Time is the most precious gift!

Taylor entered the office with Jack.

"Hey, here we are!" Taylor immediately noticed Ridge's crestfallen face. "Don't tell me something came up and you don't have time for our walk?! Ridge was distracted.

"What? No, of course I'm coming with you! To be honest, I desperately need some fresh air!"

While the strode along the park Taylor sensed something was wrong. Ridge was strangely absent and barely reacted. When they arrived at the playground, Jack was eager to get into the sandbox. Lately, that was his favorite play. Taylor grabbed the toys out of her bag. Ridge and she sat down on a bench. She reached for his hand.

"Are you going to tell me now what's wrong with you?" Ridge stared at her, it always fascinated him that she could tell immediately what was going on inside him. He hesitated, Taylor got an uneasy feeling.

"Is it that bad?"

"Well, let's put it this way. I need to tell you something you're not going to like! But before, I want you to know, nothing's been decided yet!" Taylor was getting more and more tense.

"Now dish!"

Ridge revealed to her the problems at Forrester International and that his father expected him to go to Paris for some time to take charge of the matter. Taylor sighed loudly.

"You're right, I don't like this news at all!"

"Neither do I. Believe me, I'm not comfortable leaving you alone for a length of time."

"What kind of time period are we talking about here? This whole issue doesn't sound like it can be settled in two weeks.

"No, not exactly!" Ridge didn't dare to look at her. "Dad figures it could take three months!" Taylor stared at him, shocked.

"Three months? You want to go to Paris for three months?!"

"It's not a question of wanting to."

"Is there really no other solution...I mean...can't someone else go?" she asked hopefully.

"Well, there isn't really an alternative. Felicia and Mother are out of the question. They don't know enough about Forrester International. Thorne can't leave Aly alone that long and Dad has to take care of business here in LA. Besides, no one is as familiar with the affairs at Forrester International as I am."

"That's true, I kind of get Eric's point, if anyone can still turn the tide and avert the ruin, it's you! It's just..." She hid her face in her hands, Ridge took in his arms.

"I know what you wanna say. This is the worst possible time for this!"

"Indeed, Jack is still so small and he's finally stable and steady again! Who knows how he'll react when you're gone for three months?! That's an endless amount of time for a baby, besides...we've only just found back together and immediately we're supposed to live separately for a couple of weeks?! That's not fair!"

"I know, it sucks! I don't feel any different than you do! I just want you to know, no matter what, I'm not going to decide this without you!"

"That's sweet of you to say! It means a lot to me, but the question is, do we really have the decision in our own hands? There are only two choices. Either you go or you stay and if you don't go and Forrester International goes out of business, you'll never forgive yourself! You know that as well as I do."

"You're probably right, I'd really hate to see this branch go down the drain. But Mother had another idea, maybe you and Jack could come with me?!" Taylor was silent for a moment.

"That might be a possibility, though I don't know..." She jumped up and paced nervously around the bench. Ridge grabbed her by her shoulders.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing!"

"Now don't avoid me, what's bothering you?"

"It's just...in the last few months...actually in the last few years, so much has happened. There was always some drama going on and right now I was actually hoping we could finally settle down and just enjoy our life...and now we're having obstacles put in our way again!"

"You're right, our lives are indeed anything but boring!"

Ridge and Taylor discussed the situation with Paris at length. Neither of them was thrilled about the prospect of being separated for months. However, they also saw no real alternatives. Ridge was well aware of the expectations that weighed on him. From his father's side, but also from the company's side; after all, Forrester International's reputation and numerous jobs were at stake. Taylor knew very well how much Forrester International meant to Ridge. He would never forgive himself if the company really had to be closed and he could have prevented it. In the end, even though everything in them resisted it, they decided Ridge should go to Paris.

Taylor, however after some mature deliberation, decided to stay in LA with Jack. There were very sensible reasons for this decision. Jack had overcome all the after-effects from the time of his abduction and was back to his old self, but Ridge and Taylor felt it would be irresponsible to tear him away from his usual routine and comfort zone. They didn't want to risk Jack's stable condition by confronting him with a completely foreign environment, culture and climate. In addition, Ridge honestly admitted he would hardly have any time for Jack and Taylor in Paris, because he had a pile of work to do and numerous overtime hours waiting for him there. So Taylor would be on her own with Jack most of the time; here in LA, she had the whole family to her support. They didn't want to pull Jack away from all his social contacts. Besides the family Jack had made some friends thanks to the swimming practice Taylor attended with him and she had found a playgroup for Jack that met regularly at the park or at one of the parents' homes. Jack loved playing with the other kids. Taylor and Ridge didn't want to tear Jack away from his new friends. They were so happy that Jack finally overcame his fear of strangers.

So they told the family Ridge would be going to Paris alone. Everyone could see their struggle with this decision and how depressed they were. Stephanie could not stand idly by and watch the disaster. She stormed into Eric's office and vigorously demanded he should find another solution so Ridge could stay with Jack and Taylor. Eric sighed in exasperation.

"Do you think it's easy for me to send Ridge to Paris when I see how miserable he is about it! Do you think I don't worry about him and his family, but there is no other option! It's very important for Forrester International that he goes. It's for the future of the company!"

"I understand that, but still, there must be another alternative. It's a shame to separate Ridge from his son and Taylor for months, especially now since they're a family again."

"I've been mulling it over all the time, but I just can't think of anything better. The only thing we can do is support them both as best we can!" Stephanie wasn't going to settle with his answer.

"But Felicia had offered to go to Paris, for example."

"I've said it before, Felicia is not familiar with the internals of Forrester International. She's never been involved in the business and she has no connection to the employees or to our customers. She would have to learn everything herself first and that takes too long! We need someone to act right now. I'm sorry, but it's really best for the company if Ridge takes charge. He knows Forrester International the best out of all of us. If anyone can still turn this around, it's him!" Stephanie shook her head.

"That all makes sense to me, but I still don't like it!" Eric put his arm around her.

"I don't either. It breaks my heart to think of Jack having to go without his father for so long, but sometimes business comes first!"

While Stephanie was still thinking about how she could still avert the fate, Ridge was preparing himself for his trip. He had already contacted some people in Paris and had come up with some concepts. The day of his departure came sooner than Taylor or he would have liked. Taylor took great pains to hide her grief from Ridge, not wanting to make his heart more sore. She helped him with packing and making his arrangements, though she would have preferred to chain him up so he would stay. It didn't escape Ridge's notice that she cried secretly in her pillows. As best he could, he comforted her and tried to encourage her.

They spent the last night all alone. They wanted to savor every minute they still had together. Even Jack was allowed to stay up late that night, because Ridge wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. One last time, he romped around with him and did all kinds of shenanigans. Later, when Jack was asleep, they sat on the couch in an intimate embrace. Neither knew what to say. Finally, Ridge went to the stereo and turned the music on. He held his hand out to Taylor.

"May I have this dance?" Closely entwined, they danced together. Pressed tightly together, they slowly moved to the music. Taylor wrapped her arms around him. She nuzzled his neck. He gently caressed her back. They looked deep into each other's eyes and sank into a passionate kiss. Later, in the bedroom, they forgot their wrench for a short while. They sank into a world of love, passion, desire and affection. Taylor moaned softly. Ridge was so attentive and loving. He knew exactly what pleased her. She responded to each of his caresses with the same love and tenderness. They made love over and over again until they cuddled together, exhausted.

Ridge stroked her hair tenderly.

"I'm going to miss you Doc, I'll think of you every minute!"

"I'll miss you too Ridge, but you don't have to worry about us. I have everything under control, I want you to focus on your work!" Ridge gave her a long sweet kiss.

"I love you, I couldn't do any of this without you! I promise you, I will work day and night so I can get back home as soon as possible!" Taylor beamed at him, she gave him a gentle peck. Her hands ran along his face.

"Still, don't forget to get some sleep and eat something once in a while!" Ridge smirked and hugged her tightly.

"You just can't leave it alone Doc, can you!" She shook her head. They exchanged soft little kisses. I'll definitely be here for Jack's birthday even if I have to hijack a plane to do it!"

Taylor had to laugh against her will, they both tried everything to cheer the other up until they finally fell asleep.

The next day, the mood at the Bel Air mansion was very somber. Even Jack noticed something was different that morning. At breakfast he wasn't babbling happily as usual, but he was grumpy and refused to eat anything. Soon it was time to leave for the airport.

With a heavy heart, Taylor watched as Ridge checked in. She chewed on her lips nervously and swallowed her tears bravely. She would have preferred to throw herself into his arms, crying and begging him not to go. But she pulled herself together as best she could. Ridge rejoined them, staring sadly at his boarding pass.

"I'm afraid there's no turning back now!"

"Looks like it! Yet I was hoping that maybe something would happen and the flight would be canceled!" Ridge gave her a sympathetic hug.

"Something like that never happens when you need it to!" Taylor and Jack still accompanied Ridge to the gate. One last time, Ridge held Jack and hugged him tightly.

"Well buddy, you promise to be a good boy and take good care of your mommy, okay? Daddy will be home soon!"

"Dada!" squealed Jack, snuggling up to him.

"Yes, Daddy will be back with you very soon and then we'll do all the neat things together again!" Ridge wanted to put Jack back in the stroller, but Jack seemed to sense that this was a goodbye for a long time. He clutched onto him even tighter, not wanting to let go. Taylor came to his rescue. She took Jack from him, but he stretched his little arms towards his father.

"Dada! Daadaaa!" Jack looked at him with open-hearted sad puppy eyes. Ridge's heart almost broke at this sight.

At that moment an announcement rang out, the Lufthansa flight to Paris was ready and the boarding would begin in a short time. Jack was fidgeting more and more wildly, with the utmost effort Taylor managed to get him into the stroller and strapped him.

"I think it's best if we go now, otherwise it will get worse!"

"Yeah, you're right!" He leaned in to Jack again and pressed one last kiss to his cheek. Taylor and he looked into each other's eyes. They sank into one last heartfelt tender kiss.

"I love you Doc! Don't forget that!"

"I love you too! Take good care of yourself and don't overwork yourself. And call me as soon as you arrive!"

"I will, I promise! You take good care of yourself too and of our boy. They hugged each other tightly once again. No one wanted to be the first to let go. Taylor pulled out an envelope.

"Here. This is for you, but don't open it until you're on the plane!" Again they fell into each other's arms. He stroked her face and gave her one last fleeting kiss.

"Now go!" Taylor finally broke away from him and pushed off with Jack. She didn't dare to turn around, a few tears running down her cheeks. As soon as Jack realized his father wasn't coming with them, he started fidgeting and screaming again. Ridge heard his 'Dada' calls and his crying. As soon as they were out of reach, Taylor stopped. She wiped away her tears and knelt down to Jack.

"Hey sweetie, it's all fine! Mommy's with you! Daddy's going to take the plane and will fly over the big ocean and then he'll be back soon!" She tried hard to laugh and sound cheerful. She made airplane noises and tickled him. Jack calmed down and started giggling.

Ridge, meanwhile, found a seat and waited to board the plane. He took a deep breath, the parting had taken its toll on him, he had never found it so hard to leave. To distract himself, he dug out his papers, but he couldn't concentrate on them. He reached into his coat and pulled out the envelope. Taylor had told him not to open it until he was on the plane, but that didn't matter at the moment. Inside the envelope were a bunch of pictures. On the first one was a Post with a message.

'A little reminder so you don't forget us and always know who is waiting for you at home! We love you!'

Ridge looked at the pictures and fought back his tears, there were pictures of Taylor, Jack and the other kids and some family portraits. One photo he looked at for a very long time. It showed him with Taylor and all their kids. Felicia had taken the picture just a few days ago. An older woman who had taken a seat next to him peeked curiously over his shoulder.

"You really have an adorable family!" she mentioned to him. Ridge smiled at her.

"Yes, indeed!"

"The little one sure looks so sweet!"

"Yes, he's the pride of the entire family!" She gave him a sentimental look.

"You're really lucky to have so many children! My husband and I originally wanted many children too, but life had other plans for us. But at least we got a daughter. I'm on my way to meet her, because I'm going to be a grandma in a few days!"

"Oh, congratulations! You must be very proud!"

"Yes, I am! It's a nice feeling when your children have children on their own. I just hope I get to spend more time with my grandchild than I did with my daughter!" She paused and took a deep breath.

"You see, my husband and I, we were photographers and we had lots of assignments all over the world! At the time we thought it was the right decision, after all you want to give your own child a certain lifestyle, but now I have to say; we should have spent more time with our daughter. No amount of money can make up for lost time with your own child!"

"Yes, I'm sure you're right!" said Ridge thoughtfully. "Time is the most precious gift you can give as a parent!"

At that moment, an announcement informed that the boarding for the Lufthansa flight to Paris was about to start and first class passengers should stand by. Ridge rose and extended his hand to the older lady.

"Have a safe trip and best regards to your daughter!"

Meanwhile, Taylor was on her way home with Jack. Normally Jack was rather chilled while driving. He usually fell asleep after a few miles. But on this ride, he whined and nagged incessantly. Taylor tried to distract him, she told him a story, turned on the music, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, she pulled over at a parking area. She got Jack out of his car seat and rocked him in her arms.

"It's all right Jack, I'm here!" For a moment Jack was content and snuggled up to her.

"See, no reason for this nagging!" But Jack began to fidget again and shook his head. "I know you miss your daddy! I miss him too, but you and I, we have to be really strong and brave and stick together." Jack wriggled even harder, whining defiantly and tugging at her hair. Taylor thought hard, she made a decision. "You know what Jack, you're absolutely right! Your daddy should be here with us, not in Paris. You know what we're going to do? We're going to get your daddy back!" She strapped Jack back into his car seat and got behind the wheel. She pulled out at the next exit and headed straight back toward the airport. As soon as Jack saw the airport building, he quit his whining and started crowing happily. He knew somewhere in that huge building was his daddy. Taylor didn't even bother to get the stroller out, she was in an awful hurry. She took Jack in her arms and hurried into the airport. She rushed toward the nearest Lufthansa counter, an employee politely asked her what she could help her with

"It's about my husband, Mr. Ridge Forrester, he's a first class passenger on the Lufthansa flight to Paris. I really need to get a message to him, it's really urgent!"

"Wait a moment please...I see the plane hasn't taken off yet, the boarding has been delayed a bit, however if your husband is in first class I assume he is already on the plane."

"Can't you still get a message to him? It's very important, it's a matter of life and death!" pleaded Taylor to the employee, she finally relented.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do!" She handed Taylor a piece of paper and a pen. "What do you want to tell your husband?" Taylor hastily scribbled down a short message.

'Ridge, you can't fly! Please stay here, we need you! I love you!"

The employee disappeared to the back to contact her colleagues. Taylor waited impatiently, nervously drumming her fingers on the counter. She cradled Jack in her arms.

"You'll see, it's going to be all right! We'll get your daddy back, and if we have to go to Paris!" Jack had been very quiet all this time, but all of a sudden he started kicking and screaming.

"Dada! Dada! Daaadaaa!"

"Jack calm down! I know you want your daddy! I'm doing everything I can!" But Jack was kicking harder and waving his arms. Taylor turned around and couldn't believe her eyes. There was Ridge, hurrying toward the exit in the direction of the cab stand.

Ridge was in a hurry to leave the airport, catch the next cab and go home, where he belonged. Suddenly he flinched, he heard a bright child's voice yelling 'Dada' over and over again. This voice sounded just like Jack, but it couldn't be him. Determined, Ridge kept walking, but then he froze to the spot. He heard a woman's voice behind him, calling his name. Ridge would have recognized this voice among millions of voices. He turned around and couldn't believe it. Taylor, with Jack in her arms, came running towards him. He rushed towards them and they fell into each other's arms. Ridge hugged them both tightly. Jack now held nothing in his mother's arms, he kicked her until she finally handed him to his father. He clutched onto him.

"Jack, my sweet little boy there you are!" He turned to Taylor "What are you doing here?" Taylor was still out of breath.

"Well I...we wanted to...well…Jack was bitching terribly and was desperate to see you and then I realized...Ridge, I don't want you to go to Paris, not even for a day! Please stay, we need you! I need you! We just got back together, I don't want to be without you for months." Taylor could no longer hold back her tears. Ridge looked at her, emotional. Her words hit him right in his heart. "I was against this stupid trip right from the beginning, I only agreed because I knew how important it was to you and I didn't want to stand in your way. But now, I suddenly realized I can't just let you go! That's why I turned around, I sent you a message through the flight attendants so you wouldn't take off!"

She gestured with her head towards the Lufthansa counter, the employee had meanwhile stepped forward again. She had also learned from her colleagues that Ridge wasn't on the plane. She had been very stunned when she had returned and Taylor was no longer standing there. She had looked around until she finally spotted the family. She smiled at them. Ridge was flattered.

"All that effort just to keep me from going to Paris?!"

"I just didn't want to leave any stone unturned!" She gave him a gentle kiss. "Now you better tell me why you're here and not on the plane?!" Ridge smiled mischievously.

"That's pretty simple, I've had the same enlightenment as you. Okay I have to admit I needed the help of a guardian angel to make me realize my place is not far away on another continent but here with you!" Taylor's face was beaming.

"Does that mean you're staying here with us?"

"Guess what, you're usually so smart Doc!" She fell around his neck.

"Oh Ridge, I love you!" She smothered him with kisses.

"I love you too!" Taylor could hardly believe her happiness.

"Did you hear that Jack? Your daddy is staying here with us! We will be all together!" Jack cheered gleefully and slapped his father in his face with glee. Laughing, he tried to fend off the attack.

"Stop it Jack or I'll change my mind!" Jack beamed cheekily at him and began pulling and tugging at his hair. Taylor laughed, but then finally showed mercy to Ridge. She released him from the little tease and picked Jack back up herself. "Come here, you little rugrat! Give your father a break!"

Ridge tugged everything back into place. Satisfied, he glanced at Jack's cheeky grinning face and Taylor's relieved, shining eyes. At that moment, he knew he had made the right decision. He put his arm around her.

"I'm so happy to be here with you guys!"

"And we're overjoyed that you're staying with us! I won't let you go!" Together they left the terminal. All they wanted was to get home.