Bold and Beautiful Recaps: The week of March 6, 2023 on B&B

Sheila and Deacon gave in to their passions and worried about the consequences of their betrayal. Thomas apologized to Brooke. Liam urged Hope not to let Thomas back in, but Hope gave Thomas back his job. Overjoyed about his parents, Douglas decided to move back home.

Sheila and Deacon give in to temptation

Monday, March 6, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Bill's house, Bill ominously assured Liam that a betrayal wouldn't end well for Sheila. Liam said Bill had written Sheila a blank check to do with as she pleased. Bill replied that Liam knew better than anyone that Bill didn't hand out blank checks. Bill insisted that Sheila wouldn't be disloyal. Liam figured it was because Sheila valued her freedom, which was self-preservation, not loyalty. Believing that Bill was protecting Sheila and prioritizing her over everyone else in his life, Liam demanded to know where it was all headed.

In Bill's silence, Liam asked if Bill really loved Sheila or if he was just with her to get a reaction out of people and prove that he could bend the world to his will and tame Sheila Carter. Bill replied that he hadn't tamed Sheila. Glad Bill had realized that, Liam said Sheila was a lunatic who couldn't be controlled. "Neither can I," Bill responded.

Liam saw a spark of his father and said there stood the Dollar Bill they all knew and loved. Liam wondered where Bill had been. Bill said he didn't know what Liam meant.

Scoffing, Liam said it was Bill's stoic routine. Liam claimed to get why Bill was fed up and tired of being rejected and lectured. Liam asked if Bill was just flexing his muscles and exerting control. Liam didn't think so and said Bill was more pragmatic than that. Liam concluded that Sheila mattered to Bill, but Liam didn't know why. Liam demanded to know Bill's connection to her.

Bill turned away from Liam. Liam asked Bill to promise that Bill didn't have blinders on and was at least keeping an eye on Sheila. Bill was silent but flashed a knowing stare.

At Deacon's place, Deacon and Sheila made out against the front door. They kissed their way across the room and removed each other's clothes. Leery of Bill finding out, Sheila uttered that Bill hated Deacon. "I hate him, too," Deacon said, pulling Sheila down onto his sofa bed.

Later, Sheila and Deacon were nestled in his sheets. She was grateful for the chance to hold him again, even if she couldn't stay. He suggested that they make the most of their time.

Later, Sheila and Deacon were breathless in bed. Deacon said that together, they had a sense of belonging. Sheila said she'd wanted to connect with Deacon, someone she was close with. She gazed around the room, and Deacon said he was close enough to know what she was thinking.

Sheila sat up, wondering what she'd done. She said Bill could send her to prison. Reminding her that Bill had blown up a building with Liam in it, Deacon said prison would be the least of their worries. Deacon insisted that they had to go into their relationship with their eyes wide open. Sheila said she hadn't done the one thing Bill had wanted, which was to be honest. She insisted that Bill could never know what had just happened. "He could kill me. He could kill us both," Sheila concluded.

In the design office, Taylor said Steffy knew how much Thomas needed to return. Steffy said HFTF wasn't the same without Thomas, and Hope had better agree to take him back. Steffy believed that it was the right move but wondered if Liam would be okay with it. Neither Taylor nor Steffy could imagine Liam encouraging it, and Taylor figured that if Hope agreed to it, it would cause problems in Hope and Liam's marriage.

In the CEO's office, Hope and Thomas discussed whether or not she could work with him again. Thomas insisted that his talent and her vision made them a great team. He asked if she could trust him again. Hope didn't know if she could trust herself after she'd lost Douglas and had almost lost the line. Thomas took the blame for Douglas because Thomas had forced them into court and said it would be an excellent chance to be role models for their son.

Later, Hope ended a call with Charlie, who'd called to alert her that Thomas was in the building. Hope told Thomas that she knew he wouldn't physically hurt her, and the only person he'd hurt in the past had been himself. Thomas admitted that he'd had tunnel vision about his parents and hadn't thought about who it would hurt, especially his mother, son, and Hope. Thomas said they were right to want him to pay for it, but Hope sighed in disagreement.

Hope stated that she wanted Thomas to have remorse and realize there were things he just couldn't do. She said she knew that the day's events hadn't been a setup, but she didn't know how she could believe him. She asked if he really wanted things to be different. He said he did.

Thomas admitted that Hope had every reason to be skeptical, but he assured her that he was working on himself with a professional. It wasn't with his mom, but with someone purely objective. He believed he and Hope could work together again like they had before his last mistake. Hope said he was asking her to take a big risk. He promised not to let her down.

Steffy and Taylor arrived to get Steffy's tablet. Taylor asked if there was any news. Steffy claimed not to want to pressure Hope, but Steffy said she needed to take action on HFTF and needed to know if it wasn't going to happen. Hope, who was still wrapping her head around it, said Thomas had made a good point about Douglas being proud of them. Steffy stated that the decision would affect Hope's family and wondered how Hope thought Liam would react.

Hope replied that it would be a conversation that she'd have to have, and Hope working with Thomas again would affect Brooke and Liam. Thomas asked what he could do. "Apologize," Hope responded. Thomas asked if Hope would return him to the line if he got Brooke to forgive him. Hope said it would give her more to think about. Hope suggested that Thomas talk to Brooke while Hope talked to Liam, and then they'd see.

Brooke asks if Thomas' obsession with Hope is over

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Bill's house, Bill lowered his phone, recalling Liam asking if Bill was certain that Sheila wasn't messing with him. Bill sent Sheila a message, asking where she was.

At Deacon's place, Sheila wondered if it was worth the risk. She said Bill could kill them. Sheila described Bill as all over the place. One minute, Bill wanted her to open up to him; the next minute, he struggled to be around her. She wondered where she really stood with Bill.

While getting dressed, Sheila continued to talk about all the opening up Bill wanted to do emotionally. Deacon said Sheila could get men to do things they wouldn't normally do. Sheila was worried that it was all about the chase with Bill, and once the glow wore off and reality set in, he'd be looking for his next fix. She wondered if she'd go back to prison if that happened. Deacon reasoned that prison might be safer than Bill finding out about Deacon and Sheila.

Sheila received Bill's message asking where she was. She told Deacon that she wasn't used to answering to anyone. Deacon said it was a "hell of a way to live." Sheila replied that she couldn't just leave after Bill had put it all on the line for her. She feared Bill finding out what had happened between her and Deacon. She shoved Deacon, demanding that he swear Bill would never know. Deacon grabbed hold of her. He swore it and assured her that things were okay.

When Sheila arrived back at Bill's house later, Bill asked where she'd been. She claimed that she'd been on Rodeo Drive, but he noted that she didn't have any bags. Sheila said it was about the ability to freely go, not to actually shop.

As she made Bill a drink, Sheila asked why he was looking at her strangely. Bill revealed that Liam had accused her of playing Bill. Bill said he'd told his son that he and Sheila told each other everything, and besides, everyone knew that no one betrayed Bill and got away with it. "Nobody," he emphasized and sipped his drink.

In Brooke's cabin, Hope arrived home and told Liam about Steffy's suggestion that they pause HFTF. Hope said if they didn't find a solution, the line could end. Liam doubted that the numbers would keep falling, and he expressed confidence that Hope would figure out the new direction and bring the line back better than ever.

Liam stated that, even though Hope faced challenges, her investments would pay off. Citing Douglas, Liam said Douglas was going through something, but he'd be back. Hope expressed her worry that Douglas was getting further away and would soon be out of reach. Liam said Douglas was just on an extended playdate, giving them time to focus on Beth. Liam was sure it would work out with HFTF, too, and he added that, if nothing else, she'd always have Liam.

Hope asked how Liam was doing, but he said he didn't want to pile on. She asked him to say what was on his mind, and he revealed that the creep factor at Bill's house was off the charts. Hope guessed Liam wasn't buying Bill's feelings for Sheila. Liam replied that he didn't know what Bill felt for the woman, and whenever he pressed Bill on it, Bill got defensive.

Liam said Bill had been absent from his own life and working from home. Liam figured that Bill and Sheila living together was like darkness upon darkness. Liam shared his belief that Sheila should be the one to worry because Bill had made it clear that she would regret crossing him.

At Forrester, Brooke and Taylor discussed the pause in Hope's line. Brooke said a dip in numbers was normal for a line in transition, but Taylor said it was a big dip. Gleefully, Taylor announced that there was a solution: Thomas. Brooke scowled. Taylor gushed about how everyone had loved Thomas and Hope's teamwork, and she said bringing him back was the solution.

Brooke asked if Hope was considering it, and Taylor said Hope was leaning toward it. Brooke couldn't imagine Liam would like it. Taylor replied that "we" were aware of it, but Brooke was also a huge part of it. Taylor asked if Brooke could look past the CPS call and see the bright side. Brooke replied that it had cost her her marriage. "But you gained a really good friend, and if it wasn't for Thomas, we'd still be fighting over Ridge," Taylor reasoned. She asked Brooke to find it in her heart to reconsider Thomas and be open-minded about him.

"I hope you can," Thomas said, entering the office. He admitted that he'd hurt Brooke, and he claimed to be sorry. He said he didn't deserve her forgiveness, but he was hoping to get it for not just himself, but for Hope and her line.

Later, Thomas told Brooke that he'd been working on impulse control in therapy. He explained that when Ridge had told him that Brooke would call CPS, it had given Thomas the idea to do it himself to get his family back together, and he'd figured it had "kind of worked" because Ridge and Taylor had almost gotten married. Thomas said the problem was that it had started with a lie, which had been horribly wrong, and he never should have done it.

Brooke said she'd heard the heartfelt apologies before. Though it seemed that Thomas meant it, it had still cost Brooke her marriage. Thomas claimed he'd gained Brooke a friend. Taylor waved at Brooke. Though Brooke was pleased about it, she wished they'd gotten there differently and that Thomas hadn't manipulated them. "But here we are. So, we'll just deal with it and get past it. The question is my daughter. How will I ever trust you with Hope again?" she asked.

Brooke said Hope had lost out during the CPS fiasco because Hope had considered Thomas a friend and had worked hard to trust him again. Brooke said he wanted to return to the line as if nothing had happened. Thomas said he didn't blame Brooke for being skeptical, and he wanted to prove himself to everyone, especially Douglas.

Taylor interjected that everyone made mistakes, but it didn't mean that they had to pay for those mistakes for the rest of their lives. She stated that good people made bad choices. It didn't mean that they were bad; it meant they were human. Brooke asked if Thomas could work with Hope without being obsessed with her. "Because your mom and I both agree...your fixation on my daughter has to be over, or there's nothing more to discuss," Brooke asserted.

An exasperated Liam gives up on Bill

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

In Brooke's cabin, Hope said Bill's threat against Sheila sounded like the old Bill. Liam quipped that there was nothing like a homicidal threat to stir up thoughts of better times. He said Bill had spoken as if Bill was in the driver's seat. Liam didn't know what was different about Bill. Liam hoped Bill would return to them someday, but Liam didn't know what would snap Bill out of it.

Liam was frustrated and felt he needed answers. Hope told him to get them. He said he'd just been at Bill's, but she replied that it was worth another shot. Liam wasn't sure he should go because Hope needed him for moral support. Hope said that she'd be fine, and his father needed him. In the meantime, she'd go back to Forrester. She promised they'd talk more later.

At Bill's house, Sheila deduced that Liam had finally gotten Bill to distrust her. Disagreeing, Bill said Sheila was smarter than to betray him because she knew she was dancing with the devil. Sheila responded that it had drawn her to him in the first place, and she'd never be able to repay him. Bill said he didn't want repayment; he wanted her honesty, love, and total commitment. "And your loyalty," he added. Sheila hugged him.

Liam arrived, saying he needed to talk to Bill again -- alone. Sheila complied, leaving the room.

In another room, Sheila thought of moments with Deacon. He called her, and she said he shouldn't do that. He asked why she'd answered. Sheila told him that Liam was there, trying to convince Bill that she was playing Bill. She added that there was nothing for her and Deacon to talk about. She didn't know why Deacon couldn't grasp that Bill couldn't find out about them.

Deacon replied that he couldn't stop thinking about Sheila, and he bet she couldn't stop thinking of him, either. She admitted it but said they couldn't be in each other's arms ever again.

Back in the living room, Bill asked if Liam had even made it to the first stop sign. Liam said he had a question. He asked if Bill would be with Sheila if Brooke or Katie had taken him back. In Bill's silence, Liam concluded that Bill wasn't living the life he wanted, and he asked how Bill could stand there and say he loved Sheila.

Bill noted that HFTF was dying, and Douglas was living with Steffy. Bill said Liam should be worrying about his own family. Liam asserted that Bill was his family, and they'd been "to hell and back" together. Bill agreed but said they'd gone over it about Sheila.

Liam persisted. He stated that Bill wasn't a monster like Sheila. Liam said that while he was fighting for his father, Sheila's child was fighting to protect his family from Sheila, who'd almost killed them. Bill replied that it would never happen again. Liam asked how Bill could love Sheila Carter.

Liam asked if Bill loved Sheila the way he loved Katie or Brooke. Bill uttered that it was different. Taking that to mean Bill didn't love Sheila, Liam told his father to take off the necklace and send Sheila to prison. Bill replied that he'd gotten Sheila off for a reason. Giving up, Liam said he'd tried. He stormed out of the house. Bill looked in the mirror and straightened his necklace, and Sheila hugged him from behind.

At Forrester, Thomas claimed he wasn't trying to put himself back into Hope's life. Asserting that more was at stake than just Hope's line, Brooke asked how she could trust that he wouldn't hurt Hope again. Brooke said she was sorry, but it was hard to trust Thomas again.

Taylor replied that it was fair, and Thomas had to earn the trust; however, he needed the chance to do it. Thomas said Steffy would shelve the line if Hope didn't let him back in, which he knew Brooke didn't want. He stated that the line meant a lot to him, and he wanted a chance to redeem himself by saving it. He asked if Brooke could give that to him.

Taylor said she'd understand if Brooke walked out the door. "But?" Brooke replied. Taylor claimed that there were no conditions, and she and Thomas would respect it if Brooke wasn't ready. Brooke asked if Thomas still saw her as the enemy. He said therapy had taught him to target the source of his trauma, and it wasn't Brooke.

Brooke asked what would happen if he thought she was in the way of Ridge and Taylor's happiness. Thomas replied that he loved his mother and would always choose her, but his father was the reason that his father had left the family. Thomas claimed it had been easier to blame Brooke than deal with it, and he didn't know how he could have gotten there without therapy. Thomas wanted to be a better person for all of them, but most of all, to make his mother proud.

Taylor stated that she was already proud, and she hugged him. Thomas added that he wanted Brooke's forgiveness. He promised to be a better man and a leader for the family, HFTF, and Douglas. Thomas asked if Brooke could give him the chance so that Hope could trust him, too.

Outside the door, Hope listened in as Thomas agreed with Brooke that he'd broken Hope's trust again and again. He said Hope was one of the most special people he'd ever met, and her greatness was exemplified in her line. He believed that people needed it in their lives and that he owed it to Hope to save her line.

Hope entered, and Thomas said he was doing as she'd asked. He was apologizing to Brooke and begging for her forgiveness. He asked Hope to keep the line alive because people needed it in their lives. He said they could make a real impact, but they had to act before it was too late for even the new designs to save the tanking numbers.

Brooke replied that she had once run Forrester and knew the importance of the bottom line. Thomas said he could save HFTF. Though Brooke didn't doubt that, she said he had changed the course of her life and sabotaged her marriage. Brooke would never forgive him for that. Thomas said he understood, and he was sorry.

Brooke added that Thomas had done terrible things, but he was a great designer. Brooke couldn't think of anyone better than him to fill the space for HFTF. Brooke's concern, though, was the obsession he'd had with Hope. Taylor said she'd never support it if she thought Thomas still had an obsession with Hope. Taylor hoped Brooke believed her.

Brooke did but said she wanted to believe Thomas. Brooke concluded that for it to work, Hope would have to trust Thomas. Brooke was not sure that Hope could do it or that Liam could accept it. Brooke believed that Thomas was sincere but said it was Hope's decision alone.

Liam calls bull on Steffy's ultimatum

Thursday, March 9, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Forrester, Thomas thanked Dr. Howard for meeting him and his mother in the CEO's office. Thomas told the therapist that the sessions had made all the difference, and his mother had been supportive. Taylor said the intensive sessions had benefited Thomas, and she saw a real change in her son. Dr. Howard asked if Thomas was noticing a change in his impulse control.

Thomas stated that he was being more objective and catching his emotions before they took hold. Thomas began to talk about feeling ashamed. Taylor said they didn't want him to feel that way, but they wanted him to figure out why he did the things he did.

Thomas said some people didn't believe he was capable of change. The doctor noted that he hadn't mentioned Hope much. Thomas said he had moments in which he still was attracted to her but hadn't been fixated on her. Taylor asked what made it different. Thomas replied that he actually believed it. He wanted the best for Hope and wanted her to be happy and to trust him.

Dr. Howard said it might take Hope time. Thomas understood it, but he thought they made a great team. Dr. Howard didn't doubt Thomas' sincerity, and he thanked them for believing in him.

Later, the doctor had gone, and Taylor expressed pride in Thomas. Thomas was upset that he'd caused pain for Brooke, Ridge, Douglas, and Taylor. Taylor said Thomas was evolving, and she was proud. Thomas admitted he didn't know how Ridge felt. Taylor replied that Ridge could come around, and she said the question was if Hope would.

Taylor said she had been worried about their family. Thomas said he'd hurt everyone in the family, and he wouldn't blame them for not wanting to forgive him. Taylor believed that Hope wanted to move beyond it and make sure her line didn't get canceled. Thomas brought up Liam, who hated Thomas. Thomas didn't blame Liam for wanting to protect his wife, but Thomas swore he wasn't a threat to anyone. Taylor said Thomas was dedicated to his craft, and there was no one better to spread the message of love and acceptance.

In the design office, Katie apologized for canceling dinner with Carter, but he said not to worry about it. She claimed she had a lot to thank Carter for and said he'd been a dear friend. He questioned being called a "dear friend," and she guessed she sounded like her grandmother. She said Carter was a good guy, and she appreciated him. He said he felt the same about her.

Carter said he felt close to Katie and that they'd helped each other through some challenges. Katie said they'd also had good times and lots of good meals. They joked that he might be down to a five-pack. She said she loved how uncomplicated they were, and she didn't want to jeopardize their friendship. Katie thought it was rare, and she didn't want to mess it up. She asked if he knew what she meant. Frowning, he said he knew exactly what she meant.

Katie said she had been having fun with Carter, and she felt safe and secure with him. It was everything she could ever want in a friend. Carter agreed and guessed they were crossing into the friend zone. "What? No. No, no," Katie asserted and kissed him.

In the evening, Liam arrived home. Hope was thinking of her decision about her line. Liam noted the look on her face and assumed it was about HFTF and Douglas. Liam was confident she could bring her line back, and he wanted to help in any way he could. Hope said Liam wouldn't like what her only option might be -- bringing Thomas back as lead designer.

Liam was shocked to hear that it had been an ultimatum from Steffy. Hope said the siblings had patched things up, and Steffy believed Thomas was the only one who could save the line. Calling it unreasonable, Liam replied that Thomas obviously wasn't the only way. Liam didn't care what Steffy was telling Hope. He said it wasn't always about the numbers. He asked about the cost of Hope's sanity and safety. He asked Hope to say she understood that nothing good had ever come from her and Thomas being together.

Hope said it was her career and her line. HFTF allowed her to try to make a positive impact. Liam asserted that she had been doing that and had been an inspiration to millions for a decade. Hope wanted decades more; she didn't want to abandon the line. Liam said caving to Steffy and turning to Thomas wasn't the answer. Hope replied that Steffy had said there wasn't much choice. Liam asserted that Steffy was wrong, and there were plenty of choices.

Hope stated that Steffy had said her hands were tied. Liam called it bull. Hope replied that Liam didn't want to acknowledge Thomas' talent. Gritting his teeth, Liam acknowledged it but yelled that it wasn't all that mattered. Liam asked if she acknowledged the risk she was taking. Hope felt as if she was in a difficult position, but she said Thomas was taking action and apologizing. She added that Taylor thought he was making progress.

"Oh, my God, Taylor always says that he's making excellent progress right before he turns around and does something psycho. She's blinded by her love for him. I don't care," Liam concluded. He asked what Brooke had said. Hope reported that Brooke wasn't thrilled, but Brooke knew the business aspect and had said it was Hope's decision to make. Liam asked if Hope had made it and would work with Thomas again.

Hope claimed she wouldn't make a decision like that without talking to Liam first. She said she hadn't forgotten Thomas' track record, but Liam was asking her to choose between her career and -- Interrupting, Liam said he wasn't asking it because it was a false choice. He didn't buy the line from Steffy that Thomas was the only way forward, and he was "kind of pissed" at Steffy for not letting Hope explore her options.

Hope claimed that they had tried and had looked at other designers. Liam asked if there was anything Thomas could ever do that would be a deal breaker. Liam was getting scared that the answer was no. Liam was afraid Thomas could sell company secrets and literally throw an intern out the window, and Steffy and Hope would shrug and say, "Well, he is a really talented designer." Liam implored Hope to tell him where they drew the line.

Hope asked if it had occurred to Liam that it would be beneficial for Douglas not to see his parents at war and to see them working well together as a team. "That would be a good reason if I actually thought it came from you," Liam retorted. He stated that he'd begged her to keep Thomas out of her life; whenever she didn't, they all paid the price. Liam was exhausted, but he begged her again not to rehire Thomas or give Thomas an opening in her life.

"Okay. Fine. All right. I'll tell him no," Hope replied. Liam hugged Hope and promised that it was the right decision.

Hope makes a decision about whether or not to rehire Thomas

Friday, March 10, 2023

by Dan J Kroll

At the cabin at Brooke's house, Liam and Wyatt discussed "how uninvolved" Bill had been in work matters at Spencer. Wyatt sensed that something other than Bill was bothering his brother. Liam confirmed that he was troubled by something that "starts with a T and ends with ass."

As they sat down at the table for a bite to eat, Liam and Wyatt discussed the things that had led to Thomas' possible return to Forrester Creations. Wyatt wondered why Steffy had suddenly decided to forgive everything that Thomas had done. Liam chalked that up to Steffy and Thomas being siblings. What Liam didn't understand, however, was how Steffy had expected Hope to be as ready to fully absolve Thomas of his past wrongdoing.

Wyatt seemed annoyed that Liam might not have spoken up about his opposition to Thomas rejoining the Hope for the Future team. Liam confessed that hadn't been totally supportive. "90% supportive, 10% Neanderthal," Liam said. Wyatt assured Liam that "being a protective husband" was perfectly okay. Both men were certain that Hope would not rehire Thomas, though they were not sure what Hope would do it Steffy made good on her threat to axe the Hope for the Future line.

In the design suite, Paris asked Thomas if he was "back to save the day." Thomas revealed that his future was in Hope's hands. Paris claimed that Hope should be begging Thomas to return as lead designer for Hope for the Future. She also praised all the steps that Thomas had been taking to make amends for his past transgressions.

Even though Paris and others believed that Thomas had changed, Paris noted that there was one person who might never believe in Thomas: Liam. Thomas said that his chances of being rehired were "slim to none" if Liam was involved in the decision-making. Paris urged Thomas to remain optimistic and to "try leaning toward slim." Paris wished Thomas luck as he headed across the hall to the executive suite.

At Forrester Creations, Brooke asked Hope if she had spoken to Liam about Thomas possibly returning to work at the company. Hope shared that Liam was opposed to the idea. Before Hope could talk about any decision that she had arrived at, a gleeful Taylor burst into the executive suite to retrieve a tablet that she had left behind.

Taylor realized that she had interrupted something. Brooke told her friend that Hope was about to reveal what she had decided to do about Thomas. Hope announced that she had made a decision, but before sharing her decision, she passed along Liam's concerns that Thomas had been "disingenuous." Taylor pushed back on the claim and revealed that she had sat in on Thomas' most recent therapy session. Taylor begged Hope to find it in her heart to give Thomas "another shot."

Thomas entered the office, and the conversation abruptly ended. Brooke and Taylor hovered nearby for a few moments before Hope announced that she would not be making her decision until she had a chance to speak to Thomas alone. The two moms made a hasty exit.

Taylor and Brooke made their way to the design studio to speculate about what decision Hope might make. Taylor understood why both Brooke and Hope might be "conflicted" about Thomas' rehiring. The door to the office swung open, and Paris and Douglas walked in. Taylor and Brooke leapt to their feet upon seeing their grandson. Douglas shared that he and his dad had plans.

Douglas was told that Thomas was in a meeting to discuss whether he and Hope would be working together again. "That would be so cool!" Douglas chirped.

Alone, Thomas assured Hope that he did not want his rehiring to cause any tension or troubles in Hope and Liam's marriage. Hope hoped that Liam would eventually be able to accept a decision to rehire Thomas, but she said that it would be contingent upon Thomas being fully committed to changing his ways. Hope acknowledged that no other designer was able to "capture the spirit" of the Hope for the Future line the way that Thomas could.

Hope said that she and Thomas working together would send a powerful and important message to Douglas. A smile formed on Thomas' face as he asked Hope if she was saying what he thought she was saying. Hope became emotion as she announced that she was not ready to give up on her line. Hope extended her hand to welcome Thomas back to Hope for the Future.

Thomas promised that he would not let Hope down. Hope warned him that if she saw even a hint of the old Thomas, she'd fire him immediately. "This is my last chance, I get that," Thomas replied. The door to the office opened, and Taylor and Brooke poked their heads in. Seconds later, Douglas scurried over to Hope and Thomas to give them a hug.

When Hope shared the news that she had asked Thomas to rejoin her on Hope for the Future, Douglas was clearly elated. His enthusiasm faded after a moment as he asked if Thomas and Hope could also be friends if they worked together. Thomas and Hope said that they would make it a point to be friends at work and as his parents.

Hope leaned over and told Douglas that she had been missing him a lot. Douglas said that he had missed her, too. The boy said that seeing his mom that happy made him realize that it was time for him to move back home. "I want to be back at the cabin," Douglas said with a smile. Hope hoisted Douglas into her arms and told him how happy she was to hear him say that. On the other side of the office, Taylor and Brooke exchanged smiles. Thomas, however, was not as happy with the news, but he tried to muster a smile.