"Marry me. Be my wife," sighed Rick to Steffy before pulling her into a kiss. "You love me, I love you, what more do you need?" he wondered, suggesting they elope. They began brainstorming about their future together, but Steffy wasn't quite ready to say "yes." Did Rick really love her or could marrying her be an "ultimate act of revenge" against Ridge? After all, Rick's behavior has been pretty bizarre. "I've given you my heart, but it doesn't feel very safe," she said. "Are you using me?" she demanded. "My feelings for you are real," he swore. "I am not faking this." Despite his assurance, Steffy still wasn't sure. Rick pointed much so they could be together and he didn't want to lose her. Steffy pointed out that he doesn't think before he acts. She couldn't be with someone like that! "Okay," said Rick, his whole demeanor changing. He solemnly said she'd see him change. "I'm going to do everything right," he promised. He kissed her and walked out.

Ridge thanked Brooke for asking Rick to leave the company. She felt like she'd turned her back on her son. Ridge hoped the "kick in the butt" would help get his life on track and insisted Rick would see the wisdom of Brooke's decision in time. Ridge wanted to focus on their family — which Rick would find a place in after he'd gone away and grown up a bit. Ridge held Brooke and comforted her and then teased her into a makeout session.

Rick apologized to Eric (yet again) and Eric noted that things could be different at Forrester for Rick in the future. "Get some help," he urged his son. Rick promised to try and be better and regretted disappointing his dad. Eric hugged him and assured him he'd never stopped loving him. Ridge and Brooke walked in and Brooke tried to explain, again, her decision to fire Rick. Rick apologized to her and to a skeptical Ridge, promising to earn back his self-respect and their respect, too. Ridge didn't quite buy the act, but Brooke thought Rick already seemed changed. Up at the Sky Lounge, Rick swore to Steffy that they'd be together and "to Hell with your father." He kissed her, made her promise to wait for him, and ran off.