A/N: Wow, I actually managed another chapter. Thank god. I hope you like this chapter.

Chapter Thirteen: Guilt

"I've never met you before," Sam says as Paul stands a little closer to his granddaughter.

"But we want to get to know you honey. We think its best you come live with us. You've been through so much and we're going to help you get better."

Sam looks at the strangers with wide eyes. She knew they were her mother's parents, but it still freaked her out that they wanted to take her from her dad. Sam looks around the room and spots him talking quietly to Brooke and his mother oblivious to what is going on. Sam takes another look at her grandparents and runs across the room.

"Daddy!"

Knowing it was his daughter's voice Julian turns his head and is instantly engulfed by Sam who wraps her arms tightly around her father. Brooke rubs Sam's back comfortingly.

"Daddy, don't let them take me away, please!" Sam cries.

Everyone in the room looks at the scene in front of them and all try not to listen, but they couldn't help it. It was getting interesting.

Julian pulls his daughter away from his chest.

"Who princess? Who wants to take you away?"

"Hello Julian."

Julian looks over his daughter's shoulder and spots Alexander and Rebecca Bryce. He spots Kadyn slowly making her way over.

"You got a lot of nerve showing up here."

Julian was surprised at his mother's tone of voice.

"Hello to you to Sylvia, but I'm not here for pleasantries. Rebecca and I think its best that Sam comes to stay with us. She just lost her mother. It would be better for all."

"No, it would be better for you. Some way to relieve your guilt daddy, but it's not going to happen," Kadyn says as she stands next to Sam who was holding onto Brooke's hand. "Why'd you even show up here? You haven't spoken to Sara since she was fifteen," Kadyn says angrily.

Rebecca remains quiet through it all. It was her husband's job as head of the household to hold things together. She only looked at Sam who was beginning to get annoyed by everyone looking at her. Julian must have noticed.

"Brooke, can you take Sam and walk around or something? I want to deal with this."

"Of course, come on Sam."

Sam follows Brooke outside. When Julian turned back around he was surprised that Paul was standing close to Sylvia without actually fighting with her. It was a new development.

"Alexander, I'm not letting you take my daughter away from me. She's my daughter not yours, yours is dead."

"We are her grandparents Julian. You have to understand that," Alexander states firmly.

"Actually her grandparents are right there," Kadyn says as she points to Paul and Sylvia.

"Your daughter is right. I was there for Sara when you kicked her out. When you told her to get her baby aborted, I was there for her. I opened my home for her and I've watched Samantha grow up and I will continue to do so without you interfering. You feel guilty, I get that, but your problem now lands in the hands of god, not anyone in this room."

Alexander purses his lips and looks at Paul.

"What about you? I know you were never there for Julian. You weren't there for Sam either."

"That maybe, but what do you know about Sam? Do you know anything? I know that she has a mother that loved her until her last breath. I know that Sam will be taken care of because my son is a man that loves his daughter to death. And his fiancée will love his daughter as if she were her own," Paul knew everyone was staring at him in disbelief, but he didn't care. He was getting to Alexander and he knew it. "I know her favorite color is red despite her saying that her favorite color changes with her mood. I know she's not very good at Math. I know that she writes like no other. Did you know that when she seven she fell out of a tree and broke her arm?" Alexander shakes his head. "I didn't think so. I may not have been around as much as I would've liked, but I know more about Sam then you ever will and you have to live with that."

"Dad, I think it's time that you and mom should go. Leave Sam alone and deal with your own regrets like not talking to your daughters or your granddaughters. Just go," Kadyn whispers softly.

Alexander straightens his tie and turns around.

"Let's go Rebecca."

Rebecca follows her husband out the door.

Julian turns to his father with a smile.

"Thank you for that. How'd you know all of that?"

"I listened when you talked," Paul responds before walking away.

Sylvia smiles as he walks away.

"That's one of the reasons why I married him. He stood up for his family no matter what happens. And then I divorced him because he got on my nerves. I need a drink."

Julian shakes his head. His whole family was weird.

-WLOM-

"Do you think they are going to take me away?" Sam questions softly as she sits down in the grass. Brooke sits down next to her.

"Your dad wouldn't let that happen, Sam. You know that."

Sam nods her head with a smile.

"I know that. Thanks for coming Brooke. I mean it. I'm glad you and Peyton came."

"Of course sweetie, you're my family now and I will always protect my family."

"Like a mama bear with her cubs?"

Brooke smiles and nods her head.

"Something like that."

More minutes past before anybody spoke again.

"You make my dad happy."

Brooke smiles slightly.

"You make me happy too."

Brooke smiles even more.

"I'm glad, on both accounts."