Sami laid back on the couch nursing her sore mouth. She was in a lot of pain but if it meant she got to keep her daughter then it was worth every ounce of pain. She wondered what was happening at the police station. She thought that she would have heard from EJ from now. She had tried to stop him from going down there but he insisted. She just knew it was going to lead to trouble.

She sat up when she heard the door lock click. She was relieved to see EJ but became alarmed at his appearance. He looked disheveled. “Oh my god! EJ. What happened?” He flashed her his unmistakable grin and straightened his shirt, “Oh don’t worry darling. I’m fine.”

She stood there with her hands on her hips, “Are you going to tell me what happened or not?” He shrugged his shoulders, “I just had a little talk with Lucas and it got rather heated and he attacked me. But the guards got him off of me and I filed charges against him. Needless to say he’s going to look rather bad in front of the judge now.”

“I can’t believe he attacked you” She turned around and walked to the window and stared out, “I just can’t believe my life has come to this. I never wanted it to come to this.”

EJ wheeled over to her and struggled out of the wheelchair into a standing position, albeit shakily. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She spun around and her eyes widened in shock, “EJ? Oh my god! You are standing!” He gave her a sheepish grin, “I wanted to surprise you. I’ve been working out very hard with the physical therapist and I’ve been able to stand and even take a few steps.”

She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She pulled him into an embrace, “Oh EJ I am so happy. I thought….I thought I would never see you standing again.” He held her close, drinking in the embrace. After a few moments he pulled back and cupped her face in his hands, “You gave me a reason Samantha. A reason to try, to want to live again. For that I will be forever grateful.” He wiped away her tears, “I love you Samantha. I always have and I probably always will.” He leaned down and tenderly kissed her. She returned his kiss and pulled back.

 He looked at her in confusion, “What’s wrong?” She reached up and tenderly touched his face, “I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what?…..Samantha…I would never…” She reached up and placed her finger over his lips to stop him from speaking.

“I’m afraid of opening my heart again.” She closed her eyes and turned away from him. “Every time I open up my heart I get hurt. I don’t think I can go through that again.” He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close as he rested his chin on the top of her head. “Samantha…..if you would just open your heart to me…I promise…I will never hurt you.”