Friday, May 19, 2006
As Stephanie prepared for the press conference, Felicia asked her to stop leaning on Dante and Bridget about the custody situation. Stephanie agreed. Jackie, Bridget and Nick speculated about what Stephanie’s press conference was all about. Jackie feared the worst, and called Stephen and told him she needed to see him right away. Stephen arrived and agreed with Jackie’s suspicions. He agreed to accompany her to the press conference. At Marone Industries, Taylor visited Nick, who gave him her input about his proposal. Nick picked Taylor’s brain about what Stephanie might be up to.

At the hospital, Eric helped Ridge get ready to be discharged to attend the press conference. At Eric’s behest, Christian accompanied them to the conference to monitor Ridge’s condition. Eric assured Ridge that the feud between Brooke and his mother was finally over today.

At Forrester Creations, Brooke stood in the conference room before things began and had fond flashbacks of past Forrester fashion shows and conferences. Stephanie arrived and told Brooke she knows how much Brooke loves the company and her work. Brooke conceded she did but said that Stephanie’s past machinations have tainted things. Stephanie asked Brooke to stay for the conference and promised her she wouldn’t be sorry. As people gathered, Stephanie realized Brooke had disappeared. She wanted to track down Brooke but Thorne said there wasn’t any time.

When the conference began, Stephanie first reassured everyone that Ridge’s prognosis is excellent. Next she said she has high confidence that the company will turn the corner financially, and wanted to introduce the person who would be leading the company to its revival. As Stephanie was about to make her announcement, Eric wheeled Ridge onto the stage. Ridge fielded some questions, including one about Brooke. He told the press that Brooke left the company. But Stephanie interrupted and said that she wanted to thank Brooke for her contributions to the company over all these years. Brooke, who was standing in the back, reluctantly joined them onstage. Stephanie then instructed everyone to watch the screen. A video montage trumpeting Brooke’s tenure and achievements at Forrester began to play. Jackie phoned Nick and told him to turn on the TV to watch the press conference because Stephanie was definitely up to something. When the tribute video ended, Brooke was given a round of applause. Stephanie retook the podium and announced that Brooke’s bedroom and men’s lines were now back in production. Stephanie declared that Brooke and Ridge are the future of Forrester, announced that she was stepping aside and offering Brooke the job of CEO — and 50% of the company. She welcome a stunned Brooke into the family.

Thursday, May 18, 2006
Brooke brought RJ to the hospital to see Ridge, who told Brooke the three of them are now a family and it’s a new a beginning for them. Catherine dropped by for a visit and took RJ so Brooke and Ridge could be alone. Ridge reminded Brooke of all the declarations she made to him. Brooke was slightly uncomfortable at the prospect that Ridge remembered everything she said to him when he was still unconscious, and tried to remain noncommittal and diplomatic in her statements. Ridge told her he was given a second chance and plans to make the most of it. Ridge asked Brooke if she believed his mother. Brooke said she believes that Stephanie believes what she’s saying. Ridge told Brooke he will never stop loving her. Brooke told Ridge she returned because he needed her, but she’s not reconciling with him. Nick paid Jackie a visit at Jackie M, and told her the good news: the divorce lawyers verified that her divorce from Massimo is finalized and her business is 100 percent hers. Jackie shared her worries about Brooke becoming vulnerable to Stephanie’s machinations, but Nick had faith in Brooke. Jackie asked forgiveness for playing devil’s advocate, but remained convinced that Nick and Brooke’s relationship may now be in jeopardy. Nick suggested that Brooke may be an invaluable asset to help Jackie expand Jackie M internationally. When Brooke arrived Jackie made her a job offer to join her and help Jackie M open new boutiques around the world. Jackie and Nick talked up the job idea to Brooke, but Brooke said she didn’t feel ready to return to work just yet.

At Forrester, Stephanie checked with Sally to make sure she had all the details covered for her planned press conference. Privately, Stephanie told Thorne and Eric of her plans to step down as CEO and give Brooke the job. Eric and Thorne were taken aback by Steph’s abrupt change of heart. Stephanie expressed her regrets at never having accepted Brooke earlier. Stephanie speculated that if she had accepted Brooke previously then she and Eric might never have gotten a divorce. Stephanie asked Eric for his support in this. Both Eric and Thorne pledged their support to her. Stephanie then called Brooke and asked her to attend a Forrester press conference. When Brooke hesitated Eric got on the line and persuaded Brooke to attend, much to Nick’s dismay.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006
At the hospital, Stephanie and Nick quarreled over who Brooke should spend time with now. Brooke told Nick she owes it to Ridge to finish her conversation with Stephanie, who told Brooke she’d never be able to thank Brooke enough for effecting Ridge’s recovery. Brooke said there was no way she could trust Stephanie or take her word again, and reaffirmed her love for Nick and her desire to spend her future with Nick. Brooke told Stephanie she was sure that Stephanie and Ridge would have wonderful lives, but would have them without her. Brooke and Nick then left the hospital. Back at Brooke’s home, Brooke told Nick that her presence really did a make a difference in Ridge’s recovery. Nick was happy that things worked out OK for Ridge, but angrily demanded that Brooke not have any more to do with Ridge or Stephanie. Brooke expressed her bewilderment at Stephanie’s apparent change of heart, and openly wondered if it was for real. Nick angrily asked what difference it would make if it was, and asked Brooke if she wants to be part of “that family” again. Brooke insisted that he’s the only person she wants to be with.

Jackie checked in on Ridge. His nurse told Jackie that his vitals are steady and improving. Jackie told a sleeping Ridge that she’s happy he survived and that there’s a lot left for him to do. She told him that she, Brooke and Nick want him to get better. Jackie told Ridge that Nick really does care about him because they’re half-brothers. In his dreams, Ridge recalled Brooke and Stephanie’s bedside comments to him. Jackie then intervened and tried to give Stephanie a reality check on the situation. Stephanie threw Jackie’s failed romance with Eric in her face. Jackie returned the favor by telling Stephanie she’s defined her whole life by fighting Brooke, and that she should stop fighting her son’s battles. After Jackie left Stephanie paid Ridge a visit. Ridge awakened and asked for Brooke. Stephanie covered and said Brooke left to take care of the kids at home. Stephanie pledged to welcome Brooke with open arms as if she were her own child when she returns to Ridge. Ridge sarcastically asked Stephanie who she was and what did she do with his mother. Stephanie smiled, and vowed to help Ridge get Brooke back for him.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
At the hospital, Stephen told Bridget he was determined to show everyone how much he’s changed, and vowed to look out for her mother. Stephen told Bridget he’s suspicious of Stephanie’s 180-degree turn where Brooke is concerned. Stephen expressed doubt that Stephanie would truly accept Brooke even if Ridge recovers. Nick and Jackie traded their own suspicions about Stephanie. Nick told Jackie how Stephanie pressed every one of Brooke’s buttons, and was concerned of her effect on Brooke. Jackie vented her frustrations over the situation to a sympathetic Stephen. Stephen reassured Jackie that their children would be fine.

Inside Ridge’s room, Stephanie and Brooke rejoiced at Ridge’s recovery, and Stephanie thanked Brooke for her efforts. Stephanie explained to Ridge that he’s had heart surgery, and made a profound apology to Ridge. Stephanie declared to Ridge and Brooke that she would never again stand in their way. Stephanie took Ridge and Brooke’s hands and clasped them together. Stephanie asked Ridge and Brooke for the opportunity to prove her sincerity to them. Ridge told Brooke he thought he lost her. Eric and Christian entered the room and were delighted to see that Ridge had regained consciousness. Bridget and Nick soon joined them, but Christian ordered them to step aside for a minute. Christian examined Ridge and told him that the cardiologist would explain the details of what’s happened. Ridge had no memory of what happened to him. After everyone else left Ridge’s room, Brooke and Ridge shared a tender, private moment. Brooke tearfully told Ridge she couldn’t imagine her life without Ridge and laid down on his chest. Nick whispered to Stephanie that he wanted to have a talk with her privately. Nick told Stephanie to stay away from Brooke. Stephanie told Nick his feelings aren’t her concern. Nick accused Stephanie of lying about her new position on Brooke. Stephanie insisted it was legit, and that she was willing to accept Brooke if it meant Ridge would be happy. Stephanie vowed to fight just as hard to keep Brooke in Ridge’s life as she previously fought to keep her out of it. Later Nick visited Ridge in his room. While Ridge was sleeping, Nick marked off his territory and declared that to him Brooke was his. Meanwhile Stephanie broke down and apologized to Brooke for never giving her a break or a chance. Stephanie said she’s finally realized that Brooke and Ridge’s relationship is about far more than just sex, but is about deep passion and love. Stephanie begged Brooke to give her one last chance to prove herself and the sincerity of her intentions — as Nick eavesdropped from around the corner.

Monday, May 15, 2006
Brooke tearfully told Stephanie how long she’s waited to be accepted by her. As a bitter Nick hurled insults from the sidelines, Stephanie tenderly asked Brooke to return to LA with her to tend to Ridge. Brooke approached Nick and apologized that she needs to go. Nick insisted on traveling with them.

At the hospital, Felicia and Dante kissed while waiting for Ridge to come back from his tests. Dante asked her what they were doing. Felicia said her brother is sick and may be dying and things are so intense that she needs to feel something different or else she’d go crazy. Bridget entered and realized something was amiss between them. Felicia covered. Bridget then smooched Dante, who told Bridget that Felicia would talk to Stephanie for them to get Stephanie to stop Dante from being deported. Later, Felicia and Dante privately reminisced about how they first met in Europe. Felicia then probed him about his current status with Bridget, and suggested that maybe Bridget would never be interested in a life with him. She asked Dante why he kissed her, but he insisted that she kissed him. Felicia conceded that maybe she was the one who initiated things.

Christian told Eric that Ridge’s MRI was inconclusive, and that Ridge should be awake by now. Christian ordered one more test for Ridge before returning Ridge to his room. Jackie arrived to comfort Eric, who was shocked to see Stephen in tow. Jackie ridiculed Stephanie’s idea that Brooke could somehow help Ridge, but Eric defended her actions. Jackie remained steadfast in her suspicions of Stephanie, which annoyed Eric. Jackie was aghast when she realized that Eric believes Stephanie, and accused him of always having to see the best in Stephanie. Jackie returned Eric’s engagement ring to him, and said that she’s realized for a long time that their relationship is over and that he belongs with his family. Eric tenderly told Jackie that he didn’t regret a single moment he spent with her. Stephanie then phoned him from the airplane to let him know they’re en route and would be back in LA within the hour. On the plane Stephanie confidently told Brooke that as soon as Ridge hears her voice he will respond to it. Jackie continued ranting about Stephanie to Stephen, who asked her why she gave Eric back his ring. Jackie insisted their relationship was over a long time ago. Stephen told her she did the right thing.

Stephanie, Brooke and Nick arrived at the hospital. Jackie admonished Brooke for taking on the responsibility for caring for Ridge. Christian took Brooke to see Ridge, while Nick reassured Jackie that he would never allow Stephanie to finagle a reconciliation between Brooke and Ridge. Inside Ridge’s room, Stephanie spoke to Ridge and told him Brooke was in the room to see him. Stephanie guided Brooke’s hand to Ridge’s. Stephanie then spouted off a huge mea culpa to Ridge, and told him it’s not too late to undo and change things. Brooke concurred and told Ridge that things don’t have to end the way they left them. Brooke told Ridge she loves him, and that the two of them will always be together forever and connected forever through R.J. Brooke pleaded with Ridge to come back and kissed him on the lips. Brooke apologized to Stephanie that her presence had seemingly no effect. But then Ridge muttered a word.....”Logan.”

2005 recaps