A lot of puzzles!
A few days later, Mr. Marson contacted Ridge and asked him to meet with him in his office. He told him, he had a thorough consultation with the board members of the company, they were all in favor of his idea, so nothing stood in the way anymore of a partnership between Forrester Creation and 'Onique-Style'. They sat together for a long time discussing the details of the collection. As Ridge had suspected, Mr. Marson still had a few small suggestions for changes to make so that the concept would really fit the style of his house. After the appointment, Ridge was so ecstatic that he headed straight for Taylor's office. Impatiently, he had to wait, as Taylor was still busy with a patient. As soon as the door opened and Taylor had said goodbye to her patient, he pushed her back into her office. Vehemently he took her in his arms and twirled her around.
"We did it Doc, we really did it!" He didn't put her down until they were totally dizzy. Taylor stared at him a little perplexed.
"What did we do?"
"Think hard!" That's when she got his point.
"Mr. Marson called you and said you got the job?"
"Exactly! We got the job!" and again he spun her around with glee. Taylor was now as euphoric as Ridge.
"That's wonderful! This is great! I'm so proud of you!"
"Oh I could never have done it without you!" In the midst of the rush of joy, there was a knock on the door. Taylor's assistant alerted her that she had the next patient in 10 minutes. Taylor gave Ridge another hug.
"I'm sorry. Duty calls."
"Yeah, always on duty for people who have issues, there's no room for a successful designer who's bubbling over with good spirit!" said Ridge jokingly.
"Oh my poor successful designer, I swear after work I'm all yours!" Ridge insisted on celebrating this good news with her and promised to take care of the reservation. When the contract was signed, Taylor was with him as his lucky charm. Ridge had asked his friend and attorney Carter to look over the contracts beforehand and he had found no quibbles. Eric and the rest of the family were also very excited when Ridge told them about the new partnership. As Ridge, they saw the great prospects of this new market for Forrester Creation. Ridge and Taylor had celebrated Ridge's success with the entire clique. All the ladies immediately ordered some outfits. Marc and Steven suggested Ridge should design an equally fancy collection for men next.
On Friday, Taylor was sitting on the terrace of a pizzeria waiting for Ridge. He had insisted they have lunch together here. He had even reserved a table for them. They both had the rest of the day off. It was the same pizza place where they had met each other for the very first time. Ridge seemed to be running late, at first Taylor wasn't too concerned. As much as Ridge had changed, punctuality still wasn't his greatest strength. But she could hardly complain, because it happened too often that she herself was late for a date because a patient had kept her longer or something else had come up. Therefore she waited completely relaxed. But when he still didn't show up after half an hour, she became increasingly restless. A waiter approached her and placed a 'Caesar Salad' in front of her.
"Excuse me, but I didn't order that!" said Taylor to him, irritated but he waved it off.
"That's all right, this order was placed by a gentleman for you in advance. I wish you a good appetite!" Taylor didn't understand anything. She was confused. However, being very hungry, Taylor finally started to eat her salad. When Ridge still didn't show up, she tried calling him. She only reached his voicemail, which was very strange to her. It didn't happen often that Ridge couldn't be reached during the day. After she finished eating, the waiter approached her again. She was about to pay, but he just waved her off, saying the bill was already covered. He handed her an envelope. Taylor recognized Ridge's handwriting and was only more confused. Hesitantly, she opened the envelope. Inside was a note with a few lines.
This is the compensation for the salad I ruined to you! First you turned me down then you knocked me down but finally you let your guards down! I guarantee you today there will be no downs at all at this place!
After reading those words, the question marks in Taylor's mind were even larger. Apparently Ridge had been here before and had placed the order and left the note for her. But why? She read the short note again. The hidden clues pointed to the park where they had their heart to heart. Did Ridge suddenly want to meet her there now? Taylor was sure this was one of Ridge's original games.
She set off on her way. She drove home first, parked her car, and then made her way to the park. As back then, she sat down on the first bench right by the entrance. While she waited anxiously if Ridge would appear, she glanced around. Although so many months had passed since this day, everything actually looked the same. Even the old man with his truck full of balloons stood in the same place as every day. Today, a little boy accompanied him. Taylor noticed out of the corner of her eye how the old man was talking with the boy. It seemed to her that he was pointing in her direction, but that couldn't be. Again and again she looked toward the entrance, where she expected Ridge at any moment. Then she heard a shy clearing of the throat. The little boy was suddenly standing in front of her, holding a 'Tweety' balloon.
"Excuse me! Are you Miss Taylor Hayes by any chance?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Ah good, my grandfather said you might be the one. He told me to give you this!" He handed her the balloon and was off again. Hanging from the balloon was a letter, identical to the other one. Carefully, Taylor took it off and tied the balloon around her wrist so it wouldn't fly away. Smiling, she looked at the 'Tweety'. It had rained last weekend, Ridge and she had cozied up in front of the TV and had watched cartoons. Taylor had casually said 'Tweety and Sylvester' had always been her favorite cartoon because it showed that a sharp mind was more significant than the size and strength of a character. She had told him that she had even once written a psychoanalytic paper about the cartoon. Ridge had teased her, only a shrink could come up with the idea to make a psychoanalysis of a cartoon. Taylor laughed to herself as she remembered this scene. It was just typical for Ridge to give her a 'Tweety' balloon. Curious, she opened the letter, which again had a few lines in it.
Not as small as a canary bird but the same cleverness and smartness. But even strong characters need a hero sometimes who rescues them from evil. I would save you any time when it ends with a kiss!
As she read this, she still wondered what all this was about. Why was Ridge rushing her from one place to the next? Taylor immediately understood the allusion in the note. Ridge surely meant the cocktail bar where he had rescued her from that creep. Although Taylor had sworn never to set a foot in that cocktail bar again, they had been there several times with the others. Thankfully, that jerk hadn't shown up again.
"Let's go Tweety! Let's see what our 'puddy cat' had planned for us next!"
Taylor left the park, she waved once more after the old man and his grandson. She took a cab. The cocktail bar offered snacks and refreshments during daytime. Taylor sat down at a small table near the bar. After some time, a waitress approached her and served her a 'Virgin Colada'.
"Here you go. I'm supposed to give this to you! Enjoy it! Actually, we don't offer cocktails at this hour yet, but since it's a non-alcoholic one, we'll make an exception!"
"Oh thank you, that's very kind of you."
"Oh yeah and I'm supposed to give you this one too!" Taylor was now no longer surprised when she was handed another envelope. Before reading the note, she enjoyed her cocktail. Her mind drifted back to that evening. She thought about how much her life had changed since then. Even though the evening was only a few months ago, it seemed like an eternity to her. Finally, she opened the envelope and read the letter.
The first kiss was just a stunt or maybe more? Nonetheless soon the first 'real' kiss followed. A magical night I will never forget!
She knew immediately where Ridge wanted her to go this time. After she finished her cocktail, she headed back out, hiring another cab. On the ride, a sudden idea hit her mind. This scavenger hunt Ridge was apparently taking her on reminded her of the treasure hunt he had organized for her on the deserted island back then at Saint Thomas. At the end he proposed to her. All at once, Taylor was electrified. Was that the answer behind all this? Was that the reason why he was chasing her all over the town? Would he ask her to marry him tonight? Taylor became terribly excited. Ridge and she had never talked specifically about marriage, but it was actually clear that someday they would walk down the aisle again. She remembered, Ridge had referred her as his wife to Mr. and Mrs. Marson. Actually lately he had often called her his wife or found other synonyms. He didn't like the term 'girlfriend' Taylor had agreed with him. It sounded too much like high school or like a fling. They both shared the opinion their relationship was way more serious. When the others asked them when they would finally get married, Taylor and Ridge always avoided them. They simply said that they would take the step when the timing was right. Taylor often said she would wait for Ridge to propose. Was it really going to happen tonight? Actually, the thought was very obvious, they had been living together for some time now and everything was going great. Their relationship was stronger than ever. Taylor sent a prayer to heaven.
"Please, please! Let it be that! Let it be so that he asks me tonight!"
The cab pulled up near the steakhouse. Taylor walked to the pier and sat on the same bench where she had sat that night with Ridge. She thought back to that magical moment. How they had kissed for the first time and afterwards they had sat tightly embraced on that bench for hours. She would never forget how gentle he had been and all the sweet things he had said. She was completely lost in her dreams when she heard another clearing of the throat next to her. A man in an elegant tailcoat stood in front of her and inquired if she was Taylor Hayes. She affirmed it and he said in that case he would ask her to follow him. Hopeful, she strode up behind him. She was speechless when he stopped in front of a horse-drawn carriage, opened the door for her and asked her to get in. Wow! Ridge was really pulling all the strings. When Taylor was seated, the coachman handed her another note. Then he took his seat and off they went. In the letter was written the following.
With the first kiss a magical journey began which hopefully will never end! This ride does not take place in a pumpkin but maybe it will still lead you to the place of your dreams and you will meet your prince there!
Taylor's heart was beating very fast, she had a faint suspicion and hope where the carriage was going to take her. She enjoyed the ride and sure enough, the destination was indeed the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Taylor couldn't believe it. Once they had passed the hotel and had to stop because of a traffic jam. Taylor had mentioned this hotel always reminded her of the 'Cinderella' castle and it was one of her big dreams to spend only one night there. Back then Ridge hadn't shown great interest in her babbling, but apparently he had listened very carefully. The carriage stopped in front of the entrance, once again the coachman held the door open for her and wished her an unforgettable evening. Taylor sheepishly thanked him and then walked with unsteady steps towards the entrance. She felt a bit strange, she didn't have any big luggage, just a 'Tweety' balloon, which looked a bit silly. She went to the front desk and asked if there was a reservation in the name of Hayes or Forrester. The desk clerk looked in his computer and found a corresponding entry.
"Oh well, there you go!" He summoned a bellman and instructed him to take her to the presidential suite.
"I wish you a pleasant stay, Dr. Hayes!" Taylor followed the bellman to the elevators. It went all the way to the top of the panoramic deck. The bellman explained to her, on this floor were the most luxurious suites of the hotel. He finally stopped in front of a magnificent golden door and opened it. He handed her the keys and wished her a great time. Taylor entered and glanced around the magnificent suite. There was a large living area and a beautiful bedroom. Taylor hung the 'Tweety' balloon on a door. There was no sign of Ridge. The suite had two bathrooms, in one the light was on. So Taylor walked up to it; when she stepped into the room, her mouth dropped open in amazement. By the sink was her beauty case and toiletry bag. Ridge must have sneaked back into the apartment again this morning to pick up their stuff. Behind the door hung a beautiful sequined dress. A note was attached to it.
'A dream is a wish the heart makes' A magical dress for a gorgeous woman for a very special night where all your dreams may come true.
Taylor fought back her tears. She was so touched, stirred, excited, a real emotional rollercoaster was wheeling inside her. She was overwhelmed by all the surprises. While she took a shower, she thought about all the attention she had received so far today and what was still to come. She was deeply impressed. Ridge must have planned this day for a long time. All the love and effort and he had organized all this without her noticing anything. He had managed to keep all these activities a secret and totally surprised her. While she was getting ready, she didn't hear that someone opened the suite quietly and scurried busily around. Taylor, meanwhile, was finished. She was wearing the new dress and had her hair up. Just then she was doing the final stroke on her makeup, then she was pleased with her appearance. She stepped out of the bathroom and looked around the suite. Nothing had changed, but she noticed a lamp was burning near the patio door. She stepped closer and spotted an arrow of rose petals on the floor pointing to the door. With trembling hands and a pounding heart, Taylor opened the sliding door, in anticipation of what this night will bring.
