After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

We are a family again!

Today was the big day. Taylor and Ridge were expecting their children. Taylor was getting ready to pick them up from the airport.
"I have to go now, please don't forget to turn off the stove and put your stuff away before you go. If Steffy and Thomas see them, the surprise is ruined." They had arranged, Taylor should pick up the kids alone and he would show up later as a surprise guest. She hugged him goodbye and was about to leave when she noticed Ridge was very quiet.
"Is something bothering you?" Ridge sat down on the couch and sighed deeply. She took a seat next to him.

"Tell me what's wrong?"
"It's nothing....I'm just worried how the kids will react. I know you're convinced they'll be thrilled, but I'm not so sure." Taylor was puzzled.
"Why? They've been waiting to see us reunited for years. Remember all the things they've done to get us back together."
"That's true, but I wonder if they're really convinced that I'm the right man for you. I mean after everything they've witnessed over the last few years. What if they don't believe us, that it's different this time, that we're both serious? I haven't given them any reason to trust me on that lately." Taylor snuggled up to him.
"I understand your concerns, but don't worry. We'll convince them. All right! They may be a little skeptical and surprised at first, but we'll explain it to them. The only thing our children ever wanted is happiness for both of us. If they see that we are happy together, then they will definitely be happy for us. Besides, the kids know that you've changed. You've always been there for them in the last year, even to the disadvantage of your marriage. We talk to them openly and tell them what happened in the last few weeks. We simply fell in love with each other. I bet they'll freak out with joy."
"I hope you're right."
"Of course I'm right, you'll see, everything will be fine." She gave him a tender kiss. "I really have to go now or I'll be late." She hugged him one last time and was gone.

She made it just in time. When she arrived at the gate, Steffy and Thomas were just coming to meet her. She greeted them with joy; it had been a long time since their last visit. Thomas and Steffy looked at her mother very attentively. At first glance she seemed the same as always, but they noticed she was a little more hectic and seemed a little nervous. Later, when they arrived at the penthouse, Taylor was relieved to see that Ridge had put away all his belongings from the living room and had even set the table in the meantime. Secretly, she texted him that she was now at the apartment with the kids.

"It's always great to be here," Steffy said. "It's always so cozy with you. Now tell us. What's up? Is there anything extraordinary?" Steffy and Thomas winked at each other. Taylor was getting restless.
"Why do you ask?"
"I just thought because you made it so urgent that we stop by."
"I don't need a specific reason if I want to see my kids again." The siblings noticed their mother nervously tussled her hair and avoided their gazes. "I think I'll take care of dinner now. You must be starved." Steffy followed her mother.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, thanks, it's almost ready." Steffy glanced at the table, which was already set. A detail caught her eye.
"Mom, why is the table set for four? Is someone else coming? Susan?" Taylor's cheeks started to burn.
"No, she's out of town this weekend."
"So who are we expecting?" drilled Steffy further.
"That my dear daughter is a surprise." She walked back into the living room. Steffy followed her.
"Come on! Dish Mom!"
"What's going on?" Thomas wanted to know.
"Mom invited another guest and she won't tell who." Now Thomas had also become lucid and stared at his mother expectantly.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Taylor had never been so relieved.
"You'll see in a minute." She hurried to open the door. She whispered to Ridge.
"That was literally a last-minute rescue. Those two were just about to give me the third degree." Together, they stepped into the living room. Steffy fell into her father's arms, surprised but happy.
"What are you doing here Dad?" Thomas was also happy to see his father again.
"Well, your mother told me that she talked you guys into coming over, so we thought we could all have dinner together again.'' He handed Taylor a bouquet of flowers.
"Here. These are for you, thanks for the invitation!"
"You're welcome, Thanks for the flowers, they're beautiful!" They were clearly enjoying their little charade. Thomas and Steffy were just lucky that their parents were getting along so well and they could spend the evening with both of them. Taylor went back into the kitchen.