Steffy: B&B Recap September 16: Steffy Tells Carter She Can't Go Along With His Scheme to Be a Surrogate for Him and Daphne

Steffy responded with shock and tears when Carter suggested that they pass off the baby they created during their night of passion on The Bold and the Beautiful. The episode that aired on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, featured drama between Carter and Steffy, while Li, Finn, Daphne, Ridge, and Taylor were blissfully unaware of Carter's plan.

I've Got an Idea

Carter told an incredulous Steffy that she'd have to go to Daphne and offer to be their surrogate. Steffy asked how she could be his and Daphne's surrogate as she was already pregnant. "Exactly," Carter grimly noted.

Steffy marveled that Carter wanted her to lie. He said that they already were. Carter said he wasn't crazy. He was serious. Steffy said that they have to come forward. She believed Finn and Daphne Rose would understand. Carter said they wouldn't. Steffy countered that Carter's plan would never work. She could be showing by the time they could put it in motion.

Carter agreed that the clock was ticking. Steffy said that Finn would have questions. Carter said he might think that what she was doing would be great. Steffy got emotional that Carter would want her to hand over a baby to him that grew and kicked inside of her. The enormity of what he was asking weighed on Carter.

Steffy said that she couldn't hand her baby into Daphne's arms and walk away. Carter said Steffy would be the godmother and would be there for milestones. Steffy wasn't interested in a consolation prize in her own child's life.

Carter said this sacrifice would solve all their problems. Carter said that in time, Steffy wouldn't think of the baby as hers. Steffy called that assertion ridiculous. Carter said they'd be turning something bad into something good.

What about the "fake fertility doctor" they'd have to invent, Steffy asked. Carter said they'd figure it out later. Steffy recounted giving Beth back to Hope. Carter said that he was sorry for bringing up that pain. Carter said this would be different. Beth was taken from Steffy, but Steffy would be giving her baby to Daphne as a gift. Steffy refused to compound the original lie with a worse one. She told Carter another woman would carry his and Daphne Rose's baby. Steffy announced that she was telling Finn. "It's the way it has to be," Steffy announced.

Dr. Husband

At the hospital, Li and Finn chatted about a patient of Finn's who required his attention. Finn wanted to get home as his wife was still struggling with what had happened in Monaco.

Li admitted to being confused. She thought Steffy had moved past the mishap in Monaco. Finn said she wasn't. Li was confident that Steffy and Finn would get to a good place, as Finn is loving and devoted. Li believed that Steffy knew that, too. Finn seemed hopeful.

Finn got good news about his patient. Li said that Daphne was going to go through with the surrogate. Finn said they talked about that dinner. He added that Daphne and Carter were having their problems while Finn and Steffy were in Monaco. Li said they'd all work out their issues.

Mother Madness

Meanwhile, in the Forrester Creations CEO office, Daphne Rose told Ridge and Taylor about the plan to find a surrogate. She said she had been sorting through profiles. Daphne lamented that it had to be so impersonal.

Taylor told Daphne Rose that many folks had found success with a surrogate. Daphne said it was difficult putting her faith in someone she didn't know. She wanted it to be someone she trusted.

Taylor assured Daphne that potential surrogates have gone through vetting. Taylor noted that there was something positive in the surrogate being a stranger. Daphne Rose said that she thought that she could carry the baby. It'd be part her, part Carter. Now, it'll be part Carter, and part someone they never met.

Taylor and Ridge offered to be there for Daphne Rose and Carter. Daphne Rose said she'd never worked at a place that felt like family. Daphne said there was no one she could count on more than Steffy.

Tensions Rise

Steffy can't handle her situation | Image: CBS

Later, Carter visited Daphne in the design room. They kissed. Daphne said she was feeling the glow of a baby being on the way for them. She added that she was feeling encouraged after her talk with Ridge and Taylor. Daphne wished that their surrogate were someone they knew

"Maybe...maybe it could happen that way?" Carter mused. He suggested to his wife that Steffy be their surrogate. "Who can be better to bring our child into this world?" Carter asked.

Meanwhile, Steffy held her tummy. She recalled her night with Carter, and then, taking the pregnancy test. Steffy writhed in agony as the enormity of her situation overwhelmed her.