The hospital proposal, 1999.

Eric was beginning of realizing how much he loved Stephanie and one night, as he was at the mansion, he got a call from Thorne telling his father that Stephanie had suffered a stroke. Eric rushed over to the hospital to be by his ex-wife’s side as she laid in a hospital bed unconscious. He held her hand and told her how much he loved and needed her and how he wanted another chance. And later, she finally woke up and he told her again. She agreed to give him another chance.
Eric later went back to the office to design a little surprise for his love and the day after, he gathered the family in Stephanie’s hospital room to tell her just how important she was to him – and to ask her a very important question…

Eric:
Stephanie, I speak for everybody here when I tell you that never have this family been more frightened and more blessed in the same week that we have this week. You mean so much to all of us. It can not be expressed in words. Although, I’m certainly gonna try.
This past year, not only one but three new members has been added to the Forrester family. And none of that would have happened if it weren’t for you. Your support of Rick and Amber has been truly inspirational. When the rest of the family had serious doubt about them, you were the one who saw the wisdom of granting Rick his wishes. You supported them and guided them as only you could.
And when Taylor was so gravely ill, you taught Ridge and all of us the powerful lesson in faith, and hope and prayer. And they have two new beautiful babies to show of it.
We’ve all had our trails and crosses to bear over this past year but you have always believed in and taught us about the power of family. How it sometimes requires sacrifice and making a very difficult decision for the sake of something higher. And that something higher is loyalty and unity. No one in a family can survive without standing together. Without showing each other love and commitment, not just for ourselves but for our families as well. And for our children. It’s so important for the happiness and the health of a family.
But you know that, don’t you? I think you’re the only one in this room who has always known that. Well, I’ve learned it – I’ve learned it from you. And I’m going to tell you… I’m going to tell you in front of our family and I’m going to admit to these children, that I’ve done enormous mistakes in my life. And the biggest mistake I’ve ever done in my life was leaving you. I’m convinced of that. And so… I’m asking you. I’m begging you to be my wife.
I love you. I haven’t a shred of doubt in my mind about that. So, I’m asking you to take this ring and I’m asking you to make me the happiest man in the world. Marry me. Marry me!

(end of episode, proposal continues on the next episode)

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(new episode)

Stephanie:
Are you sure you want to do this?

Eric:
Do you think there’s a chance in the world I’d be sitting here like this if I wasn’t sure?

Stephanie:
Look at me! Look at the condition I’m in!

Eric:
I am looking at you.

Stephanie:
I can’t give you what you need. Not now.

Eric:
Do you know what I need? I need a woman of strength and character. A woman who will stand beside me as I face the thousands of challenges that still lie ahead. And that woman is you, Stephanie. It’s only you.

Stephanie:
Why don’t we wait for a couple of months?

Eric:
Why? What for?

Stephanie:
To see how I progress. I’m gonna need an awful lot of care and attention.

Eric:
You needed care and attention before and I didn’t give it to you. Not what you needed. Not like I will now. I promise you I won’t let you down.

Stephanie:
If you’re begging a woman in my condition to marry you, you must be really hard up.

Eric:
I am begging you. Please, please say yes.

Stephanie:
Yes.

Eric:
Yes?

Stephanie:
Yes!

John McCook was named the “hit of the week” by Soap Opera Weekly for the scenes with a comatose Stephanie just before the proposal. Read the article here!