Eric Junior and the tabloid!

Irritated, Ridge hung up. He needed to collect himself first and process this news. Brooke had delivered her baby. Actually, that was very exciting news, but Ridge didn't feel like cutting capers. Apparently Brooke hadn't felt the need to inform him that she was in labor. Did she want to punish him for taking some time off to evaluate everything? Ridge felt again the anger creep up inside him at the thought that his father had apparently been there for the birth, or at least had known about it before he did. Nevertheless, Ridge hurried to get to the hospital as soon as possible. At the gift store, he picked up a long-stemmed rose and a small stuffed elephant. Then he made his way to Brooke's hospital room. In the hallway, his father intercepted him.

"Hey, there you are finally! Brooke's been asking me where you are!"

"Excuse me Dad, I got here as fast as I could. You could have let me know sooner. Why didn't you call me right away? Were you with her during the delivery?"

"More or less." muttered Eric sheepishly.

"What do you mean, more or less? I want a straight answer. Yes or no?"

"Yes, but before you get upset, Ridge. Please let me explain. It was really just a stupid coincidence. I was with Brooke when her water broke and she went into labor. It went without saying that I grabbed her right away and took her to the hospital."

"And why didn't you inform me immediately, but waited until the baby was born?!"

"The birth went extremely fast. We were barely in the delivery room before Brooke was in the most intense contractions. She was afraid you wouldn't make it in time and she didn't want to go through it alone. So I stayed with her. Afterwards, Brooke was pretty wiped out and wanted to get some rest and I wanted some time with Eric Junior. I wanted to enjoy this one moment by myself. I hope you can understand that!"

Ridge responded evasively. As insane as it was, on one hand he could actually understand his father somehow, but on the other hand he was still disappointed, he found out about the birth so late.

"So how are Brooke and the little one?" he asked.

"Fabulous! Brooke has recovered a bit by now."

"Fine, I'll go to check on her!"

He knocked and carefully stepped into the room. Brooke was lying in her hospital bed, gently cradling her little boy in her arms. Ridge had to admit, she looked amazing. She represented motherly happiness in person. Everything about her seemed to glow. Rarely had she been more beautiful to him. She held out her hand.

"Ridge! Glad you're finally here!"

Gently, he sat down with her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He glanced at Eric Junior, who slept peacefully in his mother's arms. Despite everything, Ridge was entranced by the little one. He just blinked and wrinkled his little nose. Brooke noticed by the look on his face that Ridge's heart was melting like butter in the sun. Carefully, Ridge stroked his fingers over the little hand.

"He looks so cute!"

"Would you like to hold him?" Carefully, Brooke handed him the baby. Ridge rocked him softly.

"Hey, you munchkin! Welcome to this world!"

At this moment, he didn't care about the whole mess. This little worm in his arms was a sweet and innocent little child, who shouldn't suffer from all the craziness. Brooke watched emotionally, Ridge's loving interaction with little Eric. She hoped this moment could be a turning point for them.

It was Saturday night. Taylor had cleaned the entire house and prepared everything for Blake's arrival. While dinner sizzled in the oven, she looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing the dress which Blake loved the most. She personally didn't like it, it didn't have her style. But it was still a beautiful dress and at least on the outside, everything should be perfect tonight. Taylor struggled with her conflict of emotions. She felt ashamed, because she wasn't the least bit happy about Blake's homecoming and rather looked forward to his presence with dread. All day long she tried so hard to remember their good and happy times and to rediscover her sympathies for Blake. Furthermore, she felt terribly guilty because she had seen Ridge so often in his absence and had enjoyed the time with him very much. It went against her own morals that she, as a married woman, had deep feelings for another man. She had to close the 'Ridge' chapter for once and all. Despite all the difficulties, Taylor wanted to hold on to her marriage. She had made a vow to Blake, and she still felt bound by it.

She heard a car pull up in the driveway. She took another deep breath.

"Pull yourself together, Taylor! You can do this!"

She hurried to the door and welcomed Blake with a big smile.

"Hi Sweetheart! It's good to have you back!"

"Hi honey! I'm glad to be back home. The trip was one hell of an ordeal!"

Blake stepped up to her and pressed a kiss on her lips.

"Come in and relax! Dinner will be ready in a minute!"

A short time later, Taylor and Blake sat across from each other at the dinner table. He told her in great detail about his trip and his success. As she listened, she forced a smile to her lips and nodded occasionally. But all the while she fought not to show him her disappointment. Blake hadn't asked her once how she was doing, let alone that he wanted to know anything about her practice. He didn't seem to notice or care about her at all. Actually, she should be quite happy about it, at least she didn't have to lie to him. But it still bothered her that everything was about him. After dinner, he handed her a gift

"I brought you something." Now Taylor was truly beaming, apparently he had thought of her after all. Inside the package was a big bracelet made of gold and silver. She admired it.

"It's beautiful, thank you!"

"Did you notice the inscription?" The bracelet was engraved with both their names and inside it said *For my devoted wife* He put the bracelet on her arm. "It shell tell the whole world that you are mine!"

For a brief moment, pure horror showed up on Taylor's face. Her joy at the gift had vanished. All at once, the bracelet felt like a shackle Blake was using to bind her to him.

Later Taylor spent a lot of time carefully combing her hair, washing her face, and putting on some lotion. It was as if she wanted to delay the inevitable as long as possible. Finally, she stepped out of the bathroom into their master bedroom, where Blake was already waiting for her. He put his arm around her waist and led her to the bed.

"I missed you!" he breathed into her ear as he began kissing her all over and sliding the straps of her nightgown down. Taylor dropped into the pillow with him.

Afterwards, she lay there with her eyes open, unable to fall asleep. Silent tears ran down her cheeks. Blake had curled up on his side and was fast asleep. He hadn't realized that her love and passion was all fake. All the time Blake was making love to her, she had hoped she would feel something. That some old feelings would come up again. But she had only felt terribly empty and now she lay next to her husband and was miserable.

At the Forresters estate, everyday life had returned. Brooke had her hands full. Eric Junior was keeping her quite busy, but she was enjoying her new motherhood. Ridge and she still lived apart, but Ridge stopped by almost every day to check on her and little Eric. They were cautiously getting closer again and spent a lot of time together. Ridge had really taken the little one to his heart. But it was very difficult for him to take on the role of the father. Not only was he at Brooke's door every day, but so was his father. Eric also regularly checked on Brooke and the baby. Ridge had been there once when Eric had come along. Ridge had watched his interactions with little Eric very closely. He was fully aware that his father did not consider himself as the grandfather of this child. So the situation between the three of them was still as unresolved as it had been before the birth.

Otherwise, life went its normal course. There was only one big topic in LA these days. A successful constructor was getting married and everyone with a name was invited to attend the wedding reception. The Forresters were also on the guest list. It was a social event not to be missed.

Ridge was more than surprised to catch sight of Taylor and her husband at the reception. It rattled him to see her again so suddenly and unexpectedly. He hadn't seen or spoken to her since this fateful night. Throughout the evening, he couldn't help but keep looking in her direction and trying to make eye contact with her. She looked very elegant and beautiful, even if her appearance was a bit unusual. It was warm and all the women were wearing sleeveless or off-the-shoulder, except for Taylor. She was even wearing gloves. They looked great on her, but did seem a little odd.

Taylor noticed Ridge as well. But unlike him, she was not at all surprised to see him. She had expected to run into him. As best she could, she tried to ignore him. She certainly didn't want to get too close to him. But as she left the powder room, he came straight towards her. Taylor realized she had no chance to escape. He pulled her with him to a small alcove.

"Hello, Taylor! How are you?"

"Fine and you? I read in the newspaper Brooke has her baby. I'm sure that's very exciting for all of you."

"Yes and little Eric is so cute! A real ray of sunshine and Brooke is a wonderful mother!"

"Nice and how are you holding up with everything?" She glanced at him with concern.

"It's okay. Brooke and I are trying to find a way to cope with the whole situation. Anyway, I want to be there for her and little Eric."

"I see, you have to know what you're doing and I bet your mother is very proud of you!"

"My mother? What does my mother have to do with it?"

"Oh, didn't she tell you! She was in my office the other day and we had a nice conversation together." Ridge rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"Oh no, what did she want?"

"She just wanted to tell me that you have a family to take care of and that's why I should stay away from you!" Ridge's eyes got wide.

"I'm sorry about that! I didn't mean this to happen. Mother overshoots the mark sometimes. She thinks she always has to take all the reins herself."

"I realized that!"

Ridge looked at her urgently. He noticed she had that strange, sad, exhausted look in her eyes again.

"And how are you? I saw your husband is back."

"Yes, his business trip to Texas has been very successful and his business here in LA seems to be starting to take off as well."

"That sounds great. I'm sure you're very proud of him."

"Yes...of course!" she replied hastily. "I think I need to get back to him. I'm sure he's wondering where I am. Take care of you Ridge!"

"You too Taylor!" They went away. None of them had noticed, someone had been watching them the whole time.

Ridge, Brooke, and his father were chatting with some acquaintances when Stephanie approached the group.

"Brooke, my dear, may I speak to you in private, please? You'll excuse us for a moment?! She smiled at the group. Ridge stared thoughtfully after his mother as she pulled Brooke along with her. She had given him a very venomous sideways glance. Ridge wondered what was wrong with her.

He walked out onto a balcony to get some fresh air. His attention was drawn to a scene taking place in the parking lot below. It was already dark, but due to the lanterns he could follow everything. A man was dragging a woman behind him rather rudely, cursing at her wildly. Ridge couldn't understand what he said, but even from up here his voice sounded very threatening. The couple walked to their car, where the man pushed the woman very brutally against the side of the car. The woman was obviously trying to defend herself. Because all of a sudden the man lashed out and slapped the woman across the face with full force.

"Hey! Leave the lady alone right now!"shouted Ridge instinctively. The man down in the parking lot couldn't see him, but he had obviously heard him. Immediately, he opened the car and shoved the woman inside. He himself rushed to the driver's seat and drove off, tires screeching. Ridge was quite taken by the scene. How could a man be so violent towards his own wife? He had not been able to recognize the two people, but he felt incredibly sorry for the woman.

Taylor and Blake sat at the breakfast table in a tense mood. Taylor was very careful not to make any mistakes. The tea was just the way Blake liked it and his eggs had boiled for exactly four minutes. While he enjoyed his toast, she sat silently across, watching him nervously, like the rabbit the snake. He had buried himself in the newspaper. Suddenly he had a very sardonic grin on his lips.

"Say, you used to have that old college friend...who helped you with your practice?!" Taylor turned pale and nearly toppled from her chair.

"Yeah why?" she asked uncertainty.

"Well, this guy seems like a complete loser and comes from a rotten family!" He handed her the paper. Taylor was startled. The front page read:

*The Forresters - a successful family with deep chasms!*

Hastily, Taylor skimmed the article. The whole truth about Eric Junior's true paternity and Brooke and Ridge's father's affair were spelled out. It was written black on white that Eric was the father of Brooke's child and that Ridge and Brooke's engagement had been a ploy to cover up the fact.

"Did you know about this? That your great friend is not the father of this child?"

"No, of course not!"

"In any case, this seems to be a totally messed up family, if the father and son are sharing the same bed bunny."

"Don't be so distasteful, Blake!" she snapped at him.

"Are you defending your good old friend?! Are you actually still in contact with him?"

"Not at the moment!" answered Taylor truthfully this time.

"That's good. I don't want to be associated with such immoral people. It wouldn't be good for my business relations at all. So in the future, stay away from him!"

While Blake headed off to work, Taylor put away the breakfast dishes. Her thoughts drifted over to Ridge. She felt very sorry for him. She would have loved to stand by him in this difficult situation.

For Ridge, Brooke and his parents, the headline had indeed been a terrible shock, followed by the next one. Within no time, the estate was surrounded by reporters, all wanting an interview. The security, rushed in by Eric, had their hands full trying to fend off the mob. Ridge and Brooke sat with Stephanie in the living room. Maria, the housekeeper, was taking care of little Eric. Eric, who had just been on the phone, hung up and joined them.

"Who was it?" his wife asked him.

"It was Thorne! He wanted to know what is going on. He thought at first this article was a bad joke. When I confirmed to him that the whole story is true, he got furious. Because we didn't have confidence in him. He is quite angry with all of us and very disappointed. I tried to explain to him that we were just trying to protect him and Macy. But I'm afraid it will take some time for him to talk to us again. Furthermore, he told me that the situation at Forrester Creation is just as chaotic as here. Many of our employees have been ambushed by some journalists. Thorne immediately issued a general order. No statements are to be made."

"That's good!" retorted Stephanie. "We should try to minimize the damage now!"

"As if we're seriously going to succeed with that, Mother!" commented Ridge. "This whole thing is an avalanche that probably only now really starts to roll!"

"It's all so horrifying!" cried Brooke. "The idea of what they're all thinking of me right now, and my family in Paris. Until now, only my parents knew the truth and now they can all read it in the newspaper! I hardly dare leave the house. I'm afraid they might all gawk at me and Eric Junior!"

"Don't worry about it!" Eric assured her with fatherly concern. "We'll do everything we can to protect little Eric and you. Nothing will happen to you!"

"I just wonder..." pondered Ridge. "...how did the press find out about this?"

"I wonder about that, too, though!" agreed Eric with his son. "And now that we're all gathered here, let's have a frank discussion of this question!"

"What do you mean?!" wanted Stephanie to know.

"Well, everyone who was involved in this secret is here. So...do any of you have any idea where the press got this information? Have any of you passed this story on to anyone?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Come on, Eric!" Brooke intervened. "Surely none of us four had any interest, this story getting out to the public. After all, we all tried for months to keep it under the wraps! Who among us would be so stupid as to take the risk and blab to someone?"

"I'm just trying to find an answer!" Eric replied.

"Maybe one of our employees overheard a conversation or..." Ridge paused.

"What's wrong with you, Ridge? Do you have any clue who it was?"

"No, I don't!" he affirmed. However, a terrible suspicion had just occurred to him.

It was lunchtime at Taylor's office. She and Colleen were sitting on the couch, enjoying a pizza they had ordered. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be?" Perplexed, the two women looked at each other.

"Maybe an emergency?!" Colleen rose to answer the door. Ridge stormed into her office, quite upset.

"Taylor, I have to talk to you! It's important!" Taylor immediately saw how distracted and agitated he was. Surely he wanted to talk to her about the article. She turned to her assistant.

"Colleen, didn't you mention you need to get a gift for your mother? Why don't you do it right now and you can also take the mail with you."

"All right Dr. Hayes!" Colleen took the hint and was out of the practice a short time later.

Taylor walked up to Ridge and wanted to give him a hug.

"Hey, how are you? I've been thinking about you all morning after reading this awful article! You must feel terrible!" Ridge sidestepped her hug and nervously paced the room.

"Yes, it was a terrible shock to all of us! The situation is unbearable. The entire estate is surrounded by journalists. I escaped them with some effort with the motorcycle. And it doesn't look any better at Forrester Creation. Our whole family is exposed to the public and I'm afraid this article was just the beginning! All the other newspapers will pick up the story and who knows what else they'll bring to light!"

"This is really a more than unpleasant situation. I'm so sorry for all of you, especially you! You shouldn't have to go through this. I mean, the story with Brooke, your dad, and the baby is a bit inconvenient. But still, you all don't deserve to be dragged through the mud like this. What are you guys going to do now?"

"To be honest, at the moment I cannot think how things will continue! What I'm much more interested in is how the press got wind of the whole story?!" He gave Taylor a penetrating stare. "Maybe you have an idea?" Taylor looked at him, startled.

"You don't think I'm the one who informed the press, do you?" Ridge hesitated

"Actually, I don't want to believe it, but somehow they must have gotten the facts from someone. I just had a long talk with my parents and Brooke about it. None of us have said a word about it, and you're the only one else who knows about the whole story!"

"I see, and of course I have nothing better to do than to run to the next journalist and tell him everything in broth. Can you please tell me why I would do such a thing?"

"Who knows...maybe you were angry at me for breaking off contact with you, or maybe it was meant as a revenge for my mother, because of her little stunt here at your office. Maybe you wanted to get back at her..."

"Stop it Ridge! First of all, I accepted the no contact regulation. I mean, I haven't contacted you as well...and as far as your mother is concerned. Yes, her appearance here at my office was impossible and I admit I can't stand your mother. But that's no reason to turn you and your family in. Ridge, you know me. I gave you my word not to talk to anybody about your secret, and all this time I have done nothing else to stand by you, to support you and give you advice. And this is the thanks I get? Let me tell you one thing, it hurts like hell that you even think I'm that devious!"

Taylor turned away from him, not wanting him to see her tears. Ridge stood there a little taken aback at first. Her outburst had gotten to him. A little more conciliatory, he continued.

"Maybe you didn't do it on purpose. Maybe it just slipped out by accident?!" Taylor turned around and fired angry bolts at him.

"Excuse me? You seriously think I run around just blurting out whatever secrets people trust me with?! You better shut your mouth, Ridge Forrester, because right now you're just making it worse with every sentence!" Ridge wasn't going to take that lying down.

"That's enough Taylor! Maybe you're not who I thought you were? Maybe you're just pretending to be the empathetic psychiatrist? Or perhaps you were drunk?! It wouldn't be the first time you don't remember what you did afterwards!"

Taylor stared at him, stunned, with a look of horror, anger, and sadness. She yanked open the door.

"Get out! Right now! Go and don't ever show your face to me again!"

Ridge stumbled out the door. No sooner had he left Taylor collapsed on her couch, crying.