Chapter 18

The next evening they had just settled Ari into bed a little early. They had had a busy day again all together at the coffee house and she had been tired. Will and Sonny were cuddling on the couch when the doorbell rang. Sonny, looking at Will with a slight frown asked, "You expecting anyone babe?"

"No, no one mentioned stopping over tonight." Will said as he opened the door. Finding EJ and Justin both standing there he backed up to let them in even as he said, "Hey guys, we weren't expecting you. Everything ok?"

Seeing the looks the men exchanged as well as the identical frowns on their faces, Sonny got up and walked to Will's side sliding an arm around him. "Dad? EJ, what's wrong?"

Justin looked at EJ and nodded for him to start. EJ gestured to the couch and urging them to sit down took a deep breath and began. "Sonny, William… we wanted to come and tell you in person what we have learned about this Dr. Santiago person Gabi has been seeing. If you will remember I said I thought his name sounded familiar and I'm afraid I now know why."

Will reached over and grasped Sonny's hand holding it tightly. "Ok, tell us please."

EJ looked at them and said, "the name Miguel Santiago is a familiar one in both my fathers' and Justin's uncles' pasts."

"This guy has ties with Stefano and Uncle Vic?!" Sonny burst out.

Justin went and sat down beside him. Laying a hand on his shoulder he squeezed reassuringly. "I'm afraid so. Miguel is Gabi's friend's father. He is a big drug lord. The problem that concerns us deeply is… EJ, you tell them this part."

EJ said "Let me start off with everything will be fine. Between Justin, I and Victor… you all will be perfectly safe. Especially little Arianna. We will make sure of that I promise you."

Will, losing patience at this point, burst out with "Can someone please tell us what the hell is going on? We aren't into drugs. EJ, you took over Stefano's company and Victor has been out of that kind of business for a long time, so both families are respectable now. What could we possibly have that they would want?"

EJ looked him in the eyes and softly said "Arianna." Holding his hands up as both boys jumped up talking at once he urged them to sit back down. "William, Sonny listen to me please. Miguel Santiago is not just into selling drugs. His name has been linked several times to the black market of selling babies. And in some countries… tiny, white, blue eyed babies fetch a very pretty price." Seeing the horror of his words wash over both boys he could only look on as they looked at each other, faces washed of any color. "I've also learned that Gabi's mother was released from the hospital today and is back home now. So, I fully expect her to try to get in touch with you anytime. When she does, I want you to…" he broke off as Wills' phone rang for an incoming text.

Will looked at the text reading aloud Hi Will, I know it's been a few days, I'm really sorry. Can we Skype please? Looking up at EJhe said "Speak of the devil… What should I say?"

EJ looked pleased. "This is perfect William. I wanted us to be here, so the timing is perfect. Tell her yes then call her."

Will looked worried even as he thumbed a reply. Sure… gimme a min.

"Dad, what do we say? Does she even know who she's been hanging out with? Doesn't she even care?" Sonny growled.

"Calm down Son, that's what we need to find out. We both are here." Nodding to give Will the go ahead he added "Let's get this done huh?"

Will sat at the table with the laptop in front of him connecting. Feeling hands on his shoulders he looked back and saw Sonny standing behind him. Smiling but still pale he reached up and squeezed the hand on his left shoulder.

Sonny bent down and kissing his temple softly whispered "I love you babe. We're a family remember… she can't have our daughter."

Whispering back an "I love you too Son!" Will turned back to the monitor just as the Skype connection went through. Seeing Gabi sitting there smiling at him did not improve his mood. At. All.

"Will, Sonny it's so good to see you both! Will, I am so sorry I haven't been in touch these last few days. My mom was admitted to the hospital and it's just been so crazy around here. Where is Arianna? I was hoping to see her."

"She's in bed. We've had a busy day and she was tired." Will said in a monotone.

"Oh ok… what's wrong? Sonny, you haven't even… Oh Wow is that a ring on your finger? You guys have some news for me?" Gabi gushed with a smile.

"I think we all have news for each other." Sonny stated. "But since you noticed, yes… Will proposed and we are getting married." Looking down and squeezing Wills' shoulders.

Will spoke up and holding his hand up so she could see his ring he added, "Little did I know Sonny also had bought a ring for me. So we both proposed to each other. We haven't set a date yet… but we're both so happy about it,"

"Wow, congrats guys! I mean it... that's just great! I'm very happy for both of you." Looking worried now she hesitantly asked "And Arianna? How does she fit in these plans?"

"She stays with us Gabi! You left… it's been weeks. I know your mom is sick, but you haven't even been back to visit… nothing. We love her… We want her. She stays with us." Will said forcefully though Sonny could feel the trembles running through him.

"I-I "Gabi stuttered with a shocked look on her face. Before she could say anything else she looked to the side where a man had just walked into the cameras field of view.

"Gentleman, there is no reason to be so harsh with Gabriella now is there? I'm sorry, let me introduce myself… I am Dr. Carlos Santiago. A friend of the family. She asked a legitimate question. We are more than happy to take the poor child."

"Over my dead body Santiago. You will never see, nor touch this baby girl. Gabi… Do you know who this is? Who his family is?" Sonny asked

"Well. I know his father doesn't have the best… uh… reputation. But Carlos isn't in the drugs. He's a dr."

"Gabi. It's so much more than drugs! And I don't care if he has anything at all to do with his father or not… Arianna is staying here. I've got primary custody. I'm sorry, but you left me no choice. I won't play with Arianna's welfare." Will said.

"Custody? Wait, what's going on? What are you talking about?" Gabi cried out.

"Fools! You think a piece of paper will stop my father if he wants something?" Carlos yelled banging his fist on the table causing Gabi to jump and cry out.

"Not a piece of paper no… but I will…" came a deep growl full of anger from behind Sonny.

EJ stepped forward glaring into the screen with a dark scowl on his face, his accent all the more pronounced in his fury.

"You? Who the hell are you that you think you could stop my father?" Carlos snidely said.

Moving the boys from in front of the screen EJ bent so his face filled the screen, letting the hatred swirling in his dark eyes be clearly seen by his now opponent. "Not knowing who you are dealing with ahead of the time is a very very stupid mistake Santiago. You should have known that the baby's two fathers are part of the two most powerful families there is. Ah, I see by the smirk on your face you don't believe me. Might I suggest a call to your father? Mention the name DiMera and Kiriakis… see if he still wants to get involved."

"Bah, I heard both families turned to the good. Respectable I heard." He said sarcastically.

"Respectable… not dead, more like…dormant." Justin broke in in a steely voice.

"What does that mean?" Carlos laughed.

"Justin, make the call… let me explain what we mean." Facing the screen again EJ said in a very cold voice. "It's easy Santiago. Dormant means everything is still in place. Every connection both families ever had… still there. A lot of favors were left unpaid. One phone call will set off a chain reaction that you do not want started let me assure you. You will leave William and Sonny alone… you will leave Arianna alone… you will even leave Gabriella alone if she so wishes… or you… your father… and every relative you have will be dead. Go make the call to your father. Tell him what I have said. I want no misunderstandings. There will be no second chances. And there will be nowhere to hide."

Seeing Carlos stumble out of his chair phone already in hand Gabi sobbed, "Can someone please tell me what's going on?"

EJ looked at Justin who nodded his head. "Gabriella, we have called your brother for you. He is coming to meet up with you and take you back to your mother's house. You are at the Dr.'s house right?" Seeing her nodding her head he added, "Rafe will explain everything to you. Then I think you and William need to have a talk."

Seeing her glance to the side just seconds before Carlos came back into view, EJ smirked at how pale he now looked. "Carlos, I'm guessing you spoke with your father. What is his message to me, I take it he had one?"

"Yes Senor, he said to tell you 'message received and understood.' He said to tell you 'no trouble will come from anyone here' and that he is 'sorry that this was brought to your door."

"Ah very well then. Heed his words Santiago. I have eyes watching you now. You do not want to cross me." EJ promised in a low voice.

Seeing Rafe enter the screen and touch Gabi's shoulder EJ reached over and clicked the disconnect call button. Looking at where Will and Sonny stood, standing together, arms wrapped around each other he smiled reassuringly. "It's ok guys. I'm sorry we didn't have more of a chance to tell you exactly what we had planned. I'm sorry you had to hear those threats."

"Did you mean them?" Sonny interrupted. "Dad, are there really people still out there willing to do whatever you or Uncle Vic say?"

"Sonny, all you really need to know for sure… is that you three are perfectly safe now. Family is family; we take care of our own. Being respectable doesn't mean powerless. We protect what's ours. Always. Ok?" Justin said with a smile.

Looking at Will and seeing him nod his head Sonny agreed. He was thinking to himself that the less they knew the better actually. It was enough to know they had the full support of both families solidly behind them no matter what. "Ok. Thank you dad, EJ." He said hugging his dad.

"Yes, thank you so much. I don't know what we would have done if you both hadn't stepped in. We never would have known… or even guessed about…" Will broke off as he just simply hugged first EJ and then Justin. "Just, thank you."

"You both are more than welcome. That little girl is our granddaughter you know. There's nothing we wouldn't do for her." Justin said.

"He's right. William, let me know what Gabi has to say the next time you speak all right? Remember, you have custody. She cannot come here and take her anywhere without permission from you. Also, we really do have eyes watching them. So sleep easily ok?" EJ said.

"OK. I will." Will agreed as he walked them to the door. Shutting it after them he leaned his forehead against it just taking some deep breaths.

"Babe? You ok?" Sonny asked.

"I don't really know." Will answered turning around. "My head is spinning. I mean I know we would never have let het come and take Ari away to visit but my God Son, what if we had? What if…"

Sonny stepped up to him and took him in his arms. "Shhh, no what ifs babe. They just drive you crazy. Everything is great. It's been a long day… Do you want to go to bed?"

"I can't sleep Son. Not yet. Can we maybe sit and watch TV awhile?" Will asked.

"Absolutely. Come on, sit with me." Sonny invited sitting on the couch and opening his arms wide.

Snuggling together the boys both just let the tension drain away as they drew comfort from the heat and touch of the other. Exchanging soft gentle kisses not meant to excite but instead to reaffirm their love for each other and reassure the other that all was right in their world. Hearing his phone ring Will dropped his head back against Sonny's chest and groaned "What now?" Picking up the phone he sat up and turned so he was facing Sonny. With a frown he muttered "It's Gabi," even as he answered it. "Hey Gabi, I'm putting you on speaker phone. It's just Sonny and I here now."

"Oh ok. I-I wanted to say first of all I'm really so sorry. Believe me I had no idea Carlos was like that. I knew his family had a reputation, but so do your families and you guys are great. Rafe told me about about what his family is all into. You guys have to believe me I would never put Arianna in danger. Ever. Will, I'm sorry you felt like you had to get custody. I haven't been a good mom at all. Heck, I haven't been a mom at all. Mama and Grandma aren't happy with me at all." Gabi broke off crying.

Will looked helplessly at Sonny. "Gabi I don't…"

"No Will, please let me get this all out ok? I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of talking to my Mama and Auntie and Grandmother… even the family priest. I love Arianna, I do… but I'm not ready to be a mom Will. I'm too young. I want to stay here and help Mama. She said I can go to school here and Grandmother said I could live here and I just… I know I'm being selfish. Honestly, I probably couldn't do this if I didn't know that you and Sonny would take care of her… better than I ever could I'm sure. I want to live my life Will. None of this was expected or planned. I'm not ready to be a mom… I know you and Sonny love her very much so for once, and maybe the final time… let me be a good mom in giving her to people I know will love and take care of her. Please." Gabi pleaded.

Sonny and Will gaped at each other. Neither one of them in their wildest imaginations ever dared to dream of this happening. Will was stunned. Did he ever even know Gabi? He couldn't imagine ever letting Ari go. Then he began to smile as he realized what this meant. Ari would be his…theirs… fully. No questions asked. Looking at Sonny and seeing the same astonishment on his face he raised his eyebrows in question. He knew what Sonny would say but he had to double check… Seeing Sonny smile come out and the excitement brimming in his dark eyes while he started to nod his head Will asked "Gabi, are you sure? Because you can't take this back and change your mind a few years down the road. We'll want papers signed where you give up your parental rights. Do you understand what that means? You will no longer be her mother. You'll have no say in anything. Do you agree to that?"

"Yes I do." Gabi said quietly. "This isn't an easy decision Will. I do love her. I love her enough to let her go. To be with parents who will love and cherish everything about her. I know in my heart I'm doing the right thing. To be honest I thought when I married Nick it would all work out somehow. If it wasn't for you and him I would have thought about adoption right from the start. But now, Nick is dead, you have Sonny, Mama needs me… I want a life of my own. A fresh start. Please tell me you understand that."

Will swallowed hard. "Gabi, I don't know what all to say. I hear what you're saying and if you truly feel this way… you're making the right decision. I promise Sonny and I will love her and spoil her and take care of her forever. While I might not be able to understand your feelings I will tell you this. We will not speak badly about you to Ari. She will know that her mama made the best choice for her she could. And yes, we will tell her you love her."

"With a soft sob and a catch in her voice Gabi said softly, "Thank you. That's more than I deserve. Have EJ or Mr. Kiriakis send me whatever papers I need signed Will. I'll sign them and send them straight back I promise."

"You aren't going to change your mind are you? Sonny asked quietly.

"No Sonny. As hard as this is… I want to live my own life. Free to go to school and meet someone good and start over. Honestly, I just want to put all this behind me and just face tomorrow with a smile. I promise, no going back. You send the papers… I will sign them."

"Ok. We'll get started on that in the morning then," Will said.

"Hey guys?" Gabi asked softly. "Don't hate me too much ok?"

"We could never hate you Gabi… you gave us Arianna. We will always love you for that." Sonny said.

"Agreed Gabi… we wish you only the best and Good luck to you." Will added.

They all said goodbye after that and Will and Sonny sat back and just looked at each other in amazement. Will stood up and grasping Sonny's hand, led him quietly into the nursery. Standing over Ari's crib they held each other with love and peace filling their hearts at the knowledge that she was finally… completely… theirs.

To be continued…