Just to recap, because I don't know how long a wait there will be between chapters.

"This next part is going to be hard for me. I know you will judge me. But I am doing what I think is best." He stopped pacing in front of Rory. "I have had papers drawn up by a friend of mine that works in JAG. He actually recommended this. You will be surprised how many of these he has done." He handed the paper to Rory.

Logan leaned over so he could see, Collin and Chris both got up from their seats to see what he had given Rory. She looked at the papers and then went back to Tristan. Tristan nodded his head. She turned her head to look at Logan. He was reading, making sure there was no catch. Rory stood up, walked to Tristan, and hugged him. It took him a moment to relax. Collin was looking over the document. Tristan was voluntarily surrendering his parental right.

She Ain't My Blood, But She's My Girl

Chapter 30

Rory sat back down, she had tears in her eyes. He was doing this because it is what is best for Mia. Rory understood that. She also knows that Tristan is in special ops. That is something a wife is told, but not the details.

"I have a few questions if you don't mind," Collins asked. "Make that several questions. First, you are doing this to protect Mia. I understand that. What about your child with Anita?" All eyes are on Tristan. He knows this next part is going to piss them off.

"Okay, I am going to tell you about that, but you have to remember that I just gave Rory and Logan my child. I just did a good thing. Don't let what I am going to tell you overshadow it." Again all eyes are on Tristan. "Anita is not pregnant and we are not married." He let out a deep sigh.

Rory was the first to speak up. She wanted to know why he lied? She was angry, but she wasn't sure why.

"Anita and I have been seeing each other since I have been traveling back and forth. She originally told my mother she was pregnant. The next time I returned, she had lost the baby. I never knew she was pregnant. We didn't talk unless I was in the states. While she was pregnant, she and my parents came up with the idea that I would resign my commission, move back to Hartford and take over the family business. Oh, and get custody of Mia." Rory's head shot up. "Don't worry, that is not going to happen."

"Anita and mom went shopping and bought Anita an engagement ring as well as a set of wedding rings. I guess they planned to ambush me. I don't really know. They live in a fantasy world." Chris mumbled something that Tristan could not understand.

He looked at Chris and he waved him off. Tristan went on to tell them that this trip to Aspen was for him to get to know Mia better, so when he took her from Rory, she would be okay with it. He also told them that he was going along with this plan because he was worried if he didn't they would come up with something else and not tell him about it.

"They do live in a fantasy world," Chris said. Collin still has the document flipping through the pages.

"Tristan," Collin said. "You have read this through and agree with it. No negotiations?"

"That's right," Tristan said. "I trust my friend. He explained it all to me. If you would like to go through it line by line and explain it to me and the rest of the group, I am okay with that. I am not trying to hide anything conserving MIa."

"Could you give us about 5 minutes? Go grab yourself a drink or a bottle of water. I want to discuss this with Rory and Logan. Then I can explain it all to both of you." Collin said.

Tristan agreed. He stepped out of the room and shut the door.

"Okay, this is the part that concerns me," Collin said, showing them the clause that allowed Mia to keep her trust fund. "I am pretty sure he is not aware of the embellishment." Collin looked at Logan and Chris. "Also, he has already signed this and had it notarized. If you sign this, it can not be filed until Jaylan passes."

Everyone was looking at Rory. This was up to her. "I think he should know what is going on. Does it say anything about changing her last name?" Rory asked.

"Right here," Collin said, showing Rory and Logan the clause. "It looks like it was added after the fact.

"He wants me to adopt her," Logan said. He had tears in his eyes. "I never thought that would be an option. Yes, I want to start the preceding now." He was excited.

"Hold your horses, babe," Rory said. "None of this is any good until Jaylan dies," Rory said, then a thought hit her. "What if something happens to Tristan before Jaylan dies?" She asked, looking at Collin. He shrugged his shoulders.

"With this signed document, I could argue a great case, but we hope that doesn't happen," Collin said. He looked around at everyone. "Call him back in and tell him about his father's embellishment.

Logan stood up and opened the door. He looked at his watch. Tristan entered the room with a couple of bottles of water. He set them on the table.

"Tristan. We have listened to you. We have read over the documents. Collin wants to talk with you and your lawyer about a clause or Will or whatever it is called. Something to tell your wishes regarding Mia, if something should happen to you before Jaylan passes." Rory said. Tristan nodded his head. He thought that was a good idea.

"The reason for this," Rory said, looking at Collin. "I was curious about why all of a sudden there is an interest in Mia. So Dillon did what Dillon does. We found out something that we do not think you know. Collin and Dillon are going to explain it to you.

Rory sat back in Logan's arm and listened and watched as Tristan was told about his family and what they had done with her trust. When they finished, Tristan had some questions.

"Do y'all think that Mia is any danger?" Tristan asked. No one answered. "My parents are self-centered. My father has blinders on. All he can see is me taking over. He will do anything to see that happen." Tristan's face went pale. He put his face in his hands. He answered his own question. "What do I need to do?" He asked.

No one knew what to tell him. They are all as worried as he is.

After a few suggestions, one being that no one in his family spends any time alone with Mia, Tristan told Collin to go ahead and file the document removing his parental rights. He told them, at this point, he was not telling anyone, but he wanted it on record that is what he wants. He stood up to leave,

"We are leaving tonight. Anita doesn't know that, but we are. What time will Mia be back? I would like to see her one last time as my daughter." He was standing at the door. Rory had not moved.

"We will call you when she gets back. We will meet you in town or you can come back here." Logan said. Tristan shook his head. Logan was not sure because he would not look at him, but he thought he saw tears in his eyes. Rory moved to hug him again. This time he hugged her back.

"Thank you," Rory told him and kissed him on the cheek.