A/N: Sorry for the hiatus. It would be a good idea to go back and read chapter 15 first for a refresher. I'm being lazy... again.

Chapter 16: On the Road Again

Point of View: Tiara Grey

"Mr. Ian!" Joseph takes off running in front of me when he sees Ian at the breakfast bar.

"Hey there buddy!" Ian's face instantly lights up as he picks up Joseph. "How did you sleep?"

"It was great and now it's even better that my new friend is here. We're friends right Mr. Ian?"

My heart quakes seeing their matching blue eyes bore into each other. "Actually baby Mr. Ian isn't your friend." I sit next to them at the breakfast bar. Ian looks at me a little alarmed as if he doesn't want me to do it.

"What do you mean mommy?" Joseph straights himself out in Ian's lap so he can look at me as well.

"Mr. Ian is more than a friend. He will always be your best friend because he is never going to leave you. Whenever you need him he will be there for you. He is always going to protect you no matter what. He would give his life for yours just to make sure you're safe. He's your father Joseph."

Joe's eyes start to water then he looks back at Ian as if he's seeing him for the first time. Tears start to rapidly roll down his face, "Why did you leave me?"

Ian looks physically hurt by his words, "Me and mommy couldn't get in contact with each other. Five years is a long-time buddy and a lot of things change. I never thought I'd get to see mommy again but I'm so happy I did because now I have you. I know we're meeting later than normal but I love you just the same as if I held you right when you were born. I promise you I will never leave you or mommy because y'all are my family."

He looks at Ian for a moment longer as if all his words are digesting slowly. Suddenly he wraps his arms around Ian hugging him tightly, "I already love you dad."

It takes me a second to realize how wet my face is, "Who wants breakfast?"

[X]

A Week Later

"A certified letter came for you Tiara," Andrea places it on my desk as I finish my typing spree.

"Thank you!" I call out as I rip open what I hope is good news. The more I read the more I get frustrated. I throw the offensive material to the side as I dial Ana.

"Hey Tiara what's up?"

"Did you know Christian had a son?"

"Wait, what? No. What are you talking about?"

"Christian put his name on Joseph's birth certificate. Now the process to put Ian up there has gotten even more drawn out. Can you believe him?"

"Sadly, this sounds like something he would do but he has truly crossed the line by messing with Joseph."

"I don't know what to do. I'm only trying to do what is right and every time I try Christian stops me."

"This is the right thing so don't stop. You're only trying to reunite your son with his father. Continue to do what is right and if you need help with Christian I'll be there. I'd say the best thing to do is handle business then worry about Christian later. You don't need him trying to stop anything else."

[X]

I walk into my apartment to see Ian and Joe playing in the living room. Seeing how fast they are bonding usually warms my heart but on this occasion, it saddens me slightly. Ian notices me first but from the look on my face he knows not to bother me. I take my time getting undressed, peeling away the day's stress. I pin my hair up and graze my hands down my body as if the way I feel can physically be wiped away.

I bring the shower to a blaze after I get my mind to drift away from the madness. I find my place right underneath the water where the world begins to disappear as my senses are turned off. I find solace in my darkness for a moment until I feel gentle hands on me. I turn around to Ian whose face is filled with concern.

"What's wrong?" I lean into his touch and close my eyes once again.

"Where's Joseph?"

"He volunteered for a nap at the perfect time. We had been playing since I picked him up for school so he's rightly exhausted. Now tell me what's wrong. Stop being Wonder Woman for a second."

I meet his eyes finally, "It's about your parental rights."

"Are you having seco-"

"No of course not. It's just going to take longer than expected. We were on the route of filling the empty space of the father but we were actually supposed to be on the route of replacing." Ian's eyebrow shoots up urging me to continue, "I told you how when Joe was born Christian took care of everything because I was overwhelmed. Long story short, I found out today that Christian put his name on Joseph's birth certificate. I guess in a way to block you if something like this were to happen and so that he would have a say in Joe's life."

I see Ian's whole demeanor change. I expect for him to punch through the glass but surprisingly he just pulls me into his embrace. "We will get through this. We didn't come this far to fail. No need to get worked up over anything because I will be on my son's birth certificate but it will take a little longer. That's nothing we can't handle."

"What about Christian? I was trying to keep this under wraps but I'm sure he will find out soon enough."

"We will handle him when the time comes. Right now my love, we will continue to focus on what is best for our family."

Our lips meet, "When did you get so level-headed?"

"I am your senior."

I can't help but laugh, "Don't remind me but I still love you old man. Now make love to me."

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