Post by Chrissy on Feb 27, 2004 20:45:16 GMT -5
Chapter 14
Shawn stood at the door holding Daniella. “Ok baby girl. Here we go.” He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Mimi opened the door and gasped. She took one look at Daniella and fell instantly in love with the adorable little girl. “Come on Shawn. Belle’s in the living room.”
He stepped inside and as they reached the living room he realized what all of his lies had caused when he saw Belle on the couch. Her eyes were red and her face was flushed.
When Belle saw Shawn walk into the room her heart stopped. She gave Mimi and Rex a look of pure hatred.
Rex backed away from her and walked to Mimi. “Um, we’re going to leave you two alone now. You need to talk. Come on Mimi.” He tugged at his fiancée’s arm.
“Can you guys take Daniella with you? I don’t want her getting upset if things get too loud.” Shawn asked as they were about to leave the room.
Mimi jumped at the chance. “Of course we will! Come here angel. Come see Auntie Meems.” She took Daniella and bounced her all the way out of the room with Rex following behind her making baby talk.
Shawn tried to make small talk. “Well, um, those two are going to make great parents one day.”
“Yea. Daniella is a beautiful baby.” Belle said quietly as she sat on the couch, gazing in the direction Mimi and Rex had just gone.
“Belle I really need to explain all of this.”
“Shawn there’s nothing to explain. The truth is obvious.”
“Belle, Daniella is my daughter but….” He was about to tell her about Jan when she interrupted.
“I know Shawn. I know she’s your daughter and I know that you left to be with Jan.” She felt her heart dropping as she thought of him and Jan together.
“Belle would you let me finish what I was going to say? Daniella is my daughter but not biologically.”
Belle’s head whipped around to look at him. Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
He sighed. “The reason I left wasn’t because I loved Jan. Far from it. She was pregnant. When we were in Puerto Rico she was raped and was going to get an abortion unless I claimed I was the father. I couldn’t let her kill that baby. I just couldn’t. I’m so sorry I hurt you but I’ll never be sorry for making that decision since the result is Daniella and she is what made my life worth it those two years that I didn’t have you. She is still my life Belle. I love her more than you can possibly imagine… just like I love you.”
She was speechless. She couldn’t figure out how to feel. She knew she couldn’t blame him for wanting to save the baby. But he had lied to her about everything. “Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”
“I didn’t know how. I swear to you though that I was going to. I was actually planning on telling you within the next few days but then Jan showed up and everything went to hell.”
Belle went and stood in front of him. She stared into his deep brown eyes and realized the truth. “Shawn I would have understood. I love you.” Her hand caressed his face and tears came to her eyes.
“I love you too Belle. Do you think you can forgive me?” He asked with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
Before his question could be answered the door to the kitchen swung open and Daniella went toddling toward Shawn. “Dadadadadadada!!!” She screamed with glee.
Rex and Mimi ran out a second later. “Sorry guys. She got away from us. You have a future track star on your hands Shawn.” Rex said as he watched the brunette baby almost run toward her father.
Shawn laughed and picked up the happy child. “It’s ok, I got her. Hey pumpkin. Did you miss me?” He turned to Belle. “Belle this is my daughter. Daniella can you say hi to Belle?” Daniella smiled at Belle, held out her pudgy arms and leaned towards her. “I think she wants you to hold her.”
Belle took the baby and smiled at her. “Well aren’t you a pretty girl?”
Daniella smiled and hugged Belle causing Rex and Mimi to let out an “Awwwww!” and Belle to well up with tears at the amazingly sweet gesture.
“Belle, I know I shouldn’t have lied but I promise you, I will never lie to you again. I still love you and I want us to be together. Will you marry me? I mean will you still marry me?”
Belle looked from Shawn to Daniella. The baby may not have been his but she had the same dark eyes that she couldn’t resist. “Yes I will. I love you Shawn.” She put her free hand behind his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss. When she pulled back she gave him a stern look. “But if you ever hurt me again so help me God, I will turn Rex and the others loose on you to do as they wish.” She told him in a tone that said she was serious.
“Yes dear.” He gulped. “Um, Belle, there’s one more thing you should know. I’m filing for full custody of Daniella.”
Belle smiled and kissed the baby’s forehead before asking simply. “Ok. When do we go to court?”
Shawn put his arm around Belle’s shoulder. “You never cease to amaze me Isabella Black.” He kissed her temple and held her tightly as they gazed lovingly between each other and Daniella. “I’ll call Uncle Mickey and set up a date.”
**2 weeks later**
“So Ms. Spears, can you please tell the court how being away from your daughter has affected you?” The defense attorney asked as Jan sat on the witness stand.
“It’s completely devastated me. First I lost Shawn because that bitch he used to date….”
Mickey Horton interrupted. “Objection your honor. We have already provided sufficient evidence that the relationship between Ms. Spears and Mr. Brady was simply platonic.”
The judge nodded. “Sustained. Ms. Spears, if you’re going to give a proper testimony please remember you are under oath and that any false statements can perjure you.” The judge instructed.
Jan glared at Mickey and then gave the judge a fake smile. “I’m sorry your honor.” She then put on a sugary sweet smile and continued. “As I was saying. I was completely devastated. She’s my baby girl. I love her with everything in me. Every night since she’s been gone I’ve cried myself to sleep thinking about her and wishing I had her in my arms.”
The defense attorney smiled. “Thank you Ms. Spears. Your witness.” He sat down and Mickey stood.
“Ms. Spears, you said earlier that you had never been away from Daniella for more than a day of her life correct?” He asked as he examined a folder.
Jan gulped. “Yes, that’s right.”
Mickey grinned. “Well then maybe you can answer for me why it says here that Shawn lost two jobs within six months because he had to watch Daniella after you would mysteriously vanish for two to three weeks at a time.”
“Well you see… I… I um.” Jan stumbled trying to explain.
“And maybe you can explain to me why every time she was left in your care she would end up with horrible diaper rashes and unexplainable bruises. How did that happen Ms. Spears?” Mickey was on a roll and Shawn knew the case was as good as won.
“I… I…“ she looked helplessly at the judge.
“Answer the question please.” She instructed.
Jan finally lost it. She couldn’t keep up the charade any longer. “Fine! I admit it! I didn’t change her diapers! Do you know how horrible those things are? And she wouldn’t shut up so I smacked her a time or two. Big damn deal. The only reason I want the whinny brat now is because I know Shawn wouldn’t leave me if I had her. I hate the stupid kid.”
Mickey grinned. “The prosecution rests your honor.”
“Thank you Mr. Horton. Does the defense have anything else to add?” The judge asked.
“No your honor. The defense rests.” The defense attorney replied as he rubbed his temple.
The judge nodded. “Very well. I will return in an hour to render my verdict. Until then, the court is in recess.” With that she banged her gavel and left the room.
Mickey leaned over to Shawn. “Congratulations Shawn. We’ve already won.”
An hour later the judge returned. “I have thought long and hard about this case. After that last testimony by Ms. Spears, my decision was made easier though. In the matter of Daniella Morgan Brady I hereby render all custody to Shawn Douglas Brady. As of this moment, I also strip Ms. Janice Monica Spears of all parental rights. Furthermore, I sentence her to one year of imprisonment on the charge of child abuse as well as two years of probation for child neglect. Ms. Spears, if I could I would throw you in prison for life so feel lucky that I don’t have that power. This court is dismissed. Bailiff, please escort Ms. Spears to her new residence.” She banged the gavel and the court room filled with cheers from the Brady and Black families.
“Well Shawn, she’s all yours now.” Belle said as she smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Wrong Belle. She’s our’s now. What would you say if I told you I wanted to file formal adoption papers to make you her mother?” He asked cautiously.
Belle’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “Oh Shawn. I love you so much!” She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
Jan glared as she watched the celebration. “Just you wait. One day I will get my revenge.” She hissed as she was led away.
Shawn stood at the door holding Daniella. “Ok baby girl. Here we go.” He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Mimi opened the door and gasped. She took one look at Daniella and fell instantly in love with the adorable little girl. “Come on Shawn. Belle’s in the living room.”
He stepped inside and as they reached the living room he realized what all of his lies had caused when he saw Belle on the couch. Her eyes were red and her face was flushed.
When Belle saw Shawn walk into the room her heart stopped. She gave Mimi and Rex a look of pure hatred.
Rex backed away from her and walked to Mimi. “Um, we’re going to leave you two alone now. You need to talk. Come on Mimi.” He tugged at his fiancée’s arm.
“Can you guys take Daniella with you? I don’t want her getting upset if things get too loud.” Shawn asked as they were about to leave the room.
Mimi jumped at the chance. “Of course we will! Come here angel. Come see Auntie Meems.” She took Daniella and bounced her all the way out of the room with Rex following behind her making baby talk.
Shawn tried to make small talk. “Well, um, those two are going to make great parents one day.”
“Yea. Daniella is a beautiful baby.” Belle said quietly as she sat on the couch, gazing in the direction Mimi and Rex had just gone.
“Belle I really need to explain all of this.”
“Shawn there’s nothing to explain. The truth is obvious.”
“Belle, Daniella is my daughter but….” He was about to tell her about Jan when she interrupted.
“I know Shawn. I know she’s your daughter and I know that you left to be with Jan.” She felt her heart dropping as she thought of him and Jan together.
“Belle would you let me finish what I was going to say? Daniella is my daughter but not biologically.”
Belle’s head whipped around to look at him. Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
He sighed. “The reason I left wasn’t because I loved Jan. Far from it. She was pregnant. When we were in Puerto Rico she was raped and was going to get an abortion unless I claimed I was the father. I couldn’t let her kill that baby. I just couldn’t. I’m so sorry I hurt you but I’ll never be sorry for making that decision since the result is Daniella and she is what made my life worth it those two years that I didn’t have you. She is still my life Belle. I love her more than you can possibly imagine… just like I love you.”
She was speechless. She couldn’t figure out how to feel. She knew she couldn’t blame him for wanting to save the baby. But he had lied to her about everything. “Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”
“I didn’t know how. I swear to you though that I was going to. I was actually planning on telling you within the next few days but then Jan showed up and everything went to hell.”
Belle went and stood in front of him. She stared into his deep brown eyes and realized the truth. “Shawn I would have understood. I love you.” Her hand caressed his face and tears came to her eyes.
“I love you too Belle. Do you think you can forgive me?” He asked with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
Before his question could be answered the door to the kitchen swung open and Daniella went toddling toward Shawn. “Dadadadadadada!!!” She screamed with glee.
Rex and Mimi ran out a second later. “Sorry guys. She got away from us. You have a future track star on your hands Shawn.” Rex said as he watched the brunette baby almost run toward her father.
Shawn laughed and picked up the happy child. “It’s ok, I got her. Hey pumpkin. Did you miss me?” He turned to Belle. “Belle this is my daughter. Daniella can you say hi to Belle?” Daniella smiled at Belle, held out her pudgy arms and leaned towards her. “I think she wants you to hold her.”
Belle took the baby and smiled at her. “Well aren’t you a pretty girl?”
Daniella smiled and hugged Belle causing Rex and Mimi to let out an “Awwwww!” and Belle to well up with tears at the amazingly sweet gesture.
“Belle, I know I shouldn’t have lied but I promise you, I will never lie to you again. I still love you and I want us to be together. Will you marry me? I mean will you still marry me?”
Belle looked from Shawn to Daniella. The baby may not have been his but she had the same dark eyes that she couldn’t resist. “Yes I will. I love you Shawn.” She put her free hand behind his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss. When she pulled back she gave him a stern look. “But if you ever hurt me again so help me God, I will turn Rex and the others loose on you to do as they wish.” She told him in a tone that said she was serious.
“Yes dear.” He gulped. “Um, Belle, there’s one more thing you should know. I’m filing for full custody of Daniella.”
Belle smiled and kissed the baby’s forehead before asking simply. “Ok. When do we go to court?”
Shawn put his arm around Belle’s shoulder. “You never cease to amaze me Isabella Black.” He kissed her temple and held her tightly as they gazed lovingly between each other and Daniella. “I’ll call Uncle Mickey and set up a date.”
**2 weeks later**
“So Ms. Spears, can you please tell the court how being away from your daughter has affected you?” The defense attorney asked as Jan sat on the witness stand.
“It’s completely devastated me. First I lost Shawn because that bitch he used to date….”
Mickey Horton interrupted. “Objection your honor. We have already provided sufficient evidence that the relationship between Ms. Spears and Mr. Brady was simply platonic.”
The judge nodded. “Sustained. Ms. Spears, if you’re going to give a proper testimony please remember you are under oath and that any false statements can perjure you.” The judge instructed.
Jan glared at Mickey and then gave the judge a fake smile. “I’m sorry your honor.” She then put on a sugary sweet smile and continued. “As I was saying. I was completely devastated. She’s my baby girl. I love her with everything in me. Every night since she’s been gone I’ve cried myself to sleep thinking about her and wishing I had her in my arms.”
The defense attorney smiled. “Thank you Ms. Spears. Your witness.” He sat down and Mickey stood.
“Ms. Spears, you said earlier that you had never been away from Daniella for more than a day of her life correct?” He asked as he examined a folder.
Jan gulped. “Yes, that’s right.”
Mickey grinned. “Well then maybe you can answer for me why it says here that Shawn lost two jobs within six months because he had to watch Daniella after you would mysteriously vanish for two to three weeks at a time.”
“Well you see… I… I um.” Jan stumbled trying to explain.
“And maybe you can explain to me why every time she was left in your care she would end up with horrible diaper rashes and unexplainable bruises. How did that happen Ms. Spears?” Mickey was on a roll and Shawn knew the case was as good as won.
“I… I…“ she looked helplessly at the judge.
“Answer the question please.” She instructed.
Jan finally lost it. She couldn’t keep up the charade any longer. “Fine! I admit it! I didn’t change her diapers! Do you know how horrible those things are? And she wouldn’t shut up so I smacked her a time or two. Big damn deal. The only reason I want the whinny brat now is because I know Shawn wouldn’t leave me if I had her. I hate the stupid kid.”
Mickey grinned. “The prosecution rests your honor.”
“Thank you Mr. Horton. Does the defense have anything else to add?” The judge asked.
“No your honor. The defense rests.” The defense attorney replied as he rubbed his temple.
The judge nodded. “Very well. I will return in an hour to render my verdict. Until then, the court is in recess.” With that she banged her gavel and left the room.
Mickey leaned over to Shawn. “Congratulations Shawn. We’ve already won.”
An hour later the judge returned. “I have thought long and hard about this case. After that last testimony by Ms. Spears, my decision was made easier though. In the matter of Daniella Morgan Brady I hereby render all custody to Shawn Douglas Brady. As of this moment, I also strip Ms. Janice Monica Spears of all parental rights. Furthermore, I sentence her to one year of imprisonment on the charge of child abuse as well as two years of probation for child neglect. Ms. Spears, if I could I would throw you in prison for life so feel lucky that I don’t have that power. This court is dismissed. Bailiff, please escort Ms. Spears to her new residence.” She banged the gavel and the court room filled with cheers from the Brady and Black families.
“Well Shawn, she’s all yours now.” Belle said as she smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Wrong Belle. She’s our’s now. What would you say if I told you I wanted to file formal adoption papers to make you her mother?” He asked cautiously.
Belle’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “Oh Shawn. I love you so much!” She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
Jan glared as she watched the celebration. “Just you wait. One day I will get my revenge.” She hissed as she was led away.
