Bold and Beautiful Recaps: The week of August 14, 2023 on B&B

Steffy refused to return home to Finn. Beth's birthday brought back painful memories of what Thomas had done to Liam and Hope. Eric was disillusioned when Ridge rebuffed Eric's idea to work together on a legacy line. Brooke decided to try her hand at designing a wedding gown.

Steffy feels the brunt of her dilemma

Monday, August 14, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Spencer, Liam saw Steffy on a mock-up cover of Eye on Fashion. He flashed back to telling a toddler Kelly what a cool mom she had. He sighed to himself. Wyatt arrived as Liam was typing on his phone, checking on Kelly. Wyatt said he couldn't believe Sheila had been out there, playing Malibu lifeguard. Liam began to remark upon what he'd said to Finn about it, but Wyatt interrupted, surprised to hear that Liam had spoken to Finn.

Liam revealed that Finn had visited and had officially put Liam on notice to not interfere with Finn's marriage. Liam stated that no punches had been thrown. Wyatt swore in disappointment as Liam added that Finn had wanted to deck him, but Liam had had to show restraint of his own. Wyatt replied that he would have laid Finn out after what had happened to Kelly.

Liam reasoned that he'd expected that if Finn had visited, it would have been to apologize about Kelly's incident, but the whole thing had been "stay away from Steffy." Liam said he was Kelly's father, so he wouldn't go anywhere, but he didn't think Finn had appreciated how deep the history ran between Liam and Steffy until Liam had told him. "To his face?" Wyatt asked. Grinning, Liam affirmed it. He said he loved Hope and the life they'd created, but if he was being honest with himself, the biggest mistake of his life had been walking away from Steffy.

At Forrester, Ridge remarked that one kiss from Brooke had melted his troubles away. She asked how it had gone with Finn. Ridge asked how someone so smart could be so reckless. "What happened to him?" Ridge wondered.

Brooke was glad Kelly was okay. "Because of Sheila," Ridge asserted, upset because he'd thought they'd had Sheila locked up. Ridge didn't blame Steffy for leaving with the kids. Ridge stated that Finn had taken responsibility for what had gone on with Kelly, but Finn thought Liam, not Sheila, was the issue. Ridge said it was why he'd gone to see Liam, too.

Ridge explained that he and Liam agreed on a lot of things, and they each thought Steffy had been right to take the kids. Brooke figured Finn was blaming Liam because Liam had taken the video and shown it to Steffy. Ridge replied that Finn thought Liam was still in love with Steffy, "and he's not wrong." Ridge concluded that the whole world was upside down.

Brooke agreed, saying the last thing Steffy needed was for Liam to enter her world. Ridge didn't think Liam was trying to interfere in Steffy's marriage, but Ridge said Liam also wouldn't deny how he felt about Steffy. Ridge was sure it was hard for Brooke to hear because of Hope, but the bottom line was that Liam loved Steffy.

Ridge thought it was uncanny that both of their daughters were struggling with their marriages. Brooke said Hope and Liam had signed divorce papers, but Brooke had been hoping they'd work through it. Brooke said Hope had always told her that Hope had thought Steffy was a third member of the marriage, and because Ridge was saying Liam had always loved Steffy, Brooke guessed Hope had been right all along.

Ridge said, "No, what I'm telling you is that we can help our kids and that the two of us can do anything together. And I'm telling you how grateful I am to have my Logan back." Ridge recalled looking through the keyhole in Rome and finding his future. He joked that it had been a waste to go to Rome when his destiny had been in front of him the whole time.

At Eric's house, Finn asked Steffy to forgive him and return home. Finn didn't want to be apart any longer, and even though he'd screwed up, he would not let Sheila near them. He asked Steffy to say she and the kids would return home and be a family again. Finn offered to pack for Steffy and beef up security to make their home safer than Fort Knox. He promised never to communicate with Sheila again. He said he'd do whatever it took to bring the family home.

Taking his hand, Steffy said she wanted Finn to know that she and the kids missed him. She stated that she'd heard him, but the situation was difficult. Sobbing, she said she was haunted by Kelly being swept away in the undertow. "She's alive because of...Sheila..." Steffy added, saying that ever since their wedding day, Sheila had been a dark cloud over their family.

Steffy couldn't get the image of Finn hugging Sheila out of her mind, and Steffy believed that Sheila would be in his life forever. Steffy said she loved Finn, and she hadn't wanted to take the kids there. "What you're asking...I can't do it. I can't come home. I can't put our children in that dangerous environment. I won't," Steffy concluded.

Later, Steffy was alone. She thought of Kelly saying she'd almost drowned until Sheila had saved her. Steffy recalled Finn yelling that his mother had saved Kelly's life. Steffy remembered Liam telling her about Sheila and Finn's hug.

At the cliff house, Finn arrived at an empty house. A song played with the lyrics, "A home with so much promise whose dreams are almost gone." He flashed back to delivering Hayes in the living room. At the same time, Steffy was at Eric's, thinking of their reunion in Monaco. As the song continued, Liam, still at Spencer, was thinking of kissing Steffy in Rome.

Taylor and Ridge clash over what is best for Steffy

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Eric's house, Steffy was with Eric and Ridge. She was impressed by the stylish clothes and toys that Donna had given the kids but said Donna hadn't had to do that. Eric said he and Donna loved having Steffy and her kids there. Eric couldn't believe Steffy didn't feel safe and secure in her home with Finn. Steffy said she hated taking the kids from Finn.

Steffy was surprised when Taylor arrived. Taylor said she'd left a conference early because nothing was more important than Steffy. Steffy said Taylor hadn't needed to be there, because Steffy had already filled Taylor in on everything.

Taylor replied that, as Steffy's mom, she was there to support Steffy. Steffy replied that she wanted to make sure she was making good choices for the children. Ridge and Eric asserted that Steffy had made the right choice in being there, but Taylor asked if Steffy should go back home to work things out with Finn.

Later, Eric had gone, and Steffy was rolling her eyes as her parents debated what was best for her. Taylor questioned whether packing up the kids and leaving was the best choice. Ridge felt the kids were where they needed to be, and Finn had a lot of things to work through before Steffy went back there. Noting that the security at Eric's was good, Ridge claimed that "they don't have that at the cliff house," and crazy Sheila could pop out at any moment.

Taylor got that but said Finn wouldn't let anything happen to Steffy. Ridge replied that it had already happened when Finn had held that crazy woman outside the courtroom. Ridge declared that the cliff house was not an option. Taylor replied that she was merely advocating for Steffy's marriage. Taylor said Steffy had a husband who loved her and only her, for better or worse.

Steffy zoned out, flashing back to when she'd walked out on Finn. When she tuned back in, Taylor was saying the kids and grandkids were her top priority, but Ridge quipped that she had a funny way of showing it. Taylor said that wasn't nice, but he said it wasn't nice to send Steffy back to the cliff house with Sheila hanging around.

Steffy asked her parents not to argue over her, but Ridge said he was trying to explain to Taylor why Taylor was wrong. Taylor grumbled, and Ridge restated himself, saying he was trying to explain why he was right. Ridge asked Steffy to be realistic about whether she'd have to keep looking over her shoulder for Sheila for the next several years.

At the cliff house, R.J. arrived, curious to know why Finn had wanted to see him. Finn said he needed R.J.'s help with Steffy. It was finally settling in on Finn that his family had gone, and once Steffy set her mind to something, there was no changing it. Though Finn took responsibility for his actions with Sheila, he still believed Steffy wouldn't have left if it hadn't been for Liam.

R.J. had known Finn felt that way, but he didn't know why. Finn revealed that he'd embraced Sheila after her courthouse hearing. He said he hadn't gotten a chance to tell Steffy about it because Liam had beaten him to it. Finn added that Liam had followed Finn and recorded it, and Liam hadn't been able to wait to show Steffy.

R.J. contended that Finn was acting like it was nothing, but in actuality, Finn had been sympathizing with Sheila. Claiming that it wasn't the case, Finn maintained that Liam had shown Steffy the video instead of confronting Finn. R.J. figured Liam had been being protective, but Finn asserted that his kids didn't need protection from him, and he'd never let anything happen to them. R.J. asked if Finn really thought Liam was trying to sabotage Finn's marriage.

Finn claimed to know it and refused to let "the little twerp" get away with it. Finn ranted about Liam secretly recording Finn and running to Steffy like a hero, but R.J. said Liam had a right to be protective. Finn revealed that Liam had professed his love for Steffy and told Finn that the two had a deep history. Finn was adamant that Liam was after Finn's wife and using the Sheila situation to his advantage.

Finn said his life had been great before he'd met Steffy. He'd finished med school and accomplished everything he'd wanted to, but when that incredible woman had entered his hospital, he'd known his life had just begun. He insisted he'd do anything to protect her, and it broke his heart that she didn't feel safe due to Sheila. Finn said he'd screwed up and broken Steffy's trust. He'd begged her to return; however, she couldn't do it. Finn said it was due to Sheila, but it was also because of Liam, whom Finn refused to let make a play for Finn's wife.

At Spencer, Wyatt cooed about a deal that had made Bill happy. Wyatt added that it had also made Bill happy that Liam had opened up to Bill. Liam noted that a lot had been going on from his divorce to Kelly almost drowning. "And Steffy separating from Finn," Wyatt added.

Liam asked if he could say he was proud of Steffy for doing the right thing for her family's safety. "And it could possibly give you another shot at Steffy in the future," Wyatt added. Wyatt was proud of Liam for admitting that leaving Steffy had been the biggest mistake of Liam's life, but Wyatt figured Liam could rectify it, since Steffy was away from Finn and living at Eric's house.

Wyatt clarified that he wasn't suggesting Liam bulldoze Steffy's marriage. Wyatt didn't want to be responsible for a rivalry between Liam and Finn. Liam replied that if it happened, it wouldn't be on Wyatt. Wyatt noted that things were aligning perfectly for Liam. Liam said it was because Finn was acting like an idiot. Wyatt suspected that Liam was still in love with and wanted a life with Steffy. Liam murmured that Wyatt was right.

Wyatt gloated about being right. Liam said he was still very much in love with Steffy and always would be. He hadn't hidden that fact from Steffy or Finn. Liam said he'd gotten caught up, and he'd kissed Steffy. He felt he shouldn't have done it and had been caught up in confusing emotions. He claimed that the last thing he wanted to do was interfere in somebody else's marriage, "much less Steffy's."

Wyatt believed it and said there had been intense emotions unfurling after what had happened with Hope, but those things had happened before Finn had hugged it out with Sheila and before the mishap on the beach. Liam replied that a lot had changed. Thinking of how brave Steffy had acted for the kids' sake, Liam said she was incredible, and he asked why he'd ever let her slip through his fingers. Liam said Steffy couldn't stay with Finn, who'd become a danger to her and the kids. Liam stated that he only had one life to live, and he wanted to live it with Steffy and his daughter.

Liam and Finn make their cases with Steffy

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Eric's house, Steffy received a call from Thomas. She told him that it had been a long day. Eric and Donna were at a gala, the kids were asleep, and Steffy planned to get rest after she took care of some emails. She admitted that it felt weird not being at home with Finn.

At the cliff house, Finn returned after surfing and gazed around sullenly at the empty house. He asked how it was possible. He flashed back to asking Steffy to marry him. He reflected on Christmas and her birthday. "I gotta go get her," he decided.

Later, Finn arrived at Eric's house. He walked right in without knocking, and Steffy asked what he was doing there. Finn said he didn't want to spend another night without her. Finn had also found a toy called Mikey that they'd been looking everywhere for. He said he'd had a lot of time on his hands. Steffy replied that Hayes would be happy. Finn asked how the kids were.

Steffy said the kids were fine and thought they were merely spending time with their grandfather. Finn, who'd video-chatted with the kids, replied that they'd seemed normal. Finn hoped there would be no residual damage to Kelly after the beach incident -- or to their marriage.

Finn apologized for letting Steffy down and making her feel unsafe. He asserted that he could take care of their family. He asked for another chance to prove it to her. For Finn, the time apart had reinforced how incredible his life was with her in it. He missed her and the kids. He missed everything about her. He said their beach house was way too big and quiet. He swore that he'd never let anything happen to her and the kids and that they'd always be safe.

Steffy replied that she knew Finn meant what he was saying, and she'd never wanted to take the kids and leave. She wanted to wake up the kids, take them home, and be with Finn. Finn urged her to do it. He kissed her, saying they could be together.

Steffy stopped the kiss and said she couldn't do it with Sheila out there. Finn replied that he hadn't had any contact with Sheila. Steffy wanted to believe him, but she didn't know when Sheila would strike next. Finn said he wanted to respect the time Steffy needed, and nothing and no one would keep them apart.

At Spencer, Liam gazed at the family pictures on the desk. He flashed back to when he'd said he wanted to live his life with Steffy and his daughter. He paced around, remembering when he'd run to Steffy on the beach after Wyatt had rescued Liam from Quinn. He thought of kissing Steffy in Rome. "Nope. I'm not letting you go again," he said, rushing out of the office.

Back at Eric's, Steffy was alone in a short black nightie and a robe, gazing at her wedding picture. Liam entered, and she asked why he was there. He said it was late, but he hadn't wanted to wait to say what he was about to say. Steffy said Liam should know that Finn had just been there. Liam replied that he didn't blame Finn, who'd be a fool not to fight for her.

Liam called Steffy the most incredible woman he'd ever met and a "badass" in every true sense of the word; however, she was also kind, tender, and loving. He felt blessed to have ever been loved by her. He stated that the Rome kiss had surprised them both, but he didn't want to "do this thing that I do anymore" where he swallowed his feelings and pretended they didn't exist. He claimed that losing her had been the biggest mistake of his life, and he'd never let her go if he got another chance. He said he wanted to respect her marriage and not interfere, but things had changed. He wanted it on record that he was completely and totally in love with her and always would be.

Liam leaned in and kissed Steffy's cheek. She shivered. "You should leave," she uttered. Surprised, Liam strode to the door, paused, and then exited. Steffy sat down, and overwhelmed, she sighed.

At the cliff house, Finn vowed that he and Steffy would be together.

At Forrester, Ridge and Brooke kissed, and she guessed it was time that he take her home. Ridge said there was business to discuss first. He stated that he'd been serious about having another wedding, and Brooke wondered how she could turn it down. He told her that she couldn't, and he wanted to show her some of the gowns he'd been working on.

Brooke was glad to be Ridge's Logan again. He replied that they'd had no choice because all roads led to Brooke. He called it a romantic story. Brooke said there had been difficult times, but they'd gotten stronger and had learned more about themselves and each other.

Ridge decided to show Brooke a sketch, but first, he said it wasn't easy because it wasn't just pencil to paper; it was him, how he felt about her, and what she did to him. He said she took his breath away. With that, he showed her a sketch of a sheath gown. "Wow," she said. Ridge showed her more sketches. She said any of the gowns would be "so bold and beyond beautiful."

Ridge replied that Brooke was beyond beautiful, and he was beyond in love with her. He asked if she wanted gown A, B, or C, but Brooke chose gown D. Ridge didn't have a gown D but said he'd get it done. Brooke clarified, saying he was talented, but she wanted to do it her way. Ridge said that was perfect. He told her to surprise him, and Brooke said it was exactly what she wanted to do.

Later, Brooke told Ridge that she was happiest wrapped in his arms. It was comforting for her. Ridge said he wanted to comfort her with all that was happening with her daughter. She remarked that things were going on with his daughter, too, and he stated that he'd meant it when he'd said he and Brooke could get through it together. They kissed, and he dipped her.

Hope and Liam's family urges them to reunite for Beth

Thursday, August 17, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At Forrester, Ridge teased R.J. about his outfit for Beth's party. R.J. said he had invited Liam over for a talk and had thought Eric and Ridge would want to be in on it. Eric affirmed it. Liam arrived, and upon seeing Eric and Ridge with R.J., Liam sensed an ambush.

R.J. remarked that he'd wanted to meet on neutral territory. Hardly seeing Forrester as neutral, Liam said they needed to get to the party. He thanked Eric and Donna for hosting Beth's party. Liam said that he knew R.J. meant well. R.J. urged Liam not to give up on his family.

Eric stated that there were obstacles in every marriage, but Liam couldn't just walk away. R.J. asked Liam to think of Beth and how devastated she'd be to figure out that her parents weren't together any longer. Liam replied that they'd already signed papers, papers Hope had had drawn up. R.J. urged Liam to forget about it and forget about Thomas and Rome for the family's sake. R.J. said reuniting with Hope would be the best gift Liam could ever give Beth.

Liam said he couldn't forget what Hope had done any more than he could forget what Thomas had done, and it couldn't be more profound than on Beth's birthday. R.J. asked if Liam would throw it all away over a kiss. "Where have you been? It's not a kiss. It's not just one kiss," Liam replied, insisting that Thomas had been consumed by an obsession with Hope.

Liam launched into a rant about Thomas letting Liam and Hope believe their daughter had died, but Ridge yelled Liam's name. Ridge said Thomas was better and hadn't made a play on Hope in Rome. Liam didn't know if Thomas was better but agreed that Hope had initiated the kiss. Liam said it didn't make it easier for him to cut Thomas slack.

R.J. said it was about Liam and how much he loved his family, not about Thomas. R.J. noted that Liam hadn't seen Beth in a couple of days. R.J. asked if Liam missed her, and Liam said he certainly did. R.J. reminded Liam that the future was not set, and Liam could tear up the divorce papers and live happily with Hope and Beth. R.J. insisted that Liam could make it happen.

Later, Liam and R.J. had gone, and Eric expressed pride in R.J. Ridge said it was great that R.J. was fighting for his sister. Eric wondered if it would be enough to keep Hope and Liam together.

Later, Ridge was working on a sketch. Eric said he had some ideas. He'd been bitten by the success bug from Rome, and he asked if Ridge wanted to collaborate like they had in the past. "That'd be nice," Ridge murmured, and Eric looked offended by Ridge's lack of interest.

Picking up a sketch, Eric suggested some changes, but Ridge said he was trying to keep the design loose with an edgy waist. Eric replied that "classic" never went out of style. Ridge remarked that fashion kept evolving and changing, but "sure, we'll drape it over the shoulder. Sounds great." Eric asked Ridge not to patronize him. Eric said he'd been designing since before Ridge had been born, and Eric had had his own evolution over the years.

Eric, inspired to do a new line, wanted Ridge to help him flesh it out like they had in the past. Eric believed they could be a good team. "And besides, you might learn something," Eric added. Ridge said it wasn't a good time because they were crazy busy. Eric agreed, saying they were profitable; however, Eric wanted a legacy line, and it would be good for long-standing customers. Ridge agreed but said his plate was full. Eric guessed Ridge was putting him off.

Ridge said that wasn't it. Ridge claimed he was just doing stuff, but Eric was the master. Eric looked away with disappointment. Ridge said not to "do that." Ridge wondered how the birthday party was going, and Eric remarked that nothing brought people together like love for a child.

At Eric's house, Donna hosted a mermaid-themed party for Beth's birthday. Kelly, Katie, Hope, and Brooke were in attendance. Brooke said she'd always dreamed of being a mermaid, but her sisters joked that she was a giggle siren. The girls went to the pool. Donna asked where Douglas was, and Hope said he was at "sleep-away camp" for the first time. Katie recalled when Will had gone to camp for the first time. Katie asked if Liam would be there. Hope affirmed it but asked everyone to be sensitive because Beth didn't know about her parents' separation.

Later, Deacon arrived and swept Beth into his arms for a birthday hug. She offered him a pair of mermaid fins, and he decided that he was game. Deacon said he'd gotten her the best gift, but she replied that his presence was her best gift. Beth asked Hope when Liam would get there.

Later, Deacon donned a mermaid party tiara. The kids were outside, and Katie and Brooke remarked upon how Kelly and Beth would always have each other as sisters. Deacon was worried about what would happen when Beth found out about her parents. Katie said when it had happened to Will, it had changed the way he saw the world and dealt with relationships.

Brooke agreed that Hope had to think of Beth, but Brooke said Hope had to think of her own happiness. Brooke claimed that Hope was happiest with Liam and couldn't throw it away for Thomas -- never Thomas.

Later, R.J. and Liam were at the party. Hope gave Liam a drink, and he warned her that he'd win the present war that year. Katie, Brooke, and Deacon went to relieve Donna at the pool. Alone with Hope and Liam, R.J. asked if he could talk to them. Hope said they wanted to keep the day light, but R.J. reasoned that it could be the day that they went back to each other for their family.

R.J. acknowledged that he was breaking his rule of staying out of the family drama, but he insisted that he knew Hope didn't want a divorce. Hope replied that it wasn't the time to discuss it, and Beth wasn't aware of what was going on. Liam said they were trying to do right by their kid. R.J. replied that doing right by Beth meant staying together. R.J. noted that Beth was turning seven that day. He asked if Hope or Liam really wanted to miss out on more memories.

The Logan sisters returned from the pool, and Brooke assumed they'd walked in on something. Hope said her brother was acting as a marriage counselor. Donna and Katie said R.J. could add his voice of reason to theirs. Noting that it was Beth's birthday, Brooke shared that Beth was a gift, and it had taken a lot to make sure that Beth was in their lives. Brooke believed that it should tell Liam and Hope how important it was to try to stay together.

Liam stated that he and Hope wouldn't lose sight of what a blessing Beth was. Hope added that other issues had come up. Brooke asserted that Thomas had been a mistake, and mistakes could be overcome. R.J. said to forget about Thomas and Rome. Liam replied that it wasn't that easy. Hope urged them to focus on Beth, not a marriage intervention. Brooke repeated that the best way to celebrate Beth was to put her family back together.

Kelly and Beth returned to the house, and Liam hoisted Beth into his arms. She said she missed Liam and asked why he'd been working so much. Hope interrupted, asking if everyone was ready for the cake. The guests sang happy birthday to Beth, and after Beth blew out her candle, Liam asked what she'd wished for. Beth said she already had everything she wanted, being with her mom and dad.

As Hope watched Liam with Beth, Brooke told Hope to forget about Thomas. Gesturing around, Brooke said "this" was Hope's life and future.

Liam and Hope relive the trauma of losing Beth

Friday, August 18, 2023

by Chanel S. Garner

At the mermaid party at Eric's, Hope watched Beth and Liam together. "This is your life. This is your family," Brooke uttered to Hope. Hope announced it was time to open gifts, and she and Liam sat with Beth on the sofa.

After opening her gifts, Beth thanked everyone for the best birthday ever. Kelly said she loved Beth. The adults talked about how much they enjoyed being mermaids -- and mermen. Kelly said the cake was the best part. For Beth, the best part had been being with her parents.

Liam loaded the car and announced that he and Hope were taking the gifts to the cabin. Donna asked if Beth could stay and swim with Kelly longer, and Brooke offered to take Beth home later.

Later, Katie, Brooke, Deacon, and R.J. were still in the living room. They discussed how tough divorce could be on kids. Brooke said she'd gotten a vibe from Hope, who hadn't seemed happy about rushing into the divorce. Brooke hoped Liam and Hope would come to their senses. R.J. asserted that Liam was the one true love of Hope's life. Brooke agreed and said they needed to remember how much they meant to each other and how hard they'd fought for their family.

At the cabin, Liam and Hope unloaded Beth's gifts, and they agreed that the years got better and better. Liam said they had to enjoy it before Beth became a teenager who wanted nothing to do with them. Hope said Brooke had told her that it was the slowest/fastest time in life, watching kids grow up. Liam asked if they'd done right by Beth. He figured it had been a good day, and they'd been lucky.

Liam seemed reluctant to bring up the divorce, but he figured he and Hope should talk about it. Liam stated that the papers were still in his car. Hope asked why that was. He said that he'd known he'd be seeing her that day, and they still hadn't filed them yet. Hope asked if there was something he wanted to discuss first.

Liam noted that Hope had only gotten more famous due to the success in Rome, and he figured the press would have a field day once they picked up on it. He said he knew it because his father was the press. Hope said Bill wouldn't try to exploit it. Liam agreed but said Bill would be the first to say how relentless the press could be. Liam wanted to protect Beth.

Hope replied that Beth had been very happy that day with the two of them. Hope asked if they really had to burst Beth's bubble. Hope revealed that after Beth had returned from camp, Hope had been telling Beth that Liam was staying overnight at work because of a project. Liam said that worked for the time being, but they'd have to have a conversation with Beth soon.

Neither Hope nor Liam wanted it for Beth, but Liam said they knew why they were there. Hope replied that he was still upset about Thomas. Liam added that he'd gotten them there, too, and he knew that. He said she'd hurt him, and he didn't understand why she'd done it after all Thomas had done to them and how obsessed Thomas had been. Liam said Thomas had persisted in getting between Liam and Hope, and she'd let him over and over again. Liam didn't know why she'd let Thomas even touch her.

Liam asked if Hope remembered what Thomas had done. Hope said she did, and it was why she was grateful to hold Beth. Hope claimed to know how lucky she was to smell Beth's hair, kiss her cheek, and look into her eyes. Liam asked how Hope could turn to the man who'd tried to keep her from smelling Beth's hair and looking into Beth's eyes. Liam concluded that it had been evil, and he asked how she'd let "him" come between them.

Liam and Hope recalled the night Beth had been born. Flashbacks played of Liam and Hope when they'd believed they'd lost Beth. Liam said it had turned out that Buckingham had stolen Beth and sold her to Steffy, "of all people." Hope recalled being a shell of herself. Liam said they'd had no idea Steffy had been raising Beth, and he remembered the connection between Hope and the child they'd known as Phoebe.

Liam asked if Hope could see why Liam could never forgive Thomas, who'd known that Phoebe had been Beth. Liam said Thomas had used the information to manipulate Hope. Liam thanked God that Douglas had overheard the truth and had had the courage to tell Liam. Liam remembered holding Beth, knowing who she'd really been. Liam sobbed, saying he'd felt as if he'd had to do anything to get to Hope and show her.

A flashback played of Thomas tracking Hope and Liam down at Forrester. "I had to fight the guy. Do you remember that?" Liam asked, and a flashback played of the rooftop fight. Liam said he'd had to stop Thomas from kidnapping her, but he'd gotten through to Hope. He'd made her see the miracle, and a light switch had flipped in her eyes. It had been the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. A flashback played of Hope seeing Beth as Beth for the first time.

Liam stated that Thomas had wanted that light in Hope's eyes to stay off, and Thomas had been okay with Hope grieving her daughter for the rest of her life. Liam said people were only as good as their worst choices, and he was no exception. "But Thomas is dangerous," Liam said. Liam was angry and upset, but he said he still loved Hope and cared about her. He needed her to know that whatever happened between them, "you are better than him."

At Forrester, Steffy was working, and Ridge asked if she was hiding from the birthday party. Steffy replied that she didn't hide; she just didn't want things to be awkward with Hope. Steffy noted that Kelly was at the party, and Hayes was with Taylor. Saying he hadn't wanted Steffy to follow in his drama-filled-relationships footsteps, Ridge asked how she was doing.

Steffy wasn't sure of the answer to that. Ridge said he liked to listen and could give good advice. He knew it was a tough time but said Steffy had done the right thing. Steffy thanked Ridge for his support. She said it killed her to be away from her home and her husband. Ridge remarked that even good guys like Finn could have weaknesses, and for Finn, it was Sheila.

Steffy stated that Sheila acted like she had a weird claim to Finn. Steffy said they shared the same DNA, but Sheila had never been part of Finn's life. It made Steffy sick to think of what Sheila might do to get to Hayes. Ridge pledged to protect Steffy and his grandson.

Steffy said Ridge sounded like Liam. Ridge found it interesting that Steffy had brought up Liam. Steffy said Liam was Kelly's father. Ridge asked what was going on between her and Liam. Ridge revealed that he'd chatted with Liam, who'd told Ridge how he felt about Steffy. Grimacing, Steffy couldn't believe Liam had told Ridge. Ridge said he didn't support it.

Steffy said she hoped Ridge didn't support it, and she asserted that she and Finn were still married. Ridge asked if any old feelings had resurfaced for Steffy. Steffy told her father that she wasn't thinking about Liam; she was focused on finding a way to put her family back together. Ridge said it would be natural if she'd thought about it, but defensively, Steffy said Ridge had said he wasn't advocating for anything. Ridge claimed he wasn't and just wanted her happiness.

Curtly, Steffy thanked Ridge. "Okay..." he replied as if he knew he'd struck a nerve. Steffy flashed back to kissing Liam in Rome and gazed at her father.