We went on break while the jury were making up their minds. I was nervous to death and I could hardly breathe. Mary tried to offer me a snack and I just couldnt take it. Nothing could calm me down at this moment. This little girl needed to be with me.

"Michael, whatever happens, just know that im here no matter what." she said hugging me. "Thank you Mary. I need you to stay with me. I love you." I said looking into her eyes.

"Michael its time to go back in." George announced. We walked down to the farthest room and my stomach was in knots again.

We walked back into the room and I sat down. The judge came back out and sat down. "After going back and forth with Mrs.Barkley and Mr.Jackson, and hearing from Annie herself, we have reached a verdict. Jury?" the judge asked

One man stood up with a paper in his hand and started to read. "After hearing testimony from all sides, and letting you know that this case touches our heart dearly......we believe that the child should reside with...."

Thump...thump...thump my heart sang.

"We believe that the child should reside with Mr.Jackson, granted full parental rights towards him and terminated rights towards Mrs.Barkley." the man said

"Alright. I should say that Jackie Barkley will not be able to visit her child until she has completed rehab and found a stable job. Mr.Jackson, you have fought a hard fight, but just know that taking a child into full care is a lifetime task. I shall be checking up on you on 6 month intervals to see how she is doing. I wish your new family the best of hope and luck." he said smiling.

My heart jumped for joy and Mary jumped up smiling. We did it. We got Annie back. "George....thank you so much."

"No problem Michael. Im always here when you need me." he said smiling.

"Can I go get my daughter now?" I said excitedly.

They both laughed. "Or course, she's in the wait room."

We walked to the wait room and through the window I could see her playing with the toys. I gently knocked on the window and she turned around. Her smiled beamed as she ran screaming 'daddy! daddy!', running towards the door.

She came out and leaped into my arms, holding on tight. "You came for me!"

"I told you I was coming for you. I promised right?"

"Right!" she said hugging me again. "Am I going home today?" she asked

"Nope.....you're going home with me forever!" I said hugging her. Her eyes lit up and she smiled. "I love you daddy." she said kissing my cheek.

"I love you more sweetheart." I said back, never letting her go. "Mary! Can we go home and have chocolate pancakes?" she asked

"We can have as many as you want." Mary said poking her cheek. She giggled and we headed out the door. On the way out we saw Jackie, cried out and defeated. She looked up at me.

"Please love her better than I could." she said. She looked back down and walked out the door. I was a man of my word, and I was going to keep that promise.

"Shall we go eat pancakes?" I said

"YES!" she said running to the car. We were finally home and we were all whipping up some pancakes to scarf down. Then Frank called.

"No man I got her back. We're making pancakes right now. Oh OK on sec. Annie....Frank would like to speak with you." I said handing her the phone. She grabbed it and said she needed her 'phone time', is what she calls it.

"Hi Frankie! Yes Im home! Really? A surprise? I cant wait!" she said excitedly from the living room. Mary and I snickered.

"She is something else but I love her." Mary said. "I do too. Oh....and I was wondering..."

"Wondering what mister?" she asked smiling

"You gonna give me that victory lap?"

"What a perv Michael. Yes." she said giggling.

We both laughed. Our family was back to the way it was finally. I had Annie, and a newfound love that was right here in my kitchen. I guess things do come together huh?

~END OF PART ONE~

I HOPED YOU ENJOYED PART 1 OF LIVE FOR TOMORROW. PART 2 WILL BE OUT SOON! ^_^

*ITS ALL FOR L.O.V.E*

ETOILIAXMJSBABYDOLL ^_^