Friday, March 24, 2006
Dr. Ramirez told Stephanie that Felicia's fighting an uphill battle. Stephanie said she'd like some help from him to justify her actions to her family. Dr. Ramirez said he wanted to take Felicia off of life support tonight. Taylor stopped by and suggested that Stephanie's taking on too much guilt over Felicia’s death. Stephanie admonished Taylor to not set her sights on Nick, and cautioned that Taylor's very vulnerable right now. Taylor said that Nick is the first person in a long time who understood her and her pain, and said Nick is too good for Brooke. Stephanie told Taylor she's too good for Nick, and warned her to stay away from him. Back at the clinic, Stephanie consulted with Dr. Ramirez, who said that Felicia has responded well to the chemo. Stephanie told Felicia she has to fight harder than she's ever fought before then reluctantly signed the consent to have Felicia taken off life support. As the doctors unhooked Felicia from the machines, Stephanie sat at her bedside and asked God to help them.

Bridget teased Dante about all the messages he's been getting from interested girls on his answering machine. Bridget offered to watch Dominick if he wants to go out for the night. Dante asked if Bridget was sure she's OK with him going out. Bridget said she's happy to spend the night with Dominick and showed him to the door. She noted Dante carrying a small gift for someone. Dante surprised Bridget by returning soon after. Dante surprised Bridget with champagne, and the gift she saw earlier: Inside the box was a document signed by Felicia, giving Dante and Bridget full legal custody of Dominick. Dante happily declared the three of them a family, and tenderly kissed Bridget, who admitted she didn't want him to leave when he left earlier, and proceeded to respond passionately to his kiss.

On the Marlin, Nick was pleasantly surprised to find Brooke on board. Below deck she surprised him with a very special candlelit dinner — chicken wings and beer — and Hope. Nick thanked Hope for helping Brooke with the surprise. Nick and Brooke stepped away from Hope for a moment. Brooke told Nick she hasn't told Hope the news that he and Bridget have split up yet. Nick told Brooke he wants to be a father to Hope. Nick and Brooke rejoined Hope, and he told Hope he wants to take her and Brooke on adventure with his boat. Later, Brooke warned Nick that Ridge has made it clear that he's not going to give up. Nick said Ridge has to accept reality. Nick promised they'd deal with it together. Brooke thanked Nick for bringing so much peace to her life and for making her so happy. Nick and Brooke made out, and she told him she always felt their love. The two of them agreed that Bridget deserves to be happy, and will be, and reveled in their renewed romance under the moonlight above deck.

Thursday, March 23, 2006
By phone, Dr. Ramirez reported to Stephanie that holding a memorial service for Felicia might be appropriate, given that Felicia’s vitals were getting even weaker. Stephanie asked Dr. Ramirez about the DVD she sent him. Dr. Ramirez said he hadn’t looked at it yet. Stephanie pleaded with Dr. Ramirez for him and his staff to watch it so that they’ll come to know her as a person and not just another case. Dr. Ramirez agreed, and watched the DVD after his call with Stephanie, who joined the crush of mourners at Felicia’s memorial service. Everyone gathered around a portrait of Felicia. Eric thanked Stephanie for attending. He stressed it was important for her to be there so that everyone could say goodbye to Felicia. Stephanie admitted she can’t say goodbye — not yet. Eric spoke to the mourners, and stoically eulogized his daughter. He said his faith tells him that she’s in a better place. Ridge took his turn, and fondly recalled the time he lent Felicia his Porsche. Kristen then recalled the night of Felicia’s prom. Thorne remembered when Felicia asked everyone to become vegetarians. Bridget then spoke, and vowed that she and Dante would look after Dominick. Stephanie got upset and said Felicia wants to live. Eric told her they did everything they could, but it’s too late. Stephanie insisted it wasn’t too late, and left the service. Eric and Ridge felt she was simply still in denial. Stephanie then got a call on her cell from Dr. Ramirez, who summoned her to the clinic.

At the conclusion of the service, Ridge offered to take Brooke home and fix her dinner. Brooke shunned him, while Ridge remained undaunted to reconcile with her. Massimo observed them together. Nick told him it’s not how it looked between them, and informed Massimo that he and Bridget signed their divorce papers.

At the clinic, Dr. Ramirez gave Stephanie some good news: Felicia’s vitals had improved a bit and stabilized. Dr. Ramirez cautioned that Felicia needs to keep on fighting. Stephanie encouraged Felicia to do so, and noticed an uptick in her vitals when she spoke to her. Stephanie realized Felicia heard her and understood what she had to do.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
On the Marlin, Nick said it was taking every ounce of strength not to make love to Brooke. Brooke wondered if Bridget might not sign the papers, but Nick said he heard from Bridget and she wanted to meet with him ASAP to do so. Brooke encouraged Nick to seek her out and sign the papers before anything could go wrong.

Stephanie took a call from Dr. Ramirez. She asked him how the chemo was going. Stephanie instructed Dr. Ramirez not to continue putting Felicia through this if it looked like it wasn’t going to work out. Eric then approached Stephanie and insisted that they hold a memorial service for Felicia so he could say goodbye to his daughter. Stephanie said she felt too overwhelmed to do so. Eric told her that he already made arrangements behind her back for a small service. Stephanie flipped. Eric caught Steph referring to Felicia in the present tense, and admonished Stephanie to face reality and move on. Eric sweetly suggested to Stephanie that she needs closure like the rest of them, and asked her if she’d attend the service. Eric told Steph he was proud of her and the two hugged. After Eric left Stephanie called Dr. Ramirez back for an update. The doctor warned that Felicia’s vitals were weakening and that the chemo might be too much for her to handle.

Nick returned to Bridget, who told him she already began packing up some of his things. Bridget insisted to Nick that she really wants this divorce. Nick said it just didn’t feel right. Bridget conceded that they shared a lot of really wonderful memories and that Nick brought her a lot of joy. Nick demanded that Bridget be completely honest with him, and asked point blank if she’s definitely sure that divorce is what she really wants. Bridget said yes, and told Nick not to feel sorry for her, that she has Dominick and she’s ready to move on. She looked over the divorce agreement and said everything was in order — all it required was their signatures. Nick and Bridget then signed the papers. Bridget reminded Nick not to forget his boxes. A dejected Nick left with his stuff, while Bridget cried on the sofa. Nick peeked in through the door and saw her crying.

Brooke returned home to find a determined Ridge in her house with his luggage. Ridge confidently declared that “It ain’t over by a long shot.” Brooke flipped out at Ridge’s apparent act of defiance. Ridge offered to move into the guesthouse, which Brooke also rejected. Ridge reminded her that they nearly exchanged vows almost 24 hours ago. Brooke apologized and said she didn’t want to hurt Ridge, but she was in love with Nick. Brooke insisted it wasn’t an easy decision, but she had been doing a lot of thinking. Brooke told Ridge that Nick and Bridget’s divorce will be final in six months. When Brooke complained that Ridge wasn’t listening to her he agreed, and pulled her into a passionate kiss. After the kiss Ridge told him he needs her. She said she needs him to respect her decision. When Ridge questioned if she’s not moving ahead with Nick until the divorce is final in six months, she admonished him that nothing would change in the interim. Ridge vowed not to give up on her and stormed out. Later, Nick arrived with the news that he and Bridget signed the papers. Nick reassured Brooke that everything would be fine and they embraced, as Ridge watched them through the window from outside, seething.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Dr. Ramirez called to update Stephanie on Felicia's condition. She was back on chemotherapy, but it was too early to tell if it was working. The second Steph hung up, Ridge came in and comforted his mother. He suggested the family hold a memorial service for his sister; it was time. Stephanie was hesitant. Ridge went on to talk about Brooke, and predicted that they'll make a grand reunion. Steph lifted out of her Felicia worry long enough to frown disapprovingly. Ridge insisted that he and Brooke could work things out. Stephanie didn't agree, and couldn't believe that her son still had hope.

Taylor returned to the Marlin with breakfast for her and Nick. The sailor was busy gazing at the sonogram of baby Nicole. He put it away and told Taylor that Bridget already had divorce papers drawn up. Taylor wondered if Brooke could really be with Nick, with Bridget looking on. Nick said Brooke wouldn't do anything if she thought for one moment that Bridget couldn't take it. "She puts her kids first," he maintained. Nick reminded Taylor that Brooke took care of Taylor's kids for years, while Taylor was presumed dead, and never complained. Taylor marveled at how Nick stood up for her rival. She admitted that she's been self-medicating lately, and she thanked Nick for looking out of her as well.

Brooke visited Bridget at the beach house. Bridget pressed Brooke for details about her and Nick. Brooke praised her daughter's unselfishness, but wondered if she was really ready to see her ex with her mom. She cited the loss of Nicole and immediately finding out Dante was Dominick's biological father. Bridget insisted that she could handle it. She was ready to have her life with Dominick — Dante had assured her she was welcome — and she wanted Brooke to move on as well. Bridget showed her mother her divorce papers. "I'm not cursed to a life of men who want to be with my mother more than they want to be with me," she maintained. Brooke wondered how she got so lucky (how, indeed?). Bridget did make one request, however — that they keep their relationship quiet until the divorce becomes final, six months from now. Brooke promised there would be no relationship during that time. Bridget said that wasn't necessary, but Brooke insisted she wanted to do that out of respect for her daughter.

Brooke went to visit Nick on the Marlin. She wondered if they could actually be together, and he pointed out that they'd already tried staying apart, which hadn't done Bridget or anyone else any good. "I want to be with you so bad," Brooke whispered. Nick assured her that the divorce papers were there, and that he'd signed them. Brooke was almost trembling; she couldn't believe they were finally available to each other. Nick swept her into a passionate kiss to prove it. Brooke groaned about how much she loved him, but broke their embrace to tell him about her promise to Bridget: that they wouldn't make love until his divorce was final. "How long is that?" Nick panted. "Six months." Nick grimaced and doubled over like she'd just punched him in the gut. She insisted they could be together in any other way; "we just can't make love before..." "...you're my wife," Nick finished. A delighted Brooke said yes. Jack Wagner's "Going Back Again" played as Nick picked Brooke up and spun her around the room.

Monday, March 20, 2006
At Felicia’s bedside, Stephanie whispered to her unconscious daughter, reassuring Felicia that she’s safe. Stephanie said there’s a small chance that she could live, but it would entail a liver transplant, radiation, and chemo, and will be a hard struggle. Stephanie said she wasn’t sure if this is what Felicia meant when Felicia cried out to her mother to help her, but she’s trying. Stephanie begged Felicia to fight with all her strength. Stephanie told Felicia that she hasn’t told her father or siblings that she’s still alive, out of fear of being stopped by them. Stephanie vowed to fight with Felicia every step of the way.

Stephanie consulted with Dr. Ramirez, who cautioned Stephanie about Felicia’s tentative odds. He warned Stephanie that Felicia is in for the fight of her life. Stephanie said she realized that a liver transplant is not a cure, and said she’s just hoping to buy her daughter more time. Stephanie asked Dr. Ramirez to tell Felicia the best-case scenario.

On the Marlin, Taylor assured Nick she wasn’t coming on to him. Nick asked her what she was doing then. Taylor said she was offering her thanks for helping her through a rough patch. Taylor felt guilty for unintentionally complicating things between him and Brooke. Although Taylor admitted to Nick that she found escape from her pain through him. Taylor felt guilty for what had happened. Nick insisted nothing inappropriate ever did happen. Taylor wished Nick the best. The two went above deck for some air and more chat. Taylor asked Nick if he had a cure for the hangover. Nick told her to take care of herself, and cautioned her about losing too many brain cells from liquor. Taylor conceded he’s not the first person to warn her about drinking too much. Nick cautioned that overanalyzing things too much could drive her crazy. Taylor was pleasantly surprised by his level of insight — for a sailor. Nick offered Taylor his friendship, and suggested they get her to smile a bit more.

Bridget flashed back to a moment when she and Nick professed their love to each other. Dante arrived with baby Dominick. He said now that Felicia is gone, Dominick is going to need her now more than ever. As Dominick got fussy from hunger, Dante fed him as Bridget expressed her fears of losing Dominick because Dante could meet some other woman and/or go back to Italy. Dante insisted he wants to be with no other woman than Bridget. Bridget apologized for sounding paranoid. Dante said she had nothing to apologize for, because she’s been through so many losses. Dante understood that she’s been hurt by people she loves, but insisted that neither he nor Dominick would disappear on her. Dominick reassured Bridget the she will be the only mother Dominick will ever know, as the screen split in half to show Felicia in her hospital bed.

2005 recaps