Carly and Jax didn't speak for most of the flight to Florida. When they arrived they stopped and had breakfast, Carly spoke for the first time all morning.
"I called Ms.Wilcox" Carly told him. "She contacted Wayne's attorney and he said Wayne is willing to sign over custody of Helen"
"Without a fight?" Jax responded.
"Either he signs over custody or the state files charges against him and everyone who helped him fake my death. I guess he doesn't want to put his family or Helen through anymore grief" Carly explained.
"How long will it take?" Jax asked. Carly shrugged and took his hand.
"Thank you" Carly told him. "Thank you so much for being here with me"
"No problem" Jax said, "You were there for me, I owed you"
Carly smiled, 'I want to go see Wayne at the prison" Carly confided, "I need to confront him"
Jax was quiet for a moment, "I am going with you"
"He is behind bars Jax, he can't hurt me" Carly replied.
"Physically" Jax said, "But mentally or emotionally he could still do some damage"
Carly shrugged again, part of her pleased Jax was going, the other irritated that he was so protective of her. Carly needed her independence but she knew right now wasn't the time to be testing her wings.
Carly took Jax's hand as she waited for Wayne. They came to the prison straight from the restaurant Carly wanted to get this over with. Suddenly there was loud beep and Carly saw the door open. The guards led out Wayne. They took of his cuffs and sat him across from Carly. She was thankful for Jax and the glass protecting her. He smiled but she didn't return it. She motioned for him to pick up the phone.
"My God Caroline, you look beautiful" Wayne said.
"I wish I could say something similar for you" Carly spat.
"I didn't age nearly as well you have" Wayne replied. He looked over at Jax and scowled. "That you're boyfriend?"
"Not that it is any of you're business but no" Carly said. "He is just a friend."
Wayne and Carly both grew silent for a moment. Wayne finally broke the silence by clearing his throat. "I guess this isn't a social call is it Caroline?"
"How could you?" Carly hissed unleashing her anger. "How could you steal her from me?"
"You were fourteen Caroline. There is no way you could care for a baby," Wayne explained. "I did what was best for all of this. But for what it is worth I am sorry"
"Sorry doesn't cut it" Carly snapped. "So, after you told her I was dead you also tell her I was a whore?"
"No, I told her you were beautiful and strong" Wayne said, "I love you Caroline and I raised our baby to love you too"
Carly didn't know how to respond so she just sat there. "I hate you" Carly snarled. "I hope you rot in here". She jumped to her feet and fled the room. Jax and Wayne stared at one another. Without acknowledging Wayne's existence Jax rose out of the chair and followed Carly.
She was sitting on the curb crying when Jax found her. He kneeled beside her and touched her shoulder. "Let's go," he suggested.
"Go where?" Carly asked.
"Shopping?" Jax suggested. Carly nodded and allowed Jax to help her to her feet. They walked hand in hand to the car.
For four days Carly and Jax went shopping, took walks on the beach and tried to relax. On the fourth day they were eating lunch by the hotel pool when Carly got the call.
"Hello" Carly answered.
"It's Ms.Wilcox"
"Yes" Carly cried setting up quickly.
"The judge just signed you're paperwork. You can take Helen home today" Ms.Wilcox advised.
"I can" Carly squealed but stopped abruptly.
"Does she know I am alive?" Carly asked not wanting to overwhelm her daughter.
"We just spoke with her" Ms.Wilcox replied. "She was shocked but took it well. She is really excited. She is already packed and ready for her trip"
Carly felt tears in her eyes, "Ok, we will be there within the hour" Carly said and hung up the phone. She turned to Jax who smiled. "I can go get my baby"
"Well, then we should get ready." Jax told her. "You go and change. I will make the arrangements to go home"
Carly jumped off the lounge chair. She kissed Jax on the cheek. "I will be ready soon," she told him. Jax followed her into he hotel.
