Chapter 27: Confused

Ava’s POV

Andrew pulled me to the side, the document still in my hands, the title “Shared Custody” burned into my mind. He hadn’t spoken since Derek handed me the papers, but his grip on my arm was firm, his expression unreadable.

"Ava," he began, his voice lower than usual, as if he was trying to keep his emotions in check.

I couldn’t form words with the weight of the document in my hand and the look in Andrew’s eyes.

He exhaled sharply, his grip loosening but still holding onto me like he was afraid I’d slip away. "This... Derek... I knew this was going to happen at some point, but I didn’t expect it now. I didn’t expect him to push for this."

I blinked, still trying to catch up with what was happening. "You mean... the custody?"

He nodded. "Yes, the custody. Ava, I can’t sit back and watch him try to stake a claim over Tristan, not after everything he’s done to you, to us. I’ve stayed quiet for as long as I could, but Derek’s not just going to back down. He’s trying to insert himself into Tristan’s life, and that’s going to complicate everything. For you, for us, for Tristan."

I could hear the frustration bubbling under his calm exterior. Andrew was always the one who held it together when things went sideways, but I knew this was different. Derek wasn’t just another business competitor or some external problem we could solve with logic or strategy. He was a deeply personal threat.

"Andrew..." I started, but he cut me off.

"I know he’s Tristan’s biological father, but he hasn’t been there. You’ve raised Tristan. We’ve raised him together these last few years, hell, since he was born. Derek showing up now, with these papers, it’s not just about Tristan. He’s trying to worm his way back into your life too, and I’m not okay with that."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Andrew’s words sink in. He was right. Derek hadn’t just handed me legal documents, he had ignited a situation that could tear apart everything we’d built together.

"I won’t let him, Andrew," I finally said, my voice firmer than I expected. "I’m not letting Derek come between us or take Tristan away. But... what do we do now? How do we handle this?"

Andrew looked at me, his eyes softening as he squeezed my hand. "We fight. We fight for Tristan, for what’s right. But first... you and I need to be on the same page. No more hiding things, no more trying to protect me from what’s going on with Derek. We’re in this together."

I nodded, feeling a small wave of relief despite the storm that was still brewing around us. "I promise," I whispered.

Andrew pulled me into his arms, holding me tight against his chest. "We’ll figure this out," he murmured. "No matter what it takes."

But as I held onto him, I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me. Derek was going to fight hard, and I wasn’t sure how far he was willing to go.

“Hold on, let me call my lawyer” Andrew said, pulling away from the warmth of our hug.

I stood by the corner waiting for the driver and Andrews' call to end.

“So much for a celebratory dinner” I muttered.

“Why don’t we just head home and give Tristan the game night, that could help us get our mind off things” Andrew offered and I nodded politely.

Andrew and I finally made our way back home to Tristan. The moment we stepped through the door, I felt the warmth of being back in a place that felt safe. Tristan was sitting on the couch, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw us walk in.

“Mom! Dad!” he shouted, jumping up with excitement. He always called Andrew "Dad" now. It was a name that had come naturally to him after I told him Andrew and I were dating.

I smiled and rushed over, wrapping him in a big hug. “Hey, buddy! How was your day?” I asked, ruffling his hair.

He shrugged, a playful smirk on his face. “Same as always. Boring without you guys. But the nannies were fun,” he added with a wink.

Andrew chuckled, walking up behind me. “Glad to know the house didn’t fall apart while we were gone.” He reached out and gave Tristan a gentle pat on the shoulder before leaning down to kiss my cheek.

I turned to Andrew, my heart softening. After everything that happened today—Derek, the custody papers, Andrew’s concern, being here with Tristan made it all fade away for a little while.

“I think we deserve some family time,” I suggested. “What do you think, Tristan? Movie night?”

His face lit up even more. “Yes! And let’s play a game too! How about... what’s that game we played last time? The one where Dad keeps losing?”

Andrew pretended to be offended, placing a hand on his chest. “I don’t lose, young man. I let you win!”

We laughed, the sound filling the room. We hadn’t had a moment like this in what felt like ages, just the three of us, no stress, no outside world creeping in.

Tristan immediately grabbed the game console, and we settled on the couch. The game of choice was a racing game, one Tristan always beat us at. Andrew, true to form, was overly competitive, but I knew he secretly loved letting Tristan win, even if he never admitted it.

As the game went on, filled with shouts of mock frustration and laughter, I felt a peace that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Andrew was right, despite everything happening outside of these walls, this was what mattered most.

After we had our fill of gaming, we decided to move on to a movie. Tristan picked something animated—one of his favorites. We turned off the lights and huddled together under a big blanket, the glow of the TV the only light in the room.

Halfway through the movie, Tristan turned to me, his voice small but hopeful. “Mom... do you think I can go back to school soon?”

I glanced at Andrew, unsure of how to respond. We had been so cautious since his health scare, especially after everything with the bone marrow transplant.

Andrew was the first to speak. “We’ve been thinking about that, actually.” He turned his gaze to Tristan, who looked more hopeful than ever. “If you’re feeling up to it, we think it’s okay for you to go back. But no overdoing it, okay?”

Tristan’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? I can go back? Like, for real?”

I smiled, nodding. “Yes, but like Andrew said, we want you to take it easy. If you feel tired, you have to let us know, alright?”

“I will! I promise!” Tristan practically bounced on the couch. “I miss my friends. And my teachers too! School was boring sometimes, but I miss it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm. “Okay, okay. I’ll call the school tomorrow to make sure everything’s set for you.”

Tristan grinned from ear to ear, clearly unable to contain his excitement. He hugged us both tightly, and I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. He was our little fighter, always pushing through, always wanting to move forward.

As the movie wrapped up, we decided it was time to head to bed. Tristan stretched, yawning loudly. “I’m tired now... but so happy. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”

“Of course, buddy,” Andrew said, his voice soft and warm. “You get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day, and we’ll make sure everything’s set for you at school.”

“Goodnight,” I added, kissing the top of Tristan’s head.

After making sure Tristan was tucked in, Andrew and I headed to his room. The day had been long, but as we lay down together, side by side, I felt a sense of peace. Even after everything that happened today, this moment with Andrew, just the two of us, felt like home.

He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close, his voice low as he whispered, “You okay?”

I nodded, resting my head on his chest. “I’m okay now.”

He kissed the top of my head, and I felt his heartbeat steady beneath me. “Good. Because I’m always here, no matter what happens. We’re a team.”

I smiled, closing my eyes, letting the warmth of his words settle over me. “We are,” I whispered back. “And we’ll get through whatever comes next.”

Sleep came easily after that, wrapped in the comfort of knowing that whatever happened, I had my family, and that was all I needed.