In Eric's office, Thomas was excited that Brooke had decided to go to Rome because she could then see how in sync he and Hope were. As Carter joined the conversation, Ridge said it made sense for Brooke to go on the trip because she was an essential part of the company. Brooke liked being appreciated. Carter said the appreciation was worldwide, and buyers and suppliers wanted to meet with her. "I guess you're going," Ridge concluded.
Carter brought up Brooke's successes with BeLieF, the Men's Line, and Brooke's Bedroom and said it was no wonder the buyers and suppliers wanted to talk to her. Ridge called her legendary, and Thomas said they were lucky to have her. Carter asked if he could set up interviews for Brooke. Brooke agreed to do just a few, so that the focus stayed on Hope.
After Carter had gone, Ridge said he was glad Brooke would go to Rome. Thomas asked if Taylor might feel weird about Brooke and Ridge being in Rome together. Ridge said Taylor understood that it was a business trip. Thomas said he wasn't making a big deal of it, but he'd just been wondering. Brooke said that it was natural, "considering our history."
Thomas said he'd heard about the fallout between Brooke and Taylor. Brooke concluded that she and Taylor didn't share the same perspective on what a friendship was. Thomas said the "renewed friendship" had brought peace to the family. He figured it was up to him and Hope to keep it going. Brooke said he didn't have to take that upon himself, but Thomas figured that he and Hope could set an example.
Brooke flashed a wary gaze. Thomas left, and Ridge asked her what her look meant. He wondered if she thought something was up between Thomas and Hope. Brooke grunted, and Ridge asked if they could try something different, which was to not worry about Hope and Thomas. Ridge believed that their kids had worked through the issues, and Thomas was a different person. Ridge said Brooke had seen it, and Hope had welcomed Thomas back.
Brooke said she wanted things to work out for everyone's sake. Ridge advised that they take the show on the road all the way to Rome. Sensing that the trip would be a game-changer for them all, she revealed that she was looking forward to being alone with Ridge.
In the design office, Steffy walked in, interrupting Hope from her deep, sensual muse about sex in Rome. Steffy questioned whether everything was okay. Hope said there was no need to worry because everything was under control. Noting that Hope's answer had been weird, Steffy guessed that the vibe she sensed had to do with her brother.
Hope didn't know why Steffy had brought Thomas up, but Hope said there was no reason for concern. Steffy was glad because she loved that Thomas had re-channeled his negative energy into creative energy, and she didn't want to see him backslide. Hope expressed pride in Thomas, and Steffy noted that Hope benefited from Thomas' change and dedication to the line. Steffy said they knew how Liam felt about the Rome trip, but the question was how Hope felt.
Hope lauded Thomas for his accomplishments and said they deserved the trip as a team. Steffy said Liam couldn't be happy about Hope working with Thomas indefinitely. Hope quipped that Finn didn't tell Steffy how to run Forrester, and Liam didn't tell Hope how to run her line. Hope said that "right now," Thomas was the best fit, she and Liam were in a good place, and everything was under control.
Thomas arrived, and Steffy said Hope had just been saying how happy she was that he was on the trip. Thomas thanked Hope for inviting him on the trip. Hope said he was the lead designer who'd done more work on the line than anyone else. "Except you," he replied.
Steffy rolled her eyes, watching Thomas and Hope say that teamwork made the dream work. Steffy said they'd worked for weeks on it. Thomas replied that it had been months. Steffy corrected herself, adding that she wouldn't let anyone or anything get in the way of the relaunch. Hope made a face, and Thomas told his sister that he and Hope knew that the trip was about business and nothing else. Hope affirmed it, and Steffy left to prepare for Rome.
Thomas told Hope not to worry about his sister. Hope snapped that she was used to Steffy. "Then don't worry about Liam," Thomas replied. He said Liam's feelings were coming from a place of love and support because Liam wanted her to be successful. Thomas figured working together and going to Rome would make her successful. He insisted it was strictly about business and nothing else. He asked her to say she believed no one had anything to worry about. Hope said she believed and trusted him.
Thomas pulled out a sketch and began talking about the ancient sex appeal of Rome that he'd tried to capture in it. Hope got flustered, and the erotic fantasy of a wind-blown Hope riding Thomas played on the screen. Thomas said it was something subliminal, below the surface, just waiting to be seen.
At Spencer, Liam was distracted in a meeting as Wyatt discussed a takeover of a magazine company. Wyatt offered to blow the building up, and a preoccupied Liam said it was a good idea. Liam snapped out of his fog, admitting that he was still thinking about Hope and Thomas.
Liam said he was trying not to let Hope and Thomas send him into a spiral, but Liam admitted that the trip was killing him. Wyatt empathized with his brother, saying Liam had every reason to be worried about Hope and Thomas going to Rome. Reminding Liam of how romantic it was, Liam said Liam had married Hope in Puglia. Liam replied that had been two people madly in love, but the Hope for the Future trip was about two business partners at a press event.
Wyatt responded that one of the people had been obsessed with the other, which was Liam's wife. "And they are about to be alone in fabulous Rome," Wyatt added. Figuring he was bad at consoling Liam, Wyatt insisted that Thomas was a master manipulator who knew how to get Hope to let her guard down and feel safe around him.
Wyatt said Liam couldn't let the trip happen. Shrugging, Liam asked how he'd stop it. Wyatt suggested preventing Thomas from going. Wyatt figured Thomas was the problem, not Liam's wife, Hope. Wyatt said Hope was fully committed to her family, and it wouldn't occur to her to be unfaithful. "She's different than Brooke," Wyatt said.
"You talking smack about my mother-in-law, dude?" Liam asked. Wyatt claimed that he was just saying Hope had probably made a conscious effort not to have a life like her mother had had, and therefore, Liam had nothing to worry about with Thomas or any other guy. Liam replied that he knew that but couldn't forgive what Thomas had done.
Wyatt replied that he wouldn't forget, either, or believe that Thomas had changed. Wyatt reasoned that Hope had to believe it until the collection was off the ground. Wyatt suggested that Hope might find a new lead designer once the pressure of survival was off. Liam replied that it would be ideal. Liam asserted that Thomas had always been the problem, and Liam wished he could keep Thomas from Hope.
Wyatt insisted that it would be a huge mistake for Liam to let his guard down for a second. Wyatt suggested that Liam go to Rome. Liam said he didn't want to be that guy, tagging along and keeping tabs. He also didn't want a front seat to the "Hope and Thomas" show, watching them clasp hands and bow. Wyatt advised Liam to trust his wife and not cause any issues with Hope before she left for Rome with Thomas.
In the design office, Brooke was on a phone call. When Taylor arrived, Brooke ended the call, telling her caller that she had to deal with someone. Taylor stated that after some thought, even though she didn't think Brooke had been transparent about Ridge, Taylor had realized that she'd reacted poorly. Taylor claimed she'd really been trying to support Brooke in moving on with her life. "So that you could move on with Ridge," Brooke concluded.
Deciding she didn't have time for it, Brooke said she had to prepare for her trip. "Your trip with Ridge," Taylor added. Brooke affirmed that she was going to Rome to attend the preview and press event and to meet with important buyers and suppliers. Taylor claimed to be glad Brooke could be there to support her daughter, and Brooke said she'd definitely be there for that.
Taylor remarked that she'd thought about going and had mentioned to Ridge that she wanted to support Thomas. Brooke asked if it had happened before or after Taylor had told Ridge not to trust Brooke, who Taylor claimed hadn't changed. Brooke said it was a complete lie.
Taylor replied that it had been the conversation Brooke had overheard, and Taylor asked if it would be fun to be on the same flight together. Calling it ridiculous, Brooke replied that the Rome trip was about fashion, and there was no reason for Taylor to be there. Taylor said that she'd just mentioned her interest. "You analyze people's minds, not what they wear," Brooke asserted.
Taylor figured Brooke didn't want Taylor there because Brooke wanted to jet off with Ridge. Brooke listed her achievements with BeLieF, the Men's Line, Brooke's Bedroom, and Taboo. Brooke replied that Hope had her line. Taylor said Hope's line would have been pulled had it not been for Taylor's son, and Taylor wanted to support Thomas.
Brooke replied that she could see right through Taylor, and Taylor quipped that at least one of them was transparent. Taylor sensed that Brooke wasn't telling her something, and Brooke admitted that she was a little worried about Ridge, who was lost or had lost faith.
Taylor assumed it was his faith in destiny and exclaimed that she'd known it all along. Taylor figured that Ridge and Brooke had grown closer, and Brooke was going to Rome to make him believe in love again. Brooke grinned and said, "Ciao, Taylor," before walking out.
In Eric's office, Eric was with Ridge and R.J. as, at the last minute, Ridge scrambled to prepare for the trip. Ridge mentioned that Brooke would go. Eric wondered what Brooke and Ridge would do with their spare time in the most romantic city in the world. Ridge said it was a business trip, and he warned Eric and R.J. not to get any ideas. Eric said that if more than business transpired, it would make the trip all the more memorable.
Eric asked about Taylor, who'd expressed an interest in going to Rome. Ridge said it would be a big moment for Thomas. Eric understood that but didn't think it was a good idea for Taylor to tag along on the business trip -- especially with Brooke there.
Later, Eric had gone, and R.J. was curious why his grandfather had gone to see Donna in such a hurry. Ridge said it happened quite a bit, and R.J. got the hint about what Donna and Eric were doing. Ridge said the time alone with his son gave him a chance to warn R.J. not to get his hopes up. R.J. claimed to be allergic to family drama, but he insisted that Ridge and Brooke belonged together. He said the world knew it, and Rome knew it.
R.J. felt that he'd be remiss if he didn't point out that if Thomas hadn't done what he'd done, Brooke and Ridge would still be together. Ridge said he'd always love Brooke, but they were trying to break the cycle of pain and disappointment. Ridge was adamant that he and Brooke didn't want to hurt each other or their loved ones. R.J. replied that destiny might happen someday, and it might happen in Rome.
At Il Giardino, Hope visited her father before her Italy trip. Deacon was thrilled for Brooke, who was going, but guessed Liam wasn't happy about Thomas going, too. Hope asserted that she could handle Liam, but Deacon advised that she listen to Liam, not handle him. She claimed Liam wasn't listening to her, and Thomas wasn't the problem.
Hope changed the subject to her parents and the decisions they'd made in life. She remarked that Deacon had made a few mistakes and given in to impulses. He agreed but said if he hadn't, Hope wouldn't be there. He stated that Hope wasn't like that and didn't have to worry about it. Hope grinned in cocky affirmation.
Later, Deacon was saying that it was miraculous that he and Brooke hadn't passed their impulsive genes on to Hope. He stated that Hope had a set of rules she lived by and didn't let her emotions get in the way. He didn't know how she did it and called her a saint. Hope laughed and denied being a saint.
Later, Deacon noted that Hope looked troubled, and she replied that she had a lot going on. He figured that she might be hard on herself at times. He said her goals and expectations were important, but she shouldn't forget to be human. He stated that it was okay to make a few mistakes and follow her passions. Hope replied that it wasn't the advice she was looking for, but she appreciated it. Deacon told her to be careful and to crush it in Rome.
At Steffy's house, Liam had visited with Kelly, who was anxious to learn Italian because of her mother's trip. Liam, who'd picked up some words off a language app, rattled off some Italian sentences, and he concluded that the next day would be a big day. Steffy said it was the big preview and press event, and Liam murmured that Thomas and Hope would be inseparable. Steffy asked how Liam was doing. He wished he could say carefree, "but not so much."
Though Steffy still had her concerns, she figured that Hope and Thomas wouldn't be alone as they'd been on the last trip, and they'd be crazy busy. Liam wasn't worried about Hope, but Steffy expressed worry that Hope had unacknowledged feelings for Thomas, feelings Hope hadn't acknowledged to herself or Liam.
Liam shared that he'd asked Hope several times, and she'd assured him that there was nothing to worry about. Steffy replied that Hope was confused. Liam stated his belief that Steffy was mistaken. Steffy hoped so but said, just to be safe, Liam should go to Rome. Liam replied that Wyatt had advised the same thing, but Liam refused to be the insecure husband. Steffy offered to keep an eye on things in Rome -- just in case.
In Brooke's cabin later, Liam had already put the kids down by the time Hope arrived. She said she'd been with her father, not working late with Thomas -- in case Liam had been wondering. He offered to fix her a meal, but she wanted to say goodnight to the kids. Because Hope had mentioned it, Liam began to talk about Thomas. Hope, however, didn't want their last night together before her trip to be about that.
Hope claimed to love Liam more than anything. She said he was the man she wanted, and she wouldn't let anything ruin the family they'd created. She stated that she'd made her vows to him, and nothing would happen in the next few days to change it.
Liam and Hope hugged, and she assured him that after one of her biggest successes, she'd return home to him and their life. Hope went to see the kids, and Liam's smile faded. He shivered in uncertainty.
At Forrester, the hoarse Taylor took tea from Ridge and asked if he had his passport. Ridge had it. Taylor stated that she would love to be there in Rome, but she got that it was a business trip. Thomas replied that he'd miss his mom. Taylor asked if he knew who wouldn't miss her on the trip. "Brooke," Taylor concluded.
Ridge replied that Brooke was a vital part of the business. Taylor hesitantly acknowledged it. "But...?" Steffy asked. Taylor admitted that the timing wasn't in her favor. She decided that it wasn't about her; it was about Hope and Thomas' success.
Ridge left to pick up his suit from the sewing room, and Steffy bid her mother farewell. Alone with Thomas, Taylor cooed with pride about her son. Thomas told her, "This isn't just about me. You're a part of this, too. You are woven into every fiber of everything I create." Taylor said Thomas had committed to a lifetime of healing, and he was accomplishing it. Taylor emphasized that she wasn't worried about him as far as he and Hope were concerned. That was all she wanted to say.
Later, Taylor was alone when Ridge returned. He said it was nice to have a moment alone with her. She expressed her happiness for Thomas and the changes he'd made. Ridge credited Taylor, but she said she couldn't take all the credit. She asked Ridge not to lose faith in her after the Brooke drama. Ridge didn't want to get into it again.
Taylor asserted that they'd never gotten into it or talked about it. She admitted that she'd pulled a fast one on Ridge, saying "I wasn't trying to..." Ridge claimed to know and said Brooke would come around eventually. Taylor didn't think Brooke would ever own her part of the situation and would continue to smear Taylor. Taylor asked him to remember the source. She said she loved Ridge and always would.
Taylor went on about how handsome Ridge was, and he wondered how "he" did it. Taylor didn't know, but she said it made him a hard man to shake.
In the design office, Katie and Donna agreed that what Taylor had done to Brooke had been unacceptable. Brooke replied that it had given her clarity about Ridge as the love of her life; however, Ridge was being cautious and protective of his heart ever since Brooke and Taylor had banished him.
Donna and Katie concurred that the break had had to happen to end the back-and-forth, which hadn't been fair to the ladies. Brooke replied that Ridge understood it but had become guarded and had stopped calling her Logan. She assumed he wanted to protect them from future heartache.
Later, Brooke told her sisters that Taylor had sworn she hadn't meant any harm; however, it was clear to Katie that Taylor had intended to set Brooke up with someone other than Ridge. Brooke stated that Ridge had put up a wall between them, and he kept calling her Brooke, not Logan. She mimicked the way Ridge used her name and said she'd never heard him do that before.
Katie wondered if Rome, the magical city, would change things. Carter entered, saying it wouldn't be magical without her by his side.
Alone with Carter later, Katie asked if he was excited about the trip. He was but said he didn't like leaving her. Katie joked about locking him away in her bedroom, and he said it wasn't a bad idea. She expressed her excitement for him but said she'd miss him. They kissed.
In the corridor, Donna wished Brooke well on her trip. Donna had a feeling that Rome would change everything for Ridge and his Logan.
In Brooke's cabin, Hope was distracted by her Rome fantasy of Thomas. Liam interrupted, asking if she was all packed for Rome. Hope and Liam said they'd miss each other, and she told him to keep his phone on, so she could call him. Liam thought the success of the preview was a forgone conclusion; the problem was the other noise.
Hope said Liam's name, and he asked if he was supposed to pretend he wasn't still concerned about Thomas going to Rome with her. Hope decided that if he was that concerned, "maybe you should just come...come with us to Rome." Liam seemed shocked by the invitation.
Hope said Liam was her husband, and she wanted him to be there. Liam replied that he didn't need to be her chaperone. He said he wanted her to enjoy herself, and he'd be cheering for her in spirit; however, she didn't need to have Thomas there. Liam believed that there were many ways she could pull Thomas from the trip.
Hope replied that she couldn't force Thomas off the trip. Liam felt that everyone would understand, but disagreeing, Hope said the schedule had been set, plans were solidified, and it was the eleventh hour. Liam contended that it hadn't been the first time he'd asked, and plans could change. He reasoned that it wasn't the end of the world if Thomas didn't go because people wanted to see Hope. Liam asked if she understood that. She said she did. He begged her, saying that they were all staying together, and it just didn't feel right.
Hope said she was holding people up, but Liam replied that everyone would hold the jet for her. Hope claimed that she couldn't tell Thomas not to go, but Liam contended that it wasn't true. He said Thomas didn't have to be there in person. In a whiney voice, Hope started saying how she was stressed out as it was, bending over backwards to make everyone happy.
Hope decided that if Liam wouldn't go on the trip, he had to find a way to deal with the fact that Thomas, the lead designer, would be there. Hope said she hadn't wanted to leave like that. She stated that she loved him and needed to get to the airport. She kissed his cheek and left the house in tears.
Alone, Liam ruminated on finding Hope on top of Thomas in the design office. Liam recalled Steffy saying Hope had feelings for Thomas. Liam remembered Hope saying she couldn't imagine being in Rome without Thomas. Liam recalled begging her because it just didn't feel right.
On the jet, Steffy and Ridge greeted Brooke and Carter as they arrived. The group wondered what was keeping Hope and Thomas. Thomas, who'd been held up in traffic, arrived, and Hope entered shortly thereafter. Brooke asked Hope if things were okay with Liam, and Hope pretended that they were.
A slow-motion scene of everyone sitting down, buckling in, and smiling played on the screen. It ended with Hope and Thomas sharing a gaze.
In Eric's office, R.J. arrived to shake things up a bit with Eric. R.J. liked how Eric looked behind the desk. Eric said he loved it, which was why he'd bought it. He stated that he'd gotten a lot of satisfaction behind that desk -- and the drafting table. Eric asked if R.J. had reconsidered picking up a pencil and trying his hand at design.
Eric decided that he wouldn't force R.J., but Eric believed that he and Ridge would be happy to show R.J. if he changed his mind. Eric talked about R.J.'s creativity and talent and said Ridge had been his own man at that age, too. Eric said R.J.'s parents were proud of him and loved having him back, but Eric wondered if R.J. wished he was in Rome. R.J. promised to have so much fun that the others would wish they'd stayed.
Eric wondered how the Rome trip would affect Brooke and Ridge. Eric figured his grandson had been disappointed that his parents' marriage had ended. R.J. admitted it but said his matchmaking days were over, unlike Thomas and Steffy. Eric replied that Steffy and Thomas were done with that, too. R.J. stated that his parents were happier together, but it had to be something they wanted and pushed for. Eric believed that Ridge and Brooke wanted it but had had bad timing. Eric wondered if Rome could be the place.
At Il Giardino, Liam was sipping bourbon alone, not touching his food. The waitress came by asked if he wanted another bourbon. He said, "God, yes!" Deacon arrived. Noticing that Liam hadn't touched his food, Deacon mused, "I told them extra vegan!". Deacon assumed Liam missed Hope. From the look on Liam's face, Deacon guessed that Liam wasn't happy that Hope and Thomas were in Rome together. Liam admitted that he didn't like it. Deacon said it was a business trip. Liam replied that it was for Hope, but he didn't know what it was for Thomas. Deacon reasoned that Hope had said Thomas had changed. Liam acknowledged that everyone said it, but he didn't know if he'd ever buy it.
As the conversation continued, Liam said he and Hope had overcome every obstacle. Deacon asked if Liam thought it was that serious about Thomas. Liam stated that it was stressful, and he and Hope hadn't been able to have one casual conversation before the trip. Liam felt that it was on him for not getting past it, and it always ended in an argument. Deacon figured it was frustrating that Liam and Hope viewed Thomas differently. Liam concluded that Hope needed him to have faith in her decision to work with Thomas and that nothing bad would happen; however, he couldn't shake the ominous feeling about Hope and Thomas in Rome.
Deacon said it sounded a little dramatic to him. Liam hoped he was freaking out over nothing, but he noted that he'd been saying it since Hope had rehired Thomas. Deacon figured she wouldn't have done that if she'd had doubts. Liam clarified that Hope had had them, and she'd been just as worried as he had been. Liam said Hope had done what she always did and had given Thomas another chance.
Deacon wondered if co-parenting and being a great designer had helped make the case for giving Thomas the chance to prove himself. Liam replied that something always happened; Hope always let her guard down, and Hope always got hurt. Deacon promised to make sure Thomas was out of there if he crossed the line.
Liam said Hope had said that, too, but it wasn't a deterrent if Thomas knew Hope would always reconsider and take him back. Deacon asked if Thomas had done anything to make Liam suspicious. Denying it, Liam said it was just a knot in his gut that something bad would happen in Rome.
On the flight to Rome, Brooke sent Hope an accessories list. Carter showed off some press about the preview. Ridge said it would be a shining moment for the dream team.
Later, Hope listened in as Steffy sat by Thomas as he sketched and warned him not to spend the entire trip with his nose in a sketchpad. She said it was an incredible moment for him, and it was nice to see Thomas turn his life around.
Nearby, Ridge offered to reward Carter for his efforts with a celebration at Ridge's favorite bar in Rome. Carter replied that Ridge might have other plans. Ridge said he'd have a beer with his best friend, but Carter mentioned that Ridge might be happy that Brooke had come along for the ride. Brooke and Ridge exchanged glances, and Carter brought up the romance of Rome.
Later, Hope yawned as Thomas discussed a design. She said she needed sleep but was too preoccupied to relax. Thomas offered to give her a massage like he'd done on the other jet ride, but she doubted Brooke or Steffy would appreciate it. Thomas agreed but noted that Brooke was distracted with Ridge at that moment.
Steffy sat with Thomas and Hope, concerned about Taylor, who might be feeling left behind. Hope said Taylor understood that it was a business trip. "It's not like Ridge and Brooke are on vacation," Hope added. Thomas and Steffy swore off parent-trapping, saying they wanted their father's happiness to be his choice, not theirs. Hope said the same about Brooke.
Steffy stated that they needed to focus on work and minimize distractions. She asked Hope if that would be a problem. Hope asked what that meant. Noting that Hope had boarded the jet late, Steffy asked how it had gone with Liam.
Nearby, Brooke and Ridge noticed that their kids were keeping an eye on them. Ridge said it would get worse in Rome. Brooke replied that she didn't mind it from the press, but it was not okay from Thomas after all he'd put them through.
Later, Brooke startled Hope out of her thoughts, wondering if Hope had talked to Liam. Hope said she'd text message him when they landed. Brooke asked if Liam would like to hear Hope's voice. Hope said he would when she called the kids. Hope changed the topic to Brooke and Ridge, but Brooke reminded Hope that it was a business trip.
Hope said one never knew. Brooke replied that Ridge had been acting differently and didn't call her Logan. She figured that he was trying to protect Brooke from getting hurt.
Across the jet, Ridge asked if Steffy knew why Taylor wasn't there. Steffy said she did, and she didn't think Ridge should feel guilty about Brooke being there. Steffy decided that she was happy for Ridge, no matter what the future held. She said she wanted Ridge to enjoy himself and live a little in Rome. "Live your life," Steffy advised, and Ridge glanced at Brooke.
Later, Steffy approached Hope and said Hope hadn't answered earlier. Hope said it was because her marriage wasn't Steffy's business. Steffy replied that she was concerned about the trip, which had a lot riding on it. Hope claimed to know that. Steffy decided to say it again: Thomas had turned his life around, and she wouldn't let Hope or anyone destroy Thomas' hard work. Hope replied that there was nothing to worry about.
Steffy walked off, and Thomas approached Hope with information about their schedule. He touched Hope's elbow and asked if she was okay. Hope's heart started pounding. She flashed back to falling on Thomas and almost kissing him in San Francisco. Her fantasy about riding Thomas flashed into her mind. She snapped out it and looked away from Thomas.
At the gym at Forrester Creations, Dakota watched R.J. working out for a bit before asking him to spot on the bench press. Nearby, Liam and Finn mused that Dakota was pretending that she needed a spotter in order to get R.J.'s attention. After a few repetitions, Dakota claimed that she had hit her limit, but she said that she might need R.J. to spot her again after she rested up a bit.
When R.J. walked to the other side of the gym, Liam and Finn teased that R.J. would soon have a monopoly on spotting services. The conversation turned more serious as Liam vented his feelings about Thomas and Hope being together on the trip to Rome. R.J. felt that Thomas had every reason to be on his best behavior because Thomas had "way too much to lose."
Finn broke his silence by stating that he did not think that it was his or R.J.'s place to try to sway Liam's opinion of Thomas. Finn urged Liam to trust his instincts. That said, Finn noted that he had noticed changes in Thomas' behavior. Finn admitted that he'd always thought of Thomas as a "super shady dude" in the past, but that no longer seemed to be the case.
R.J. wondered why neither Finn nor Liam had gone to Rome with their wives. Finn said that he had too many other obligations, and Liam claimed that Hope's last-minute invitation had left him with too little time to make the trip happen. Finn suggested that Liam fly to Rome to surprise Hope. Liam initially thought that Finn was just messing with him, but Finn insisted that Liam flying to Rome would be the ultimate declaration of love. Liam became excited and exclaimed, "I'm gonna do it! I'm going to Rome!"
Aboard the Forrester jet, Ridge, Brooke, and Hope expressed their excitement to land in Italy. Hope enthusiastically shared that she could not wait to have some pasta. Steffy, who had been listening in, warned Hope to have plenty of napkins at the ready. "Thomas worked his butt off designing those gowns. The last thing I want to see is marinara all over those gowns," Steffy said in a gently chiding tone.
Thomas praised Carter for getting permits to use "such an amazing place" as the "iconic backdrop" for the fashion show. Hope admitted to being nervous. Hope said that Thomas deserved all the praise for what she believed would be a wildly successful showing. As she heaped praise upon her designer, Brooke and Steffy appeared uneasy.
Carter sat in a seat across from Steffy and remarked that he never would have thought that Hope and Thomas would be able to work together again. "It's so great seeing two people connect the way they do. It's like they totally get each other," Carter said with a big smile. "They certainly do," Steffy grumbled.
On the other side of the plane, Ridge told Brooke that they'd be landing shortly. Brooke expressed her desire to get off the plane. Ridge ribbed her about her repeated comments about how romantic Rome was. "I know you don't believe in romance and destiny right now, but I'm hoping that Rome can help you find that again," Brooke said chipperly.
In Rome, Hope and Thomas marveled at the villa that Brooke had found for them to stay in. They were greeted by Daniela, who promised the group would have a time to remember in Rome. Later, as they stood together on a terrace at the villa, Brooke warned Ridge that he would not be able to escape the magic of Rome.
Carter tracked down Steffy and told her all the details about the upcoming swimsuit showing, but Steffy was noticeably distracted. Her gaze went past Carter and onto another terrace where Hope and Thomas were talking to each other. On the other terrace, Thomas and Hope took turns praising each other's vision. Steffy bristled when Hope put her hand on Thomas' chest.
This episode featured the song "Romance in Rome" by Petula Clark.
