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. The kids now alone with their dad, breathed a sigh of relief.

"We're so glad you're the surprise guest." Ridge took them both in his arms.

"Who else were you guys expecting?

"Oh Steffy came up with this idea. Mom might have a crush and wants to introduce us to her new lover this weekend." Ridge turned very pale.

"Now don't act like you haven't thought about it too!" hissed Steffy at her brother.

"Well, as you can see, it's just me. Besides, what would be so bad about your mother being in love?" The siblings gazed at each other in dismay.

"Nothing really...but the idea is weird...I mean." Steffy looked at her brother for help.

"It's always a strange feeling with your own mother. Mothers should not fall in love with just anyone. Besides, isn't she content with her life as it is? She doesn't need a man!"

Ridge was disturbed by his children's statements. His worries about how they would react to the news returned. However he did his best not to show it.

"Let me tell you one thing, in the long run nobody likes to be alone. But now I think it's time for dinner. It smells very appetizing."

During their meal, neither Steffy nor Thomas noticed the tension their parents experienced. They talked about their work and their life and just enjoyed the moment. They were almost finished when Steffy spilled a little wine on herself. She asked her mother for another napkin, however Ridge stood up.

"Don't bother, I'll get it. I already finished my plate." Taylor smiled gratefully at him. Ridge handed Steffy some napkins, Thomas said more jokingly.

"Since when did you become such a gentleman Dad?"

"I always have been."

"Thanks Dad!" Steffy dabbed at her blouse. "That was quick. You have to know the way around Mom's kitchen very well if you can find anything so easily." Taylor's fork nearly fell out of her hand and Ridge swallowed hard, then responded in a flash.

"It's not much of an act. Your mother's a creature of habit and she always set up her kitchen the same way, so I knew exactly which corner to look in."

"Mhm, you might want to rearrange your kitchen sometime Mom so Dad can't steal anything away from you."

"He wouldn't dare!" Taylor started to clear the table, Steffy and Thomas wanted to help, but Ridge fought back.

"I'll take care of it! You guys make yourself comfortable in the living room. You must be really tired, going on the plane right after work." The two stared at their father in confusion for a moment, but then thought nothing more of it.

"We should tell them now. I can't stand this tension for another second."

"Do you think I feel any different?" He hugged her.

"No matter what, I love you!"

"I love you too!" They kissed for encouragement. Then they entered the living room together.

"So what's on the schedule for tomorrow Mom?"

"I haven't thought about that yet, we can do whatever you guys feel like." Taylor sat down on the couch.

"Cool, will you join us Dad?" I mean, if that's okay with you Mom?!"

"Of course Steffy, that's no problem for me at all. On the contrary!" Thomas and Steffy pleaded with their father.

"Of course I'm on."

"Yeah! A real family outing. We haven't had that in a long time."

"That's right son. But that will change in the future." He sat down on the backrest and put an arm around Taylor, who in turn reached for his hand. Steffy and Thomas suddenly sensed something was in the air. "Because we have big news for you!" Thomas and Steffy glanced back and forth between their parents. Taylor now took the turn.

"You know, your father and I, we had a serious heart to heart about everything that happened between us and we decided to draw a line under the past. We told you that we've seen each other from time to time...but that...wasn't the whole truth..." Steffy's and Thomas' eyes grew bigger.

"What your mother is trying to say, the truth is rather we have been seeing each other very regularly, in fact we have been seeing each other every day for the last few weeks." Steffy and Thomas were more than surprised.

"Are you saying you've been dating?" Taylor reached for her daughter's hand and smiled at Ridge in love.

"You could call it that."

"But that doesn't mean that you..." Thomas didn't even dare finish the sentence. Ridge now hugged Taylor even tighter.

"That's exactly what it means. Your mother and I are back together." Steffy and Thomas' jaws dropped. Steffy stammered.

"You mean...you're really back together...like a couple?"

"Yes, we've spent a lot of time together in the last few months and weeks, first it was just occasionally, then it transformed into a very close friendship and at the end we fell in love with each other all over again. I know this must come as a shock to you guys, but it's true. Your father and I, we love each other and we are very happy together." Thomas and Steffy were frozen and unable to react. The two were trying to process what they had just heard.

"How long have you been together?" asked Steffy curiously.

"For a couple of weeks. We wanted to see for ourselves where this relationship would lead us and we wanted to be absolutely sure and sincere before we say anything to you." Finally, Steffy fell around the neck of her mother and then her father.

"This is wonderful, oh my gosh, I can't believe it. I'm so happy!" Thomas, on the other hand, was motionless. Ridge walked over to him.

"Thomas, what about you?" Thomas made a very skeptical face.

"Please don't get me wrong, I would love it if you guys really got back together. No one would be happier about it than me. But...Dad, are you really sure? I mean, it's not the first time in the last few years that you've given us such news and we all know how it ended. Each time you raised hopes in Mom and us and in the end you never kept your promises." Taylor, still holding Steffy in her arms, tried to convince him."

"You can't compare..."

"It's different this time, you want to say. You said that every time. Mom, I don't doubt that you love Dad, but what about you Dad? Are you sure Mom isn't just some kind of a rebound for you because you broke up with Brooke and you don't want to be alone?"

"Thomas stop it!" Steffy was starting to get angry with her brother, but he wasn't ready to settle his distrust so quickly.

"I know you've changed a lot in the last few months. You've been there for Steffy and me. You forgave me for my mistake, and I'm very grateful for that. But everyone in this room knows how great your affection for Brooke is. You always end up going back to her. How do we know that when you come back to LA, you won't discover your love for her again and Mom will be forgotten? I don't want Mom to suffer and pack her bags again." Ridge took his son by his shoulders.

"I understand your doubts Thomas and I think it's very honorable of you that you try to protect your mother and sister. I admit I made many mistakes in the past, I hurt your mother and you kids very badly and I am terribly sorry today for that. You are right, I loved Brooke very deeply and I focused on her so much that I lost my touch with you, but that is over. My marriage to Brooke is done, once and for all. I have no more feelings for her and I see her with different eyes now. Nothing will change that, even if I will meet her again one day. She will never come between me and our family again. I love your mother and I swear to you and Steffy that my feelings are sincere this time." Thomas had been looking directly into his father's eyes the whole time. His words had a deep effect on him. Taylor stepped up to her men.

"Thomas, I know Steffy and you have been through a lot these past few years, but that's over now. We're a family again. Your father and I have thought this thoroughly and have given ourselves a lot of time where our feelings have grown. This time our reunion has nothing to do with healing our family, we just love each other and we are happy. In the last few weeks I never had any reason to doubt your father's love, on the contrary. This is a whole new start, for us as a couple and for us as a family." Thomas' resistance was crumbling more and more.

"If you're really serious and happy, then of course I'm happy too." They both embraced their son.

"Hey. What about me?" Steffy pulled a face and waved her hands. Everyone laughed and opened their arms to include her in the hug.

The family sat together for a long time this evening. Taylor and Ridge told their children how their relationship had evolved. Ridge talked about Taylor's great support at his boutique and Taylor of all the little incidents where Ridge was there for her, from that night at the bar to the time when she was sick. The kids watched the sparkle in their parents' eyes. All the while they were in each other's arms, their father couldn't stop playing with her hair while she kept stroking his arm. Alone the looks they gave each other could melt the entire North Pole. It was getting late until Taylor hailed a cab for her kids. As the cab pulled away, they watched through the window and saw their parents embracing and kissing passionately. The sight was touching, but also repulsive. During the cab ride, both were very quiet. Only in their hotel suite, they both found their speech again.

"Can you really believe it? Did we just dream that? Our parents are back together! I still can't progress!"

"I feel the same way. It's all still so surreal, but I believe they're serious this time. Especially the way Dad reacted to your skepticism."

"Yeah, I was surprised by his response too, I honestly wasn't expecting that. Still, the whole thing is just too perfect to be true. I'm still not sure I can believe any of it."

"I get what you mean. But we still have tomorrow to get used to it. There we can observe them very closely, how they deal with each other and behave. So we'll find out if it's really true this time."

The next day, their parents picked them up early to spend the day together. They all enjoyed being together as a family again. They rode the cable cars and drifted around town. They also stopped by the Forrester Boutique. During the day, Steffy and Thomas kept glancing unobtrusively at their parents, noting the attentive and affectionate interaction between them. They either walked arm in arm or held hands. They sensed that this time it was really serious between their parents, the love between them was unmistakable. For the early evening Ridge had booked a 'Ride with the ducks' tour. Each of them was given a noisemaker that could imitate duck sounds. Thomas and Steffy had a blast with it and quacked at everyone on the street. They acted like five-year-olds at a kid's birthday party. Ridge and Taylor backed away embarrassed and pretended these lunatics weren't their kids. As they headed into the water, everyone was impressed with the view of the San Francisco skyline. Thomas nudged his sister and pointed his eyes at their parents. They were lying close in each other's arms, kissing and rubbing their noses together. Steffy and Thomas were torn between excitement and a slight disgust. Before returning to the penthouse, they made a quick stop at the Chinese restaurant. Later, they all sat together in front of the TV and enjoyed their meal.

Steffy awoke and felt uncomfortable. Her bed seemed too short, and she was cold. She tried to reach for her blanket, but she only reached into the void. Plop! She landed ungently on the floor. Confused, she opened her eyes and realized that she wasn't in her hotel room at all. She was lying on her parents' living room floor. Apparently they had all fallen asleep watching TV last night. She crawled over to her brother, who was asleep on the floor next to the other armchair. He had probably fallen off much earlier. She discovered her parents lying on the couch in an intimate embrace. They were so wrapped up in each other, Steffy couldn't tell which leg and arm belonged to whom. She shook Thomas awake until he blinked his eyes sleepily.

"Hey, are you out of your mind? What are you doing in my bedroom?"

"Ssshhh quiet!" She covered his mouth. Thomas straightened up, looking very disoriented.

"What's going on?"

"I guess we all fell asleep last night." She pointed to her sleeping parents. Thomas stretched his body, spending the night on the floor was quite uncomfortable. The two went quietly to the kitchen, where Steffy made some coffee. Thomas massaged the pain in his neck. "Mom and Dad could really pick a more comfortable rug, this thing is torture!"

"Well, they probably don't lie or sleep on the carpet that often. At least I hope so." He made a disgusted face.

"Steffy please! At least spare me that kind of head-scratching in the morning. Speaking of which, what are we going to do about our two koala bears over there?"

"I would suggest we let them sleep and make breakfast first. I'm sure Mom has bought lots of stuff." Steffy rummaged through the refrigerator and cupboards. They agreed to make pancakes. In addition Steffy prepared a fruit salad. Thomas made scrambled eggs with ham, onions, tomatoes and peppers. When almost everything was ready, he asked his sister how she intended to wake their parents. Steffy slipped into the bedroom and grabbed her mother's alarm clock. She set it for five minutes. Moments later, the two peeked out the door as the alarm went off. Taylor pulled up startled and tried to turn off the annoying noise, but there was nothing where the alarm clock should have been. She fumbled her way forward and finally caught it. However, she almost fell off the couch if Ridge hadn't held her. They weren't awake yet, when Steffy and Thomas came out of the kitchen.

"Good morning!" they crowned happily.

"What are you doing here so early?"

"And how did you get in?"

"We haven't left, in case you haven't noticed. You're not in your bed, you're on the couch and you clearly had the best spot tonight. Oh by the way, breakfast is ready!" They went briefly to the bathroom to freshen up and were amazed to find the breakfast table ready. Taylor snuggled up to Ridge.

"Don't we have the best and sweetest kids in the whole world!"

"Well, sometimes they have pretty useful ideas!"

After breakfast, they all went back to the hotel. For Thomas and Steffy, it was time to fly home again in a few hours. While Steffy packed up her things, Thomas left this chore to his mother. He sat on a sofa with his father and both worked together on a sketch for an evening gown. Taylor joined them and looked at the design with admiration.

"Thomas, you are without a doubt your father's son."

Steffy joined them as well.

"I think there's something missing!" She grabbed her father's sketch pen and added a tiny detail on one shoulder.

"Wow, not bad my girl! You've learned from the best!" noted Ridge appreciatively. Taylor sighed.

"Oh great! I feel completely left out! You two could draw better than me even when you were five!" Ridge and the kids laughed. Steffy snuggled up to her.

"Don't take it so hard Mom, you're the soul of this whole mess that holds us together." Taylor had to blink away her tears. For her, it was a magical moment to have her family finally reunited. Ridge put his arms around her.

"And don't forget, without you, these two talents wouldn't even exist!"

"Well you played a part in that too!" Their kids screwed up their faces.

"Mom, Dad please! It's really nice you guys are so happy, but could you please stop with this flirting as long as we are still here!" Thomas agreed with his sister.

"Indeed! We're glad you're back together and we believe you that you truly love each other, but there are things we definitely don't need. Like being reminded of how we were conceived."

Hours later, as Thomas and Steffy sat on the plane, they reviewed the eventful weekend.

"It's still incomprehensible. Our parents are back together and then they are so terribly in love." Thomas contorted his face, Steffy smirked.

"Yeah, it will take some time getting used to that view, but it's also so cute to see them like this. Anyway I believe them. This time it's really true. There was something special between them, a kind of magic!"

Taylor and Ridge had arrived back home. They had made themselves comfortable.

"Well, what did I tell you? At the end of the day, we'll convince them!"

"Okay you won! You're the smartest of the two of us Doc!" They lay in silence for a while. "Hey, where are you with your thoughts?"

"I was just thinking about earlier, when we were all sitting together in the hotel room. That was the first time I really realized we are a family again." He pulled her closer. "I mean, we've been together all this time now, but it's always been just the two of us...but for the first time I comprehend I have my family back. finally I have the life I've always wanted." Tears came to her eyes. "I know it was my own decision to leave LA and I was happy and content with my life here and I don't regret taking this step, but sometimes I sat here all alone thinking about what it would be like to be with you guys. When I heard you had moved in with the kids, I felt so lonely and left out so."

"We felt the same way. It was wrong being in that house without you. We missed you! Our family wasn't complete without you!" She snuggled up to him, burying her face in his chest.

"I never want to be alone again!" He hugged her tightly.

"You don't have to! Never again!"

"I love you! I love you so much!"

"And I love you!"