At Forrester Creations, Ridge tells Brooke that Thorne, Kristen, and Felicia haven’t gotten back to him yet. He’s dreading telling them the news that they’re losing their dad. He asks if Brooke has told Bridget and Rick. She hasn’t, and she hasn’t told Hope either. She asks, “What about Steffy and Thomas?” Ridge says he texted them and they’re on their way over — they deserve to know.
In the Forrester living room, Eric has to cut short a phone call when he starts coughing. He assures a concerned Donna that he’s fine. Donna wants him to call a doctor. Eric tells her the reality is that his time is running out. They all have to face it together. Just then, Katie comes in and asks, “Is everything OK?” Eric says he’s fine. Katie has an update regarding the fashion challenge. Eric chortles about beating Ridge and teaching his son a lesson. He proved a point by winning fair and share. Donna crows about how hard he worked. Katie pastes on a smile. Eric says he couldn’t have done it without RJ, and he hopes he’ll continue honing his talent. Donna knows Ridge and Brooke are proud of him. Eric muses about RJ and Luna. He thinks the intern who found his stapler is wonderful.
Eric is keen to get into the office and Donna gawps, “What?!” Eric has more designs. Donna’s confused. He won and got his office back, he’s had his grand finale. Eric says every couture line deserves an encore. Donna reminds him they were going to spend time together and travel. Eric is at the end of his life but feels more alive and vibrant than ever! Donna thinks he needs to call his doctor first. Katie agrees that he should seek out specialists. Eric doesn’t want or need false hope. Katie urges him to at least talk to Bridget. Eric still doesn’t want people to know about his diagnosis. Donna and Katie argue the point, but Eric doesn’t want people gathering around with teary faces. It’s not the way he lives his life and not the way he wants to end it either.
In the design office, RJ tells Luna it’s not fair what’s happening to his grandfather. Luna hugs him. Luna thinks Eric would feel that his greatest gift is his family. RJ just can’t believe this is it for him. They embrace again as Poppy enters. Luna gawps, “Mom!” RJ introduces himself and Poppy says she’s heard a lot about him from her daughter. RJ tells Poppy how happy he is that Luna’s there. Luna gushes about her dream job and they tell Poppy about how much Eric has taught RJ about fashion and life. He says Luna has been amazing and he’d hate to lose her. Luna and Poppy beam. RJ tells Poppy that he and Li had an exchange about Luna. He didn’t understand why she wanted Luna to leave Forrester, and with all due respect, it’s not her decision. Poppy is stunned that he said that to her, but tells Luna that Li’s not backing down and is even more adamant about her not working there.
Luna groans — why can’t Aunt Li just stay out of this. Poppy warns that her sister expects to get her way. Luna protests that her mother can’t let her do this and reminds her she’s her daughter, not Li’s. RJ offers to talk to her but Poppy doesn’t want to put him in the middle. Luna argues they have to stand up to her. Poppy tells her daughter she’s so sorry this is happening, she can see how happy she is there. But she can’t imagine Li backing down and if she keeps it up, she’ll ruin everything for Luna.
In the main office, Brooke tells Ridge he made a beautiful sacrifice letting Eric believe he’d won the fashion challenge. Steffy and Thomas come in saying they got their dad’s text and asking what’s up. Ridge informs them there is something they need to know about their grandfather. They figure it’s about the fashion challenge and question the looks between Brooke and Ridge. Ridge says, “First of all, he didn’t win the challenge.” Steffy and Thomas are confused when he explains that was the way he wanted it. Steffy prods, “Tell us. We need to know.”
Thomas asks if Ridge felt sorry for his dad. Ridge shakes his head — he’s never respected him more. He begins to explain that Eric is going through some things. He’s had tremors and can’t hold a pencil. Steffy and Thomas realize that’s why RJ was working with him. Steffy asks what exactly Granddad is dealing with. Thomas says, “Is it arthritis?” Ridge says it’s not good. “He’s sick.” Steffy asks how sick. Ridge says, “He’s dying.” Steffy and Thomas reel.
Thomas can’t believe it; Granddad has been happy and motivated. It makes sense now, however, why he was so determined to get out his grand finale. Steffy asks who else knows. Brooke says that Donna and Katie know, but no one else has been told. Ridge warns that Eric doesn’t even know he and Brooke know. Steffy asks what they can do for him. “Is there any hope for him at all.” Ridge says the doctor told him all they can do is give him love and support. For his sake they have to keep up the charade. Steffy cries as Thomas reflects that Eric has always been there for him. They can’t believe this is happening. Steffy can’t imagine their lives without him. She breaks down as she says she wants Kelly and Hayes to spend more time with him, “I want to spend more time with him!” Ridge tells them they’ll stay close and give him all the love they can as a family. He pulls his kids close as they weep.
