In Brooke's cabin, Finn had arrived to pick up a pair of Kelly's shoes. Finn and Liam discussed how Finn would get along while Steffy was in Rome. Finn, who'd switched some work shifts around, said Li and Taylor were helping him with the kids. Liam expressed excitement about his decision to go to Rome to support Hope face to face.
Eric and Donna arrived at Liam's behest, and Liam requested that they watch the kids for a few days. Donna agreed but asked what was going on. Liam announced that he was going to Rome to support Hope.
Later, Eric predicted that the showing would be a sensation. He knew Liam wasn't thrilled about Thomas sharing the spotlight with Hope, but Eric advised Liam to concentrate on the one person that mattered to Liam. Liam stated that his trip was a surprise, and Eric said the secret was safe.
Finn said he wished he could go, but he had patient commitments. He offered to let Eric and Donna bring the kids over for playdates. Excited, Liam said he couldn't wait to see the look on Hope's face when he arrived.
After Finn had gone, Eric acknowledged that Hope and Liam had made it through every challenge, and they'd done it with the most important thing, love. Eric said he and Donna could attest to the fact that there was nothing a couple couldn't overcome with love. Liam replied that his next step was to book a flight.
Alone later, Liam was on the phone with a reservationist. He told the person that he was desperate to get a flight to Rome to see his wife.
In a courtyard in Italy, the Forrester crew had Champagne as they met with suppliers and buyers the day before the preview. Everyone toasted to making great memories.
Later, in a backstage area, Steffy side-eyed Hope and Thomas, who were listening to Brooke say what a success the preview would be. Hope didn't want Brooke to jinx them, but Thomas replied that one couldn't jinx facts. Hope admired Thomas' confidence, and he said he just knew what they had.
Steffy gave a short speech about celebrating Forrester's Italian partnerships with the preview the next day, and everyone backstage clapped and cheered.
On a deck later, Ridge and Steffy finalized some things with Carter for the new-and-improved HFTF debut, and they wondered what they'd ever do without the lawyer/wedding officiant. Steffy left to check on the poolside photoshoot. Carter suggested that Ridge unwind and take in some sights with Brooke.
Ridge was frustrated with Carter for playing matchmaker, but Carter, claiming to know the waxing and waning of Brooke and Ridge, asked what he was missing. Ridge stammered about it but reasoned that Brooke might have become more open to him. Carter asserted that it was awesome. "Really?" Ridge replied.
Carter claimed he wasn't trying to get in Ridge's business. Ridge quipped that Carter was in it deep, and Carter admitted it, saying it was because Brooke and Ridge's connection never went away. Carter suggested Ridge get over his jet lag and grumpiness in the company of the woman Ridge had loved most of his life.
By the rooftop pool, Steffy oversaw a bathing suit photoshoot.
In a hotel room, Hope and Brooke were gleeful about the showing. Hope revealed that Hope hadn't let Liam or Brooke see how terrified Hope had been about almost losing the line. She said Steffy had given her and Thomas another chance to revive the line. Brooke replied that it would be a success, and Hope would be the toast of Rome. Hope was confident and said to bring it on.
Changing the topic, Hope wondered what the city had in store for Brooke and Ridge. Hope said she'd noticed Brooke and Steffy's eyes burning the back of Hope's head, but Hope had also been keeping an eye on Brooke and Ridge. Hope said she'd seen what she'd seen her entire life -- Brooke and Ridge were as desperately in love as always. Hope remarked that something was in the air, and it kind of felt like destiny.
Brooke replied that Ridge had soured on destiny. Hope stated that Ridge had been known to change his mind. Brooke asked if Hope was trying to reunite the couple. Hope replied that she just wanted Brooke to be happy.
Just then, Ridge arrived and invited Brooke for a walk around the city. Brooke and Hope exchanged glances, and Brooke agreed to go.
Later, Ridge and Brooke had gone, and Hope interrupted Thomas' sketching to remind him that the collection was just as much his as hers. She wanted him to own it and not defer to her during the press conference. She said it was his moment, too.
Hope said that it was surreal, and it hadn't been that long back that they'd almost lost HFTF. Thomas asked if he was okay. She told him that she appreciated him and his talent and the way he elevated her vision into something she hadn't imagined. She said he'd made it fun along the way. "You ground me and focus me, and now we are here doing this together...I'm really thankful to be here launching the new Hope for the Future with you in Rome," she concluded.
Outside the Colosseum, Brooke and Ridge marveled at the relic. He said it was battered and worn, just like he was. Brooke insisted that he just got better with age. "No, I don't," he replied. Stating that she'd kept it in for too long, Brooke confessed that she just wanted to be his Logan again. She noted that the Colosseum had endured a lot, just like they had. She wanted Ridge to take a hold of her and never let go.
Brooke asked if Ridge still believed in them. She asked him to please say he believed.
In Los Angeles, Bill arrived in Brooke's cabin as Liam was failing to book a flight to Rome. Bill had come because Liam had canceled meetings due to a secret trip to Rome. Bill asked what was going on because Wyatt had said Liam had forgone the trip. Liam replied that he'd just decided that he'd wanted to be there to share Hope's moment with her, but he didn't think it would happen. Bill guessed Liam had forgotten that his father owned a jet.
Later, Liam was telling Bill about Liam's bad feeling about Thomas and Hope. Liam disliked how intertwined the two were, making it easy for Thomas to misinterpret things. Liam wanted to be in Italy to remind Thomas not to think about going there with Hope. Liam added that he wanted to support Hope and spend some private time together afterward. Liam felt that they needed it.
Bill said he was headed to Europe, anyway, and his jet was ready to go. "You and I are going to Rome," Bill announced. Bill got on the phone with Sarah, the pilot, to adjust his flight plans. He advised her that they'd drop his son off in Rome before heading on to the Stella Maris.
On the jet later, Bill and Liam met with Sarah, who said they'd take off momentarily. Sarah left the cabin, and Liam called Bill a lifesaver. Bill said to call him Dollar Cupid who'd do anything for true love. Liam stated that Hope would be surprised to see him.
In a hotel room in Rome, Hope tensely watched Thomas read the fifth draft of her speech that she'd been working on for weeks. Thomas said it was perfect and would make people love her and her mission more than they already did. Hope said they'd love "us" because it had been a team effort. She stated that she didn't think he realized how talented he was. "We're Hope for the Future now, and there can't be one without the other," Hope concluded, happy to be in the magical city with Thomas.
Thomas went back to sketching, and Hope asked what he was doing. He gushed about how inspiring Rome was. Hope grinned, loving to see him that way. She said he was that way when teaching Douglas. They discussed what an amazing kid Douglas was, and Thomas mentioned doing something special with Douglas to make up for the time Thomas had invested in the line.
Steffy and Carter arrived to pick Hope and Thomas up to tour the site of the preview, but first, they met briefly about the showing. Steffy asked about Hope's speech, and Thomas said she'd nailed it. Carter assumed Thomas had previewed it. Hope replied that if anyone understood her vision, it would be her lead designer. Thomas thanked her but said he could never put it as eloquently as Hope had. Steffy quipped that they loved singing each other's praises.
Thomas replied that he and Hope were a team, and he asked if Steffy had a problem with them respecting each other's contributions. Steffy said she was merely making an observation. Hope stated that HFTF wouldn't be there if it wasn't for Thomas, and Steffy had been about to pull the plug. Steffy clarified that she hadn't wanted to do that. Hope replied that Steffy had known Thomas could turn it around, and Steffy had been right. Thomas said the preview would be amazing because of Hope's speech, too. Hope and Thomas exchanged smiles.
Later, Hope, Thomas, Steffy, and Carter overlooked the Piazza Navona, where they'd hold the preview the next day. Hope didn't even know how Carter had booked the ancient racetrack. Steffy said locking the place down had been Carter's feat, and the showing would be a success.
Hope, Thomas, Steffy, and Carter went down to the plaza and into their busy staging area. As Carter and Steffy talked logistics, Thomas and Hope were together, exchanging praises of each other. Hope told him that he was an amazing partner; he was the gifted man behind her line and behind her.
Outside the Colosseum, Brooke asked if Ridge still believed in them. He said he'd like to. Brooke advised him to let her lead the way. He quipped that she'd get them lost. "Not when it comes to you and me," she replied and led him away.
Later, Brooke led Ridge through a statue garden. Ridge suddenly got the idea that Brooke should wear one of the gowns in Hope's preview. "That's my daughter's line," Brooke replied. Ridge insisted that the press would eat the mother and daughter thing up. He stated that Brooke had been the face of Forrester for a long time, and he needed her.
Later, Ridge and Brooke strode arm in arm until they arrived at a spot in time to see Il Cannone del Giancolo, a cannon that went off at the same time every day since 1842, except for during World War II. Brooke stalled, joking that since he was forcing her to do the preview, he'd have to wear a toga and titillate the ladies. Ridge said no one wanted to see that, but Brooke replied that she did. Ridge asked what was next.
Brooke stammered that her NAV had indicated that they were nearly there. "Nearly where?" he wondered. She said they were nearly to the spot she'd been taking him to. He guessed that she was lost. "Maybe. But there is one destination that I'm sure of. It's you and me and our future together," she replied. Ridge told her that his love for her would never die. "But...?" she asked.
Ridge wondered if they were trying to make something work that didn't exist anymore. He asked if she was tired of the pain and heartache they kept causing each other. He wanted to protect her, himself, and their kids. He asked if she understood that. She affirmed it. Ridge stated that he just didn't see how being in Rome would make them find their love and fall into each other's arms -- "I just don't see it," he stated.
Brooke told Ridge that she was there to support her daughter and his son and to represent Forrester, but she also wanted to believe it could be a new beginning for them. She wanted to be his Logan again. She just needed to get him to believe it, too.
Brooke gave a discreet nod to a soldier near the cannon, and the soldier winked. She wished she could show Ridge a sign. Suddenly the cannon shot off behind Ridge, and the crowd cheered. "See? A sign!" Brooke exclaimed, and Ridge grinned at her.
In Rome, a jubilant Brooke walked onto the terrace to see if Hope was ready for the big day. Hope said that she was excited for the opportunity to model alongside her mom. Brooke smiled broadly and remarked that she "almost fell over" when Ridge had suggested that she walk the runway in the Hope for the Future preview. Hope suggested that it was a sign that Ridge still loved Brooke.
Hope ran through the "brief but heartfelt" speech that she planned to give at the fashion preview. After she was done, Hope expressed regret that Liam would be unable to attend the event. Brooke comforted Hope and reminded her daughter that the trip was a work trip. Still, Hope regretted that her husband would not be with her on what could be the biggest day of her professional life.
Thomas reluctantly admitted to Ridge that including Brooke in the show was a good idea. Ridge was confident that the press would "eat it up." Ridge asked Thomas if he was nervous, but before Thomas could answer, Steffy and Carter entered the room and voiced their belief that Thomas had nothing to be nervous about.
Back in Los Angeles at Forrester, Eric, Zende, Paris, and R.J. gathered in the executive office to watch the feed of the Hope for the Future show. R.J. worried that the Logan/Forrester feud might somehow come into play during the event. Paris quickly admonished R.J. for trying to jinx things. Zende shared that he'd spoken to Thomas and learned that Brooke would be part of the show. Eric smiled wryly and said that "Rome [was] having a big impact" on Brooke and Ridge.
Aboard the Spencer jet, Liam called Bill's offer to fly him to Rome "extremely generous." Liam tried unsuccessfully to call and text Hope. Bill informed him that the jet was being upgraded and that Wi-Fi would not be available to them on the flight.
When the topic of Thomas eventually came up, Bill noted that if Bill was capable of change, Thomas could be, too. Liam asked if Bill had made any progress in winning Katie back. Bill said that he had not. Bill suggested that when his son had wrapped things up in Rome, Liam and Hope should join him aboard the Stella Maris.
Liam worried that he would miss the event. Bill said that he had a car waiting on the tarmac to usher Liam to the event upon landing. Liam regretted putting Hope between himself and Thomas. "What she needs is my support... to know that I love her, and I am there for her," Liam muttered.
Later, in Piazza Navona, Steffy mingled with the press in advance of the show. Backstage, Hope continued to battle her nerves. An enthusiastic Thomas joined her a few moments later and expressed how proud he was to be part of the Hope for the Future brand. "Go out there and be you!" Thomas said encouragingly.
With the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi as the backdrop, the Hope for the Future show went off without a hitch. The photographers feverishly snapped images while a crowd of onlookers watched every moment.
After the show, Hope delivered a speech to the media. "Fashion can be anything from fun to glamorous to even pushing boundaries," Hope began. Hope touted the importance of her line having a "social conscience." Hope introduced Thomas, the "creative force" behind the line and someone she was "deeply fortunate" to have on her team. When the press conference was opened up for questions, a photographer asked for a photo of Thomas and Hope together. Thomas and Hope smiled and looked at each other as the sounds of cameras snapping photos filled the room.
This episode featured the songs "Equatore" by DJ Matrix and Ginevra Lamborghini, and "I See U" by Ale Basciano, Ginevra Lamborghini, and Vincent Arena.
On Bill's jet, Liam was tense, and Bill said it wouldn't be long until they landed in Rome. Bill had arranged for a driver to be parked and waiting on the tarmac to take Liam straight to the showing. Bill told Liam to show Hope what a devoted husband he was, and Bill warned Liam not to waste time griping about Thomas.
Liam said he intended to be a supportive husband and to make up for being a shortsighted fool. He added that he had to stop doing things to push Hope away. Bill replied that there was no questioning Hope's love for Liam.
Later, the jet was parked on the tarmac, and Liam noted that he had phone service. Bill warned Liam not to ruin the surprise by calling Hope. Liam replied that they'd had a rough goodbye, but when he and Hope saw each other again, it would be a moment they wouldn't forget.
At the press conference in Rome, Thomas and Hope posed for photos before accepting questions from the press. In answering a question, Thomas said teamwork had been key, and he was glad that Hope had shared her vision with him. A collective "Aww..." was heard throughout the room.
Next, the reporters interviewed Brooke and Ridge, excited to see the duo together, even though they hadn't reunited. Ridge said they were there to support their kids, and one reporter asked if it was a hint of things to come.
Ridge diverted attention to Steffy and Carter, asking the crowd to give them a hand. Ridge added that as far as the future was concerned, he might have lost a step, some passion, and some drive, but the company was in good hands with Carter, Steffy, and Thomas, who was designing.
After the press conference had concluded, Ridge told Brooke that Rome made her more radiant. She replied that the town made him sentimental, but she didn't like hearing about his lack of passion and drive. Saying not to worry about it, he murmured that he was just tired. "Marriages and breakups. I don't know," he said. He stated that he did know that they had to stop hurting each other. Brooke reminded him to have faith and said they couldn't let the fire go out.
Later, Hope had changed, and Steffy was heaping on the praise about HFTF. Steffy was proud and said they couldn't have done it without Hope's talent and vision. Hope stammered, saying how much it meant to her. She wondered if she and Steffy could do a better job at being friends. Steffy said she'd like it.
Steffy decided that she'd no longer question Hope and her feelings. As far as Steffy was concerned, Hope had proven that she really did have everything under control.
Steffy left, and Thomas arrived, saying Hope looked how he felt. She said it was the best day of her life, and Thomas concurred. She was sad that Liam hadn't text-messaged her back. Thomas advised her to put away her phone and not worry about it. He announced that they'd celebrate, and he asked her what she wanted to do. Hope said she wanted to go for a walk and see the Colosseum.
Later, Steffy had returned and was talking to the staff when, to her surprise, Liam walked in. He explained that he'd realized he'd needed to be there, so he'd hopped on the jet. He assumed he'd missed the event. Steffy said he would have been proud of Hope. Steffy apologized, saying she'd been wrong to question Hope, who knew that Liam was an extraordinary man.
Liam asked where Hope had gone. Steffy didn't know, but she mentioned sightseeing. Liam rushed out, determined to find his wife.
Outside on the overlook, Carter found Brooke, who was still in her gown. He asked if she was okay, and she replied that she was just worried about Ridge. Carter figured that Ridge was just down. Carter mentioned Taylor and said it was too bad that Taylor and Brooke were no longer friends. Carter figured that Brooke's presence was good for Ridge, who loved Brooke like no other.
Ridge approached with Liaria, who'd told him about a door with a keyhole. People looked through the hole and saw their future, their destiny. Ridge didn't seem to believe it but asked if Brooke wanted to see it. She agreed but said she had to change out of her gown first. Ridge and Carter offered to wait for Brooke, but she said she could get directions from the hotel. Ridge was certain she'd get lost, but she promised she wouldn't.
Later, Brooke was wandering around lost, but Ridge and Carter had found the Aventine Keyhole. Ridge grumbled upon seeing a long queue waiting to peer into it. Carter offered to wait in line while Ridge found Brooke. Ridge said Brooke would be there. Carter wondered if she'd gotten lost, and Ridge hoped not.
Ridge and Carter made it to the front of the line, and Ridge, getting Brooke's voicemail, wondered if she'd decided not to join them. Carter peered through the keyhole and saw the Vatican. Calling it incredible, he urged Ridge to take a look. Ridge said it was a hole in a door, and he was good. Carter stated that through the keyhole was truth, mystery, and the meaning of life.
"Would you stop being grumpy and take a look?" Carter asked. Ridge looked, but all he saw was the Vatican. Carter urged Ridge to really take a look. Ridge took off his sunglasses and peered through the hole again. At that very moment, the lost Brooke wandered into his line of sight. "It's unbelievable," Ridge said.
While Hope and Thomas toured Rome, an upbeat song played over the scene. They laughed and took pictures as Liam combed the city in search of his wife, one tour site behind Thomas and Hope.
Thomas and Hope made it to the Colosseum. He said it had been there thousands of years, and she added the world had changed around it. Thomas began talking about how impressed he was by what Hope had done that day. He said it was all so beautiful. "The landscape, the architecture, you..." He stated that he and Hope had made history that day. Hope gazed at him, and he grinned.
Below Thomas and Hope, Liam meandered around, looking for her. He glanced up and saw Hope and Thomas standing by a railing. He was about to call out to her when he saw Hope suddenly grasp Thomas' face and pull him in for a long kiss. Liam watched as the two embraced, continuing to kiss each other again and again.
At the cliff house, Finn thanked Taylor for helping him get the kids out the door that morning. Taylor said she'd heard him panicking about getting to the hospital. Finn, who'd talked to Steffy, said the show had been a hit. Taylor wondered if he'd picked up any other tidbits. Assuming Taylor meant regarding Brooke and Ridge, Finn said he hadn't. He asked if Taylor had spoken to Ridge since he'd been over there with Brooke. Taylor shook her head.
Taylor decided that she'd talk to Ridge when he got back because everyone was busy in Rome. Finn guessed she hadn't talked to Brooke since the friendship had turned. Taylor insisted that Brooke wasn't owning up to her part in it and had claimed the role of victim. Finn said he was a good listener and asked if Taylor wanted to express her feelings.
Taylor expressed disappointment in herself and Brooke and remarked that it had been nice being friends. In each other, they'd had someone who really understood what each had gone through with Ridge. Finn guessed Taylor didn't love that Brooke and Ridge were in Rome. Taylor didn't but said she wouldn't let herself go down a rabbit hole of insecurity.
Taylor claimed not to be worried about Ridge. She knew they'd talk when he got back. She figured he was having fun. Finn replied that Steffy had said they should go. Finn had wanted to go that time, but he'd had too much to juggle. Taylor was surprised Liam hadn't gone.
Finn looked like he was bursting at the seams to spill the beans, and Taylor got him to spill his secret about encouraging Liam to go to Rome to surprise Hope. Finn asked if he could trust Taylor, and she claimed he could. Finn said Liam was finally with the woman he loved.
At the Aventine Keyhole, a line began to form behind Ridge as he peeped into the hole in the green door. Carter told the crowd that his friend was spellbound, and Ridge replied that Carter had no idea. Ridge was peering at Brooke. The crowd grew anxious, and Carter asked what Ridge was doing. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Ridge uttered.
Carter told Ridge that other people wanted to look, and suddenly, Ridge sprinted away. Ridge traveled, checking doors and walls for a way to get to Brooke. An instrumental played as Ridge searched for Brooke, and Brooke gazed sullenly by a brick railing. Over the instrumental played some of Brooke and Ridge's words to each other after Ridge had admitted he no longer believed in eternal love. Brooke had said the eternal city offered eternal love, and Ridge had said they were trying too hard to make it work.
Ridge waited by an opening gate and sneaked through it. Brooke's words over the music said that he wouldn't be able to escape the magic of Rome. As he ran through gardens, her voice asked him to say he believed. Ridge finally saw Brooke by the brick railing. "Brooke! I found you!" he exclaimed, gazing at her with new eyes.
Brooke apologized for being lost, but Ridge said he'd been the lost one. He told her that he'd seen everything through the keyhole that they'd said he'd see. She asked what he'd seen. He said he'd seen his future, and he'd seen Brooke. Slowing down, he said he'd been looking through a keyhole, and he'd seen all the answers. Brooke didn't get it and asked what he'd seen. "I saw beauty. I saw grace. I saw my life. I saw you," he replied.
Brooke asked what Ridge was talking about. Ridge told her that he didn't want to spend another day without his Logan. "You said Logan," she replied and urged him to say it again. "Will you be my Logan forever?" he asked. Brooke ecstatically agreed, and they kissed.
Later, Steffy found Carter sightseeing alone. He told Steffy about his experience at the keyhole, saying it was hailed as life-changing and had been -- especially for her dad. Carter figured something had gotten into Ridge after he'd looked through the keyhole because he'd just taken off running.
Near the Colosseum, Liam was stunned to see Hope deeply kissing Thomas. As Liam watched, Hope and Thomas pulled back, and Hope kissed him again and again. Liam strode off as Thomas and Hope gazed at each other.
Later, Hope and Thomas continued to explore the city. Their arms swung close together, and Hope took Thomas' hand. While having expresso at a café, Hope and Thomas toasted to the line and their success. "To us," she said and grinned bashfully.
As Hope and Thomas prepared to leave for more sightseeing, a fan stopped them to ask Thomas to take a picture of her with Hope. Afterward, Thomas said that if he and Hope were going to leave, the time was then.
Near a stone railing, Steffy discovered Liam. He wiped away tears. She guessed he hadn't found Hope but said it was a big city. He shared that he'd found his wife -- in Thomas' arms.
Steffy became livid at Thomas, but Liam said it hadn't been Thomas. Liam stated that he'd been focused on Thomas; however, Steffy had been right and was always right. Liam said Hope had kissed Liam. "The one thing, the only thing that could tear my marriage apart. And she knew that, and she did it anyway. And I saw it with my own eyes," Liam stated.
Steffy touched Liam's arm and said Liam didn't deserve it. She asked if there was any way he could be mistaken. He said there hadn't been, and he'd seen Hope and Thomas in front of the arena. "The way that she leaned in. She chose him. I think I just saw the one thing I can't unsee," Liam stated. He said he'd seen his wife with his nemesis. Liam claimed he could take anything, but he couldn't take that. "I think my marriage is over," he uttered.
Liam began to sob. Steffy hugged him and said she was sorry. Their foreheads touched, and she told him that he didn't deserve it. Liam kissed Steffy, and surprised, Steffy responded. She pressed her hands into his chest and gently pushed him back. They both seemed taken aback by what had happened.
