Brooke sat in her office at Forrester Creations deeply engrossed in a design. Her light blue pencil stroked the white paper bringing her idea to life. She put the pencil down and smiled at her work feeling pleased.
The door to her office opened and their was small knock. Brooke looked up to see Ridge standing there. "May I come in?" He asked.
"Of course." said Brooke setting her design aside.
Ridge entered closing the door behind him. "I wanted to see how you were."
"I'm fine." sighed Brooke. "I really am. You all don't have to worry about me."
"It's hard not to Logan. We love you and care about you."
"I know." said Brooke leaning back on her chair. "It wasn't easy to leave my marriage to Alex but I had to do it. I'm not angry. I'm not bitter. It's just the way it has to be. I have accepted it. I'm moving forward."
"Logan it's me. You don't have to put up this brave front." said Ridge.
"It's not a brave front." insisted Brooke. "I told you I knew about Sherri. I have seen Alex with her. Yes when I first saw them together I was hurt and angry but after some reflection I realized that he is so much happier with her than he is with me. I know he didn't mean to have an affair and he did tell me how wrong he was and apologized. I accepted his apology. I know he was being sincere. There is nothing left to say about it. Our marriage is over. The annulment papers are signed. Now I move on with my life and do what I want."
"And what would that be?" asked Ridge noticing the design on her desk.
"I've been thinking about my Bedroom Line. Yes I am proud of the lingerie I created. It is a big success and despite what Stephanie may have said in the past, it's not trash. It's not sleazy. Women like to look and feel sexy for the man in their life. However I was thinking of changing thing up."
"How so?" asked Ridge.
"I decided to create new sleepwear line for women. Not lingerie. Just regular comfy sleepwear." She picked up her design and showed it to Ridge. It was a drawing of a pair of flannel pajamas with a unique design. It was a blue sky with puffy white clouds.
"This is very good." said Ridge approvingly.
"Thank you." smiled Brooke. "I don't just want to create flannel pajamas though. That is just a start. I want to also create some summertime sleepwear. Some a little sexier but not overly sexy. I think it would really boost up the Bedroom Line. What do you think?"
Ridge thought a minute than spoke. "I think it's a great idea. Looking at this design gives me some ideas of my own. Why don't I work on them and then show them to you and you tell me what you think. We could collaborate and really come up with something special."
"I think that is a wonderful idea." replied Brooke. "You get started on your ideas and I'll come up with some more of my own."
"Great. I'll get started now." Ridge quickly hurried out to his office.
Brooke sat back happy. She was glad Ridge was on board with what she wanted to do. Yes she was the CEO and had the final say but she liked to defer certain areas to Ridge when it came to designs and clothing lines after all he was an expert. She was lucky to have him in her life. Wait what? In her life? Was Ridge in her life? Yes he was her best friend in the world so he was in that way but did she want...
"Okay forget it." said Brooke to herself. "Concentrate on your sleepwear line. Not marrying Ridge." She paused a minute thinking. Marry Ridge. Did she want to marry Ridge? Is that why she so quickly left Alex? No Alex was happier with Sherri. Or did she want him to be happier with her so that she could..."Okay this is nuts." Brooke thought. "You need to get your priorities straight." She looked over at a picture of Bridget sitting on her desk. She picked it up and smiled. How lucky her daughter was to have Deacon. Never having to deal with any of the drama. Brooke was glad of that. That's exactly what she wanted for Bridget. And how she could not wait to see her grandchild. Bridget didn't know yet the sex of the baby but told her that she was starting to want it to be a boy because Deacon wanted a son. No matter what the sex of the baby, Brooke couldn't wait for their arrival. When Bridget lost her baby with Dante, she saw how devastated she was. It broke her heart to see Bridget in so much pain. She did frown at how Dante just seemed to pick up and move on with Felicia. But what was done was done. Bridget is happier than she has ever been with a man she loves and that's all that matters. One day maybe she will get lucky again.
Brooke started to engross herself in her work again when there was a knock at her door. "Come in." She said.
"Hi Brooke." said Gina walking in shutting the door behind her.
"Gina." said a startled Brooke. "What brings you here? I thought you went back to Vegas?"
"I did but I...something happened...Brooke I didn't know who else to talk to about this. I thought maybe I could come to you. We are family now...I thought..."
"You don't have to explain." said Brooke. "What is it? What happened in Vegas?"
Gina sighed. "My ex-husband, Deacon's father, Mark is back."
"Wow." said Brooke stunned. "Does Deacon know?"
"Yes he does. Mark came to see Bridget first. He told her to let us know he was in town. She contacted me and that's why I went back to Vegas. I didn't know he was back until she told me when I met up with her. Needless to say I was pretty stunned. I never thought I would see him again. But I did. He told me how sorry he was for everything and...I think he wants us to get back together."
"I see. Gina what exactly happened between you and Mark? Why did he leave?"
Gina sighed and stood up. She walked over to the pitcher of water sitting on credenza and poured herself a glass. She took at sip and then spoke. "Suzanna Jackson. That's what happened. She convinced Mark to leave me. Filled his head with ideas that she could do so much better with her. That I was getting him nowhere. You see..I was a showgirl in Vegas. Mark managed one of the casinos. We were very attracted to eachother and then one day...we made love. That's how I got pregnant with Deacon. We married and were happy and then Suzanna came into town and it all fell apart." She turned around. "I decided to keep Mark from Deacon. I was afraid to lose my son. I thought Suzanna would take him too. I was selfish in doing that, I realize that now. Mark tried to have contact with Deacon. Sending him birthday cards and birthday gifts. Christmas presents. I kept them from Deacon. I was wrong I know that now. Anyway, Mark told me that he left Suzanna years ago but was afraid to come back because he thought I wouldn't have him. He said he saw Bridget and Deacon's wedding news in the paper and heard she was pregnant. He said he wanted to be a part of the family again."
"And that includes being with you." finished Brooke.
"Yes." said Gina.
"Do you still love Mark?"
Gina smiled tracing the top of her glass with her finger. "I will always love him. He was the best guy I ever had. He loved me and cared about me."
"So are you considering getting back together with him?"
"Yes I am. But a part of me if afraid. I don't know why. I guess I'm just afraid of another Suzanna coming around and snatching him away."
"I understand believe me I do." said Brooke. "The only thing I can tell you is to trust your heart. I know some people scoff at that but that's really the best advice I can give you. You need to do what is best for you. If you think that being with Mark is the right thing, then take a chance. If you don't, then don't. I don't regret the chances I took being with Ridge. Yes we are not together but I am still happy I took the chance. I would have missed out on so much. So many happy times. I think you should take that chance with Mark."
"I suppose." said Gina sitting back down in the chair. "What about you?" She asked.
"What about me?" replied Brooke.
"Well you are single again I hear." She stated. "You looking to get back together with Ridge?"
Brooke smiled. "To be perfectly honest I'm not sure. I mean I do love him. I always will but..."
"But what? Brooke don't tell me YOU are afraid?" Gina said raising her eyebrows.
"No not afraid." said Brooke. "It's just that I want to be absolutely certain that it would be well...IT. You know what I mean? I thought Alex was IT. I was done with that whole thing but now I'm right back where I started. Yes I could get back together with Ridge...maybe a part of me does want too but a part of me wants to take some time and just see how things go."
"Brooke can I be honest with you?" asked Gina.
"Of course you can."
"Okay here goes. I think you are an idiot."
"What?"
"You are an idiot! We are BOTH idiots. We both have terrific men who adore and love us and what are we doing? Sitting being scared little girls. Afraid of being hurt. You know something. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to be oh I don't know...I may get hurt..blah blah. I'm going to get back together with Mark. Hell I'll marry him again. I don't need to make him "suffer". That is so childish. That stupid "He has to suffer and pay for causing me pain." That is not how it works. You don't do that. Mark is sorry. What more does he need to do? He came back here and faced the music with me and with Deacon. What's more I faced it. I owned up to my part in keeping him from his son. He owned up to his part in leaving in the first place. What more is there? I'm marching back to Vegas and I'm telling Mark that I love him and I want to be with him again. And Miss Logan if you want Ridge, I suggest you march yourself down to his office and go get him. That's an order." With that Gina stood up and hurried out.
Brooke sat back astonished at what Gina said. She was right. She WAS an idiot. What the hell was she doing? She loves Ridge. Does she have to marry him right away? No of course not. She was not quite ready to get married again just yet. It's only been a month since her marriage was annulled. She could have dinner with him at least. Maybe see a play or that new opera that just opened. What's the harm in that? In fact the opera sounded like a great idea. She and Ridge both loved the opera. And if something came from that one date..who knows..maybe she WOULD be married to Ridge again. That's not a bad thing. It's a good thing.
Brooke picked up her phone and dialed. She waited while the other line rang. "Hello Mario? It's me Brooke Logan...yes...thank you...How is Miranda? Oh that's wonderful...Listen I need to favor...I want two tickets to La Bella tonight...balcony seats...You are wonderful...Take care...Give my love to Miranda and the boys...Ciao."
Brooke hung up the phone and smiled. She got up from her desk and headed out of her office and down to Ridge's. She looked inside and saw him intently working on a designs. She gently knocked on the side of the doorway.
Ridge looked up. "Logan...come in."
Brooke walked in and looked over his design. "Very nice. I love it."
"Thank you." smiled Ridge.
"Listen Ridge...How would you like to go to La Bella with me tonight?"
"What?"
"I just got two tickets and I would love for you to go with me. What do you say? I really could use a fun night out. And we both love the opera."
Ridge put down his pencil. "Is this like a date?" He asked.
"I suppose so. Would that be terrible?" replied Brooke.
"No it wouldn't. Okay...I would be honored to go to La Bella with you tonight. How about we make it a whole evening. Dinner at The Piazza."
"I love it." smiled Brooke. "Can we ride in a limo?"
"Anything you want." replied Ridge.
"Good. I'll go pick out a stunning new gown and I'll see you later at my house...say around six thirty?"
"It's a date." said Ridge.
"See you then." Brooke gently kissed his cheek and walked out. She closed the door leaning up against it smiling.
"You are dating Ridge!" squealed Bridget on the phone.
Brooke laughed on the other end. "No silly we are not dating. We are going out on a date. That's all. After talking with Gina, I realized that I need to take a plunge. So that's what I'm doing. And I'm not the least bit afraid either."
"I'm happy for you Mom I really am. I'm sorry things ended with Alex. I did like him but that was horrible what he did to you."
"Yes it was horrible but I've accepted it and I'm moving on. Speaking of which, has Gina talked to Mark yet do you know?"
"No I haven't heard from her. But I think it's great she decided to get back together with him. My little baby will have both its grandparents." Bridget said placing her hand on her stomach. "Well on it's father's side." She added. "Of course they will have you and Dad and Ridge."
"Hold on there girl." Brooke smiled. "Don't go adding Ridge just yet. I told you it's one date. I'm going to see how it goes."
"I know I just can't help it. I just want you to be as happy as I am with Deacon."
She looked over and smiled at her husband filling a dish of chocolate and peanut butter ice cream for her that he went to three different places to find.
"I appreciate that." said Brooke. "And I want to let you know that your brother Rick and I are going to come out and visit you both very soon. Things are a little hectic right now at Forrester but hopefully in a few weeks we can come out and see you."
"Really? That is so great. I would love to see you guys. Isn't Amber coming too?"
"She will." replied Brooke. "She is going to visit her sister in New York for a few days first and then she will fly to Vegas."
"Sounds great. And again I hope you have a great time with Ridge. I mean it. And tell me all about it."
"I will. I promise. I have to go now. I love you honey."
"I love you too Mom." Bridget said setting down the phone.
Deacon came over and handed her the dish of ice cream and a spoon. "Thank you." She said. "I knew I married you for a reason." She said taking a big spoonful.
Deacon tickled her foot in response and Bridget squealed jerking her foot away and trying not to spit out her ice cream. "Hey." She pouted.
"What did your Mom say?" He asked ignoring her pout.
"Oh she has a date with Ridge. They are going to the opera."
"Wow." said Deacon.
"It is wow. Mom is taking it slow however. She wants to see how things go. I have a feeling though she and Ridge will be husband and wife again."
"Well if it does happen, that's great. She deserve it after what that jerk Alex did to her."
"I know." frowned Bridget as she took another spoonful of ice cream. "I can't believe he would do that Mom. What a creep he turned out to be."
"It is behind her now. At least she is moving on."
Bridget sat up a bit. "Do you think your parents will get back together?" She asked.
Deacon sighed. "I have no idea. To be honest it would be nice to see them back together. I would like to have my parents be married. If Dad can win Mom back over again? I don't know. Mom is pretty tough you know."
Bridget nodded her head. "She is but she did love your father very much. It would be hard for her not to at least consider it."
Gina stood outside the apartment door and knocked. She didn't bother to call. She wanted to get this done and over with.
A few seconds later the door opened and there stood Mark. "Gina. What brings you here?"
"A lot of things Mark. First of which is something I need to tell you."
"What would that be?"
"I love you."