Home Sweet Home

by ghpcfan12

Children and mixed marriages complicate the lives of the Port Charles citizens. (Carly, Ian, Eve, Jack, Alexis, Scott)

Chapter One

~Port Charles, May 5, 2003~

Carly Thornhart looked nervously out the window of the airplane. Her

five-year-old son Michael lay against her chest, fast asleep. They were

about to land in Port Charles, New York for the first time in over two

years. Carly glanced to her right at her husband and sighed.

"What?" Ian Thornhart took Carly's hand in his own, caressing her fingers gently.

"I'm just a little nervous, Ian. When I left Port Charles two years ago, I was leaving to make sure AJ didn't get his hands on Michael. Now that we're back, I have no doubt that AJ will sue for custody immediately."

"But he'll have a harder chance now, Carly," Ian reminded her quietly. "He signed away all rights to Michael three and a half years ago. Then you left Port Charles and have been gone for two years. You had no legal need to inform AJ because he had no rights to know where the child was. So now Michael hasn't seen his biological father for almost four years. Do you think any court in their right mind will give custody to a father who hasn't even seen his son in almost four years?"

Carly's lips curved into a small smile. "I hope you're right," she murmured.

"I know I am," he said confidently. "I have a good feeling about all of

this. Look at it this way: we have a house already ready for us. All the furniture is not only moved in but is unpacked and waiting for us to arrive. I have my old job back at General Hospital; you still own fifty percent of Deception. Everything is going our way, Carly. Have some confidence that it will continue to do so."

Carly rolled her eyes but grinned at Ian. "You make it hard not to be

confident. The best day of my life was when I realized what I felt for you, Ian. I just thank god that I came to my senses in time to realize that my heart belonged to you."

"That goes double for me," Ian whispered, reaching his hand up to touch her soft blond hair. "I love you, Carly. You brought me out of the deepest, darkest place I ever could be and taught me how to feel again, how to love again. My heart is tied to yours forever, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Carly leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes, her heart feeling a little lighter at Ian's words. Carly had been happily married to Sonny when she'd gotten word through their lawyer, Alexis Davis, that AJ was planning on filing for sole custody of their son, whom he'd given up his rights to one year earlier. Terrified that AJ would win because of his mobster life-style and because he'd been arrested, Sonny had sent Carly and Michael out of town before AJ was able to file. They'd lived on his secret island for the last two years in seclusion. Sonny filed for divorce before he went to prison and entered the witness protection program. Carly had wanted to join Sonny, but Sonny wanted her to be able to live her life and let Michael grow up living his normally. So Sonny set up a large checking account for her and paid for a cook, two bodyguards and a nanny to be at her beck and call and to travel with her wherever and whenever she wanted for at

least ten years. Carly started to sink into depression but was distracted when Ian Thornhart returned on the island. Sonny had gotten word to Johnny to bring him there for some downtime and to set him up in the guesthouse near where Carly was staying.

Carly was thrilled to have someone to converse with on the island and worked at getting Ian to talk to her. He was depressed all the time, as his wife had recently died and Ian blamed himself for it. After two months, Carly started to get through to Ian and Ian began to realize that Arianna's death was an accident and had nothing to do with him. The two began helping each other out and grew closer and closer until they realized they had fallen in love with each other. By that point, there was nothing Ian didn't know about Carly or her life and vice versa. Carly and Ian married after almost one year together on the island. At that point, Ian began confiding in Carly his desire to be a father to his child. A child that was conceived with the ex-love of his life, Eve Lambert-Ramsey. Carly understood and Ian persuaded her to give up the island and return to Port Charles with him to fight for

custody of Jackie, his daughter. Carly finally agreed, as long as Ian

realized they might end up fighting for custody of Michael as well. The two packed up and made all the arrangements, sending their nanny Leticia and one of the bodyguards Pat ahead of time to make everything comfortable. Johnny, the second bodyguard, was accompanying them back to Port Charles now.

Carly was happy with her life, and had forgiven Sonny for divorcing her

without talking to her about it. She realized she was better off with Ian, and Michael loved his new Daddy. He started calling Ian Daddy shortly before they married and Carly never deterred him. She understood now that Uncle Sonny was just that to Michael -- an uncle and that Ian would be a more stable father to Michael. Carly only hoped she'd be a good stepmother to Jackie. Carly's hope now was that she was pregnant again. More than anything, Carly wanted another child, a sibling for Michael. She had a feeling she was pregnant now, but was keeping quiet until it was confirmed.

"I have to go see Alexis right away when we get back and ask her to

represent us," Carly said suddenly realized.

Ian squeezed her hand gently. "I know, Carly. We'll take care of all the details, I promise. Pat told me this morning when I spoke to him that Alexis drafted those custody papers I wanted. She sent them to Eve either yesterday or today."

"That's a good start. I guess I'm just a little antsy. I'll feel better once we're all in and settled," Carly admitted. She felt herself being bounced at the plane's wheels touched the ground. Michael woke up with a small cry and Carly tightened her arms around him. "Shhh, Mr. Man," she said soothingly. "It's just the plane landing."

Michael opened his eyes and rubbed them. "Are we home?" he asked.

Ian reached over and lifted him onto his own lap. "Yes we are, young man. Are you excited to see your new home and your new room?"

Michael nodded, his eyes wide and excited. "Let's go, Daddy."

"We have to wait just a minute, Sport," Ian advised him. "Until the

attendant tells us we can get up."

The three fell silent as the plane circled the runway and then stopped.

After ten more minutes, they were finally told they could go. Ian stood up and placed Michael on the floor beside him, taking his hand. Carly followed just behind them until they reached the off ramp, and then she grabbed Michael's other hand. "Hold to Mommy and Daddy tightly, Michael. We don't want to lose you."

"Okay, Mommy," he said, looking around happily.

They headed to the luggage area and Carly lifted Michael onto her hip while

Johnny and Ian loaded the bags onto a cart Johnny rented. They all climbed

into it and drove towards the parking lot where Pat and Leticia would be

waiting. "We're almost home again, Michael. Almost home," Carly muttered,

resting her chin on top of his head. She crossed her fingers and closed her

eyes. Things would be different this time, she was sure of it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Same Day, Ramsey Household~

"Come to Daddy, Jackie," Jack Ramsey encouraged his daughter. His wife Eve

sat a few feet away, holding Jackie with the tip of her fingers, waiting for

Jackie to take a step. "She's so close, Eve!"

Eve laughed at her husband's exuberance. "I know, honey. But she's only

fourteen months old. If she's not ready to walk yet, don't push her. Jackie

will walk when she's ready."

"She's ready, Eve," Jack insisted. "I know it. Just give her a few minutes."

Jackie cooed at them both, teetering as she clutched at Eve's fingers. Her

hair was dark brown like Eve's and curled at the back. It was soft and

silky, causing both her parents to run their fingers through it often.

Jackie's eyes were the same color brown as her birth fathers -- brown. It

pained Eve sometimes to see the same expression flit through their

daughter's eyes that had crossed Ian's eyes at one point. Though Eve was now

married to Jack and she loved him completely, there was a part of her heart

that would always remain tied to Ian.

Suddenly, Jackie let go of Eve's fingers and stretched her arms towards

Jack. After hesitating for a moment, she tentatively took a step towards her

father.

"That's it, Jackie!" Jack cried encouragingly. "You show Mommy what you can

do!"

Jackie made it four steps and then wobbled. Jack dove for her and caught

her. "Good girl," he said softly as he sat back on his heels, Jackie in his

arms. "I knew you could do it, sweetie."

Eve rolled her eyes and then laughed. "You'd think she just won a million

dollars the way you're acting. Jeesh, Jack."

Jack pretended to look offended. "My daughter just took the first steps of

her life and you want me to just smile and pretend it's an everyday

occurrence? Tsk, tsk, Eve," he teased.

Jack had been dating a woman named Livvie two years ago. However, Livvie had

left town to pursue her career as a doctor and their long distance

relationship hadn't worked out. He'd befriended Eve, who'd been devastated

after Ian deserted her and their child. Eve had told him one night when he

was drunk that she was pregnant and Ian had run like a scared chicken. Jack

had taken Eve for a careful ride on his motorcycle and the two had become

fast friends. Eventually they had realized their attraction for one another

and Jack proposed marriage. Originally it was for the sake of the baby, so

Jackie could have a legitimate father. But it had turned into more than

that; only neither one of them was willing to admit it.

Jack adored the baby, who was christened Jacqueline Evelyn Ramsey. Jack was

listed as Jackie's birth father, and had helped raise her and support her in

every way possible. The best decision of his life had been when Jack

proposed to Eve and agreed to be the father of her baby.

Now, he wanted them to have a child of their own to complete the picture and

was in the process of figuring out how to bring that up to Eve.

Eve's eyes were bright when she stood up and scooped Jackie out of Jack's

arms. "You'd better believe it's a big occurrence, mister. My only daughter

just walked and you can bet I want to celebrate. Shall we go out for dinner

tonight?"

Jack stood up and wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter. "I'd love

to take my beautiful wife out on the town," he whispered in her ear. "Think

we can get a babysitter for Jackie?"

Eve smiled seductively at Jack as she balanced Jackie in one arm and ran the

other hand down his stomach towards his thighs. "Sounds like an incredible

idea, Mr. Ramsey." She leaned forward and kissed him.

Jack held her closer, feeling his heart begin to pound. Eve turned his

insides to mush whenever she touched him. "You are the absolute best, Mrs.

Ramsey," Jack said softly.

"I know." Eve winked at him. "I'll call the Mrs. Goodwin next door and see

if she can sit with Jackie."

"Good idea. I'll go take a shower. You're welcome to join me after, if you'd

like," he winked at her.

Eve laughed. "We'll see." A sudden knocking at the door caused Jackie to let

out a cry and both Eve and Jack to jump. "I'll go get it." Eve put Jackie

into her playpen and hurried to the front door. "Can I help you?" she said

to the official looking man standing there.

"Mrs. Eve Ramsey?" The man inquired.

"Yes?" Eve smiled cautiously at him.

"This is for you. Can you sign here please?"

Eve took a large envelope from him and signed her name on his paper. "Thank

you," she said, closing the door and turned to Jack. He was watching her

from the hallway. "I wonder what this is?"

Jack shrugged. "No clue."

Eve came down the hallway to the living room and sat down on the couch.

Ripping open the envelope, she quickly scanned the papers that were inside.

Suddenly she gasped, her face turning white and her hand going over her

mouth.

"Eve!" Jack rushed over to her. "What is it?"

Tears streamed down Eve's cheeks. "It's Ian," she sobbed. "Here."

Jack skimmed the papers, feeling himself growing angry as he looked down

with them. "Sonofa..." He cut himself off, not wanting to swear in front of

his daughter. "I cannot believe Ian is suing you for joint custody of

Jacqueline."

"How can he do this?" Eve was shaking with anger and hurt. "When I told him

I was pregnant almost two years ago, all he did was brush me off. He told me

he couldn't be a father after he killed Arianna. How can he change his mind

now?"

"He's not going to win, Eve," Jack sat down beside her and took his wife in

his arms. "Look at the facts. Ian abandoned you and Jacqueline when you were

pregnant. He's never even seen Jackie once since she's been born, nor has he

even contacted you about her. And," he added triumphantly, "I am listed as

her father on her birth certificate."

Eve looked at Jack, feeling slightly encouraged. "You're right, Jack. You're

Jackie's father in every way that counts. You've been the one who has loved

her and raised her with me. You're the father that has held her when she's

wanted to be held, who's taken care of her when she was

sick..."

"And a lot of other things," Jack finished for her, seeing how upset she was

getting. "Don't worry, Eve. We'll fight this, I promise."

"But he is her father too, Jack," Eve pointed out as a new thought popped

into her head. "What if Jackie comes to me at sixteen years old and asks me

why I've never let her see her birth father? Especially when he fought for

custody of her?"

"You're assuming she'll ever know that I'm not her real father," Jack said.

"I can't lie to her!" Eve was aghast at the thought. "And besides, what if

Ian moves to town? He'll be able to tell her himself!"

"Eve," Jack said soothingly. "Please calm down. Let's not go overboard here.

Ian isn't Jackie's father. I am, end of story."

"I don't think so."

"What do you mean, you don't think so?"

Eve stared at him. "I mean, I cannot deny my daughter the right to know her

fathers. Both of them, Jack, not just you."

"How can you say that?" Jack jumped up. "Two seconds ago you were terrified

to lose her!"

"I'm not saying I want to give him joint custody. I was thinking more along

the lines of visitation," Eve said calmly. "Please don't raise your voice

with my daughter in the room, Jack."

"Your daughter now? Fine, Eve, if that's the way you want to play it, fine.

But I'll tell you something. I am not staying in this marriage and allowing

that insensitive jerk to spend time with MY daughter. If our relationship

ends, I will fight you for custody of Jackie, Eve. She'll be pulled into

three directions. Is that what you want for YOUR daughter, Eve?" Jack's

voice was full of hurt and sarcasm.

"No, that's not what I want," Eve spoke quietly. She was surprised at the

emotions flowing from him and realized she needed to look at it from his

position. "Jack, I understand where you are coming from. Believe me, I do.

But you need to understand something. Like it or not, Ian is

Jackie's birth father. And if he wants to see her and spend time with her,

he has that right. I know he has been an insensitive jerk for the last two

years, but you need to understand some of what he was feeling when he left

Port Charles. Until you can do that, you will never understand why Ian even

left in the first place." Eve rose and lifted Jackie into her arms. "I'm

going for a shower now. Let me know if you still want to go out later." She

left the room.

Jack re-read the custody papers in his hands and sighed. His anger getting

the better of him, he hurled the papers across the room and put his head in

his hands. Tears of desperation filled his eyes. "You don't understand me,

Eve," he whispered. "Not at all."

Jack knew why he was acting the way he was. Not only did he consider himself

to be Jackie's father, but he also loved Eve. If only he knew how to tell

her that, then Jack knew she would have a better understanding of what he

felt. Ian was a threat to their marriage. If Eve still loved Ian, she would

probably leave Jack to go back to Ian, and Jack was terrified of that.

"Somebody help me," he whispered, tears trickling down his cheeks. "Somebody

make this go away."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Same Day, Kelly's~

"Have you talked to Eve recently?" AJ Quartermaine asked.

"Yes, yesterday. She and Jack are doing well, and apparently Jackie's almost

walking," his companion, Karen Wexler answered. She sipped her coffee and

stared at him. "Why?"

"No reason. Can't a guy try to make conversation?" AJ looked offended.

Karen relaxed her mouth into a smile. "Sorry. I guess I've been a little bit

on edge lately. Things have been kind of stressful at work."

"I know," AJ said quickly, before realizing his error.

"How do you know?" Karen pounced on his words. "Have you been spying on me?"

"Hey, Karen!" AJ held up his hand. "Relax! I wasn't spying on you, but I

asked your father how you were doing the other day when I was over seeing

him."

"Oh," Karen immediately felt stupid as she looked away. "Sorry. I guess I've

been overreacting lately. Did my dad have any more news for you?"

"No," AJ's face was downcast. "He hasn't been able to track Carly or Michael

down. Even with all of his contacts. I've said it before and I'll say it

again. I should've filed for custody sooner. If I had, then Michael would be

home where he belongs."

"But what if Carly had taken him anyway?"

"Then I would have had her arrested upon finding her and had Michael all to

myself," AJ answered.

"You would have put the mother of your son in jail?" Karen asked, shocked

and upset to hear that.

AJ eyed her for a moment. "Carly hasn't hesitated to make sure I am no part

of Michael's life. Why should I show her any gratitude if she had kidnapped

him illegally?"

"Because she is the mother of your son. What do you think Michael would say

to you when he's old enough to find out that you put his mother in jail?"

AJ sighed and fiddled with his fork. "I guess you have a point," he admitted

reluctantly. "I guess all I think of is my anger and hurt at not seeing my

only son at all for almost four years. He has no clue who I am, Karen. Don't

you think that hurt me too?"

"I know it does, AJ," Karen rested her hand on top of his gently. "I'm not

suggesting Carly is right to have done that. But I think it is wrong to put

the parent of your child in jail."

"You have such a soft heart," AJ told Karen fondly, rubbing his other hand

over hers. "I'm lucky to have you as my friend."

Karen smiled. "Thank you, AJ. Lord knows I may not be where I am right now

if it wasn't for you."

"I didn't do anything special," AJ said modestly.

"Yes, you did." Karen met his eyes. She pulled her hand back and took

another sip of her coffee. "When I saw you at that AA/NA meeting, I was

stunned. I thought, AJ Quartermaine, admitting his weakness?"

"I wasn't that bad," AJ cut her off, laughing.

"Yes, you were. At least, you're reputation was," Karen winked at him. "When

I saw that you were willing to admit your problem and try to get help with

it, I was surprised. But then I realized that I could do it too. I'm glad we

agreed to be each other's sponsors, AJ. It's nice to have someone to watch

out for who I know is watching out for me."

"I always will, Karen." AJ took her hand and squeezed it gently before

letting it go. AJ and Karen had become good friends and now met bi-weekly to

talk with each other and make sure everything was going okay. However, now

AJ was feeling more than friendship for Karen but he knew she didn't return

his feelings. AJ was okay with that, because he was determined to eventually

win her heart, however long it took.

Karen had been through enough rough patches in her life without adding more

romance to it. Twice addicted to drugs and two bad relationships were more

than enough for Karen to deal with. On top of that, her mother was a

recovering alcoholic and her father had been married four times and had

three kids, which could be stressful in its own way. Especially since she

never met her father until she was in her 20's. Karen liked AJ as a friend,

but she was determined to make sure it never went farther than that. "Thank

you, AJ," she said, smiling at him.

"So, where are we meeting next time?" AJ asked.

"How about the Port Charles Grille for breakfast two weeks from today?"

Karen suggested.

AJ shook his head. "Absolutely not."

"Oh," Karen was startled by his response. "Why not?"

"Because I am not waiting two weeks to talk to you again. Do you realize I

go through a withdrawal waiting that long? I have no one to talk to between

our meetings, Karen."

Karen couldn't help but laugh. "Poor baby. Don't you have any other

friends?"

"Not that I can talk to like I can to you," AJ said seriously.

Karen sat back in her chair, trying to distance herself mentally a little

bit. "Maybe you should try to meet some other people then."

"Nah, none of them are completely funny like you, Karen. Besides, who else

would put up with your tardiness?" AJ teased.

Karen shot him a look. "I'm not that bad, Mr. Quartermaine. In fact, if I

recall correctly, you were late one day as well."

"Only because I knew you would be!" AJ protested.

Karen began to laugh. "Fine, guilty as charged."

"So can I see you maybe next week instead of two weeks? A week from today,

breakfast at the PC Grille," AJ pleaded.

Karen felt herself wavering and against her better judgment, she nodded her

head. "Fine, AJ. I will see you next week at the PC Grille for breakfast.

I'll be there by 8am."

"Great!" AJ bounced out of his chair. "See you then!" He threw some money

down on the table and strode out of the restaurant.

Karen watched him and shook her head. "I hope I don't regret this," she

sighed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Later that Night, the Firehouse~

Alexis sat in the rocking chair in her daughter's room, trying to sing her

to sleep. After several minutes, she glanced down and noticed Elisabeth was

fast asleep in her arms. Smiling, Alexis carefully stood up and placed her

one-year-old daughter in the crib. Alexis covered her with the blanket and

quietly left the room, shutting the door gently behind her. Out in the hall,

Alexis ran into her thirteen year old stepdaughter, Serena.

"Hi, honey," Alexis said quietly.

"Hi, Lexi. Is Elisabeth asleep?" Serena asked, keeping her voice down.

"Finally, yes. She's been fussing a lot today. I think her teeth are

bothering her still," Alexis answered. "Have you done your homework

tonight?"

Serena rolled her eyes. "Yes, MOM," she teased. "You're getting to be as bad

as Dad, you know."

"I practice at it," Alexis said with a totally straight face.

Serena chuckled. "Neil called earlier," she said shyly.

"Really?" Alexis raised an eyebrow. "What did he have to say?"

"He asked me to the dance at school next week," she confessed, her face

turning red.

Alexis smiled widely. "Congratulations, sweetie! We'll have to go shopping

for a new dress. If you want," she added hastily, realizing Serena may

prefer to go with her mother.

"I'd like that."

"Like what?" A male voice boomed.

"Scott!" Alexis hissed. "Keep your voice down! I just got Elisabeth to

sleep."

"Sorry," Scott's face was apologetic. "I had no idea." He walked over and

kissed Alexis' cheek. "How are my beautiful wife and daughters doing this

evening?"

"We're doing well," Alexis winked at Serena.

"Did I miss anything?" Scott asked.

"Nothing," Alexis' face was pure innocence. "You should work late more

often."

Serena laughed at the look on her father's face. "Neil asked me to the dance

next week, Daddy."

"Oh, really? So I guess I've have to read him the rules and regulations of

taking out one of Scott Baldwin's daughters, then."

Noticing the look of fear on Serena's face, Alexis stepped in. "You will

not," she scolded her husband mercilessly. "How you bug Karen about AJ is

bad enough. You will not torment Serena or Elisabeth about boys, Scott."

Scott held up a hand in protest. "I won't do anything to him! Just warn him

of a few things!" Scott was trying desperately to hide a smile.

Serena crossed her arms. "Dad," she said warningly. "You'd better not say a

word to Neil. Alexis said she'll help me buy a dress and I'll get her to

drive me to school if you don't promise to behave."

Scott hung his head and smiled. "Fine, Serena. You win. I will not bug your

boyfriend at all, I swear."

Alexis joking punched his arm. "Scott, don't torment her."

"He's NOT my boyfriend," Serena muttered.

Scott looked more closely at her and noticed her red cheeks. He backed off.

"Sorry, Serena. I'm just teasing you. So, almost ready for bed?"

"It's only seven o'clock, Dad. I don't go to bed for another two hours,"

Serena informed him.

"I was hoping to hear that. Can I interest you ladies in joining me for some

popcorn and the tube?" Scott held out his arms to both of them.

Alexis took his left arm. "That sounds lovely. Serena?"

"I'll put my pajamas on and be right down," she called, disappearing into

her room.

Scott led Alexis downstairs and led her into the kitchen. Alexis got out a

bag of popcorn and slipped it into the microwave. "You can be a royal pain,

you know."

"It's a father's prerogative," Scott laughed. He walked over and wrapped his

arms around Alexis. "Just like it's my prerogative to be hopelessly in love

with you." Scott leaned forward until he felt his lips meet Alexis'.

Alexis wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. When

they finally came up for air, both were breathless. "Wow," Alexis turned and

lifted the bag of popcorn out of the microwave. She shook it and poured it

into a bowl. "You are certainly a fabulous kisser, Scott."

"As are you, Alexis." Scott poured three drinks and put everything onto a

tray. "One of the best days of my life was when I married you."

Alexis blushed. "I love you, Scott. I love our children and our life." She

picked up the bowl of popcorn.

Scott lifted the tray and kissed her again. "I return the exact same

sentiments." He walked out into the living room.

Alexis looked around the kitchen, nodding to herself. Life was perfect. She

just hoped it would stay that way.

Chapter Two

~May 6, 2001, Alexis' Law Office~

Carly walked into Alexis' law office, smoothing the hem of her black skirt

and clearing her throat. Her blond hair was loose around her shoulders and

she had a touch of makeup on. Her white blouse hugged her curves and she had

a loose red blazer over that, unbuttoned for a more casual look. She wore

sheer pantyhose and black heels. On her left wrist, Carly wore a gold watch

and around her throat was a gold chain with a simple diamond at the end. Her

ears had small gold hoops and she carried a simple red purse with her.

Carly's tanned skin complimented the look, making one sit up and take notice

as she walked by.

Carly walked up to the receptionist and took a deep breath before forcing

her lips to curve into a pleasant smile. "My name is Carly Thornhart. I'm

here to see Ms. Davis. Is she ready for me?"

"Is she expecting you?" The receptionist asked, her voice sounding monotone.

Carly narrowed her eyes at the woman. "I made an appointment for eleven this

morning. Shall I go right in?" Carly's voice was authoritative, daring the

woman to try to stop her.

The receptionist glanced down in her book and then flashed a fake smile at

Carly. "Certainly. Please have a seat and I'll let her know you are here."

"Thank you. My husband is here as well. He's just parking the car but he'll

be right up," Carly advised her. She walked over to the right side of the

waiting room and sat down. A moment later she heard footsteps and looked up

to see Ian walking in, looking around for her. "I'm right here, Ian," Carly

piped up before the receptionist could say anything.

Ian's mouth relaxed into a smile as he walked towards his wife. "Is Alexis

ready?"

"Miss snobby over there is getting her for us," Carly said in a low voice.

Ian's smile widened into a grin. "Carly!" he scolded softly.

Carly let out a peal of laughter and then sat back in the chair. "Sorry, but

she just gave me that impression."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thornhart?" The receptionist's voice interrupted them.

"Yes?" Ian answered, turning his grin on the receptionist charmingly.

Her smile wavered slightly, showing how affected she was by Ian's

handsomeness. "Mrs. Davis-Baldwin is ready to see you now."

"Davis-Baldwin?" Carly echoed in surprise.

The receptionist's smile faded as she looked at Carly. "Yes, Mrs.

Thornhart."

Carly shook her head. "Can we go right in?"

The receptionist nodded and Ian grasped Carly's hand. "Let's go, honey," he

said. He winked at the woman in front of him one last time and led Carly to

the door to Alexis' inner office.

Carly smothered a giggle when she saw the dreamy look on the woman's face.

"Ian, you're horrible," she muttered under her breath.

Ian grinned at her. "I know, but it's so much fun."

Carly and Ian entered Alexis' office and shut the door behind them. "Long

time no see, Alexis," Carly said smoothly, walking forward and sitting in

one of the chairs across from her desk. Ian followed and sat down beside her

in Alexis' other chair.

Alexis was sitting behind her desk, staring in surprise at Carly and Ian.

"Carly! What -- what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm here for a few reasons, Alexis. But first, let me introduce you to my

husband. Ian, meet my attorney, Alexis Davis. Alexis, my husband, Ian

Thornhart."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Davis." Ian held out his hand to Alexis.

"Mine as well, Ian." Alexis returned the shake and turned to Carly. "But

it's Davis-Baldwin now." Alexis held up her left hand, revealing a wedding

band on the fourth finger. "I married Scott Baldwin."

Carly raised an eyebrow. "Congratulations, Alexis. I never would have

thought you for the type. I guess Scotty has something old Nedly didn't,

right?"

Alexis bristled. "Carly....." she began warningly.

Carly held up a hand. "I'm just kidding, Alexis. Seriously, congratulations.

I hope Scott makes you as happy as Ian makes me."

Alexis hesitated a moment, wondering if Carly was sincere. She decided Carly

probably was and allowed a smile to cross her face. "Thank you.

Congratulations to you too."

"Thanks." Carly took Ian's hand in her own and squeezed briefly. "We're here

for a few reasons. We'll start with the easy one -- I need you to be a

lawyer in my custody battle with AJ for Michael. I know that as soon as he

finds out I'm back in Port Charles, he'll sue me for custody and I want us

to be prepared. Will you do that for me?"

Alexis sat back in her chair and stared at Carly for several minutes. "My

husband is AJ's attorney, Carly," she said slowly. "They've spent two Years

looking for you and Michael and never found you. It was almost as if you two

had dropped off the face of this earth. And now you walk into my office not

only fine, but married? Pardon me if I hesitate for a moment, but I am very

surprised."

"It just shows you that Scott doesn't have better people than Sonny does,

Alexis. Somehow, I thought you already knew that," Carly said.

Alexis nodded. "I figured Sonny had you and Michael hidden."

"Ha -- Have you spoken to him recently?" Carly asked softly, tightening her

grip on Ian's hand. Ian rubbed his fingers around hers gently, understanding

her need to ask. Sonny had been an important part of her life and had helped

her keep her son. She had often wondered about him and told Ian she wished

she knew if he was okay.

"No, Carly," Alexis answered. "I'm sure you're aware that Sonny is in the

witness protection program. He can never contact us again, not without

risking their lives or his."

"I know." Carly looked down at her hands for a moment. "I just wonder

sometimes how he is. He gave me such a gift, Alexis. He kept my little boy

and me safe and together for these past two years. Thanks to him, Michael

will never have to look over his shoulder ever again. And even if he does,

Sonny left two bodyguards and Leticia fully paid for."

"Sonny loved you and Michael so much. He would have done anything to keep

you safe. I know he'd be glad you found someone else to love."

Carly felt tears sting her eyes. "So, will you help me keep my little boy

with me? Just like you'd know Sonny would want?"

Alexis hesitated, knowing that she shouldn't since Scott was AJ's lawyer.

But then she realized it was one last way she could help Sonny out - she

knew Sonny would want Michael with Carly and not AJ. "Yes," she relented. "I

will represent you."

"Thank you, Alexis," Carly whispered. She wiped her eyes and smiled. "You're

turn," she said to Ian.

Ian chuckled quietly and smiled at Alexis. "I'd like you to represent me in

a custody fight for my daughter."

Alexis leaned forward in her seat. "You'll need to explain everything to

me."

"I was married to a woman and at the same time was in love with a second

woman," Ian began.

"Ian," Alexis interrupted. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to give me

names."

Ian let out a sigh. "I was in love with Eve Lambert but I married Arianna

Shapour to save her from being deported. If the INS deported her, she would

have had to go back to her country where her family would have done an

'honor killing'. Arianna had been raped, and in her country that is

considered to be the woman's fault," Ian explained when he saw the shock on

Alexis' face. "I carried on an affair with Eve while I was married, though

Arianna knew about it, sort of. We were married in name only. On the night

that Eve conceived our child, Arianna was stabbed in our apartment by her

brother. I was filled with guilt."

"Why?" Alexis asked, her pen flying across the page.

"Because had I not been with Eve, Arianna would not have been stabbed. She

almost lost her life that night, Alexis," Ian choked up. "All because of me.

So I broke it off with Eve and vowed to stand by Arianna for the rest of her

life, no matter what. Her liver was badly damaged and we did everything we

could to save her, tried desperately to find a donor. But no miracles

happened and Arianna died. I sank into a deep depression after she died,

closing myself off to everyone around me. Eve came to me at that time and

told me she was pregnant with my child." Ian shook his head, his eyes

slightly glazed. "I couldn't absorb that at that time. All I could think of

was that Arianna was dead and it was all my fault. A good friend of mine,

Dr. Karen Wexler, was aware of Sonny's island and persuaded him to send me

there so I could recover and heal. So I pushed Eve away, packed my stuff and

fled."

"That was where you met Carly," Alexis surmised.

"Yes," Ian nodded and squeezed her hand. "Carly was so desperate for company

that she talked and talked to me until I started to come out of my shell.

Eventually, she was the one who helped me totally heal my heart and make me

realize that what happened to Arianna wasn't my fault and that her brother

would have gotten to her another way if he hadn't that night. We fell in

love and married, and I've become another father figure to her son. Through

Michael, I realized what I've been missing out on. Carly found out that Eve

had a baby girl and even managed to get me a picture of her through Johnny.

I want to be a father to my daughter, Alexis. I think she deserves to know

her real father, not the man Eve remarried."

Alexis looked up. "Eve remarried? Do you know who?"

"Jack Ramsey," Ian said. "He married her before the baby, which leads me to

believe they married so he could give the baby a name. According to what

I've managed to find out, his name is on my daughter's birth certificate."

"You'll have to take a DNA test to prove you're paternity," Alexis said.

"I'm aware of that and I'm willing to go to the hospital right away to take

the test," Ian asserted. "I had another lawyer draft these papers and they

were sent to Eve. Here is a copy of them." Ian handed her his copy of the

custody papers.

Alexis skimmed them and whistled through her teeth. "You don't waste time do

you? So you want joint custody. Fine, I'll contact them and get the name of

their lawyer and see if we can arrange a meeting. I want to make sure you at

least get visitation rights until this matter is settled."

Ian's face filled with relief. "Thank you so much, Alexis. You don't know

how much this means to me."

"Don't thank me yet, either of you. Neither of these cases will be easy to

win, and you both will have to be on your best behaviors in the meantime. I

don't want to give the other side anything to use against you. Carly, if I

remember correctly, AJ signed away all rights to Michael before you moved in

with Sonny, right?"

"Right," Carly confirmed with a nod. "Sonny had information that AJ hired an

arsonist to burn down his warehouse. AJ had to either sign away all custody

of Michael and grant me a divorce or go to jail, which would have won me

custody anyway. AJ chose to keep his hide out of jail and signed the papers

giving me a divorce and full custody of our son."

"I thought so. Do you have a copy of those papers?" Alexis asked, going back

to writing on her legal pad.

"Yes, they're in a safety deposit box at the bank. Sonny put it in my name

with my mother as the trustee should anything happen to me."

"I knew that guy was smart," Alexis smirked. "Okay, I'll start preparing

things that we'll need in case we go to court. You're right, as soon as AJ

knows you and Michael are back in town, he'll probably file for custody. But

I want to be ready in case he tries to press charges. Right now, he thinks

you kidnapped Michael."

"But I didn't!" Carly protested angrily. "I had the full and legal right to

take my son anywhere. Since AJ has no legal rights to him, I didn't have to

tell him where I was or anything!"

"I know that and you know that, but AJ may be desperate. Lucky for you,

Scott knows those charges are bogus and probably will talk him out of that.

At any rate, I want to be prepared. So, go home and enjoy your time with

Michael. Welcome home and I will call you as soon as I have any

information," Alexis waved her hands, shooing them away. "My secretary has

your contact information, correct?"

Ian laughed. "Yes, she does and we're going. Thank you again, Alexis." He

stood up and pulled his wife up. He began leading her out of the office.

"Alexis," Carly stopped suddenly and turned towards their attorney. "You're

not going to tell Scott or AJ that I'm back, are you?"

Alexis hesitated, the thought had never occurred to her. "Not if you don't

want me to, Carly," she answered pensively. "I can just state that it is

under lawyer/client confidentiality. But once Eve realizes you are married

to Ian, she may just mention it to her friend, Karen Wexler. And then

Karen might tell AJ."

"Why would she do that?" Ian asked.

"Because Karen and AJ are really good friends now."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Same day, Recovery Room Pub~

"Eve!" Karen called when she noticed her friend walk inside carrying Jackie.

"We're over here!"

"Karen," Eve breathed a sigh of relief. "I can't tell you how glad I was

when you called and suggested this. I so needed to get out of the house!"

Karen took Jackie from Eve and settled her into a nearby high chair. "I

thought it would be a good idea and when Dad called and told me their sitter

cancelled at the last minute, I jumped at the chance to spend time with my

little sister. And besides, it's high time Jackie and Elisabeth got to know

each other better."

Eve laughed. "I couldn't agree more. Hello, Elisabeth." Eve cooed at the

baby sitting in the other high chair. She touched her soft hair and sighed

dreamily. "I love her red hair -- she looks so much like Alexis."

"I know," Karen smiled. "Except her habits are all my father, poor child."

Both women chuckled as Eve picked up her menu. "Have you ordered?"

"No, I waited for you," Karen answered.

"Hmmmmm," Eve's eyes scanned the menu. "I think a Caesar salad and an iced

tea sound good for me. And I brought Jackie's lunch with me, already warmed

up."

"Great minds, Eve. I did that too for Elisabeth. And I think a salad and

iced tea sound great." Karen waved the waiter over and ordered for the both

of them. Once the waiter was gone, Karen handed the babies a cracker and

then settled her attention on her friend. "So, why did you sound so

depressed this morning when I called?"

What?" Eve looked at Karen, startled. Her mind had been wandering and now it

slammed down into the present as her brain registered Karen's words. "I was

depressed?"

Karen cocked her head at Eve. "Don't play games with me, Eve Ramsey. I know

you well and I can tell when something's off about you. What is it?"

Eve fiddled with her napkin, crumbling it and smoothing it in her hands

before answering. "I received legal papers yesterday from Ian."

"What kind of legal papers?" Karen asked, surprised that Eve had even heard

from him. Nobody had heard from Ian in almost two years.

"Custody papers," Eve answered, absently tearing a strip from her napkin.

"He's fighting me for joint custody of Jackie."

"And?" Karen waited.

"And what?"

"So why did you sound so depressed?"

"Don't you get it?" Eve stared at Karen in disbelief. "Ian hasn't bothered

to acknowledge his daughter in over a year. Longer than that if you count my

pregnancy. Now all of a sudden he decided to come back and claim her? Not

only that but he wants joint custody?"

Karen furrowed her brow. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Ian her father?

Why shouldn't he want some sort of custody of her?"

"Karen!" Eve shook her head. "He hasn't even called me in almost two years!

He's never asked about her, and probably doesn't even know what her name

is."

"Yes he does," Karen said quietly.

Eve looked at her suspiciously. "What does that mean?"

"Ian called me once right after Jackie was born," Karen confessed. "I told

him you'd remarried and that you'd the baby had been a girl and what you and

Jack had named her."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Eve raised her voice, hurt and betrayed.

"I want to ruin the happiness that you and Jack felt," Karen explained

softly. "Ian was still depressed and into himself. I'm surprised he realized

you'd even had the baby. You had just gotten over him and moved on with Jack

and Jackie and I didn't want to disrupt that for no reason."

Eve considered that for a moment and calmed down slightly. "That's even more

of a reason Ian shouldn't get any sort of custody. He knew about her and

what her name was and he didn't even come to see her or claim her or

anything. Jack has been her father in every way except biologically for the

last year. Jack has been the one to change her, hold her, and play with her.

Jack has done that, not Ian."

"But Ian is still her father," Karen pointed out gently. They were

interrupted by the arrival of their food. Karen dug out Elisabeth's lunch

from the diaper bag and began to feed her sister while she talked. "No

matter what Jack has done, nothing can change that Ian is Jackie's father."

"Dadadadada," Jackie babbled from her highchair.

Eve smiled at her daughter. "Yes, baby, Dada." Eve got out Jackie's lunch,

realizing she was probably hungry.

"Eve," Karen spoke gently. "I'm not suggesting that you just hand over your

daughter to a man she doesn't even know. Ian should have some supervised

visitation first. But like it or not, Jackie will hate you when she's older

if you take away her father from her now. Trust me on that one, I know it."

Karen had been raised not knowing her own father and had resented it when

she'd finally found him and realized Scott didn't even know he'd had a

daughter.

"Part of me knows you're right, Karen. But the other part of me hates what

Ian did. He abandoned our child and me when we needed him, all because of

his stupid guilt over Arianna. He let a dead woman interfere with our child.

Nothing can take that pain and anger away. Jack was there when Ian wasn't.

He was willing to be a father to a child that wasn't even his, just because

he cared enough about me. God, we live together now but we still aren't in

love. We love and care for each other, but we're not 'in' love."

"Are you sure about that, " Karen questioned, taking a bite of her salad.

"What do you mean?"

"Are you sure you're not in love with Jack? And that he's not in love with

you?"

"Very sure," Eve said firmly. "Why?"

"Just the way you two look at each other," Karen shrugged. "I think you both

feel more for each other than you let on."

Eve averted her eyes, poking listlessly around her salad as her mind

whirled. "I don't know how I feel," she finally confessed. "Before last

night I thought I loved Jack; that I was in love with Jack. He makes my

heart pound and my knees go mushy when he touches me."

"And then?" Karen prompted.

"And then we got the custody papers and a huge fight happened. I basically

told Jack that Jackie is my daughter and I'll do what I want with her. If I

wanted Ian to see her, it would be my choice not his. Therefore belittling

his being her father."

"Ouch," Karen said sympathetically.

Eve smiled ruefully. "Ouch is right. After that I put Jackie to bed and I

considered Ian's returning to Port Charles. I couldn't help but wonder if

Ian was returning just for Jackie or perhaps for both of us. And my next

thought was that if he was returning for Jackie and me, how did I feel about

that? And then I realized something."

"What?" Karen asked, her cheeks turning a hint of red as she realized Eve

didn't know Ian was married. He had never told her to whom, just that he had

fallen in love and married while he was out there. It never occurred to

Karen that Sonny hadn't taken Carly and Michael with him into the witness

protection program. Ian had contacted Karen a few other times that Karen

hadn't mentioned to Eve simply because Ian had asked her not too. But Ian

had inquired about Jackie more than once, and he had told Karen of his

marriage to Carly. The only thing he hadn't told her was that they were

coming back to Port Charles and that he was planning to fight for custody.

Karen realized now that was because Ian didn't want to put her in the

position of lying to Eve, and that touched Karen.

"I realized..." Eve hesitated. "I realized that part of me still loves Ian,

Karen. Part of me wants Ian to come back and claim both Jackie and me."

Karen was stunned into silence. She'd thought Eve had moved on from Ian, and

she was more than surprised to realize she was wrong.

"What?" Eve finally noticed the look on her best friend's face.

"Uh, well, uh, there's something you should know, Eve," Karen stammered,

turning away to focus on feeding Elisabeth.

"What is it, Karen?" Eve was puzzled by Karen's sudden discomfort.

Karen blew out a breath and handed Elisabeth another cracker. Turning back

to Eve, she took a deep breath. "Ian contacted me a few other times, Eve.

Ian didn't want me to tell you he was calling, but he wanted to see how

Jackie was. He didn't want to disrupt your life or his."

Eve narrowed her eyes. "There's something you're not telling me, Wexler.

Spill it."

Karen took another deep breath. "Well, um..."

"Spill it, Wexler!" Eve said sternly.

"Ian is married, Eve. When Ian arrives back in Port Charles, it will be with

his wife."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Later that Afternoon, Scott's Law Office~

"Thanks for meeting with me again, Scott," AJ shook hands with his attorney

as he left the office.

Scott grunted. "You're welcome, AJ. So, ah, have you seen my daughter

lately?"

AJ hid a smile. Scott always asked him if he'd seen Karen recently when he

saw him. AJ knew Scott was trying to keep tabs on how often he saw Karen

because Karen wouldn't tell him. "Sure," AJ answered innocently. "I saw her

yesterday."

"How is she?" Scott asked, pretending to be not really interested. He

shuffled with some papers on his desk.

"She's great, Scott. She'd probably love to spend some time with you. Why

don't you call her?" A suggested, knowing full well what was coming next.

"I don't need you to tell me when I should see my daughter," Scott bristled.

He noticed AJ reciting that along with him and couldn't help but laugh. "I'm

pretty predictable, aren't I?"

"Only when it comes to Karen, my man." AJ clapped Scott on the shoulders.

"We're just friends, Scott. That's all your daughter will let it be. I don't

know how many times you need to be told that."

"My daughter is a smart woman," Scott commented with a wry smile.

AJ groaned. "Gee, thanks. And I thought you liked me after spending all this

time with me looking for my son."

"You're not as bad as I thought, Quartermaine," Scott allowed.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway, I'm off to the PC Grille for lunch.

Care to join me?"

"Nope. I have too much work to do. But thanks, and I'll see you next week.

As always, I'll contact you if I find out anything before then."

"Great." AJ walked out the door. "See you then!" he called.

He walked down to his car, in light spirits. He had a good feeling today,

though he wasn't sure why. But his stomach was rumbling so he decided to go

get a bite and then go home and relax for the rest of the day. Hopefully,

he'd run into Karen over the next day or two and then he could see how she

reacted to him. Karen was growing more and more fond of him daily, AJ could

feel it. Eventually, she'd crumble and admit her attraction to him, or at

least, he hoped so. AJ pulled up at the PC Grille and hopped out of his car.

He headed inside and walked up to the host.

"Table for one please, for AJ Quartermaine," he said in a confident voice.

"Certainly, Mr. Quartermaine. This way, please," the young man said

formally, taking a menu in his hand and leading AJ to a table back by the

patio doors.

"Thank you," AJ smiled. "What's your name?"

The young man looked startled. "My name is Jeffrey, sir."

"Jeffrey, you are a pleasant addition to the staff. Congratulations on

making me feel welcome in this restaurant."

"Thank you, Mr. Quartermaine."

"You're aware that my family owns this establishment, correct?" AJ asked him

as he sat down.

"Yes, sir," Jeffrey answered meekly.

"I plan on telling your boss how well you've served me, Jeff. Keep it up."

Jeffrey bowed slightly. "I will. Thank you again, Mr. Quartermaine. If there

is anything else I can do for you, please let me know. Your server will be

with you in a moment."

"Thank you, Jeff." AJ watched him rush away and smothered the laugh bubbling

up inside of him. Good kid, would do well at the PC Grille. AJ picked up

his menu and ordered a light lunch from the server when she came over. He

leaned back in his chair holding his glass of water, waiting for his meal,

when suddenly he noticed activity at the front door. Glancing up, AJ dropped

his glass of water on the floor.

Standing at the door were Carly and Michael with Ian Thornhart. "Michael,"

he gasped, standing up.

Chapter Three

~Port Charles Grille~

Standing at the door of the PC Grille were Carly and Michael with Ian

Thornhart. "Michael," AJ gasped, standing up.

Hearing his name, Michael turned towards AJ. Carly happened to look over at

the same time and turned pale. Lifting Michael into her arms, she turned to

Ian and hissed something to him. Ian turned, noticed AJ and nodded. AJ

watched as the host led the three of them to a table that was nowhere near

him. AJ was smoldering as he watched Carly place Michael in the chair

nearest the wall and then positioned Ian and herself on either side of him.

"Like they're guarding him," he muttered to himself.

His food arrived shortly after and AJ began to eat, trying to decide what to

do. Should he go over and confront them or should he go right to Scott and

get custody papers out immediately to prevent Carly from disappearing?

Should he press charges? AJ decided the best thing to do would be to call

Scott and see what he could advise.

AJ grabbed his cell phone and dialed Scott's office number. "Scott, it's AJ.

I need your help and fast," he said, keeping his voice down so Carly

couldn't hear him.

"What is it, AJ?" Scott's voice sounded slightly irritated at the

interruption.

"I'm at the PC Grille having lunch and who should walk in but my ex-wife and

my son," AJ said smugly. "I want to press charges and file for custody

immediately. Carly is not going to take Michael away this time, at least not

legally. I want her to have those papers by the end of today,

Scott."

Scott was stunned. "Whoa, back up a little, buddy. Carly and Michael are

there?"

"In the flesh," AJ confirmed.

"I've got the papers all ready, AJ. I have for months. You've already signed

them so all I need to do is have the date typed on them and serve them to

her. I can be there in ten minutes. However, you can't press charges, AJ."

"And why not?" AJ was indignant. "Carly kidnapped my son two years ago and

disappeared. She never let me know where she was going or if he was even

okay." AJ's voice choked up slightly.

"First of all, AJ, you knew Michael was fine and that Carly would never let

anything happen to him. I've heard you admit it yourself a hundred times

that she is a good mother."

"I was trying to reassure myself," AJ muttered wryly.

"Secondly, you cannot press charges. Carly did nothing illegal and the

charges wouldn't stick."

"But if she at least got taken down to the station, I could grab Michael and

keep him with me during the court battle," AJ pointed out.

Scott sighed. "AJ, if you do that, you will lose all your chances at getting

custody of your son. Think of how this would look to a judge: A man who

hasn't seen his son since he was a year and a half suddenly arrests the

mother of his child with no just cause and grabs the kid. The kid doesn't

know the man and has to watch his mother being dragged off to the police

station and then live without her for however long it takes for her to get

him back to you. She will win temporary custody, AJ. I'll make no bones

about that. During the trial, the best you'll get is visitation, and

probably supervised at that. Carly will have no problems winning temporary

custody since it is in Michael's best interest to be in a home that he's

comfortable with, with people he knows."

AJ's face was growing more and more red, he was about to scream and he knew

it. "So Carly can just up and take my kid for two years and nothing gets

said but I can't get my revenge even for twenty minutes?"

"Get your revenge by looking like a model father in court and winning

custody." Though Scott thought his chances of winning sole custody was slim,

he was willing to bet the judge would grant at least joint custody.

"Fine. Be here in ten minutes," AJ growled. He hung up on Scott and eyed

Carly and his son having lunch across the room. He watched Michael look like

a little man as he tried to put his glass of milk towards the middle of the

table so as not to spill it. He watched Michael's face as Carly and Ian

conversed with Michael, and how Michael grew thoughtful at certain times,

thinking about whatever they were saying to him.

AJ wondered about Ian, why he was with Carly and Michael. It never occurred

to him to think that Ian might have married Carly or that she would be

involved with anyone other than Sonny. AJ decided to get up and pay his

bill. He walked across the room, keeping a safe distance away from them, but

close enough to hear what they were saying.

"This summer we'll buy you a swing set for the backyard," Carly was telling

Michael.

Michael's eyes lit up and he looked coyly at Ian. "Daddy, can we get a puppy

too?" Michael asked.

AJ immediately saw red. What was HIS son doing calling Ian "Daddy"? Not

thinking, AJ quickly paid his bill and then pulled out his cell phone. He

called the police station. "This is AJ Quartermaine. I want to press charges

against one Carly Benson. She kidnapped my son two years ago and she just

returned to Port Charles today. I want her arrested before she takes off

with my son again. She's at the PC Grille so hurry." AJ hung up without

waiting for an answer and strode back to his table. This was one scene he

didn't want to miss.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Port Charles Grille~

"Eat your lunch and Mommy and I will talk about it later," Ian answered

Michael's question about the puppy. He noticed Carly nervously watching AJ's

every move, ready to pounce should he come anywhere near Michael. "Carly,

relax."

Carly jumped at the sound of her name and forced a small smile. "Sorry," she

said. "I knew this would happen and I can't help it, Ian. I don't want him

anywhere near my son."

"Who, Mommy?" Michael looked up at her with his cherubic face.

Carly's face melted into a real smile. "No one, Mr. Man." Carly touched

Michael's face. "Are you looking forward to seeing Grandma tomorrow? And

your cousin Lucas?"

Michael wrinkled his nose. "I don't remember them too well."

"That's okay, Sport. I've never even met them," Ian piped up.

Michael laughed. "Why not, Daddy?"

"Because your Mommy and I fell in love when we were on the island. Before

that I had never met your Mommy or your Grandma or Lucas."

"We'll have to meet them together, then." Michael slid his hand into Ian's.

Tears misted in Ian's eyes at the thoughtfulness of this little boy. "That's

right," he managed. "We will."

Carly smiled and touched Ian's other arm. "Grandma and Lucas haven't seen me

in two years either so it will be sort of new for all of us."

"Will they like me?"

"Of course they'll like you, Michael. They'll love you, honey," Carly was

aghast he'd even asked such a question. "Why wouldn't they?"

"We must have done something bad if they haven't seen us in such a long

time," Michael said to his mother, somewhat sadly.

Carly's heart ached for this intuitive little boy. "We didn't do anything

wrong, sweetie. Uncle Sonny just let us stay on the island because it is

such a nice place. Grandma and Lucas didn't come and see us because they had

to stay here and work and go to school. That's very important,

Michael. In September you'll go to school and you'll have so much fun, but

it's important too."

Michael nodded understandingly. "Then I can become smart enough to be a

doctor just like Daddy."

Ian ruffled Michael's hair. "That's right, young man. But you have to work

hard, okay?"

"Yup. Are you going to work in a real hospital now, Daddy?"

Carly shook her head. Michael was so precocious it was hard to keep things

from him sometimes. "I sure am, Sport," Ian answered.

"Good. Can you take me there one day and show me around?" Michael looked

hopeful.

"One day, Michael. One day."

Ian's answer satisfied him and he turned to Carly. "Where are you going to

work, Mommy?"

"Trying to push me out the door, Mr. Man?" Carly teased.

Michael blushed. "No, I just want to know."

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet, Michael. Maybe tomorrow or the next

day, you can help me figure that out, okay?"

"Okay!" Michael dug back into his lunch, his questions now answered.

Carly glanced at Ian and shook her head again. She crossed her fingers and

hoped no one could ruin this family she had fought so hard to put together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Scott's Car~

Scott drove towards the PC Grille as fast as his car allowed with the

custody papers beside him. He had a bad feeling that AJ was going to do

something stupid. "Just when I think I'm starting to like the idiot," he

muttered. Scott was trying hard to warm up to AJ, knowing how he felt about

Karen and knowing that Karen considered AJ a friend. But the one thing that

annoyed Scott more than anything else was AJ's temper. When AJ got mad about

something, he got impulsive and most times would do something stupid. Not

something dangerous, but very stupid.

Scott's cell phone, lying on the seat beside him, ran shrilly. It caused

Scott to jump and swerve the car slightly. Straightening the car on the

road, Scott grabbed his phone. "Scott Baldwin," he answered, his voice

sharp.

"Scott? Where are you?"

Scott's face melted into a grin. "Hey, babe. Where are you?"

"I asked you first," Alexis retorted.

"I'm on my way to the PC Grille," Scott began.

Alexis cut him off. "Oh, really? Having a romantic lunch without me?" she

teased.

Scott groaned. "Hardly. No, AJ just called me and told me Carly and his kid

are back in town. I'm heading there to serve her with some papers so that if

she leaves town with Michael again, it will be illegally this time."

"She won't," Alexis said, too quickly.

"What do you mean?"

Alexis realized what she said and shrugged. "Never mind. I'm still at the

office. How 'bout I join you for lunch? Once you've served Carly the papers,

I mean."

"Sure, baby. I'll meet you over there in a few minutes."

Alexis already had her papers stuffed into her briefcase and was walking out

the door, cell phone in hand. She waved to her secretary and headed to her

car. "Don't want to talk to me on the way there?" she asked, thanking god

that she was a lot closer to the PC Grille than Scott was. If she timed it

right, she would arrive at the exact same time he did.

"Of course I do. Have you talked to Karen today?"

Alexis started her car and backed out of the parking space. She headed

towards the street, smiling at the mention of her oldest stepdaughter. "No.

When I called earlier, she wasn't there. But I remember her saying something

about calling Eve and seeing if Eve and Jackie wanted to meet her and

Elisabeth for lunch. That's probably where they were when I called. Have

you?"

"Yes," Scott confessed. "I called her cell phone just as she finished lunch

with Eve. Hey, that reminds me. I spoke to Eve today. She told me she got

papers from Ian fighting for joint custody of Jackie. Isn't that absurd? She

asked me to represent her in the case."

"What did you say?" Alexis asked nervously, hoping he'd said no.

"I said yes, of course. Eve is my daughter's best friend. I'm flattered she

asked me."

"Um, Scott, I have something to tell you." Alexis knew now was not the time

to mention Carly, but she had to mention Ian.

"What, Lexi?"

"I saw Ian today," she said softly, pulling into the parking lot of the PC

Grille.

"You did? Where?" Scott asked, signaling to turn into the parking lot just

after her. "I see you just ahead of me, you know."

Alexis smiled. "I saw Ian at my office. He asked me to represent him in the

custody case. He gave me a copy of the papers his previous lawyer sent Eve."

"You said no, right?"

"Actually, no, Scott. I said yes to Ian. I'm now his lawyer. We'll be

working against each other in this case." Suddenly the cell phone went dead

in her hand. Grabbing her briefcase, she jumped out of her car and rushed

over to Scott's. "Scott?" she knocked on his window. Slowly, he turned to

meet his eyes. Alexis backed away at the anger she saw there. "I guess

you're not too happy about that, huh?" Alexis asked weakly.

In response, Scott let his head fall to the steering wheel with a loud

thump.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carly looked up as Scott Baldwin entered the PC Grille, followed closely by

Alexis. "Carly Benson?" Scott asked in a pleasant voice, holding the papers

in his hand. His asking was a formality, he knew she was.

"Nope," Carly answered with a sweet smile on her face.

"What?" Scott was momentarily taken aback.

Carly stood up. "My name is not Carly Benson, Scott. My name is Carly

Thornhart."

Scott rolled his eyes. "Well, Mrs. Thornhart, these are for you. You have

been served."

"Uh, I'm sorry, Scott," Alexis interrupted softly. "But my client cannot

accept those. Since her legal name is not Carly Benson, those would not be

for her."

"Your client!?!" Scott exploded.

Alexis smiled at her husband. "Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Thornhart are my clients."

"You're stopping me on a technicality, Alexis," Scott accused, growing

angrier and angrier with his wife.

"Maybe so, but the fact is that my attorney just told you that I can't be

served with those papers. So take them and get lost," Carly waved him away.

Scott narrowed his eyes and turned to see AJ sitting nearby, taking in the

whole scene. "I'll be over there, talking to my client. This will be fixed

shortly, I promise you, Mrs. Thornhart. In the meantime, hold onto these

until the correct ones arrive." He handed her the papers and stalked away

without another word to Alexis.

Carly handed the papers to Alexis. "Thank you," she said in a low voice.

"How did you know that was going to happen?"

"Incredibly good timing." Alexis closed her eyes for a second. "I happened

to call Scott while he was on his way over here. Lucky for you and for me,

my office is a lot closer to here than Scott's. I just grabbed my stuff and

ran to the car and drove here as fast as I could."

"I told you AJ would file for custody the second he found out I was back in

town," Carly said to both Alexis and Ian.

Ian placed a hand on her arm. "We're in this together," he reminded her. "AJ

won't get Michael without a fight."

Both of them turned their heads to see Michael sitting there looking totally

confused. "Who won't get me? Am I going somewhere?" he asked when he noticed

them looking at him. His eyes were round and scared.

"No, honey," Carly assured him, sitting back down and lifting him into her

arms.

"Carly -- " Alexis started. Carly shot her a look and Alexis quieted down.

"I just think you should prepare him ahead of time," she finished quietly.

"I will tell him what he needs to know only if he needs to know it, Alexis.

There's no need to scare him needlessly."

"I should be going now." Alexis shot a hopeful look Scott's way, but he was

ignoring her. "I want to get home and calm down before he arrives. It's

going to be a long night. Anything else?" The words died on Alexis' lips as

two uniformed police officers entered the restaurant along with Lt. Marcus

Taggert.

"Ah, Ms. Benson," Lt. Taggert smiled winningly at her. "Long time no see."

Alexis stood protectively by Carly and Michael. "Can we help you with

something, Lt.?"

"I hate to have to do this, but charges are being pressed."

"What charges?" Ian asked, looking confused.

Lt. Taggert nodded at his officers who came and stood on either side of

Carly. "Ms. Benson -- "

That's Mrs. Thornhart to you," Carly cut him off. Instinctively, she put

Michael in Ian's arms. "Don't let go of him no matter what, Ian," she

hissed.

"Mrs. Thornhart," Lt. Taggert narrowed his eyes. "You are under arrest for

the kidnapping of Michael Alan Quartermaine. You have the right to remain

silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of

law."

"Kidnapping!" Alexis exclaimed.

"Kidnapping?" Carly snorted as the officers lifted her from her chair and

began to handcuff her.

"Mommy!" Michael shrieked, tears running down his face.

"Please, Lt. Not in front of my son. Please." Carly nodded at Michael.

Lt. Taggert eyed her for a moment and then nodded. "Take her by the arms,

please, gentlemen. Mrs. Davis-Baldwin, I assume we'll see you down at the

station?"

"You certainly will," Alexis answered icily.

"We'll finish reading you your rights out by the car, Carly. Let's go," Lt.

Taggert said sternly.

"Mommy!" Michael was hysterical. He struggled to get out Ian's arms and

succeeded. Rushing over to Taggert, he kicked him hard in the shin. Then we

went after the police officers by Carly.

"Hey!" Lt. Taggert hollered.

Carly stopped walking. "Hold on a second," she said to the officers, sliding

her arms away from them and around her son within seconds. "Michael, honey,

Mommy's fine. See?"

Michael stopped squirming and held Carly tight. "I don't want them to take

you away, Mommy!"

Carly noticed AJ and Scott watching them at that exact moment. Scott was

shaking his head, looking angry. AJ had a pleased smile on his face.

"Michael, I won't be gone long, I promise. See that woman over there?" Carly

nodded at Alexis. "She's going to make it so I can come home in a little

while. But can you do me a big favor?"

"What?" Tears were still pouring down Michael's cheeks as he clutched

Carly's arms.

"Can you make sure that you stay with Daddy no matter what? He's going to

take you home to Leticia and then come get me. So you need to stay with

Daddy and the Leticia until I get home. Can you do that for me?"

"I want to go with Daddy to get you," Michael said instantly.

Carly shook her head. "You can't, sweetie. But it would make Mommy happy if

you would do this for her. Okay?"

"I promise, Mommy."

Ian stepped forward, sparks shooting from his eyes. "I'll take him to

Leticia and be right down," he whispered.

Carly allowed the officers to take her arms again and walked with them and

Lt. Taggert towards the front door. She slowed as they passed AJ.

"Satisfied, AJ? This is exactly why I will never let you get near my son

again. You're not fit to be a parent and be prepared to have this incident

brought up in court," she hissed menacingly as they walked by.

Alexis glared at Scott and hurriedly followed Carly out.

Scott let out a huge sigh and smacked AJ's arm. "Are you totally stupid? I

told you NOT to have Carly arrested. You're an idiot, AJ, and I wouldn't be

surprised if you never gained custody of your son!"

At that moment, Karen walked in the Grille carrying Elisabeth. She had a

puzzled look on her face, but it cleared to anger the moment she saw Michael

crying hysterically in Ian's arms and Scott sitting with AJ, giving him a

lecture.

AJ hung his head. "I overheard Michael calling Ian Daddy and I lost my

temper," he admitted.

Karen strode purposely over. "AJ, was that what I think it was? Did you have

Carly arrested?" she demanded.

AJ looked up at her in surprise. Scott took Elisabeth in his arms while

Karen crossed her arms over her chest, glaring daggers at AJ. "Yes," he

whispered.

Karen hauled off and smacked him. "You are a first-class jerk, AJ

Quartermaine. You and I talked about this just yesterday. Look at your son

over there, sobbing hysterically. Was your revenge worth it?"

AJ stood up and stared at Michael crying on Ian's shoulder. Ian was waiting

to pay the bill and was sitting back at the table, glaring AJ's way. AJ

started walking towards them when Karen followed and stopped him. "Don't you

dare go near that child, AJ. In fact, I hope you don't win any sort of

custody at all. Any person that is that selfish doesn't deserve to be a

parent." That said, Karen whirled around and walked back to Scott. She

kissed his cheek and then the top of Elisabeth's head. "She was an angel.

See you another time, Dad."

"Thanks, Karen." Scott smiled at his eldest daughter.

Karen nodded and headed over to Ian. "Hey, stranger. Can I help you with

anything?" she asked gently.

Ian looked up and Karen and smiled. "Yeah, you can get the darn waitress

over here so I can pay her and take Michael home."

"Michael," Karen sat beside Ian and spoke softly to the still crying child.

"Can I interest you in coming with me into the lobby to see if we can find

any neat candy machines?"

Michael peeked his head up at Karen. "Do you think there are any out there?"

he asked, sniffling and wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

Karen pulled a Kleenex out of her purse and gently wiped Michael's nose.

"Blow," she commanded. He did and Karen wiped his nose and then tossed the

Kleenex on a plate. "You won't know unless you look. Why don't we go look

while your Dad pays the bill?"

"Can I, Daddy?" Michael looked up at Ian with pleading eyes.

"Only for a moment. I trust you to hold onto him at every second, right,

Karen?"

Karen nodded at Ian. "I promise," she said solemnly.

Ian lifted Michael to the ground and Karen took his hand. "See you out front

in a moment." She led Michael away and Ian headed off to find the waitress.

On his way, he passed AJ. "You will pay for this," he hissed in AJ's ear,

loud enough only for AJ to hear him. He continued on to find the server.

AJ glanced back at Scott, still sitting at the table. "Proud of yourself,

Quartermaine? Was revenge really worth it?" Scott asked snidely.

"Somehow I pictured it ending differently than this," AJ muttered.

"I told you not to do it, AJ," Scott stood up.

"I know," AJ growled. He headed out to the lobby with Scott following

closely behind. Once there, he noticed Karen and Michael sitting on the

couch talking. Drawn to the child, AJ began walking over. He was almost

there when Karen noticed him and stopped him with a glare.

"Don't come any closer, AJ Quartermaine, or I will call the police on you for harassment."

"Do you hear that?" AJ said to Scott.

"You deserve it, buddy." Scott smiled grimly and left with Elisabeth.

AJ hesitated for one more moment before he followed Scott out the door. He'd blown it this afternoon, and he hadn't even seen it coming.

Chapter Four

~Port Charles Police Department~

"Mr. Quartermaine filed a statement saying you kidnapped his son two

years ago, Mrs. Thornhart. He is pressing charges and therefore we

need to investigate," Lt. Taggert was saying to Carly as Alexis

entered the room.

"HIS son?" Carly echoed with disbelief.

"Taggert, if you'd shut you're trap for one moment, I'll give you one

good reason this charge will not stick," Alexis announced.

Lt. Taggert narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I'll bite. What reason

would that be?"

"Besides the fact that you have not allowed my client the right to

wait for her attorney to be present?" Alexis smirked. "This charge

isn't even legal."

"Huh?" Lt. Taggert was confused. "How can it not be legal? Did Mrs.

Thornhart not leave the country two years ago with her son?"

"Yes, she did," Alexis confirmed.

"Then how can the charge not be legal?"

Alexis smiled. "Because AJ had no legal rights to Michael at that

time.

He doesn't even have any legal rights to Michael now. Come on now,

Lt. I thought you were on the up and up. AJ Quartermaine signed away

all rights to his son the day Carly moved in with Sonny Corinthos

almost four years ago. He'd never regained any rights, therefore

Carly was legally able to take Michael wherever she chose without

informing AJ."

Lt. Taggert sank into a nearby chair. "I can't believe it," he

said. "I've been duped by a Quartermaine."

"No you haven't. You've been duped by your stupid hatred of Sonny

Corinthos. When you heard Carly was back in town, you figured it was

with Sonny and you couldn't wait for the chance to arrest his wife to

drive him wild. You had to go through with the arrest so as not to

look like an idiot once you realized Carly was with someone else

besides Sonny." Alexis' voice was filled with annoyance. "This is

getting old, Lt."

Lt. Taggert narrowed his eyes at Alexis. "You think you know it all,

but you don't. Kidnapping is a crime, Mrs. Davis-Baldwin."

"Did you even ask AJ if you could see a copy of his custody papers

proving he even had rights to Michael?"

Lt. Taggert blushed. "I messed up," he admitted. He glanced at

Carly. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Thornhart. Release her," he added to the

officers in the room.

They unhand cuffed Carly, who was glaring at Lt. Taggert. "No apology

from you or AJ will make up for this mistake, Lt." Her voice was

filled with venom. "My little boy had to watch that and will probably

have nightmares for the next week or so. The least you could have

done is checked your big lead out first before putting my son through

that."

Lt. Taggert rose, knowing how right she was. He turned to his

officers. "Get AJ Quartermaine down here," he ordered them. "He and I

need to have a little talk."

"Yes, sir," the first one said. The two left the room in a hurry.

Alexis looked smug as she walked over to Carly. "I have a good mind

to report this to your superior," Alexis said. Lt. Taggert looked at

her, his face falling. "I won't and neither will Carly. Because," she

spoke louder as Carly tried to protest over her. "I have a feeling

you'll be willing to testify on Carly's behalf at the custody trial.

Am I correct, Lt.?"

Lt. Taggert groaned aloud, but nodded after Alexis shot him a look of

daggers. "Fine, I will testify for you, Carly. I'll tell the judge

exactly what AJ did today."

"Thank you, Lt." Carly strode out of the room without another word.

Alexis walked over to Lt. Taggert and smiled widely. "Pleasure doing

business with you, Lt." She grabbed her purse and walked out of the

room, turning to wink at Lt. Taggert one last time before following

Carly to the front of the station.

Lt. Taggert put his head in his hands, cursing to himself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Jack & Eve's House~

Jack stared at Jackie in total silence, trying to memorize every

detail of her face. "I love you, baby girl," he said sweetly to the

child, smiling at her. Jackie looked up at him and cooed at Jack. She

was sitting in an exer-saucer, playing with her toys that rest on top

of it. Jackie held out her arms to Jack, wanting to be picked up.

Jack lifted Jackie into his arms and carried her over t the

window. "How about we go outside for awhile, little one?" he

suggested, heading to the front door and grabbing their jackets from

the hall closet. He buttons hers up and slipped her hat and a bit of

sunscreen on her and headed outside. Jack spread a blanket on the

grass with one hand and settled Jackie on it with some toys. He sat

down beside her and breathed in a deep breath. "It's so nice out

here," he commented to his daughter. She looked up at him and smiled,

handing him a book.

"You want Daddy to read to you, pumpkin?" Jack asked as he settled

Jackie in his lap. "Okay, here goes." Jack opened the book and began

reading to Jackie, never noticing the fence door open and close, nor

the footsteps that walked over to him and Jackie.

Eve watched the pair sitting on the grass, tears in her eyes. She

regretted a lot of what she'd said the night before, but Eve was firm

in her belief that Ian be allowed to see Jackie. Eve knew that Jackie

could only benefit from the extra love and attention and Eve was

determined to allow her daughter that.

Finally, Jack realized there was someone standing nearby them. He

turned his head to see Eve standing there. His gaze darkened slightly

and he muttered, "Hi."

"Hi, baby," she returned softly. Her face melted into a wide smile

when Jackie looked up at her. "Hello, angel." Eve held out her arms

to Jackie, who almost fell into them. "How was Mommy's girl today?

Were you the best for Daddy?"

"That she was," Jack stood up and brushed himself off. He began

walking towards the house. "Jack!" Eve's voice stopped him and he

turned to look at her.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

Jack shrugged. "You're home now, so I thought I'd go inside. You

don't need me out here disturbing you and Jackie."

Eve felt a surge of anger flare through her. He was so childish

sometimes. "We have to talk," she said as she walked over to him.

Jack met her eyes. "I don't know about what."

"Stop it, Jack," Eve said warningly. "We have to deal with this like

adults."

Jack opened his mouth to retort, but shut it as her words hit. "Fine,

let's go inside." Jack walked inside.

Eve followed and put Jackie into her playpen with her toys. "Mommy

and Daddy will be back in a sec, honey," Eve said tenderly.

Jack plopped down on the couch.

Eve narrowed her eyes at him for a moment and then sat down beside

him. "I had a meeting today with Scott Baldwin. I have asked him to

represent us in this case. Since he's Karen's father, he'll do it for

a reasonable price and he's a good lawyer," Eve began.

Jack raised his eyebrows, but remained stubbornly silent.

Eve sighed and continued. "Scott says that we are going to have to

give Ian visitation rights at the very least. If we don't do that and

this thing goes to court, it will look very bad on us."

"IF this thing goes to court? Why wouldn't it go to court?" Jack

asked, finally giving in and speaking.

"Scott has suggested we meet with their lawyer and try to mediate

this without it going to court. It will be less stressful and better

for Jackie."

"So basically you're suggesting we allow our daughter to go and have

visits with a man she doesn't even know?"

"No," Eve said calmly. "What I'm suggesting is supervised visits for

the first while, so Jackie can meet Ian on an informal level. Then,

after a few visits, she can go with him to their place or whatever."

"Their?" Jack repeated.

Eve hesitated. "Ian is married, it seems."

Jack smiled for the first time since the conversation

started. "Really? To whom? Who told you?"

"Karen told me and I don't know whom he is married to," Eve

answered. "Does it matter?" Eve wasn't sure she liked the smile on

his face.

"No, not at all." Jack stared thoughtfully at his hands. "Keep

talking."

"That's pretty much it. I don't want to fight Ian on this, Jack."

"So you're willing to give Ian joint custody, just like that?" Jack

wanted to know.

"I wouldn't go that far. I'm willing to work out a fair visitation

schedule. Scott is setting up a meeting between Ian and his lawyer

and us to discuss that. We'll see how that goes."

Jack nodded. "That sounds fair to me. I'm sorry for last night, Eve.

I'm just so afraid of losing Jackie and --" he cut himself off. He

couldn't bring himself to add "you".

"And what?" Eve asked, wondering if Karen had been right that Jack

had feelings for her.

"And nothing," Jack smiled wanly. "I just don't want our life to

change."

Eve nodded, deciding Karen had been wrong. But why had her heart

started pounding with anticipation while she waited for his

answer? "I don't either, but it looks like it will be, at least a

little. Jackie deserves all the love that Ian, you and I can give

her. I don't think its fair of us to deny her that just because we're

comfortable with our lives. But I'm sorry too, Jack. I was out of

line last night. You're Jackie's father too and you have every right

to voice your opinions about this."

Jack hesitantly wrapped his arms around Eve, pulling her close and

breathing in her sweet scent. "I love -- " he paused. "I love our

family, Eve." It was the closest way he could think of to tell her he

loved her.

Eve was disappointed that he didn't tell her he loved her. Suddenly

she shook her head as if to clear it. What was she thinking? Did this

mean she loved Jack as well? Eve wasn't sure, but now was certainly

not the time to be thinking about it. "I love our family too." She

had another thought. "Is tomorrow okay with you if the meeting is

then?"

"It's fine," Jack assured her.

"Good." Eve kissed Jack's cheek and stood up. "I'd better go and see

about getting dinner started."

"When are you and I going out for that special dinner we were

supposed to have last night?"

Eve turned back to him. "You mean that you want to have it still?"

Jack rose and pulled Eve back into his arms. He leaned over and

placed a searing kiss on her lips. "Does that answer you're

question?" he asked as he pulled away.

Eve was breathless as she stared up at Jack. "I think it does. Does

tomorrow night sound okay?"

"It's a date, little lady." Jack kissed her again and then released

her from his arms. "I'll take Jackie upstairs and give her a bath

now. That way, we have more time to spend together later."

"Doing what?" Eve teased.

"You'll see," Jack said mysteriously. He lifted Jackie into his arms

and left the room with her, winking at Eve on his way by.

"I'm hoping I will," Eve muttered as she headed to the kitchen. She

touched her lips, still feeling the pressure of Jack's against hers

and shivering slightly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~The Firehouse~

Scott walked into the living room, his face stony. He'd just finished

working for the night and wanted to watch a little TV before heading

to bed early. It had been a long day and an even longer night. Scott

had barely said three words to Alexis ever since he got home. He was

so mad at her, and a part of him couldn't even figure out why. Alexis

was sitting on a chair in the living room, making some notes for one

of her cases. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her if that was

the Thornhart file, but he held back, not wanting to start a fight in

front of Serena. Serena was sitting on the couch, watching a movie

that was on TV.

Scott plopped himself down on the couch and looked for the extra

pillow that always was on it. He scowled when he saw Alexis using it

as a footstool. "Serena," Scott said as monotone as he could. "Will

you please ask Alexis when she will be done using the extra pillow?"

Both Serena and Alexis looked at Scott in surprise. Alexis' face

quickly filled with anger, though. "Don't, Scott," she said sharply,

taking the pillow from her feet and tossing it to him. "Don't use

Serena in this stupid fight you're starting between us."

"What fight?" Serena asked, having noticed the tension between the

two but afraid to bring it up herself.

"Nothing, sweetie," Alexis reassured her. "Your dad is just a little

mad at some of the clients I took on today. He's defending some

people directly related which means we'll be going against each

other."

Serena looked at Scott. "Why would that make you mad, Dad?"

"Because your mother knew I was representing one of them and she took

on the case anyway."

"Scott, please don't involve Serena in this. You're not mad that I'm

representing Carly, you're just mad that I delayed you're serving her

the custody papers."

Scott glared at Alexis. "I am not mad about that, Alexis. I'm mad

that you took Carly on as a client knowing that I was representing

AJ. You knew we would be working directly against each other once AJ

found out Carly was back in town."

"I did it for personal reasons, Scott," Alexis said quietly.

"And those are?"

"I will not discuss this with you in front of Serena," Alexis

reiterated.

Serena rose, looking troubled. "That's okay, Lexi. I'll go up to my

room. I don't like it when you guys are mad at each other. Maybe

you'll work it out if you talk about it."

Alexis held her arms out to Serena, who came over and leaned into

them. Alexis held her tightly. "I love you very much, Serena Baldwin.

But you don't have to leave, you know. Your father and I can talk

later."

"I know," Serena returned the hug and then straightened. "I love you

too, both of you. So work this out now. For me, okay?"

Scott nodded and kissed his daughter. "You're one terrific kid."

"I know," Serena smiled and headed up to her room.

Scott focused his gaze on Alexis again, the anger returning to

him. "Alright, tell me your personal reason for taking this case."

"Because I know Sonny would have wanted Michael to be with Carly, not

AJ," Alexis answered. "I'm doing this for Sonny."

"That's the reason?" Scott exploded.

"Not the only one." Alexis held up her hand. "I also happen to think

Michael is better of with Carly anyway."

"Really? She's a lying, manipulative witch who has been married three

times since Michael was born. The poor kid has had to get used to

four different fathers."

Alexis rolled her eyes. "I'm not going to get into a fight with you

over Carly and AJ's mistakes in life, Scott. I think Michael belongs

with Carly and I'm representing her. End of story."

"Oh no, Alexis. This is far from over." Rage was spilling from

Scott's eyes. "You owe Sonny nothing. Do you hear me? NOTHING!"

"Scott, I'm not going to talk to you if you're going to shout at me."

Alexis put her files back in her briefcase and snapped it shut. "What

I feel I do or do not owe Sonny is not up to you. But as it so

happens, I agree with you. I don't owe Sonny anything. But Michael

deserves to be with a fit parent, and I think Carly is that. Besides,

I couldn't say yes to Ian without saying yes to Carly."

"So you should've said no to both!" Scott exclaimed. "Alexis, I know

Sonny believed that Michael was better off with Carly. But AJ

deserves the chance to know his son. He's changed a lot in the last

few years and he deserves at least that much."

"But he's not going just for visitation," Alexis pointed out. "Or

even joint custody. AJ wants sole custody with Carly not seeing

Michael ever again. You think that is fair?"

"No, but Carly wants the same thing."

"Carly wants that because that's how it has been for the last four

years, Scott," Alexis said patiently. "I think Michael deserves to

know AJ too, but not at the expense of losing his mother who has been

the only stable person in his life."

Scott sat back on the couch and sighed. "Regardless. You still

shouldn't have taken the case, Alexis. What is it going to take to

keep Sonny out of our lives?"

"Sonny is not in our lives. It's just your wild imagination and

insecurities that are keeping him anywhere near our lives, Scott. I

took the case for Sonny in a way, yes. But that's my choice and it's

not like I would've told you. But Sonny did a lot for me, was always

there for me and kept me employed when no one else would. I'm doing

this favor for him, Scott. Deal with it." Alexis walked towards the

stairs. "I'm going to bed. I'd like you to join me but it's up to

you." She continued up the stairs until she was out of sight.

Scott sat on the couch, totally frustrated. "Why do I think that

conversation went nowhere?" he muttered. Grabbing a blanket, he lay

down on the couch. He was still very angry that Alexis had taken the

case, and even more that she felt a bond to Sonny still. There was no

way he was going to sleep next to her feeling like this.

Chapter Five

~May 7, 2003; Scott's Office~

Alexis walked into her husband's law office and smiled at everyone

there. "Hello, Scott, Eve, Jack."

"Alexis," Scott said formally. "Where are your clients?"

"They're downstairs parking their car. I passed them on my way up

here," Alexis answered.

Eve rose to shake Alexis' hand. "Hi, Alexis."

Jack smiled from his seat. "Pleasure to see you, Alexis."

Alexis returned his smile after shaking Eve's hand. "Nice to see you

both. I'm sorry it couldn't be under different circumstances, but I

hope this will work out and everyone will go home happy."

Scott scowled and then gestured to the chairs on the other side of

his desk from Eve & Jack. "Have a seat."

"Thanks, but I prefer to stand. I'll wait until my clients arrive to

sit."

"Alexis," Eve began hesitantly but she had to know. "Ian is married,

correct?"

"Yes," Alexis answered. "He has a wife and a wonderful stepson."

"How long has he been married?"

"Over a year."

Jack cleared his throat. "Where did he get married?"

"On his time away where he was." Alexis leaned against a nearby

wall. "What is this, Twenty Questions?"

"One more, actually," Eve said with a faint laugh. "Whom is Ian

married to?"

Alexis looked at Eve strangely. "I thought you both knew all of this

ahead of time. Scott, why didn't you tell them?"

Scott shrugged. "They never asked. I assumed they knew, so I never

mentioned it. Besides, is that really important here?"

Alexis sighed. "Maybe not, but Eve should know. After all, Ian's wife

is now a stepmother to their daughter."

"Tell her then," Scott commanded.

Alexis looked at Eve. "Ian is married to Carly Benson, the ex-wife of

Sonny Corinthos."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Outside Scott's Office~

"Here we go," Ian muttered to himself as they walked towards Scott's

office on the fourth floor of the building they were in.

Carly reached over and took her husband's hand in hers. "I know

you're nervous, but everything will be fine, Ian," she said

soothingly. Carly's fingers lightly caressed his. "Eve will realize

that you need to be a part of Jackie's life. I'm sure she won't fight

you."

"What makes you so sure?" Ian asked.

Carly smiled winningly. "Because I'm intuitive, Ian. I have a feeling

that our lives are going are going to be perfect." Carly stopped Ian

and pushed him gently against the nearest wall. "I love you, Dr.

Thornhart."

"I love you too, Mrs. Thornhart," Ian returned huskily. He wrapped

his arms around Carly's waist and pulled her close to him. "You're

right - everything will be fine. Do you want to know how I know?"

"How?" Carly asked, slipping her arms around Ian's neck.

Ian smiled. "Because I'm the luckiest man in the entire world. How

can things not go my way?"

In response, Carly leaned forward and kissed him firmly. Her lips

pressed against Ian's lovingly. "That's for luck," she whispered when

they finally broke apart.

Ian grinned and took her hand again. "Thank you. Let's go in there

and show them what we're made of. Together, Carly, we're a force to

be reckoned with!"

Carly giggled. "That's for sure. Let's go show them whose boss."

They walked towards Scott's office in happy spirits, ready to conquer

the world.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Scott's Office~

"Carly Corinthos? Ian married Carly Corinthos?" Eve screeched

disbelievingly.

Carly and Ian walked into the room, hand in hand. "That would be

Carly Thornhart to you, Eve," Carly said civilly to her.

Eve fell silent while Jack smiled at the pair. "Hello, Carly, Ian.

Long time no see. How are you both?"

"We're well, thank you. And you?" Ian answered for both of them, his

gaze straying back to Eve. Ian loved Carly with his whole heart, but

he was still soft in the heart when it came to Eve.

"We're fine, thanks." Jack smiled.

Scott gestured to the chairs near Alexis. "Please, Ian and Carly,

have a seat."

"You're looking well, Scott. Better than yesterday, in fact. Tired of

trying to put innocent people in jail?" Carly asked snidely as she

sat down. Ian sat beside her and beside him sat Alexis.

"That wasn't my fault, Carly. I'm so sorry about that," Scott said

sincerely.

Carly narrowed her eyes at Scott. "Sure. I forgive you. But let me

warn you of something. AJ will never get my son from me, Scott.

Yesterday only helped my case."

"Carly," Alexis interrupted. "Be quiet."

Carly glared at Alexis for a moment and then backed down. "Sorry,"

she muttered.

"Shall we start?" Scott asked.

"We shall," Alexis nodded. "My client would like joint custody of his

biological daughter, Jacqueline Evelyn Ramsey, here fore known as

Jackie. If the matter is not settled by the time we leave today, then

my client wants visitation rights until this matter is totally

settled."

"My client is prepared to allow the visitation under one condition."

"What is that?" Alexis asked.

Scott glanced at his papers. "That condition would be that the first

few visits are supervised. Jackie doesn't know Ian at all and Eve &

Jack would like her to be comfortable with him first before he is

away from the house with her."

"Are there any other conditions?" Alexis asked.

"Not that I know of." Scott looked questioningly to his clients.

Eve and Jack shook their heads.

"My client has two requests of his own." Alexis glanced at her

papers. "The first is that there be a paternity test done so that it

can be put on legal record that Ian is Jackie's biological father.

Secondly, Ian wants his name listed on Jackie's birth certificate as

him being the father."

"Absolutely not!" Jack said immediately.

"Hush, Jack," Scott said. He looked back at Alexis. "It's too late to

change Jackie's birth certificate."

"It is not Scott and you know it," Alexis retorted. "Also, my client

wants the visitation but continues to want joint custody. If all your

client is willing to offer is the visitation, then we'll see you in

court."

"Ian, please don't do this," Eve said suddenly, her voice soft and

pleading.

"Eve," Ian's eyes met hers. "Jackie is my daughter. What you're doing

isn't right."

"What she's doing?" Jack jumped up, what little patience he had now

gone. "You abandoned your girlfriend and your daughter for over two

years without just cause and then you come back and expect Eve to

just hand Jackie over to you? Jackie is my daughter now, Ian, not

just Eve's or yours. I've raised her when you haven't been there,

held her when she's need it, among other things. I will not allow you

to simply walk in here and change our lives like this."

Eve put her hand on Jack's arm to calm him. "Sit down, sweetie." Jack

glared at Ian, but lowered himself to the chair. Eve turned back to

Ian. "You blamed yourself for Arianna and I understand that. But you

left me alone and pregnant and heartbroken. Heartbroken, Ian. I

almost lost Jackie twice because of the pain and distress I was in.

You never called me, never apologized to me, nothing. You've never

sent me a penny for Jackie nor have you ever spent a penny on her. I

know you're her biological father and I will admit that to anyone who

asks. But that's all the rights you have right now. Jack is her

father in every other way that counts, not you."

Ian bit his lip. "Eve," he exhaled a breath. "It has not been my

intention to come here and destroy either your life or Jack's. I'm

sorry for abandoning you, but I couldn't help it. I was a mess when I

left here and I would have been no good for you. I'm so glad you

found someone who loves you and whom you can love. Jackie is a lucky

little girl to have such great parents. But I'm still her birth

father, no matter what. She has a right to know me and to know Carly

and Michael. We're her family too, and I don't think it's fair to

deny her that."

Eve's eyes filled with tears as she turned away and shook her head at

Scott.

"It looks like we'll be going to court then," Scott said, letting out

a breath.

"Let's settle the visitation right now." Alexis pulled out some

papers. "We came prepared. We figured that you'd want Ian to get to

know Jackie a little bit first, but we wanted it to be in a neutral

place. Here are the papers, read them over. My clients and I will

wait outside. Please let us know when you're ready to sign." Alexis

rose and nodded at Ian and Carly.

Carly stood up and looked at Jack and Eve. "My ex-husband and I are

currently in the middle of a messy custody battle for our son. You're

lucky Ian is a sweet and loving man, and not a drunk alcoholic like

AJ is."

"Was, Carly," Eve corrected. "AJ has changed a lot" She looked over

at Scott. "Can I have a moment alone with Ian, please?"

Jack and Carly looked very startled. "Uh, sure," Scott said, standing

up. Come on, Jack, let's go get everyone a round of coffee'." Jack

rose from is chair and stalked by Eve without another word. Scott

hesitantly left the room, followed by reluctance.

Carly took Ian's hand. "Do you want me to stay?"

"No, Carly," Eve interjected. "I want time alone with Ian."

"Did I ask you?" Carly shot back.

Ian smiled at took Carly's face in his hands. "Go out there and keep

Alexis company for now, love." He leaned forward and kissed Carly

gently. Eve turned her face away, pained to see that.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now scat," Ian smiled.

Carly smiled smugly at Eve and sauntered out. Ian sat on the edge of

Scott's desk, facing Eve. "What can I do for you?"

Eve sat down in her chair, wiping away the stray tear that was

there. "That's all you have to say after two years is what can I do

for you?" Eve laughed bitterly. "I guess that proves how little I

meant to you."

"If you want to believe that, go ahead," Ian replied.

Eve stared at him in disbelief. "What do you want me to think? You

don't call or write to me in two years and the first thing you do

when you get back is file for custody of our daughter with your new

wife? How am I supposed to react?"

"I know you're hurt, Eve, and you don't know how much I regretted the

pain I caused you. But that was another reason I left. I caused you

and Arianna so much pain and I had to get away before it destroyed

you too."

"And Carly?"

"What about Carly?" Ian was confused.

"How does she fit into the equation?"

"Don't bring her into this." Ian looked uncomfortable.

"I have to, Ian. Carly will be around my daughter, I need to know how

she fits into this. How did the two of you fall in love?"

"We met on the island. Carly pulled me out of myself and we fell in

love. We married and now we're back in Port Charles."

"Simple as that, huh?" Eve asked snidely, trying to mask her hurt.

"I'm not going to play games with you, Eve. Here is what I want: I

want joint custody of Jackie; I want my name listed as her father on

her birth certificate and I want a paternity test proving that I am

her father."

"That's not going to happen, Ian." Suddenly, Eve looked

stronger. "All I'm willing to offer you is visitation."

"Then I guess I'll see you in court." Ian walked out the door,

allowing Jack and Scott to come back in.

"Are you okay?" Jack rushed over to Eve and wrapped his arms around

her.

"I'm fine." Eve pushed Jack gently away. "Let's just get this over

with." She was all business.

Scott sat down at his desk and picked up the papers. "What Alexis has

drawn up here is a simple visitation agreement. It states that while

the two of you are trying to work out a permanent custody agreement,

you both agree to Ian getting visitation of Jackie. He agrees to have

the first three visits supervised in a neutral location, such as the

park, with either you or Jack in attendance with Carly and him. He

also wants Alexis or I there as well to mediate. After the three

supervised visits, Ian wants to see her two days a week, one of those

being an overnight if he so chooses."

"But that's almost like joint custody!" Jack protested.

"It seems like a pretty fair deal to me," Scott told them

thoughtfully. "In return, Ian agrees to pay you eight hundred dollars

a month child support."

Eve looked down at her hands. "I don't want the child support."

"What?" Jack stared at his wife. "We need the money, Eve."

"Eve," Scott interjected here. "The child support is for Jackie. By

law, Ian is required to pay something."

"Then make it a smaller amount. Say Three Hundred," Eve responded.

"How about Five Hundred?" Scott suggested, holding up a hand to stop

Jack from commenting.

Eve sighed and finally nodded. "Alright. That sounds fine. And I

agree to the terms of the visitation agreement."

"What?" Jack exclaimed.

Eve glanced at her husband. "It's fair for now, Jack. Joint custody

would be three days a week, with two nights. Maybe Ian will agree to

this as a permanent solution."

"Don't count on it."

Eve picked up the pen. "Where do I sign?"

Scott pointed. "Right there."

Eve signed her name on the two copies with a flourish. "Let's go."

She stood up and smiled weakly at Scott. "Tell Ian I'll see him

tomorrow at 2pm in the park. He's welcome to bring Carly and Michael

if he wants. Jackie should get to know them as well."

"I will. Thank you, Eve."

"No, Scott. Thank you." Eve turned and left the room.

Jack gazed at Scott. "What was that?"

"I don't know, but my guess is she needs you right now. Go," Scott

smiled encouragingly.

Jack shook his hand and chased after his wife.

Alexis, Ian and Carly filed back into the room.

"She signed it," Scott tossed the papers to Alexis. "Both copies are

signed."

"Thank you." Alexis handed them to Ian, who signed them as well.

"Ian," Scott addressed him. "Eve said she'll see you tomorrow at 2pm

in the park with Jackie. She said to bring Carly and Michael if you

want because they should get to know Jackie too."

"Thank you," Ian said with a bright smile. He was excited at the

prospect of seeing his daughter.

"Don't thank me, thank your lawyer," Scott said gruffly.

Ian smiled widely at Alexis. "You're the absolute best."

"I'll be in contact to discuss everything else, okay?" Alexis ignored

the comment, but blushed slightly.

"You bet. Let's go and tell Michael the good news, Carly." Ian took

her hand in his own.

"Bye, Alexis!" Carly called over her shoulder with a laugh as Ian

pulled her from the room.

Alexis met Scott's eyes. "That went well."

"It did." Scott gathered his papers and put them in a file.

"Are you coming home for supper tonight?" Alexis asked, picking up

her briefcase and heading towards the door. She turned back to him

hopefully.

"I don't know."

"Scott, I love you," Alexis said quietly.

He glanced at her quickly. "Bye."

Stunned and hurt, Alexis left the room before Scott could see the

tears streaming down her face.

Chapter Six

~May 8, 2003, Port Charles Police Department~

AJ strolled into the police department with a small smile on his

face. He glanced around and noticed Lt. Taggert sitting at a nearby

desk. AJ walked over and greeted him. "You wanted to see me, Lt.?"

"I wanted to see you YESTERDAY, AJ. Where were you?" Lt. Taggert

glared at him.

"I didn't get your message until very late last night," AJ replied.

"You mean the note my officers stuck to the door of your house?" Lt.

Taggert asked sarcastically.

"Something like that. So, why am I here?"

Lt. Taggert rolled his eyes. "Sit," he ordered, nodding his head at

the chair beside his desk.

AJ stared down at him. "Why?"

"Just do it!" Lt. Taggert's patience was quickly wearing thin. AJ

grumbled but sat down. "I have half a mind to arrest you,

Quartermaine."

"On what grounds?" AJ challenged.

"On pressing false charges and causing a disturbance in a public

place," Lt. Taggert answered. "You knew the charges against you're ex-

wife were bogus and yet you still tried to press charges anyway. I

take offense to that. You wasted my time, as well as my officer's

time and their time. You scared the dickens out of a little boy you

claim to care about...."

"I do care about my son, Lt. Don't ever mistake that," AJ interrupted.

Lt. Taggert narrowed his eyes. "If you care about your kid so much,

then why would you do something like that to him? If you want to play

revenge with Carly, do it when Michael isn't around to see it or when

it won't affect him. Only a really stupid person would do that

voluntarily to their kid."

"And you would know this from experience?" AJ asked snidely.

Lt. Taggert clenched his fists. "Don't push me, AJ. I have legal

grounds to arrest you and I will if you keep it up. All I'm trying to

do is give you some advice, man. If you want custody of your kid, go

for it fairly. He'll respect you for that in the long run. And if I

were you, I'd stop trying to take Carly totally out of his life.

Michael will resent you for that down the road."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because he needs his mother's love. She's been the only stable thing

in his life so far, AJ. If you take that away from him cold turkey,

he'll hate you for that. I know I would've if my father had done

that."

AJ sighed. "Everyone keeps making Carly out to be the one Michael

needs. What about me? He hasn't seen me in almost four years. The kid

doesn't even know who I am! He calls Ian Thornhart "Daddy"!"

"I know, AJ," Lt. Taggert said patiently. "Perhaps you should try to

start acting like a civil human being and maybe Carly will back down

and realize Michael needs you in his life as well."

AJ snorted. "In your dreams, maybe."

"Maybe, but you'll have a better shot acting respectable and nice

than you will with underhanded tricks and sneakiness. What would look

better to the courts? What you did yesterday or if you were acting

like a civil, respectable father just trying to see his son?"

"I hate it when you're right, you know, Taggert." AJ smiled and stood

up. "Can I go now?"

"Yes, but let me issue you a warning: the next time you waste my time

like you did yesterday, you'll be spending it behind bars."

"Got it." AJ saluted Lt. Taggert and grinned. "I will see you around,

Taggert."

"Be careful, Quartermaine. I'd hate to see you lose your kid over

something stupid," Lt. Taggert called as AJ began walking away.

AJ nodded and waved as he walked out. Lt. Taggert leaned back in his

chair with a sigh, hoping that him testifying in court would help AJ

a little. Lt. Taggert fully believed Michael should get a chance to

know his birth father.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~The Park~

"Maybe we should have brought Michael," Ian said nervously, clutching

his fingers around the bunny rabbit he held in his hand.

Carly smiled and put an arm around Ian's waist as they walked through

the park towards where they were meeting Eve and Jackie. "This feels

like a repeat of yesterday," she said. "You get nervous and I comfort

you. We'll bring Michael the next time, Ian. It's better today if she

gets used to you."

Ian blushed and wrapped an arm around Carly's shoulders. "I'm pretty

terrible, aren't I?"

"Nah," Carly said softly. "I think you're pretty terrific. I

should've stayed home, though."

"Why?"

"You should be visiting with your daughter today, just you. There's

plenty of time for me to get to know her."

"You're my wife," Ian said firmly. "I want you with me all the time."

Carly felt her cheeks turn warm. "I feel the same way."

Suddenly Ian stopped dead in his tracks. Carly glanced over to see

Eve sitting on a blanket underneath a shady tree. Beside her, playing

with some toys, was a little girl with brown hair. Carly could tell

from where they were standing that Jackie's hair would be silky to

the touch, and Carly longed to hold the baby in her arms and kiss her

plump little cheeks. "Come on, Ian," Carly whispered, urging him

forward.

As if sensing they were there, Eve looked up. Her gaze darkened

slightly when she saw Carly, but she forced a smile on her face. Eve

stood up and lifted Jackie into her arms, straightening the baby's

sunhat.

Ian felt a grin spread across his face as he stared, mesmerized, at

the little girl Eve held in her arms. Like Carly, Ian longed to hold

his daughter and kiss her face. He wanted to stare into her eyes and

talk to her, hear her little laugh and even her cry. He walked

forward slowly, dropping his arm from Carly's shoulders. As he drew

up next to Eve, he forced himself to tear his gaze away from Jackie

to his daughter's mother. "Hello, Eve."

"Ian," Eve nodded. Her eyes moved to Ian's wife. "Carly."

Carly managed a small smile and headed to a bench a few feet away.

She wanted to give Ian a few minutes alone to greet his daughter.

Eve was surprised at Carly's thoughtfulness and realized Ian must

have dragged her along. It surprised Eve to discover how much Ian

loved Carly. She thought Ian must have married her more for

convenience than love. She wasn't sure why she had thought that, but

she had. Probably because it was easier to swallow than the

alternative.

"Where's Jack?" Ian asked politely, his gaze back on the child Eve

held.

"He had to work. Besides, he thought it would be best if Jackie met

you with only me here. Neither of us realized you'd bring Carly

along," Eve lamented.

Ian pulled his eyes sharply from Jackie and rested them on

Eve. "She's my wife, I wanted her to be a part of this too. Carly and

Michael are a big part of my life now, Eve."

"I understand that," Eve said softly. "I don't think it hit me until

this moment, but I now understand that."

"Good." Ian gestured to the blanket. "Shall we sit down?"

"That's a good idea." Eve curled her legs beneath her as she sat

down, placing Jackie in her lap for the moment.

Ian turned to wave at Carly, who was reading a magazine she'd brought

along. Though he wanted her to be sitting with him, he understood

what she was doing and he loved her that much more for it. Carly

returned his wave and blew him a kiss. Ian blew one back and then sat

down across from Eve. "This is for her." Ian handed the rabbit he was

carrying to Eve. "Are you going to introduce me to my daughter?" he

asked after a hesitant pause.

Eve cocked her head to the right, causing a piece of hair to fall in

her face. Unconsciously, Ian reached over and brushed it away. He

quickly pulled his fingers back as he became aware of what he was

doing. Eve looked startled at his touch and cleared her throat to

ease the awkwardness. "I wanted to mention something to you first."

She fiddled with the rabbit's ears, noticing how soft they were.

"What's that?" Ian asked eagerly, hoping she'd changed her mind about

the custody battle.

"I want her to get to know you first as Ian before we teach her to

call you Daddy."

Ian stared in disbelief. "Why?"

"She knows Jack as her father now, and I don't want to overwhelm her

at first. Jackie has to get to know you and Carly and Michael. That

may be a lot for her, and I don't want to overdo it all at once."

"No go," Ian said firmly. "I want her to know I'm her father."

"For your selfish reasons? Or for her?" Eve countered.

Ian frowned, his voice deepening with anger. "Eve, stop it. You are

going to have to allow me to have some things my way. I am her father

and you might as well let her get used to it as she gets used to me.

If she's anything like the two of us," his voice softened

slightly. "Then she's a pretty tough kid."

Eve leaned back on her arms, considering this. "Alright," she

relented after a moment.

"So, please introduce my daughter to her father."

Eve sat forward and lifted Jackie to a standing

position. "Sweetheart," she began. Jackie looked at her, seemingly

interested in what Eve was saying. "This is your daddy, Jackie. Ian,

meet your daughter, Jacqueline Evelyn Ramsey."

"Jacqueline Thornhart," Ian corrected, staring intently at Jackie.

Eve decided not to press the point, knowing Ramsey was Jackie's legal

last name at this point. "Would you like to hold her?"

Ian nodded and reached forward, placing his hands around Jackie's

waist and lifting her to him. "Hello, little one," he said

softly. "I'm Ian. I'm your daddy. You are a lucky little girl because

you have two mommies and two daddies. You also have a big brother,

Jackie. He can't wait to meet you and teach you all the things a big

brother is supposed to teach you."

Eve felt tears in her eyes as she watched Ian with Jackie. This was

something she'd dreamed of for so long, it hardly seemed real. Jackie

reached forward to curiously touch Ian's face, her fingers threading

through his eyebrows and then down to his nose. Her small brown eyes

scrunched up as she felt his cheeks and then moved her hand up to

Ian's chair. It was at that moment that Jackie noticed Carly sitting

behind Ian. She leaned her head over Ian's shoulder to glance

curiously at Carly.

Carly glanced up at that second and smiled encouragingly at Jackie.

Jackie paused thoughtfully for a moment and then returned Carly's

smile. She began cooing as she focused her attention back on the man

holding her. She then twisted her head around, remembering Eve

suddenly.

"Hi, baby," Eve smiled lovingly at the baby. "That's your daddy." Eve

had seen Jackie look at Carly and was relieved to see the smile.

Ian placed Jackie onto the blanket and handed her one of her

toys. "Can you give me and Carly a little time with her, Eve?"

"Ian, I don't think -- " Eve began to object.

"I'm not asking you to go anywhere. Just over to the bench where

Carly is and Carly can come over here? Please, Eve."

Eve felt herself wavering and then finally nodded. "Okay, Ian. But

just for a short while."

Carly watched them talking and thought to herself what a striking

couple they made. With Ian's blond good looks and Eve's dark beauty,

the two complimented each other nicely. Carly wondered briefly what

Eve felt for Ian after these past two years and even what Ian felt

for Eve. She knew there would be some leftover feelings, but Carly

wondered if being around their daughter didn't rekindle more than

that. Pushing that feeling out of her head, Carly turned back to her

magazine. She jumped a moment later when she heard Eve's voice beside

her. "Carly."

"What?" Carly asked, putting a hand over her heart.

Eve smiled faintly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Ian wants

you to join him and Jackie over there. He thinks she should meet you

too."

Carly rose and smiled. "Thanks for the message. Do you want to read

my magazine?"

"Sure." Eve accepted it gratefully. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Carly headed over to the blanket and eased herself

gingerly onto it. "Hello, handsome. Missed me, did you?"

Ian grinned at Carly. "I wanted to introduce you to someone special."

Jackie looked up at Carly, curious by all this movement around her.

She grinned when she saw Carly's face.

Carly looked down at her stepdaughter, her face melting as she saw up-

close how beautiful Jackie was. "Hi, Jackie," Carly said softly,

taking Jackie's small hand in hers. "My name is Carly. I'm your new

stepmother. But stepmother is a big word, so you can just call me

Carly. It's nice to meet you."

Ian felt moisture sting his eyes as he watched the woman he loved

interact with his child. This kind of feeling was beyond magical and

he now knew exactly what Carly felt watching Michael with him. "Can

you say hi, Jackie?" Ian whispered, not wanting to break the spell.

Jackie was staring intently at Carly, as if memorizing her face. She

reached her arms out to Carly, wanting Carly to pick her up.

Surprised, Carly glanced at Ian for a moment before lifting the baby

into her arms. Jackie giggled and put on hand on Carly's shoulder to

allow her enough distance to stare into Carly's face. Her eyes

scrunched again as she touched Carly's hair and then her lips,

finally reaching her nose. Jackie giggled again as she touched

Carly's nose.

"Feel's funny, does it?" Carly laughed at the look on Jackie's face.

Eve was watching the threesome, feeling a tinge of jealousy. This was

supposed to be how her life with Ian went. The three of them were

supposed to go everywhere together; to the park, the movies, the

shopping mall, everywhere. Now it was Carly that would be spending

time with Ian and their daughter and Eve was jealous. She was also

jealous of how instantly Jackie was taking to Carly. Eve had been

hoping Jackie would play strange with Ian and Carly, but no such

luck. Sighing mournfully, Eve returned to Carly's magazine, hoping it

would distract her.

Back on the blanket, Carly was telling Jackie all about Michael.

Carly was making her eyes go as wide as possible to keep Jackie's

interest. Carly had pulled up her knees and had Jackie resting

against the, holding both of Jackie's hands in her own. "Michael

loves to play baseball too, Jackie. He can teach you when you're

older. Maybe you'll even be better at it than he is," Carly said in a

voice filled with lots of different tones.

Jackie was staring up at Carly in fascination, as if she understood

every word Carly was telling her. Ian found is heart-warming and

amusing at the same time. Carly was very good with children and

Jackie obviously loved her. Reassured everything was going to be

perfect, Ian stole a glance at Eve. Her eyes were downcast, her face

sad as the magazine lay on the bench beside her. He found himself

wondering what she was thinking, but reminded himself that she was

with

Jack now, and Ian couldn't let himself lead her on in any way. His

life was with Carly and their children, and Ian didn't want to let

anything interfere with that. He turned his attention back on Carly

and Jackie.

"Let's take Jackie over to the swings, shall we, Carly?" Ian invited,

standing up and reaching for his daughter. Jackie went easily into

his arms.

Carly stood up and brushed herself off. "Sounds like a plan. Last one

there is a rotten egg!" With that, she took off, Ian jogging gently

after her.

"No fair, Jackie," he told his daughter, who was giggling in his

arms. "We'd better catch her!"

Eve watched Ian run after Carly, smiling wistfully. Everything was

going to be fine with them. Just fine.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Kelly's~

Karen sipped her coffee as she stared down at the paper in front of

her. "Nothing but murders and sick people dying," she muttered,

throwing the paper down on the table and holding her coffee mug with

both hands. She furrowed her eyebrows as she thought of AJ and what

had happened the day before at the PC Grille. It wasn't like Karen to

get so angry with someone she didn't care about, and now she was

scared.

"Baby," she whispered to herself. Karen set her mug down and took out

her compact, staring at herself in the mirror. "Wexler, get a grip."

Karen brushed some power on her face and closed the compact, putting

it in her purse with a thoughtful look. Karen was trying to admit the

truth to herself -- AJ had made her angry yesterday.

He'd had Carly arrested after promising not to. But Karen wasn't sure

why that disturbed her so much. It wasn't like she was friends with

Carly or anything. Why should Karen care if AJ had her arrested?

Because of Michael, she surmised. But again, why should Karen care if

Michael's feelings were hurt? Besides the obvious that Karen had a

big heart, she wasn't sure. She knew that part of her anger had to do

with the fact that AJ had a lesser chance of winning custody now

thanks to the stunt he'd pulled.

Karen finally admitted it to herself. The reason she cared if AJ won

custody or not was because she cared about AJ. Karen heaved a huge

sigh. Okay, now that she'd admitted it, she needed to decide what to

do about it. "Penny for your thoughts?" Karen heard a voice beside

her say. Karen looked up to see her stepmother smiling down at her.

"Hi, Alexis. Have a seat," Karen offered, nodding to the chair across

from her.

Alexis sat down and smiled. "Thanks. You look like you're deep in

thought. Can I help?"

Karen was about to refuse but then decided, why not? She liked Alexis

and trusted her advice. "I just realized that I care about AJ

Quartermaine."

Alexis nodded with understanding. "And this surprises you. Were you

trying not to care about him?"

"Definitely."

"Why?" Alexis' voice was soft.

Karen glanced at her hands, shrugging. "I didn't want to be hurt ever

again. After my engagements to Frank and Joe ended with such mishap,

I decided that love wasn't worth the pain."

"I think you're shutting yourself off from something incredible,"

Alexis advised gently.

"Easy for you to say. You have a great husband and a beautiful

daughter with two nice stepdaughters and a flourishing career."

"It's not always like that, though, Karen. Your father and I are

fighting right now. He hasn't slept in the same bed with me in two

days."

"Why?" Karen was shocked.

Alexis held up her hands. "I'm not totally sure. From what I am

understanding about it, he's mad because I'm representing Ian and

Carly in their custody battles and he feels I should have said no to

both of them because I knew he was representing AJ and this now pits

us against each other."

"But only in business," Karen pointed out.

"Try telling him that."

Karen rubbed her fingers over her temple. "Men give me a headache."

Alexis laughed. "I know, honey, but we work it out and then we're

happy. I wouldn't trade your father or you girls for anything."

Karen smiled. "That's nice to know. So you're telling me I should

back down and give AJ a chance to win my heart?"

"I'm not telling you anything like that, Karen." Alexis paused,

running her fingers across the paper on the table before glancing

back at Karen. "What I'm telling you is to follow your heart. If you

like AJ, maybe you should give yourself a chance instead of hiding.

You may find things are different this time."

"And if they're not?"

"Then they're not and you hurt but move on again," Alexis said matter-

of-factly.

"I don't know if I can do that, Alexis." Karen moved her head to the

right, fighting back tears of fear.

Alexis rested her hand on Karen's. "Then don't, sweetie. But please

do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Don't tell yourself you'll never fall in love again. Because you'll

be closing the door to something magical that can change your whole

life. If you're not ready right now, that's your decision. But

someday you will be ready, Karen. Don't let it pass you by because of

your fear now," Alexis pleaded.

Karen was touched by the tone in Alexis' voice. "I'll try not to do

that, Alexis." Her voice was uncertain. "I'll do my best."

"That's all I ask." Alexis removed her hand and smiled warmly. "I

have to go -- I'm working on Carly's case right now and need to

finish it up so I can focus on Ian's next."

"How are they going?" Karen asked curiously.

"The court date for Carly and AJ's trial is in six weeks, Ian's is

immediately following," Alexis answered. "I'd like to get Carly to

agree to visitation at least, but I have a feeling I'm talking to a

brick wall when it comes to that."

"Michael deserves to know his father," Karen said.

Alexis eyed her with a smile. "I totally agree. But both Carly and AJ

need to realize how important they both are to Michael. I think Carly

feels Ian replaces AJ in Michael's eyes and that's okay."

"It won't be. Trust me. When Michael is sixteen or eighteen and

discovers that Ian isn't his birth father, he'll resent both of them

for not telling him the truth and for not allowing him to make a

decision about his father on his own," Karen said vehemently, in a

voice filled with passion.

Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Is that experience talking? Or a

concerned, caring friend?"

Karen blushed. "I think a little of both. Do your best, Alexis. Maybe

I can work on Ian for you."

"Thanks, Karen." Alexis stood. "I'm going to order a coffee before I

go. Can I interest you in coming for dinner tonight? Maybe it will

calm your father down if he sees you aren't mad at me."

"I'll deal with him, Alexis, don't worry. And I'm busy tonight but

can I take a rain check?"

"Certainly." Alexis patted her shoulder and went to the counter. Once

the coffee was in her hand, she headed for the door. "Anytime you

want, just let me know!" she called as she headed out the door.

"Will do!" Karen called back. After Alexis left, Karen rested her

chin on her hands. Her perspective had changed a lot in the past ten

minutes.

Chapter Seven

~May 12, 2003; Outside Jack & Eve's House~

"Ian!" Karen called, catching sight of him as he was leaving Eve's

house.

Ian, who was about to put Jackie in the car, paused and waved to

Karen. "Hi, Karen," he said when she got closer to him. "Where's your

car?"

Karen motioned to her outfit. "I was out jogging and decided to stop

by and say hi to Eve. Is this your first unsupervised visit with

Jackie?" she asked.

"Yes." Ian beamed with pride. "I convinced Eve that it would be safe

and that I'd have her back here in exactly five hours. Carly, Michael

and I are taking her to the zoo."

"How does Michael like Jackie?" Karen asked.

Ian grinned. "He loves her. The first time he met her, he started

talking to her like there was no tomorrow."

"I'm glad," Karen was relieved to hear that. "I've been meaning to

get ahold of you for the last few days. Do you have a minute to speak

to me?"

"Sure, Karen." Ian leaned into the car and put Jackie in her baby

seat. "How about you talk to me while I drive you home?"

Karen nodded and got into the car. "Sure, sounds good." She waited

while Ian came around to the driver's side of the car before

fastening her seatbelt. Once they were on the road, Karen

spoke. "It's about Michael and AJ."

"What about them?" Ian asked curiously. Then his gaze darkened as he

remembered Alexis telling him that AJ and Karen were friends now. "If

you're here to try and talk me into getting Carly to give AJ sole

custody, you're wasting your time."

"No, no." Karen was quick to reassure him. "I don't know how else to

say this, so I'll just come right out and say it. I think you should

talk Carly into giving AJ partial custody of Michael." She saw Ian

begin to shake his head and she held up her hand. "Please let me

finish." Ian closed his mouth. "Michael deserves a chance to know his

birth father, Ian. Just as you want the right to have Jackie get to

know you. One could argue that you and AJ are in the same situation.

Michael and Jackie deserve the chance to get to know their birth

fathers and make their own decision about them, not have you and

Carly or Eve and Jack try to tell them what they think of the birth

father." Ian remained silent, and Karen couldn't tell what he was

thinking so she just continued. "If AJ really is a jerk, then when

Michael is old enough, he'll realize it and tell AJ to get lost. But

Michael will forever resent you and Carly if you don't let him

realize this on his own, Ian. I guarantee you that."

"You really like the guy, huh?" Ian's voice was husky. "You're asking

me to ask my wife to entrust this man with her son. Is he really that

trustworthy, Karen?"

"Michael is his son too, Ian. AJ would never hurt Michael in any way.

I'm sure of that." Karen's voice was filled with conviction. "You

know, you asked Eve and Jack to do the same thing with your daughter

too, Ian. And I know you would never hurt her either."

"You know, you're a very smart woman. I just wish you'd use your

smarts to do something good," Ian admonished with a smile.

Karen chuckled. "Thanks, I think. I am doing something good -

something for Michael. He has no one to stand up for him."

Ian pulled into Karen's driveway. "Here you go!"

"So will you do it?" Karen looked at him hopefully.

Ian eyed her for a moment. "This means a lot to you, doesn't it?"

"Yes, Ian. I'm not sure why, but it does," Karen answered softly.

Ian rubbed the back of his neck and finally nodded. "Alright then,

I'll do it. That doesn't mean Carly's going to agree to it, though,"

he added when Karen squealed with joy.

"No, but it's worth a shot!" Karen opened the door and got

out. "Thanks, Ian. Bye Jackie!" Karen blew her goddaughter a

kiss. "Have fun with Daddy, Carly and Michael!" She shut the door and

took off towards her house, smiling with glee.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Outside of Scott & Alexis' House, Six Hours Later~

AJ pulled his car up in front of the firehouse, his eyes glued to the

children on the front lawn. There was Serena, playing with none other

than Michael. AJ got out of the car slowly and drifted towards the

front lawn, his gaze locked on his son. The things he could do, the

things he could say, amazed him. AJ couldn't believe Michael was here

like this, in front of him without Carly around. His heart sank as he

realized Carly must be inside with Alexis. He wouldn't have long to

be around Michael once she realized he was there. AJ walked towards

the children with a smile on his face, determined to have a moment

with his son before Carly realized he was there.

"Hello, Serena," AJ said when he was close enough.

Serena was sitting at the picnic table with Michael across from her,

building legos and talking quietly. She looked up at the sound of her

name and a smile crossed her face. "Hi, AJ," she said. "Do you know

Michael?"

Michael glanced up at the visitor and a frown crossed his face. "Who

are you?" he demanded. "I've seen you before."

"My name is AJ, Michael," AJ said, kneeling down in front of the

children. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"My Mommy says not to talk to strangers," Michael informed AJ.

Before AJ could answer, Serena piped up. "He's not a stranger,

Michael. AJ is a friend of my Dad's. You know his name so now he's

not a stranger anymore."

"Sort of, Serena," AJ corrected gently. "I'm not a stranger, but

since you don't know me very well, you still want to make sure you

don't take anything from me or go with me anywhere. At least, not

without telling your Mommy." AJ was impressed at how smart Michael

was. Apparently, Carly had done something right.

"That's right." Michael nodded his head and turned back to

Serena. "Does your Dad work for AJ?"

"Serena's dad is helping me with something," AJ said seriously.

Michael's eyes grew wide. "Like, with some sort of secret mission?"

AJ laughed. "No, not a secret mission. I am trying to get a judge to

let me see my little boy."

"Was he taken from you?" Michael's eyes were as round as saucers.

"No, he wasn't. His mother thought he was better off without me and I

agreed because a long time ago I was doing bad things. But I've

changed and I want to see him again, be a father to him."

"I have a great Daddy," Michael advised AJ.

AJ bristled, but kept his feelings in check. "That's great, Michael.

I'm glad for you. It's important for all kids to have both Mommy and

Daddy around to love them."

"Some kids me even get to have more than one Mommy or Daddy,

Michael," Serena chimed in. "Like me."

"Wouldn't that be weird?" Michael asked skeptically.

"Nope." Serena shook her head. "I love my Mommy and Daddy and Alexis

and Kevin a lot. They all love me too, which is great. Besides, you

get lots more presents at Christmas and your birthday."

AJ's grin was wide now. Serena had unknowingly helped his

cause. "You're right, Serena, but that's not the only reason to like

having more than one Mom or Dad."

Serena laughed. "I know, but it's certainly a benefit."

Michael considered their words. "I'd like that too. Maybe I should

tell Mommy to let me adopt another Daddy. Like you, AJ."

AJ felt his heart swell and knew he had to get out of there. "Good

idea, Michael. Anyway, I'd better go inside. Is your Dad home,

Serena?"

"He should be," she answered.

"You guys take care, okay?" AJ's gaze went directly to his son.

Michael smiled and shook his hand. "It was nice to meet you, AJ."

"Nice to meet you too, Michael. Maybe I can see you around again."

"That'd be nice. Hey! Maybe when you get your little boy back, we can

all go play together! I can bring my Daddy."

"Sure, spud." AJ felt his voice choke up. "Great idea." He stood up

and ruffled Michael's hair before heading to the front door. Once

there, he composed himself and knocked. A moment later Scott

answered.

"AJ." His voice was filled with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you about the case." AJ's face was filled with

awe. "I just had a nice conversation with Michael."

"Please, come in." Scott ushered AJ inside and shut the door. "How

was it?" he asked after they settled onto the couch.

"It was wonderful. Serena introduced me to him and I didn't even tell

him I was his father. I just acted like a friend of yours."

"Was he friendly to you?" Scott asked.

AJ nodded. "Very friendly. He asked me what I was doing here."

"What did you say?"

"I told him you were helping me get my little boy back and then he

asked if he had been taken away."

"And?" Scott pressed.

AJ narrowed his eyes. "Does it really matter what I told him?"

"It might," Scott answered.

AJ sighed. "I told him I had decided it was better not to see my

little boy a long time ago because I was doing bad things but that I

had changed and now I wanted to see him again."

"Michael was receptive to that?"

"To WHAT?" A loud shrill came from behind them. Scott and AJ swiveled

their heads around to see Carly and Alexis standing there.

Carly rushed towards the front door and looked out, relieved to see

her son standing there. "What did you say to my son, AJ?"

AJ stood up and met Carly's gaze. "Our son, Carly," he

corrected. "And relax, I didn't tell him the truth, if that's what

you're asking."

"The truth about what?"

"That you're a rotten mother who is a liar and a sneak," AJ answered

snarkily. At Carly's glare, he smiled. "I also didn't tell him I am

his father."

"What did you say to him, AJ?" Alexis interjected.

Scott stood up as well. "My client is under no obligation to tell you

anything, Counselor," he fired at her. "If your client leaves her son

outside of his father's lawyer's house, then AJ seeing Michael was

her fault, not his."

"Not that I don't have a right to see Michael anyway," AJ added.

Alexis softened. "I didn't say you didn't have the right, AJ," she

said softly, holding up her hand to ward of Carly's immediate

protests. "I just thought it might be good to know so Carly doesn't

confuse him when she goes out there."

Scott winced. This was part of why Alexis was such a good lawyer. She

could charm a catatonic person into speaking if she tried. "My client

refuses to answer the question, Alexis," he hissed. "Leave well

enough alone."

"I didn't say anything to confuse him," AJ allowed.

Carly was glowering. "At least you have some kind of brain," she

muttered.

AJ took a step towards her, a gleam in his eye. "I will get to tell

him, eventually, Carly, so you'd better start preparing him and get

used to it. He thinks Ian is his Daddy and it will be a real shock to

him to find out otherwise."

"You wouldn't dare."

"I would and I will. You can't keep me from my son, Carly. He

deserves he right to know his father," AJ said.

"But not at the expense of losing his mother," Alexis pointed out.

Carly looked at Alexis in surprise. This was a tactic they'd never

discussed.

"I know, Alexis." AJ focused on his lawyer's wife. "I thought it over

and I came here to tell Scott that I no longer am after sole custody

of Michael. I've changed my mind and I only want to fight for joint

custody." AJ turned to make sure Scott heard this.

Scott's jaw dropped open as Carly snorted. "When hell freezes over,

AJ. I came here today to sign a petition moving the court date up. I

am going to make sure you're never allowed near Michael again."

Seeing the anger flash through AJ's eyes, Alexis grabbed Carly's

arm. "Time to go, Carly," she said, opening the front door and

pushing Carly through. "I'll see you in my office next time."

"Good idea," Scott said though clenched teeth.

Carly nodded and went outside with Alexis. Alexis stood with Serena

while Carly took Michael's hand and led him to her car, which was in

the driveway. She helped Michael inside and sped away. Alexis sat

down with Serena while Scott fumed inside.

"Calm down, Scott." AJ saw his fury and smiled. "Carly won't win. If

I look like the compromising parent, I'll look better in the court's

eyes. And stop getting so mad at Alexis. She's just doing her job,

Baldwin."

Scott looked at AJ in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"I had breakfast with Karen this morning. She told me you're mad at

Alexis for representing Carly after knowing that I am your client.

Don't worry about. As good as Alexis is, she won't win this one. And

besides, she's not doing it to hurt you. She's just doing her job."

"She's spreading it around town, is she?" Scott was seething.

AJ waved his hands in front Scott's face. "Down, bull, down. Alexis

told Karen after Karen pried it out of her. And then I pried it out

of Karen."

"Really?" Scott managed to smile. Karen had been over to dinner the

night before and she had confided to Scott that she cared for AJ.

She'd also given him a lecture about Alexis too. Scott was wondering

if she told AJ how she felt about him. "What else did she say?"

"Nothing," AJ gave him a weird look. "Was she supposed to tell me

something?"

"I meant about Alexis and me," Scott covered quickly.

AJ sat back down. "Right. Um, no, she didn't say anything else after

that. Just that you were mad because Alexis was representing Carly

after knowing I was your client."

"I just thought she should have said no to avoid us fighting against

each other and causing this to happen."

"Scott, no offense buddy, but you're the one who is letting this

happen." AJ blew out his breath. "From what I've seen, Alexis is

keeping this professional. You're the one who is overreacting and

taking this personally."

"Since when do you get to give advice?" Scott shot at him. "Either

talk about your case or get out."

AJ knew Scott had had enough so he changed the subject. "I want to

change my fight to joint custody."

"I heard," Scott said dryly.

AJ smiled. "Sorry, just thought I'd show Carly up. I realized Michael

needs both his parents in his life, Scott. It's wrong for Carly to

try to take me away from Michael, and it's just as wrong for me to

try and take Carly away from Michael."

Scott leaned over and felt AJ's forehead. "Not delirious," he

muttered after a moment. "I'm impressed, AJ. I never thought I'd hear

a mature word come out of your mouth."

"Let's just say I've had some outside influences."

Scott grinned. "I'll get started right away on the paperwork and give

them to Alexis."

"Thanks, Scott." AJ stood up with a relieved smile. "Let me know what

happens." He shook Scott's hand and headed towards the door.

"I will, AJ." Scott followed behind him. "And AJ..."

AJ paused at the door. "Yes?"

"Thanks." Scott flushed and looked down at his feet.

AJ grinned. "You're welcome." He turned and left, waving to Alexis

and Serena on the way to his car. He'd began the process of righting

the wrongs he'd made in the past week. It felt darn good to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Ian & Carly's House~

"Hey, Michael!" Ian greeted as Michael entered the front foyer of the

house, followed by a scowling Carly.

Michael's eyes lit up. "Hi, Daddy! Guess what! I met a man at

Serena's. His name is AJ and he's looking for his little boy. I told

him once he finds him we can meet him at the park and play together.

Isn't that cool?"

"Sure, Michael." Ian was bewildered. "Leticia is waiting upstairs in

the playroom for you. I think she has your paints ready for you."

"Yay!" Michael squealed as Ian put him down. He flew upstairs.

Ian turned to Carly. "What happened?"

"Michael and Serena were outside playing and AJ showed up. He and

Michael had quite a conversation before AJ came inside and I left.

Apparently, the jerk is only suing for joint custody now. He believes

Michael has a right to know both his parents. Can you believe that?"

Carly asked with a sarcastic laugh, hanging up her jacket on the coat

tree and coming into the living room. She plopped down on the couch

with a sigh and leaned her head back, placing her hands on her

forehead. "What a day."

"Actually, Carly," Ian began uneasily. "I wanted to talk to you about

AJ."

"What about AJ?" she asked suspiciously, peeking at him out of the

corner of one eye.

Ian sat down on the table in front of her, taking her hand in his. "I

was thinking today about Jackie and the situation I'm in," he began.

"What does that have to do with AJ and Michael?" Carly asked

suspiciously.

Ian decided to just come out and say it. "I think you should let AJ

have visitation with Michael."

"Traitor," Carly hissed, pulling her hands out of Ian's and jumping

up. "I thought you loved me and Michael, Ian. How can you suggest

such a thing!?!"

"Carly, please just listen for two minutes," Ian pleaded, standing up

and grabbing her by the shoulders. She pulled away but remained

quiet. "Part of the reason I came back to town was because I felt

Jackie should have the right to know me, and vice versa. I think

Michael deserves the same chance. Otherwise, he'll end up resenting

us when he's older and realizes we kept him from his own decision

about AJ."

"Listen to me and listen to me well, Ian, because I am only going to

say this once." Carly's voice was dangerously low. "I will not now

nor will I EVER give custody of my son to AJ Quartermaine. He is a

drunk who will ruin my son's life if given the chance."

"And if Michael ends up resenting both of us when he's old enough to

know the truth?"

Carly bristled. "I am doing the best I can for my child. I get it,"

Carly's face tightened. "You just want Michael out of the picture so

you can have Jackie as the only child in this house! Forget it, Ian!

Not only am I not giving AJ any sort of custody of Michael, but I'm

pregnant too!"

Ian was shocked. "You're what?"

"I'm three months pregnant, Ian. In fact, almost four as I found out

this morning."

Ian grabbed Carly and swung her around with a whoop. "Really? We're

going to have a baby of our own? Carly, that's the best news I've

heard all day!"

Carly tried to remain angry with Ian, but found herself softening

slightly. "This really makes you happy?"

"Of course it does, silly." He stopped and narrowed his eyes at

her. "But it doesn't excuse what you said about Jackie. I love

Michael like my own, Carly. You know that. So just think about what I

said, okay?"

"I know you love Michael and I love Jackie, but I'm not giving in on

this, Ian. Michael is not getting near AJ, okay?"

"Fine, my love." Ian kissed her forehead. "I will support your

decision. But please don't turn on me if Michael ends up resenting us

for this."

"I won't," Carly promised.

Ian scooped her in his arms and laid her on the couch. "Good. Now,

the mother of my child needs to get some rest. You stay here and I'll

get Carlotta to cook supper for us."

"Thanks, love." Carly leaned back with a smile. "Ian?"

Ian turned from the doorway. "Yes, Carly?"

"I was hoping I was pregnant," she confessed. "I wanted your child."

"That makes me happier than you can know, Carly." Ian held her gaze

for a long moment and then disappeared into the kitchen. "I tried

Karen," he whispered. "I tried."

Chapter Eight

~May 13, 2003; Jack & Eve's House~

"Jack," Eve walked into the kitchen, feeling a calm she hadn't felt

in a week. Eve had done a lot of thinking after Ian had brought

Jackie home the night before. She'd seen her daughter look incredibly

happy, and Eve had made some decisions. She knew Jack would be

unhappy with them, but Jackie was Eve's first concern.

Jack was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper. A smile

crossed his face when he saw Eve. "Hi, honey. Is Jackie down for a

nap?"

"Yes," Eve allowed her face to melt into a smile. "I need to talk you

while she's sleeping."

Jack noticed the seriousness in her face and his heart skipped a

beat. He had a feeling he wasn't going to like whatever Eve was going

to tell him. "Have a seat, then." Jack nodded his head to the chair

beside him. Eve sat and Jack took her hands in his. "I have something

to say to you too." Jack was terrified of losing Eve and suddenly

decided to tell her how he felt about her. "Can I go first?"

Eve paused and then sighed. "I guess. Go ahead, I'm listening."

Jack glanced into Eve's eyes, willing her to see the love for her

shining in his own eyes. "When I first proposed to you, it was for

Jackie's sake. I expected to feel a love for that baby, a love like I

had never known. What I hadn't expected was to feel anything at all

for you. I figured this arrangement would never work because we were

just friends and not overly good ones at that." Jack took a

breath. "But it surprised me by working and we became much better

friends than I expected. And over the last few months, I've realized

my feelings have gone beyond even that."

"What are you trying to say, Jack?" Eve felt her own heart pounding

at his words. Suddenly, she knew what was coming and she was happy

and scared at the same time to hear them.

"Eve," Jack touched her cheek. "What I am trying to tell you is I

love you. I have fallen head over heels in love with you."

"Jack," Eve whispered, tears of joy shining in her eyes. "I was

hoping you'd say that!"

"Why?" Jack looked uncertain.

Eve took both of his cheeks in her hands. "Because I'm in love with

you too." She leaned forward and gently kissed him.

Jack returned the kiss, slipping his arms around her waist. His lips

pressed against hers firmly, as if touching them for the first time.

His fingers lightly traced a pattern on her back while his breathing

quickened. Jack's heart was soaring from the love that exploded

through him. Eve loved him too!

Eve felt all her other thoughts melting away as she concentrated on

the man in front of her. Once Eve had resigned herself to never

having Ian again, she had been able to admit that she had fallen in

love with Jack as well. But she'd needed the closure with Ian first,

which Eve now felt she had. Eve lowered her hands and stretched them

until her arms were locked around Jack's neck. She curled her right

hand into his hair, feeling its softness. Her left hand laid lazily

on his shoulder, accepting whatever Jack was doing to her.

Jack slowly leaned over and scooped Eve into his arms, pulling her

onto his lap and breaking the kiss. "Eve," he whispered, smoothing a

loose hair from her face. "You are so beautiful."

"I am not," She whispered back.

Jack searched her face, moving his lips forward to cover her face

with soft kisses. "You are too," he murmured. His lips finally

reached her lips, and he kissed her again, this time with more

passion. His tongue slipped into her mouth and probed her tongue;

exploring her mouth as if it was the first time he'd ever kissed her.

Eve let out a soft sound, almost like a moan, as her tongue explored

Jack's mouth. Eve felt like she was trying to familiarize herself

with his mouth, his body, and his actions. In the almost two years

they'd been married, they'd only made love a few times. Now that Eve

knew she loved Jack and that he felt the same way, Eve wanted to get

to know her husband on a different level, love him in a more intimate

way.

Jack lifted her up in his arms and rose from the table, walking

slowly from the room as their kiss continued. Eve broke her face away

and rested it on his shoulder to allow him to see his way more

easily. Once Jack reached their bedroom, he kicked the door shut and

set Eve down on her feet in front of him. He kissed her with more

urgency as his fingers ran over the buttons on her shirt, undoing

them. Jack pushed the material from Eve's shoulders, moving his lips

to her skin and trailing it along her arms as her shirt fell from her

body to the floor. His arms reached around her back to unclasp her

bra, firmly pushing it with his fingertips until it hit the floor.

Eve shivered slightly as the cool air hit her skin and she moved

closer to Jack to warm herself. She slid her fingers under his shirt

and tangled her fingers in the hair she felt on his chest. Eve pulled

Jack's shirt up, suddenly longing to see his bare chest in front of

her. Jack raised his arms and Eve tugged the shirt over his head and

tossed it away from her. "Oh, Jack," she muttered, staring in awe at

his muscled, tanned chest. Eve leaned forward and touched her lips to

his salty skin, moving them gently down his chest to his stomach and

back up again. She used her left hand to gently apply pressure to his

pecks. Her mouth moved back up to the nipples on his chest and her

tongue flicked over them teasingly, causing a moan to escape Jack's

lips.

Her fingers probed into his pants, tugging them away from his hips.

His underpants slid down with his pants, causing Eve's breath to

catch in her throat as she stared at his hardness in front of her.

She continued to pull the pants off until his free were free of the

material. Eve lowered herself to her knees and used her lips to press

against the tip of his hardness. Jack grasped her hair in sweet

pleasure as Eve slid her mouth up and down him. She moved faster and

faster and stopped suddenly, causing Jack to groan.

Eve smiled licentiously. "Something wrong, Jack?" she asked

innocently.

"I was enjoying that," he growled.

"Obviously." Eve paused for a few more seconds and then closed her

mouth around his hardness once more. Jack moaned and put his hands

against the wall behind him, allowing himself to lose his mind in

what Eve was doing to his body. He felt himself begin to shudder a

little as Eve moved faster and faster. Jack jerked suddenly, causing

Eve to pause and drink his juices in. Eve swallowed and Jack helped

her to her feet. "Wow," he whispered, searching her face.

"Make love to me, Jack," she said softly, pulling off her own pants

and panties. "Show me how a man really makes love to his wife.

Jack needed no further prodding as he scooped Eve up in his arms and

laid her on the bed. Eve reached up and pulled Jack to her, running

her fingers over his back. He caught her hands and put them over her

head, using his left arm to lightly clasp them there. Jack ran his

tongue lightly down the length of Eve's body and then back up again

until it was on the small of her stomach. He moved his tongue up to

cover her right nipple, snaking it across the nipple until it grew

hard. He used his right hand to fondle her left breast and then moved

his tongue to the left nipple, finally releasing her arms and using

his left hand to fondle her right breast. He squeezed gently, loving

the way it felt in his hands. Using his thumb, Jack teased the tip of

the nipple until both were hard.

Eve tried to run her hands down his body, but he captured them again,

clasping them loosely over her head with one hand. Jack hovered

overtop of her, aching to be inside of her but not wanting to move

too fast. "I'm ready, Jack," Eve whispered encouragingly, writhing

beneath him as she felt his hardness on her legs.

Jack used his right hand to lightly touch her curls where her legs

met. He could feel the wetness there, which made him more erect.

Leaning down to gently kiss her, Jack plunged himself inside of her.

Eve held him there for a moment, tightening her legs to enjoy every

second of their lovemaking. Jack gasped at the feel of her tightness

and then began moving inside of her slowly. Eve arched her back to

allow him to thrust more deeply inside her and moved her hips against

him, pace for pace. Soon their passion got the better of them and

with one final thrust, Jack drove them to the height of their

ecstasy. Both cried out and Jack collapsed beside Eve on the bed,

still inside her. Eve rested her head on his damp chest, breathing in

his scent as she tried to control her body and her pounding heart.

Eve reached up and touched Jack's cheek. "That was the best

lovemaking I've ever had," she said softly.

Jack held her close; loving her so much it almost scared him. "That

goes double for me."

Eve yawned and closed her eyes, falling into a light, contented sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Firehouse~

Scott glanced around the Firehouse; quite pleased with the way the

dining room was looking. After thinking over AJ's words since the

previous day, Scott realized how stupid he'd been acting over the

past seven days. Alexis was just doing her job, and Scott knew that

Carly and Ian were lucky to have such a good lawyer. His problem had

been that he was scared. Scott knew just how good a lawyer Alexis was

and he was afraid to go against her in court; afraid to have her win

because it would wound his fragile male ego.

Scott was tired of the tension between them; tired of the way their

tension was affecting Serena and Elisabeth. So Scott decided to

apologize for being such an egotistical jerk. He'd ordered a romantic

dinner, which was warming in the kitchen and filled a few vases with

red roses. The dining room table was set with a white tablecloth and

good china, with candles burning romantically throughout the living

room. There was soft music playing on the stereo in the kitchen, and

Scott had left the door to the kitchen open to let the music and food

smells waft in.

"I'm home!" Scott heard Alexis' voice call from the living room with

a start. He'd been so involved in creating a romantic atmosphere;

he'd forgotten to watch the time. Now Alexis was home and it was time

to fix the mess he'd created. Taking a deep breath, Scott

straightened his shirt and headed into the living room. "Welcome

home, Alexis," Scott greeted warmly.

Alexis set her briefcase down by the door and glanced at Scott

warily. "Scott," she murmured. "Where are Serena and Elisabeth?" she

asked, noticing the quiet.

Scott smiled. "My parents have taken them for the night, so we can

have some peace and quiet."

Alexis stared at Scott in surprise. "Any particular reason?"

Scott understood her hesitancy and felt more guilt than he previously

had. "I've been a really big jerk for the past seven days, Alexis,"

he began. "I want to apologize to you. And make it up to you."

Alexis felt her mouth fall open at his words. "You're serious?" she

asked.

Scott took a few steps towards her, thinking of how incredibly

beautiful she looked with her hair pulled back at the sides. "Yes,

I'm serious," he said in a husky voice, still moving towards her.

When he was right in front of her, he placed a gentle kiss on her

cheek and held out his hand. "Madame? May I escort you to dinner?"

Alexis' face melted into a smile. "Certainly, sir," she answered,

taking his hand.

Scott led her to the dining room, stopping to put a hand over her

eyes just before they got there. He walked her inside the room and to

her seat, pulling it out for her and then removing his hand from her

eyes. Alexis opened her eyes and widened them with pleasure. "Oh,

Scott," she breathed. "This looks so beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as you are, my love," he said softly to her.

Alexis turned to him, her eyes shining. "I thought you hated me."

"Never." Scott was quick to reassure her. "I was just mad and scared."

"Scared?" Alexis creased her brows. "Why scared?"

"I was scared that if we went to court you'd win and show me up,"

Scott confessed with a heartbreaking grin.

Alexis sighed and wagged a finger at Scott. "You put me through all

that tension for seven days because of your stupid male ego?"

"Yes." Scott hung his head. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Alexis reached forward and drew his face towards hers. "Absolutely,"

she whispered before kissing him.

Scott returned the kiss and then pulled away, heading to his seat

beside her. "Please, have a seat," he said, standing beside his chair

and waiting. Alexis sat and Scott headed into the kitchen to get

their meal. He carried out the lasagna he'd ordered as well as the

Caesar salad and garlic bread with cheese. Placing them on the table,

he went back into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of red wine from

the counter that he'd opened earlier. He set it on the dining room

table and sat in his chair. "I didn't make it, so it should taste

really good," Scott teased.

Alexis laughed. "I wondered how you'd managed to cook a lasagna when

you're not much better of a cook than I am."

Scott served Alexis a piece of lasagna and laughed with her. "At

least you can admit that I am a better cook than you." Scott poured

them some wine and then lifted his glass. "May I propose a toast?"

Alexis raised her glass and paused. "To what?"

"To my beautiful wife. Thank you for putting up with me."

"Hear, hear!" Alexis teased, clinking her glass with Scott's. She

took a sip of the wine. "I'm impressed! It's excellent!"

"The best bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon," Scott bragged, setting his

glass down and serving their salads. He then handed Alexis the garlic

bread. She took a piece, as did he.

Alexis took a bite and then rolled her eyes with delight. "Excellent

meal, Scott. You have divine taste."

"Only the best for the woman I love."

Alexis grew serious. "Even though you were acting like a jerk, Scott,

I do understand some of your concerns. I never should have taken

Carly and Ian as clients knowing that you were representing AJ."

Scott put down his fork and covered her hand with his. He chewed what

was in his mouth and then swallowed. "No, Alexis, you should have.

You're a good lawyer and you shouldn't be turning away cases just

because I'm representing the opposite spouse."

"I came up with an idea today that would get rid of all those

problems," Alexis said, crossing her toes and hoping he'd be

receptive to it.

"What is that?" Scott asked.

"Why don't we combine our office and work together? You can take

cases and can I but that way we will never be working against each

other. We'd only be working together. We could stay separate until

Carly and AJ's battle is over and then combine. If we get any new

cases in the meantime, we let our customers know that it will be as a

joint office and that way there is no more confusion."

Scott considered her suggestion and nodded slowly. "You know, that

could work, Alexis. I don't know why we never thought of that sooner."

"We've never had a reason too before," Alexis pointed out. She picked

up her fork again and resumed eating. "But since we do now, it's

worth at least considering. Will you think about it?"

"Of course. But can we put work behind us for the evening and just

enjoy our time together?" Scott asked, taking a bite of salad.

Alexis swallowed. "Sounds good to me. So, tell me about your day with

the girls. You spent the day with them, right?"

"I did," Scott confirmed, taking another bite of salad. "Serena and I

took Elisabeth to the park today in the morning and we met Karen for

lunch at Kelly's. This afternoon we all napped and watched movies. It

was pretty uneventful, actually."

Alexis paused in her eating. "Has Karen told AJ how she feels about

him yet?"

Scott grinned. "Not a chance."

"That's too bad." Alexis took another sip of her wine. "I think he'd

be good for her, actually. And she's good for him."

"I would like to think Karen is better than AJ sometimes."

"But even you have to admit that AJ has changed in the last year

since they've become friends," Alexis said.

Scott nodded and took another bite of lasagna. "Yes, Alexis, even I

can admit that. I never would've expected him to do what he did

yesterday. Not after he started fighting for custody two years ago."

"It certainly was big of him."

Scott eyed her, smiling strangely at her.

"What?" Alexis asked, noticing the look.

"Karen told me she talked to Ian yesterday," he said conversationally.

"She did?" Alexis was confused about what that had to do with her

until she remembered their conversation in Kelly's a few days

ago. "And?"

"And Ian said he would talk to Carly about giving partial custody to

AJ," Scott answered. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"I know you don't usually try to get other people to talk to your

clients about something you think they should do."

"I also knew that Carly wouldn't listen to me, but I hoped she would

listen to Ian," Alexis said.

Scott grinned. "You also knew Ian would listen more to Karen than to

you."

Alexis hung her head slightly, smiling. "Alright," she confessed. "I

was hoping Karen would be able to get through to Ian, which would

help Ian get through to Carly. Let's just hope it works."

"I doubt it," Scott said pensively. "Carly seems to be unable to

accept that AJ may have changed. She's possessive of Michael to an

extent, as if afraid to lose him even slightly."

"I don't know, Scott. But whatever the reason, someone has got to get

through to her. This is going to be one nasty custody battle and AJ

is going to get some sort of access to Michael."

"Too bad Carly doesn't realize that."

Alexis suddenly remembered something and a frown crossed her face.

"What is it?" Scott asked, seeing the frown.

Alexis met his eyes. "I just remembered something." When Scott just

waited, Alexis took a deep breath. "I managed to get the custody

battle moved up. It's two weeks from today."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Jack & Eve's Bedroom~

"Jack." Eve lifted her head and poked her husband's arm, remembering

her original reason for going into the kitchen earlier.

"Hmmmmm?" Jacked asked sleepily, peeking open one eye.

Eve glanced up at him. "I still need to talk to you, you know."

Jack groaned. "Can't it wait until morning?"

Eve chuckled. "No, now please wake up."

Jack struggled to open his eyes and sat up. "I'm awake. What is it,

hon? Regrets?" he asked worriedly.

Eve sat up and kissed him gently. "Never," she whispered, her eyes

shining. "It's about Ian and Jackie."

"What about them?" He asked, immediately alert.

"They go for the DNA tests tomorrow."

"And?" Jack waited.

"I want to grant the rest of Ian's requests, Jack."

"Absolutely not!" Jacks' face was outraged.

Eve got out of bed and put her robe on. "I'm not asking you, Jack. As

Jackie's biological mother, I am telling you. I am granting the rest

of Ian's requests. Now, I was understanding downstairs for you; I

want you to hear me out."

"I will never accept this, Eve," Jack said harshly.

Eve began to get angry. "Well, that's too bad for you then, Jack. You

are my husband and I love you and you have no need to worry. But Ian

is Jackie's birth father and I've seen the way her face lights up

when she sees him and Carly. I am not going to let your insane

jealousy take that away from her. So get a grip and deal with that.

I've already asked Scott to draw up the joint custody papers and to

get her birth certificate ready."

"Without discussing it with me first?" Jack was aghast.

"I've tried talking to you. But whenever Ian's name comes up, this is

how you act." Eve gestured to him, to his stiff posture. "Accept him

in her life, Jack, and get rid of this stupid jealousy. If anything

is going to be pulling us apart, it isn't going to be Ian."

With that, Eve left the room, leaving Jack to ponder her words. Was

Eve right?

Chapter Nine

~May 29, 2003; Port Charles Courthouse~

Carly found herself staring off into space, unable to concentrate on

what Alexis or anyone else was saying. She found it hilarious that

she was sitting in a courtroom, fighting for custody of her son when

no one else believed she should be doing this. All right, she

conceded to herself. It wasn't that they thought she shouldn't be

fighting for custody. But everyone else thought that Carly should

allow AJ at least visitation. Alexis was positive that the judge was

going to award that! Carly's only relief was that the judge had not

granted temporary visitation of Michael while custody was being

decided. However, he did warn Carly that should AJ be awarded any

sort of custody, only the first two visits would be supervised and

that Michael would need to be prepared.

Carly had rolled her eyes to herself after smiling sweetly at the

judge and murmuring a soft "Yes, Your Honor." The last thing Carly

planned to do was upset Michael unnecessarily. In fact, Michael had

no idea that this custody battle was even taking place! Ian felt it

was a totally wrong move to make, but Carly was positive that this

was the best method to take.

And now they were on their third day of the trial, and Scott had

called all the character witnesses for AJ, as well as a whole bunch

of experts stating that most children did better with a father and a

mother. Carly had to admit that Alexis had done well on cross-

examining them, refuting the battle of father and mother being better

by mentioning the mere fact that Michael considered Ian to be his

father. Now Alexis was calling their witnesses and experts, trying to

show how AJ was a recurring drunk who signed away the rights to his

son to avoid staying out of jail and how Carly was the most stable

person in Michael's life. She painted the picture of a responsible

housewife who was married to a respectful doctor and how they were

creating their own family with Ian's daughter and also the child

Carly carried. Carly had noticed AJ glaring when her pregnancy was

announced and Carly had smiled. The last thing Carly wanted was AJ

gaining any leverage over her.

She frowned as she remembered Scott painting the picture of Carly

going from man to man, how unstable that was for Michael. At least AJ

would be a constant in Michael's life, Scott pointed out. He also

stated it was better for Michael to have more than one stable person

in his life and how could Carly turn away another person who could

love her son? Carly bristled, hating Scott for trying to say she

didn't love her son enough. But Alexis had turned it all around,

mentioning again AJ's recurring drinking and how Carly was trying to

avoid Michael seeing that. Scott then brought up how receptive

Michael had been to AJ when they had accidentally run into each other

at Scott's house two weeks ago. Again, Carly bristled, hating Scott

for trying to paint AJ like a good guy.

The best weapon they'd had was Lieutenant Taggert. True to his word,

he testified about the stunt AJ pulled in the PC Grille on the second

day Carly was back. Alexis had made him recount how he had wasted the

department's time on charges he knew was bogus. They'd even had Scott

sign an affidavit stating that he'd advised AJ against pressing false

charges before AJ had called Lt. Taggert. The judge had looked

extremely angry when he heard the story.

The trial was finally almost over and Carly was crossing her fingers,

hoping the judge was smart enough to realize that Michael was better

off without AJ. As Alexis had pointed out, Michael had no clue he was

missing anything in his life. He was a happy, well-adjusted child

with two parents and now two siblings. What more could he need? "His

birth father," Scott spat at her.

"Carly," Alexis whispered, bumping her gently. She'd noticed Carly

staring off into space and wanted her to stop that. The judge was

watching both her and AJ intently and Alexis wanted Carly to look as

professional as possible. "Pay attention, the judge is watching."

They were going through final comments now and then the judge would

go and deliberate.

Carly snapped to attention and began to listen to what Scott was

saying.

"Yes, my client did a stupid thing years ago signing away his rights

to his child in order to avoid jail time. But my client felt cornered

and was selfish then, Your Honor. He has changed over the past three

years, as the character witnesses have stated. My client just wants

the chance to be a father to his son. He has a good job and attends

AA meetings on a regular basis. Joint custody should be awarded, Your

Honor. Thank you." Scott flashed a smile and turned around, heading

to his seat and sitting down.

Judge Harrison glanced at Alexis. "Mrs. Baldwin?"

Alexis stood up and smiled at the judge. "Thank you, Your Honor. As

I've stated all throughout this case, my client isn't trying to be

cruel here. She is simply trying to protect her child's best

interests. Let's look at the facts: Michael was conceived on a night

when AJ Quartermaine was drunk. AJ remained an alcoholic all

throughout Carly's pregnancy and went back to drinking when Michael

was a year old. He then drank until Michael was almost three years

old. Michael is now five years old and considers Carly's third

husband to be his father. He considered Carly's second husband to be

his Uncle. And he has his biological uncle Jason to be another stable

male in his life. Michael also has a stepsister and will have a new

sibling in another six months. To him, life is great! Why ruin it

with a father who hasn't been a part of his life for the past four

years and who may not be a part of his life in the future if he

starts drinking again? How do you explain to a child where his Daddy

has been for most of his life and why he calls another man Daddy? How

would you explain it in the future if AJ were to fall off the wagon

again? This case is about what is in Michael's best interests, Your

Honor. And Michael's best interest is to leave the situation alone

and not disrupt it for someone who may only leave his life again.

Thank you." Alexis headed to her seat and sat down.

Judge Harrison stared at his papers for a moment and then addressed

the crowd. "I will be heading into my chambers right now to

deliberate this case. All parties please stay in the building and you

will be notified when I have made my decision." He slammed down his

gavel.

"All rise!"

Everyone stood and Judge Harrison left. For a split second, there was

dead silence in the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Hallway, Port Charles Courthouse~

"Think we made a good impression?" AJ asked Scott nervously, sipping

on his coffee as they sat on a bench outside of the courtroom.

Scott frowned. "I think so, AJ," he answered slowly. "It seemed to go

over well. But Alexis is good, don't underestimate her ability for

subtlety."

"How are things with you and Alexis?" AJ asked slyly. Scott had been

happier over the last two weeks and AJ had never asked about it, but

he'd had a feeling Scott had worked things out with Alexis.

Scott grinned sheepishly at AJ. "Better than ever. Thanks for your

advice. You know, you're not half-bad, Quartermaine."

"Gee, thanks, Scott," AJ teased. "Be careful, you'll make me blush."

"You, blush?" a voice from beside them said. Both turned their heads

to see Karen standing there with a gentle smile on her face.

"Hey, honey!" Scott stood up and embraced his daughter. Karen hugged

her father, eyeing AJ over his shoulder. AJ stood up to greet Karen

as well. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to offer AJ my support," she answered.

AJ smiled. "But you came yesterday. And you testified for me."

"I still wanted to be here for you today. Dad told me today is the

day they're making the decision. You've been there for me a lot, AJ.

Now it's my turn to be there for you. Isn't that what friends are

for?"

Scott raised his eyebrows at Karen and hugged her again. "Tell him

how you feel, honey. It's best for both of you," he whispered in her

ear.

Karen pulled away and gave Scott a look. "Dad, why don't you go bug

Alexis or something?" she said with a grin.

Scott gave her a knowing look. "I will. Can I get you guys anything

from the vendor outside?"

"No thanks," AJ said, his curiosity piqued at the look crossing

between father and daughter.

Karen sat on the bench. "Bye, Dad!"

Scott waved and left, grinning.

AJ watched him and then sat down beside Karen. "Why do I feel like I

just missed something?"

Karen laughed. "Sorry, just my father being weird again. So, how did

trial go today?"

"I'm not sure," AJ answered honestly. "I thought it went fairly well.

But Alexis did a terrific job, as usual."

"I don't think it matters how good a job Alexis does. The judge will

realize that you deserve to see your son."

"I hope so, Karen." AJ met her eyes with a meaningful glance.

Karen blushed and looked at her hands. "I need to talk to you, AJ,"

she said in a low voice.

"Sure. About what?" AJ could see she was hesitant all of a sudden and

his heart began pounding with nervousness. "Do you not want me to be

your sponsor anymore? Did I do something wrong?"

"Oh, no!" Karen looked horrified. "That's not it, I promise."

"Good." AJ was relieved. "Then what is it?"

"I had a talk with Alexis a week or two ago," she began. "It was

about you."

"About me?"

"Let me talk, AJ, or I'll never get this out, okay?"

AJ nodded, remaining silent.

Karen took a deep breath and continued. "I was telling her how I had

given up on love because of what happened with Joe and then with

Frank. Alexis told me I should give up on love forever. She said that

people sometimes hurt as the result of love going bad but that

eventually I'd find the right person who would make me happy and I

wouldn't want to miss it."

"She'd be right," AJ confirmed with a nod.

Karen smiled at AJ and nodded. "So I thought about that and I

realized Alexis was right. She'd never be with my father right now

and Elisabeth wouldn't have been born had my father not allowed

himself to find love again, even after he'd been hurt."

"I hate to interrupt, but what does this have to do with me?" AJ

asked.

"I guess what I'm getting at is that I got very angry at you when you

had Carly arrested a few weeks ago. I wouldn't get angry with someone

if I didn't care about him or her. So I guess what I'm telling you,

AJ, is that I care about you."

AJ took Karen's hand in his. "As just a friend or as someone who is

interested in seeing what happens?"

"As a person who is interested in seeing what happens," Karen said

very quietly.

AJ strained to hear her. "Did you just say what I think you did?"

Karen nodded slowly.

AJ let out a whoop and took her in his arms. "That's the best news

I've heard all day, Karen!" he crowed. "You've just made my day.

Winning custody of Michael would totally make this the best day in my

entire life."

Karen felt a smile spread across her face as she hugged AJ. She

pulled back slightly so he could see her smile. "I'm glad, AJ. You

don't know how much it took out of me to say that."

AJ's face turned serious. "I care a lot about you too, Karen. I

promise I will try never to hurt you."

"That's all I ask."

AJ realized how close their faces were and he leaned forward slowly,

wanting to push his lips against hers.

"What exactly do you think you are doing with my daughter?" Scott's

voice interrupted them before they had a chance to kiss.

AJ faced Scott with a blush on his face. "Sorry, Baldwin." AJ smiled

apologetically at Karen and pulled back.

Karen laughed and glared at her father. "Dad."

Scott's face melted into a smile. "About time you told him, Wexler."

"You knew?" AJ was surprised.

"Yes, I knew," Scott laughed at the look on AJ's face.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Scott clapped AJ's shoulder. "It wasn't my place buddy."

"Remind me to do that to you sometime," AJ growled.

"Looking forward to it." Scott smiled at both of them. "I'm looking

forward to a lot of surprises."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Hallway; Port Charles Courthouse~

"Carly, please come and sit down. Pacing is not going to make the

wait go any faster," Ian pleaded with his wife after seeing her

glance at her watch for the tenth time in five minutes.

"I can't, Ian." Carly was short with her husband. Alexis sat beside

Ian in total silence, knowing better than to try to reason with Carly.

"Carly, Ian," they heard a voice call. All three heads turned to see

Eve and Jack walking towards them with Jackie.

"Jackie!" Ian cried with delight, standing up to greet his daughter.

Jackie grinned and raised her arms towards Ian. When they were close

enough, Ian lifted her into his arms and held her tightly. "Hey,

baby."

"Hello, Eve, Jack," Carly said to make up for her husband's ignoring

them.

"Hi, Carly," Eve said with a smile.

Carly couldn't help but notice Jack's arm around Eve's waist and how

Eve was leaning into him as her hands rested on the stroller's bar.

Now that the stroller stopped, Eve wrapped one arm around her

husband. "You two look very happy," she noted.

Eve blushed and grinned up at Jack. "We are very happy. Things have

changed for the better in the last two weeks.

"Much better," Jack added with a stupid grin on his face.

Carly couldn't help but smile at him and then turned to her husband

and stepdaughter. "Hi, Jackie."

Jackie squealed and held out her arms to Carly, who lifted her from

Ian. "How's the big girl today?" Jackie laughed and touched Carly's

face.

"We came here to talk to you both for a moment." Eve's gaze took in

Alexis. "We knew Alexis would be here and thought it would be best if

your lawyer was present."

Ian looked at Alexis nervously and put an arm around Carly's waist.

He gestured to Alexis to join them.

"What's going on here?" Alexis asked lightly as she joined the group.

She smiled at the baby.

Eve looked at Jack, who stepped forward. "Eve and I have been talking

a lot over the last two weeks. Part of my hesitancy to give into what

you've wanted, Ian, is because of how I feel about Eve and Jackie. I

had never been able to admit to Eve how much I love her and when you

came back to town, I was threatened. It didn't hit me that you were

asking for access to only Jackie. I was convinced you wanted both of

them and I was going to lose them both." Jack held up his hand to

silence Ian, who was beginning to speak. "But then I saw how much you

love Carly and I realized I should tell Eve how I feel about her. If

she wanted to leave me, she would but it wouldn't be because of you.

So I told her and she told me she loves me too." Jack grinned. "And

then I realized how unfair I've been to you. Jackie is your daughter

too and she deserves to know everyone who can love her, not just Eve

and me."

Eve handed Ian some papers. "I've agreed to joint custody and Scott

has drawn up the papers. All we need is for you and Alexis to sign

them."

"Also," Jack handed Ian a large brown envelope. "Here are the DNA

tests proving you are Jackie's biological father and her birth

certificate. We had it redone to state you are her father. Her name

is now Jacqueline Evelyn Ramsey Thornhart."

Ian stared at them in awe, overwhelmed. "What changed your mind?" Ian

managed to finally ask Eve.

Eve's face softened. "The look on our daughter's face whenever she

sees you and Carly. How can I deny her that?"

"I don't know what to say to you, how to thank you." Ian's voice was

choked with emotion.

Carly was strangely silent, holding Jackie close to her.

"Why don't we sign these?" Alexis interrupted, seeing the look on

Carly's face. Ian and Alexis moved off to one side, Jack staying

nearby to watch them.

Eve watched as Carly walked a few feet away with Jackie. She followed

Carly, touching her shoulder when she got close. "Want to talk about

it?" Eve asked softly.

Startled, Carly glanced at Eve. "Huh? Oh, no, thanks anyway."

"You're thinking about AJ and Michael, aren't you?" Eve motioned for

Carly to sit down.

Carly sat and stared at the wall ahead of her. "Yeah, sort of. Am I

doing the wrong thing for Michael?" she asked, wondering why she was

even asking Eve.

Eve let out a breath. "Oh, Carly, I can't tell you what to do. No one

can. Your heart knows the answer. But think of something. What will

Michael say when is older and finds out Ian isn't his real father?

What will he think of you keeping AJ away from him and not letting

him decide on his own?"

"I'd like to think he'd understand my decision and respect that."

"But do you really think that will be his only reaction?"

Carly felt tears fill her eyes and she handed Jackie to Eve. "I don't

know, Eve." She glanced at her for a moment. "I'm pregnant, you know.

Jackie is going to be a big sister in six months."

Eve was startled. "Congratulations," she said after a moment, feeling

oddly at ease with the news. "I'm glad for Michael and Jackie."

Carly smiled. "Me too. And I think, that's perfect. Michael will have

two parents and two siblings. He doesn't need AJ."

"You were raised without a father. Would you have changed that if you

could?"

"Yes," Carly said instantly. "But Michael will be raised with a

father -- Ian."

"Is that enough for him?" Eve asked. "Or doesn't he deserve all the

love he can get?"

"He deserves the world," Carly answered glumly. "But I'm not ready

for joint custody."

"Then maybe you can work something out," Eve said.

Carly nodded. "Do you mind if I have a few minutes alone? I need some

time to think."

"Sure, Carly." Eve patted her hand.

"Thanks for talking with me." Carly smiled as Eve rose.

Eve returned the smile. "It's no problem. Thank you for being such a

good stepmother to my daughter. She loves you a lot."

"I love her too." Carly watched as Eve waved and headed back to the

others. She got out a picture of herself with Michael, Ian and Jackie

taken only recently. Could she do it? Could she allow AJ to be a part

of their son's life?

Chapter Ten

~Port Charles Courthouse; Courtroom; Three Hours Later~

"Please be seated," Judge Harrison said after entering the courtroom. He waited while everyone sat and then eyed both parties sitting at the tables in front of him. "I have thought long and hard over the last three hours about the future of Michael Alan Quartermaine. It is up to me to see that his child's best interests are met and that he grows up to be a well- adjusted, happy child.

"I had to take several facts into account in this case as well. The first being the stability of AJ Quartermaine. AJ had a previous drinking problem and there is nothing to prove that he won't 'fall off' the wagon again, especially seeing as he has done so more than once in the past. However, I cannot rule on the possibility he will stay sober or the possibility he will start drinking again. AJ has also shown instability when it has come to holding down a permanent job or in a relationship with a woman. Again, I cannot rule solely on those issues.

"I then turn my thoughts to Carly Thornhart. Mrs. Thornhart is already on

her third marriage in Michael's short little life. However, I am convinced

that this new marriage seems to be a solid one. She has also shown some

misjudgment when it has comes to Michael's welfare and his best interests

and I am hesitant to believe she will not make that mistake ever again. But

yet again, I cannot rule based on that issue as all parents make mistakes

and are not perfect.

"My concern is mostly about Michael. If I rule in favor of Carly, how will

Michael feel when he grows up and realizes that his birth father was kept

away from him? Will he resent his mother for even fighting this in court? Or

for taking him away from his father for the first years of his life?

"If I rule in favor of AJ, how will Michael feel about being with a father

who signed away all rights to his son at a year old to avoid going to

prison? How will Michael feel knowing his father was a drunk before he was

born and afterwards? In general, how will Michael feel knowing the stunt his

father pulled when Carly first came back to town from two years away? That

AJ had his own mother arrested right in front of him? That is a stunt I have

to consider as well. That AJ knowingly put Michael into a position such a

terrifying thing stuns and angers me.

"But when all is said and done, I have to realize that the best thing for

Michael is a stable home with all the people who love him in his life."

Carly's heart started pounding as she grasped Ian's hand tightly. She wasn't

sure which way the judge was leaning at this point, but she didn't have a

good feeling in her chest.

Judge Harrison eyed Carly and AJ sternly. "Before I announce my decision, I

want you both to understand something. No matter what happens here, you are

both adults and you'd both better learn to act like it around each other.

Port Charles is not a large town; you will see each other. Grow up a little,

it will go a long way." He sighed and then glanced down at his papers.

"In the matter of custody of the minor child, Michael Alan Quartermaine, I

rule in favor of..." he paused. "Both parents."

A gasp went up and Carly felt her throat close. She tried gasping for air

and didn't notice when voices began speaking.

"Carly!" Ian was panicked as his wife went dangerously pale and stopped

breathing for a moment. He clapped her back and was relieved when he saw her

take a breath.

Alexis was frowning. "How can you rule in favor of both parents?" she

muttered, noticing Carly's pale face. "Don't worry, Carly. I'm sure this has

some good news to it."

Scott was smiling broadly; sure AJ was going to get some kind of access to

his son. He turned to see AJ grasp Karen's hand with a nervous smile on his

face. Karen was sitting right behind them.

"Karen," AJ whispered. "I think I'm going to be able to see my son!"

"I hope so, AJ," Karen returned with a smile. "I sure hope so."

The judge rapped his gavel sternly. "No outbursts," he warned the courtroom.

Everyone quieted down and Judge Harrison glanced at his papers again. "It is

my ruling that partial visitation be granted to Alan James Quartermaine,

with some conditions." Judge Harrison held up his hand as voices started to

rise. He slammed his gavel down, glaring at the courtroom. "I will not

tolerate interruptions!"

The room quieted and Judge Harrison continued. He addressed AJ directly.

"AJ, I have assigned a social worker to this case. She will be making

surprise visits to see you and also to see you with

Michael. She will keep in contact with people close to you and also with

your ex-wife to see how Michael is adjusting to this change. Exactly two

years from today we will meet back here. If you have managed to stay sober

and everything checks out with the social worker's reports, you will then be

awarded joint custody. You are to pay Carly the sum of Six Hundred dollars a

month in child support, Three Hundred of which will be deposited directly

into a trust fund for Michael that he can access on his eighteenth

birthday."

Carly felt her whole head begin to spin. This would be good for Michael, she

told herself sternly. But a huge part of Carly was scared. What if something

went wrong? What if Michael was killed because AJ went back to the bottle

and got into a car with their son? Carly began to shake slightly, feeling

tears well up in her eyes.

Alexis saw the reaction and knew what she was thinking. Reaching over, she

squeezed Carly's hand. "It won't happen, Carly," she whispered. "Michael

will be just fine."

"How do you know that?" she said fiercely, keeping her voice down.

Alexis patted her hand. "Because I do and that's why you pay me the big

bucks."

Carly managed a small smile. "Who says you're getting paid?"

Alexis chuckled and put a light arm around Carly while they turned back to

the judge.

"There will be five supervised visits first," Judge Harrison was saying,

glaring slightly at Carly and Alexis for talking. "In a neutral location

with yourself, Michael and Carly present. I want Michael to understand that

Carly is okay with him visiting AJ. Do you understand that, Carly? You are

going to have to show your son that it is a good thing that Michael gets to

see AJ."

Carly nodded meekly.

Judge Harrison seemed satisfied with her nod and continued. "After the five

visits, Michael will be allowed to spend every other weekend with AJ and

alternating holidays for the next two years. He will also be allowed to

spend two weeks every summer with his father. In two years, if AJ is awarded

joint custody, we will modify this situation. The first visit will take

place..." Judge Harrison glanced at his calendar. "This afternoon at six pm.

It will last a minimum of two hours."

Carly gasped and Alexis jumped to her feet. "Objection! Carly needs more

time to prepare her son for this, Your Honor."

"She'll have three hours, Mrs. Baldwin," Judge Harrison said to her.

"Unfortunately, I don't want to waste time with this."

Alexis nodded and sat down.

"The papers will be drawn up and sent to your respective offices to be

signed. This court is now dismissed." Judge Harrison slammed down his gavel

and got up to leave the room.

Carly took a deep breath and then glanced at Ian. "I need to take Michael

away for the rest of the afternoon until it's time to meet with AJ," she

said softly.

"Do you want me to come with you?" he was quick to offer.

Carly shook her head. "No, this is something I have to do myself." She stood

up and walked forcefully over towards AJ.

AJ turned to Karen with an elated smile on his face. "I won! It's a small

victory right now, but in two years it will be an even bigger one."

Karen stood up to face AJ. "Congratulations, AJ," she said quietly.

The smile faded from AJ's face. "Why don't you look as happy as I feel?"

"I was just thinking of how difficult this is going to be on Carly and

Michael. You may have won part of the battle, AJ, but you are going to have

to tread carefully for a while still. Don't rub this in to Carly, it will be

hard enough for her to adjust."

AJ clasped Karen's shoulders and leaned towards her. "That's what I love

about you, Wexler," he said huskily. "You're sweet sense of fairness." With

that, he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Scott had been putting his papers in his briefcase and he almost dropped it

when he looked up and saw AJ kissing his daughter. It took every ounce of

self-control for him not to whip AJ away from her.

"Don't worry, Scott," a voice said lightly beside him. He glanced over to

see Carly standing beside him, her face serious. "He's fairly harmless."

"Then why do you look like you're going to a funeral?" Scott asked ruefully.

Carly gave him a half-smile. "I don't know. I'll get back to you." She

strode purposefully towards AJ and cleared her throat. "Excuse me."

AJ forced himself away from Karen and turned his gaze on Carly, taking

Karen's hand in his own. "Yes, Carly?"

"How about we meet in the park at six?" She suggested. "Just the three of

us."

AJ considered her offer and nodded. "That sounds fine. And Carly," he added

as she began to turn away. "I want this to work out for all of us."

"Just give me time, AJ. Give me time," she said softly. She managed a smile

at Karen and walked back across the room to Ian and Alexis.

"Scott." AJ realized he'd better talk to his lawyer. "I don't know how to

thank you for everything you've done for me."

"You're welcome, AJ. I'll be sending you a huge bill." Scott grinned.

AJ laughed. "I'm sure of it." AJ held out his arm to Karen. "Feel like going

to Kelly's for a celebratory milkshake?"

Karen's face melted into a grin. "That sounds like an offer I can't refuse,

Mr. Quartermaine." She took his arm and the two left.

Scott turned his attention to Alexis and lifted his briefcase. "Mrs.

Baldwin?" he asked, stepping up behind her and wrapping his arm around her

shoulders. "Are you ready?"

Alexis gazed at Carly, who was standing by Ian, not saying anything.

"Carly?"

Carly glanced at her wordlessly.

"I'm going to leave now. Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

"Sure," she answered listlessly. "Let's go, Ian. I want lots of time to

prepare Michael."

"Of course." Ian took Carly's hand and the two left the courtroom.

Scott laced his fingers through Alexis' and they began to stroll out of the

courtroom and into the hallway. "Lovely case, my dear. You presented it very

well."

"As did you," she allowed with a wry grin.

"Too bad your client lost," he teased.

Alexis teasingly punched him. "She did not!"

"I know." He sobered up. "I hope it all works out."

"It will."

The two fell silent as they walked towards the car.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~The Park; Almost Three Hours Later~

"So that man was really my daddy?" Michael asked, his eyes wide and his face

full of ice cream.

Carly had taken Michael out for a special supper and then brought him to the

park with some ice cream to play and to tell him about AJ. Carly wiped off

his face and smiled reassuringly at Michael. "Yes, sweetie. A long time ago

he did some bad things and so Mommy got a judge to say he couldn't go near

you. Then I married Ian, whom you call daddy now, and everything was good.

But AJ got a judge to say today that he could see you now because he's a

good guy again."

Michael considered her words. "He seemed like a good guy when we were at

Serena's."

Carly chuckled. "I know."

"How come you never told me about him before?" Michael wanted to know.

Carly's smile faded. "Because I didn't want him to be a part of your life,

Michael and that was wrong of me," she admitted. "I wanted to have you all

to myself. So I never told you about him. But when the judge said he's a

good guy again, we decided you should meet him and get to know him. For a

while I will be with you when AJ is. But after awhile, he'll see you by

himself."

"What about my other Daddy? And what will I call AJ?"

"You can call him whatever you want, sweetie. You can call him AJ for now or

you can call both AJ and Ian daddy. And Ian will always be a daddy to you.

He loves you just as much as he always has."

"It will be cool to have two Daddies," Michael said. "Serena says you get

lots more Christmas presents that way."

Carly rolled her eyes and teasingly tapped Michael's arms. "It's not about

that, Mr. Man, and you know it."

Michael giggled and leaned against her. "I know."

"Are you okay with this?"

"Of course, Mommy. Why wouldn't I be? AJ is a nice guy and it'll be fun to

have him around."

Carly was relieved and hugged Michael tightly. "I love you, pal."

"I love you too, Mommy."

AJ was walking towards Carly and Michael, knowing he was a little early but

anxious for the first visit with his son. In his arms he held a stuffed

dinosaur. He clutched it tightly as he walked towards the pair, his face

filled with awe and love as he watched mother and son interact. He was

immensely glad he'd realized how important Carly was to Michael and even

more glad she was such a good mother to their son. As he approached, he saw

Carly lift her head warily. She said something to Michael who raised his

head and watched AJ walked towards them.

Michael got off the bench and took a few hesitant steps towards his father. When the two were a few feet away, AJ knelt and held open his arms to Michael. Michael glanced back at Carly, who nodded encouragingly. Michael began walking faster towards AJ until he ran right into his arms. AJ lifted him up and held him tightly, tears streaming down his cheeks. At long last, his son was in his arms. He was home and as the saying went "Home, Sweet Home."