Carpi’s Waters: The Day Everything Changed for Brooke, Ridge, and Nick

Brooke Logan stared out at the sparkling blue waters of Capri, a dreamy smile playing on her lips. The Italian breeze tangled in her golden hair, and for a moment, the endless romantic dramas of Los Angeles felt far away—almost as though she could rewrite her own story here, on these legendary shores.

But that story, as ever, was anything but simple.

The team from Forrester Creations had descended upon Italy for what Eric had christened “the trip of a lifetime”—a blend of business and pleasure, a celebration of healing after Liam’s miraculous recovery, and, for the ever-intertwined Ridge and Brooke, the chance for a new chapter. But this trip had drawn more than sketches of couture gowns or dreams of a reunited couple. It had called Nick Marone back into the orbit of the woman he’d never quite gotten over.

Earlier, in a sunlight-drenched suite at the Grand Hotel Quisisana, Brooke had given Ridge what felt like an ultimatum cloaked in soft heartbreak. “Ridge, I want to offer you forgiveness,” she’d whispered, blue eyes searching his. “But if you can’t let Taylor go, if you can’t choose me…you can’t keep me from choosing someone who will.” She meant Nick, of course, whose return from overseas had sparked a new rivalry that could not be contained.

Before Ridge could answer, Nick’s brash voice had interrupted—“Well, well, well. What’s on offer in here?” Nick’s presence had a way of making even the most staid Forrester men see red, and Ridge, already weary from fighting for hope and love, left before tempers flared. Nick, sensing an opening, asked Brooke to join him on his boat for a sunset tour of Capri—a playful smile, a promise of magic. “Anything can happen out there, you know. Especially in Italy.”

Brooke had laughed, eyes twinkling, but inside, she knew her heart was twisting in two—past and future, Ridge and Nick, loyalty and longing.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, Back at Forrester Creations…

Word of Ridge’s growing obsession spread quickly. “He’s threatened by Nick, Mama,” Steffy confided to Taylor while they watched the final fittings for Daphne’s new line. “He’s trying to ban him from the trip outright. It’s all about control.”

Taylor, always composed, put a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “There’s history there, honey. But Ridge has to let Brooke make her own choice. He’s with me now, or so he says.”

Steffy’s eyes narrowed. “Brooke still holds his heart. She always did.” Taylor only nodded, a shadow passing over her usually serene expression.

Meanwhile, Carter was embroiled in a subtle but increasingly intense game with Daphne, the mysterious new designer whose references didn’t quite check out. But all of that would have to wait—Eric’s toast at the pre-show soiree put everyone’s focus back on the big event.

“To Capri!” Eric’s voice boomed. “To new beginnings, and, I hope, to settled hearts.”

The Day of the Showstopper

It was the perfect afternoon for a cruise around Capri. Ridge, Nick, Brooke, and a small crew boarded the Marone yacht, a vessel gleaming with old money and new intentions.

Ridge tried to keep things professional, as much as he could. “It’s a business trip, Brooke.”

Nick smirked. “Only if you want it to be, Ridge. I think this is a trip of second chances.”

Brooke rolled her eyes, but the current sparkling between the three was palpable. “Let’s just enjoy the scenery, please? Maybe just…press pause on all the drama.”

But drama, as always, pressed play.

As the boat glided towards the famous Faraglioni rocks, Nick proposed a toast. “To new adventures—and to seeing what happens when we stop running from our hearts.”

Brooke, lightheaded with sun and prosecco and unresolved feelings, giggled and wandered toward the starboard side, gazing down at the glittering surf. Ridge watched, heart pounding—he could read every thought on her face. Regret. Hope. Temptation.

Nick came up behind her, placing a steadying hand on her arm. “Brooke, you know I meant what I said. We could start fresh here.”

Ridge, unable to hold back, joined them. “Brooke, we have a lifetime’s worth of memories. Don’t let one mistake—”

Brooke shook her head, pulling free from both men. “You can’t both fight for me when it suits you, and ignore me when it doesn’t. I’m not a prize to be won—”

And then, it happened.

A rogue wave rocked the boat. Brooke, heels sliding on the slick deck, stumbled—arms flailing. Nick and Ridge lunged for her at the same time, shouting her name, but she tumbled backward, splashing headfirst into Capri’s shockingly cold, turquoise waters.

“BROOKE!” Both men screamed, panic slicing through the warm Mediterranean air.

Without hesitation, Ridge stripped off his jacket and leapt fearlessly after her, hitting the water with a giant splash. Nick was next, all muscle and protectiveness, diving close to where Brooke’s blonde head had disappeared beneath the waves.

Seconds stretched like eternities.

Below the surface, everything was blue and cold and strange. Brooke felt hands pulling at her—hard, insistent. Was it Ridge? Nick? She broke through the water’s surface, gasping for breath, tangled arms lifting her up, one to her left, one to her right.

Both men hauled her onto a rescue ladder, their eyes wild with adrenaline and fear.

“Are you all right?” Ridge’s voice was choked, his hands shaking as he steadied her.

“Brooke, say something!” Nick demanded, water streaming down his face.

Brooke coughed, laughed, and shook her head. “Is this how I have to get attention from the two of you? Drown myself in paradise?”

The yacht crew gathered towels and tended to her, but the heat radiating between the trio had little to do with the sun. Ridge, clutching her trembling hands, whispered, “No more games, Brooke. I can’t lose you. Not ever.” Nick, wiped raw, looked at her with shining eyes. “I meant every word, Logan. I’ve waited for you longer than you know.”

Brooke sat between them, shivering, but not just from the cold. Here, on the edge of the world, saved by two men who owned her past and just might define her future, the choice was hers—and for the first time in her life, she truly didn’t know who she’d pick.

On the Shore

News of Brooke’s near tragedy spread fast. The next morning, as the sun rose over Capri, Ridge and Nick stood at the foot of her hotel bed, united in relief, divided as ever. Outside, Italian fans and a few press photographers craned for a glimpse of the woman who brought two titans to their knees.

Brooke regarded them both, tears brimming in her eyes. “Why is it when I need saving, it’s always both of you?”

Neither man answered, because neither could.

Italy, Eric would later reflect, had indeed changed everything. There, in the waters off Capri, the newest, fiercest Brooke-Ridge-Nick triangle was born—one that would leave scars…and maybe, the greatest love story of their lives.