After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

Open words!

The mood was leisurely at the Belair mansion that morning. After breakfast, Steffy and Thomas left for work. Since it was a very warm beautiful summer day, Taylor and Ridge spent the morning at the pool. They enjoyed this luxury, which they sometimes missed in San Francisco. They enjoyed the refreshing water and relaxed on the patio. For lunch, Taylor prepared them some sandwiches. Soon it was time for Ridge to get ready for his appointment with Brooke. When he was ready to go, he looked for Taylor, who sat in the living room engrossed in a book she needed for her research. He cleared his throat.

"Well I'm leaving!" Taylor stepped toward him and hugged him.

"I'll keep my fingers crossed and think of you every minute!"

"Thanks! I can use that, after everything Dad told me yesterday, I don't think this is going to be an easy conversation and honestly, I wish it was already done! If I would just have an idea how to do it. I really don't wanna hurt her, but on the other hand, I know I have to tell her the truth!"

"Ridge, there is no right way for something like this, no matter how you do it, it will always be a shock to her. Especially if your father is right and she still loves you. The best way is to make it quick and easy, just like ripping off a Band-Aid!"

"Nice comparison! I just hope she takes it well and there's no drama. Taylor laughed derisively.

"You still realize, this is Brooke we're talking about! This is going to be a drama, especially when she finds out that I, of all people, have snagged you." He gave her a mocking look. "Well, that's certainly the way she sees it." 

"Well, when I think about it, there might be something to that."

"Hey!" She punched him in the shoulder and he pulled her to him, laughing, and kissed her. Taylor returned his kisses and moved to his neck. He tried to pull away from her.

"Hey, what are you doing? I get the impression you don't want me to leave." She looked at him, unperturbed.

"What makes you think that?" She shoved him toward the door. "Go on, get out of here!" He turned to her once more and stroked her face.

"Don't forget, I love you Doc! There's no reason for you to worry at all. So just take it easy and don't freak out while I'm gone."

"I'll try my very best!" They gave each other one last kiss. As Taylor closed the door behind her, she took a deep breath. She tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach and delved back into her reading.

On the way to Brooke's estate, Ridge kept thinking about the best start to the conversation. He had no plan on how to convey the whole truth to Brooke as gently as possible, but also firmly. By the time he arrived at her house, he still hadn't come up with an idea and decided to just let the situation play out. He gave himself a jolt and rang the doorbell. Brooke opened the door immediately. She had been waiting for him impatiently. Ridge sighed heavily as he stepped into the house. Brooke had decorated the living area with flowers and candles and had obviously ordered food from their favorite Italian restaurant. She herself had styled herself up from head to toe and was in an elegant dress he had designed for her two years ago. She smiled at him

"Welcome home Ridge! I was so happy when you called and said you were coming home again. You can't imagine how much I missed you. I understand that you needed the time to get back to yourself. But that's all behind us now and we can start all over again!" She wanted to hug him and give him a kiss, but he blocked her. Irritated at his obvious rejection, she looked at him hurt.

"I'm afraid I need to get something straight here. I didn't come home for you or for us. I'm only here in LA because Mother and Dad invited me to their summer party. I'm going back to San Francisco on Sunday. I want to talk to you about something else."