#rivervale_lodge

"My brother and his friend..." Jaymes actually blushes "Got me a good deal with..."

She's chewing on her thumb again, the poor cuticle worried to rags.

"Young man, don't be embarrassed. You'd be a fool not to use connections as long as they're legal." THe judge says "It doesn't reflect poorly on you to rely on them. We all need someone sometime.. no, all that's left is to judge the man who left me stuck out back."

Jaymes actually goes from slight blush to blanche

Her jaw juts out, temper threatening.

"Which was the right thing to do, of course," The judge says "My god... a girl with her record, actually abiding by rules, politely I might add. My own son called me an asshat last week. Sure, he's middle aged now but not the point. Point is, you must be doing something right, Mr. King."

"Samantha is a great kid, sir. A Lot of it is her trying, and succeeding. I've been honored to be a small part of it" Jaymes says "I'd like to see it all the way until she's old enough to be middle aged and call ME an asshat. .." cough "Your honor"

"Samantha, would you like to have James as your father and be Samantha King?" The Judge asks

Her eyes go wide and she seems... dumbstruck. An earnest, urgent nod.

"Okay well, James, please sign here. I'll sign there.. and young lady, sign there...and you will be allowed to sign it 'Samantha King'" THe Judge says

More nodding!

Capital-N Nodding!

"Her name changes legally? Just like.. I didn't know that was included" her dad says but signs

"Not always, but what's the point of being a judge if I can't bend the legal universe to my whim" Juddge Reiner says , signs, and then hands the pen to Samantha "There you go"

She takes the pen and swallows hard before managing to croak out a soft "Thanks."

"You're welcome" The judge says

She writes her name carefully - just like she practiced, having decided on the "cool" cursive K, and swooping the tail of the g around to dot the i.

"Very nice" the judge says "Here watch this trick" He takes the paper, and puts it in a machine. The man then sings a tune from an old coffee commercial, and then... "Tada, it's scanned and on not just my record, but the clerk's. Ain't tech grand? " He then shakes James hand "Congratulations , Sir. It's a girl."

James shakes the man's hand and manages to mumble "Thank..thank you"

She flashes a brief smile at the Judge, NOW jittery as the adrenaline crashes.

"And congratualtions to you, Samantha, pardon me, young miss king" a smile and he offers his hand

"Yeah. Sam King." Another flash grin, and she takes his hand.

"Strong grip!" He tells James

"She's an athlete" James says proudly

"I believe it" The Judge says, and takes his hand back "Please forgive the rush.. other families to see to. Best part of the job"

"Okay... I.. it... I... thanks!"

The three of them go out. James walks quietly heading for the nearest exit. His face once more stoic. Controlled

Well, Jaymes gets a quick hug before they make it out, whether he wants it or not.

He gets the hug and returns it even lifting her a bit

Tove is all grins and frequent hugs

"Come on, Jaymes. " She grins. "You really can keep from smiling after all..."

They clear the doors

"WAHOOOOOO!!" Jaymes yells! And pumps his fist into the air.

A surprised laugh from Sam.

Tove breaks into a giggle "Well, must have felt good to get that out"

"You bet. I could have kissed that old man" Jaymes admits

"One might get jealous" Tove smirks

"I think you're safe..."

"Probably.." Jaymes looks at Dagmar "Let's head home, shall we? I bet you're starving"

"I am... I mean, the party's tomorrow.. but..."

"Ahem, yes, tomorrow is Hamburgers and hotdogs" Tove says "Today.. well.. I'm afraid you'll have to settle for Kerri made pizza and brownies ala mode"

"Ohhhh, yes. We can go to the lodge? And.. I dunno, show off?"

"I think that's where the food is" Tove winks "Yes." Then a look to Jaymes "if you say anyway"

Jaymes nods "Lots to celebrate" And off they go. It's..part one is done! It's not all, but it's such a big part

Dagmar smiles quietly. "Yeah."

"And the man didn't even look at your shoes." Tove tsks

"His loss."

At the Lodge, Kerri asks Sylvi to text Tove to see what's happening. How'd it go?

TXT: WOnderful.. James wahooed! We are on our way. Pizza ready I hope?

TXT: _EXCELLENT! I'll tell Mom. See you soon!