EJ couldn’t believe that he hadn’t thought of this before. “The trick, darling, will be to convince Lucas,” he patted her on the arm, “Just leave it all to me darling.” She leaned in and gently kissed him, “I don’t know what I would do without you.” He smiled as he contemplated their plan, “Let’s hope you never find out sweetheart.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, “Now run on home sweetheart and act as if everything is normal. When you come by tomorrow we can set this in motion.” She smiled through her tears and squeezed his hand, “I’ll see you tomorrow EJ”

 ”Goodnight sweetheart”

As soon as Samantha left EJ picked up the phone and called in and old favor. Yes it wouldn’t be long now until everything fell into place and EJ couldn’t wait to see the look on Lucas’ face.

____________________________________________________

Sami headed back towards her apartment. She knew that she should go pick up the twins but she didn’t want to because she knew she would have to hash things out with Lucas and the babies shouldn’t be subjected to that stress. She called and asked if the twins could stay awhile longer and Caroline was more than happy to oblige. Sami pulled up to the apartment building and saw Lucas’ car. She put on her best game face and trudged up the stairs.

 She made sure that when she entered the apartment that she really played up the role of a haggered wife torn between obligations. It was a role she had nearly perfected at this point. She sat her purse down and removed her scarf and coat, “God it’s freezing out there,” She saw the fireplace ablaze and was grateful for the warmth it was emitting. “Thank god you started a fire Lucas. I thought I would turn into a popsicle out there.”

Lucas smirked, “I’d hate for you to turn into an ice princess, oh wait, you already are.” Sami rolled her eyes in frustration, “Lucas please. I don’t need this aggravation from you. It’s been a trying day.”

He looked at her with annoyance, “Right, trying day. Why don’t you try taking care of the twins all day and keeping the apartment clean and the laundry done and then talk to me about having a trying day.” Sami shook her head and sighed, “That’s not fair.”

 ”No Sami, what’s not fair is you running off to the hospital at EJ’s beck and call and leaving me here to deal with the fallout. I’m sick of it.” He sat down on the couch and began to flip through a magazine.

 ”It’s not like I have a choice you know. I have to be there for EJ. You know that Stefano has already warned me about what will happen if I’m not there. You forget that I am doing this for us and for my family.” She joined him on the couch and tried to snuggle against him but he wiggled away from her. She tried to move in and kiss his neck but he pushed her away. “Not now Sami. I need some air and time to think” He got up and put on his coat.

 She looked at him in feigned shock at his leaving, “But Lucas”, she cooed, “Don’t you want to warm me up?” Just then the phone rang. Lucas reached for the cordless and became angry when he saw the caller id. He held the phone out to her, “You better hurry, you’re new husband is calling.” Sami reached for the phone. “Lucas don’t go.” He shrugged his shoulders and headed for the door. “I have to get out of here.”

She watched him leave as she answered the phone, “Hello”

“How’s it going darling?”

 She smiled, “Phase one of our little plan is now in motion.”

EJ laughed, “Oh this is going to be fun my dear.”