A shorter chapter, but wanted to keep moving forward and needed to end that 'day'
Chapter Four
Sam got home from Lucky's to find Jason on the phone with a business associate. When he saw her, he quickly ended his call and turned to look at her wordlessly. "I saw Heaven," Sam said, deciding to get right to the point. She stepped towards him, holding out a hand to him. "I'm in for the long haul, Jason. As long as nothing you or Lucky does hurts that child."
Jason slid his fingers into hers and looked at her, surprised. "Where did you see Heaven?"
"I went to Lucky's to see her. I needed to see your daughter, Jason. Needed to see her knowing that she was your daughter. I needed to figure out what having your daughter around will mean to our lives."
Jason noted the look in her eyes and felt his heart pound with hope. "And?"
Sam smiled and slid her arms around his waist. "And I can't wait to bring our daughter home." She tipped her face up to look into Jason's eyes. "She's so beautiful, Jason."
Jason returned her smile and slid his arms around Sam, grateful for her support. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that."
Sam rested her head against his chest and sighed. "Lucky let me hold her, change her and feed her a bottle. I rocked her to sleep and put her in her crib. She was so peaceful, Jason. Heaven is obviously well loved and cared for. This is going to turn into an ugly war. Promise me that no one will hurt that precious little girl in the battle that is coming."
Jason rested his chin on Sam's head, concern filling his eyes. "I don't want to hurt my daughter, Sam. Hopefully Lucky will help us make the transition on her as easy as it can be."
"Would you object to Lucky remaining a part of Heaven's life?" Sam asked, moving her head to look into Jason's eyes.
Jason bent to kiss the tip of her nose. "I don't know, Sam," he said honestly. "Right now all I can focus on is getting custody of Heaven. Beyond that, I don't want to make any promises to anyone. She's what is important right now."
Sam nodded and leaned her head against his chest again. "You're right, Jason. Heaven is what is important right now. I just hope we all keep that in mind."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lucky hated to do it. The very idea of involving such a man in his daughter's life made him question his own ability to think. But Elizabeth was once married to the man, and he was a lawyer and he absolutely hated Jason. For those reasons, Lucky knew Ric Lansing was the best person to help him keep custody of his daughter. Lucky picked up the phone and called his office, hoping against hope that Ric would be able to take this case, even
though he was the district attorney.
"Ric Lansing."
"Ric, it's Lucky Spencer."
"Lucky." Ric dropped the professional tone and his voice softened. "How are things going for you?"
"As well as can be expected, Ric. Thank you for asking." A part of Lucky had wondered if Ric didn't still harbor feelings for Elizabeth in the last few months before her death. He knew Ric had been extremely upset by Elizabeth's untimely death, and Lucky was hoping all of that would work in his favor now. "How are things at the PCPD?"
"Not the same without our start detective," Ric answered with a smile on his face. "Are you thinking of coming back soon?" There was no pressure in his words, just curiosity.
"Mac gave me three months off to settle things with Elizabeth's estate." Lucky had to fight to keep control as his emotions threatened him. "And also to get used to being a single parent."
"How is Heaven?"
"Well, Ric, that's why I'm calling actually." Lucky didn't even know where to start. "I received papers earlier today from Jason. He's suing me for custody of Heaven. Jason claims he's Heaven's biological father."
"He what?" Ric was stunned. He'd long since suspected Jason's feelings for Elizabeth weren't entirely platonic, but he'd never dreamed ... "Is it true?"
"I don't know. I hope like hell not. Lulu says it is. She was here when the papers were delivered and she says she's known since Elizabeth was pregnant. Sam came by and said that Jason told her it was true. I just know I need one hell of a good lawyer," Lucky said.
"I can definitely give you some referrals," Ric said, opening his desk drawer to get out his address book.
"I don't want any referrals, Ric. I want you to take the case."
Ric paused. "You want me to represent you?"
Lucky nodded, even though Ric couldn't see him. "Think of it, Ric. You know Jason better than any other lawyer I could ask." Except possibly Alexis, but Lucky didn't think she'd represent him against her own daughter. "You also know Sam better than anyone except her own mother. You loved Elizabeth at one time, you know she'd want our daughter with me."
The mention of Elizabeth softened Ric. "I'm the D.A., Lucky. I'd never receive permission to do that."
"Just talk to the mayor. Tell him about the publicity you could receive by keeping an innocent child out of mob hands," Lucky pleaded, sensing him weakening.
"Fine. If the mayor agrees, I'll take the case." Ric had to admit, he liked the idea of defeating Jason. He thought the idea of Jason raising Elizabeth's child, no matter what her true paternity, was a terrible idea. He could likely kill Elizabeth's daughter, and Ric wanted to help protect the child in any way he could. For Elizabeth. "I'll call you when I know."
"Thanks, Ric." Lucky sighed with relief. He hung up and sat back on the couch, feeling for the first time that there was hope and that Jason would not be able to take Heaven away from him.