After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

Anticipation!

The fashion show was a huge success and everyone at Forrester Creation breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone was exhausted and worn out from the intense hard work and were now looking forward to relaxing a bit. Thomas and Steffy were more than pleased with themselves, their new collection was well received and they earned a lot of praise and encouragement. Ridge showed the entire public how proud he was of his children. He was impressed by their energy and commitment, both had inherited his passion. He thought about what he could give them as a reward.

Thomas and Steffy meanwhile feverishly awaited the visit to their mother. They could hardly wait to see her again. The trip was booked for the next weekend. The trip had only one hook, they didn't know if they should tell their father and family about it. Both felt insecure if it would be wise to tell the truth. Just as they were sitting together on the sofa discussing their dilemma, their father came in and joined them.

"Hey kids! I have a great idea. Actually, it's more of an offer, one you can't refuse."

"Oh which one Daddy?" asked Steffy excitedly.

"I think after all that drudgery we all deserve some rest. What do you think about the three of us going up to Big Bear together for a few days."

"That sounds great Daddy! I'm sure it will be fun!"

"And when?" wanted Thomas to know

"How about we go right now this weekend. Why hesitate?"

The siblings looked at each other in dismay. Why did their father have to suggest next weekend of all times. Both were sheepishly silent, not daring to look at their father. Ridge noticed the change in their mood and was irritated.

"Mhh Daddy, can't we go another weekend? I mean if we wait a little longer, maybe the first snow is already there, it would be a lot more fun and besides we would have more time to plan and get everything ready..." Ridge eyed his daughter skeptically. She seemed to be literally looking for arguments.

"Do you guys possibly have any concrete plans for the weekend yet?" Thomas and Steffy exchanged meaningful glances, finally both nodded.

"Actually yes, sorry dad! But we do indeed already have plans, something we can't postpone."

"This must be enormously important and why are you acting so secretive?"

"Well it's not really a secret but it's not so easy to talk about either." Ridge looked at his children perplexed but suddenly he had an idea.

"Ahh I see! Am I right in assuming that you want to visit your mother?"

Thomas and Steffy looked at their father, puzzled. Were they that easy to figure out. Finally, they both nodded. For a moment there was an awkward silence.

"We're sorry daddy! But the whole thing has been planned for a long time and it's all booked too and besides..." Steffy fell silent, embarrassed.

"Besides, you're looking forward to seeing your mother again. That's totally reasonable. Don't think that I have a problem with it. I absolutely understand that you want to see her after this long time. It's perfectly fine with me, and you didn't have to make such a huge secret out of it."

"We didn't want to. But it's just not always so easy to stand between Mom and you and please everyone."

"I am aware of that, I know the situation is tough for you. But please remember, I'm not the one making everything so complicated." Steffy rolled her eyes. Her father couldn't stop making remarks against her mother.