Sami and EJ both slept fitfully as the twins awoke every three hours like clockwork. They had both finally gone back to sleep and Sami returned to the bedroom. EJ woke up when he heard her enter, he whispered “Are they asleep? Do you need my help?”. She sat on the edge of the bed, rubbed her eyes, and yawned. “They are both asleep don’t worry.” He patted the bed next to him, “Lie down sweetheart, you’re exhausted.” She looked at him with apprehension, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He gave her a look of disbelief and waved his arms over his legs, “It’s not as if I can do anything darling.”

 Her face softened, “I’m sorry EJ, I didn’t mean…”He pulled back the covers, “I just want you to rest Samantha, that’s all.” She climbed in next to him. She inched closer to him. “Would you mind holding me EJ?” He motioned for her to come closer and he wrapped his arms around her as she nestled under his arm. “EJ?” He stroked her hair, “What darling?”

“Do you think that our plan will work?” He shifted a loose curl behind her ear with his fingertip, “I know it will. Don’t worry. Get some sleep before they wake up again okay.” She lifted her head up and looked at him, “Thanks.” She kissed him goodnight and snuggled back into his arms where she fell fast asleep.

She awoke the next morning to an empty bed. She got dressed and made her way out towards the kitchen, “EJ?” She found him fixing breakfast. She quickly rushed to his side and proceeded to take over, “What are you doing? You could hurt yourself.” He became a little agitated, “Samantha I’m perfectly capable of making a simple breakfast. I’m paralyzed not helpless.” She looked at him in annoyance, “I didn’t mean it like that and you know it. You just got back from the hospital. You need to rest. I will finish this.”

“Okay, I will go check on the twins.” He wheeled into the nursery. Sami’s cell phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number but she thought it might be important, “Hello?”

“Samantha Dimera?”

She wasn’t used to her new name yet and stuttered, “Uh…yes…this is she.”

“This is Savannah O’Brien, I’m with Child Protective Services.”

“Okay, What’s this about?”

“I understand that Mr. Horton is filing for Sole Custody so I’ve been asked by the judge to conduct interviews with both of you. When is a good time for you?”

“Uh I guess today around 3 pm is fine”

“Excellent. I’ll see you then.”

She slammed the cell phone down on the counter. “Damn you Lucas!” EJ wheeled back in holding Ali, “What’s wrong?”

“That was Ms. O’Brien from Child Protective Services. Apparently Lucas has already filed for sole custody and she has to come out and interview me. I could just kill Lucas!” She placed breakfast on the table.

“Don’t worry darling. You will pass with flying colors”, he smiled and gave her a look that said he was already planning their next move, “I can’t say the same for Lucas though. I have a feeling that his visit will go terribly wrong.”

Sami’s eyes brightened with interest, “What are you thinking?”

 He leaned in and whispered in her ear. Her eyes widened and she grabbed EJ by the face and kissed him hard, “God you are a genius!”

“No darling, I’m a Dimera”, he laughed.