Liam Takes Hope by Surprise — and Ridge Struggles to Keep Taylor’s Secret From Steffy

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At the Forrester mansion, Eric greets Brooke and tells her Donna’s out running errands. She says he looks fantastic, and he tells her his wife deserves credit for that. He asks how Brooke is doing now that Taylor is back in town. They discuss the possibility of them being friends. Brooke’s hoping it will work out this time and they can put the fighting behind them. Eric questions if that can really happen considering how they both feel about Ridge.

Eric doesn’t want to fan the flames of the rivalry… it’s not good. That’s why Brooke is hoping the friendship will work this time. They’ve matured and are focused on putting the family’s needs first. Eric fears that will put Ridge right in the middle again. The history and its repercussions on Ridge and everyone in the family worry him. Brooke says, “Steffy most of all.” Eric nods. She’s had a lot to deal with in her life. They go over how deeply Ridge cares for his children. Eric muses that when his marriage to Taylor ended… Brooke says divorce is difficult, but Ridge and Taylor have remained friends and Steffy and Thomas have always had their parents. Eric says it does his heart good to see how happy Steffy is to have her mother back.

In Forrester’s design office, Hope clears a seat so Carter can join her pizza party with Beth and Liam. It turns out he and Beth have the same favorite pizza topping. Carter decides he can’t stay; he feels like he’s interrupting family time. Liam and Beth talk about Carter being as cool as a superhero. Carter chuckles, but he feels that this is a family moment and he’s definitely in the way.

In the main office, Steffy talks business to Ridge, but he’s distracted. She asks if his mood has to do with her mom. She knows they’ve been spending time together. They go over how amazing Taylor is, but Steffy admits she’s worried about her. It feels like her heart is not in this move back to L.A. Maybe something is going on with her. She questions her father about the time he’s been spending with Taylor. Has her mom shared something with him that she hasn’t shared with her.

Steffy asks if something is up with her mom. She seems different. “Do you know what’s going on?” Ridge says all she needs to be aware of is that her mother loves her, her brother, and the children. Steffy says, “And you too, dad.”

In the design office, Carter tells Beth he’ll take a raincheck. Liam explains what the word means. Carter announces he has to go check inventory and Beth asks if she can go with him. Carter says it’s alright with him, and the two of them go off. Carter and Hope exchange a knowing look as he walks out the door. Liam tells Hope that Carter is good with their daughter. She says he’s a pretty wonderful guy.

At the Forrester mansion, Brooke tells Eric she’s happy for Steffy and Taylor. Eric says she’s a terrific role model, “Not that you’re not.” He goes on about how proud he is of all the children. Talk turns to Steffy trying to reunite her parents in the past. Brooke says it doesn’t matter if she tries again, she and Ridge are meant to be. Eric tells her she’s extraordinarily beautiful. She giggles about him giving her an ego boost and kisses him. She is heading home because she has a kiss for Ridge too.

In the main office, Steffy tells Ridge that when she was in the cage, family was what kept her going. Ridge says there’s nothing more important. Steffy tells him she’s fine and life is good. She won’t try to play matchmaker with him and Taylor. She knows he’s really happy with Brooke. But she has to say one thing… when he and her mother are together there’s a special energy. That’s why it’s so frustrating to her that they’re not together. She knows they’ll always be there for each other. Steffy asks why they’re not together. He responds, “What are you doing?” She knows the answer to this. Steffy hopes her mom stays in Los Angeles because she truly is the heart of this family. Steffy worries it might be hard for her there because she has to see him and Brooke together. She’s been walking around with a broken heart for years! Ridge looks uncomfortable. Brooke arrives and listens as Steffy tells Ridge her mother needs him right now, more than ever.

In the design office, Hope says Carter’s really good with Beth and would make an awesome dad. Liam thinks he just needs to find that special someone to share a life with… kind of like he did with Hope… and lost… and found… and lost again. Hope laughs. They reflect that a lot has happened since they first met. Liam thinks they’ve been pretty blessed, especially when it comes to Beth. She’s a living, breathing testament of everything they’ve been through. He recalls that the hardest one was Catalina… having their daughter ripped away from them. Telling her they’d lost Beth was the hardest thing he ever had to do. They both remember that night. Hope recalls that he also got to tell her the best news months later. They flash to Liam telling Hope that Beth was alive. Liam asks Hope if she ever thinks… did they go through all of that just to end up apart?

Next on The Bold and the Beautiful: Taylor and Ridge have a heart-to-heart about sharing her diagnosis, Liam makes a surprising offer to Hope, and Carter keeps his burgeoning relationship with Hope from Ridge and Brooke.