The next month passed by in almost a blur. Lucas was let out of jail after a couple of weeks but he was forbidden from coming anywhere near Sami or Ali. He actually moved out of the apartment he and Sami had shared and moved in with his sister, hoping that it would show some stability when it came time for the hearing.

Over the course of the next month, EJ and Sami became close again. Although Sami remained cautious in regards to her heart, little by little she was allowing EJ in. He allowed her all the space she needed but was grateful for any leeway she would allow. He was a loving and doting father to both of the twins. One would never guess that they both didn’t belong to him.

The notice came advising them of the custody hearing. Sami was nervous about appearing before the judge but EJ reassured her that the DiMera influence was far reaching and that she had nothing to fear. During breakfast a few days before the hearing he decided to approach her with a request. She sat there enjoying her omelet and reading the morning paper, thankful that the twins had decided to sleep in awhile. EJ cleared his throat to get her attention.

She looked up from the paper, “EJ? What is it?” He fidgeted nervously, “Samantha there is something I need to ask you.” He drummed his fingers against the table. Sami became alarmed and promptly put down the paper, “Now you are scaring me.” He smiled at her to try to put her at ease, “No no no. There is nothing to be alarmed about. I just wanted to ask you something.” She looked at him and nodded, “Go ahead.”

“Well,” he cleared his throat, “It’s about the custody hearing…..I would like to adopt Ali.” He studied her face trying to read into her eyes. She looked surprised, “You…want…you want to adopt Ali?”

He took her by the hand, “I’m completely serious. I love that little girl as if she were my own flesh and blood. Besides, she’s a part of you and you know that I love you Samantha. I want to be her father in every sense of the word. That is, if it’s okay with you.”

Sami felt a tear slide down her cheek. She was almost at a loss for words, “EJ. It means a lot to me that you love her like that. I was afraid that maybe you would treat her differently because she’s not your daughter biologically, but I’ve watched you with her and it’s not like that at all. I would love for you to adopt her.”

EJ jumped out of his chair and pulled her up and spun her around, “You’ve made me very happy Samantha Jean Brady Wells Dimera!” He kissed her cheek and set her back down, “I’m going to have our lawyer draw up all the papers.”

Sami stood there, flushed, and then thought to herself, “When Lucas finds out there is going to be hell.” She then smiled in anticipation of the look on Lucas’ face when he realized that his daughter would be a DiMera.