Hi Everyone – I accidently left this chapter out I think? It was supposed to directly follow Thomas and Steffy leaving the hospital after they had visited Liam and Hope.

I am sorry but I somehow forgot to download it (stuff happening at home), but it's kind of important as it explains why both Steffy and Ridge leave L.A. for a break, and a little more on Brooke. Once again, sorry I forgot to put it in, in its proper order, so it is now a little out of context – it SHOULD be two chapters back (I think). So, if you want a little more context – read on.

Steffy and Thomas arrived back at the beach house just after six as promised, both felt physically and mentally drained from their ordeals. On the way back from the hospital they had discussed tactics and had come to the decision to tell Ridge what Brooke had done after Steffy had fed the kids and put them in the games room with Douglas to play before their bath time. She had invited both Thomas and Douglas to stay the night, but Thomas thought the storm had eased enough for them to make it home safely and he didn't want to disrupt Douglas's routine, he also wanted to break the news about Hope to him at home, where he knew he felt secure.

Their plan made, they hurried through the light drizzle and opened the door, only to be greeted by the most wonderfully appetising aroma coming from the dining room.

"What's going on?" asked a smiling Steffy as she moved over to the table where Ridge and the kids were just finishing off what appeared to be a mound of food.

Kelly looked up, "Your friend Cat came around with her friend Carmella, they brought us lots and lots of food, it's really yummy, we saved you some though," she said waving her hand at the still seemingly full containers on the kitchen bench.

"Cat?" said Steffy blinking in surprise and turning to her father.

"Apparently Marius rang her after speaking to Dee, he asked if they could bring over a hot cooked meal for us for dinner tonight, and I gotta say, they really outdid themselves. I've been to Italy a lot over the years, and I've eaten in some of the best restaurants around, but I must admit, I've never tasted Tortellini with brown butter sage as good as this before, and I'll tell you now, it's a miracle you have any of the Cherry and Dark chocolate Crostata left, I'm having a hard time stopping myself from going back for more now, even being as full as I am," said Ridge with a wide satisfied smile.

Steffy blinked still eyeing the delicious food even as a hungry Thomas sat down to eat. Steffy grabbed the containers and they both set to with relish as the kids left the table and went upstairs to continue playing before their baths and bedtime.

After they had finished Thomas sat back and sighed, "Do you think I can poach their cook from them? That meal was every bit as amazing as you said."

He turned to Steffy smiling, "Marius is definitely one of the good guys, I feel a lot better after that feast believe it or not."

Steffy, who had been unusually quiet during dinner looked at Thomas, her face a mask of concern.

"Sis? What's wrong?" asked Thomas.

"Steffy?" echoed Ridge straight after Thomas.

"I like him," she hesitated a moment, "I mean, I think I really like him. I thought I had my feelings all worked out, I thought we could keep everything low key, that we could maybe see where this attraction we have between us leads, but then he goes and does something sweet and thoughtful like this," she said frowning again.

"You're involved with Marius?" asked Thomas smiling, "I knew there was something between you two."

"It's new, it just sort of started for real last night." Sighed Steffy, surprised at her brother's enthusiasm about her love life.

"And you're worried because the man is being good to you? That he's trying to ease your burdens by being thoughtful?" asked Ridge in confusion.

"Yes! No! I don't know! Said Steffy in confusion.

"Look, I know this may sound strange, but with everything that's happened I've realised that my choices in men haven't exactly been, well, outstanding. First there was Bill, well we all know how that turned out, and what he's done to me over the years. I've then moved onto a man that's continuously waffled between me and Hope, or whatever woman happened to need saving at the time, then when I finally move on from him, I pick a man that ends up having an affair with Hope, and then to top it off, tries to kill me. You have to admit, my choices having exactly been raging successes," she said bitterly.

"So, you're worried Marius may turn out to be another asshole in a conga line of assholes?" asked Thomas.

Steffy shrugged, "wouldn't you? And don't forget I have my kids to think of now, and no matter how much I'm attracted to Marius- and I am - they must come first, no matter how I may feel. I'm scared, because I don't know if I can trust my own judgement anymore, or what I'm beginning to feel, it just seems to be moving so fast."

Ridge leant over and took his daughter's hand, "as much as I hate to say it, because I think Marius is a bit of a smartass, sometimes, when something is right, it happens like that, but, if you have concerns, why not take yourself and the kids out of the equation for a while. Take some time off, a few weeks in Europe could be good for you to clear your mind and get yourself sorted, especially after everything that's happened."

Steffy stared at her father for a long time before nodding slowly, "you're right, I think as soon as Dee's line is introduced, I may take an extended vacation with the kids, I can home school them for a couple of months while I sort myself out."

She grasped her father's hand and smiled gently at him. "Thanks dad, I needed that."

Ridge smiled, "I'm here for you Steffy, always, just remember that."

Steffy turned to Thomas who nodded slightly. "Dad, there's something else we have to tell you, it's about Brooke and Hope, Liam told me this morning, just before Finn attacked us."

Ridge frowned, "Brooke and Hope? What's happened?"

Both Steffy and Thomas told Ridge what had happened at Brookes and of Hope losing her baby because of what Brooke did. Ridge just sat there quietly, he's face growing paler and paler as each word cut into his soul. When they were finally finished, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Logan . . . I never thought, not in my wildest imaginings . . . I never dreamed that she could ever do something like . . . that, especially to Hope. Oh god, I feel like I want to be sick!"

He stood and paced away from them until he stood looking out the patio door at the remnants of the storm as it finally blew itself out.

"I loved her, I gave up so much for her. I gave her everything I thought she could ever want, but it was like feeding an insatiable beast, it was never enough. My dignity, my self-respect, my heart, money, jewellery, property, and worst of all, my god-damned family! . . . EVERYTHING! I GAVE HER EVERYTHING SHE EVER DREAMED OF, AND IT STILL DIDN'T SATISFY HER! He ended on a shout of rage.

He buried his face in his hands before running them through his hair.

He took a long, deep, calming breath and looked over at Steffy as she and Thomas looked on in concern at their fathers angry words.

"How would you like a companion on your trip? After everything you just told me, I find myself with an overwhelming need to get away from everything, and everyone, for a while at least, and reconnecting with you and the kids might be just the thing, for both of us."

Steffy gave Ridge a tearful smile, "I'd like that, and I can't think of anything better for both of us right now, now, so, let's get organising."

A day later, Steffy had gently told Marius that she needed some time to think about their fast-building relationship. She was honest with him and told him that because her choices in men in the past had always come to unfortunate conclusions, she was frightened, and didn't trust what she was feeling, she needed time to sort out both her heart and mind, especially after what had just happened with Finn.

He'd grudgingly agreed and had told her he'd wait until she was ready, however long she took, because he believed that what they had shared was not something that happened every day. Happy with the outcome Steffy had also told her mother that her and her dad were going away, and of what had happened with Finn, Brooke, and Hope. Taylor immediately wanted to fly home, but Steffy had stopped her, telling her that she would catch up with her when she got back. Taylor had reluctantly agreed, but only because she was going with Ridge, and they could both use the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild their relationship.

Two days later, straight after Dee's successful lingerie show, they left for Europe.

Meanwhile the same day as Ridges and Steffys departure for Europe,

Brooke has spent the morning at the pawn brokers arguing, before finally taking what she can get for her prized possessions, unfortunately it's nowhere near what she thought she'd get, but she's confident everything will be back in her possession before the end of the next month. She confident the buyer's money should start to roll in by then. She comforted herself by saying it was enough to pay Hopes lawyers and her mortgage, and at the moment, that was what was paramount.

She quickly took a cab to both legal firms, and paid Hopes legal bills in full, then she went straight to the bank and paid her now overdue mortgage. Feeling disappointed and a little dejected at her now almost empty bank account, she impulsively splurges on some new lingerie with her remaining cash. Feeling a little better she headed out with a new determination, it was time to let her daughter know of her momentous sacrifice, and to bring her home.

Feeling confident with her plan she heads straight to the Hospital to see her Hope before she is discharged.