Credit: CBS screenshot
At Forrester, Ridge tells Thorne it’s good to see him, “You were missed around here.” Thorne can see nothing much has changed and is looking forward to seeing everyone at the party. Ridge grunts, “About that.” Thorne asks what it was he wouldn’t tell him over the phone.
Thorne asks, “Is everything OK, Ridge?” Ridge shakes his head, “Dad isn’t well.” Thorne realizes he’s sick and asks how bad it is. Ridge says, “There’s no easy way to tell you this… Dad is dying.”
In the design office, Katie, Hope, and Brooke dress for Eric’s party. Brooke reminds them they have to make this a joyous occasion for him. She notes that Bridget’s on the way and she dreads telling her that her father is dying. She thinks Ridge is telling Thorne as they speak.
In the Forrester guesthouse, Eric admires Donna in her dress. She pulls him to his feet and tells him he’s always been the most handsome man in the room. He coughs and she asks if he’s certain he has the strength to pull off this party tonight. Donna gets him into his suspenders and jacket and fixes his hair, “You look like Harrison Ford. You are the most elegant and handsome man I’ve ever laid my eyes on.” Eric declares that the party tonight will be wonderful. “One last family gathering.”
In the event venue at Forrester, RJ and Luna admire each other’s looks as Zende and Thomas look on. Zende asks if everyone at the party knows the truth. Thomas is taken aback that Zende now knows. RJ explains that his dad told him earlier. Thomas tells Zende, “I’m sorry.” Zende apologizes for coming down on RJ so hard, “I didn’t realize why you were working with Granddad. I think it’s really cool that you’ve been helping him out.” Carter joins the group and Zende mutters that he thought they’d have more time with Granddad. Carter recaps that his condition is very grave. This is a goodbye party.
In the design office, Hope and Brooke wait for Bridget, who arrives and jovially greets them with hugs. She asks, “What is this occasion, though? It’s the launch of his new line, right?” Brooke sags, “I wish.” Bridget asks, “Mom? What is that look about?”
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In the main office, Thorne wants to know why he’s just finding out now. Ridge says that even he’s not supposed to know. These are their dad’s wishes. Thorne can’t believe he’s supposed to just let his dad go and not say anything. Ridge pulls him into a hug. Steffy walks in, realizes Thorne knows and strides across the room to embrace him. Thorne weeps, “I’m not ready to let Dad go!”
In the Forrester living room, Donna warns Eric not to ask her for a martini. He takes in some oxygen and tells her it actually helps. Katie walks in and asks if he’s alright, “Eric, are you sure you want to go through with this?” Eric shouts that the party is a go! She pleads with him to go to the hospital, but he’s determined to have the party he’s been dreaming about. A party they’ll never forget.
In the design office, Brooke comforts Bridget, who has been told that her father is dying offscreen. She asks if Eric has sought a second opinion, and her mother tells her that numerous oncologists have looked at his case. Bridget muses, “There’s no known cure.” Hope is so sorry for what she’s going through. Bridget can’t believe that they have to go to this party, and she must pretend not to know. Brooke recaps that it’s what Eric wants. Bridget sobs and sobs.
At the Forrester mansion, Donna and Katie assure Eric that everything is ready. He can’t wait to see the room filled with the people he loves. “Memories etched into my soul.” He inhales some more oxygen as Donna and Katie exchange worried looks.
In the event venue, Carter, Luna, Thomas, Zende, and RJ are joined by Hope, Steffy, Brooke, Bridget, and Thorne. They commiserate about Eric until Ridge appears. He announces that they’re all dressed up to go to a party they shouldn’t be having. He predicts it will take a toll on his dad and on all of them. If anyone feels they can’t hide their grief, they should stay here. Tonight isn’t about sadness, but celebrating a great man. This is the performance of a lifetime. Thorne can’t promise he won’t break down when he sees his dad. Bridget hollers about the pretending not being healthy. Ridge and Brooke work to convince her they need to do this for him. “We can do it. We have to. Joy and happiness, for him. Can you do it?” Bridget nods. Ridge tells them to put on their game faces, “Let’s go.” As they all file out, Ridge and Brooke embrace.
At the Forrester mansion, Eric sucks back oxygen and then asks Katie to put the tank away. He reminds Donna that they must remain the only ones who know along with RJ and Luna. Brooke and Ridge come in with the others. Bridget hugs her father, who tells her she’s beautiful. Eric chuckles that Thorne got here just in the nick of time and they embrace as well. Eric chortles, “My kids!” His kids are the best thing he ever did. They can’t know how much it means to him that they made the effort to be there. Luna and RJ greet Eric next, followed by Zende and Thomas, who hug their granddad. Eric welcomes Carter and tells him he’s family, “Never forget that.” Katie passes out champagne, and Donna declares that Eric wants to make the most of every single minute they have together. Eric wants to toast all of them, “Look at you, you look terrific.” He wants this evening to be full of happiness, music, and love. He promises a night full of love, laughter, and positive energy. “To joy and laughter!” They all raise their glasses and look away awkwardly as Eric’s hand trembles mightily, nearly spilling his bubbly.