Kira assured him for the umpteenth time that she would be fine staying at the house by herself. She had taken care of herself for years, she was 18 and had a driver's license there was no reason he should worry about her. So, reluctantly, he got on the plane allowing her to stay at the house alone instead of insisting she stay with either Hayley or Anton.

He took his seat in first class, his stomach in knots. It has been years since he'd had any association with this side of the family and there were reasons for this fact. He did his best to remind himself that after this he would have no reason to associate with several members of this family having nothing to do with distance.

Peyton looked at her aunt. She didn't like this aunt and it was no secret the feeling was mutual. They had told her Tommy would be here soon and, if one asked her, he was taking far too long.

There were members of this family that weren't too receptive of him or her and she didn't understand why. Not that it would matter after this, if she heard right she was going cross country to live with Tommy.

The lawyer informed them that Tommy needed to get some final paperwork filled out then he would be there for her. Peyton's stomach was tied in knots. She was seven, she didn't understand any of this, all she knew is she wanted Tommy to come to her now. Problem was it was all taking too long and Jessica Patterson the aunt that was tasked with watching her wasn't doing anything to help pass the time for her. Truth be told Jessica was one of the ones that didn't really like her, so how she ended up with this task was for anyone to guess.

Tommy had arrived around four in the afternoon local time and went straight to the lawyer's office. He was immediately informed that there was a video and some documents he needed to sign before he could take custody of Peyton.

Meanwhile, Peyton looked at her aunt, she didn't like this aunt and it was clear the feeling was mutual. This left the question of why she was with her to begin with.

"Aunt Jess…"

Jessica Patterson just glared at her niece as if the mere sound of her voice were somehow offensive to her.

Peyton didn't finish her thought, instead went to trying to keep entertained with the coloring book and crayons one of the lawyer's aids had been kind enough to buy for her.

Another aid told them that Tommy had some things he needed to take care of before he could take custody of Peyton. This news didn't sit well with Peyton, what could he need to do? Was he really coming to take her? The 7 year old tried and failed not to let that fear creep too far into her thoughts. She was essentially alone, Jess was texting someone, she didn't dare ask whom, and Peyton figured Jess wouldn't notice or care if she left the room all together.

Tommy had arrived around three local time and rushed to the lawyer's office. He was then told there was a video message for him to view before he signed some paperwork and took custody of Peyton.

He sat alone in the room as the video began.

"Tommy, the fact that you are watching this means I owe you so many apologies and some major explanations. First is for being a coward and not telling you this in person. As you know I took in a baby girl, but I told you some lies about her. The day I took her from her mother's arms I was sworn to secrecy about the identities of her parents. I never knew why but I agreed to it." Daniel paused to collect himself "That day I vowed… vowed to hide from you that the child I took in that day was… is your biological daughter. Her mother… Kimberly Hart…"

The rest of what was said on the video was lost to Tommy who was busy trying to remember how to breath properly.

Peyton was HIS daughter!It made so much make sense. Everyone said Peyton looked too much like him to be coincidence and now he knew why.

Peyton watched as Jess switched her weight from one foot to the other. It was clear she wanted to be anywhere but where she was.

She finally got impatient and walked out the door muttering something that sounded like 'bastard father' on her way out the door leaving Peyton in the sparsely furnished room alone.

Peyton leaned back in her chair fighting back her tears as she found herself waiting alone for Tommy. He would be furious, not at her but he'd be furious none the less. The door opened and she couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

To be continued…