Taylor's new friend!

Taylor and Ridge spent a wonderful romantic weekend in Big Bear. They enjoyed having time to themselves without the kids, family or work. Their everyday life in Los Angeles was a lot more stressful than their life in San Francisco. All the more they appreciated this time out. They returned relaxed, refreshed and with new energy.

A few days after this weekend, Ridge came home in a very euphoric mood. When Taylor greeted him, he twirled her around and beamed like a Cheshire Cat.

"Wow, someone's in a good mood!"

"Oh yeah, I'll tell you why!" Over dinner, Ridge told her about his exciting news. A Mr. Jackson had contacted him today from New York. He and his son ran a production company for musicals. They had already put on a few small shows, and soon their first play would run on Broadway.

"It's going to be a modern version of 'My Fair Lady,' and they contacted me or better Forrester Creation respectively, because they'd like us to design their costumes for the show." Taylor was speechless.

"Whoah! How did they come up with you guys, that's not your business direction?!"

"Well, I guess our new Youth collection that came out recently really impressed them. They said it was exactly the style they were looking for!"

"Wow, that sounds like a great opportunity! Forrester Creation on Broadway, I bet this'd bring good publicity."

"That's exactly what Dad said when I told him about it. He said we should definitely take advantage of this opportunity!" Ridge made a thoughtful face. "And that brings us to the catch of the story."

"What catch?" asked Taylor nervously.

"I have to fly to New York next week, they want to meet me in person, work out the details, you know all the negotiation stuff. I'll have to do this in person on the ground and I also want to get a sense of the project before I make a firm commitment." Taylor struggled to hide her sad face.

"You want to go to New York?"

"Yes, but it's only for four days!" Ridge reassured her.

"Next week..." Taylor mused, then sighed in exasperation. "What a bummer! There's this big party at the hospital where I promised to help. Otherwise, I might have been able to go with you, whereas I could..."

"Nonsense, they're counting on you for sure! Besides, you've been looking forward to this event for days. I can handle it on my own!" However, Ridge was secretly disappointed too, but he pretended to be strong. He winked at Taylor. "Or can't you last four days without me?" Taylor glared at him defiantly.

"Of course I can, that's no problem at all! On the opposite, I'll be glad to have some peace and quiet."

"I see." Ridge was slightly offended. "I'm also looking forward to it! I mean, New York is an exciting city, actually it's a shame it's only four days. You always meet interesting people there!"

"Yeah sure!" mumbled Taylor and started clearing the table.

"And after all, it would be crazy to make a drama over these few days. We're adults, so it really shouldn't be a problem to be apart for a few days."

"Not at all! That would be really childish!" she agreed with him. They looked deep into each other's eyes. Taylor was the first to cave in.

"Oh Ridge, I'm going to miss you so much!" She threw herself at his neck and buried her face sadly in his chest. "Even though I'm a grown, confident and emancipated woman I will miss you, four days without you will be terrible." He held her tightly in his arms and hugged her close to him.

"I will miss you too Doc. I'll be thinking of you every minute!"

"I'll always be with you!" They sank into a heartfelt deep kiss. Then suddenly a horrible thought struck Taylor. "Tell me, if this project actually goes through, will you eventually have to go to New York for an extended period of time?" She stared at him anxiously. She would be fine for a few days, but there was no way she wanted to miss out on him for a few weeks or even months. He stroked her cheek.

"No, there's nothing to be afraid of! I'll just handle the negotiations, the project itself will be managed by one from our design team." Taylor breathed a sigh of relief. "I promise you, I'll only be gone these four days and I'll be back on time. I'll give you my word!"

The days leading up to Ridge's departure passed far too quickly for either of them. Before they realized it, the dreaded morning was there. When Steffy came into the kitchen for breakfast, her mother was sitting on her father's lap and they were both holding each other tightly.

"What's all the mourning about?" asked Steffy, noticing her parents' glum faces.

"Have you already forgotten? Your father is flying to New York today!"

"Oh that!" said Steffy, unconcerned. "I thought it's only for four days, so no big deal."

"Exactly!" added Thomas, who also just came into the kitchen. "Mom, you're acting like Dad's been gone for four weeks."

"Argh, I don't even want to imagine that!" She snuggled even closer to him. "Let me tell you, four days apart are an eternity when you love each other. That are 96 hours, 5760 minutes or 345600 seconds!"

"Wow Mom, our living calculator!" grinned Steffy and Thomas chuckled.

"Hey, you two, get your act together! I expect you not to get on your mother's nerves while I'm gone and I want you on your best behavior!"

"Yes Sir!"

"Don't worry about it! We'll take care of mom….Mom, how about we go out together? To this new club in West Hollywood?! I'm sure you'll meet an attractive man and forget about Dad!" Steffy glanced amused at her father, who threatened her with his finger. But Taylor reassured him.

"That is never going to happen, not in a hundred years!" He pulled her to him and gave her a big, sloppy kiss. They both left the kitchen.

"Well, to be honest, I'm quite happy we don't have to see this constant smooching for a while!" replied Thomas dryly, his sister nodded in agreement. Soon the cab arrived and the moment to say goodbye was there.

"Take care of you, have a good flight and let me know when you arrive!"

"I promise! Take good care of yourself and don't let those two rugrats bother you too much!" They hugged one last time.

"Good luck! I love you!"

"I love you too Doc!" Ridge got into the cab and Taylor waved after him. Bravely, she fought back her tears. After seeing Ridge off, Taylor was in a hurry to get to work on time. She had just enough time to grab her bag and her jacket.

Taylor was glad her work took her mind off her grief. But as soon as she got home, she got all gloomy again. She tried to distract herself with the laundry. When Steffy got home from work, she had just finished folding the last piece.

"Hey Mom, I'm back! Has Dad called yet?"

"Yeah, he sent a message saying he landed safely. Will you please help me carry the laundry upstairs?" Steffy follows her mother to her bedroom. She noticed something lying on the bed.

"Look, there's a gift for you Mom! Haven't you seen it yet?"

"No, where?" Steffy pointed to the bed. Taylor hurried over and opened the box expectantly.

"What's in it?" asked Steffy curiously.

"Oh look what your dad got me!" Taylor cried out with joy and beamed all over her face. She held a teddy bear in her hands. Steffy didn't really know who was more lunatic, her father for the idea to give her mother a teddy bear or her mother who was acting like a little kid.

"Look at him, isn't he cute!" Taylor gazed lovingly at the stuffed animal and gave it a kiss on the nose.

"Uhm, Mom! I don't want to say anything, but aren't you a little too young for this?"

"Very funny! You don't understand this, the teddy bear is a symbolic gesture. It has something to do with a story from my childhood that I once told your father. The teddy bear shall comfort me when I have to spend the nights alone now."

"I see, well then have fun with your new friend!" Taylor just gave her daughter an ironic look. Then she turned her attention back to her bear. She sat him down on the bed.

"So Richie, this is your spot!"

"Richie?"

"Yes, that's his name!" Steffy questioned who of them actually seemed to be the kid here.

Later, all three Forresters sat down for dinner. Taylor, for once, had her cell phone next to her and kept staring at it impatiently. Thomas shook his head.

"Since when are phones allowed at dinner? You're always saying to us, at least during the meals you want your peace and quiet from them."

"Yes, that's true. But today is an exception, your dad is going to call me."

"Oh I bet Dad has already forgotten you and enjoys the nightlife of New York!" Taylor ignored her son's comment. Steffy grinned.

"Besides, you've got Richie now!" Thomas stared at his sister confused.

"Who is Richie?"

"Richie is Mom's new big love! He even gets to sleep in her bed!" Thomas was now even more confused. Irritated, he looked over from his sister to his mother.

"What's going on here?"

"Oh, your sister is just being silly! Your father gave me a teddy bear as a parting gift and I named him Richie, that's all!" Thomas wasn't quite sure if that answer really reassured him. Just then, Taylor's cell phone rang.

"Ridge finally! How are you? Are you at the hotel?" Thomas and Steffy made smirking faces while their mother was on the phone with their father. Annoyed, Taylor finally walked out of the dining room so she could talk with Ridge privately.

After Ridge hung up, he sighed deeply and looked around his hotel room. The room was actually very comfortable and feudally decorated, but still Ridge would rather be at home right now. He opened his briefcase to prepare his papers for the next day's meeting. When he pulled out his writing folder, several envelopes fell out. Ridge gathered them, he recognized Taylor's handwriting. All the letters were addressed to him, each with a number written on it. He took the letter with the number 'One' and opened it.

Dear Ridge.

Since I can't wish you a good night in person tonight, I'm writing you this letter. I hope you arrived safely in New York and at the hotel and are feeling well. I'm sure your mind is on tomorrow's meeting right now. Don't drive yourself crazy and go to bed early so you get enough sleep! My thoughts are with you and I keep my fingers crossed for you. I want you to know I believe in you and I know you can do this and you will convince everyone that you're the best!

I miss you and would love to be in your arms right now. But as the saying goes: If you really love each other even thousands of miles can't separate you. I love you and I am so proud of you! I hug you!

Your Doc

Tears of emotion stood in Ridge's eyes after he had finished reading the letter. Those few lines had given him so much strength and support. He resisted the urge to open the other letters as well. While he would have liked to know what they say, the idea of being able to read the next letter tomorrow made him feel cheerful. He didn't want to spoil that anticipation. Before he went to sleep, he read the letter over and over again.

The next few days went by far too slowly for Taylor. She always had the feeling, the time didn't want to pass at all. Thomas and Steffy couldn't wait for their father's return either, because now Taylor was using her kids as her entertainment program. Since their parents' return, they had shared some family nights together, but just recently the two of them started focusing more on their own lives again and had been going out more and meeting up with friends. But since their father had left, there had been no thought of that at all. On the first evening Taylor had taken out the big board game collection and forced Thomas and Steffi to play all the games with her. In the end it turned out to be a very funny evening and they all had a lot of fun, even though Thomas and Steffy actually had other plans. On the second night, Taylor dragged her kids to the movies to distract herself. Taylor chose the movie, an ancient comedy in black and white, which didn't quite meet Thomas and Steffy's taste, but they resigned themselves to their fate. Tonight was the third and last night. Tomorrow Ridge would come home again and Thomas and Steffy send a prayer up to heaven. Their grandparents had invited them for dinner tonight.

Thomas was already dressed and waited in the entrance hall. Steffy came down the stairs in a plain blue dress.

"So I'm ready, we can go!"

"No, we still have to wait for mom, she's still on the phone with dad."

"Again?" asked Steffy. She went into the living room where her mother was sitting on the sofa talking animatedly with her father.

"Mom, we have to go!" She pointed impatiently at her watch.

"Yes, in a minute! ...What? Oh that was just Steffy. We're invited to your parents' house tonight. ...Yeah right!" Undaunted by her daughter's impatience, Taylor continued talking to Ridge.

"Now come on Mom! We're going to be late!"

"It's okay! Ridge, I really need to go. Steffy is throwing a fit here right now...I'm already counting the seconds until you're finally back!...No they don't!...Yeah take care. I love you!...No, I love you more!... "I love you more than more than more." Steffy and Thomas sighed. Finally, Steffy had enough. With force she snatched the phone out of her mother's hand.

"Hey Dad, it's Steffy! We're all excited for you to come home tomorrow. I love you! Thomas loves you too and I guess you figured out by now that Mom loves you a lot! Have a safe trip. Take care, Ciao!" She hung up, both Thomas and his mother stared at Steffy with their mouths wide open. Thomas was impressed by Steffy's daring behavior. Taylor was shocked that her daughter had interrupted her conversation just like that.

"So, we're good to go!" said Steffy undisturbed.

"Hey young lady, how dare you interfere when I'm talking to your father!"

"My God Mom, in nearly 24 hours Dad will be back and then you can tell each other a hundred times how much you love each other, but right now we really need to go. Or do you want to explain to Grandma why we're late?" Grumbling, Taylor followed her children to the car. They arrived at Eric and Stephanie's house just in time.

The next day, Taylor jumped out of bed with vigor. Today, Ridge finally would come home. She was, honestly, a little scared of herself. She never expected to miss him so much. Actually, it was pretty ridiculous that those few days had such a dramatic effect on her. In the past, they had sometimes been apart for much longer when Ridge was away on some business trip or she had attended one of her conferences. But after all, this had been the first separation in their new relationship. Since the day they had become involved, they had spent virtually every day together. The only time they had been partially separated was when RJ had been in San Francisco, and even then they had still seen each other for lunch or at night. In any case, Taylor was looking forward to tonight. She had suggested to Thomas and Steffy they should spend the night away from home. It hadn't taken much persuasion with either one of them. Secretly, they were happy to have their freedom back and they could really do without their parents' reunion fuss. To make sure none of them would disturb her private party with Ridge, she had slipped each of them some cash. As soon as she got home from work, she threw herself into the preparations and started the cooking. She set the table outside on the porch and decorated it with love.

While Taylor was busy preparing everything, Stephanie came home to find Eric already waiting for her.

"Hi Darling! Ridge called earlier, the deal with the 'Jackson production' is now settled. All negotiations are done."

"That's wonderful!" beamed Stephanie. She was excited about this new opportunity for Forrester Creation. "That means we can toast the signed contract with him tomorrow!"

"Well, if I understand him correctly, the contracts aren't signed yet. But that's just a formality. He said he'll meet with them again the day after tomorrow to put everything in writing. Stephanie listened up. "The day after tomorrow? I thought Ridge was coming home today?!"

"I don't know. I suppose he'll probably stay in New York a little bit longer then. It would be really stupid for him to fly home today and have to get right back on a plane tomorrow."

"Yes certainly." Stephanie suddenly made a very worried face, which did not go unnoticed by her husband.

"What are you brooding about again?"

"I'm just wondering how Taylor is going to react to this. She's so excited to see him and she has missed him so much. She's not going to be thrilled about him staying in New York any longer!"

"Come on Stephanie, it isn't really that much longer, this shouldn't be a big problem. Taylor is a mature, reasonable woman. I'm sure she'll understand that Ridge has to stay in New York because of the contracts."

"I don't know! I'm sure she'll be very disappointed!" Stephanie felt for her daughter-in-law. She had recognized at last night's dinner how much Taylor had missed Ridge over the past few days. She turned to Eric. "I think I'll go over there and see how she's doing."

"Stephanie!" Eric gave his wife a definite look. He knew about the promise Stephanie had made to Taylor.

"Just a short visit and I'll be very discreet!" Eric had his doubts about that, but he knew he couldn't stop his wife.

Indeed, a short time later, Stephanie was standing outside the Belair mansion. Taylor was sitting in the living room, flipping through a magazine. Irritated, she looked up as the doorbell rang and she wondered who this could be.

"Stephanie, what are you doing here?"

"I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by for a quick visit." Taylor didn't quite buy it. She raised her eyebrow, meaningful.

"In the neighborhood by any chance?!"

"Okay, Ridge called Eric earlier, so I thought I'd come over and see how you're doing."

"Oh, I see, you mean because Ridge will not make it on time, that's no big deal!" Stephanie was more than surprised, she didn't think Taylor would be so casual about this news.

"You must be really disappointed, I guess you were so excited and you put so much effort into everything and now it's all wasted."

"Why wasted? It's not a tragedy if our welcome party has to wait a little bit, our dinner will not be ruined by then." Taylor's behavior confused Stephanie more and more. Taylor also didn't really know why her mother-in-law was so concerned. But then both women got distracted. The front door was yanked open.

"Hey, I'm home!" Taylor beamed.

"Ridge, what are you doing here already?" She ran up to him and jumped into his arms, he spun her around until they were both quite dizzy.

"I'm so glad you're back! I missed you terribly!"

"I missed you too!" The two sank longingly into each other's arms, oblivious to the fact that Stephanie was still there. She cleared her throat discreetly.

"Mother, what are you doing here?" Ridge was surprised to find his mother here, Stephanie was no less surprised to see her son.

"I just dropped by for a short visit. To be honest, I'm surprised to see you here!"

"Yes, indeed!" agreed Taylor with her. "Earlier on the phone you said it would probably be really late until you arrive."

"Yeah, that's right. There was an accident on the freeway. But I talked the driver into taking a detour. I don't know all the hills he drove, only I know for sure, that was probably the most expensive ride in my entire life. But I wanted to get to you as soon as possible and at least I managed to keep my promise!" He looked at his watch. "Well, almost!" Taylor gave him a soft kiss.

"Ridge, you're so sweet, driving all over Los Angeles just to keep your promise." Stephanie still didn't quite understand what was going on, but the main thing was her son was back! She realized she was redundant and quickly said goodbye to them. She pondered if Eric might have misunderstood something.

Ridge gazed after his mother, puzzled.

"What was that all about?"

"I have no idea, she was quite weird the whole time. But anyway, let's not worry about it anymore. How was your flight? You must be starving! Everything's ready, I've set the table for us on the patio."

"Ah this makes me realize I'm home again. I am indeed ravenously hungry, you know the food on the plane." Ridge was overjoyed to be home. He had missed Taylor and everything extremely. This trip to New York had felt very different to him than the last one a year ago. Back then he had really enjoyed his time in 'Big Apple'. This time the fascination of this city had had no effect on him. Whenever he had strolled along the streets, he had wished Taylor was with him. He was touched to see how much effort she had put into their dinner.

"Are we alone?" he asked when he saw the table set for two.

"Yes, Thomas and Steffy have both gone out. I think they're quite happy they don't have to spend their nights at home anymore. The last few evenings I've kept them pretty busy. Besides, I gave each of them some money so they can have a good time."

"You bribe our kids just to be alone with me?!" he glanced at her dumbfounded, Taylor blushed.

"Well...I just thought…..I wanted to..." Ridge pulled her close and gave her a passionate kiss.

"I love the way you think, Doc!"

During their meal, Ridge told Taylor all the details about the negotiations with the 'Jackson production'. She was insanely proud of him and rejoiced with him over his success.

"So that means it's all wrapped up now?"

"Well pretty much, the day after tomorrow I'll meet with the son again and then we'll sign the contracts." Taylor's bite stuck in his throat.

"What? Does that mean you have to go back to New York?"

"No, of course not! He has some business here in Los Angeles." Taylor sighed contentedly.

"And have you given any thought, who might run the project? The best thing would be to send Brooke to New York! That would be a great recuperation for all of us!"

"Dooc!" Ridge had to grin. "That might not be a bad idea indeed, but Brooke is not a designer. I have Rick in mind. After all, he was mainly responsible for the Youth Collection, and I think he's up to this task. Besides, I'd be quite happy to get him off my but for a while!"

"Ridge!" She looked at him sternly. "I thought you'd be getting along better by now."

"Well, let's just say we've agreed to a sort of truce, but that doesn't mean we're getting along! I think it would do him good to go to New York for a while."

"If you say so you're the boss! But still couldn't you maybe send Brooke along with him?"

"Dooc!"

After dinner, their path led them straight to their bedroom. Their kisses grew more intense and passionate. Their hands wouldn't stay still. He pulled her close to him. "Do you have any idea how much I longed for this?! To hold you in my arms, to feel and touch you!"

"I feel the same way. I missed you more every day!" They flopped down on the bed. Ridge reached for the teddy bear.

"I hope this little fellow helped a little bit."

"Yeah, Richie was a good comforter!" Taylor took the teddy bear and held him close. "At least I could cry in his ears for hours and he didn't talk back and he's so fluffy and cuddly!" She pressed her face into the fur.

"Hey, I'm back here now!" He poked her in the side.

"Are you jealous of a teddy bear?"

"Yeah sure!" He gave her an ironic look. He took the stuffed bear from her hand. "Anyway, you don't need him anymore!" He flung the bear far away.

"Hey what are you doing?"

"I'm just extremely reluctant to share you!" His lips sought hers again. They literally melted into each other. They had plenty of catching up to do and for the next few hours they showed each other how much they loved each other.

Afterward, they lay in close embrace together. Ridge played with her hair.

"I think I should go away more often if it makes you so amorous and insatiable!"

"Forget it! That's out of the question!" She straddled him and held his arms tightly. "I won't let you go so soon!"

"Am I your hostage now?"

"Let's put it this way. I have my strategys to make sure you don't want to leave this bed!" She tickled him with her nose and spread sweet little kisses all over his face. Ridge sighed contentedly, enjoying her tenderness. She snuggled down on top of him.

"Lying here with you, listening to your heartbeat, that makes me the most happiest person in the world!" He wrapped his arms around her.

"You mean the second happiest, because no one is happier than I'm lying here in our bed holding you in my arms!"

"Let's agree that together we are the most happiest couple in the world!"

"I just love the way you think Doc!" They kissed tenderly and finally fell asleep. Happy because they were exactly where they belong, in each other's arms.