Poppy Gets an Eyeful of Katie and Bill — and Hope Agonizes as the Forresters Celebrate Thomas’ Engagement on the Fourth of July
At the Forrester Estate, Eric and Donna mix with Brooke, Ridge, and Carter as the Fourth of July gets underway.
In Forrester’s design office, Katie tells Bill she’s not trying to come off as insecure or jealous. She’s just trying to wrap her head around him having a daughter and Poppy being in his life. “I don’t know what it is about her… I get a bad vibe.” She’s wondering if he let his guard down too quickly. She cares about him and doesn’t want to see him get hurt by Poppy.
At Bill’s place, Poppy checks her watch as Luna and RJ come in. They ask if she wants to join them at the Fourth of July party, but she’s waiting for Bill to get home. Luna asks, “Where is he?” Poppy says, “Oh, he’s with Katie.” Luna asks if she’s worried. Poppy is sure they have a lot to discuss about Will. Luna assures her mother she has nothing to worry about. Poppy tells them to have a great time and they leave. Once alone, Poppy wonders, “Why aren’t you home, Bill?”
In the design office, Bill tells Katie it’s nice to know she cares about him so much. Katie says it’s not just because of Will… she’ll always want what’s best for him. Bill thought that was the two of them uniting their family.
At Eric’s place, Brooke and Ridge tell Thomas that RJ and Luna are on the way. Eric chortles about loving a full house. Ridge asks Thomas where his bride-to-be is at. Thomas says he’s going to find out and looks concerned.
At Forrester, Hope tells Paris that for years she was the only woman in Thomas’ life. Paris asks what she’s trying to say… that it’s only a matter of time before he comes running back to her? Hope laughs. “I am saying, be careful. Thomas is still very much a one-woman man.”
RJ and Luna arrive at Eric’s and greet Thomas, who’s been trying to catch up with his half-brother. They congratulate him on his engagement and ask where Paris is. Thomas quips, “That is a good question.”
In the main office, Paris doesn’t appreciate Hope warning her about Thomas’ loyalty when she’s making moves on him. Honesty is something their relationship has been built on. They’ve shared so much and bonded on a very deep level. “You know nothing about my relationship with Thomas… or Douglas.” She can see it stings how much the boy has embraced her. Hope says, “As Douglas’ mother, it would.” Paris is sensitive to that. “You think this is some kind of rebound,” but Thomas loves her. They lay in bed and daydream about their home, their future, and raising their children. “That’s something you and Thomas never had.” She informs Hope that it’s time for her to move on, respect her engagement, and leave her fiancé alone.
Paris doesn’t want any drama. She understands this is hard for Hope. Hope asks if she really understands how much she and Thomas loved each other. Paris recaps that she didn’t want to get married so he moved on. Thomas is a one-woman man, and Hope was that woman, but not anymore. She is that woman now. With that, Paris walks out.
In the design office, Katie sits close side-by-side with Bill and tells him he has a way of making someone feel like they’re the only person in the world. Bill jokes that he thought he was bull-headed and aggressive. They laugh. He likes to think he’s grown up a bit. Katie says he definitely has. Bill owes that to her. “The best thing that ever happened to me. You know how I feel. How I always felt. You’re the love of my life, Katie.” He tears up. Life goes on, and she was right to go on with hers. It’s taken him a while, but he’s moved into his next chapter. Katie asks, “Say that again.” Bill takes her hand, “You’re the love of my life. You’re my Katie.”
At Eric’s place, Paris arrives and everyone toasts the woman of the hour. Ridge hails his future daughter-in-law. Carter takes Paris aside and tells her she looks as beautiful as always. He’s glad she found happiness. “Thomas is a very lucky guy.”
Paris joins Thomas, who hands her a drink. He asks what happened to her. She wonders, “Did you miss me?” She explains she was at the office tying up loose ends. They kiss and canoodle as Hope walks in.
In the design office, Bill apologizes if he’s sending Katie mixed signals. He’ll always care about her. She muses, “But you’re moving on with Luna and Poppy.” Bill is, but he’ll always hold what they shared in his heart. “We have so many wonderful memories.” They flash back to happier times. Bill marvels, “We had an incredible life. Family.” He often wonders what could have been if he hadn’t screwed things up. Katie replies, “So do I?” Bill asks what’s going on with her and Carter. Katie says they’re better off as friends. She can’t see herself moving on with any man at this point. “I really wish that you would think about what you say before you say it.” Bill asks what she means. She says it’s hurtful for him to say she’s the love of his life if he doesn’t mean it. Bill does mean it. “Don’t ever doubt my love for you, Katie.” They embrace as Poppy opens the door and looks stunned.
At Eric’s place, Thomas spots Hope. Brooke notices the look between them and walks over to ask if her daughter is OK. Hope says it’s pretty surreal. Eric calls for everyone’s attention and thanks everyone for sharing the fourth with them. Ridge takes it from there and toasts to Thomas and Paris. Thomas says he’s sure it’s a surprise to everyone for them to come back engaged. They reconnected overseas and really helped each other. “You mean the world to me. I love you.” Paris says, “I love you too and I can’t wait to be married.” Thomas tells Eric he and Grandma made the house a home. They would like to get married there if that’s OK with Paris. She thinks it would be wonderful. Eric hollers, “I guess we’re about to have another wedding! To Thomas and Paris!”
As the others are hugging and celebrating, Brooke shoots a concerned look in Hope’s direction. Hope walks away from the others, jumps at a noise, and cringes as Thomas and Paris kiss.
