Alyssa saw the surprise in Justin’s eyes when she told him his name would be Samuel, after her father. She didn’t explain to him how it was one more act of defiance, one more step away from Elijah’s control over her she didn’t think she would have made if it weren’t for him. Justin made her feel powerful and independent, strong enough to stand on her own two feet, knowing that he would stand beside her. With him, she felt as if she could take on the world. Elijah and the media were formidable, but neither was a match for her with Justin at her side. “I’m going to take him so the doctor can do a quick exam on this sweet boy, then he’ll be off for his first bath.” The nurse looked up at Justin. “I’ll come back then and get Dad so he can do it, okay?” “Oh, I’m not—” Lyssa laid her hand over his, interrupting his denial. “That would be wonderful.” Nothing would have given her more pleasure than for Justin to have been Sam’s father. He’d already shown the child far more love than his biological father ever would.
