Episode Date: Wednesday, December 1, 1999

Taylor showed up at Ridge's office and told him Brooke had stopped by to see her. Taylor told her husband that there was nothing they could do to stop Brooke and Thorne from seeing each other. Taylor said she encouraged Brooke to concentrate on her relationship with Stephanie and to make amends. Ridge couldn't believe his wife had suggested Brooke patch things up with his mother. Ridge then panicked that Brooke may have considered going to speak with his mother. (Ah, yes, good thinking Ridge, because at that very moment….)

Stephanie asked Brooke to leave her house. Brooke stayed and asked Stephanie if she didn't want to figure out what went wrong between them. Stephanie said her biggest mistake was ever letting Brooke into her life in the first place. Brooke said she wanted to start over with her former mother-in-law. Stephanie told Brooke she was out of her mind. She had no desire to have Brooke in her life. Brooke told La Forrester she didn't hate her and Stephanie didn't have to hate her either. Brooke pointed out they had Rick, Bridgett and Little Eric in common. They should concentrate on their common points. Brooke asked permission to prove they could be friends and she would never hurt Stephanie again. Stephanie told Brooke she knew her too well. Steph knew Brooke wanted something - what was it? (Have I mentioned what a smart little business suit Brooke has worn for the past few episodes? It's just too delicious for words.)

Becky arrived at her desk in Paris and found the photos Amber had E-mailed to her. She was moved to tears by the images on the screen.

Back at the guest house, Amber worried that Becky might see the photos and decide she wanted her son back. Tawny wanted to shut Becky up permanently, but Amber told her mother to chill out. They decided to telephone Becky and see what she thought of the photographs. Amber called and Becky thanked her for the pictures. Becky cried to her cousin how much she missed her son. Amber told Becky not to worry. She was family and she would always be a part of Little Eric's life. The agreed to get past this point in their relationship because Little Eric needed a peaceful life.

"Give your son a kiss for me, Amber" Becky said. (It was so moving to hear her say those words. But I'd rather see a good catfight any day.)

Over at Spectra Fashions Kimberly returned from Paris. Adam was very angry that Kimberly had disobeyed his orders. Sally advised Adam to take it easy on his daughter. Kimberly explained she had to go to Paris to get Rick out of his horrible marriage. Adam said Rick's life was no concern of hers. Kimberly shocked both Sally and Adam by stating she loved Rick and was planning to save him.

I have to say that Kimberly has picked up an annoying habit of flailing her arms around while she's talking. I was afraid she was going to put Sally's eye out while she was professing her love for Rick.

At Ridge's office Taylor continued to defend Brooke saying she only wanted to make amends with Stephanie. Ridge insisted now was not a good time for Brooke to see his mother. Taylor countered that Brooke would not do anything to jeopardize Stephanie's health. Ridge said he couldn't take that chance and left for the Forrester mansion.

At that very moment Brooke told Stephanie she wanted to be her friend. Stephanie said Brooke only wanted her acceptance. Stephanie demanded to know the real reason Brooke was there. Brooke said she had come to give Stephanie something. "Yes, a headache and an upset stomach" was Stephanie's reply. (That Stephanie is such a card.)

Brooke said she wanted Stephanie to lead a healthier life, one without anger and bitterness. "We can end the war" she told Stephanie. La Forrester deduced that Brooke was scared. She needed to secure a place in the Forrester family now that she was not involved with one of the Forrester men. Brooke retorted that she already was a Forrester and she owned 51% of the company. She did not need acceptance from Stephanie.

"You don't have the dignity to be a Forrester. You bring shame and despair to everyone you are involved with" Stephanie spit. Brooke couldn't take it anymore and was just about tell Steph the truth about her relationship with Thorne when Ridge stormed in. He tossed Brooke out the front door and ordered her to stay away from his mother. Ridge did not want to hear that Brooke had only planned to become Stephanie's friend. (You know, I'm really sorry it didn't work out, Brooke, but you look fabulous in that dress.)

Rick arrived at the Forrester photography studio and found Kimberly leaving a message for Brooke. (Rick was supposedly going to sit in on a meeting with his father - for what reason is anyone's guess. Heaven only knows why Kimberly couldn't have made that phone call from a pay phone at the mall.) Kimberly hugged Rick and told him that Amber had indeed been lying. Becky had all but confirmed there was a secret they were hiding from the Forrester family. Rick asked what that secret might be. Kimberly had to admit she still didn't know the truth, but she was sure there was something Amber was hiding. Rick told Kimberly he could not leave his family for the possibility of some big secret. Kimberly told Rick she would not give up digging until she found the truth. Rick left for his meeting and Kimberly picked up her cute little clutch and headed out as well.

At the guest house Tawny warned Amber that Kimberly could cause trouble for her marriage. Amber didn't see "a little whiney goody-goody" as a threat but Tawny insisted that Kimberly had to be stopped. Amber said she could not confront Kimberly because it would cause suspicion. Amber thought that being and good wife and mother would be her best bet. Tawny disagreed and said they needed to "hit her with a sunami and knock her dead on her feet."

Tawny answered a knock on the door and Kimberly pushed her way in (she's been doing that a lot lately) and demanded that Amber tell her the truth. As Kimberly and Amber argued, Tawny loudly locked the door and said "You think you can just barge in here and threaten my daughter and her marriage? Well think again, Missy, 'cause you picked the wrong two women to mess with."

Missy. Tawny called her Missy. That's my word, missy.

At her Paris office, Becky waited impatiently for someone named Jacques. He arrived and had printed out the digital photos of Little Eric for her. She was ecstatic to see them. She rushed home and unpacked a multitude of picture frames she must have picked up on the way from work. She filled the frames and placed them around her apartment - ALL around her apartment. She told herself she believed Amber was telling the truth. She and Rick were taking good care of Little Eric and were providing him a future, a stable home and a family he could always depend on. Becky was going to move on with her life but she would never forget her son.

Brooke arrived at the Forrester photography studio looking for Kimberly. Instead she found Rick whose meeting with Eric had been cancelled. (Why is the photo studio the hot new place to meet all of a sudden? Can't these people just talk on the phone?) Rick said he was sorry to disappoint his mother, but he informed her Kimberly had not uncovered any secret of Amber's. When Brooke said she was sure there had to be a secret Rick informed her he was not going to play "what if." He explained he was committed to his family. Brooke told her son he didn't have to hide his disappointment from her. She told him she knew it must break his heart to live the same nightmare every day.

Rick then imagined (or Brooke told a story, it was hard to tell) trying to study at home while Amber ignored the crying baby to chat with Tawny and cook dinner. Tawny had ordered an expensive new outfit and charged it to Rick's credit card. Rick also had missed a test that day because Tawny had forgotten to give him a phone message from his professor.

Back in the real world Brooke said it didn't have to be that way. He could have a wonderful life with Kimberly. Rick next imagined (or Brooke dreamed up another story) studying with Kimberly in his dorm room. They were so cute and treacley sweet with each other my teeth hurt. They tossed pillows at each other and then he carried her on his back as they left to share a pizza. I lost my lunch.

Rick said it wasn't so simple to choose one life over another. He was going to provide the best life possible for his son. Brooke said Amber wasn't worth destroying his life. Brooke said she was meddling because she cared for Rick so much. Kimberly cared for him too. That's why she was determined to discover the truth about Amber.

And dig she did. Kimberly told Tawny there was no need to lock the door of the guest house. She had no intention of leaving until Amber told her the truth. Tawny told her she had some nerve. "You are obsessed with a married man. You are nothing but a selfish little home wrecker." Kimberly flailed her arms around and asked if Tawny was threatening her. Tawny said she was merely giving a warning.

Amber then went off on Kimberly. She said everything she had done she had done for Rick and Little Eric. She loved them and she and Rick were committed to keeping their family together. The well being of her family was the most important thing to her and she would do whatever she had to protect her family. Kimberly explained she was not the bad guy. She only wanted to help her friend, Rick.

Tawny warned Kimberly she had no idea what she was capable of. Kimberly said she knew Tawny was capable of helping her daughter hide the birth of her child from Rick. She imagined Tawny would do just about anything.

Kimberly kept digging (and flailing her arms about). She said Becky had told her that Amber's secret had to do with a man Becky missed very much (did Becky really say that exactly?). Kimberly wondered aloud who that man could be. At that very moment (such drama) Little Eric cried. A look of horror crossed Amber's face. (I've told you about this before, Amber.) Kimberly saw the look (who could miss it?) and wondered if the baby could be who Becky was missing. Kimberly leaned over to pick up Little Eric but was stopped.

"Hold it right there Missy." Kimberly turned around and was shocked to see Tawny holding her a gunpoint! A gun! Tawny has a gun! This couldn't be any better if I had written if myself.

Taylor paid Stephanie a visit. Stephanie told her daughter-in-law that Brooke had stopped by. Taylor tired to convince Steph that perhaps Brooke truly wanted to bury the hatchet and be friends. Stephanie would hear none of that. Taylor begged La Forrester to calm down. There was no sense in getting upset over Brooke. It could harm her health. Taylor really pissed of Stephanie by explaining that Brooke did not upset Stephanie, she (Steph) had to take responsibility for her own reactions. The matriarch said Taylor could deal with Brooke now that she had stopped chasing after Ridge. Stephanie feared she would always have to guard her family against Brooke. "She's a devil" Steph intoned. Taylor shook her head in despair.

In her office, Brooke told Thorne of her plan to befriend his mother. Thorne wasn't sure that would ever happen because Stephanie was so set in her ways. Brooke was excited by the prospect of making it work for Thorne. She promised she would never argue with La Forrester again. She would smile at all of Stephanie's future insults. Thorne was so pleased by Brooke's plan they sucked face until the scene faded to a commercial.

At Insomnia, Rick studied, chugged caffeine and day dreamed of Kimberly in a bikini at a photo shoot. In his fantasy, he helped her get in the proper mood by rubbing lotion on her shoulders. (I've noticed something. We haven't seen the new Rick without his shirt off yet. What is up with that? He's taken a shower and been in bed at home. In his day dream he was next to a bikini-clad Kimberly. The director/producers never seem to be able to keep shirts on those Forrester men. Let's see some flesh big guy.) Rick's reverie was interrupted by Adam asking to join his table. Adam congratulated Rick on his commitment to Little Eric. He was also concerned about Kimberly and wanted Rick's help. Adam said his daughter was strong-willed. Rick agreed and said she was a good person and a loyal friend. Adam said that was the problem. Kimberly loved Rick and wanted to help him out of his dilemma. He said Rick had tried to be noble by marrying Amber and remaining friends with Kimberly. That was not fair to anyone. Rick assumed Adam wanted him to cut Kimberly out of his life. Adam said there was another solution. He suggested Rick end his marriage to Amber so he could be with Kimberly. Adam suspected Rick loved his daughter very much and would do anything to make her happy.

But over at the guest house, Tawny was waving her pistol in Kimberly's face and said it would be a shame if the gun accidentally went off and injured or disfigured the young model. Amber begged her mother to put the gun away and finally grabbed it from her. Kimberly ran for the door and escaped as Amber pleaded with her to understand Tawny would never have fired the gun. Tawny was angry Amber had let Kimberly get away. Amber lost it and told her mother she had ruined everything. Now Kimberly knew for sure they were hiding something and would run to tell Rick the entire story.

And where would she go to look for Rick but that damn photo studio? Wouldn't you think to look for Rick at Insomnia or the library? Or better yet, call him on those cell phones everyone has today? But no, Rick was staring at photos of Kimberly in the studio when Kimberly arrived in tears. She told Rick that Tawny and Amber were crazy and had pulled a gun on her. He had to get away from them! Rick was shocked at the news.

Brooke and Thorne continued to grope each other in her office. They took a breath long enough to discuss how Brooke could become Stephanie's friend. Brooke said she would give it another try and she would not fight back if Steph insulted her. Brooke was convinced her love for Thorne was stronger than Stephanie's hate.

Brooke returned to Stephanie's house and steeled herself outside the door. "If I can manage a million dollar company I can surely handle a bitter old woman" Brooke told herself as she knocked on the door. Stephanie heard the knock and knew it was Brooke trying again. "I'm ready for you this time, Missy" La Forrester thought out loud. (Missy, that's my all purpose nickname. How did Stephanie know that?)

Brooke entered the house. Stephanie told her nemesis she had expected a return visit. They were sickeningly sweet to each other. Stephanie said she'd play along until Brooke revealed the true reason she wanted a truce. "And if I get to see you grovel, so much the better" Steph smirked. She told Brooke that Helen had been planning to give her a pedicure but had to leave to care for her sick niece. Brooke offered to trim Steph's toenails. Brooke got down on the floor and scrubbed Stephanie's feet and polished her nails. (That may have been the best scene I've ever witnessed on daytime television.) As she toiled away, Brooke suggested they make amends for the good of the family. Stephanie countered by saying Brooke could benefit the family by staying away. Brooke started to loose control when Stephanie hinted Brooke was not a good mother, but she kept her temper in check. Brooke said she would do whatever it took to get on Stephanie's good side. The matriarch said the gardener had told her some weeding needed to be done, the car needed to be washed and the gutters cleaned. Stephanie said Brooke was an expert on gutters. Brooke simply smiled and told La Forrester she'd see her in the morning.

At the photo studio Rick could not believe that Tawny had pulled a gun on Kimberly. She told Rick the entire story of her visit to the guest house and said it proved there was a secret Tawny and Amber were trying to hide. Rick was furious there had been a gun so close to Little Eric. He started to leave to confront the trailer trash Moores but Kimberly stopped him. She feared for his well being. Rick said he would do whatever it took to keep his son and Kimberly safe. As he left, Kimberly told him to be careful.

Meanwhile at the guest house, Amber let her mother have it with both barrels. She was certain Rick would freak out when he discovered what had happened. Tawny said the gun wasn't even loaded and suggested they tell Rick that Kimberly had made up the entire story. Amber said she would not tell any more lies. All she ever wanted was to be the kind of woman Rick Forrester could love. Now she was constantly trying to cover her tracks because of all the lies Tawny had forced her to tell. Tawny defended her actions by saying she had done everything to help Amber keep her marriage and family. Amber said she was afraid she would turn into her mother. She told Tawny to leave and return to Furnace Creek. Amber didn't want to hear from her mother again. Her mother's influence was turning Amber into someone she didn't like.

In the heat of their argument, Tawny called her daughter "Missy." That's twice in one episode that nickname was used - and by two different characters. I think that's a little strange, don't you? It is my all purpose nickname anyway. Give it back.

A dejected Tawny headed for the door just as Rick stormed in. He looked really, really mad, too.

Brooke returned to her office after polishing Stephanie's bunions. Throne was waiting there to get some of that sweet, funky stuff. Brooke told her intended she had given his mother a pedicure and managed to keep her temper from flaring. They started swapping spit when Kimberly knocked on the door.

Thorne excused himself when Kimberly entered. She told Brooke the story of Tawny pulling a gun on her. She said she had told Rick the entire tale and she thought he was breaking up with Amber at that very moment. Kimberly said Tawny's desperate act had proved there was a secret she and Amber were trying to keep hidden. Since Rick had insisted on total honesty after learning of Amber's one night stand with Raymond, Kimberly was certain Rick would not tolerate any more lies. Brooke thanked Kimberly for her part in getting rid of Amber. Kimberly said it was worth all the trouble to save Rick. Kimberly said she'd still like to discover what the big secret was. Brooke didn't care what Amber was hiding as long as she was out of Rick's life. Amber deserved whatever Rick was telling her, Brooke mused.

Rick stomped into the guest house and demanded to know where the gun was. He blew up at Tawny for having a gun in the house with his son. At first Tawny tried to deny any knowledge of a gun, but Amber confirmed that Kimberly's story was true. Tawny then admitted she had pulled the unloaded gun to keep Kimberly away from her family. Tawny feared Rick could not protect his wife and child from that home-wrecker so she took matters into her own hands. Rick agreed that such desperate actions meant there was something to hide and he demanded to Amber tell him the truth. Tawny told him to calm down and Rick told his mother-in-law to back off. Amber asked her mother to leave so she and Rick could talk alone.

Alone with her husband, Amber explained she didn't know her mother even owned a gun. "But you know why she used it" was Rick's reply. Amber begged for a chance to explain. Rick told her he didn't want to hear any more excuses. He couldn't take it anymore.

Over at Spectra Fashions Sally and Macy were working when Darla returned from a Mexican cruise. Darla wanted to know what had been going on with Thorne and Macy. Had they set a wedding date? Macy told the tale of Stephanie's stroke and how her relationship with Thorne had been on hold ever since. Darla told Macy it was time to take control of the situation. She had Macy write a note and fax it to Thorne. The note told Thorne to meet her in the Forrester dark room - "clothing optional"!

Thorne received the fax and rolled his eyes. Macy went into the dark room just as Giovanni entered the photography studio outside to eat some Chinese take out food. Macy undressed and knocked her purse to the floor. Giovanni heard the noise and went into the dark room to investigate. Macy had turned off the light and assumed Giovanni was Thorne. (Oh what a crazy mix up. This is almost as entertaining as classic French farce.) Macy approached Giovanni from behind and massaged his shoulders, ran her fingers through is hair and told him not to say a word. Giovanni enjoyed the attention and Macy's remarks of how sexy he was.

Hello? I realize it's dark, but come on. I think just about anyone could tell the difference between Thorne's muscled shoulders and Giovanni's lithe frame. Don't get me wrong. Both men are very attractive, but I find it hard to believe that Macy, having been intimate with Thorne, would mistake Giovanni's body type for Thorne's overly muscled physique. Then again, why not enjoy them both?

In his office, Thorne again read the fax Macy had sent inviting him for some nookie in the dark room. Megan arrived to inform Thorne that a shipment of silk had arrived. (Why are these people working so late at night?) He asked if Megan had read the fax. She admitted she had but would not tell anyone. Thorne confided in Megan that he didn't want to meet Macy in the dark room. Megan understood, but said he had to tell Macy the truth. She'd know something was up for sure if he didn't show up to pleasure her. Thorne agreed and left to find Macy.

Macy was busy in the dark room disrobing Giovanni. (The scenes were awfully dim, but he looked pretty darn fine.) As she fondled his bare chest, Giovanni let a "mamma mia" slip from his lips. Macy thought it was Thorne being playful. Macy kept repeating how "different" it was in the total darkness. (I'll say, so different it's like having sex with another man.) She continued to seduce him until Thorne knocked on the door and asked if Macy was inside. Macy recoiled in horror and asked who she had been groping. Giovanni introduced himself and explained it was his photo studio and dark room. He was tickled to learn it was Thorne she had been waiting for. Macy instructed Gio to be a "good little Italian boy and keep quiet." He told her to drop by anytime. "You are kind of sexy" were her parting words.

Macy hustled out of the dark room and told Thorne he had been late and she started without him. (Now what is he to think THAT means?) She said they should leave before someone found them. As they exited the studio, Macy turned back, fanned her hot and bothered self and uttered another "mamma mia."

Outside the guest house, Tawny fretted she had ruined everything. Inside, Rick told Amber that Tawny's stunt today had proven there was a secret they would do anything to keep hidden. He instructed Amber to come clean or he would leave her that very night. She said the lie she had been keeping was thinking she could ever be good enough for Rick. He had never truly forgiven her for lying about Raymond and his possibility of being the baby's father. Kimberly and Brooke had never given her a chance and poisoned Rick's mind against her. She was from the wrong side of the tracks and had plenty of secrets from her past. Amber was certain Kimberly had dug up some sordid tidbit about her. Rick asked if the only secrets Amber had were from long ago and didn't affect them today. Amber assured her husband that was correct.

Amber knew what her mother had done was wrong, but Tawny cared enough about her daughter's marriage and baby to do something drastic to protect them. They were poor and not of proper breeding like Kimberly, but they loved their family very much. Amber told Rick she loved him and their family more than anything. She begged him not to give up on their relationship. He just looked at her and walked out the door.

Apparently he didn't see Tawny on his way out because no sooner had Rick left than she snuck back into the house (with the gun clearly displayed on the kitchen counter - what does that mean?) Amber told her mother the conversation had gone very badly and she was sure Rick was going to see Kimberly.

Kimberly was still in Brooke's office. Brooke urged Kimberly to never underestimate Amber. Kimberly was certain Amber could not talk her way out of this situation. Brooke said they should keep clear of the Moores because they were obviously capable of doing anything. Rick arrived and asked to speak to Kimberly alone. Brooke stroked his arm and left the room. Kimberly was all a-twitter. She said she understood this must have been a hard thing to do. She hugged him as she assumed he had dumped Amber. Rick just looked over her should with a stupid look on his face.

Taylor, Ridge and Eric jammed into Ridge's office. Eric couldn't believe Taylor had encouraged Brooke to make amends with Stephanie. Taylor was contrite and Ridge said he would instruct Brooke to stay away from Stephanie. Taylor convinced the two to allow her to speak to Brooke again. She felt she had found a psychiatric cause for Brooke and Thorne's behavior and could talk to Brooke about it. Eric said Brooke had better listen or he would take her to court and get a restraining order to keep her away from Stephanie.

Ridge and his father went to Eric's office to chew the fat. Eric said Taylor had better get through to Brooke or he would lose it. (Um, Eric, by the look of those veins popping out of your forehead I think you have already lost it.)

Brooke entered Ridge's office and told Taylor how well she thought it had gone with Stephanie. "I was as sweet as a saint and as patient as a priest" Brooke glowed. Taylor had to lay it on the line and tell Brooke her original advice had been bad. She now felt that Brooke and Thorne did not belong together. Taylor had done some reading (how studious) and talked to several psychiatrist buddies and they agreed Brooke and Thorne suffered from "folie a deux." Taylor explained it was a dysfunction where two people think what they are doing is normal when it is really pathological. Brooke knew "folie a deux" meant "folly of two." (That Brooke must have studied her French well back in high school.) She felt Taylor had betrayed her. Taylor said the main symptom of the disease was thinking everyone else was wrong and you were right. Taylor told her ex-enemy she had to break it off with Thorne for everyone's well being. Taylor said Bridgett would be harmed by seeing her mother involved with so many men from the same family. Taylor said Brooke had to end the relationship with Thorne that very day.

At the guest house Amber told her mother she hated herself for lying to Rick again. Tawny reminded her daughter that telling the truth would surely end her marriage. Amber feared her marriage to Rick may have already ended. Amber said Rick didn't need people like them in his life and she had to agree with him. Tawny told her daughter she was wrong. Rick, Little Eric and Amber were a perfect family. Tawny again said Amber should get pregnant to secure a future with Rick. Amber stopped the discussion and said there was no way that would happen. Amber said all the lies had turned her love for Rick into something ugly. She sent her mother to the drug store (for God knows what at that hour of the night) and waited for Rick to return. Amber feared he might kick her out.

But in Brooke's office Rick seemed unsure of what to do. He instructed Kimberly not to blame herself for anything that had happened. He said he had tried to hide his feeling but he couldn't any longer. Rick admitted (out loud) that he was in love with Kimberly. He was so impressed that she had never given up on them even when he thought they could never be together. Kimberly said she had waited so long to hear those words from his mouth. Rick said he had never wanted to hurt Kimberly. That was why he had hidden his feelings. But now he was going to have to cause a lot of pain. He said he loved her for who she was and he knew she loved him for his convictions. He then rocked Kimberly's world by saying there was no secret and Amber had done nothing to deserve him leaving her. Kimberly couldn't not believe Rick was going to stay with Amber. Rick said he could not break up his son's family for no reason - and he and Kimberly could never be truly happy at the expense of his son.

Kimberly let it rip and told Rick she loved him. She would never stop looking until she uncovered the truth about Amber and her lies. There was no say he could stop her.

And the tears rolled.

In his mother's office, Rick told Kimberly to give up the witch hunt of looking for Amber's secret. He said it was beneath her and would only bring her down. Rick felt she didn't need that trouble and she didn't need him. He insisted his marital woes weren't her problem. Rick knew he had made a mistake and didn't want Kimberly to make a mistake by waiting on him. She wasn't doing this for herself - only for him. Kimberly reminded Rick he was not staying with Amber for himself, but for his son. Rick told Kimberly he didn't want her to waste her time on something that might never happen. She deserved more. Kimberly said he deserved more too. Kimberly let the tears just stream down her face. Rick tried to get some waterworks going but wasn't successful. Frustrated, he left the office. Alone, Kimberly vowed to discover Amber's secret and set Rick free.

At the guest house, Tawny returned from running errands for Amber. She tried to cheer her daughter up with ice cream sandwiches but found Amber had packed a suitcase for her. Amber told her mother to leave that night, she had only made matters worse by pulling the gun on Kimberly. Tawny said Amber had a good thing going with the Forresters and she had to fight to keep it. Tawny realized she had pushed the limit but she was only trying to help Amber strengthen her position in the Forrester family. That could only be accomplished with time, toughness and babies - lot of babies. Amber only smirked at her mother's interference. Tawny took her suitcase and left, telling her daughter to hang in there. Rick returned shortly thereafter and admitted he had been talking with Kimberly. Amber asked if he had told her to quit trying to sabotage their marriage. Since the scene was over, Rick just looked at her.

Ridge, Eric and Thorne had a meeting in Eric's office about using up all the excess silk in the Forrester warehouse. Yawn! Of course Ridge changed the subject and started telling Thorne to give Brooke up. (Talk about your broken records!) Ridge told his brother Taylor was talking to Brooke about her mental health. Thorne was furious that Taylor had gone behind their backs and discussed their relationship with strangers. Thorne accused his father and brother of only wanting to break Brooke and him up. (So observant, big guy.) He insisted it wouldn't work and stormed out of the office.

Across the hall in Ridge's office Brooke was sick at Taylor's suggestion she had a physchosis and required therapy. Taylor pointed out the way Brooke related to the Forrester men was not normal.

"Now your playing shrink" said Brooke.

"I'm not playing. I am a shrink" Taylor replied. (Well, she does have a point.)

Brooke explained how she got involved with each of the Forrester males and made it sound kind of logical. Taylor said she was just trying to justify her actions. Brooke said she would be no good to anyone if she didn't have Thorne's love and support. Brooke accused Taylor of caving in to Ridge and Eric's demands. Brooke said the progress she and Taylor had made in their friendship was ruined. Taylor regretted that but said she had to be honest to show she really did care.

"You're setting yourself up for a future of heartache and pain" Taylor warned. Thorne entered at the moment and told Taylor he no longer had any respect for her. He threw his sister-in-law out of the office. (He tried to slam the door, but it kind of stuck.) Thorne told Brooke they would prove everyone wrong.

Kimberly and Giovanni talked in the Forrester photo studio. (Will this night never end? Kimberly is still wearing that same nappy sweater with the gray fur collar. Ick!) Kimberly complained to Giovanni about the entire Amber/Rick situation. Gio told the teen that Rick had made his decision and she must accept it. Kimberly said she was never going to give up. Giovanni told her she was wasting her life away chasing after Rick. Gio planted a big, wet, smacking kiss on her lips to show her what she was missing. He wanted to wake her up to her bright future as a model at Forrester. He whispered in her ear how wonderful it would be when the went on a photo shoot to Venice. She was entranced by this beautiful tales of Italy. She appreciated his attempt to get her mind of Rick but she was determined to get Amber away from her true love.

At the same time, Rick told Amber that he had instructed Kimberly to accept the fact he was married to Amber and to stop interfering in their lives. He said he was going to tell his mother the same thing. Rick told his wife he was staying with her and Little Eric where he belonged. The subject of a secret was now closed. Amber was ecstatic at the news she had not lost Rick and they agreed to not let anyone mess with their family again. Amber told Rick she had sent Tawny home as well. She apologized for ever listening to her mother's crazy advice and from now on she would believe in Rick's commitment to their family. They shared an intimate kiss and Amber started to get amorous. Rick pulled away and she asked why he didn't want to make love. Rick explained he was under a lot of pressure with all his responsibilities but he was also haunted by the memory of the first time they had sex. Amber understood he would be nervous about her getting pregnant again, but she had been taking the pill with the hopes they would get their sex life back on track. (Hey, Rick, Big Guy, ever heard of a simple little thing called a condom? Are we really supposed to believe that Rick didn't want to have sex because he was afraid Amber would get pregnant? I think Eric needs to have a talk about the birds and the bees with his son.) Amber said she wanted to be a "total" wife to Rick. Their parents had not been good role models to show them how to be a loving couple. She wanted to give Little Eric a loving home with parents that showed affection. Amber was in heat! She told Rick she wanted him now as she climbed on top of him and smothered him with seductive kisses.

Over at Forrester Creations, Brooke and Thorne paced in her office and talked about how mad they were at Taylor for interfering in their love life. Brooke said she was fed up and was tempted to end this nightmare by telling Stephanie the truth immediately. Thorne convinced her not to do that. Brooke said she had to achieve Stephanie's acceptance. She would keep trying, not matter how many pedicures she had to perform on Stephanie's feet.

Meanwhile at the Forrester mansion, Stephanie and Helen, the maid, chatted in the kitchen. Helen got a kick from hearing that Brooke had polished Steph's toenails. Stephanie was puzzled why Brooke was in such a hurry to gain he acceptance these days. She vowed to get to the bottom of the situation. Brooke then called and asked to see Stephanie right away. Stephanie told her nemesis to pay her a visit the next morning. After hanging up the phone, Stephanie told Helen she would be ready for Brooke this time and get her to admit the real reason she was being so friendly.

Episode Date: Wednesday, December 15, 1999

A new day had dawned in Los Angeles. I, for one, am very happy that Kimberly can change her nappy, pink sweater with the nasty, fur collar.

So if it's morning it LA, it must be quittin' time in Paris. Becky prepared to leave her desk but was stopped by Suzanne, a co-worker. (Hey! That's not Suzanne! That's Dottie Thornton from All My Children. Of course you remember her from the mid 1980's. She was Edna's daughter. She was after Tad and they had to go on the run together. Tad really loved Hillary but she saw Tad and Dottie in bed together. Dottie got pregnant but lost the baby and didn't tell Tad - but that's another story.) The staff (of 4!) had prepared a surprise birthday party for Becky complete with really, really bad French accents (except for Dottie, I mean Suzanne, who had a Dottie Thornton accent). Becky's boss offered her a permanent position at Forrester International. Becky thanked him for the consideration. She told her co-workers she had decided it was time to move on from her life in Los Angeles and took the job in Paris. They all toasted her success. But Dottie, I mean Suzanne, noticed Becky looking wistfully at the photo of Little Eric on her desk. Hmmm.

Amber cuddled next to Rick in bed and thought about the hot night of sex they had just shared. When Rick woke up he couldn't believe how late it was.

"The alarm didn't get turned on last night" he said.

"No, but I did" was Amber's sultry reply. What a tramp!

Amber thanked Rick for all he had done for her and their family yesterday. He told her he would rather forget about yesterday (and Kimberly's pink sweater). It was the worst day of their relationship. Amber suggested they not forget the day that had launched them into a better marriage. She suggested they renew their wedding vows. Rick agreed. Amber was happy. They kissed. Rick went to fix breakfast and tend to Little Eric's cries. Amber went to check the calendar for a date to have their re-wedding and remembered it was Becky's birthday.

Amber called her cousin at work to send her birthday greetings. Becky was touched that Amber had remembered. They reminisced about a birthday party with an un-breakable piñata. I'm sure that was a hoot and a half. Amber told Becky that Little Eric was doing very well. Becky said she had accepted a permanent position in Paris. Amber told her cousin how grateful she was for all the things Becky had done for her and the baby. After hanging up, Becky clutched the framed photo of Little Eric to her chest. Dottie Thornton, I mean Suzanne, walked by and witnessed the tender moment. Hmmm.

At Ridge and Taylor's house, Thorne berated Taylor for not supporting his relationship with Brooke. Taylor stood by her theory that Thorne and Brooke together was not a healthy thing. Thorne told his sister-in-law that Brooke was over at Stephanie's still trying to get on her good side. Taylor thought that was a bad idea.

Brooke approached Stephanie's house through a courtyard to the kitchen door. (We've never seen that set before.) Brooke apologized for being late but had to wait for her delicious brownies to bake. Stephanie said she couldn't eat the treats because the doctor had her on a strict diet. (No comment.) Stephanie was upset that Helen wasn't around because the kitchen was full of silver that needed to be polished for a dinner party that night. Brooke balked at doing the dirty work until Stephanie said she could do it herself with her "one good arm." Way to go, Steph.

We next found Brooke huffing and puffing away at the silver service. Stephanie explained she was having a dinner party for the entire family but that Brooke was not invited. Brooke suggested she come to the party so she and Stephanie could be amicable to each other and show the family how they could all get along. Stephanie said "No way." She ended her conversation with Brooke and called Taylor to chat. Brooke was miffed that Stephanie had blown her off to gossip with Taylor but she silently promised to get in Steph's good graces.

Back to work, girl. You got to make all the silver sparkle.

It was the day of trashy clothes.

At Spectra Fashions Macy sashayed around Sally's office in a hideous ensemble. It was a mid-drift turtle neck (figure that one out) made of some sort of fuzzy material that looked like it would ignite into an inferno if exposed to a match. She called Stephanie and said she was confused about Thorne. Stephanie invited her over for tea.

Darla entered Sally's office and asked Macy for the details of her tryst with Thorne in the dark room. Darla said it had been over a week since it had happened. A week!?! It was yesterday. It was yesterday. I'm not stupid. I know "yesterday" took about three weeks worth of episodes to complete, but it was only one day of soap opera time. Macy related how she had nearly seduced Giovanni by mistake. Darla was shocked. Macy said although she was embarrassed, she had enjoyed the encounter. She would never be untrue to Thorne, but she missed passion in her life - and Thorne had definitely not been putting out. Macy said she was on her way over to Stephanie's to discuss the matter. Darla suggested Macy discuss it with Thorne instead.

Amber paid a visit to Stephanie wearing what looked like a black and white leopard print slip and learned of her step-mother-in-law's plan for a big family dinner that night. Amber told Stephanie she and Rick had been planning to renew their vows with the family in attendance. Amber thought it might be a good idea to do it at the dinner party. Stephanie balked at the idea because she thought Rick and Amber had been having problems. Amber explained they had nearly broken up the night before but were now stronger and more committed than ever. Amber said she thought seeing her and Rick renew their commitment to each other would inspire the entire Forrester clan to know that anything is possible. That concept certainly got Stephanie's approval. Stephanie said she would take care of the minister and all the details and sent Amber on her way.

Over in Thorne's office, Brooke told her beloved about polishing Stephanie's silver. Brooke was really upset she had not been invited to the family dinner. Thorne thanked Brooke for all her efforts toward his mother and told her it would all be worth it when they could be together. They started kissing and Brooke got all hot and bothered. She stepped back and disrobed revealing yet another trashy teddy undergarment from the Brooke's Bedroom line. Thorne went gaga! They were going at it hot and heavy but were interrupted by the phone ringing. Thorne didn't answer it in time, but decided he and Brooke should not be getting' jiggy wid it in his office. They embraced as Brooke worried Stephanie would be throwing Macy at Thorne at the dinner party that night.

That phone call had been Macy trying to talk to Thorne before visiting his mother. Macy went on over to Stephanie's in her trashy outfit. Macy voiced her concerns about her relationship with Thorne. Stephanie told Macy of Rick and Amber's intention to renew their vows at the family dinner that night. La Forrester suggested they plan for the minister to marry Macy and Thorne at the same time. Macy wasn't sure Thorne would go along with the idea. Stephanie felt Thorne had delayed his wedding to Macy because Stephanie had been too sickly to attend a church affair. Macy seemed a little hesitant herself (thinking about that hot Giovanni, I bet) but agreed to Stephanie's scheme.

Oh, this has the makings of a good, good time.

At Stephanie's house, a physical therapist helped her stand for the first time. Dr. Cannon was present and marveled at her progress. The doctor took Eric aside and told him that even though Stephanie was doing well she must still avoid all stress. Eric thanked the doctor for his time and vowed to keep Stephanie from harm.

Just a thought. As Eric escorted the doctor out of the house he said "Watch your step." Have you noticed how one always has to step down into all the houses on The Bold and the Beautiful? You step down into Stephanie's home and her guest house as well. There are steps at the entrance of Brooke's house, Ridge and Taylor's new place, Macy's beach bungalow and several big steps down into Sally's apartment. What's up with that?

At Forrester Creations, Brooke and Thorne made out in her office. (That's a big surprise.) Thorne was upset that he had to leave for his mother's big dinner party. (Brooke was upset he still had his shirt on.) Brooke felt sure Stephanie had more in store than just family dinner.

At the guest house, Amber dressed Little Eric up in a silly, little suit. (He looked like one of those organ grinder's monkeys.) Rick arrived and was thrown for a loop to learn Amber and Stephanie were planning for them to renew their wedding vows that very evening. Rick was convinced to go through with it when Amber said it would certainly cheer Stephanie up. Rick got dressed and went across the courtyard with Little Eric. Amber got all dolled up and was sure her wedding would be better this time. Without Brooke, there would be no "grumps." Amber did wish that Kimberly could be there to see Rick's commitment to her. (Be careful what you wish for, honey.)

Over at Spectra Fashions, Macy invited the entire crew to Stephanie's party. None of them had any desire to go until Macy was forced to admit she and Thorne were probably going to get married that evening. Sally, Adam and Clarke all said they would go. When Kimberly entered, she was invited too. She was insulted they all planned to attend the travesty that is Rick and Amber's marriage. Macy again had to tell the truth and ask Kimberly to attend for her sake. Kimberly graciously said she would attend and be her half sister's maid of honor.

Back at the Forrester mansion, Eric and Stephanie chatted. Steph told her husband how happy she was all the family would be together. Ridge and Taylor arrived. Stephanie told the trio she had invited the Spectra family as well. Taylor asked if having Sally around wouldn't aggravate Stephanie. La Forrester assured her family that Sally had been very sweet to her of late. She also intimated there was more going on than met the eye. Stephanie left to check on the food as Eric fretted with Taylor and Ridge about her health.

Thorne arrived and Ridge wanted to warn his brother of the Spectras impending arrival. Thorne got all cocky and didn't want to listen and was surprised when Macy showed up with Sally and Clarke in tow. Rick was shocked to see Kimberly arrive with her father. Rick made a beeline for the aspiring model and asked what she was doing there.

"I could ask you the same question" Kimberly huffed. She explained she was not there for him. She was attending for another reason.

Thorne excused himself from the party and called Brooke. He told her of Rick and Amber's intent to renew their wedding vows. Brooke was upset but said she knew Eric could handle the situation. Brooke was more concerned to learn the entire Spectra family had shown up. (Mother of the year - that our Brooke.) She wondered why they could possibly be interested in Rick and Amber's marriage.

Amber made a grand entrance in Stephanie's wedding gown. (OK, just a minute. When Amber wore that gown the first time she was extremely large and pregnant. Now, with less than a day's notice, the gown fits her svelte frame perfectly. How did that happen?) But I digress. Amber thanked everyone for coming. She then looked over and gave Kimberly a really sour look. Kimberly rolled her eyes in return.

When the minister arrived, Stephanie asked if he could perform two marriages for the price of one.

I'm looking forward to seeing how all this plays out. It was noted by Sally that CJ had not arrived yet. I hope he shows up with that "Feelings" cassette from the fashion show. I think that would really set the mood.

Episode Date: Monday, December 20, 1999

The party continued at Stephanie's house. Macy commented that Amber was wearing Stephanie's gown again. Amber said it had to be altered because she was very pregnant when she wore it the first time. (I mentioned that last episode, remember? I guess it pays to be related to a family that owns a fashion business. Do you think they get free dry cleaning as well?)

Helen, the maid, took Little Eric off camera and Stephanie started the festivities with a speech. I'll spare you all the mushy details. She said Rick and Amber had persevered. She was proud of them. It was special that they wanted to renew their vows and love was better the second time around. Yeah, whatever.

Thorne suspected his mother was up to something. He told Eric, Ridge and Taylor that it was killing him to keep stringing Macy along. Taylor reminded him that Stephanie was not strong enough to know the truth of his relationship with Brooke. Yeah, I think we know that by now.

It's great to see that CJ has shown up (apparently with Darla who we saw later) with blond highlights in his hair (pretty hip, man). He silently chatted with Kimberly but was chased away when Rick wanted to talk to her. Kimberly laid into him and said there would be no love to back up the vows he was about to take. She knew he was doing it for his son, but that didn't make it right. Kimberly told Rick she could not accept what was going to happen. Rick merely said he was sorry and walked away. Amber then sauntered up to Kimberly and rubbed her rival's nose in the fact that Rick was committed to his wife.

By the fireplace, Stephanie told Ridge that she had felt guilty that her stroke had kept Thorne and Macy from getting married. Ridge reassured his mother that it was not her fault. Stephanie hinted that problem may be remedied that night. Ridge panicked.

Meanwhile over in Paris (where strangely enough it is night there as well as in Los Angeles) Becky tried to call Amber but got the answering machine. She tried to get her mind off her son by studying her French, but she could only stare at the little boy's photo. Her telephone rang. It was Kimberly! Miss Fairchild had snuck into the Forrester study and phoned Becky to beg her for the truth. Kimberly explained that Rick and Amber were getting ready to renew their wedding vows and one word from Becky could end the charade. Becky told Kimberly it had nothing to do with her and Kimberly should accept Rick and Amber as a couple and leave her alone.

Everyone gathered in the Forrester living room for the ceremony. CJ wondered where Kimberly was. (At least he got to say something. That's more than his mother got to do today.) Rev. Foster babbled on and on about how far Rick and Amber had come in the past year. Rick hesitated slightly before saying his "I will" when the preacher asked if he wanted to be Amber's husband. The couple then said a few words to each other. (I won't bore you with the exact quotes, but they went something like this):

Amber: She said Rick and Little Eric were gifts from God. She would always treasure them. They were learning together. It was a beautiful thing She loved them. The best was yet to come -- something along those lines.

Rick: He always knew Amber would change his life. It had been hard but they had made it. They could do anything as long as they respected each other and were honest. He promised to be the best father and husband he could be. It as ever so touching.

The vows were then exchanged and Kimberly entered the room just as Rick was about to say "I do." Kimberly covered her mouth and cried. Rick saw his true love and hesitated but then heard Little Eric cry and said "I do." Kimberly had to turn away as Rick kissed Amber.

After the ceremony, Macy and Stephanie sat and chatted like giggly school girls about planning her wedding to Thorne. Ridge spied them and realized Macy was in on his mother's scheme as well. He voiced his fears to Taylor who said Ridge had to put a stop to whatever was in the works. Ridge clenched his jaw and looked very concerned.

Episode Date: Tuesday, December 21, 1999

The party just would not end at the Forrester mansion. Those Forresters are party animals! Eric told Rick he was proud of him. Darla gathered Rick and Amber for a photo. CJ kissed the bride. Kimberly was sickened as Amber pawed at Rick and enticed him to go back home for their second honeymoon. Amber thanked everyone for wishing them well. She threw the bridal bouquet. Macy pushed Darla to the ground (well, in my version she did) to catch it. Thorne wasn't too happy about that.

Eric questioned if Stephanie was cooking up some scheme. Stephanie admitted she was planning on Thorne and Macy getting married that very night. Eric suggested they hold off on that surprise. Stephanie said her health was the reason Thorne and Macy were not yet married. Sally joined Stephanie and said she was ready for the "main event." Eric found out everyone knew about the surprise wedding except Thorne. (That's what would make it a surprise, Eric. Duh!)

Ridge again tired to warn Thorne that something was up but Thorne told his brother he didn't want to hear anything he had to say. Macy lured Thorne onto the balcony and told him she loved him. She said it had been hard to learn to trust him again but she was glad they had the rest of their lives ahead of them. Thorne nearly choked as he listened to poor Macy go on and on. (What a dupe they are making poor Macy out to be. She's really going to lose it when she learns the truth.) Thorne suggested they leave the party to be alone. Macy was all for that idea (does he make you horny?), but told her beloved Stephanie would not let them leave.

Over at Forrester Creations, Brooke was distracted as Megan paraded hot male models in business suits (not swim wear, darn it) for Brooke to examine. Megan excused the models as Brooke explained there was a big dinner party at Stephanie's and she wasn't invited. Brooke wasn't as concerned about her son's re-commitment to Amber as she was of the Spectra family's attendance. Brooke was afraid everyone would push Thorne to Macy until he cracked. Megan suspected if that were the case, Thorne would be forced to tell the truth and admit his love for Brooke. Brooke convinced herself that would happen.

Not so fast, honey. Back at Stephanie's party, Eric went tot he study and told Ridge and Taylor of Stephanie's wedding plans for Thorne and Macy. They agreed it could kill Stephanie if Thorne was backed into a corner and admitted his true feelings for Brooke. The three stooges agreed they had to stop the plans. (Wise guy, eh?)

Back in the living room, though, Thorne pulled Macy up to Stephanie's wheel chair and told his mother they had to leave. Stephanie said they couldn't leave because Macy had a surprise for him. Thorne explained he wasn't in the mood for surprises, so Macy said she would like to get married since the minister was right there. She was asking him to marry her.

CJ ran to Kimberly and told her there was going to be another wedding just as Ridge entered from the study. (Oops, just a little too late.) Thorne didn't know what to say. Everyone thought he was just speechless. Thorne made up a lame excuse that too much excitement would be bad for Stephanie's health. Stephanie pooh-poohed that idea by telling him she had never been happier. She was so pleased both he and Ridge had found such wonderful women to share their lives with. She had promised him she would stand up for him at his wedding. With those words she mustered her strength and stood on her own two feet, although she was a little wobbly. (It's a miracle. Praise Jesus!) Everyone looked on with amazement and Stephanie returned to the wheel chair. (Let's not overdue it, shall we not?)

Darla handed Amber's bouquet to Macy but Thorne was still hesitant. Ridge grabbed his little brother and said Thorne just had the last minute jitters. Ridge suggested Eric and he take Thorne into the study for a shot of scotch. Macy didn't want Thorne to feel pressured but Taylor assured her everything would be fine.

Back in the study, Thorne accused his father and brother of concocting the whole fiasco. (Kind of paranoid, aren't we Thorne?) They denied any knowledge of the wedding but told Thorne marrying Macy was the best thing he could do. Thorne insisted he loved Brooke. Eric said he had thought he loved Brooke at one time, too, but Brooke had only used both of them. Thorne balked at his father's accusations and cried he was tired of lying. He was going to go out to the living room and tell everyone the truth. Eric forbade it.

When's dinner?

In the Forrester study, Ridge and Eric tried to convince Thorne to marry Macy. They argued it would be the best thing for everyone, especially Stephanie. Eric pointed out that Thorne could never have a future with a woman that would not be accepted by the Forrester family. Thorne said he did not need anyone's approval. He and Brooke could simply move to Paris and work with Becky at Forrester International. Eric said he would not let that happen. Eric told his son he would regret getting involved with Brooke in the future. Thorne told his father and brother what they were doing amounted to emotional blackmail and he would not give up Brooke.

Eric reminded Thorne that he knew all too well how charming Brooke could be. Thorne insulted his father by saying Eric's marriage to Brooke was nothing more than a mid-life crisis. Eric corrected him and said he had truly loved Miss Logan. We were then treated to flashback scenes of Eric and Brooke's wedding and honeymoon from 1991! Brooke had enough 80's hair for six or seven actresses. I couldn't get over the flowing mane she had. And to think everyone thought it looked good at the time! I can only imagine the hair and makeup crew saying "Yeah, curl and tease that three foot pony tail within an inch of it's life. Now that looks so classy!" But I digress. Eric remembered how he felt Brooke was the love of his life, but it could never really have been. Thorne told his dad it was different for him and Brooke. Eric pointed out he wasn't that different from Thorne. They were both related to Ridge.

Thorne blew up, but Eric gave him the bitter pill to swallow that Brooke had always wanted Ridge and would always want him. "The girl's obsessed and everyone knows it" Eric belted. He added Macy was the best thing that had ever happened to Thorne and the entire family would benefit from their marriage. He told his son to return to the guests and make the right choice.

While the Forrester men were fondly recalling old episodes in the study, Macy was plenty perturbed in the living room. She told everyone she had sent Kimberly home because she was so distraught over Rick re-marrying Amber. Everyone tried to comfort Macy and tell her Thorne would return soon. Macy confided to Stephanie that she feared Thorne did not want to marry her at all. La Forrester encouraged Macy to be patient and not get upset. She was certain Thorne loved her very much.

Adam pulled Sally aside and said it had been a bad idea to spring such a surprise on Thorne. Sally told Adam she hoped it was only a case of cold feet and not something more serious. Adam said if Thorne backed out of marrying his daughter, he would not leave the Forrester mansion until he discovered the reason why.

Brooke and Megan sat in Brooke's office. Brooke was certain there had to be something bad happening at the party. She finally decided to call and find out. Helen, the maid, answered the phone. Brooke, for some unknown reason, asked to speak to Stephanie. Helen made it clear Stephanie could not come to the phone because Thorne and Macy were about to get married! Brooke nearly swallowed the handset of the telephone after hearing that tidbit of news.

Back in the Forrester living room Thorne returned. Macy walked up to him and said she had to know if he wanted to get married or not.

Just as would probably happen in real life, no one said a word. Everyone just stared at each other as the camera panned from face to face and the scene faded to black. Yep, just like the real world.

When Brooke recovered from the shock of hearing from Helen that Macy and Thorne were about to get married at Stephanie's party, she bolted from her office leaving Megan in the dust. Brooke had to get to the Forrester mansion to stop the wedding!

Meanwhile over at the Forrester place, Macy was waiting for Thorne to give her and answer if he wanted to marry her or not. He avoided the question all together by saying he never wanted to hurt Macy and that he was closer to her than anyone in the room. I suppose everyone thought that meant Thorne did indeed want to get married. Stephanie instructed Rev. Foster to begin the ceremony.

Brooke then appeared in the foyer. She came in from that doorway underneath the stair landing above. You know, there's some sort of Native American art hanging back there. We've never seen anyone use that doorway and who knows where it might lead. I guess we are to think it is some sort of "back" entrance. Brooke hid behind the wall and squinted at the proceedings in the living room.

Just at the minister started his spiel, Thorne stopped the action and said he could not get married. Stephanie looked at him at shock and said she thought this was what he wanted. Thorne said no one had asked him what he wanted. Macy started to cry and said she loved Thorne but she was not going to wait for him any longer. If he was not ready to get married now then she was going on with her life without him. Macy then smacked Thorne in the belly with the bridal bouquet and stormed out the front door. Brooke hid behind a potted plant to avoid detection.

Stephanie could not believe what had happened. She said she had to leave. She maneuvered her wheelchair into the study. (Speaking of which, weren't they going to turn that study into a bedroom? I'm sure that's what they told Dr. Cannon at the hospital before they took Stephanie home. We've been in the study the past couple of days and it's certainly no bedroom. And furthermore, where's Taylor? She was at this shindig yesterday. Today she's no where to be found.) Anyway, Adam and CJ berated Thorne for being so insensitive to Macy. Sally encouraged Thorne to go after Macy. Thorne said he was not abandoning Macy, but he had no intention of going to find her. Adam leaped at Thorne to attack him but was stopped by Eric. The patriarch encouraged the entire Spectra clan to go home. Brooke slipped back through the never-before used doorway to hide as everyone left the house. (And where did Brooke park her car? Wouldn't someone see it as this entire clan went to their autos?)

Ridge and Eric showered Thorne with their disappointment and contempt (big surprise). Thorne told them to prepare Stephanie for the truth because it would come out soon. Thorne then went to the pool to contemplate his messed-up life. Brooke appeared from the palms and told him she had witnessed the entire episode. She explained they no longer had to worry about hurting Macy. She had said she would go on with her life without Thorne. Brooke said she and Thorne were halfway to being together. The lovebirds did not see Eric and Ridge on the balcony above the pool. Eric was sickened by their embrace and swore he would stop the relationship.

Over at the guest house, Amber appeared from the bedroom in a slutty leather ensemble of black, patent leather stiletto heels, black, fishnet hose, tiny leather hot pants and leather halter top. (The 'ho police should have definitely written her a citation!) Rick was opening a bottle of champagne and the cork popped just as Amber walked in to the room. (How subtle.) Rick went into the bedroom to get ready as the phone rang. Amber answered it. Becky had called to congratulate Rick and Amber on renewing their vows. Amber explained that Little Eric was spending the night with Helen at the main house so she and Rick could have their second honeymoon. Amber thanked Becky for all she had done and told her she loved her. Becky let Amber go do the wild thing. Amber sashayed into the bedroom.

"You lookin' for some mean action, lady?" Rick inquired. (What? Who wrote that tripe?)

"I won't bite. Maybe I will" Amber replied. (Shakespeare, I think that's Shakespeare.) "You ain't seen nothing yet, sailor boy." (I wasn't aware Rick was in the armed forces.)

And all the time Amber is in her finest dominatrix gear, Rick is wearing a terry cloth robe! What is the deal with Rick's chest? We have yet to see it! I'm betting he has a huge skull and cross bones tattoo and it's being removed by lasers and we won't get to see him naked until the procedure is complete. But I digress, Amber and Rick tumble to the bed and the scene faded to a candle. (And we know that means they were doing the big nasty.)

Back in Paris, Becky phoned Helen in the kitchen of the Forrester mansion. (Isn't it amazing how the person you want to talk to in that big house always answers the phone?) Becky asked to speak to Little Eric. Helen held the receiver to the baby's ear as Becky told him how much she loved him. Little Eric, in his first lines of dialog, babbled some baby talk that sounded like "momma." Becky was in tears and Helen was astonished as well. (Of course we didn't actually see the baby talk. We were looking at Becky's reaction as he spoke. I'm guessing they had a stunt double do the actual talking.)

Brooke arrived at Thorne's beach house with gifts to share a quiet Christmas Eve. (Thorne was wearing a very, very tight shirt. I guess that was his gift to Brooke.) Thorne thanked Brooke for making the past year the best of his life. Brooke thought they should be spending the evening with the rest of the Forrester family. They contemplated that the true meaning of the holiday was love. Thorne predicted that next Christmas they would be celebrating with the family. Thorne complimented Brooke on all her good qualities. Brooke said there was perhaps a chance for her and Stephanie to get along some day.

Eric, Stephanie, Rick, Amber and Little Eric showed up at Ridge and Taylor's house to celebrate Christmas Eve. Ridge had spent all day building a ramp at the entry stairs so Stephanie could scoot her wheelchair right on in. (With all that money, wouldn't he have just hired it done?) Taylor was wearing reindeer antlers! (I hope it was meant to be something funny for all the children because she looked really silly.) It was Stephanie's first night out since her stroke. As they exchanged gifts, Stephanie told everyone how thankful she was that the entire family had helped her recover from her stroke. She was the happiest she had ever been.

Taylor then gave Thomas a crystal angel tree ornament. She said it had been a wonderful year. She had been allowed to live and continue to be a mother to Thomas, Phoebe and Stephanie and a wife to Ridge. Ridge then said he had learned a valuable lesson from Taylor. He had learned material possessions did not matter. It was important to help people that were in need.

The family started for the dining room to have dinner when Amber decided it was her turn to give a speech. (There's always a lot of that on holidays on soap operas.) Amber said her childhood Christmases had always been lonely times. She and Tawny did not have any money for gifts, Tawny had to work and her father was never around. Amber thanked the Forrester family for including her in their gathering, but the real joy of the holiday was for the celebration of the birth of a baby.

Eric decided they should gather around the grand piano (that we'd never seen before) to sing Silent Night. Eric tickled the ivories as the family tried to carry the tune.

Over in Paris (where once again I was amazed how it was night on both sides of the earth at the same time) Becky was cracking up. She talked to a photo of Little Eric and exchanged gifts with the framed picture. (Becky, wake up, girl. It's a photo!) She wandered around her apartment and told herself her baby was better off with Amber and Rick. Just as she was ready to eat her extremely American-looking TV dinner there was a knock on the door. A French delivery boy in a Santa hat brought a huge gift basket from Amber. Becky was touched that Amber had remembered her on the holiday. Then the phone rang. It was Amber calling from the Forrester song-fest. Amber thanked her cousin for the greatest gift she had ever received. Amber then put Becky on speaker phone so she could cringe at the off-key harmonizing of the beloved carol with the rest of us.

Giovanni snapped photos of Kimberly in the Forrester photography studio when Amber stopped by for no apparent reason other than to taunt Kimberly. Amber asked the young model why she had left Stephanie's house so early during her party. Kimberly explained she had been there to act as Macy's maid of honor. When the wedding did not take place, Kimberly left. Amber thought Kimberly had only come to see Rick.

Giovanni started talking about the planned location photo shoot in Italy. He asked if Amber had ever been to Italy or Europe. When Amber said she had not traveled much outside the state of California, Giovanni pressed for the reason she had not. Amber offered to let Kimberly tell the story but Kimberly declined saying she had no desire to humiliate her rival. Amber then explained she had grown up without a father and she and her mother had no money to travel. Giovanni apologized for being so rude. He told Amber he was sure she would get to travel now that she was married to Rick and excused himself.

Alone, Amber and Kimberly discussed her trip to Venice. Amber was surprised that Kimberly was not treating her modeling gig as a career. She noted Kimberly was majoring in pre-med at college. Kimberly said her modeling was just a part time job. Amber accused her of only taking the job to be close to Rick. Amber told Kimberly to mind her own business. She and Rick were now closer than ever. Amber told her nemesis is she had any decency she would leave a her happy family alone. Kimberly retorted that if Amber had any decency she would tell Rick the truth. With that jab, Kimberly turned on her heel and left.

Over at Insomnia, Rick told CJ about Amber's leather dominatrix outfit. CJ was way too Interested in hearing all the details of their sex-capades. I agreed with Rick when he told his buddy to "get a life."

"You got yourself a hot little momma there" was CJ's take on the situation. (Suave, very suave.)

CJ told Rick he had a good life with Amber, but it appeared that Rick wasn't so sure they should stay together. CJ then let us all know that he and Rick and gone through puberty together (way too much information, man) and had dated lots of silly girls. CJ told his friend that Rick now had a wife and child and he had to make the relationship work. As Rick just kind of looked blank, CJ apologized if he had overstepped his bounds and left.

Kimberly then appeared at the coffee shop wearing a long-sleeved, turtle-necked, bare mid-drift sweater. (Now tell me what the hell kind of sense that makes!) Rick said he was sorry she had to be present his wedding vow renewal with Amber. Kimberly told her true love if she really believed he loved Amber she would leave him alone. But she thought he was unhappy and she would find the truth so they could have a chance.

In Paris, Becky sat at her desk and daydreamed about Little Eric when Dottie Thornton, I mean her co-worker, Suzanne, came by. Suzanne suggested Becky accompany her to the day care center to visit her son. Once there, Becky got a panicked look on her face. Dottie, I mean Suzanne, introduced her son, Peter, to Becky. Suzanne talked on and on about how much she loved her son, how easy it was to be a single mother these days with day care options at work and how she could never understand how a mother could give her baby up for adoption. Becky replied there was sometimes no choice but to give a baby away. Dottie/Suzanne was just relentless and said there was never an excuse to give a baby away. Becky started breathing heavily and listed all the reasons a mother might have to give her child up for adoption. After each phrase she took a breath. She started to hyperventilate. She collapsed right there on the mats the cute little children used to take their naps!

Rick and Kimberly continued their conversation at Insomnia. Rick told her to have a good time on her photo shoot in Venice. He wanted her to put Amber and her supposed secret out of her head. Kimberly said she intended to have a great time in Europe, but she would miss him very much. She said she knew he would miss her, too. Kimberly said she had something to give him to remember her by. She walked on stage at the coffee shop, grabbed the microphone and sang him a pretty little song! I kid you not, dear readers. With her bare belly proudly exposed, Kimberly lip synched her way through "I Still Believe." I can only guess it really was young Ashley Lyn Cafagna's voice we heard. She did her best Mariah Carey impression dipping around on each note like there was no tomorrow. And let's not forget those flailing arms. They added so much emotion to her heart-felt rendition of the tender ballad. The patrons at Insomnia applauded wildly as Kimberly meekly bit her lip at the end of the song. As usual, Rick just kind of stared at her.

At the guest house, Amber told Little Eric everything was going to be better now. Her soliloquy was interrupted by Tawny calling to wish her a Merry Christmas. Tawny congratulated her daughter on the renewal of her wedding vows. (Apparently Amber had told her grandmother of the ceremony who then told Tawny.) Amber made it clear that she was not yet ready to talk to her mother. Amber said she had to live with the secret that Tawny had started by convincing her to pass off Becky's baby as Rick's son. Tawny told Amber she should appreciate the good life she had. Amber retorted it was a life built on lies and it was eating her up inside. Tawny offered to come to Los Angeles and comfort her daughter. Amber told her mother to stay away and hung up the phone.

Alone, Amber remembered the horrible night her baby had been stillborn. She also recalled Tawny telling her the only way to keep Rick was to take Becky's baby home and pretend he was Eric Forrester III. Amber cried that she couldn't believe it had all happened. Amber didn't know how Rick could ever be proud of her since she was not proud of herself. She finally convinced herself she had to keep living the lie. If the truth came out the entire Forrester family would hate her and, even worse, turn their backs on Little Eric. Amber swore that would never happen.

At the Forrester International daycare center in Paris, Suzanne offered a recovering Becky some water. Becky did not recall fainting. Suzanne thought it best that she accompany Becky home. Once at her apartment, Becky was reluctant to let Suzanne inside, but Suzanne insisted to help Becky get settled. Upon entering, Suzanne immediately noticed the plethora of framed photos of Little Eric. As she questioned Becky's connection to the baby, Becky became agitated. Becky insisted she was fine and Suzanne should leave. Suzanne asked Becky to confide what was bothering her. Becky's co-worker said it was obvious she was tired and not feeling well. It seem Becky was going through an emotional crisis and she suspected it had to do with Little Eric. Becky became defensive as Suzanne implied Becky was obsessed with the baby. Suzanne insisted she was only reaching out but Becky said she was butting in. Suzanne said the shrine to her cousin's son was strange. Why did Becky have such an attachment to the little boy?

Under pressure, Becky screamed "I'm not his cousin. I'm his mother!"

Oops! Someone new knows the secret.

In Becky's Paris apartment, Suzanne questioned Becky's stability. Becky had obviously not been eating or getting enough sleep, there was a shrine to her cousin's baby and now Becky claimed Little Eric was her son. Suzanne wanted to help and asked for the entire story. And Lordy, she got the ENTIRE story. (I'll note that Suzanne received in about five minutes what it took us over six months to digest.) Becky related the entire saga about her and Amber giving birth the same day, the heart-shaped birthmark, giving her baby to Sarah the mid-wife, Becky visiting Los Angeles, Amber trying to get rid of her, Becky seeing Little Eric's birthmark, Becky taking off with the baby, the bottle cap incident, returning her baby to Amber, etc., etc., etc. Suzanne looked on in dismay.

At the guest house, Helen delivered groceries just as Amber told Rick she wanted to go to Venice. Amber said Helen could go along and help with Little Eric. Helen thought that was a really good idea. (Well, of course she did.) Helen left and Amber said she wanted to have some fun with Rick. Kimberly had told her of the Venice photo shoot and Amber thought it sounded great. Amber said the trip would be great for their marriage after all they had been through. (Yeah, hanging around Kimberly in Italy will do wonders for your relationship, Missy.) Rick told Amber she was hard to say no to and offered to look into the possibility of going along on the Forrester photo shoot. Amber was ecstatic.

Over at Spectra Fashions, Adam wasn't too pleased to learn Kimberly was still planning her excursion to Italy. Sally, Darla and CJ all expressed concern that Kimberly was dwelling on Rick and Amber's marriage too much. Adam wondered if Rick would be going to Italy as well. Kimberly assured everyone Rick was not going on the photo shoot. (Don't be so certain, honey.) Adam agreed to let Kimberly go if she promised to give up her quest for Amber's supposed secret. Kimberly said she knew Amber was hiding something that would blow her marriage apart but this trip was the chance of a lifetime and Kimberly would not let Amber overshadow it. (Oh yeah, that's what you say now.)

At the Forrester mansion, Eric watched as Stephanie worked with her physical therapist, Dottie. (Dottie?! Is it a coincidence that Dottie Thornton is working with Becky in Paris and this medic's name is Dottie? I think not.) Brooke arrived with some documents for Eric. (Wouldn't she have hired a messenger service?) Eric invited her in to see Stephanie's progress. Stephanie asked them to come into the living room and chat with her. Brooke was kind, encouraging and impressed when Stephanie stood and took a small step with the aid of a cane.

"Brooke, help me into the foyer. There's something I want to show you" Stephanie said.

"Sure, what is it?" Brooke asked.

"The door" Stephanie barked.

Stephanie told Brooke she was tired of playing games and trying to figure out why Brooke was trying to get on her good side. Brooke protested but as Stephanie got agitated Eric threw Miss Logan out on her ear. He told Brooke that now that she knew how Stephanie felt she should break off her relationship with Thorne. As Brooke left in tears, Eric vowed he would put an end to the Brooke and Thorne's romance if they didn't do it themselves.

At the Forrester photography studio, Ridge prepared Kimberly and Giovanni for their fashion shoot in Venice. He told them he had put his heart and soul into the Princess Line. (He has? I haven't seen him do a stitch of work in months. He seems to spend all his time locking his jaw and butting in on Thorne and Brooke's romance.) As he left the studio, Ridge told Gio and Kimberly to do a good job for Forrester and to have a good time.

Eric walked into Brooke's office hoping to hear she had ended things with Thorne. He found her office empty and called security, who told him Brooke and Thorne were on their way up to the office. Smiling like the Grinch who stole Christmas, Eric pushed the "intercom" button on Brooke's desk phone and slipped through the connecting door to his office just as Brooke and Thorne walked in.

In his own office, Eric pushed the "intercom" on his telephone to listen to Brooke and Thorne's conversation. (That's really not very nice, Eric.) Ridge walked into Eric's office. His father motioned for him to be quiet and listen.

Brooke locked the door to her office and told Thorne about her visit to Stephanie's house. She was afraid his mother would never accept her. Brooke said she was tired of the whole situation and couldn't take it much longer. Thorne tried to be reassuring, but Brooke asked when the last time they could truly relax had been. Brooke felt beaten up . She explained she could not focus on anything because she was always afraid of an attack from Eric or Ridge. She wanted to go away with Thorne and escape the pressures on their relationship. (Hey, I've got and idea, Brooke, why don't you go to Venice?) She must have read my mind because her face lit up as if a light bulb had go on over her head. Brooke suggested they go to Venice with Kimberly's photo shoot. Thorne agreed it was a fantastic idea. They thought Stephanie would be healthy enough upon their return to learn the truth. The vowed nothing would stop them.

Back in Eric's office, Ridge and his father were furious. They had expected Brooke to break off the relationship with Thorne. Eric turned off the intercom and swore Stephanie would never learn the truth about Brooke and Thorne. Ridge and Eric promised to teach the love birds a lesson. (I wonder what that might be?)

At the guest house, Amber lugged a suitcase across the living room. She answered a knock at the door and found her mother standing there. Tawny explained she was worried about Amber because her daughter had cut off contact from her. Amber told her mother she was fine. In fact, she and Rick were taking a romantic vacation to Venice. Tawny was pleased to hear about the trip and offered to stay in Los Angeles to care for Little Eric. When Amber informed her mother the baby would be going with them, Tawny jumped at the chance to tag along on the European trek as a nanny. Amber told her mother to forget about it. Amber was in charge now and if any problems came up she was going to solve them by herself. She did not need her mother's interference and told her to go home. Once alone, Amber told Little Eric that their European vacation would be the beginning of a long and happy future.

Are you sure about that, Amber? Over in Paris, Suzanne tries to convince Becky that Little Eric should be with his biological mother. Becky begged Suzanne to leave her alone because she had made her decision and didn't want to second guess it now. Suzanne suggested Becky already was second guessing it - that is why she wasn't eating or sleeping. (That is why she spent so much money on all those picture frames.) Suzanne said Becky had to act immediately before the baby bonded too much with Amber. Becky said it wasn't all that easy. She had lied as well and the Forresters would hate her. Suzanne said the Forresters could not fire her. She had earned a full time position at Forrester International.

Just then Michelle called from the office. She told Becky of Kimberly's Venetian photo shoot. Michelle thought Becky would want to know because her cousin Amber was going to be there with her family as well. Becky told the news to Suzanne who insisted it was fate. Becky had to go to Venice and bring her baby home!

Mind your own business, Dottie.

The Bold and the Beautiful was not broadcast today due to New Year's Eve festivites.

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