TJ's Journey to Marriage - 12. Chapter 12

A quick run down of characters:

Tristan Sr/Mike Grant - TJ's father. Mike is the name he took when he started over after faking his death

JackJack/JJ/JC/J - Jackson Craft-Woolery (TJ's Fiance) - the additional nickname is addressed in this chapter

Stephanie Woolery-Blake - Jack's sister

Riley Blake - deceased from farming accident. Stephanie's husband

Amelia- Tracy's sister

Karen - Jack's sister

Jerry- Jack's dad

Dominic- Stephanie's son

Damian/Dame - Stephanie's son

James - Amelia's son

Lucy- Karen's daughter

Hayden - Stephanie's oldest

Jayden- Stephanie's second child

Darren - Stephanie's best friend

Mateo - Darren's husband

Beau - TJ's brother

Grayson - TJ's youngest brother

Ethan - Mike's husband, 2nd cousin to the royal family in Britain

Dr. Alex Fitzgerald - Ethan's brother and a doctor

Kevin - TJ's old Psychiatrist turned friend

Jeff- Kevin's husband, High School friend of Jack and Tracy, Jack's first boyfriend

Katie "Kat" Collins - Lucas's mother and was a friend of Emily's

Lucas (Collins) Michaels - TJ's best friend and Beau's husband

Kellan Collins - Lucas' older brother and unofficial older brother to TJ

Jordan Collins - Kellan's twin brother and boyfriend. unofficial older brother to TJ

Tristan Campbell aka little man - Son of Kevin and Jeff and genetically related to TJ via egg donor

Joshua Campbell - Tristan's brother and genetically related to TJ via egg donor

Jacob Campbell - Tristan's brother and genetically related to TJ via egg donor

Grandma Helen Woolery - Resident asshat grandmother. Divorced from Jerry mother to Stephanie, Jack and Karen

Kelly - Best friend of Emily

Murray - Best friend of Emily. Friends with Tracy and Jack

Russell "Rusty" Grant - TJ's friend

Chapter 12

“Pop what are you doing here?” JC said standing up

“I came here to talk.” Jack replied

“I’m not so sure I trust you.” JC said

“Here him out” Jerry said coming in to the room

“Grandpa he lied to the police.” JC said

“I know all about that and we talked with them today. Go on Jaxson; explain yourself.” Jerry said and I saw Jack gulp and look nervous

“TJ I am sorry for how I’ve been acting towards you. I have some serious confessing to do and I’ll understand if you never want to see me again. I was having a relationship with your father before he was engaged to your mother. We were having a fun time and talked about making it permanent. I was looking for love and found it in your father who was looking to escape your mom. Now I was in a relationship but the guy I was seeing was cheating on me so I decided to pay him back and never in 100 years did I think it would Tristan. Your father was such a hunk and you remind me so much of him. Well somehow your mother found out and forced him into getting engaged and married. I never saw him after a night of bliss. He basically ghosted me and I was hurt and then your mom reconnected with Tracy when you guys moved to New York and I was so angry. I couldn’t get over what happened even though I was happy with Tracy. Your mom had everyone wrapped around her finger. I knew she was with Nathan and your father accused me of being jealous and told me to drop it. I then did something terrible one I noticed you and JC getting close. I used Bob’s and Paul’s connections with the Pentagon and had your father transferred as far away as possible.” Jack said and hung his head

“Pop you really did that?” JC said and he looked hurt

“Yeah I did. I also was so furious when I found out Tracy was helping Emily get TJ into Julliard. I knew she was doing it to spite me. She told me she knew what I had done and was prepared to ruin me by telling you both what happened.”

“I don’t know what to say; this is beyond bullshit. You basically ruined my life because you were a jilted lover. I suggest you leave and talk with my dad. He may pound you into the ground.” I said and turned my head

“I am really sorry TJ” Jack said

“Son, I think he knows you are. I understand him not wanting to talk to you right now. I think we should leave.” Jerry said

“JC, could you give me some space? I need to think.” I said

“Wwwwhaat?” he said his voice cracking

“Please babe.” I said tearing up and Jerry came over and patted my arm and took JC with him. I cried as soon as the door closed and I never felt so betrayed. I cried myself to sleep and was woken by the nurse to check on me.

“How are you this morning Mr. Michaels?”

“Sad but ok I guess.”

“Do you need to see a therapist?” She asked

“No I have someone I can call if needed. Do you know when I can leave?”

“Well the doctor is planning on releasing you today.” She said and smiled

“Great. I can’t take any more of this terrible food.” I said and she laughed. She took my vitals and I sat there thinking when there was a knock on the door and Kat came in.

“Hey you.” She said

“Hi Kat, come to jail break me?”

“Something like that; I heard why Jack did what he did.” She said

“The one thing I didn’t get an answer on was the petri dish comment.”

“I don’t know what he meant by that but you are definitely your father’s child; I’ve seen pictures of him as a young man and you look just like him.” She smiled as she said it

“I just don’t know what is going to happen. This is an ultimate betrayal and makes me wonder if I want to marry into that family.” I said and broke down and Kat sat on the bed and pulled me into a hug

“TJ, I know that this is tough on you; all of it. You’ve been through so much and I can’t imagine you finding out that someone else has secretly been on a warpath to destroy your relationship.” Kat said and rubbed my back

“I don’t know what I am going to do. Jack is so involved in everything and there are no boundaries.” I said and there was a knock at the door and we looked up and Paul and Liz were standing there.

“TJ, I wanted to come and talk with you after hearing about what has been going on. I know you fired the firm but I would like the opportunity to talk with you.” Paul said

“Can we wait till I’m discharged?” I said

“Yes, sorry to bother you.” Paul said

“Don’t fire Jack yet.” I said

“You have my word; nothing happens until we talk.” Paul said and he and Liz left

“That is very grown up of you TJ.” Kat said

“Yeah I guess it is. Kat promise me that you aren’t some evil person who’s going to ruin my life too.” I said and she laughed heartily

“TJ, I’ve known you for a good chunk of your life and you are like a son to me. I know that might scare you (she chuckled) but I love you just as much as I love Lucas, Kellan and Jordan and I don’t ever want to see anything happen to you. Brayden was crazy and I should have divorced him but I think your mom would have written me off.”

“I know mom definitely would have cut ties if you divorced Brayden. What I don’t get why was she with Nathan and Brayden?”

“She wanted power and they both loved to fuck.” Kat said and shrugged

“Thanks for being here for me.” I said

“Any time kiddo; just remember how much I love you.”

“I hear you are breaking out” Alex said coming in

“Yeah that’s what I hear.” I said

“I want you take it easy and avoid stairs for a while.” He said

“What about elevators?” Kat asked

“That would be ok.” Alex said

“TJ, would you mind staying with me?” Kat said

“Not at all.” I replied. The other doctor came in and gave Kat my discharge instructions and told me to avoid stairs and not to fly in a plane or go to a high altitude for two weeks. I guess going to California was out of the questions. It was a silent ride over to Kat’s house. She parked the car and we inside and she took me to the level where I would be staying.

“This is your room. I had JC bring over your clothes and other personal effects so you’d be comfortable.” She said

“Thanks, I want to shower and maybe lay down for a while.”

“Ok, let me know if you need anything.” She said and walked downstairs. I took a leisurely shower and thought about how much I missed JC. I just couldn’t get over what Jack had done. I needed to be a grown up and talk to JC but that could wait till later. Once I was showered I put some shorts on and crawled into the bed. I was tossing and turning and couldn’t get comfortable. I felt the bed dip and on both sides and two bodies snuggling in.

“I missed you Teej” Grayson said

“Me too” Beau said

“I missed you guys too but I’m ok now.” I put my arms out and they both moved in closer.

“You should have heard dad yell at Jack; he was so loud I was scared.” Beau said

“Yeah, I don’t ever remember dad getting that angry before.” Grayson concurred

“He let a lot of curse words fly and Tristan looked at him and said he needed to put money in the wear jar; Dad couldn’t help but laugh at that.” Beau said

“Jack left with his head tail between his legs. He seems to know he really messed up and I heard that Tracy told him he’s going to Iowa with Karen for a few weeks and doesn’t want to talk with him.” Grayson said

“Ok guys, thanks for the update but could we just rest for a bit? I am tired.” They stopped talking and I was out like a light. I woke with a jump

“Tristan, you need to stop getting that close to me and scarring me when I’m asleep.”

“Sorry brudder, I wanted to make sure you were still in there.”

“Twistan I told you it worked” Damian said

“Dame I had to check. He’s my brudder and I love him.”

“Well he loves JC, so be careful.” Damian said I laughed

“What’s so funny?” Damian said

“Oh nothing, you two are a hoot.” I said

“We aren’t owls.” Damian replied making me laugh again

“Where are Beau and Grayson?”

“They are downstairs with everyone else.” Tristan said

“Well maybe we should go” I said looking for a shirt

“Uh T2… you not wearing a diaper” Tristan said and I looked down and had a major case of wood.

“Ok boys, give me a minute and let me throw on some clothes.” I said ducking into the bathroom to put on underwear and a shirt.

“Much better brudder.” Tristan said with a smile and we went to the elevator.

“Let’s go to the terrorist” Tristan said

“The what?” I said really concerned

“The terrorist, you know outside.”

“Oh the terrace” I said giggling

We got to the ground floor and Tristan and Damian ran ahead. I stopped at the door and noticed everyone was out there. I scanned the terrace for any unwanted guests and didn’t see any but also didn’t see who I really wanted.

“Hey TJ, did you enjoy your nap” Dad asked

“For the most part; I just wish Tristan didn’t insist on getting in my face to wake me up.” I said and Kevin and Jeff laughed

“He’s got a habit of doing that; five years olds no nothing about personal space.” Kevin said

“Tell me about it.” I sighed

“You ok buddy?” dad asked again

“I was hoping JC would be here.” I replied

“We weren’t sure how you’d feel; I can call and invite him over.”

“No I don’t want to bother him.” I said. I looked around and saw Lucas and Trace with Grayson and Beau. I also saw Kellan and Jordan manning the grill. I went and sat in one of the deck chairs and stared into space.

“Is this seat taken?” I heard Ethan ask

“Nope, all yours” I said

“TJ, I don’t want to intrude but I wanted to talk with you. I was there when Jack talked to your father and he and I had a really long talk after. You see he feels bad that Jack acted this way because of him being left high and dry. It was wrong for Jack to take his anger out on you. I just don’t want you to blame JC for his father’s mistake.” Ethan said

“I understand but it makes me question marrying into the family. How did you handle the whole thing when you found out my father wasn’t who he said he was?”

“First TJ, we all have pasts and you can’t change that. We do things we are proud of and things we aren’t; you just have to move past it. After the second date he was honest with me about who he was and why he was in England. I was freaked out and intrigued all in the same go around; he was a man of mystery. Having the access as I do be related to the crown, I did my own research. I learned who he was and where he came from. I knew he was related distantly to the Grants and he worked hard. I learned he had a wife who was a piece of work but he had three boys that he loved and would move the world for given the chance. That’s what makes him a great parent; the love he shows for you boys. Jack thought he was doing the same thing protecting JC but he wasn’t. He was taking your father’s mistakes and making them yours.”

“Wow, I never thought of it like that. I am not sure I can forgive him though; he said some rotten things.”

“Just don’t push JC away; the boy loves you”

“I sure do babe” JC said and I jumped up and kissed him

“You’re here.” I said

“I am; my brother told me you were looking for me and I jumped at the chance to come over here. I wanted to see you.”

“I’m glad you came over; I need your help deciding what to do about your pop.”

“I’m not sure what I can offer you in advice. I’m just sad that dad is going back to Iowa with Karen.”

“Steph said we were welcome to come visit the farm.” I said and he laughed

“Yeah so you can go gaga over her workers and my shredded cousins; no thanks.”

“Are any of the gay and looking for a boyfriend?” I said which caused him to glare at me

“No, they are straight as far as I know. Jayden and Hayden are married and they each have a kid or two; they are just slightly older than Trace and I.”

“So between you and I think Dominic might be curious.”

“Curious? About what?”

“Gay sex; I just got this vibe from him.”

“That would explain a lot but he’s only 14 so I won’t put too much stock in anything. He probably is going through a self-discovery phase. On another note he was the baby of the family until Stephanie and Riley got pregnant right before Riley died. The sad part is he was with Riley in the field when it happened. He didn’t talk to anyone for months; he just stared out the window. When Stephanie had Damian, he really went off the deep end. He spent several months with my grandparents in Ohio.”

“Would you mind if I talk to him?”

“I guess it would be ok but leave our sex life out of it.”

“Oh man, I wanted to tell him every intimate detail.” I said laughing

“What’s so funny?” Beau said taking a seat

“Nothing.” JC and I said in unison

“Normally that means something is going on,” Beau said and looked at Lucas

“What’s up with you Beau; seem a bit distracted.”

“Lucas and I have been talking about life and what we want to do. Since you and Grayson seem to want to split your time between both coasts we are discussing our options too.”

“Come up with anything interesting?” I asked

“I think they should go somewhere warm and fun.” JC said

“We’ve talked about California because we both love you, we talked about Washington D.C. and we talked about Miami, Florida.”

“Those are all good options; If you want to be close to us that is ok Beau. I understand family is important to you.”

“My only concern is dad; what are he and Ethan going to do?”

“Why don’t we set-up some kind of family meeting and talk everything out or you can talk to Dad and Ethan and let us know.”

“I think a family meeting is better; we’d all be on the same page.”

“Brudder you hungry?”

“Yeah little man I am.”

“Here I brought you this.” He hands me 1 cheese curl

“So thoughtful of you” I said and smiled

“Yous my brudder gots to take care of you.” Tristan said and smiled

“That you do, let’s go get a hamburger.” I said

“Ok, but no onions, JC not like when you have onion breath.” Tristan said grasping my hand while I shot JC a look

“Well the kid is right.” He shrugged

“Cousin JJ you hungry too?” Damian asked JC

“I could eat.” He replied

“I didn’t bring you anything; so we follow TJ.” Damian said and frowned

“Hey at least you checked on me.” JC said and smiled at his cousin

“Babe I’ve been meaning to ask why they call you JackJack or JJ.” I said

“It was something Hayden started; he thought I was a junior and called me JackJack for the longest time and it just stuck; Dominic shortened it to JJ.”

“Oh that makes sense; I think.” I said with a smirk

We were all having a good time talking when Kelly and Murray arrived; apparently they didn’t know about my dad.

“Tristan?” Kelly said