A promise!
A few days later, Ridge asked Taylor to stop by at Forrester Creation. On her way to his office, the first person she met was Pam, who gave her a stormy hug.
"Taylor, it's so good to see you. I don't even know how to thank you, you saved my life!" Taylor was taken aback by this effusive greeting.
"I'm glad to see you too Pam and now how exactly did I save your life?"
"By turning that beast in there..." she pointed to Ridge's office door "...back into a human being." Taylor looked at her questioningly, she still didn't quite understand what Pam was getting at. "Before Ridge went to San Francisco, he was an obnoxious monster. He exploded at every little thing. Every day he fired me at least five times over something inconsequential. It was practically impossible to work with him and now since you're back, he's transformed completely. He whistles and hums all day long, always has a smile on his face and there's something dreamy about him and he's the most sweetest person. Yesterday, for example, I couldn't find a file for a very long time because I looked in the wrong folder and he just said that this could happen to anyone. Just a few months ago, he would have grilled me." Taylor had to chuckle, she could really imagine what his behavior had looked like. Pam glanced at her pleadingly. "I'm begging you, keep him in this good mood, whatever it takes you."
"I'll do my best, I promise! By the way, is anyone with Ridge, or can I go in?"
"Go ahead, he's expecting you." Ridge had heard Taylor talking to Pam and now as she stepped into his office, he hugged her.
"Well what did you have to be so secretive about with Pam?"
"Nothing special, she was just thanking me for turning the Beast back into Prince Charming." She gave him a meaningful look. Ridge just stared at her uncomprehendingly. "Apparently you were pretty obnoxious before you left for San Francisco and now you seem to be the exact opposite. According to Pam, I'm responsible for your good mood."
"Interesting thought!"
"That mean you would agree with her?"
"Absolutely and do you know what that means? If I'm ever in a bad mood, I can confidently put the blame on you! Or do you think you can make sure I'm never in a foul mood?"
"You should know that I never back down from a challenge, after all, I have my tricks to cheer you up real quick." She covered his face with small kisses. Ridge pulled her even closer. "But now tell me why I was supposed to come here?"
"Oh yeah, here's the thing; Dad thought it would be a good idea to put a press release about our wedding on the Forrester Creation home page. He asked me to read through the text to see if we are okay with it." Ridge opened the ad, it was just a short announcement saying that Taylor and Ridge had gotten married in San Francisco and that the entire family and all the staff at Forrester Creation wished them all the best for the future.
"I think the text is just fine," Taylor said after briefly skimming the ad.
"I think so too, now we just need to pick out a picture." Ridge opened the folder with their wedding photos. They went through them all together.
"How about this one?" Taylor frowned.
"Are you serious? I don't know, the picture is really cute, but I think we look a little bit silly. We shouldn't forget you're the CEO of this company and not a college boy, so the picture should be a little more serious."
"Whatever you say!" Eventually, they found one they both agreed with. Ridge added the picture to the ad and then posted the announcement on the home page. "So voila! Now the entire fashion industry can read that I'm off the market."
"A very comforting thought, at least then all the models will know right away to keep their hands off you."
"As far as that goes, you have nothing to worry about at all. Most of the models who we work with have their eyes more on Thomas. I don't seem to be of any interest to them anymore."
"Oh, my poor playboy!" Taylor leaned over and kissed him passionately. "Well, I know a lady who sees that very differently, though she's not a model."
"Oh well, that sounds interesting. Will you introduce me to her?" "Ridge!" She poked him into his side. "Maybe I can arrange something for tonight. As far as I know the kids already have other plans, so what do you say about a magical night at the pool?"
"Sounds perfect!" At this moment the intercom went on and Pam's voice was heard.
"Ridge, I just want to remind you, you have a meeting with Thorne, Thomas and Eric right now."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot, thanks!" He gave Taylor one last quick kiss. "Sorry Doc! But the meeting shouldn't take that long, how about we grab a coffee in the sky lounge later?"
"Okay, then I'll wait here for you and now get out of here." She pushed him toward the door.
"Don't panic, if I'm late I'll just blame you." He grinned after her and left his office. Taylor slumped down in his chair, her gaze roaming the office. Just then the door opened again and Stephanie walked in.
"Hi Taylor! Pam told me you are here.
"Hi Stephanie!" Taylor greeted her mother-in-law.
"You're looking great in the executive chair." Taylor rebuffed.
"I'm just waiting for Ridge!"
"Oh, too bad! I had a faint hope you'd like to rejoin Forrester Creation."
"Where did you get that idea?"
"Well, now that Ridge and you are back together and even married. Together, you two could really make a difference here."
"That's certainly true, but that doesn't mean I have to come back to work for Forrester Creation. I have my own career and this is Ridge's retreat. I don't want to interfere with him. Besides, it's quite good when we're not squatting on each other all day, that way he misses me and is happy to see me when he comes home at night!"
"That's true!" laughed Stephanie."Speaking of your own career, I assume you will take over your practice again?"
"Correct but I'm considering starting a partnership. The colleague, who ran my practice during my absence did a great job and during my work at the center I realized I really enjoy working in a team. Besides, I want to have enough time for Ridge and the kids and I also have my writing for the medical journal plus I want to continue my volunteer work. Right now I'm doing some research to find an interesting project. So you see my schedule is full even without Forrester Creation."
"I get your point! I was just thinking at least then you'd have Ridge in your sights, and more importantly, Brooke." Taylor shook her head in disapproval.
"Stephanie, don't start again! Do you think my marriage will only last if I guard Ridge like a watchdog! Please! Brooke is not a problem anymore!"
"Taylor, don't get me wrong. I know Ridge loves you. His words the other day to Brooke made that pretty clear. Honestly, I never thought he'd be so forceful with her one day.
"See! I have nothing to worry about"
"I just wonder how Brooke will react. She certainly won't give up! You heard her. I'm afraid she'll do anything to get Ridge back!"
"Even when she does, she doesn't have a chance with him anymore. The Brooke chapter is truly over for Ridge, and I certainly won't make the mistake again of giving that woman too much power over Ridge, me, and our marriage. In the past, I've often made the mistake of getting way too involved with Brooke and worse, I've blamed Ridge for her behavior. That won't happen to me again. I know Ridge loves me and I just want to enjoy my life with him."
"You've really changed in San Francisco!"
"Let's just say I've been thinking about some things and I've realized a lot. Ridge loves me and only me and I can trust him completely! The days where Brooke had a negative impact on our marriage are over!"
"But Brooke mentioned as she showed up in San Francisco you guys had a big fight because of her. I asked Ridge about it but he brushed me off and said it wasn't a big deal."
"He's right! Okay yes we had an argument but we resolved it pretty fast and there was no big damage and the argument wasn't really about Brooke, it was more about Ridge falling into old patterns. But actually Brooke's visit didn't change anything. He showed no interest in any of her flirting."
"Well Brooke told the story a little bit differently."
"Yeah, she still lives in her own reality. I hope she will wake up soon and will move on. In some way I do feel for her, because I was at the same place as she is now and I know how hard it is to give up your dreams and the man you are in love with."
"Well you know how I feel about Brooke and you should have an eye on her, you know how Brooke operates."
"Yes I do but I'm confident, even if Brooke would perform a table dance for Ridge in one of her teddy, he wouldn't fall for it."
"I hope you're right!"
"You should have a little more fate in your son Stephanie! Ridge knows where his heart belongs to and he makes his feelings pretty obvious. Take a look around his office." She led Stephanie to Ridge's desk. "Look at the pictures!" On the desk was a big photo of Taylor and next to it a photo of their family, taken in San Francisco. "And here the little plush pig I gave Ridge as a lucky charm and the pen with his name engraved on it, I gave him for the 'Onique-style' deal. The swan is a wedding gift from his business partner. I have the same swan standing in my office. Together they form a heart and we won this snow globe together at a tennis tournament with our friends. And look at the drawing on the wall." She pointed to the portrait Ridge had made of her a few months ago.
"That's you!" noted Stephanie.
"Right, Ridge did this sketch when his mind was obviously not on his work and here take a close look." She led Stephanie to the photo gallery.
"Some of the pictures are new!" Ridge had put up some photos from the wedding and the past few months, showing him with Taylor and their friends.
"True! But more important is, he removed all the pictures of Brooke and him, the only pictures that still show Brooke are family portraits. That shows very clearly Brooke's position in his life." Finally, Taylor showed Stephanie her necklace with the significant inscription. Stephanie was deeply impressed.
"Wow, my son must really love you! I'm truly happy for you, for both of you! Even though I'm still not thrilled about all your sneaking around, it's incredible to see you two are so happy with each other. You know, I've often thought about what you said back then when we had our talk. How close I came to tearing your family apart forever. I am so glad that things turned out differently. I don't know what drove me back then to go so far. I just felt I had to do something, that I couldn't stand idly by and watch how miserable you all were."
"I know you like to keep things in hand and under control. But you really don't have to worry about Ridge and me anymore. You'd better concentrate on your own life."
"I'll try! It's good to have you back as my daughter-in-law. I know once Eric and I are gone, you two will take over our positions with dignity and honor."
"Well, I'm not sure, I'll be able to replace you!" They both laughed.
"If anyone can lead the family in my spirit, it's you! You know I love you like a daughter and I mean it!"
"I know! You still mean a lot to me too Stephanie!"
"Does that mean I still might have another chance with you?" Taylor looked at Stephanie urgently.
"If you promise you will spare Ridge and me with your well-meaning advice and to avoid the subject 'Brooke' in my presence!"
"I will try as hard as possible!" The two women embraced each other warmly. At that moment, the door opened and Ridge walked in. He covered his eyes.
"Oh no, please don't! My worst nightmare has come true! Why are you doing this to me?" He gave them a mocking desperate stare. Taylor and Stephanie came up to him laughing.
"Now don't be so cheeky my boy!"
"I was looking forward to a peaceful life and now I'm back under the thumb of my mother and my wife!"
"Don't panic sweetheart! Your mother has just made me a solemn promise to stay out of our affairs in the future." Ridge stared at his mother in disbelief. He felt her forehead with one hand.
"Are you sure you're alright Mother? Do you have a fever or something!"
"Now that's enough Ridge! You don't seem to think I'm capable of keeping my promise?"
"Well….aehm I promised my wife a coffee earlier. What about you Mother, up for one too?
"No, thanks. I appreciate your invitation, but I can well see when I'm being redundant. I'm going to look for your father." After she left the office, Ridge turned to Taylor.
"Well, I never doubted that you're an excellent psychiatrist and that you often manage to influence people in a positive way, but that was really creepy! Who are you and what did you do to my mother?"
"Let's just say sometimes even old dogs are able to learn new tricks and now come on! I've been craving a cappuccino all this time!"