After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

An awkward video chat!

Even if Ridge had forgiven her, Taylor went to great lengths to make up for her mistake and show Ridge that she was ready to take the next step. In addition to getting him the keys, she also got him a parking spot in the building's underground parking garage. Ridge still had his own apartment, but he now kept many of his stuff at Taylor's.

Taylor had taken that day off to work on an article. Recently, a medical journal had offered her the opportunity to publish with them on a regular basis. She was working on her research when the doorbell rang. As soon as she opened the door, she was lifted up and whirled around.
"Hey, you have a key!"
"Yeah, but I love it when you open the door for me Doc."
"You are such a macho! By the way, what are you doing here already? It's only three pm."
"Oh, it's such a beautiful day. I have capable employees who can run the place without me. So I had a spontaneous inspiration, it would make much more sense to go home." Stormily, he took her in his arms. Taylor enjoyed his caresses. Reluctantly she stopped him.

"Ridge! I have to work."
"I can see that! Gee whiz, what does this place look like?" There were books and papers with notes all over the coffee table and the couch."
"Shut up! You're the biggest slob I know."
"I'm an artist! Artists are rarely neat, they need their space, their freedom, to unleash their creativity." Taylor rolled her eyes. She knew this speech well enough. She was about to pick up another book when Ridge gathered up all the papers that were scattered around. He snatched the book out of her hand.
"Ridge, what are you doing?"
"You know what is an important part of working? Regular breaks, you're supposed to know that as a psychiatrist Doc!"
"And you think you can tell me when to take my break?"
"Who else?" He pulled her to him, stroking her tenderly.
"Ridge, you're impossible!"
"All right! Let's work on your article." He let go of her and grabbed a book. "What's the subject again?" Taylor laughed and now took the book from his hand.
"Forget it!" She tugged him into her arms and kissed him with passion and desire.

Later, they lay on the couch, tightly embraced and kissing. Taylor smiled at him, content.
"You were right! I feel wonderful, refreshed." They caressed each other and couldn't get enough. Just then, Taylor's laptop rang. "Oh no! That is Steffy! We agreed to video chat. Taylor got up, startled. Ridge tried to pull her back to him.
"Let her ring!"
"Ridge! That's our daughter. Besides, she knows I'm home." She gave him one last kiss and frantically began to get dressed. She tossed Ridge his clothes. "Now go ahead and sit in the chair back there, away from the screen."
"Okay!" Ridge got dressed and made himself comfortable. Taylor quickly tied up her hair. Steffy had hung up by now, but now Taylor's phone beeped incessantly. She collected herself before calling her daughter back.

"Hi Steffy!" Taylor made an effort to act as if nothing was wrong.
"Hey Mom! Finally! I was beginning to think you weren't home." "I am! I was just asleep." Ridge grimaced, she tried to ignore him
"Are you not feeling well, Mom? You seem a little rushed and disheveled."
"There's nothing wrong with me, I'm just not really awake yet. What about you and how is Thomas?" While Steffy was telling the news with her and her brother and the situation at Forrester Creation, Taylor was trying hard not to look at Ridge, who continued to make faces. He was obviously having great fun with the situation. She kept scowling at him.
"But now tell me about yourself. How are you?"
"I'm fine! I told you that I'm now writing articles for the medical journal regularly. That's why I'm working at home today."
"And then you fell asleep in the middle of your work? That never happened to you. Must be a very boring subject."
"No, not at all! I was just tired."

"You work too much Mom, and now this writing thing. You should go out more, enjoy your life, have some fun!" Ridge bit his tongue, he had to pull himself together very hard not to laugh out loud. Taylor felt a distinct blush on her face. This situation was getting more and more uncomfortable.
"Steffy, you really don't have to worry about my social life. I'm doing great and I definitely have a life outside my work. You should rather concentrate on your own life and not always worry your head about me."
"Yeah, whatever. By the way, have you seen Dad lately?" This was too much. Taylor turned bright red and would have preferred to disappear. Ridge nearly fell off his chair.
"Um yeah, I have. Why do you ask?" she stuttered now very embarrassed.
"Next time you see him, you can remind him that he has a son and daughter he hasn't contacted for a while." Taylor cast a venomous glance at Ridge. Guilt was written all over his face.
"I'll give him the message. He's probably just busy. You know him when he's absorbed in his work. After all, besides the store, he still has his CEO responsibilities."
"Well, I wonder if it's just work. I mean, he is single. Maybe he has met a new woman, that makes him forget about his kids." Taylor was getting extremely nervous, Ridge was stunned too.
"Well, that would be entirely your father's business." She tried to distract her daughter by asking her how the rest of the family was doing. After some more small talk, they finally hung up.