "Rick and I are getting married," she informs him. Marcus asks if she's sure she wants to make a life with Rick. "Of course she's sure," Rick says as he approaches, stating that Steffy shouldn't have to settle for anything less than the best. Rick hints to Marcus that congratulations are in order, but Marcus gripes that it's more like condolences. Rick tells Marcus not to be a sore loser; now that Ridge has come around, he thinks Marcus should be able to do the same. Marcus asks when the big day is. Steffy says that it will be soon, especially since her dad made sure that she has her wedding gown. Rick tells Steffy that they should get going, since he has a romantic surprise for her. Steffy asks if he wants to leave now. Rick thinks that "Marco" here can hold down the fort while they're gone and ushers Steffy onto the elevator, leaving Marcus behind to stew at Rick's arrogance.

Ridge tells Brooke how he sees Rick.

Brooke and Ridge return to Ridge's office after their "hot" break in the steam room. Brooke sees a head dress sitting on Ridge's desk and asks if this is part of the new collection, but he explains that it's the headdress for Steffy's wedding gown. Brooke is surprised that he gave Steffy a wedding gown. Ridge tells her that he's been working on this all Steffy's life, although he never expected to give it to her so soon. Brooke thinks it's a big step to give Steffy a wedding dress. Ridge claims that he's just trying to be supportive, but Brooke thinks it's not like him to be so unconcerned. Ridge admits that he is concerned, and it's killing him. Still, he needed to let his daughter know that he doesn't want to control her, and the dress was a good way to do that. Brooke tells Ridge that Rick thinks he's learning to accept this relationship. Ridge states that he never said he would accept it. All he said was that he can't control Steffy now that she's an adult, but he still urged her to think long and hard before making any decisions. Brooke points out that Steffy loves Rick and wants to marry him, but Ridge hopes Steffy comes to her senses before that happens. Brooke is surprised given how excited Rick was earlier. Ridge wishes she could have heard how Rick talked about Steffy earlier, since that's a side of her son she never sees. It was almost like Rick was blackmailing him for Thomas's freedom. He knows Brooke wants to believe in her son, but he hopes Steffy comes to her senses and sees Rick for what he is, a blackmailing, back-stabbing, deceitful son of a... Stopping himself before saying the "b" word, Ridge reminds Brooke that he lost a daughter and has a son who is in dire need of mental care, all because of Rick. Having gone through that, he doesn't think he could handle it if he lost Steffy, too.