Annie was taking one of her daily naps, lying in her bed with a blindmask on her eyes. She usually had a fantasy or a dream of something going around in her head during her naps but today was different. Often, she quickly woke up from her dreams with a start, cause they usually didnīt end very good - for her. But not now. She had just had a dream of her future, that was at least what she was hoping for. A family with Ben and Benjy and a newborn. The baby she had wanted for months now. She had miscarriaged a few months ago with Benīs child. She often thought of that baby. It had been hard for her after that abortion when she was 17. She had never really gotten over that. The only person she had told was Maria. And Annie had made sure that Maria kept quiet about that. The two of them hadnīt talked about it for years. But all emotions came back to her when she miscarried. If something were to happen to this child, she thought to herself, she wouldnīt survive. She couldnīt take it, losing another baby. The first few weeks after her miscarriage, she had truely believed that she didnīt deserve to have that child. She kept saying that it was payback for stealing Olivia and Gregoryīs baby and giving him to Caitlin and Cole to raise. It had taken Annie a while to see that she really felt bad about it. Not that she cared about Olivia. But she had seen what it did to Gregory and she felt bad about that. She had really loved him once before everything went straight to hell. Now, she felt the pain about losing a baby by miscarriage and the thought about her past actions made her sick. The thought of putting someone through that pain. But she had done it for good reasons, she had believed back then. Giving Caitlin a baby after her parents had indirectly caused her to miscarry. And giving Cole his real son to raise, although Trey wasnīt Coleīs as Annie had thought then. And getting Gregory all to herself. That had been her main reason. And it finally worked. She had gotten Gregory to marry her. Annie shook her head. She didnīt want to be reminded on the old days. She had been such a schemer. No wonder that so many people couldnīt stand her. She felt lucky to now have Ben. She thought back on how she tried to break him and Meg up. She did some horrible things to them too. But she only wanted to have Ben all to herself and Meg back in the hogcity. Ludlow, Kansas that is... Annie put her ands on her stomach.
Annie: I will take good care of you. And I will love you. I will be the best mother in the world.
Ben sood in the doorway to the bedroom and watched Annie. He was blessed to have her in his life, he realized. She had been the best friend when he thought that Maria had died. And after Meg died. And now she might be carring his child. Ben didnīt care if the baby was his or Ridgeīs. He would love him or her just as much.
Annie looked up and saw Ben in the doorway and quickly stopped talking to the life inside of her stomach and took her hands to her sides again.
Annie: How long have you been standing there?
Ben: A while. I heard what you said.
Annie: Oh... I meant it. Every word of it.
Ben: I know you did. I have something very important to talk to you about.
Annie felt like he was pulling away from her. Was he going to say something like I know you might be pregnant with my kid, and I you are, I will be apart of itīs life. But I canīt promise that I can be part of yours?!
Annie: What is it?
Ben: I donīt want you to think that I am doing this because of you being pregnant. Cause Iīm not.
Annie: I understand, Ben. Iīm not gonna force you to stay with me.
Ben: Thatīs not what I meant. What Iīm trying to say is... No. This isnīt the way itīs supposed to be. I need to step out for a while. Iīll be back in about an hour.
Annie didnīt get the chance to say anything before Ben was gone. She went up from the bed and went into the livingroom. She heard Benīs car drive away.
Annie to herself: What was that all about?
Forrester creations - the hallway
Eric arrived up to the floor of the head offices in the elevator. Megan was sitting by her desk, looking through a file. Eric went up to her.
Eric: Megan.
Megan: Mr. Forrester. Itīs nice to see you again.
Eric: Thank you.
Megan: I heard about Stephanie. Is she OK?
Eric: She is getting better.
Megan: Thatīs great. You must be relieved.
Eric: I am. Is Ridge in his office?
Megan: He is.
Eric: What about Brooke?
Megan: She is on her way.
Eric: Good.
Eric headed to Ridgeīs office down the hall and knocked on the door and went inside.
Ridge: Dad. Iīm glad you came. I want your advice. Satin or silk? Ridge held up two sketches of two similar looking coctail dresses.
Eric: Silk.
Ridge: How is mother doing?
Eric: She is... better...?
Ridge: What is that supposed to mean?
Eric: I donīt know. I canīt put my finger on it. She isnīt herself. She is cold... indifferent. Like she doesnīt feel anything.
Ridge: Do you think it could be what the doctor said about a temprary personality change or what was it?
Eric: Something like that. Iīm sure it will go away. I has to.
Ridge: Hope youīre right. But in the meantime, we have work to do!
Eric: How are things going?
Ridge: I have all designs as good as ready. But they arenīt what they used to be. Ridge handed Eric the sketches he was unhappy with. Eric looked them through.
Eric: With a few adjustments here and there, Iīm sure theyīll do fine.
Ridge: Yeah. I just wish I had more time. They must be ready soon.
Eric: Thatīs why I came. Iīll help you.
Ridge: Thank God. I havenīt got too much inspiration these days to make this all by myself.
Eric: Why? Whatīs happened?
Ridge: Itīs this thing with Taylor.
Eric: Iīm sure things will work out. Just give her some time.
Ridge: I donīt think that she is ever going to forgive me for sleeping with Morgan.
Eric: Maybe not. But that doesnīt mean that she will divorce you.
Ridge: I hope youīre right. By the way, I donīt know what to think about it, I went through the latest Eye on fashion magazine. I saw something intresting. Spectra had hired a new designer. Nathan Bennett.
Eric: Nathan Bennett... He thought about it for a while. Iīm sure we donīt have to worry, he said. Nathan hasnīt designed in a few years now.
Ridge: Maybe he needed a break, to get back his inspiration. If thatīs the case, we might face the fact that Spectra could come up on the top this time. With their prices being cheaper and everything.
Eric: So what do you suggest we do?
Ridge: I donīt think there is so much we CAN do at this time.
Eric: Damn! Well, letīs get starting. We have a lot to do.
Eric took some of Ridgeīs sketches with him and went to his office to make some last changes to them. Ridge continued with the oneīs he was already working on.
Amberīs place
Amber and Sean was sitting with Ricky on the sofa. Sean had just came by. But Amber didnīt mind at all. This was her day off from Café Russe. And she and Ricky would have been along all day if it wasnīt for Sean. Schools has just ended for the day and Sean had went by Amberīs place right away. It was friday and he wanted to take her out.
Sean: So what do you say? Can you get a sitter for Ricky?
Amber: Sure, thatīs no problem. Where are we going?
Sean: To the lair.
Amber: Iīve never been there. It should be fun to get out.
Sean: We might see C.J. there.
Amber: Oh, is he going there tonight?, she asked and smiled. But it faded when she realized that C.J. couldnīt go there by himself. Who was he taking, she asked herself.
Sean: He said he was. Heīll bring Emma. The girl I went out with last night.
Amber: Emma. Angelaīs daughter, right?
Sean: Yes. I think youīll like her. I know I do.
Amber: Does C.J.?
Sean: Iīm sure he will. But he just met her today.
Amber: And already taking her out?
Sean: I think that she was the one who asked. She can be pretty forward.
Amber: Forward? As in slutty?
Sean: No. Not at all. Forward as in... friendship. I donīt think she is out looking for a guy so soon.
Amber: I see. Well, I would love to go. Pick me up?
Sean: I will. At about... 9 P.M.
Amber: Great. See you later.
Amber gave Sean a hug, not a romantic. But a friendly. No one of them felt anything more than friendship for one another. Amber was still in love with C.J. And Sean had a thing for Emma. He had finally managed to get on with his life after losing Emily. She was still on his mind. But he couldnīt morn her forever. Thatīs not what Emily had wanted. And not he himself eighter.
Forrester guesthouse
Emma had finnished unpacking her suitcases. She hadnīt brought a lot of her stuff since they were going back to Atlanta the day after tomorrow to pack most of their belongings. The house was off the market now. Angelaīs friend Janet had decided to buy their house. She had always loved their house and she and her husband had thought about moving for some time. Angela was glad that Janet was taking over. She didnīt like the idea of some stranger moving in in the house that HER family had so many memories in. And Janet were taking some of their furniture so they didnīt have to sell everything they didnīt need anymore. The guesthouse was already decorated and furnished.
Emma stepped out from her new room into the livingroom. Angela and Devin was sitting on the couch sipping coffee.
Emma: Iīm going out tonight.
Angela: Not tonight again...
Emma: I already have a date. C.J.
Devin: You donīt know the guy.
Emma: No. But I donīt know anyone here. Thatīs why Iīm doing this. I have to start all over on the social part.
Devin: But take it slow. You canīt rush friendships.
Emma: I know. But I promise not to go out any more this week after tonight.
Devin: Arenīt the boys in school?
Emma: Yes. But tonight is friday night. No school tomorrow.
Angela: I think itīs a good idea. Have fun.
Emma: I will. And I promise not to drink. Not too much anyway...
Devin: Iīll hold you to that promise.
Emma: You do that. Now, I have to take a nap. Wake me up when dinner is ready.
Annieīs house
It had been over an hour now and no Ben. Annie had been vacuuming. Something she hated to do. But it had to get done. Benjy was in his room. He had woken up by the sound of the vacuumer. Annie had fixed him a sandwich and a glas of milk. Benjy had been starving. Afterwards he had gotten back to his room to color. Benjy had gotten the intrest of coloring anf painting from Maria. She had been like an inspiration to him. Maria was a great artist. She had spent hours with Benjy and painted. She had made several portraits of him. One was now hanging in her house.
Annie put the vacuumer away and sat down on the sofa. Then she heard a car pull up the driveway. She realized that Ben was back. What was it that he had to tell her? Had he went out to fix a new place for him and Benjy to live in? Ben interrupted Annieīs thoughts when he stumbled inside. He excued himself and went into Benjyīs room. He was in there only for a while. Annie didnīt know what to think. Ben went up to her.
Ben: Could you do me a favor and take a walk at the beach? Just for about 15 minutes or so?
Annie: Sure... But why?
Ben: Youīll see when youīll get back.
Annie looked at him. He was serious. She agreed. She could use some fresh air anyway. She left.
Ben: Good. Now, I need to hurry.
Ridgeīs office
Brooke arrived and headed to Ridgeīs office.
Brooke: Have you seen Henry?
Ridge: He had a meeting. Logan, did you take care of the music?
Brooke: I did. Donīt worry. I have worked my ass off at home. Weīll make it. But all the designs need to be ready tomorrow. Can you make it?
Ridge: I can. Dad is here now. With his help we can pull this off.
Brooke: Good. So Eric is back? That means that Stephanie is doing better?
Ridge: She is, he said. Not wanting to discuss the details, since her current condition might change in a few days.
Brooke: Iīm glad to hear that. We need all our powers to be turned to Forrester right now. But weīve been in worse situations before. I hope this wonīt be another Lake Como chance. Minus Italy...
Ridge: Itīs not THAT bad. And things turned out great in Lake Como. It will this time too.
Brooke: I hope youīre right. Thereīs just no way that Spectra can win!
Ridge: Read about that too?
Brooke: Nathan Bennett working for Spectra? Yes.
Ridge: My bet is that he is slow in the start. He hasnīt been there long. Most of the designs is Clarkeīs. I think weīll survive.
Brooke: Of course we will. Like hell I would let Spectra win!
Ridge: Then youīd better make sure our security system is working wonders this time. We donīt want Sally pulling some stunts this year too.
The beach
Annie was heading back to her house. It had been 20 minutes now. She had been walking to a pier and sitting in the sand for a while, watching the ocean. She had figured out why Ben wanted her out for a while. He had of course told Benjy to start packing. Annie was sure that the bags were already packed and now they were leaving. She came closer to her house. She noticed that the blinds were pulled down. What was Ben up to, she thought. She decided to find out and went inside. And got a big surprise. There were candles all over the livingroom. Slow and romantic music was playing in the background. The fireplace was lit up. And in the middle of the room were a table set for two. With a single red rose and two candles by the plates with filet mignon, some nice decorated vegetables and baked potatoes. And out from the kitchen came Ben wearing a tuxedo. Annie was sure surprised. Ben smiled at her and walked up to her.
Ben: Welcome home.
Annie: You went through all this trouble for me?
Ben: Yes. But it wasnīt any trouble at all. You deserve this.
Annie: Thank you. Where is Benjy?
Ben: Maria picked him up a few minutes ago.
Annie: So weīre all alone... When did you have time to make all this?
Ben: I called Madison Avenue. Bought some candles and took out the old tux. No problem.
Annie: You are amazing, Ben Evans.
Ben: I know... But this is not all.
Annie: What?
Ben: Go into the bedroom.
Annie smiled at Ben. She had never before being treated like this. This was the first time a man did something so romantic for her. Her stomach filled with butterflies. She went into the bedroom and found a beautiful red silk gown on her bed. She admired it for almost a minute before stripping out of her clothes and into the gown Ben had bought her. She put on a neckless and combed through her red hair before walking out to Ben. He looked at her. She looked very beautiful. He took her hand and led her to her seat at the table. He helped her sit down and then sat down opposite her. They smiled at each other.
Annie: Thank you so much for this. This is the sweetest thing anyone have ever done for me.
Ben: Itīs my pleasure.
They started eating their dinner.
Spectra fashions
Sally had done her share of work this day. She was ready to go home. She stopped by Clarkeīs office. He was making some last changes on one the showstopper. Rachel, one of Spectraīs models was wearing it as Clarke went over it once again. The weddinggown was as good as finnished. He was just gonna make the veil fall more holding. Sally knocked on the door and went inside.
Sally: Marvellous. Absolutely marvellous, Bucky. Sally went over to Rachel and took a close look at the showstopper herself.
Clarke: I think so too. The Forresterīs will have to work their asses off if they are going to compete with us. I wish I could be a fly on that wall when they see our showing.
Sally: Maybe we can...
Clarke: What is going around in your head this time, Sal?
Sally: We invite them to our showing, of course.
Clarke: Isnīt their showing the same day?
Sally: No. Theirs is the day before.
Clarke: But will they come?
Sally: Iīll make them come. At least one Forrester...
Clarke: Good luck. Are you going home now?
Sally: Not yet. I have to run an errand first...
Annieīs house
Annie and Ben finnished their meal. They looked happy together. Annie was glad that she had been wrong. Ben wasnīt about to leave, she knew that now. The song youīre not alone came up and Ben asked Annie to dance. She said yes and the two of them got up on the little dancefloor Ben had fixed by moving the sofa to the side. The words of the song felt perfect to Annie.
Not long ago you were the one
Who reached out to me
Given me hope
Sharing youre heart
Meant so much to me
Now you need my love
To let you know
Youre not alone
When the darkest nights surround you
Youre not alone
I will wrap my arms around you
When your worlds turn in cold
Spinning out of control
Oh, I hope you will always know
Youre not alone
Forrester creations - Ericīs office
Eric sat by his desk and tried to make some changes to Ridgeīs sketches. He let most of them be since he couldnīt quite concentrate on work. Someone knocked on the door and he yelled Come in.
Eric: What the hell are you doing here? How did you get by the security?
Sally: Never mind that. I have something to ask you, Eric.
Eric: Fine, but let it go fast.
Sally: First, how is Stephanie doing?
Eric: Not thatīs it any of your business, but she is better.
Sally: Good to hear. Give her my best.
Eric: Now why are you REALLY here? I know it wasnīt to get the scoop on my wife.
Sally: Believe it or not Eric, but it was part of my reason. I also wanted to invite you to our showing.
Eric: Your showing? Why would I be intrested in going there?
Sally: To make sure weīre not doing anything underhanded... And to see us sweeping the floors with you...
Eric: Ha ha! Thatīs NOT going to happen. Ever. So donīt hold your breath.
Sally: Donīt be so quick to celibrate. Just come. Then you can gloat IF youīre more successful then we are.
Eric: OK. Just for that reason I MIGHT come. That is if I donīt have anything better to do.
Sally: You do that. Now, I have a date. Give Stephanie my best.
Eric: I will.
Annieīs house
Annie and Ben was sitting in the sofa, enjoying their romantic evening with all the candlelights and music. The song Have I told you lately that I love you started playing and Ben asked for another dance. They dansed slowly and tight to the words.
For the morning sun in all it's glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter, you can make it better
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
There's a love less defined
And its yours and its mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
You fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
Annie was touched by the night. This was really her dream come true. But the night was far from over yet. When the song ended, Ben looked her deep into her eyes and suddenly fell down on his knee. He took her breath away from her as he took her hand.
Ben: These past weeks have been wonderful. And you are the reason for it. I have fallen in love with you. And it isnīt because youīre pregnant. I still would do this if you werenīt. And I donīt care if Ridge is the father. I will love the two of you just as much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me, Annie Douglas?, he asked as his eyes swallowed a bit and took out a box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a beautiful ring with a diamond in the middle, surrounded with smaller diamonds. He took out the ring and held it up to her.
Annie: Yes! I will marry you Ben Evans.
They both laughed out of happyness as Ben put the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. He got up on his feet again.
Annie: I love you, Ben.
Ben: I love you, Annie.
They sealed the engagement with a passionate kiss. Ben took Annie into his arms and carried her to the bedroom where they made love.
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