Season 17

Bridget calls Brooke and is hurt when Ridge answers. Bridget doesn't answer at first, but does and Ridge hopes that she's not hurt. Bridget assures that it's all right. After meeting with Deacon, Massimo calls Captain Dominick Payne, but the call is short-lived after an explosion occurs on the ship that Dominick is on.

Thorne and Macy revel in finding their way back to each other. Darla is devastated to hear Thorne's message on her answering machine telling her that he and Macy are back together. Massimo tells Ridge about the tanker accident and blames Captain Payne for the incident. Bridget prepares to go to Mexico to help with an injured Dominick Payne.

Ridge and Massimo discuss the tanker accident, which segues into a discussion on how Eric would react should he ever learn that Ridge is not his son. Darla puts up a brave front as Macy tells her how happy she and Thorne are to be back together. In Mexico, the injured ship's captain wears a Marone ring as Bridget brings his mother in to see him.

Darla's heart breaks as Macy and Thorne can't stop talking about their love for each other. Rick and Amber toast April's good fortune, but Rick realises Amber is also a little bit jealous. April runs into Deacon and is thrilled when he manages to negotiate a better contract for her upcoming musical gig.

April shares with Rick her encounter with Deacon, and he warns her to stay away from him. Jackie worries about Dominick down in Mexico, and Bridget tries to reassure the worried woman. Massimo heads to Mexico on the corporate jet, determined to punish Captain Payne. Brooke and Ridge spend some time together.

Jackie talks with Bridget about Dominick's condition, and is obviously reluctant to encounter Massimo Marone directly. Deacon introduces April to Cruz Nunez, an old friend of his who is hosting an upcoming variety show. Massimo confronts Dominick in his room, calling him Nick, and blames him for the accident. Stephanie stops by to see Ridge with gifts.

When Nick admits his disbelief that Brooke could even consider a reunion with Ridge after finding him in a clinch with Bridget, Brooke told Nick that she and Ridge had an unshakable bond.

Bridget remembers when Taylor told her always to love, no matter what the cost, and wonders if Taylor could have been foreseeing a relationship between her and Ridge.

Bridget goes to Stephanie looking for help to find her father, but when Stephanie learns that Eric took off because he caught Bridget and Ridge together, Stephanie blasts her former step-daughter, telling her she is just like her mother.

Seeing how upset he is at the situation between his daughter and the man formerly known as his son, Jackie offers Eric a shoulder to cry on, but Nick is upset when he learns that Jackie let Eric spend the night.

After going into a litany of the things she has done to Bridget in the past, including putting her second to a long list of men, not giving her the attention she deserved, and sleeping with her husband, Brooke tells Bridget that her ridiculous infatuation with Ridge has to end.

Ridge is angry when Nick tells him he should stay away from both Bridget and Brooke. Nick says Ridge had his chance with Brooke, and his relationship with Bridget, his former half-sister who he thought was his daughter for a number of years, is just plain wrong.

Thorne is stunned to learn that both Ridge and Eric have turned their backs on Stephanie, but embraces his mother. When he asks Eric to forgive her, Eric refuses despite the fact that Stephanie had no idea Ridge wasn't his son, and tells Thorne that he is now his oldest son.

Although Jackie tries to assure Stephanie that she isn't trying to add to her troubles, Stephanie still wants Jackie to pack up and leave. Later Jackie assures Eric that nothing will make her turn her back on him, for which he is grateful.

Stephanie is surprised when Amber does not turn against her for her deceptions, but rather encourages the older woman that despite Jackie's presence in his life, Eric will come back to her. Darla agrees to allow an excited Macy to adopt her baby, and tells Thorne this will be the best thing for their child.

Darla tells Macy that the baby's father is a happily married man and she doesn't want to ruin his life, and Macy realises that Thorne is actually the father. Thorne tries to explain, but Macy isn't listening. Amber tells Jackie that she's going out, and the other woman better be gone when she gets back. Amber is shocked to come face to face with Jackie as she prepares to meet with Fenmore. Eric tells Stephanie that she's starting to act just like Brooke.

Bridget is rushed to the hospital after becoming a casualty in Ridge and Eric's argument. Sally rips into Thorne after Macy tells her that he is the father of Darla's baby. Nick tells Brooke she'll regret it if she lets Ridge play her against her daughter.

Deacon is touched by what Macy has to say at an AA meeting and gives her his card, suggesting that they keep in touch. Sally is furious with Darla and fires her, warning her to stay away from her family. Bridget tells her mother she can't walk away from Ridge and the children, but when Ridge walks into her room he says she must.

Amber and Rick argue over Ridge and Bridget's relationship, telling him that Ridge is on the market since Brooke called off the wedding. They later make up. Ridge and Bridget agree that despite their good intentions, too many people were hurt by their relationship and needs to end. She asks him to say goodbye to the children for her.

Macy is surprised when Deacon tells her that he is the father of both Hope's daughter Brooke, and Rick and Amber's son Little Eric, and encourages him to get his children back. Jackie is upset to overhear Ridge telling Eric that Brooke is just using Nick to get over him. Brooke and Nick enjoy a night out, and share a passionate kiss.

Deacon is devastated when Jonathan visits, at Rick's bequest, to remind him that he gave up his rights and is not allowed to see his son. Amber tries in vain to get Rick to let up on Deacon. Sally takes great pleasure in informing Stephanie that Thorne got Darla pregnant. Thorne reluctantly signs the annulment papers after Macy begs him to let her go.

Bridget warns Nick that Brooke is probably just using him to make Ridge jealous, like she has with every other man in the past. Ridge attempts to convince Brooke to give them another chance and kisses her, but Brooke pushes him away. Deacon tells Macy about his custody woes with Little Eric, and Macy offers to help.

Nick is confused when Eric suggests he worry about Massimo, as his mother has never met the man. Jackie is shocked to realise that her husband was blackmailing Massimo to stay away, and the two are saddened for all the years they lost. Brooke lays down some ground rules for Ridge.

Nick has a hard time believing that he is Massimo's son and initially tries to return the Marone family ring, but Massimo finally gets through to him. Brooke misunderstoods a moment she witnesses between Ridge and Brooke and turns to Nick, telling him that Jackie is doing better.

Brooke believes she is alone in the house after Ridge drops her off, but finds that he has set up a romantic night for them. He makes his best attempts at seducing her, but she rebuffs him. Nick is disappointed when it doesn't seem like Jackie is coming out of her coma, but Massimo tries to convince him to think positively. Stephanie wonders if Brooke and Nick are romantically involved.

Macy helps Deacon find a home that will improve his situation in a custody battle, and full of gratitude, he kisses her. Brooke is upset to learn that Nick is Massimo's son because she thought she was finally free of Ridge. Thorne tells Ridge that he and Macy are finished.

Eric rushes out of the restaurant after hearing Massimo announce his wedding plans to Jackie, and she quickly follows him. Stephanie is shocked to learn that Nick is Massimo's son with Jackie. Ridge makes another attempt to win Brooke over while Bridget asks Nick to let Brooke be happy with Ridge.

Despite Clarke's pleas, Sally refuses to rehire Darla after the way she betrayed Macy, but things go from bad to worse when Clarke hires Gladys as her replacement, and Gladys' pet skunk gets spray-happy.

Darla begs Sally for her forgiveness, then is stunned when Thorne joins her at the ultrasound and the two bond while seeing their baby. Jackie is pleased that Nick and Brooke's relationship continues to flourish and tells Brooke that she would welcome having her in the family.

Bridget tries to convince Stephanie to stop trying to keep Brooke and Ridge apart, telling her that she will only end up hurting the children. Deacon and Thorne get physical with each other when Deacon tells Thorne that he's already ruined Macy's life with his betrayal. Ridge pushes Brooke to start thinking about a future for them together.

Macy receives an invitation to a private dinner, convinced it's from Deacon, but is shocked to see that Thorne has gone all-out in a last ditch effort to win her back. Deacon attempts to convince C.J. that he loves Macy and won't do anything to hurt her, but C.J. refuses to support their wedding.

Stephanie is thrilled when she realises that her new next door neighbor is Samantha Kelly, their former neighbor who had absolutely adored Ridge when she was younger.

As Nick promises not to ruin the day, Ridge reveals to him that they are not only announcing the new company at the press conference, but also that he plans to officially propose to Brooke. When he drops to one knee to make the proposal, an angry Stephanie bursts in, determined to stop her son from making (in her mind) a horrible mistake.

Amber accuses Bridget of lying about her, and tells her not to talk about her to Oscar and Deacon. Bridget says she'll do whatever necessary to stop Amber from hurting people she loves. Deacon finds the two arguing, and asks Amber to move out. Stephanie and Nick talk about Ridge and Brooke, and Stephanie admits that her outlook on Brooke has changed. She honestly believes Brooke is a different person now, and really loves Ridge. Brooke can't believe that Ridge got out of there alive, and Ridge explains to Brooke that it was Anna. Anna says that she lost her family to the foundary, and wouldn't let Ridge die.

Massimo, Nick, and Stephanie are shocked and overjoyed to see Ridge alive and well, as they prepare to leave. Ridge is just happy to be back, and hopes to start a family with Brooke, who catches Nick's eye as she realises that her next child may not be Ridge's. Amber can't believe she was kicked out by Deacon, and starts to wonder if maybe people like Bridget are right, and she's just no good. Oz tries to cheer her up, assuring her that if she were no good, he never would have hired her. Sally is trying to put on a brave face for a comatose Macy until she sees an article about the reopening of Ozzz, and vows to stop it.

Sally tells Oz that his re-opening of the club so soon is an insult to Macy. He tries to convince her that he can't afford not to re-open. Bridget defends Oz to Sally, but after she leaves admits that she doesn't think he should re-open. Much to Amber's delight, he says he's going ahead as scheduled. Nick tells his mother that he's going to leave town. She realises it's because he can't bear to watch Brooke with Ridge, but will never interfere. She begs him to stay so he can be there for the wedding. Thorne is equally incensed to hear of the club re-opening, but rather than confront Oz, goes with Darla to a sonogram.

The Forresters celebrate Ridge's safe return, and everyone is shocked to see Stephanie embrace Brooke and welcome her to the family. They're equally shocked to learn Nick plans to leave town. Brooke goes to talk to Nick, and tells him that she wants to tell Ridge they slept together, but Nick says he can never find out. Sally, Clarke, Deacon, Thorne, Darla, and Bridget all go to Ozzz to convince Oz not to re-open the club, and they're all shocked to see that Oz has turned it into a tribute for Macy.

Nick begs Brooke not to tell Ridge that they slept together. Ridge, meanwhile, heads to say goodbye to Nick, and becomes suspicious when he finds Nick and Brooke together, and wants to know what's going on. Oscar introduces Sally, and announces that the club is being sold, and proceeds will go to a charity being launched in Macy's name. Amber glares at him as he kisses Bridget. Stephanie is shocked to see just how much Brooke cares for Ridge.

Sally is furious when she learns Brooke told Ridge everything, which negates her blackmail. As Bridget and Deacon share a passionate moment, a furious Eric bursts into the room. Brooke is desperate to get to Stephanie with the truth before Sally does.

Eric is furious to discover that Deacon keeps a loaded gun in the house, and that the safety isn't even on. As Deacon and Eric struggle over the gun, it goes off. Darla continues to defend Deacon, stating that he deserves the same chance she got. Thorne reminds her that she carries the true Forrester heir. Stephanie reassures Samantha that nothing will turn her against Brooke again, but that's before what Brooke tells her starts to sink in.

Stephanie has trouble accepting that Brooke and Nick slept together down in Callixa. Brooke swears she believes Ridge to be her baby's father, but will undergo a test to know for sure. Sally is at the hospital with Darla, and admits that part of the reason she is there is to look into Brooke's story. She learns about the CVS test. Eric swears to Lt. Baker that it was an accident. Mark tells Bridget that they got the bullet out, but Deacon may be paralysed.

Deacon is thrilled when Stephanie brings Little Eric to him, until he realises that he has no feeling in his legs. He breaks down after Bridget gives him the news. Lt. Baker comes to arrest Eric. Jonathan tells him he'll do his best, but the story he's told doesn't make him look good.

When Stephanie realises that Sam still loves Ridge, she encourages her to tell Ridge the truth. Sam does, wanting Ridge to know that he has options other than a life on the edge with Brooke. Jackie asks Ridge to step aside if the baby turns out to belong to Nick...she doesn't want him to take her son's child the way he has taken the woman Nick loves. While Stephanie contemplates Sam and Ridge's future, Jackie is convinced that Nick and Brooke belong together.

Eric wants Bridget to ask Deacon to sign an affadavit claiming that the shooting was an accident. After Deacon has a pep talk with Ozzy, Bridget offers him her total support. Stephanie encourages Ridge to remember the reason why the paternity of that child is currently in jeopardy, but Ridge says he will never give up on Brooke. Massimo feels that Brooke's actions will destroy his family, but Jackie reminds him that either way, that child is his grandchild.

Nick attacks Massimo for his insinuation that Brooke is a woman of loose morals. He admits that he loves Brooke, but for her sake, hopes that child belongs to Ridge. When Stephanie tells Sally that she won't do anything to drive a wedge between Brooke and Ridge because she can't do that to her family, Sally vows to do it for her. Deacon is pleased to know that Oscar is jealous about his relationship with Bridget, and vows to take her from him as soon as he's well again.

As they await the results of the CVS test, Ridge reminds Nick that he blames him completely for what happened, and states that once the test proves that he (Ridge) is the father, he wants Nick to stay out of his and Brooke's lives forever. As the results are about to head to the lab, Sally waits, determined to get her way and to punish Brooke for everthing she did to Macy over the years.

While Bridget introduces Oscar to her family, Deacon receives a diamond engagement ring he ordered for Bridget.

As Stephanie assures Eric that Bridget will do the right thing and turn away from Deacon, Oscar asks her to marry him.

Sally gets a computer hacker (Marv) to help her figure out how to break into the lab computers to see the paternity test results.

Bridget goes to the hospital to tell Deacon that she and Oscar are engaged but before she gets a chance, he pops the question.

Sally is busted before she can look at the paternity results. Later, Dr. Paxson calls Brooke and Ridge to tell them that she has the answer they're looking for.

After receiving a call from Dr. Paxson, Ridge and Brooke head down to her office, where they run into Nick (who called the doctor and learned the results were in), Jackie (who was with Nick at the time), Stephanie (whom Eric had ordered to make amends with Brooke), and Eric (who was just plain curious). Once there they all waited on tenterhooks. First Dr. Paxson revealed that Brooke was carrying a boy, then prepared to reveal who the father was.

All are shocked as Dr. Paxson reveals that Nick, not Ridge, is the father of Brooke's baby.

As Bridget tells Deacon that she can never love him because of what he has done to her in the past, she shows him the ring that Oscar gave to her. Meanwhile, Oscar informs Amber that he and Brooke are engaged. Brooke is shocked that Ridge still wants to be with her after everything that has happened.

Brooke tells Nick that she and Ridge will raise that child as though Ridge is the father, but Nick informs Brooke that he is not going to walk away from his child. Ridge tells Stephanie that as far as he's concerned that child is his, and Stephanie tries to steer him toward Samantha.

Ridge tells Nick that he and Brooke will raise that baby without any interference from him, and reveals that he plans to adopt the child. Nick tells Ridge that he will never give up on his child. Stephanie breaks down in Brooke's arms after begging Brooke to put her child above her own desires.

Darla and Thorne are all smiles as Darla gives birth to their daughter. Wanting to remember her friend Macy Alexander, Darla names her infant daughter Alexandria. Ridge begs Brooke not to do this to him, not to leave him. He tells her they can get through anything together, but she says she has to do this. Stephanie sees Nick, who is shocked that Stephanie isn't blaming everything on Brooke. Actually, Stephanie is proud of Brooke.

Ridge laments the loss of Brooke and the child that could have been his to a sympathetic Samantha. Oscar is pleased that Massimo considers him one of the family, not realising Mass is using him to get back at the Forresters. Sally admits to trying to tamper with the paternity results, but swears she never got near them.

His first day on the job, Oscar plays hooky to have a picnic with Bridget. Massimo spots Jackie and Eric in a compromising position.

Jackie and Eric say their goodbyes to each other as Massimo vows to do anything, even use Oscar, to take Eric down.

Jackie heads over to tell Nick about Dr. Paxson's death. Before she can tell him about Paxson's call to her about the test results, she sees how Nick and Brooke have bonded, and opts to wait. Caitlin introduces Thomas to her father, Hector, and Thomas is surprised to learn that Hector believes Caitlin is a waitress.

Stephanie consoles Brooke when she admits that, although she believes Nick will be a good father, she will always miss Ridge.

Nick brings Hope with him to pick up Brooke from the hospital, and is awed by the ultrasound photographs he sees of his son.

Brooke tries to sleep after a visit from Rick where he encourages her to pursue a life with Nick, but is awakened by a vision of Taylor.

Ridge can't believe it when he sees Taylor there in front of him, and is humbled when she tells him how happy she is that he has Brooke.

Ridge seeks answers from Taylor's spirit, and she tells him that she is glad he has Brooke, then the two watch their sleeping children before Taylor tells Ridge goodbye.

Jackie is less than thrilled to see Taylor, especially when Taylor tells her that as long as she keeps the secret about the paternity tests, she can never rest.

Deacon's anxiety for the debut of Sharpe's Designs is well-placed as Eric has nothing good to say about his former son-in-law's company.

At the Café Russe Bar, Deacon uses what little information he gleaned from eavesdropping to trick Jackie into spilling the beans.

Thomas tries to placate Hector Ramírez by telling him that it's an honor that Caitlin was hired on at Forrester, but Hector is far more worried about Stephanie recognizing him.

Samantha is absolutely devastated when she returns from lunch with Stephanie to find out that her beloved Pucci is dead. Bridget does her best to comfort her devastated friend.

Ridge begs Brooke to leave town with him, but even though she misses having him in her life, she is committed to a life with Nick and the baby.

Priscilla and Sam visit the Forresters for dinner, and Priscilla is horrified when Samantha tells the family that Pucci was given to her to help her get over the death of her daughter when she was a teen.

Eric, Stephanie and Rick try to convince Amber and Sally not to leave the company, but Amber is adamant that it is time that they strike out on their own.

Deacon surprises Jackie when, instead of blackmailing her about the paternity tests, he simply tells her he wants the chance to prove he can make it on his own in business.

Ridge offers Samantha a shoulder as she tells him the whole story about the baby girl she lost all those years ago, and the real reason she left Los Angeles.

Nick proposes marriage to Brooke, but Brooke is torn on how exactly to respond. He encourages her to think about what he has said, and to keep the ring while she does.

Hector tries to comfort Amber over the loss of her apartment and all of her belongings, but she lashes out when he suggests she contact her family.

Although initially Deacon was prepared to expose Jackie to both Brooke and Ridge, he was swayed by her saying that she believed in him.