Chapter eighteen!
As Phoebe and Steffy were about to fall asleep, Ridge and Taylor left the room. Ridge noticed that Taylor was in a very euphoric mood. She was beaming all over the face and had to control herself not to jump up and down all the time. As they walked to his car, he put his arm around her shoulders.
"Aren't you in a good mood?!"
"Indeed, while Steffy and you were outside, I had a very good conversation with Phoebe. For the first time I have the feeling that we are able to leave this whole mess with me and Rick behind. We were absolutely honest and we reassured us how much we love each other. I can't believe it but I have my little girl back!" Ridge took her in his arms.
"I'm truly happy for you, for Phoebe and for all of us. I think it's a good sign for the future of our family!"
"I think so too! I can't tell you how relieved I am. I would never have forgiven myself if I had lost Phoebe forever because of this stupid mistake!"
"It would never have come to this, Taylor! Even though this thing with Rick wasn't your best decision, deep in her heart Phoebe knows that you never meant to hurt her and that you love her more than anything. We all make mistakes! But fortunately we have raised some very empathetic, understanding and sensitive kids, who know very well even if we are not always perfect, we will always be there for them! You are an incredible mother, our children know that and in our own special way we are one big happy family!"
Ridge and Taylor looked deep into each other's eyes.
"You're right and I'm very happy about it!"
They fell into each other's arms. When their eyes met, it happened. Their lips moved closer and before they knew it, they were kissing passionately. After the kiss both of them seemed quite confused and uncomfortable. They got into the car. Both of them were silent throughout the ride. When they got home, they said a quick goodnight and each retired to their bedroom.
Taylor lay in her bed, her mind drifting back to the kiss. At that moment it had felt so good and right. Taylor still felt butterflies in her belly. She realized how much she still was in love with Ridge. But then she shook her head vigorously. She couldn't set up herself with false hopes. Even if they were very close again, there was no guarantee it would stay this way. While her mind kept telling her there was no chance Ridge and she could have a future together, there was another voice in her heart whispering maybe everything would turn out fine.
Ridge was also pretty shaken and couldn't sleep. He kept wondering how it happened that he and Taylor had kissed for the second time. At that moment he just couldn't think of doing anything else. He had looked into her eyes and it had just come over him and actually he had enjoyed it. All these mixed feelings irritated him. Could it actually be that he was about to fall in love with her again or were these just some old feelings based on their familiarity?!
A few days later, Eric called for another family conference, but this time without Thomas, Steffy and Rick. He wanted to discuss with everyone Rick's future, within the family and also in the company. Taylor and Ridge were very adamant about their opinion. They wanted to see Rick as far away from their daughters as possible. They supported the idea of sending Rick away for a while. His behavior lately, especially in Phoebe's hospital room, had shown that Rick didn't accept any boundaries and that his hatred for Ridge and his family was unfathomable. Taylor and Ridge didn't want to risk anything happening to Steffy or Phoebe again. The majority of the family agreed with them. Everyone argued it would be best for the family and for Rick if he could get away from all this misfortune. Brooke was against it. She didn't want to accept that everyone saw Rick as the troublemaker of the family. She consistently argued Rick was just a little confused and needed the support of the entire family even more. She urgently tried to make everyone realize not only Rick, but also Steffy, Phoebe and especially Taylor were to blame for the current situation. Everyone was stunned by Brooke's efforts to simply shift the blame to others. Eric didn't like the idea of sending his son away, but in the end he came to face Ridge and the rest of the family had some very reasonable arguments. In the end the decision was made, Rick should go back to Paris. There he could work at Forrester International and get his life back on track. Brooke fought in vain to change Eric's mind, but it was useless. She literally jumped to the ceiling when Eric asked Taylor if she knew any colleagues in Paris who could help Rick deal with his problems. Spontaneously Taylor couldn't refer anyone, but she promised to ask around. Brooke's eyes were shooting poison arrows in her direction.
Rick accepted the family's decision, at least on the outside. He was extremely disappointed everyone had apparently turned against him. But he hadn't really expected anything else. Steffy, Phoebe and Thomas, on the other hand, were rather relieved that Rick would soon be leaving town.
As Rick's departure came closer, Brooke shocked Ridge with the news that she had decided to accompany Rick to Paris. She wanted to take Hope and RJ with her and spend Christmas there with her family and not return until the new year. Ridge was sad by the idea of not spending the holidays with his children and Brooke. Even though he and Brooke were separated for now, he had hoped they would all celebrate Christmas together as a family. Brooke suggested to him if RJ, Hope and she really meant that much to him, he should come to Paris with them. But that was out of the question for Ridge. He would never have the heart to abandon Taylor and the kids this Christmas, which was very special.
Steffy and Phoebe's recovery continued to make great progress and soon the doctor announced they were both allowed to come home for Christmas. There was no better news for Taylor and Ridge. Now they were all looking forward to the upcoming holidays even more.
The morning before Christmas Eve, Ridge decorated the tree with Thomas and Steffy. Phoebe, still taking it easy, lay on the couch and gave them instructions. She was currently directing Thomas where he should hang the globe.
"No, keep going to the right!"
"Is it okay now?"
"No! I meant the other one on the right!" Thomas rolled his eyes. Finally Phoebe was satisfied. "Yes, that's good and now a little further forward... right there!"
"You know what my dear sister, if you know everything so well, why don't you get off your butt and help us?!"
"The doctors said that I have to take it easy and that I need a lot of rest and that I shouldn't overexert myself! Oh by the way I've run out of tea. Can you please get me some more?!" Thomas gritted his teeth but set off anyway. He called out to her.
"Just wait and see! This excuse won't work forever!" Finally the Christmas tree was there in all its glory! Taylor came into the living room and was fascinated.
"It looks beautiful! You did a really great job!"
"Only under my good leadership!"
Taylor, Ridge and the kids spent Christmas Eve all alone. They made themselves comfortable with Taylor's homemade punch and cookies. They watched old family videos. They laughed at the old scenes, like Thomas trying to get a candy cane and almost ending up falling into the Christmas tree, Ridge burning his fingers while lighting the candles, or Phoebe falling in an empty gift box. Taylor and Ridge were hit by melancholy. Taylor leaned on to him and he took her in his arms!
"I have to say, we actually managed to keep our nerve in all the chaos quite well."
"Yes, you're right! We can be really proud of ourselves!" She snuggled into his side and he pressed a kiss to her cheek.
The next morning it was almost the same as when the kids were little. There was wrapping paper everywhere and here and there someone screamed with excitement when they got exactly what was on their wish list. Taylor enjoyed this moment beyond words. There was nothing better for her than spending this day with her family.
Later they made their way to the Forrester estate to celebrate Christmas traditionally with the entire family. This year the celebration was all about Phoebe's happy recovery. Aly gave her a homemade star.
"Because you are our Christmas miracle!" she said to her. Phoebe gave her little cousin a warming hug and Thomas lifted Aly up so she could attach the star to the top of the tree. Later that evening, Phoebe sat alone on the couch and watched her family. Suddenly it occurred to her what this evening would be like if she had actually died in the accident. Would everyone still be here together celebrating Christmas like usual, except she wouldn't be there? An indescribable feeling of happiness overwhelmed her. Steffy sat down next to her and wrapped her arms around her sister. She only had to look at her once and she knew exactly what was going on inside her.
"We will celebrate many more holidays together and one day we will have children of our own and we will be the ones moaning about the wrapping paper lying around."
After the season's break, the daily routine returned. Brooke came back from Paris because Hope had to go back to school. However, she had left RJ with her parents. She explained to Ridge, RJ had really blossomed in Paris and felt very comfortable with her parents. That's why she decided together with them and clarified with the school that RJ could stay in Paris for a while. Ridge was first a little upset that Brooke hadn't included him in her decision, but he let it go. The most important thing was that RJ was fine.
Ridge, Thomas and Steffy devoted themselves to their work again. After Phoebe's accident, a lot of things had been left undone and now they had their hands full.
Taylor had decided not to go back to her practice yet, but instead to stay at home with Phoebe and take care of her. She initially closed the practice after the accident and then organized a substitute who promised to hold the position for a longer period of time. Phoebe and Taylor became very close with the many hours they spent alone. Thomas and Steffy were almost a little jealous. Phoebe was completely dedicated to her future. She had decided to stay in Los Angeles. She wanted to go back to college and also take singing and dancing lessons. Since she was given a new life, her ambitions to become a big Broadway star were even bigger. Taylor encouraged her in all her plans. She supported her with her applications and accompanied her to all important appointments.
She also prepared a big surprise for her daughter, which only Ridge knew about. Some afternoons Taylor lured Phoebe out of the house. She went shopping with her or encouraged her to meet up with her friends or visit her grandparents. Phoebe thought nothing of it. She assumed her mother just wanted an afternoon to herself.
Finally she found out what was really behind it. Taylor had redecorated a large room in the attic, that was virtually unused, and had turned it into a dance studio. The room had been newly renovated and insulated and a professional dance floor had been laid out. The room contained everything Phoebe needed to practice properly. She couldn't help but be amazed and was overjoyed.
"This is.brilliant!" she said to her parents. "You are the best!" Ridge, however, declined.
"This is entirely your mother's doing! This was all her initiative, from planning to implementation."
Phoebe jumped into her mother's arms and gave her dozens of kisses.
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you! You are the very best Mom in the world!" Phoebe hugged her mother so hard that Taylor lost her balance and they both fell.
A few days later there was an important day coming up. Steffy and Phoebe's follow-up visit at the hospital. Phoebe had not shown any rejection reaction so far and everyone could only hope that the kidney was also working properly. Everyone accompanied them. The doctor had good news. Phoebe's body had accepted the kidney very well and all values were in the green.
That night, Ridge invited the family to the restaurant. When the band started to play, he asked Taylor to dance with him. Deeply touched, Thomas, Steffy and Phoebe watched their parents swinging around on the dance floor. They sensed a certain magic between them.
The siblings were very happy that they all still lived under one roof, but they wanted their parents to get back together again. However, they did not dare to take any serious action because their parents had clearly warned them not to start another matchmaking operation. So they were very subtle. They tried very discreetly to reunite their parents. If they all watched a movie together, they arranged the seats so that their parents sat together. They gave them every opportunity to be alone. Once the family was on the tennis court. Phoebe couldn't play yet and took over the role of the captain. When the teams were drawn, she manipulated the notes so that her parents formed a team. The success was obvious. Taylor and Ridge played perfectly together to defeat Thomas and Steffy. When they actually won, Ridge lifted Taylor into the air and spun her around.
Thomas, Steffy and Phoebe were sure they were on the right way, but then their father suddenly started not coming home for dinner. Taylor first assumed he had to work overtime. However, Ridge was always very reserved when she asked him about it. Then Taylor noticed Thomas and Steffy were also reacting very evasively to their father's absence. Taylor decided to get to the bottom of the matter. She stopped by Ridge's office.
"Talor, what a surprise?!"
"Hey, I just brought Thomas and Steffy their lunch and I have something for you too!" She placed a bag on his desk.
"Thank you, you are an angel Doc!"
"Well, I figured if I'm going to play delivery service for our kids, then I can't let you starve!" She winked at him.
"That would actually be really cruel!" He winked back.
"Well, I don't want to disturb you any longer. Just one question, when are you coming home tonight? I'm only asking because I have to plan for dinner."
Ridge was about to answer.when the door opened and Brooke whirled in.
"Hello Taylor, what are you doing here?"
She didn't even wait for the answer. She went to Ridge, put some documents on the table and hugged and kissed him.
"Here are some press inquiries we need to go through, darling!" She stroked his hair. "By the way, I really enjoyed last night. Where are you taking me today?" She whispered seductively and snuggled up to him.
She didn't notice that Ridge suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He hardly dared to look at Taylor. She didn't let on about the storm that was currently raging inside her. She put on a smile.
"I'll let you discuss this on your own!"
It was only on the drive home that her tension began to ease. Now it was clear to her where Ridge had been the last few evenings. It shouldn't surprise her at all that Ridge was apparently on his way to reconcile with Brooke. What really bothered her was the fact that he hadn't been honest with her. But that was just typical for Ridge. Now Taylor understood why Thomas and Steffy had reacted so strangely. The two probably knew about it already and just didn't dare say anything.
When Taylor sat down for dinner with her kids, Phoebe was the only one who was still completely clueless.
"I feel sorry for Dad with all his overtime!" Thomas laughed scornfully.
"Oh yeah, the poor guy is totally overloaded!" he said ironically.
"This overtime can be really exhausting!" Steffy added mockingly. Phoebe stared at her siblings in surprise.
"What's wrong with you two?" Taylor put her hand on hers.
"What they're trying to tell you, your dad doesn't work anymore. He's seeing Brooke." Phoebe rolled her eyes.
"Good God! Not again! Is Dad completely insane?! And what do we do now?"
Taylor glanced intently at them.
"We're not doing anything! That's your father's business!"
When Ridge got home, he was very surprised that Taylor was still awake. She sat on the couch reading a novel.
"Hey, were you waiting for me?!"
"I bet you wish! There's no reason why I should wait for you. You're not one of my kids and I'm not your wife either!"
Ridge notices her sarcastic tone. He hesitantly sat down next to her.
"What I wanted to tell you……about Brooke…."
"You don't have to explain anything to me. I know everything and it's up to you with whom you spend your nights with, although I thought that there would be at least enough candor between us for you to tell me the truth!"
"I didn't know how! I know how you feel about Brooke."
"Actually I'm a bit surprised. You've been arguing for the last few weeks and now it's all sunshine again?!"
"A lot has changed since Rick is in Paris. He was the main reason for our fights."
"Now you're making it very easy, Ridge! Rick may be Rick, but God knows he wasn't your only problem. Don't forget your disappointment because Brooke basically left you alone with all your worries! Instead of giving you comfort and support, she kicked you out of the door! Then the fact that she knew about the true circumstances of the accident and lied to you! But actually it shouldn't surprise me, that's just how it is in your merry-go-round! First you're together and act incredibly happy, then something happens and you start to fight non stop, to the point where you pack your bags to move out, then you decide to distance yourself from each other, you start missing each other, Brooke comes with her crocodile tears because she wants you back, you give in and you make up again. At the end there is an engagement and at some point you will get married for the umpteenth time, if you don't fall out beforehand!"
"That's a bit exaggerated."
"Actually, I couldn't care less. However, I do care if our children are the ones suffering in this misery! You know how happy they are to have you here with us and how much they want us to stay together as a family. Of course they are now afraid of losing everything, of losing you! However, I really have to ask you to play with open cards and you have to decide how this should continue in the future!"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't want to pressure you, but you do realize that you can't have it both ways. Family life with us and Brooke, you have to choose who you want to live with and I can only ask you to do this soon. Even if it will break my heart and the children's hearts if you move out again, it won't be any easier for us if you delay the matter unnecessarily!" Ridge bowed his head guiltily.
"You're right and of course I don't want to hurt you or our kids. It's just right now I don't know what I should do?!"
"Then you should figure this out as soon as possible!" Taylor came to him, she looked deep into his eyes.
"Never forget...I love you, Ridge, and our kids love you too!"
She gave him a very gentle kiss on the lips and left.
Ridge had a thousand thoughts running through his head. Taylor wasn't the first person that night to.express her feelings to him. Earlier at dinner, Brooke had urged him to move back in with her. She found the fact that he was still living with Taylor and the kids unacceptable. But he was reluctant to pack his things and leave this house.
The days passed without Ridge being able to come to a decision. He noticed that the mood in the house had changed significantly. It wasn't nearly as happy and exuberant anymore. Ridge was deeply concerned about his children's behavior. They were very anxious to make things nice for him. They seemed to be fighting to keep him at home by all means. They did everything they could to show him how wonderful life could be with them. But behind their cheerful facade, it was obvious how depressed and scared they all were. Ridge sensed that a huge rift had opened up between him and his kids. Until recently, they had all spoken openly about their feelings. But now they shut themselves down and he could only imagine what was really going on inside them. He knew they disapproved of his approach to Brooke. He would have liked to talk with them about it. Their silence made him more uncomfortable than if they had shouted their opinion in his face.
Taylor also withdrew from him. They spoke to each other.about everyday stuff, but otherwise she kept her distance. When Ridge tried to hug her, she avoided him. If he happened to touch her, she would flinch. Ridge had to admit, he missed her warmth and affection.
One morning, Ridge involuntarily overheard a conversation between the kids. They were busy preparing breakfast. Steffy baked waffles that her father liked so much. She sighed.
"I would love to throw the waffles in his face or mix in a good portion of pepper so that the spiciness clears his brain!"
"I'm afraid even the hottest chili in the world wouldn't be able to do that." said Phoebe dryly. She was squeezing oranges. "But you're absolutely right. The situation is completely absurd. We're standing here preparing a great breakfast for our father, who was with his cozzie until late at night. I don't even want to imagine what they did!"
Thomas slammed the plates on the table.
"It doesn't take much imagination. Why do you think Dad keeps running back to Brooke? Definitely not because of her great personality. I mean, this woman has the empathy of a refrigerator. I really wonder what great stunts she performs in bed so he can't keep his hands off her." Phoebe grimaced.
"Bah, Thomas stop! I'm getting sick!"
"Welcome to the club!" Steffy said to her. "You should see how she chatters around him during work. You can't eat as much as you want to puke!"
"And the worst part is that Dad doesn't even notice how Mom is feeling. I mean, the whole time he's been so close to her and pretending to enjoy being with her and as soon as Brooke wraps her legs around him, Mom is forgotten!" Steffy nodded to Thomas.
"Actually, Dad doesn't deserve Mom at all. I'm just wondering why Dad still stays with us. Why doesn't he pack his stuff and leave?!" Phoebe began to sob.
"But I don't want that! I mean, deep down, Dad is a great person. The last few weeks have shown how much we mean to him. Everything could be so nice if he would just finally get away from Brooke! Then.everything would be perfect!"
Ridge listened to the conversation with horror. Every word they said, hit him straight into his heart. To hear their bitterness and desperation hurt him deeply. As soon as he entered the kitchen, the conversation stopped. Thomas turned on the radio. Steffy came over to him with a smile.
"Here Dad, I made some waffles for you!"
But unlike usual, he didn't like them this morning. He had lost his appetite.
In the days that followed, Ridge tried to reconnect with his children. The family spent more time playing and watching videos together, but the three of them still remained skeptical. Ridge sometimes felt everyone treated him like a time bomb that could go off at any time. Steffy, Thomas and Phoebe still tried to enjoy every evening they all spent together. Because they feared that every night could be the last.
On Saturday everyone sat at the breakfast table in a nervous mood. Taylor asked the kids what they had planned for today. Since the weather was nice, they wanted to spend the day by the pool. Steffy mentioned after not doing any exercise at all for a while after the surgery, she needed to start again.
"I'm completely out of shape. I've decided to go swimming more often again."
"As if that would do any good!" Thomas teased her. Steffy gave him a shove.
"Don't think you can swim that much better!"
"Oh come on, sis! Unlike me, you look like a leaden duck! Qwak qwak qwak!"
Steffy pounced on her brother, Taylor slapped her hand forcefully on the table.
"That's enough! The times where I was constantly busy trying to tear you apart should finally be over." Steffy only reluctantly let go of Thomas.
"I bet I swim faster than you!"
"We are on!" Thomas turned to his father.
"What about you Dad? Are you in there too?"
"I would take on you at any time, but today you have to do your swimming competition without me. I have to go right after breakfast."
They could all tell from his face that he was about to see Brooke. As if on cue, his phone rang. He walked out and they could all hear him reassuring Brooke that he would be at her place in a moment. When Ridge returned, everyone except Taylor was gone. She was chopping up several fruits to make lemonade.
"Where has everyone gone?"
"They wanted to go to their rooms and change. They.weren't hungry anymore!"
She gave him a definite stare. Ridge could clearly see how angry she was with him. She took out all her anger on the fruit.
"I see, I messed up again!"
"I won't say anything!" She turned on the blender. That ended their conversation.
After Ridge had left Steffy, Thomas and Phoebe sat in the living room in a depressed mood. Everyone was lost in their own gloomy thoughts. They had been so excited to have a family day and Brooke had ruined everything again. It made Taylor sad to see her children this devastated. Nevertheless, she tried to keep a cheerful expression.
"Now, there's no reason to moping around! It's obvious your father and Brooke are on the way to reconciliation. We have to accept that. As difficult as it is, you shouldn't worry about it and let it spoil your mood!"
"You can't seriously be ok with that, Mom! I mean, everything has been perfect lately. Dad was truly happy with us. You felt that too! He felt so good when we were all together. Why does he want to put himself through this misery with Brooke again?! We have to prevent that!"
"Now listen carefully! I understand very well that you are disappointed! You certainly hoped that we would all remain a family and I am sorry if I cannot fulfill your wish. But your father loves Brooke very much and we have to respect it!"
"But Phoebe is right! Dad is doing much better with us. He hasn't been as relaxed as he was when he was with us. With Brooke the whole drama starts all over again. I just don't understand Dad! "
"Oh Thomas, love doesn't ask about reasonable arguments. The heart follows its own instincts."
"Then Dad's heart is clearly damaged! Don't you know a good cardiologist Mom, who can fix it?!"
Despite their bad mood, Phoebe and Steffy had to grin. Taylor gave her son a stern look.
"No matter what happens, you will always be his children and he loves you all very much!"
"Yes, that may be true..." said Steffy "...but we all know how this story ends! At first Dad will make big promises that nothing will change. But as soon as Brooke finally has him in her claws again, the contact will become less and at some point we'll be happy if he casually greets us at work! Brooke will do everything to put us in the second line!"
Taylor sighed, she also feared that this would happen. But she didn't want to show it.
"Now just wait and see! It doesn't help anyone if you just hang around here and mope around! It's such nice weather and you all wanted to go to the pool! "So, go!" The three of them trudged away rather listlessly.
Taylor watched them. It broke her heart to see the three of them so bitter and she wished she could do something to help them. She knew it would hurt them a lot if Ridge would move out again and there was nothing she could do to spare them the pain. The doorbell rang. Stephanie whirled in. She immediately noticed Taylor's depressed face.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you so depressed? You're supposed to be floating on clouds. I mean, Ridge still lives here and you've been living a perfect family life for weeks."
"Well, it's not quite that perfect!" Taylor said contritely.
She told Stephanie about Ridge seeing Brooke a lot lately and everything looked like the two were getting back together. Stephanie was outraged.
"So it's true and you're just letting it happen?? You should finally take action and do something about it!" Stephanie urged her dream daughter-in-law energetically.
"What do you think I should do? It looks like Ridge is ready to forgive Brooke for all her mistakes and build a future with her. He loves her to death!"
"But we both know that this love is not good for him. You have to finally make it clear to him that you are the much better wife for him! That you can offer him all the love, care and stability that Brooke never will! You should finally wake up and fight for Ridge with all your womanizing tricks! You love him!" Taylor hesitated.
"Of course I love him! You know that! But I can't just throw myself at him, that's not my style! Besides, I'm tired of always fighting for his love and attention, only to be defeated again.
Whenever I tried to win Ridge back and show him that we could have a future together, he ended up choosing Brooke. It hurt terribly every time and I don't want to go through that again!"
Taylor desperately ran her hands through her hair and fought back tears. Stephanie hugged her compassionately.
"I understand you! Still, don't give up! Ridge loves you, I know that. Someone just needs to open his eyes!"
"I'm afraid it's too late for that. Ridge's fixated on Brooke again. She snaps her fingers and he runs!"
"That's why you should finally take action and point out to him that his place is with you and your kids, with his family! Brooke has started the fight, do you want to let her win?!"
"You see, that's exactly my point! I don't want these endless fights anymore! If Ridge truly loves me, shouldn't it be him trying to win me over?! That he should fight for my heart?! I mean Ridge had been incredibly loving and attentive to me during the rough time and he had been a great support to me. Sometimes there were very brief moments when we suddenly were very close. The special bond between us was still there, like before. But I think it all had a different meaning for Ridge than it did for me. Maybe Ridge still loves me, but only as the mother of his children and as someone with whom he can always talk about everything. But I don't think that Ridge still sees the woman in me, or at least not the woman he desires and wants to be with, and I definitely don't want to be second choice."
"But think about the children too!" Stephanie tried to persuade her further. "Especially after this tragedy, they need a happy family life. You've noticed in the last few weeks how good this stability has been for them."
"Of course I think about the children! I always think about the children. It will be hard enough for them if Ridge actually moves out again. I don't want to make it any harder for them. They shouldn't have any illusions. which don't come true. This will only make things much worse for them."
They heard the three of them come back to the living room. Taylor quickly whispered to Stephanie.
"Please do me a favor and hold back your comments in front of them!"
"Well, what are you doing here again?" The three greeted their grandmother.
"We just forgot to take something to drink."
Phoebe put several glasses on a tray, Steffy filled a pitcher with lemonade while Thomas put chips in a bowl. Stephanie's cell phone rang and Eric was on the line. Stephanie's expression darkened more and more as the conversation progressed. She turned red and muttered in a strained voice. "That can't be true! That witch has done it again!"
Eric seemed to say something back to her. She mumbled. "Yeah, it's okay! I didn't mean it like that! I'll be there! I'll see you!"
She hung up and everyone could see that she was about to explode. Taylor put her arms around her.
"What's going on? You're completely beside yourself!" Stephanie looked around desperately.
"Oh, it's nothing. I have to go!" But Taylor didn't let herself be fobbed off so easily.
"Now tell me what's going on! When I look at your face, it can only be Brooke."
Yes, it has to do with Brooke. But I don't really want to tell you that now." Now her grandchildren had become even more curious.
"Now tell us, Grandma! Does it have something to do with Dad?"
Everyone looked at her tensely.
"Well, yes! Well, I don't.know how to say this..." She took a.deep breath. "Your father and Brooke are getting married today!"