In the CEO's office, Paris and Steffy talked about how much they'd enjoyed the holidays. To Paris, Steffy's holiday had sounded magical. Steffy said it had been -- except for one guest. Steffy hadn't expected to spend any of the holiday with Sheila, but Steffy did trust her mother's judgment. Paris said Steffy just didn't trust Sheila, and Paris claimed to get that.
Zende arrived after having looked for Paris all over the building to make sure they were still on for New Year's Eve. He stated that it would be epic. Steffy said he had to give her more than that; however, he swore his lips were sealed, and he left to meet with someone.
Steffy gushed about how romantic the Forrester men were and recalled that Ridge had proposed to Taylor with a treasure hunt. Steffy's eyes glittered as she wondered what her cousin had in store for Paris for New Year's Eve.
In the design office, Zende met with Quinn about the project he'd requested a few weeks back. She apologized that it had taken so long but said he'd be pleased with the result. Quinn opened a ring box, and Zende gasped. He said the marquise diamond ring with two side baguettes was beyond anything he'd expected. Quinn asked if Paris knew he was about to propose.
As Zende gazed at the ring and thanked Quinn, she noted that he hadn't answered her question about Paris' awareness of the proposal. He assumed Quinn might think he was moving too fast. Quinn said it was none of her business, but he seemed to clearly love Paris. Zende was certain about spending his life with Paris and had to believe she felt the same about him.
At Il Giardino, Brooke arrived at the bar, where Deacon was restocking, covering a shift for Paul, who'd just had a baby with his wife. Deacon was happy after having the best Christmas ever with Hope, and he asked how Brooke's holiday had been. Brooke said Christmas was all about the children, and it had been great to see it through Beth and Douglas' eyes.
Brooke was there to inquire about the non-alcoholic champagne Eric had served for the holidays. After she displayed a picture of the bottle, Deacon retrieved it, saying it was popular with the non-drinking crowd. Brooke asked to get a bottle for New Year's Eve. Deacon said that the bottle he had was already spoken for, but he could order her one in time for her party.
Unbeknownst to Deacon and Brooke, Sheila was listening in. Deacon started to tell Brooke how grateful he was for his second chance when Sheila walked in and asked if she was interrupting anything. Brooke asked Deacon what Sheila was doing there.
Sheila wished Brooke a happy holiday and wondered if she wasn't allowed to spread holiday cheer. Brooke murmured that Sheila was only interested in spreading chaos and her own brand of crazy. Sheila noted that Brooke was being even nastier than usual.
Brooke asked for an explanation from Deacon. Brooke had approved of him seeing Hope on the condition that he wouldn't see Sheila, so Brooke wanted to know what was going on. He stated that he had no romantic involvement with Sheila. Brooke asked Sheila if it was true.
Sheila replied that she and Deacon weren't sharing a bed at that moment. Telling Sheila to stop, Deacon conveyed that he was staying in a room in the back, and he mopped up around there. He didn't invite Sheila to the public restaurant, nor could he control what she did. Sheila didn't want him talking as if she wasn't there, but he asserted that he didn't want to mess up every good and kind thing that had happened in his life since his release.
Sheila assumed that being around her was messing it up for Deacon. Sheila took exception to that and said whatever he'd promised Hope and Brooke was his business, but where Sheila went and who she saw wasn't Brooke's business. Sheila said Brooke wouldn't dictate Sheila's life; it wasn't as if Sheila had a lot of friends, anyway. Brooke wasn't surprised to hear that.
Sheila applauded Brooke for continuing to be Miss High and Mighty, but Sheila felt that Deacon was her friend. Brooke replied that Sheila couldn't be in his life, and he didn't need negative influences. Sheila asked if Brooke was speaking for him. Deacon felt like, in that situation, Brooke did speak for him, and he and Sheila couldn't be seeing each other.
Sheila said Brooke had always looked down on Sheila as if Brooke felt she was better than Sheila. Sheila had made it as a registered nurse, but Brooke had slept her way up. Brooke replied that Sheila knew Brooke had gone to college, majored in chemistry, and created the BeLieF formula, which had made millions for Forrester Creations.
Sheila said, "Whatever," and didn't know how Ridge saw Brooke as his destiny when he had children and grandchildren with Taylor. One of the grandkids was Sheila's, and she didn't get why Ridge would want to spend his life with an alcoholic slut like Brooke. Sheila was proud to say Stephanie's words and proclaimed once a slut, always a slut from the valley.
Brooke giggled and called Sheila certifiable and insane. Deacon asked the ladies to chill out before he got fired. Sheila claimed Brooke didn't care and only thought of herself. Brooke said it was why she didn't want him associating with Sheila, who was divisive and destructive.
Sheila claimed she was human and had paid for her mistakes, but Brooke didn't have an ounce of forgiveness in her. She asked why Brooke couldn't be more like Taylor. Brooke asked what Sheila was even talking about. Sheila revealed that she'd gone to Finn and Steffy's Christmas Eve and had spent time with her grandson.
Brooke thought that was a good joke and said Steffy would never let Sheila into Steffy's home.
Sheila noted that Taylor would, and Brooke asked why Taylor would do something so dangerous. Sheila said Taylor was kind and understanding and asked why Brooke couldn't be.
Brooke replied that she'd never do something like that. Taylor had opened the door a crack, but Brooke would slam it, lock it, and throw away the key. Brooke would make sure Sheila came nowhere near Brooke's family, especially Finn, Steffy, and Hayes.
Brooke believed Sheila had manipulated Taylor, but Sheila said the "world-class" psychiatrist would see it a mile away. Brooke questioned whether Taylor had been gone for so long that she'd forgotten how diabolical Sheila was. Brooke didn't know why Taylor would give Sheila the benefit of the doubt after Sheila had shot Taylor and kept her from her family for years.
Deacon tried to stop the argument, but Brooke doubled down on her promise to keep Sheila away from Brooke's family and believed Ridge would agree, because he didn't like Sheila, either. Brooke planned to make sure Ridge knew how crazy Sheila was.
Sheila asked Brooke not to come between Sheila and her son and grandson. She asked Brooke to show a little mercy. Brooke said that she might if it was anyone else. Sheila, however, was a dangerous sociopath, and Steffy and her family needed to be protected from Sheila. Brooke said she would make certain that Sheila was out of all of their lives once and for all.
Later, Sheila was alone at the bar, ranting to herself about Brooke, who'd threatened to come between Sheila and Finn and take away Deacon, Sheila's only friend. Sheila wondered how to put Brooke in her place. She recalled the conversation Deacon and Brooke had had about the non-alcoholic champagne. Grabbing a bottle, she decided that was how she'd stop Brooke. "New Year's Eve," Sheila said, ripping a label off the bottle.
At Il Giardino, Sheila recalled Brooke's determination to keep Sheila away from Steffy, Finn, and Hayes. Vowing to stop Brooke, Sheila took a bottle in one hand and a sticky note that read "Reserved" in the other. She predicted Brooke would have a festive New Year's Eve.
In her hotel room later, Sheila carried in a bag. She pulled out two Champagne bottles with different labels, tossed them on the bed, and smiled to herself. Sheila pulled out more equipment -- a steamer, some hot water, and glue spray. Sheila said that if Brooke thought she could keep Sheila away from Finn and Hayes, then Brooke should think again.
Dark piano music played as two sealed bottles lay in a pail of water. Two other open bottles were beside them on the table. Sheila worked the labels off the wet bottles and air-dried the labels. With adhesive spray, Sheila swapped the front labels on the bottles.
Sheila sampled wine from each open bottle and couldn't tell the difference. She said she'd heard that the holidays could be hard on alcoholics.
At Brooke's house, Brooke welcomed Ridge home with a kiss and bragged about the epic kiss she'd give him at the New Year's Eve party they'd have. Ridge informed Brooke that something had come up, and he had to go out of town for New Year's Eve. Forrester had been working for weeks on gala gowns for a Frenchman's family, and the Frenchman wanted Ridge to be there when the gowns arrived. Ridge said "we" would leave that night.
Brooke asked who would leave, and Ridge indicated that it was the two of them. He wanted to show her off. Brooke said she was flattered to still be show-off material, but she wasn't up for leaving town right then. Ridge said she didn't have to lift a finger, but she protested because it was the biggest gala of the year. Brooke didn't have a thing to wear.
"If you only knew a designer," Ridge replied. He said they'd take a rack of dresses and fit Brooke into something on the jet. Brooke complained that those parties went on and on, and people drank all night. Ridge promised not to drink in honor of her sobriety and said they'd leave if it got to be too much. Brooke admitted the truth of it was that she was looking forward to ringing in the new year with the kids. She'd already told the kids about the games and activities they'd play.
Ridge had been looking forward to taking a trip with his wife. Brooke indicated that she would have liked it, too. She figured it would be another time, but he should get going. The Frenchman was a close friend and good client, and Ridge had made exquisite looks for the ball. She hated that they'd be apart on New Year's Eve, and Ridge affirmed that he didn't like it, either.
Brooke got that Ridge had a work commitment and thanked him for seeing her side of things, too. He was sure the kids wanted the sparklers and "the whole nine." Brooke assumed they'd celebrate New York time so the kids could get to bed. Ridge said he'd tell the Frenchman that Ridge needed to be home with his wife for New Year's Eve. Ridge would cut his trip short and try to make it home in time. Brooke thought that was a wonderful compromise.
Brooke informed Ridge that she'd seen Sheila, who'd said she'd spent Christmas Eve at Steffy's. Ridge sighed. He'd heard the same thing, and he was sure Taylor had had her reasons. He mentioned something about observing Sheila's mental state. Brooke didn't think it took a brain surgeon to figure out that Sheila was crazy and couldn't be reformed.
Brooke explained that she'd seen Sheila while checking on the non-alcoholic champagne at Il Giardino, and Deacon had been there filling in for the bartender. Ridge told her to stay away from Deacon and Sheila and offered to find the sparkling wine himself. Brooke said she hadn't expected to run into them, and Deacon had said he hadn't had anything to do with Sheila.
Brooke conveyed that she'd also stood her ground and told Sheila that as long as Brooke was around, Sheila would have nothing to do with Finn, Steffy, and Hayes. Ridge didn't want Brooke to worry about Sheila and Deacon, but Brooke didn't want Sheila near their family. Ridge got it and agreed that they had to protect the family; however, they had to be careful, too.
Brooke thanked Ridge for making her feel safe. Ridge didn't want to leave his hot, beautiful wife or have Sheila and Deacon hovering around them. Brooke insisted that Ridge go and be back before he knew it. Ridge intended to have the pilot rush him back, and Brooke replied that she'd be right there, waiting for him. The two kissed.
In the CEO's office at Forrester, Paris handed Carter the year-end reports for the Forrester Foundation. Carter was impressed by the numbers, and she felt that it meant a lot, coming from her new financial guru. She joked that she expected to be a billionaire by 30.
The conversation turned to what Carter and Paris had planned for New Year's Eve. Carter assumed he'd be on his couch, and he joked about studying up on crypto for her. Before she could say what her plans were, Zende arrived, and he revealed that he had something special planned for him and Paris, starting with dinner at Il Giardino, which Zende had booked weeks in advance.
Carter assumed the couple would hit the clubs and have VIP bottle service. Zende wanted something more low-key. He figured they'd go back to his place or hers and have a quiet evening. He promised that the night would be full of surprises.
Zende left for a meeting, and Carter wondered what surprises Zende had in store. Paris wasn't sure, but she was not ready. "Not ready for what?" Carter asked. Paris didn't want Carter to get her wrong because she was actually into Zende. She recalled that being with Zende had felt "so natural" in the beginning, and things had progressed.
Carter said that Zende and Paris were becoming more involved every day. Paris guessed so. Carter pointed out that she'd attended family holiday parties, and the Forresters loved her. For Paris, being with Zende was great, but "anything beyond that..."
Paris considered herself to be a young, independent woman. She wasn't looking for anything beyond dating, and she wasn't ready for some big commitment. Carter assumed she had the feeling Zende would get more serious. Paris wasn't saying Zende would propose "or anything crazy like that." She reasoned that they hadn't dated that long, and he was also young, with women complimenting him all the time.
Paris said she felt lucky to be with Zende, but for the time being, she wanted to keep it casual. She asked if it made her a bad person. Carter didn't think so, but he suggested she tell Zende that. Paris agreed. She said the last thing she wanted to do was hurt Zende.
In the design office, Zende practiced opening the ring box as part of his proposal.
At Il Giardino, Sheila secretly listened in as Malcolm told Deacon that he had the bottle of "non-alcoholic champagne" that Deacon had requested for Brooke. While both men were off tending to work matters, Sheila sneaked in and replaced the non-alcoholic bottle with the mislabeled bottle of alcohol that she had concocted. Clutching the bottle that had originally been intended for Brooke, Sheila snarled that Brooke never should have threatened her.
Sheila paid an unexpected visit to Taylor in order to thank Taylor for having allowed her to spend Christmas with Finn, Steffy, and Hayes. She presented Taylor with a small potted cactus, which Sheila said was "symbolic." Taylor initially declined the gift, commenting that cacti were "very resilient, survive on almost nothing, and they know how to protect themselves." Sheila added, "Sometimes they even flower."
Taylor reluctantly accepted the cactus. Sheila asked if Taylor might be spending the New Year's Eve holiday with Steffy and Ridge. Taylor explained that Ridge was out of town and would not be home to celebrate the evening with "either of his families."
Before leaving, Sheila again thanked Taylor for having extended an olive branch to her. "Good things happen to good people, Taylor," Sheila said.
Back in her hotel room, Sheila sampled for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the Champagne. "They taste almost identical," Sheila marveled.
Ridge phone Brooke from the Forrester jet to tell her that he would be home before the stroke of midnight. As Brooke wrapped up the call, Hope, Liam, and the kids arrived. Douglas loudly chirped, "Mommy said I could stay up all night!" Hope thanked Brooke for allowing Deacon to be a part of their celebration. Moments later, Malcolm arrived with Brooke's non-alcoholic champagne delivery.
As the night progressed, Brooke enjoyed a glass of her supposedly non-alcoholic champagne. When Deacon arrived, Hope raced over to greet her father. Deacon thanked Brooke for opening up her home to him. He was pleased to see that she had gotten the bottle of champagne from Il Giardino. Brooke, Hope, Liam, and Deacon toasted to a "happy, healthy, peaceful future."
Hope told Liam that the kids had fallen asleep while watching a movie. That, she said, was their cue that it was time to head home. Brooke objected to her daughter leaving so early in the evening. Brooke proposed another toast "to better days ahead." She tried to echo Liam's earlier toast but fumbled over the words -- saying "patience" instead of "peaceful." Brooke laughed giddily when Liam corrected her.
After Liam and Hope headed out, Deacon once again thanked Brooke for giving him the support he needed to turn his life around. "I'm a new man, and I am so grateful to you," he stated.
At the cliff house, a shirtless Finn asked Steffy which sweater he should wear for their holiday gathering. "Neither," she replied as she looked him up and down. The two kissed passionately. Later, Steffy reflected on the "bizarre" Christmas that they had spent with Sheila. She hoped it would be a long time before they were forced to spend time with Finn's mother again.
Taylor arrived at Steffy and Finn's, toting her cactus and happily sharing the news that her practice had gotten up and running faster than she'd expected. Asked about the cactus, Taylor revealed that the plant had been a gift from Sheila.
In the executive suite at Forrester Creations, Quinn was surprised to find Carter working late on New Year's Eve. The two briefly discussed their plans for the evening before Quinn shared that Zende had "big plans" of his own. Carter was surprised to learn that Zende had asked Quinn to design a ring. Quinn made Carter promise that he would pretend to be surprised when Paris inevitably showed off the engagement ring.
While Quinn smiled happily as she discussed the impending engagement, Carter did not share Quinn's enthusiasm. When Quinn left for the evening, Carter paced back and forth in the office, mumbling that an engagement was not what Paris wanted. He feverishly tapped out a message on his phone.
In the dining area of Il Giardino, Zende and Paris sat down for a romantic dinner. Zende promised Paris a night that she would never forget. Paris' eyes widened when Zende ordered an expensive bottle of Champagne. He told Paris that she deserved only the best.
Zende and Paris discussed the year gone by. "You walking into my life was the most wonderful, unexpected surprise," Zende said with a big smile.
As they ate their salads, Paris observed that Zende had been unusually quiet. Zende told Paris that there was something that he needed to take care of, and he excused himself from the table. Paris appeared uneasy when she saw Zende whispering into the ear of a female employee.
Still alone at the table, Paris received a text message from Carter that read, "Zende has ring. Plans to propose." Zende returned to the table and told Paris that she was unlike anyone he had ever known. "My life hasn't been the same since I met you. I feel so incredibly lucky to have you in it," he gushed. As Paris shifted nervously in her seat, Zende added, "That's why I want you in my future forever."
Alone in her living room, Brooke had changed into some sexy lingerie. She continued to sip her champagne as she heard the front door open. She called out Ridge's name and raced toward the front door, but it turned out to be Deacon, who had returned because he had forgotten his phone.
Brooke pulled her robe closed to cover herself up as Deacon retrieved his phone. Surprised that Ridge was not yet home, Deacon told Brooke that she looked beautiful in her lingerie. Deacon was making his way to the door when Ridge phoned Brooke with an update. A mechanical problem had caused his takeoff to be delayed, and an impending storm had caused the flight to be grounded.
"But you promised me that you would be here," Brooke grumbled. Ridge apologized and told her that he would let her know immediately if there were any updates. "So, I am going to be alone on New Year's Eve?" Brooke asked angrily. Front the doorway, Deacon looked on.
At Il Giardino, Paris suggested splitting the check and leaving. Zende said he was paying, and pointing to a table where a couple fed each other dessert, he added that dessert was in their future. Paris thought it was cheesy to behave that way in public. She understood it at "their age," but for the time being, she could take her own bites. "'Their age?'" Zende questioned.
Paris boasted about how lucky she and Zende were to be young and single with no one tying them down. She didn't know about Zende, but she'd like to appreciate that part of her life for as long as she could. Zende clenched his jaw as he gazed at her.
Zende questioned Paris' desire to appreciate being single. Paris explained that New Year's always reminded her of the future and possibilities. Someday, marriage would happen, perhaps five to ten years down the line. She thought they fit together because they'd kept things loose and casual. They had their careers, each other, and their independence. She wanted to enjoy it and each other and make the year the best one yet. Zende tersely nodded and agreed.
At Forrester later, Carter was in the CEO's office when Paris arrived. She thanked him for sending the text message. He asked what had happened, and she described how she'd carefully given Zende the hint. She hadn't wanted Zende to pull out the ring or feel rejected.
Carter validated Paris' feelings, but she still felt bad and confused because she'd never wanted to hurt Zende. Carter hugged her and told her that it was okay. Slowly, Carter and Paris kissed.
In Brooke's cabin, Douglas was ready for bed but couldn't find Peanut Butter, the rabbit. He couldn't sleep without it. When he and Liam couldn't find it, Liam asked where Douglas had last seen it. Douglas suspected it was up at the main house, where they'd watched a movie. Liam suggested that they get a substitute animal to fill in for the night, and he took Douglas to bed.
Later, Douglas sneaked out of the cabin.
At Brooke's house, Deacon stood by the door and listened to Brooke and Ridge's phone conversation. Brooke was disappointed that Ridge wouldn't make it back that night, but she asked him to keep her posted. After the call, Deacon asked if Ridge wouldn't be back.
Brooke explained that a stupid storm was grounding flights. She knocked something over, and Deacon picked it up and wrung liquid off his free hand. She protested that it had been her only bottle, and she'd be all alone for New Year's Eve. He replied that she didn't have to be.
With boisterous laughter, Brooke said Deacon had had too much to drink if he thought that would happen. He said he wasn't the one stumbling around, knocking bottles over. He asked if she'd been drinking. Swearing she hadn't, Brooke showed him the label on the bottle. She said she walked by the liquor cabinet daily without being tempted.
"Although tonight, I should be allowed," she reasoned and picked up a bottle of vodka. "The real thing," she stated. Deacon didn't think it was a good idea, but she told him not to be a downer. She took a shot and exploded with excitement. She asked if her buddy old pal would knock one back with her. Deacon decided that he was in, and they both took shots.
Later, Deacon and Brooke were drunk, and he recalled how much she'd hated him when they'd met. She denied it but then she laughed at his past wardrobe, claiming he'd strutted around in bellbottoms. Deacon said he had never worn bellbottoms in his life, nor had he ever strutted around the way that Brooke had sloppily demonstrated.
Deacon found a Santa hat on the couch and tried it on, calling himself Deacon Claus. Brooke poured more shots, saying it was New Year's Eve, and she hadn't drunk with him like that in a long time. Deacon cheered about falling off the wagon one night and getting right back on.
Deacon had dreamed about "this" when he'd been in his cell. He'd dreamed about being in Brooke and Hope's lives and spending time, having fun together. It reminded him of how great they'd been together. Flashbacks of Deacon and Brooke played on the screen. He said it had been the most passion and intensity he'd ever felt. He was sure it had been for her, too.
Brooke stood, saying she should have cut Deacon off a few drinks back. Deacon guessed it was because he was speaking the truth. She sat back down, and he said she had no idea how much he'd thought about them, what they'd shared, and what could happen between them. "And now, you're looking at me like that," he said, claiming it was how she'd looked at him that way before. Deacon stated that he'd never stopped loving her. Brooke leaned in.
Douglas glanced in from the terrace and smiled upon seeing Santa kissing Brooke.
In Sheila's hotel room, Sheila poured more Champagne and said Brooke hadn't been wise to threaten her. "Cheers, Brooke," Sheila uttered. Looking at Finn's photo, she said she was getting a chance to be with him, thanks to Taylor, and Sheila dared Brooke to try to keep her away. Sheila predicted that, "Next year's going to be a bitch, Brooke."
At the cliff house, Kelly yawned, and Steffy asked if Kelly was sure she'd stay up until midnight. Kelly claimed she would, and Finn and Steffy pretended that it was almost time. Thomas frowned, and Steffy said it was near midnight somewhere on the planet.
Holding Hayes, Taylor added that it was one of Ridge's old tricks. Steffy asked if Taylor had spoken to Ridge. Taylor hadn't but asked if she should have. Steffy didn't think an old acquaintance should be forgotten, especially not Taylor by Ridge.
The family performed a countdown for the kids and wished them a happy New Year. Kelly noticed the cactus. Taylor murmured to Thomas that it had been a gift from Sheila. "Ouch," Kelly exclaimed, retracting her finger from the plant. Steffy hugged her daughter and glared at Taylor.
Later, Taylor exited Kelly's room, and Thomas asked if Kelly was okay after her boo-boo. Taylor affirmed it and conveyed that Finn was reading to the child. Steffy murmured that Sheila had had a hand in it and wondered if Taylor and Sheila were BFFs at that point. Taylor wanted Sheila to be better and thought it was best to keep an eye on her.
Taylor noted that the kids had had fun. Thomas agreed. It had been nice to see. Taylor wished Douglas had been there. Grinning, Thomas said he did, too, but Douglas was with Hope that night.
Ridge called to wish Steffy a happy New Year, and she put him on speaker. He said his flight was grounded, so he wouldn't be with Brooke. Taylor claimed to be sorry to hear it. He wished her a happy New Year and asked if she'd gotten out the cards. She said she'd done that in the past to keep the kids awake. Ridge was happy that she was back and said the kids were happy, too.
Later, as the family broke the playing cards out, Taylor gushed about how happy she was to be there and to spend time with her family. Steffy said Taylor could spend more time with Ridge, and if Brooke showed her true colors, he'd know he had other options. Thomas agreed.
Due to the New Year's Eve holiday, The Bold and the Beautiful did not air. This was a planned preemption and there were no "lost" episodes as a result. Regular programming resumed on Monday, January 3, 2022, and picked up where the Thursday, December 30, 2021, episode concluded.
