Steffy Senses Something Is Off — and Hope and Carter Have Reason to Celebrate

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In the main office at Forrester, Steffy and Finn kiss. She says she needed that and tells him that once again, Hope For the Future lives to see another day. She admits that she and her father have their doubts, but Carter wants to pour more resources into it. Finn is surprised given the budget concerns. Steffy wonders why he’s suddenly showing so much interest in Hope For the Future. She says he’s a straight-shooter who leads with logic and doesn’t make emotional decisions. Finn thinks he must have a lot of faith in Hope’s line then. Steffy says he called her a “beacon of light”. It’s not like him, and something is off considering her line is under-performing. Finn guesses she’s wondering if something else is going on.

In the design office, Brooke thanks Carter for his passionate defence of Hope’s line. Hope says, “Passionate indeed.” Carter declares that the company would lose its way without Hope and Hope For the Future.

At Spencer, Bill asks Liam about wanting another shot with Hope. Liam quips, “Have you met me?” He thought he had to move on, but he didn’t. He’s grateful to Will for helping him realize it. Bill loves that his boys are like old pals. They all agree it’s great that Will’s back. Bill asks what Will said to convince Liam he wanted to reconcile with Hope.

Will tells his dad about Liam’s inept conversation with the models at lunch. Liam admits he was all about his daughters. “I want my family back.” Bill asks how Hope reacted when he told her. Liam says she was thrown for a loop, and he understands, but he’s not going to give up.

At Il Giardino, Brooke arrives to see Deacon, who tells her it’s a nice surprise. He asks if she’s by herself. She says yes. He chortles, “No Ridge, even better.” He notes that Sheila’s not there today, and Brooke is glad… they can catch up about their daughter. They sit, and Brooke tells Deacon that Steffy called another meeting about Hope’s line. Deacon thinks things will turn around for his daughter as they did for his restaurant. Brooke tells him it was Carter who saved the day. Deacon wouldn’t have predicted that, but Carter knows his stuff. Brooke says Steffy wasn’t thrilled, but Carter came to the meeting very prepared. They talk about Hope always being under siege thanks to Steffy, and Deacon’s glad she has Carter in her corner now.

In the design office, Carter tells Hope that cutting her line would be foolish on many levels. She’s thrilled that she gets to carry her vision forward. Carter wants to celebrate away from the office and the interruptions. “Just you and me.”

Hope and Carter arrive at his loft, and she likes the vibe of the place. She thanks him again for stepping up for her today. Carter has a confession, “I wasn’t just thinking about what’s best for the company. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

In the main office, Steffy tells Finn that Carter came to Hope’s defence massively. Finn notes the math isn’t adding up. Steffy wonders if he notices something she doesn’t. She trusts Carter’s judgment. Finn’s sure it will all make sense at some point. Changing the subject, Steffy tells Finn he looks like a snack.

At Spencer, Liam tells Bill he’ll have to be patient. Will urges him to keep showing up for Hope. Liam knows she needs to be the one woman in a man’s eyes. He has to prove she’s the only woman for him.

At Carter’s loft, Hope tells him it was sweet of him to do “all of this.” She looks at the romantic candles etc. Suddenly, Liam texts and asks her to pick up Beth at his house. Carter knows he wants her back. Hope admits he broached the idea of patching things up. She told him she didn’t think she could do that. She’ll always put Beth’s needs first, but she’d rather she see her parents happy separately, than unhappy together. Carter reassures her. She has to take care of herself first. He thinks it would be a huge mistake to go back to her ex-husband before she explores to see what opportunities await.

In the main office, Steffy senses that Finn has to go. He concedes that he has to check on a patient. They decide they’ll put the kids to bed earlier tonight. Finn goes over how he almost lost her because of Luna. They canoodle and kiss.

At Il Giardino, Deacon tells Brooke to ask Carter to come in for a couple of pizzas on the house. He thinks their daughter’s on a roll and prays it will continue. Brooke thinks it will because Carter sees the potential in her line. He’s exactly the support she needs right now.

At Spencer, Liam tells Will that maybe he and Hope needed time apart and space from each other to appreciate what they built. Will urges his brother to fight for her before some other guy comes along and gets to her first.

At Carter’s place, he tells Hope she inspires people. It’s integral to Forrester’s identity. He lists off her great qualities. He remembers how gorgeous she looked in Rome. Hope tells him he’s pretty inspirational himself. Anyone can talk to him about anything without judgement. It’s been a comfort to her over the past, difficult year. She’s a divorced mom trying to do her best while her career hangs in the balance. She’s craving love and affection and trying to be OK throughout it all. It hasn’t really felt like anyone has been in her corner until now. She’s appreciative of their connection. Carter tells her he’s crazy about her. He likes to make his intentions very clear. “Does that bother you?” Hope says, “Not at all.” Carter tells her she’s all he can think about. Putting her hand on his chest, he says, “Right here.” They kiss and start ripping clothes off. Hope puts the brakes on and says they shouldn’t. Carter says, “But we could.”