Brooke thinks that Nick and Ridge should set aside the discussions of the future and suggests that she and Ridge go to the Big Bear cabin for New Year's. Ridge is hesitant but says yes. Massimo admits to Stephanie that he fears that all of this tension will tear his family apart. Massimo enters Nick's office to find that only Ridge is still there. When Massimo starts pushing his own agenda, Ridge declares that he would never let Brooke leave him. Meanwhile, Brooke confides in Stephanie about the trip to the cabin. Stephanie is shocked and appreciative when Brooke reveals that the reason she is taking Ridge away is to set him free. Dr. Brauer tells Bridget that working with Deacon is a good challenge because it allows her to be supportive without being emotionally involved. Afterward, Bridget arrives to Oscar's romantically decorated apartment but they end up discussing Deacon's therapy. Bridget feels that Oscar doesn't need to know everything and decides to keep the details to herself.

Nick tells Jackie that Ridge wants to adopt Nick's baby. He also reveals that Ridge and Brooke are going to Big Bear for New Year's where he believes Brooke may end things with Ridge. Jackie encourages Nick to court Brooke and Nick starts to warm up to this idea. Jackie then goes to see Stephanie with a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the news with her. Stephanie, however, regrets that a good marriage is now over but agrees that Nick will make a good father. Ridge talks to Eric about the situation in hopes of getting some advice. Eric encourages him to stay with Brooke no matter what. Brooke congratulates Bridget on her newfound happiness, but then Brooke confides in her that she is leaving Ridge, which brings them both to tears. Ridge enters and wonders why both of them are crying. Brooke covers and an uncomfortable Bridget exits. She goes to Nick's office to confront him. Meanwhile, Brooke and Ridge arrive at the Big Bear cabin.

At the cabin, Ridge and Brooke dance to their song and try to enjoy some romance. Ridge reminds her of how much they have overcome and that they can get through this. Brooke cannot contain her emotions any longer and announces that she is leaving him. Ridge refuses to believe it. Stephanie tells Eric about Brooke's heart wrenching decision. Eric is upset and accuses Stephanie of masterminding the situation but Stephanie insists that it was something that Brooke has been thinking about for a while. Thorne and Darla bring a bottle of Champagne to Sally, who offers to be Darla's birth coach. Darla's water breaks and they realize she is in labor. At the hospital, Sally faints but recovers in time to help Darla with her breathing.

Thorne, Sally, Gladys and Dr. Paxson are in the delivery room with Darla as the labor progresses rapidly. Darla gives birth to a healthy baby. Thorne, Darla and Sally share an emotional moment as they look down at the baby. Darla wishes a Happy New Year and happy life to the baby as she kisses her forehead. Meanwhile at the cabin, Ridge tries to convince Brooke not to leave and that they will work through everything. They are both emotional and admit that they still love each other and don't want share their lives with anyone else. Back in town, Nick is surprised when Stephanie comes to see him and says she has nothing bad to say about Brooke. Stephanie informs Nick that Brooke is ending things with Ridge but Nick says that Brooke will never completely get over Ridge. Just as Stephanie is about to leave, Nick assures Stephanie he will help Brooke any way he can.

Brooke gives her wedding ring back to Ridge. Ridge is surprised and bitter that Stephanie has shown up but Brooke reveals that she was the one who asked Stephanie to bring Hope and some of her things. Brooke tells Ridge that they will find their way back to each other eventually. Brooke exits, leaving Ridge devastated. Bridget is helping Deacon with physical therapy but Deacon continues to get his hopes up that he and Bridget will be together. She remains professional and tells him their time is up for the session and exits. Oscar enters Deacon's office with a wedding gown that Megan helped him pick out. Oscar remarks to Deacon that he is looking forward to when Deacon can walk so that Bridget can be done with him. Deacon then works alone on his physical therapy and takes a step on his own. Excited, he gets back in his wheelchair to share the news with Bridget. He approaches just in time to see Bridget in her wedding gown kissing Oscar. Deacon then vows to never give up on Bridget.