Rick, the big fat loser, and Amber continued their conversation at Insomnia. Amber poured her heart out. She said how she had always had faith in her and Rick. She had been battling his mother and Deacon, but she always thought she and Rick would be together. Amber was certain that Rick just wanted to date other girls. The big fat loser grew indignant and said his decision to end the engagement had nothing to do with him. Amber then begged Rick to explain his actions. It appeared that the big fat loser might actually say something meaningful when Deacon came up to the table and told Amber it was time to leave. After learning Little Eric was fine, Amber asked Deacon to leave. Deacon said it was Rick who should leave. Deacon accused Rick of wanting to save Amber from her life of drudgery, but when the going got a little rough, the big fat loser bailed out on her. Rick was insulted by Deacon's comments and left. Amber was angry at Deacon for blowing her chances with the big fat loser. Deacon said he would never desert her.

(Please note that I am not calling the actor, Justin Torkildosn (Rick), a big fat loser. He is doing the best he can with the stupidest writing I've ever encountered on B&B. You see, if Rick has so much integrity, as we've been told time and time again, why would he dump his "son" at the sight of Amber kissing another man. At the very least, a person of any intelligence or integrity would address the issue and discuss it. To think that Rick, who had, by the way, just had his own make out session, would be so jealous and/or upset that he couldn't even speak is ridiculous.)

At Morgan's house, Tim grew suspicious of Steffi's absence and went upstairs to look for her. He found the child and took the cell phone away from her before she could reveal her whereabouts.

At the Bel Air mansion, Ridge was devastated when his phone call to Steffi was cut off. Morgan tried to convince Ridge that the call had been a prank, but he insisted it was Steffi's voice. He went to Phoebe's room to make sure she was there and asleep. He didn't think it could have been her that made the call. Ridge decided he had to find Taylor. She had been correct. Their daughter was still alive. Desperate, Morgan persuaded Ridge that the call had to be a hoax played by some vicious person. (Well, she would know about such things.) She convinced him that looking for Steffi would only get everyone's hopes up, just to be let down again. Ridge seemed to agree with her as she left for home.

Back at Morgan's, Tim was upset that Morgan would be furious when she learned what Taylor had done. Taylor held her daughter and was disappointed to hear that she had not had enough time to tell Ridge where they were being held captive. Taylor did, however, congratulate Steffi on a valiant effort. Suddenly, hot-headed Morgan stormed through the door and let Tim have it for letting Steffi make a phone call. She said it was a good thing she had convinced Ridge the call was a prank. Taylor taunted the duo by saying that if Ridge had the slightest indication Steffi was alive, he would not rest until he found both of them.

Back at the mansion, Ridge looked into the night sky and swore he would find Steffi if she was, indeed, alive!

Amber and Deacon returned to The Lair. (Again, it's night time. Shouldn't the bar be open for business? But oh no, it was as empty as a package of Devil Dogs at Rosie O'Donnell's house.) Amber cried and wondered why Rick would dump her with no explanation. Deacon figured he was a kid. He had caved in to pressure from his family and friends and gave up on the relationship. Amber wondered if she actually wasn't good enough for Rick. She said she was nothing but a loser. Deacon chastised her for talking badly about herself. Amber said all she wanted was to be a part of Rick's world, his family. But she obviously didn't fit that mold. Deacon stated that Amber did not need the Forrester family to validate her existence. In fact, Deacon poured them each a drink and toasted to Amber's bright future.

Meanwhile, Rick popped into Stephanie's office at Forrester Creations looking for his father. Stephanie explained that Eric had left but asked if she could help. Rick came into her office and told his step-mother that his wedding to Amber had been called off. Stephanie was shocked and couldn't believe the news. She asked what had happened. Rick said he didn't know what had happened. At that statement, like any normal person, Stephanie assumed that Amber had broken the engagement. Rick then further shocked Stephanie saying he had stopped the wedding because he had seen Amber kissing Deacon. He added that he had not mentioned his revelation to Amber. She was clueless. In the best written line on the show this year, Stephanie said "That's childish." (Yeah, that about sums it up, Steph.) Stephanie said he couldn't give up on Amber and Little Eric without a fight. Rick said Amber had betrayed him. He was disgusted and hurt. He wasn't sure he could forgive Amber even if there was a logical explanation for what he had seen. (Oh, so you can forgive her for not telling you your baby died at birth and fooling you into thinking her cousin's baby was yours for an entire year, but you can't forgive her for a little spit swapping with a hot stud. That makes so much sense!) Stephanie told Rick that she would accompany Rick to Deacon's so he could talk to Amber. Rick refused. So Stephanie decided she'd go over by herself. She intended to get to the bottom of the situation. (You go, girl.)

Up in Brooke's office, the CEO and Thorne discussed Rick and how he was holding up after breaking it off with Amber. Brooke felt guilty. Not about showing Amber the photos of Rick kissing Amanda, but for letting Amber into their life in the first place. Brooke recalled (without the use of flashbacks) how Amber had stolen her diamond tennis bracelet and returned it as well as the entire baby trickery scheme. Brooke said she didn't revel in Rick's current pain, but she had to stop him from making a dreadful mistake. The couple didn't see Stephanie approach the office and stand outside the door. La Forrester listened as Brooke told Thorne she understood that showing Amber the photos of Rick and Amanda probably caused her to feel insecure and that was the reason she had kissed Deacon. But Brooke rationalized that the actual reason the relationship was over was that the couple could not communicate. Thorne said he understood her motives, but wasn't sure his mother would be as kind. (You got that right, hunky boy. Stephanie's agog outside the door at this very minute.) Thorne left the office as Stephanie hid in the hallway.

Alone in her office, Brooke gazed at the incriminating photos. She was startled by a slamming door. A livid Stephanie was now inside and screamed "How could you do this to your own child?"

Don't you just love it when stories move this quickly? You give it to her, Steph!

At the Forrester guest house, Bridget waited for Rick and gazed at her instant Polaroid snapshot of Deacon. She wondered what her mystery man's name might be. Rick arrived and Bridget quickly hid the photo in her purse. Bridget noticed her brother's bad mood and asked what was bugging him. Rick told his sister about breaking up with Amber. When Bridget learned the details, she let Rick have it for not asking Amber why she was kissing Deacon. Bridget explained that it wasn't like Rick had discovered them having hot, nasty sex. (OK, Bridget didn't use those words, but you get the picture.) It was just a kiss. Bridget was also quick to point out that she knew Rick had also made out with another girl since his engagement to Amber and called him on his double standard. (It's about time someone - other than me, of course - brought that point to Rick's attention.) Rick said he was hurting and still loved Amber. All he wanted to do was plan a future for his family. Bridget told her brother that he had put too much work into the relationship to just let it end. He had to find out what Amber was feeling. Rick took his sister's advice and decided to call Amber.

Over that empty lounge, The (how does it make any money?) Lair, Amber was tipsy at the bar and sang a couple of verses of "Can't Help, Loving That Man Of Mine" from Showboat. ("Tell me he's lazy. Tell me he's slow. Tell me I'm crazy. Maybe I know." Oh, Amber, honey, truer words were never spoken. And while you're on a show tune kick, do you know any numbers from A Chorus Line? "What I Did For Love" would be particularly appropriate, but I'd like to hear "Dance Ten, Looks Three.") But I digress. Deacon entered the bar and took Amber's drink away from her. (I guess he's not a show tune fan.) He called sassy, bar wench, Alex, and had her bring Little Eric down to the bar. Deacon explained that he had a surprise planned for Amber. He was going to take her on a trip. When they returned, he was certain she wouldn't even remember Rick Forrester. Alex agreed to take care of the baby for a couple of days. Amber had passed out, so Deacon carried her out of the bar. Just as he was leaving, Amber's cell phone rang. Deacon left it on the bar and instructed Alex to let it ring.

But it was Rick. He's trying to get a hold of Amber so they can talk things out. Oh my goodness gracious! What on earth will happen?

Back at Brooke's office at Forrester Creations, Stephanie demanded to see the photos Brooke and Thorne had been discussing. Brooke handed the incriminating photos over. Stephanie deduced that Brooke had shown the photos to Amber who had then felt insecure and kissed Deacon. Brooke reasoned that it didn't matter why the young lovers broke up, it was bound to happen anyway. Stephanie disagreed and told Brooke that her meddling was what had caused the rift between Amber and Rick. Brooke said she had to get Rick out of the relationship. Stephanie was certain the youngsters loved each other and could make it work. La Forrester reminded Brooke how she (Brooke) had begged her to try and view her (Brooke) in a different light. Stephanie thought Brooke should try the same thing with Amber. Brooke resented being compared to Amber and told Stephanie not to tell Rick about the photos or show them to him. She didn't want her family to endure any further pain. Stephanie scowled at Brooke. As her daughter-in-law's back was turned, Stephanie purloined the envelope of pictures from Brooke's desk and left the office.

I wish Stephanie had sung a rousing chorus of "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun" from Annie Get Your Gun on her way out the door.

Ah, morning in Los Angeles. I just love the smell of smog.

In Morgan's living room, Taylor and Steffi drew more pictures while sitting on the floor. Taylor was so impressed with one of her daughter's family portraits that she helped Steffi write her name across the top of the paper. At the dining room table, Morgan and Tim discussed how Morgan had to convince Ridge that the telephone call he received from Steffi the previous evening was only a cruel prank. Taylor voiced her opinion that if Ridge had the slightest idea that Steffi might be alive, he would move heaven and earth to find her. As Tim went outside to get Morgan's car from the garage (What? Is he her valet now?), Morgan taunted Taylor and told her she was very close to ensnaring Ridge. Taylor laughed at the notion. Tim returned. As Morgan tried to comfort his fears, Taylor saw Morgan's patent leather purse/bag on the couch. Thinking quickly, Taylor folded Steffi's signed portrait and put stuffed it in the outside pocket of the bag! Morgan picked up her stylish purse and left for the Bel Air mansion. Taylor prayed that Ridge would see the drawing. (Good job, Taylor. I'm so proud of you.)

Meanwhile, at Ridge's house, Eric learned from his son about the phone call from Steffi. Eric worried that his son was hallucinating. Ridge was certain it had been his daughter on the telephone. As Ridge sat and stared at phone, hoping it would ring again, Eric met Morgan at the door. The two discussed the telephone call. Morgan was certain it had been a hoax. As Eric left, he instructed Morgan to take Ridge's mind of his problems by making sure he worked on the designs. Alone with Ridge, Morgan thought she'd be happy to ease Ridge's tensions. (Ooh, she's so bad.) Morgan placed her bag by a tacky statue. Steffi's drawings was sticky out of the exterior pocket!

We then learned that Deacon had whisked Amber away to Las Vegas! He entered her hotel suite and arranged a sumptuous breakfast. When Amber emerged from her bedroom, she wasn't pleased that Deacon had planned the vacation. Deacon said he had brought her to Las Vegas because it's where dreams came true. Amber replied that her dreams all involved Rick. They were certainly not going to come true in Las Vegas - or anywhere else for that matter. She told Deacon she wanted to goo back home. Dejected, Deacon departed. (Mr. Smartypants has been studying alliteration.) A short while later, Amber answered a knock on her door and found Deacon dressed as Elvis Presley. (He had even colored his hair black. Stupid, but kind of hot.) Deacon pranced around the hotel room and warbled an horrible rendition of "Don't Be Cruel." Amber couldn't help but laugh at Deacon's pathetic attempt to cheer her up. It pleased Deacon to see his beloved smile.

In her office at Forrester Creations, Brooke frantically looked for the photos of Rick kissing Amanda. She told Thorne she was afraid Stephanie had taken them with the intent of showing them to Rick.

Sure enough, Stephanie went the to guest house to visit Rick. As she prepared to tell her stepson the awful truth, the phone rang. Stephanie was certain it was Brooke and asked Rick not to answer the phone. Sure enough, they heard Brooke leave a crazed message instructing Rick to call her before he spoke to anyone else. Stephanie then showed Rick the photos and told him his mother had shown them to Amber. That was obviously the reason Amber had fallen into Deacon's waiting arms. Rick was livid. He couldn't believe his mother would sabotage his love life. (Oh, wake up, you stupid, stupid boy.) Stephanie advised Rick to wait before confronting his mother. Stephanie didn't defend Brooke's actions, but she understood Brooke's motives. Stephanie told Rick it was more important to go to Amber and get the entire mess straightened out.

But did Rick listen to La Forrester's advice? Of course not! (Why am I not surprised.) Rick stormed into his mother's office and slammed the door. He demanded the Brooke tell him why she was ruining his life!

In Brooke's office at Forrester Creations, Rick was furious with his mother for having shown photos of him kissing Amanda to Amber. Brooke replied that she had indeed shown Amber the pictures. It showed that Amber lacked character because she ran to Deacon's arms instead of discussing the matter with Rick. Brooke defended herself by saying she had taken such actions out of love. Rick was disgusted by his mother's interference. He told her that he feared he could never trust her again. He left the office to look for Amber and straighten out their misunderstanding. As he departed, Rick told his mother to never try another stunt like this one or he would never speak to her again. Brooke was so totally miffed over that one!

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, a bored Amber watched Deacon throw tokens into a slot machine. Deacon tried to convince Amber to cheer up. He said they should have some fun while they were in Las Vegas. Amber replied that she was depressed over losing Rick and was not in the mood to party. She only wanted to go home. They made a deal that they would leave the city as soon as they had used up all the tokens in their cup. Amber hurriedly played the remaining tokens so they could return to Los Angeles. But as luck would have it, her final play at the slot machine hit the jackpot! As coins flowed from the machine and bells and lights lit up the room, Amber learned she had won $25,000! Deacon and Amber were ecstatic as the casino photographer snapped her happy faces. Amber was so totally in a good mood over her win!

At Morgan's house, Tim tried to convince Taylor that he would protect her and Steffi. Taylor had to stop trying to escape. Taylor attempted to get Tim to see that Morgan was only using him. She was obviously trying to snare Ridge. Tim didn't want to discuss the matter any further. Taylor told Tim that it didn't matter anyway. Ridge now thought Steffi was alive from the phone call and he was about to get another clue. Tim was so totally panicked over that one!

So….over at the Bel Air mansion, Morgan tried a new tactic. She told Ridge that maybe it really was Steffi that had called. Since she had dialed the number once, she could dial it again. Ridge was horrified. He realized that Steffi was not old enough to know her phone number. There was no way she could have been the person on the telephone. Morgan agreed that it couldn't have been Steffi. Ridge then urged them to both get to work. Morgan sketched on her drawing pad and complimented Ridge on his strength as Ridge stared at his reflection in a full length mirror that had never been seen in the living room before. But look, behind him, Ridge noticed the reflection of Morgan's bag. And look, there in the outside pocket…..what's that sticking out? Ridge slowly approached the bag as Morgan was looking in the other direction. Ridge took the drawing from the pocket, unfolded it and saw Steffi's drawing with "Steffi" and "Mommy" scrawled across the top. Ridge was so totally shocked to see that one.

As Morgan babbled on and on while sketching, Ridge walked up behind her, grabbed her by the throat and demanded to know where his daughter was!

Morgan was so totally bummed by that one.

Rick went to Deacon's apartment and found sassy Alexandra watching Little Eric. He had a hard time believing that Amber would leave the cocktail waitress with their son. Alex explained that Amber had been hurting from Rick's rejection. Rick replied that he had come to set things right. Alex figured it might be too little, too late. (Ooh, she is so sassy.) Rick was shocked to learn that Amber and Deacon had left the city. He instructed Alex to leave as he was going to take care of Little Eric. After Miss Sass left, Rick called the private detective that had located Deacon in the first place. He told the gumshoe he needed to find Amber immediately.

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Amber wasn't thrilled over her winnings. She missed her son and wanted to go home. Deacon said she had a fabulous life and she should be happy. Amber retorted that she had no job, she had no place to live, and the love of her life had dumped her. Deacon replied that she could always stay with at his apartment, she could have a job at The Lair (although it never seems to be open), and he would always be devoted to her. Deacon further said that his life had been much more pathetic than hers. They made a bet that if her life proved to be worse, they would go home - if his life was more tragic, they would do what he wanted. As you can well imagine, Deacon's life turned out to be much worse. He explained how awful life with his step-father, Darryl, had been. Amber said she was proud that Deacon had turned out to be a good father figure. He was obviously nothing like Darryl. Deacon explained that he had been selfish in the past, but Amber and Little Eric had made him want to be a better person.

At Morgan's house, Taylor worried that Morgan might discover Steffi's drawing in her purse before Ridge did. She then wondered if Morgan would make up a lie about the drawing even if Ridge did find it. Taylor prayed that Ridge would make the connection and rescue her and Steffi.

OK, so back at the Bel Air mansion, Ridge strangled Morgan as he demanded to know where Steffi was. A shocked (and scratchy voiced) Morgan saw Steffi's drawing. At first she explained that it must have gotten mixed up with her own sketches when she had been working at Ridge's house. Ridge didn't mind her lame story and screamed for her to tell him the truth. Morgan broke free of the choke hold (as learned on TV wrestling) and lied again. She fibbed that Taylor had come by her house on the way out of town and warned her to stay away from Ridge. The drawing had fallen out of Taylor's bag. Morgan kept it because she knew its sentimental value, but didn't want to give it to Ridge. She would have had to explain about Taylor's visit and all the awful things she had said. Ridge apologized and said Morgan must think he was mad. Morgan said she understood how upset he was over Steffi's death and Taylor's dumping him. Ridge said he was grateful for Morgan's support. Morgan was tickled pink to hear such news. Ridge suggested they go back to work.

But as Ridge looked at Steffi's drawing again, he thought silently to himself that Morgan was lying. She was pretending to be insecure and helpful. Ridge vowed to figure out was Morgan was hiding from him. Hey, maybe Ridge isn't such a big dope after all.

Brooke went to visit Stephanie at the Forrester mansion. She was pissed off that La Forrester had shown the photos of Rick's make out session with Amanda to Rick. Stephanie explained that she understood Brooke's position, but she didn't agree with her meddling. Brooke said Stephanie would have done the same thing for Thorne or Ridge. Stephanie told Brooke to back off or their tentative truce would be destroyed. During their conversation, Rick called Stephanie. He described that he was Deacon's apartment, that Amber had left town with Deacon, and he had hired private detective Ted Jones to find her. Hearing Stephanie's end of the conversation, Brooke deduced where Rick was and snuck out the door. When Stephanie realized Brooke had vanished, she took off as well.

As Rick and Ted tried to track down Amber, Brooke showed up at Deacon's apartment. Rick railed against his mother for interfering in his life and causing Amber to run off with Deacon. Brooke said it only proved that Amber wasn't ready to get married. Stephanie arrived just as Rick was laying into Brooke. Stephanie told Rick to respect his mother. What she had done was because she loved him, however misguided it may have been. La Forrester suggested they concentrate on finding Amber. Ted was paged and said he had a lead. Rick was happy to hear the news and vowed to make things right with Amber when she was located.

But Amber and Deacon were still in the world's smallest casino. (I swear, that set could not have been more than ten feet wide. It was really kind of pathetic.) Amber conceded defeat and admitted that Deacon's life was more pathetic than hers. They agreed that it was best if he never saw his evil step-father, Darryl, again. But wouldn't you know it. Darryl suddenly showed up at the world's smallest casino. (Apparently, the bartender had tipped of the low life after Amber hit the jackpot.) Deacon was mortified to see Darryl and he quickly figured out that Darryl wanted a piece of the jackpot winnings. When it became apparent that Darryl wasn't leaving, Amber asked to speak to him privately at the bar. (How private can it be? It's only two feet away from the slot machines.) But anyway, Amber laid it on the line. She told Darryl to leave her and Deacon alone. When Darryl asked what was in it for him, Amber replied that he could leave without getting hurt. Darryl found Amber's threat hilarious. He told her he had a black belt in karate. As Darryl laughed at Amber, she picked up a knife from the bar and chopped off his ponytail. Furious, Darryl attacked Amber.

Deacon to the rescue! He instructed his step-father to unhand the fair maiden. Deacon punched Darryl and put him in a hammer lock! He told Darryl to leave them alone and never come back - or else he'd kill him. Deacon tossed Darryl the two feet to the bar. The bad man stared at his step-son and took off. Deacon couldn't believe that Amber had been so foolish with such a violent man. Amber replied that she knew Deacon would protect her. He was capable of standing up to the one man he had always feared. Deacon realized he was free of his horrible past. He thanked Amber as they warmly embraced.

OK, that was all really touching and moving and everything, but I want to see Morgan get her just desserts!

At Deacon's apartment, Ted Jones Private Investigator traced Deacon's credit card charges to the world's smallest casino in Las Vegas. Rick and Stephanie were certain that Amber was no longer with Deacon or that they had only stopped for something to eat. They didn't think Amber was in any mood to gamble and party. Brooke disagreed and was certain that now Amber was cut loose from Rick, she was partying hearty with Deacon. Rick called the hotel and discovered Deacon was indeed a guest at the world's smallest hotel. Rick decided to fly to Las Vegas and track Amber down. As he left, Stephanie offered to make an airline reservation for him.

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Amber had lost the "Most Pathetic Life" bet and Deacon wanted her to get a tattoo. At first, Amber resisted. But when Deacon pointed out that she was only afraid of what Rick might think of it, Amber acquiesced and they went into the tattoo parlor together where Amber selected a half of a broken heart tattoo for her hip. (She didn't want it to be visible.) Deacon pulled out his credit card and paid for the ink art.

Back at Deacon's apartment, Stephanie told Brooke that she appreciated her wanting to protect her son. But Amber was not a street hustler. Stephanie defended Miss Moore and was certain that Amber truly loved Rick. They were interrupted by Ted's information that another credit card charge had been registered for Deacon….at a tattoo parlor. Brooke smirked that Amber wasn't the innocent Stephanie portrayed her to be. La Forrester just asked Brooke to give the youngsters a chance.

Back at the Las Vegas tattoo parlor (which, strangely enough, was about the same size as the casino at Amber and Deacon's hotel), Amber was surprised to find out Deacon intended to get another tattoo as well. As they laid side by side on their tables, each getting decorated on their hip, Amber winced in pain. Deacon reached out his hand to offer support. Amber took his hand and held tightly.

Deacon then drifted off into video-dream land. To the rock and roll strains of Bryan Adams singing "Heaven", Deacon imagined a perfect life with Amber and Little Eric. They frolicked in a park. They played on the jungle gym. They rode the merry-go-round. They played soccer. The wore funky sunglasses and laid on the grass with their head together. (It's video-dream land, remember?) They had a picnic. Little Eric was cute, clapped his hands and fell asleep. Amber and Deacon kissed. So artsy. Such a time filler.

When Deacon returned to reality, Amber displayed her half a broken heart tattoo on her hip. She asked to see Deacon's new decoration, but he pretended to be shy about it. Amber asked if they could now return to Los Angeles. She missed her son. Deacon admitted that for the first time, he also truly missed someone he was away from.

Meanwhile, Rick tried to use the airplane phone to call the hotel again but got no answer. As the plane was about to land Rick hoped that Amber wouldn't do anything foolish before he got to her and tried to explain what had happened.

Don't hold your breath, dear reader. Amber and Deacon returned to the hotel room. Deacon finally dropped his pants (well, not all the way) and revealed he had gotten a tattoo of the other half of Amber's broken heart. (That truly is the sweetest thing I've ever heard of.) Deacon said he was ready to make Amber's heart whole again. (I'll bet that's not all he's ready for.) Amber asked for more time to get over Rick. Deacon sat on the bed next to Amber and told her that she needed him. He begged her to let him into her heart. Deacon tenderly kissed Amber. Then, another kiss joined their lips - this one more passionate than the first. Before you knew it, they were locking lips and swapping spit like there was no tomorrow!

Hurry, Rick, hurry. You'll miss the tawdry display!

At Forrester Creations, Ridge was distressed to discover he had still not received any messages from Taylor. Confident that something was amiss, Ridge went to Eric's office and found his father there with Stephanie. Ridge explained how Morgan had come on to him and how he had discovered one of Steffi's drawings in Morgan's purse. Stephanie was certain that Morgan was involved in Taylor's disappearance and advised her son to go to Morgan's house to confront her. Ridge didn't want to scare her away. He planned to gain Morgan's trust. If she was secure around him, Ridge knew he could discover what Morgan knew about Taylor's location.

Over at Morgan's house, the wacky designer brought Taylor her dinner. Noticing how uptight Morgan was, Taylor deduced that Ridge had found Steffi's drawing and was on to Morgan's shenanigans. Morgan confirmed that Ridge had seen the drawing, but did not suspect that anything was even slightly wrong. Taylor doubted Morgan's theory. Morgan replied that Taylor shouldn't try any more escape attempts or there would be heck to pay. The conversation was interrupted by Morgan's cell phone. Miss DeWitt took the call outside the front door. Ridge called and asked Morgan to join him for dinner at Café Ruse. Ecstatic, Morgan taunted Taylor with the invitation. Morgan said Ridge wouldn't ask her out to the most romantic restaurant in town if he thought she knew anything about his wife's disappearance. Oh, silly Morgan, you are just one pat short of a full stick of butter.

In Las Vegas, Rick waited impatiently to disembark the aircraft and then paid the bartender at the world's smallest casino to look up Amber's room number on the computer. (Just like Bobby Ewing would have done in the glory days of "Dallas.")

Upstairs, in suite 1402, Deacon and Amber had stopped kissing in order to have the same conversation they have had in the past 13 episodes. Deacon told Amber how wonderful she was. Deacon told Amber that she was better than Rick. Deacon told Amber that she and Little Eric had made him a better person. Deacon told Amber that he wanted to make a life with her and the baby. Deacon told Amber that he would never leave her. Deacon told Amber that he wanted to be "as close to you as another person can be." (That's a euphemism for sex, I suspect.) Amber told Deacon she appreciated his dedication. Amber told Deacon she was still hurting from Rick dumping her. Amber told Deacon that he was a pretty good guy too. Amber was turned on by that "as close to you as another person can get" line and jumped Deacon's bones!

Just as the Deacon rolled over and Amber straddled him (they were both still fully clothed), there was an insistent knock on the door. Thinking it was someone at the wrong room, Deacon went to shoo them away so he and Amber could get back to the horizontal mambo. Boy, was he surprised to find Rick standing outside suite 1402!

Taylor fretted in Morgan's living room until Tim arrived with a bag of groceries. She tried to talk to him about Morgan's date with Ridge, but Morgan came downstairs dressed in a napkin. (It was actually a dress, but there was only enough fabric to manufacture a large dinner napkin.) At first, Tim figured Morgan was being sexy for him, but Taylor took great delight in informing the dupe that Morgan had a date with Ridge. Tim didn't like the idea of his "girlfriend" going out on a date. Morgan took Tim outside and told him that Ridge was her boss. She had to indulge his dinner request or he would grow suspicious. Tim acquiesced and Morgan took off. Later, Taylor scolded Tim for being such a dunderhead. She was certain that once Morgan thought she could capture Ridge, she'd get rid of Taylor, Steffi and Tim.

Ridge waited for Morgan at the Café Ruse and wished Taylor was back with the family. When Morgan arrived, she was immediately put at ease by Ridge's positive comment on her sexy attire. Ridge kept bringing the conversation around to Taylor and her meeting with Morgan before she left town. Morgan sipped champagne and enjoyed Ridge's attention. Although she kept tight-lipped about her knowledge of Taylor's where-abouts, Ridge told himself he would glean information from Morgan before dinner was finished.

In Las Vegas, Rick demanded that Deacon let him speak to Amber. Deacon told Rick to take a hike. Rick pretended he was going to leave but whirled around and punched Deacon in the face! Rick stepped over Deacon's body and called Amber's name. Hearing the commotion, Amber emerged from the bedroom and was shocked to see Rick. Rick blurted out that he knew Amber had seen the photos of him kissing Amanda. He explained how he had been upset to hear that Amber was dining with Deacon, so he played truth or dare, had a few too many drinks, and kissed Amanda. But that makeout session proved to him that he only wanted to build a life with Amber and Little Eric. Amber said she wished he had told her the truth sooner - he was engaged to her after all. Then Rick admitted that he had seen Amber and Deacon kissing. Amber was mortified when she realized that Rick had broken their engagement because he thought she was having an affair with Deacon. Rick admitted he was confused and didn't know what to think. Amber seemed pretty ticked off at Rick as he begged her to forgive him and take him back.

Then Deacon stuck his nose into the conversation and told Amber that she didn't need Rick anymore. He had dumped her many times. What would stop him from doing it again? Deacon told Amber that he wanted to build a future with her and asked her to send Rick away.

Amber stood between Rick and Deacon with a perplexed look on her face. I so totally wanted her to break into song with a tear-wrenching rendition of "Torn Between Two Lovers" as recorded by Miss Maureen McGovern.

In Las Vegas, Rick implored Amber to take him back. He wanted to return to Los Angeles with her and plan their wedding. Deacon pointed out that Amber had stayed by Rick's side when she thought he had been involved with another girl. Rick, however, dumped Amber when he thought she was unfaithful. Rick admitted his mistakes and begged forgiveness. Amber was confused. Deacon asked to speak to her alone in the bedroom. Against Rick's protests, Amber agreed to the private conversation. No big surprise, Deacon bad-mouthed Rick for being too young and being influenced by his friends and family. Deacon stated his case and said he had changed since he had met Amber and the baby. Deacon wanted to build a future with Amber - and he would never desert her. (Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't we heard all this before? I don't know, maybe 100 times!?!)

At Morgan's house, Taylor continued to try and convince Tim that Morgan was up to no good. She was certain that once Morgan thought she could capture Ridge, she would have not further use for Steffi or either of them. Although doubtful of Morgan's intentions, Tim wasn't convinced.

Meanwhile at Café Ruse, Morgan ordered a Caesar salad and salmon. Ridge tried to talk about Taylor's visit to Morgan's house, but Morgan said she didn't want to spoil the evening by talking about depressing subjects. Thinking quickly, Ridge asked Morgan to dance and whisked her onto the dance floor. Morgan was in heaven as Ridge held her close and apologized for treating her with contempt over the past several months. He told Morgan that he wanted a fresh start with her. He wanted to get to know her better. Morgan melted like butter on a stack of pancakes when he whispered in her ear "Let's get out of here." Hey, wait! What about that Caesar salad and salmon you've got coming!?

Ridge and Morgan got into Ridge's Mercedes SUV. (Well, isn't he all that and a bag of Lay's Doritos?) Morgan panicked when Ridge announced they were going to her house, but she was too delirious with lust to think straight. They pulled into Morgan's driveway and the demented designer came back to reality. She tried to make excuses that they had to go elsewhere because the house was a mess, she was having renovations done, his wife was chained to the fireplace. (OK, she didn't really admit the last one.) Spike and Phyllis, the guard dogs, appeared as Ridge tired to get out of the vehicle. Morgan explained she was watching the dogs for Tim and then announced she wasn't ready to be intimate with Ridge. It was moving too fast. Ridge understood but said he would come inside with her for a cup of coffee.

As Morgan sweated it out, Tim looked out the window and told Taylor that Ridge and Morgan had pulled into the driveway. Excited, but worried when they didn't come inside, Taylor picked up a…..a….well, I'm not sure what it was. It might have been an old-fashioned type writer. Maybe it was a cigar humidor. Perhaps it could have been a sewing machine. It was about the size of a bread box….hey, that's what it was - a bread box! Whatever it was, it hadn't been in the scene before. Taylor, in full Linda Hamilton/Terminator mode, picked up the heavy object and hurled it out the window nearly clipping Tim's ear! Tim was startled.

Meanwhile, outside, Morgan was aghast and Ridge demanded to know what was going on in Morgan's house!

In the bedroom of the Las Vegas hotel suite, Deacon told Amber that he loved her and wanted to build a life with her and Little Eric. Amber told Deacon that she didn't mean to hurt him, but her heart had always been with Rick. She had enjoyed her time in Las Vegas with Deacon and she realized that he was not such a bad person, but she wanted a future with Rick. Deacon grabbed Amber and passionately kissed her before she left the room.

Rick was pacing in the other room, worried about Amber's decision. When she joined him, Amber let Rick know that she had chosen him. She had always loved him. They kissed and Deacon emerged from the bedroom. Rick told Deacon that he didn't know what to say. Bitter, Deacon wasn't surprised because Rick didn't know anything about him. And unlike Amber, Deacon didn't need the Forrester validation to make him feel good about himself. As the happy couple readied to leave the suite, Deacon predicted that Rick would break her heart again and reminded Amber of their matching tattoos. Amber told Deacon that she did not love him as she shut the door behind her. Deacon slouched on the couch and scowled.

Now to the things we really care about! Ridge wondered why that large, heavy, dark object had flown out of Morgan's living room window. Morgan said that the man she was living with was inside and begged Ridge to leave. But Ridge bolted from his fancy schmancy car and headed for the door. Inside the house, Tim had quick like a bunny bound and gagged Taylor so she could not alert Ridge of her plight. Tim then bounded from the house and played Mr. Macho. He ordered Morgan in the house. He then told Ridge to stay away from "his woman." Tim pretended not to know Ridge and instructed him to leave before he commanded his two attack dogs to go for the jugular. Sensing Tim was unhinged, Ridge left.

Across town, Sally and Clarke worked late at Spectra Fashions. They were surprised by a visit from Stephanie. La Forrester had some questions for Clarke regarding Miss Morgan DeWitt.

Back at Morgan's place, the designer untied Taylor and laughed that her stupid plan hadn't worked. Tim's acting had explained everything. Tim replied that he had not been acting. He did consider Morgan his woman. Ignoring Tim, Morgan flaunted her romantic evening with Ridge. She told Taylor that it was just a matter of time before she and Ridge were Los Angeles's newest super couple! Tim wanted to stop the presses. He thought Morgan wanted to be with him. Morgan finally admitted that she was after Ridge. She further explained how Tim should be happy for her. She had wanted Ridge for as long as Tim had known her and now she was getting him. Tim was dejected and couldn't believe Taylor had been right all along. Tim said he had to move out and wondered what they were going to do about Taylor. Morgan smirked and said they'd have to "get rid of her." Tim thought perhaps Morgan meant to set her free. Morgan repeated in no uncertain terms that they had to "get rid of her." Gulp! (I think it would have been very dramatic at this point if Tim had broken into song. Perhaps a stirring rendition of "What Kind of Fool" as made famous by Miss Barbra Joan Streisand and Mr. Barry Gibb. Taylor could have filled in the duet parts.)

Meanwhile, Ridge paced his living room with a cocktail. He had been so certain that Morgan might know where Taylor was staying. He gazed at Steffi's drawing. He wondered what she had been thinking when she drew the mother and daughter with two cows. Upon closer inspection, Ridge figured they must be dogs….just like the two dogs he had seen at Morgan's house!

The light bulb that so long had been dim above Ridge's head was suddenly illuminated.

Ridge continued to stare at Steffi's drawing in his living room. He wondered if it was just a coincidence that she had drawn two dogs like Morgan was boarding. Ridge decided he had to discover the truth. He got in his Mercedes SUV and drove over to Morgan's house!

At Spectra Fashions, Sally tried to get Stephanie to leave, but La Forrester insisted that Clarke spill everything he knew about Morgan's dangerous side. Clarke was visibly nervous as Sally informed Stephanie that Morgan was none of their concern. Stephanie pleaded with Clarke to tell her if he thought Morgan could harm Taylor. Clarke broke down and admitted Morgan was the one responsible for his being attacked by the snake. A horrified Sally looked on as Clarke told Stephanie to steer clear of Miss DeWitt. Stephanie said she'd take care of Morgan for good.

Over at Morgan's house, Tim didn't want to hear any further discussion of getting rid of Taylor. Morgan told him to get a backbone as she went upstairs. Upon her return, Morgan assured Taylor that no harm would come to Steffi. She was upstairs watching a video with the sound turned up so she wouldn't hear what was about to happen. Morgan them pulled a shiny, little silver gun from her purse! She told Tim that the only choice they had was to kill Taylor! Tim was beside himself. He would not be a part of murder. Morgan said he had no choice. He was in too deep. He could either go to prison for kidnapping, or help her dispose of Taylor. Tim asked what he got out of the deal - he had loved Morgan and she was dumping him for Ridge. Morgan shrugged her bare shoulders and told Tim he would always have her undying gratitude. (Big, fat, hairy deal.)

Taylor begged Morgan not to hurt Steffi. Morgan guaranteed that no harm would come to the little one. In fact, she planned for Tim to take Steffi overseas and have some nice family adopt her! (You're a mean one, Miss DeWitt!) Tim didn't want to go along with the plan, but Morgan told him that dealing time was over. She instructed Tim to blindfold Taylor, but the feisty Forrester said she wanted to look Morgan right in the eye when she shot her. She wanted her face to haunt Morgan forever. Tim tired to stand between the two women, but Morgan ordered him to move.

Just then, Ridge arrived in Morgan's driveway! He didn't waste time by ringing the buzzer at her gate. Oh, no! Ridge just gunned the engine and crashed right through the security system. In the house, Tim wondered what the crashing noise had been, but Morgan told him to quit stalling as she raised her gun and aimed right at Taylor!

Oh, you can't leave us just hanging….oh, wait, sure you can. It's a soap opera.

As if we cared even the slightest bit, Sally and Clarke went to the Insomnia for coffee and dessert. Sally reminisced about Macy making the coffee house a success and how it had been nearly a year since her death. She was, therefore, appalled to see Brooke and Bridget enter the restaurant. As Bridget and her mother giggled merrily about love and life, Sally lamented how Brooke had been the cause of Macy's death. Against Clarke's advice, Sally approached Brooke's table after Bridget had left. Sally noted how close Brooke was to her daughter. Sally knew about the mother-daughter bond. She explained how she couldn't understand how Brooke could show her face in Macy's restaurant after causing her so much grief. Sally exclaimed that there was no justice in Brooke's happiness when Macy was dead!

You know, that might develop into an interesting story, but who really cares when there's big doings happening over at Morgan's house. You will recall that Morgan was about ready to blast Taylor with her pistol and Ridge had just ran his SUV through Morgan's gate! As Taylor prepared for the worst, she noticed headlights out the bay window. As the lights grew brighter, Morgan turned to look. Suddenly, Ridge crashed through his car through the front of Morgan's house! There was a gun shot!

With his car in Morgan's living room, Ridge climbed out of the front seat. He saw Morgan and Tim by the stairs under some debris. He then looked toward the fireplace and saw his beloved Taylor. He rushed to her side and held her closely. Taylor cried in his arms and said Morgan had planned to kill her, but had panicked and missed with her gunshot. Ridge urged his wife to leave with him but was shocked to find out she was shackled to the fireplace! Upon asking who had the key, Morgan replied that she had it, but didn't plan on giving it up. In fact, she pointed her gun at both Ridge and Taylor.

Morgan wondered why Ridge had returned to her house. They had enjoyed such a romantic evening together. Why did he have to ruin everything. Tim chimed in that Ridge had obviously been using Morgan. He had no romantic interest in her. Ridge had suspected something was afoot and got close to Morgan to discover the truth. Tim turned evil and suggested that Morgan kill both Ridge and Taylor so they would not have to go to prison. Ridge told Morgan that he had never lied to her. He didn't hate her and he would always care about her. Confused and torn, Morgan finally relinquished the gun to Ridge. Ridge then ordered her to unlock the chain on Taylor's ankle. After setting her free, Morgan told Taylor she was sorry for what had happened. Taylor said she was sorry too….then she hauled off and whopped Morgan across the face and knocking her to the floor!

Uh, didn't we forget about something? Oh yeah, as Taylor and Ridge embraced, Steffi walked down and the stairs and cried for her mother. Ridge was shocked to see his believed-to-be-dead daughter. Taylor explained how Morgan had hidden Steffi from them as they rushed to Steffi's side and hugged her tightly. But as the family had a touching reunion, they failed to noticed Tim helping Morgan to her feet and the dastardly duo leaving through what was left of the front door.

Taylor finally noticed their absence. Ridge was confident the police would capture them. I wouldn't be so sure, buddy!

It simply does not get any better than today. That's all I'm going to say.

Taylor and Ridge took Steffi home to the Bel Air mansion. Catherine was stunned to see that Steffi was alive and well. Thomas came downstairs and was overjoyed to see his mother. He then ran to his sister and hugged her. The Forresters were so very happy to have their family reunited. Then Stephanie and Eric dropped by to welcome Taylor home. At first, they thought Steffi was Phoebe, but were shocked to learn that Steffi had not died, but been kidnapped by Morgan. Finally, with everyone gathered on the couch, Catherine brought Phoebe in to see her twin again. Oh, the joy in Forrester-ville tonight.

But on a dark, deserted road, Tim was in driver's seat of a car as he and Morgan sped from the crime scene. Tim lamented the mess they had gotten in, but said he knew a friend that could fly them to Mexico by morning. Morgan told Tim they were not leaving Los Angeles. She was not through with Taylor and Ridge - not by a long shot. (Uh-oh.)

At Insomnia, Sally continued her tirade against Brooke. She told Brooke that it was unthinkable that she would degrade Macy's memory by coming into the coffee house. Macy was dead and Brooke had a perfect life. Brooke apologized and said she had never intended to hurt Macy's memory. Sally said she figured Brooke didn't give Macy much thought - ever! La Spectra said there were consequences to be paid for actions like those Brooke pulled on Macy. Sally suggested that Brooke contact the devil and ask for an immortal soul - because she would certainly need one. As Brooke nearly broke under the pressure, Clarke approached the table and suggested that Brooke leave. After Brooke was gone, Clarke tried to calm Sally down with a coffee. (Yeah, caffeine always calms down a raging red head!) Sally railed that she wanted to make Brooke pay for killing Macy. Clarke suggested that the best revenge would be to bring Forrester Creations to its knees.

Outside, Bridget left a group of friends and ran into Deacon. He nearly walked past her, but she introduced herself as the girl he had played pool with. Deacon gruffly told Bridget that he wasn't in the mood to chat. When she playfully asked if he had been dumped, Deacon glared back at her. Bridget apologized for bringing up a sore subject and offered to listen to his troubles. Deacon laughed at the notion of a high school girl giving him advice, but later apologized for being insensitive. Deacon opened up and said his girlfriend and he had gone to Las Vegas and had a fabulous time. But her old boyfriend had followed them and begged her to take him back. Deacon said the guy's entire family was a mess and they threw money at every problem. Bridget sympathized with his plight and offered comfort. When her friends were ready to leave, Bridget wrote her name and number and a scrap of paper and told Deacon to call her if he ever wanted to talk. Deacon was very pleased to read that he had been talking to Bridget Forrester! "Oh, this is going be good" he told himself with a devious grin.

Yeah, that could be really good.

On what appears to be a new morning in Los Angeles, Ridge entered his bedroom with a tray of food looking for Taylor. His sneaky wife, however, came in behind him and grabbed his derriere. "Who grabbed my butt? Who grabbed my butt?" Ridge bellowed. Oh, the hijinks these two engage in are more than I can stand. Taylor was so happy to be home and have their family together again. They chatted about Taylor's ordeal and then got down to business and did some mattress dancing. (That's right, I said Mattress dancing.) In the afterglow, while sharing a strawberry, Taylor realized how lucky she was. (Boy, that Ridge must be an acrobat in bed.) But seriously, the couple discussed getting counseling for their children to help them deal with their messed up lives. More kissing, fade out to more sex.

In Eric's office at Forrester Creations, Bridget learned from her mother and father of Taylor's rescue and Steffi's return from the dead. Much hugging ensued. Brooke thought she should talk to Stephanie about planning a party for Ridge and Taylor. Eric suggested they wait for the celebration to give Ridge and Taylor some quality time together. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.) Eric also thought Brooke should steer clear of Stephanie because of their disagreement about Amber and Rick's marriage. Against Bridget's suggestion, Brooke left for Stephanie's office to talk some sense into her about Amber being a no-good-nik.

But down in Stephanie's office, Rick and Amber discussed his mother's interference in their lives. Amber was furious that Brooke had hurt her, but even more upset that she had tried to break up Little Eric's family. Amber even felt sorry for Deacon. He had gotten his hopes up when he thought Amber was available. Now she had to live at his apartment for one more month in order to get custody of the baby. Rick didn't want to allow Amber to return to Deacon's apartment. He set up a meeting with his father and Jonathan, the lawyer, to try and find a way out of that agreement. As Rick left for the meeting, he advised Amber to wait for Stephanie in the office and to avoid his mother at all costs.

Rick met with his father in Eric's office. Eric had spoken with Jonathan and doubted there was anyway to get out of the "iron clad" contract Amber had signed. Eric said he knew his son loved Amber and the baby, but he wished he would wait to marry the girl. They both hoped Amber and Brooke didn't meet up anytime soon. They both needed some time to cool off.

No such luck! (Good for us.) Brooke stomped into Stephanie's office. The desk chair was turned away from the door and Brooke assumed Stephanie was sitting in it. Oh, no, Brooke, it's Amber. Brooke told "Stephanie" that they had to discuss that "trailer tramp." Amber turned around and told Brooke to mind her own business. Amber didn't mind fighting Brooke, but it wasn't fair for Brooke to rip Little Eric's family apart. Amber said she wasn't going to put up with Brooke's games any longer. She was issuing an ultimatum. Brooke had to choose to either a.) accept her relationship with Rick and keep her mouth shut or b.) be out of their lives for ever.

No need for words. Brooke merely squinted her reply.

Let's begin at Deacon's apartment. Sassy waitress Alex had gone to the Forrester mansion and picked up Little Eric. She was dismayed that he had been dressed in a sailor suit. Deacon commented that he looked like a member of The Village People. (Is there something wrong with that, Deacon?) The baby now sported a much hipper leather jacket. (Uh, again, a Village People costume. I'd not throw stones if I was you, Deacon.) Alex was surprised to learn that Amber had reunited with Rick. Deacon said he never backed down from a fight and did no intend to give up on Amber easily. He loved her and his son and would fight for them. Deacon explained that while they were in Las Vegas, Amber had seen a part of him that no one had seen before. He knew that she could not easily forget what had transpired between them. Deacon was confident that in the month Amber had to remain living at his apartment, he would woo her away from Rick.

Over at Forrester Creations, Rick ranted and raved in Eric's office. He exclaimed how he couldn't wait another day for Amber and Little Eric to be home with him. When Jonathan arrived, Rick badgered the lawyer to find a loop hole in the agreement with Deacon that would allow Amber to gain custody of the baby without having to stay at Deacon's place another month. Jonathan told hot-headed Rick to cool his jets. If neither Amber nor Little Eric were in physical danger, he suggested they wait out the remaining month and make Deacon live up to his end of the bargain. Spoiled brat that he is, Rick would not accept Jonathan's suggestion. He insisted they look at the contract again and find a way out of it. When Rick learned from his father that Brooke had gone to Stephanie's office, bratty Rick panicked and took off.

So down in Stephanie's office, Brooke didn't take kindly to Amber's ultimatum. Brooke tried to tell Amber that she understood what she was going through. Brooke knew that Amber had feelings for Deacon. Brooke told Amber that she had once married the father of her child (Eric) but really wanted to be with a bad boy (Ridge.) Amber said she had no interest in Deacon and planned to marry Rick. As Brooke continued to badger the poor girl, Stephanie entered her office and told Brooke to back off. Stephanie said she understood Brooke wanting to protect her son, but Amber was not a bad influence. Brooke continued with her theory that Deacon and Amber were involved. Stephanie poo pooed that idea but Brooke tried to force Amber to admit she had slept with Deacon by grabbing her and shaking her vigorously. Rick walked in at that very moment! He insisted that his mother unhand fair Amber. Rick then asked Amber if they could get married right away instead of waiting for the appointed date. Amber happily agreed.

Brooke had a cow.

Amber and Rick were alone in Stephanie's office. Rick made it clear that he didn't care what it took, he didn't want Amber spending another night at Deacon's apartment. Deacon then called Rick on his cell phone looking for Amber. (Uh, Deacon, Amber has her own cell phone. Why not call her on that?) Anyway, Amber chatted with Deacon. He said she could live with Rick immediately, but she'd have to give up Little Eric. After hanging up, Amber told Rick that Deacon wasn't such a bad guy. She thought she had devised a plan to get her and Little Eric home that very night.

Meanwhile, up in Eric's office, Stephanie, Brooke, and Eric met with Jonathan to discuss nullifying the contract Amber had signed with Deacon. Stephanie and Brooke argued whether Amber had feelings for Deacon. The conversation was interrupted by Rick and Amber entering the office. Amber explained that if there was no way out of the contract, then they had to bargain with Deacon. Amber proposed a new contract for Deacon to sign. It would state that if he allowed her and Little Eric to leave his apartment right away, instead of waiting one last month, he (Deacon) would get visitation right to his son. If Deacon insisted on holding Amber to the existing contract, he would lose all rights to see his son. Amber said Deacon had changed and he truly did love the baby. She had never known her biological father and always wondered why he had never wanted to see her. Amber wanted better for Little Eric. Jonathan left the office and returned with Amber's document. (Gee, that was fast!) He told the Forresters that even if Deacon did abandon all parental rights, a judge might give him visitation rights in the future. Jonathan thought Amber's idea was a good solution. Although Rick didn't like the thought of Deacon being involved in their lives, he let Amber have her way. Amber left the building, confident Deacon would agree to her plan.

Brooke wasn't too happy about any of this. Stephanie tried to reason with her, but Brooke would hear none of it. Brooke said she didn't like the idea of a man who would sell his own son for a millions dollars being involved in Rick's life. Brooke planned to hold Stephanie responsible for any problems this new scheme might bring.

Meanwhile, Deacon ran around his apartment like a madman to clean it for Amber's arrival. Sassy Alex could tell that Deacon had it bad for Amber and wished him luck in getting her to fall for him. While Alex bathed Little Eric, Deacon stood on his balcony and thought about his perfect life with Amber. You know, it was the exact same fantasy he had while getting a tattoo in Las Vegas. There he was with Amber and the baby in a park while Bryan Adams sang "Heaven." (I suppose that pseudo music video cost some money to produce and they had to use it more than once.)

Later, Amber arrived and was ecstatic to see Little Eric. As she hugged her son, Deacon joined them on the floor. He explained how he had missed her and how he was happy to have the change to win her love in the coming month.

Amber seemed shocked to hear of Deacon's intent.

As Ridge played with Thomas and Phoebe in their Bel Air living room, Taylor and Catherine made a grand entrance to showcase Steffi's hair having been returned to normal. (What's the big deal? All they had to do was snatch that ratty red wig off her head.) Of course, no sooner had Ridge hugged his daughter than the children were whisked off to bed. Alone with her husband, Taylor asked Ridge's forgiveness for having made him the scapegoat when they had thought Steffi was dead. After a heartfelt (and sickeningly sweet) heart to heart conversation, Ridge forgave Taylor for being such a bitch. (OK, he said it in a much nicer way, but that's what I would have said.) The lovesick duo then plopped onto the couch for a heavy make out session.

Meanwhile, Brooke, Stephanie, Rick, and Jonathan, paced around Eric's office at Forrester Creations as they awaited news from Amber. Brooke reiterated that she did not like the idea of Rick and Amber rushing their wedding. She also didn't like Amber's idea of giving Deacon visitation rights as well as the million dollars. Sneaky Jonathan pointed out that the new contract did not mention any money changing hands when Deacon gave parental rights to Amber! If Deacon signed the new document, he would not receive any money! Rick doubted that Deacon would agree to the arrangement. Jonathan noted that Amber had not noticed the omission. He doubted Deacon would notice it either. (Oh, they are so crafty.) Later, as Rick bemoaned his mother's interference, Stephanie advised him to go easy on her. Stephanie told her stepson that Brooke was only looking out for his best interests. Rick was amazed that Stephanie was defending Brooke.

Over at Deacon's apartment, Deacon planned to rent some videos to watch as a family. Amber broke the news to him that she intended to leave with Little Eric that very night. Deacon asked if Amber was afraid to spend the remaining month with him. He thought she feared she'd develop deeper feelings for him. Amber disputed his idea and said she only wanted to do what was best for her son and for the man she loved. Deacon said the Forrester money wasn't what the baby needed. He needed to be raised by his parents. Their family blood was in Little Eric, not the Forresters'. Amber showed Deacon the document that she had Jonathan draw up. It granted him visitation rights. She told him that if she stuck to the original agreement, he would not be able to see his son again. She even pointed out that he would be able to see her as well. Deacon was angry to think that Amber thought he'd be happy to see her on the arm of another man. Amber said the new contract would benefit everyone because Deacon would also get the million dollars. (Oh no he won't, Amber. Those Forresters are pretty tricky!) Deacon said he couldn't care less about the money. He was not going to sign the legal papers. He was willing to wager that Amber would fall in love with him by the end of 30 days. They had started the wheels in motion in Las Vegas and he knew he could make her happy.

And let's not forget about those matching tattoos, shall we?

This is going to be a short update because everything was just a re-hash of conversations from the past week.

At The Forrester mansion, Stephanie, Eric, and Thorne discussed Amber and Rick. Eric didn't like the idea of his 20-year-old son getting married. Thorne said he knew Brooke didn't want Rick to get married either. Stephanie said she knew Rick and Amber wanted to get married and she supported them. She insisted she wasn't pushing them, however. When La Forrester learned Brooke was at the guest house with Rick, she hit the bricks to go and interfere.

At guest house, Brooke pleaded with Rick to reconsider getting married so soon and wait the required month. Rick said he and Amber had waited long enough and they were getting married the following week. Brooke tried to persuade her son that Amber had developed feelings for Deacon. Rick wouldn't hear it. Brooke tried to make Rick feel guilty for ignoring her feelings when Stephanie arrived. The matriarch told Brooke to leave Rick alone. Rick told the women to stop fighting. His mind was made up and he was waiting for Amber to arrive.

At the apartment above The Lair, Deacon told Amber that he knew they were developing feelings for each other. He didn't understand why she was afraid of them and why she wanted to leave that night. Amber explained that she did care for Deacon. She cared about him enough to make the Forresters offer the new contract so that he would be able to see his son in the future. Deacon thought Amber's generosity meant that her feelings for him were stronger than he even he suspected. Amber encouraged Deacon to sign the new document. If he didn't, the Forresters would win any court battle he might wage in order to see Little Eric. Finally, Deacon agreed to let Amber go. Before she left, she insisted he sign the papers to protect his interest. (Little did either of them know he was signing away his right to a million dollars.)

As Deacon picked up Little Eric to say good bye, the adorable toddler uttered the most heartfelt words of the day, "Daddy cry?" (Ah, that is so cute!) Deacon bid his son farewell, signed Amber's legal papers, and stuffed them in her apparently empty handbag. Amber took Little Eric and walked out the door. Deacon was distruaght.

Sassy cocktail waitress Alex visited Deacon at his apartment. She was surprised to learn that Amber had left for good and taken Little Eric with her. Deacon explained how Amber had wrangled a new contract so that he would be able to visit his son in the future. As Alex comforted a distraught Deacon, he was confident that he and Amber would one day be together.

Meanwhile, Amber drove to the Forrester mansion with Little Eric and worried how Deacon would deal with the loss of his son.

At the Forrester mansion, Eric, Stephanie, Thorne, Brooke and Rick awaited news from Amber. Rick worried that Amber had taken so long at Deacon's apartment. As the rest of the family guessed that everything would be fine, Amber arrived with Little Eric. The entire family, except Brooke, was overjoyed at the arrival and cooed and fussed over the baby. Brooke made a half-hearted attempt to seem pleased, but failed miserably. At Eric's suggestion, the clan gathered in the dining room for cookie dough ice cream. (Yum, mom, my favorite!) After chowing down on a couple of scoops, Amber and Rick left for the guest house with Little Eric.

As Thorne and Stephanie cleared the dishes, Eric told Brooke to shape up or ship out. He insisted that she support their son's future or Rick would end up resenting her actions. Brooke reluctantly agreed to try and be supportive of Rick's decision. Eric then decided he needed to visit Deacon and tell him to stay away from Rick and Amber and give them a chance at a happy marriage. For some inexplicable reason, Thorne thought he should go to Deacon's apartment as well. Brooke threw up her hands and declared they should just make it a family outing!

And that's just what they did. Deacon answered the his door to find Eric, Stephanie, Thorne, and Brooke all standing there. The Forrester clan marched in and told Deacon to stay away from the Rick and Amber. As Deacon smirked at their audacity, Stephanie asked Deacon to be a man of honor and promise to give the young couple a chance.

Meanwhile, Rick and Amber built a fire in the guest house and talked about their future. Rick admitted he had been mad at Amber when he learned that Little Eric was not his son, but he had never stopped loving her. After putting the baby to bed, Rick and Amber hit the sheets. Rick promised that the past was behind them and they had a rosy future in store. Amber agreed that Deacon was part of the past as the couple kissed and got ready for some sweet lovin'. (Both dressed in terry cloth robes.)

May I point out that Rick still does not take his shirt off on screen? Had this scenario been filmed with Ridge or Thorne, there would have been pectorals for days. What is with Rick? He's been on the show for a year and a half and still no topless scenes. Get thee to a gym!