Previously on Stairway to No-Mans Land
- Morning sickness became a problem
- Steffy discovered some interesting cravings
- The dynamic duo informed Bill of their latest achievements
"Steffy, sweetheart, are you sure you are ready to come back into work? We can postpone the meeting, everyone would understand!"
"Liam, I am fine, I just can keep anything down today, your children are being restless and it is making mummy's tummy roll! Not to mention I haven't had any coffee, and you know how I struggle to function without my morning caffeine! It's okay though, we will go in, have our meeting and mum can bring me home once we are finished, she is going straight from the airport to Forrester. I need to go in today, I need to do this, and we need to share our amazing news!" Steffy says while rubbing her belly. "On top of all, we need to let everyone know about our wedding date! Now onto more important things, does this make me look fat... can you tell I am 16 weeks pregnant, with twins? I do not want to give anything away, although I would not put it past mum to guess as soon as she sees me! Somehow, with Aspen, she just took one look at me and knew. Call it mother's intuition!"
"Okay baby mumma, if you insist, but promise me you will try to eat something, even if it is just a banana. And you look stunning, although your newly enhanced assets are rather distracting, I am not so sure I will be able to focus on what Madam president is saying with you dressed like that!"
"Oh good, so everyone's eyes will be distracted from this!" She says as she gently places her hand on her expanding belly, "I think it got bigger overnight, I am sure there wasn't this much bump yesterday!"
"Well I for one can't wait to see you with a giant belly!"
"Are you saying you want me to get fat?"
"You know that is not what I am saying, a big belly means healthy, growing babies, which means we are one step closer to holding them in our arms! And that my dear, will be a dream come true!"
"Have I told you today how much I love you? Have we told you how much we love you? See the twins agree... Come feel!"
Steffy and Liam are the last to arrive at Forrester that morning. They enter Steffy's office to a table full of board members and shareholders, who are all curious as to while there was such a sudden need for a board meeting.
"Sorry we are late everyone. I am not quite back to my normal self since the fall; things seem to have taken me a little longer than normal this morning. I hope we haven't kept you waiting for too long."
"Sweetheart, no one expected you to be back at work so soon. You shouldn't even be back at work, you should still be at home resting!"
"I tried to keep her at home Ridge, I truly did, but have you met your daughter, she is fiercely independent and what the woman wants, she gets. Have you tried telling her no recently, trust me it doesn't go down so well!"
"That's our Steffy, I have never known my sister to be any other way!"
"Okay enough about me and my strong will! I am sure you are all wondering why Liam and I needed to call this urgent meeting!"
"Yes we are and considering the people you have called into this meeting it must be pretty significant for this company!"
"You are correct dad, and I am asking that you let me get through what I need to tell you all without any interruptions! There are going to be some major changes around here, effective immediately, Liam will be temporarily taking my place as President of Forrester Creations. This decision was an easy one for us to make, it is only natural that when the President of a company needs to take a leave of absence, the Vice President steps up."
It is as this point that Liam reaches over and takes Steffy's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"This shift in control isn't the only major change that is going to be happening around here. It has been recommended, by my doctors, that I take leave from work, and that I take it very easy for the next few months."
"Steffy, you scaring your father and I, what is wrong? Are you sick? Is that why you begged me to come back to LA, please tell me I am not about to lose another child!"
"Ma, calm down! The night of the accident, when I was at the hospital the doctors discovered something."
"We were given some life changing news!" Liam interjects.
"Life changing is one way to put it... You see the doctors discovered something, growing inside me, two something's actually."
"Steffy, I came to see you in the hospital, you told me yourself that you were okay, that there was nothing wrong!"
"And I was telling you the truth! The reason I am stepping down is that I am going to be on Maternity leave. I found out I was pregnant the afternoon of my fall and when I was in the hospital, we found out that... that there is going to be a second generation of Forrester twins!"
"Don't you mean Spencer twins my love?"
"You know they may carry the Spencer name but the will always be part Forrester, after all I am their mother!"
The board sit quietly watching the loved-up couple bicker about their children's identities, wondering how this news is going to affect the company and them personally.
"Sis, you said these changes are going to be taking place immediately, why the rush? From the looks of it you're barely pregnant, I know that you said it was twins but surely that shouldn't be the reason?"
"Oh brother bear, when I was admitted, Dr Caspery decided to give me a scan to see exactly how far long I truly was since I wasn't really sure, as it turns out, not only did we discover that we had double trouble cooking, but we are much further along than I ever thought possible. Our scan last week put us at roughly 16 weeks along, so considering that was a week ago I am 17 weeks pregnant."
"Nothing in particular from my scans or the fall have Dr Caspery concerned, it is just with my medical history... after losing Aspen, any pregnancy I had would have been classed as a risky, but now that these are two babies in the mix, this pregnancy officially falls into the high risk category. I am going to do everything in my power to protect these little ones and the added stress, no matter now minor, that is running Forrester Creations is just not worth the risk. I hope you can all understand!"
"Over the next few weeks you will still see me around the place, Liam is going to slowly be taking over and even once I am officially on leave, you will still see me around the place. We all know I won't be able to help myself! Liam will officially take over the role of president at the end of January."
"Now I can see some of you have a look of concern, I am sure some of that is for Steffy, the twins and her safety, but I know a lot of you are concerned about how I am going to be able to committee to this company 100% when I also work at Spencer."
"Liam you know I love you and I support you in all that you do because we are cousins and that is what we do but aren't you going to be spreading yourself a little thin. Running Forrester, VP at Spencer not to mention having twins on the way."
"At the end of the month, when I officially take on the role as President, I will take a leave of absence from Spencer Publications. My dad knows and understands how important it is for the next 24 weeks to be as stress free for Steffy as we can make it, for her sake and the safety of the twins. During this time my position at Spencer will be temporarily filled, which will make running Forrester Creations my only work commitment."
"We have thought long and hard about how we can make the best decisions for every invested party. Together, Liam and I think that this will be the best solution. I may be officially on leave but I will still be involved in Design approval, whether this happens via Skype, Liam bringing designs home with him or I occasionally come into the office. I need you to all know I am not now nor will I ever abandon this company or this family. I just need to put my own children first for the next little while!"
"Any questions?"
"I have one for the pair of you... If you are taking leave and Liam is stepping up as President, who is going to be his Vice?"
"It is funny you should ask that Thomas... I was wondering how you would feel about some extra responsibilities around here for a while. We all know you have worked hard and you deserve some credit for that. So what do you say, will you help my man run this place, help him return Forrester Creations to her glory days?"
"I would be honoured Sis!"
"So it is settled at the end of January Liam will be acting President of Forrester Creations. Obviously this has yet to be announced to any form of media so I don't need to remind any of you to keep your lips zipped. We did however inform Bill and Spencer Publications that they would be given the story. They will have the rights to any information about this pregnancy, my stepping down, our wedding and the birth when it happens."
"And speaking of our wedding, we need you to all keep February 5th free in your calendars... Steffy and I have decided that my mum's birthday..." Liam tries to finish his sentence but can't quite get the words out so Steffy takes over.
"We have decided that Liam's mum's birthday is the perfect day for us to get married. All we need is our families there with us and since this is the LAST time, I am ever walking down the aisle, daddy will you please walk down with me! We do have one request for our special day though; we would like it if you could all wear something pink... for Aspen." Steffy finishes with a whisper.
On that final note, Liam drops a gentle kiss onto Steffy's head, knowing how difficult it can be to bring up Aspen.
"Well I think this calls for celebration! I am going to be a grandma! I cannot believe you are pregnant! I cannot believe you are having twins! I am so proud of you honey, both of you! Ahhh I am so excited!" Taylor exclaims while pulling Steffy and Liam into a tight hug
"Thanks Mum, your love and support mean the world to us!"
"I have to admit Steffy I am jealous of your body... you are 17 weeks pregnant with twins and you look amazing... Like seriously I look more pregnant than that when I eat a breakfast burrito, well before, when I wasn't actually pregnant!"
"Haha, you say that now but just wait and see what your opinion is like once I am 9 months pregnant and can't move because I am the size of a house!"
"Hey enough of that talk! I happen to think you are going to be the most beautiful pregnant woman to have ever walk the earth, no matter how big that belly is! Remember what I said to you this morning... come on remind me!"
"You told me that 'a big belly means healthy, growing babies, which means we are one step closer to holding them in our arms! And that my dear, will be a dream come true!' See I was listening!" Steffy responded while poking out her tongue.
"Ohhhh, who knew my cousin, could be such a hopeless romantic. It's no wonder you fell pregnant so easily, I am sure he barely has to say a word and..."
"Caroline that's my daughter you are talking about... She may be an adult but there are some things a father prefers to deny happens in his daughters life... even if she is currently pregnant and getting married and oh so grown up! I am proud of you my darling girl. You have been through so much and you have managed to come out the other side an incredible woman! Now, we need to talk about this wedding..."
"Dad, I know it is soon and you and Caroline have a lot going on with your baby, but it is really important to me that you be there this time. My first wedding to Liam, it was just us, on top of a mountain in Aspen. The second time we got married, we followed family tradition and had it at the Forrester Estate, but you weren't there, you were in Paris and I walked myself down the aisle. But this time, I want you by my side, I want you to be the one to give me away, not mum not Thomas, YOU my father. It is really important to me, to Liam, to our babies and to the memory of you granddaughter that you do this for me. Please don't let me down dad.
"Oh honey, I couldn't dream of being anywhere else! Wild horses couldn't keep me away! But I was thinking about what you are going wear! We would be honoured to create your wedding dress or gown or outfit, I never know with you!"
"Really dad, you would do that for me?"
"I am not sure what this one has told you Steffy but we would be more than honoured!"
"Thanks Dad, thank you Caroline! You know I am not the biggest pink wearer in the world, that was more Phoebe's thing, but I would like it if you could somehow tie it into the dress, so I have just a touch of Aspen with me."
"Leave it with me, I may be your old man but I am the Ridge Forrester after all!" Ridge reminds Steffy then leaves to talk to Taylor.
"Hey Steffy, I have an idea for the inside of your dress and maybe even the inside of Liam's shirt or jacket. But I am unsure how you would feel about it."
"Well until you tell me your idea, I can't let you know how I feel!"
"I don't exactly know how much stuff you had organised for Aspen, before... before the accident let alone if you and Liam kept any of it, but I was thinking if you and Liam had kept and outfit or a pair of socks or something, we could maybe stitch whatever it is, over your hearts. That way she will be physically close to you on the day."
"Oh Caroline, its perfect! I don't really know what we have at home, I do know I put a little pair of socks into a box before I left... I will have to find it!" Steffy replies with a fresh batch of tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Steffy, what's wrong, are you in pain. Come and sit down, I will get you some water and Tylenol. Please sit and take it easy or your Forrester Creations Visit for the day will be over. Don't think I won't involve your mother!"
"Involve me in what?"
"Making sure this one starts taking it easy, beginning with coming over here and sitting down!"
"He is right you know Steffy, I can still remember how physically exhausting being pregnant was, let alone when I was pregnant with you and Phoebe! I was so tired... all the time!"
"Ahh and so it begins, constantly worried parents, over protective husband... I can't imagine the next 24 weeks any other way and nor do I want to!"
"Good, I am glad, because I intend to spoil you like there is no tomorrow! The three of you are the most important things in this world to me! I will do absolutely everything in my power to keep you all save from now until forever!"
"Remember that conversation we had at home, the one where I told you that this pregnant lady couldn't handle all your loved up talk without losing it emotionally... Well you have done it again!" Steffy tells Liam while wiping a tear from her eye. "You know I have a reputation of cold hearted bitch to uphold around here!"
"Oh really! I am sure, they like me, still fear the wrath of 'The Stephanie Forrester' soon to be Spencer!"
"You should fear me... I still have to go through labour. How attached are you to your hands, I can't guarantee they will survive the delivery!"
"Baby you could break every bone in my body and I would still be right by your side, where I belong!"
"Again with the smooth talking, Mr Spencer! I am an emotional wreck at the moment, my hormones are going haywire and you are killing my street cred!
"Okay my love I have a fantastic way for you to save face... Taylor I think it is time for my Queen to return to her palace!"
"No! Please can I have one more hour...? I want to go through some presidential stuff with you. I am sure mum can entertain herself for an hour. Please, the babies aren't quite ready to leave daddy yet and neither is mummy!"
"Okay! You have one hour! At 11am, you and your mother will be walking out of this building and heading back to Malibu! Daddy is putting his foot down!"
"Hmmm you should be strict with me more often... you have no idea the things it does to me!" Steffy quietly tells Liam while pulling his ear down towards her mouth "Cha cha cha!"
"You my love are going to drive me insane! Now if you wish to show me anything in the next 50 minutes I suggest we get to work, because you mumma are on strict time restrictions!"
Liam and Steffy get to work without too many distractions. At exactly 10.55am, Taylor knocks on Steffy's office door signalling that it is officially her home time. After a handful of kisses and one drawn out hug, Taylor manages to drag a not so impressed Steffy out of their office and down to the car.
Next time on Stairway to No-Mans Land:
- Wedding plans are in full swing
- Taylor and Steffy spend some quality time together
- Taylor learns about Aspens visit
- The wedding Dress is revealed (there will be a link in my profile)