Tristan's High School Life - 35. Chapter 35

CC's POV

"Are you sure I'm qualified?" Grayson asked
"Yes, TJ and I both reviewed your qualifications, and you have what it takes. I would have asked Jack, but he wouldn't be on the bench long," I replied
"Does this have to do with the whole Morrison issue? Is it wise to pick a family member?" Grayson said skeptically
"I've given it a lot of thought and consulted with the City Attorney, and he agrees you would be a perfect fit. You are very involved in the community with your involvement with the Shepard Center and your pro-bono work with Children and Family Service," I said
"You make me sound like a saint," Grayson said
"Young man, you are close enough to a saint. When your brother told me you were his top choice. TJ has seen what you've done and what you're capable of," I said.
"Do I have time to think about it?" Grayson asked
"Yes, talk it over with Trace and get back to me," I said. "I also talked to a few others in the court, and they were excited to hear you were a top contender."
"Thanks, CC; I'll talk it over and get back to you," Grayson said
"That's all I ask," I said.

After Grayson left, I sat there pondering about who else could fill this need, and there was no one else that came to mind. I hope that Grayson takes this spot as it would open many more doors for him. TJ was right, and the boys are becoming very well adjusted. Beau and Lucas live in Massachusetts, and Beau teaches at MIT, and Lucas is at Dartmouth teaching.

Tristan's POV

Tonight Xander gets to meet the entire family; Beau, Lucas, Grayson, and Trace, and their whole family are descending on TJ's house for Jackson's Birthday. TJ, Jack, Great-Grandma Helen, and Beth have been cooking up a storm. TJ said some other surprise guests were coming too but not who they were. Xander and I were in the living when the doorbell rang, and Grandpa Tracy went to answer the door.

"Kat, it is so good to see you," Grandpa said
"I am so glad I could make it, as things have been so busy at Black Hawk," Kat replied
"Hi Tracy," Kellan and Jordan said, greeting Grandpa.
"Welcome, boys, it's been a long time," Grandpa said, hugging them.

Grandpa kept jumping up every time someone was at the door. I had no clue who he was waiting for until they finally arrived, my Great-Aunt's sans their children and spouses.

"Hi Tristan," Stephanie said, coming over to me.
"Hi Steph, good to see you," I said, standing up for a hug.
"Damian wanted to be here, but I promised TJ, we'd keep it just us girls," she replied
"He probably went to see Julian anyhow," I said, rolling my eyes.
"He wanted to meet your new beau," she said, eyeing Xander. "Going to introduce me?"
"Oh, sorry," I said. "Xander, this is Stephanie, Jack's sister."
"Pleasure to meet you," Xander said.
"You are better for Tristan," Stephanie said
"What?" I said, confused.
"Look, Tristan, you have been looking for someone to love you and be a partner, and I can tell without a doubt in my mind that Xander is right for you," Stephanie said
"Thank you, you have no idea what that means to me," I said.
"Any time," she said.
"I like her," Xander said
"Me too. She is Damian's mom," I said
"I see," Xander said and smiled.
"Jackson seems to be eating up the attention," I said
"Boys, I need your help with something," Grandpa Jack said
"We can help," I said, and we followed him down to the lobby.
"Hi Jack," the stranger said.
"Jimmy," Grandpa said, hugging him. "Boys, this is Jackson's godfather and my good friend."
"Nice to meet you," I said. "I'm Tristan, and this is my boyfriend, Xander."
"You look so much like TJ; it's uncanny," Jimmy said
"When's the last time you saw them?" Grandpa asked.
"Their wedding," Jimmy replied
"That long ago," Grandpa said. "Jackson will be over the moon."

We rode up in the elevator carrying some of the things Jimmy brought with him. When we got to our floor, Grandpa had Jimmy stay back and entered first.

"Jackson got a surprise for you," Grandpa called out.
"What is it dad," Jackson said, coming into the entryway.
"Hello, godson," Jimmy said with a colossal smile.
"Uncle Jimmy!" Jackson shouted, walking towards him.
"It's good to see you; sorry I didn't visit when you were in the hospital. I've been so busy with the LGBT shelter," Jimmy said
"How is the shelter going?" Grandpa Jack asked
"We finally have gotten off our feet, and thank you so much for all the help with the legal paperwork; it was a lifesaver," Jimmy said.
"I'm glad we could help," Grandpa replied
"I've heard excellent things about the shelter from friends," Great-Grandma Helen said
"We've done a lot of outreach, and to be honest, if Tracy and Jack didn't spend so much time helping, it probably wouldn't be where it is," Jimmy said.
"Our town needed a place for the youth, and you were the right person to run it," Grandpa Tracy said
"Thanks, Tracy; I needed something after my husband passed, and this has kept me going," Jimmy said
"You're always welcome here," Jackson said
"I can't wait to see Shepard Tower in person. Who took all those photos for you?" Jimmy asked
"Tristan is quite handy with a camera and updated the website for us," TJ said proudly.
"Most of the photos here in the apartment are one's he took. Including the candid one of TJ and me over there," Jackson said, and the others flocked over to see it.
"Wow, Tristan, this is just so beautiful," Amelia said
"Where are you guys?" Karen asked.
"Central Park, we took the family out and thought we were having a private moment," TJ said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, there are 11 of us, so no private moments," I said, giggling.
"When Tristan had it blown up and framed for our anniversary, we both cried," Jackson said
"I'll say, you can see the love in your eyes," Great-Grandma Helen said.
"You know, I have some pictures in my purse that I found of TJ, Beau, Grayson, and Lucas from when they were growing up," Kat said wistfully.
"It's funny how life can change in an instant. Watching you boys grow up together and then Beau and Lucas getting married, it's something I never thought possible. Tristan Sr. and Emily would be so proud of the boys you've become, and Brayden would too." Kat said, tears welling up.

We all had a wonderful meal, and Jackson was happy to be surrounded by family. I loved that Xander fit in with the whole family and was even cracking jokes. Aunt Steph is right; he is a great person.

"Why is there only one candle on Daddies cake?" Jill asked perplexed
"Cause of his heart stupid, Dad doesn't want him to pass out with all those candles," Jamie said, rolling his eyes
"Cut her some slack," Katie said, elbowing her brother.

After a hearty version of happy birthday and everyone started to consume the cake, Grandpa Jack said he had an announcement. I was the only one besides Tracy who knew what it was.

"After the debacle with Judge Morrison," he began. " Judge Peters signed off on the adoption, and it is official as of today."
"There is something else," I said. "I had to modify my name to avoid confusion. My official name is Tristan James Jackson Michaels."

TJ and Jackson were both moved to tears.
"Really?" Jackson said
"Yes, I wanted to honor you too," I said, hugging him.
"Thanks, Dad and Pop, for making this happen," Jackson said
"We are forever grateful," TJ said.

Xander and I retired to my place and got ready for bed. He and I had an appearance tomorrow on the Today Show to discuss what happened at the Naval Academy. The whole family was coming and would be watching us from the plaza.

The following morning I was a ball of nerves about being on live television. Grandma was busy chatting up the hosts as she knew him. They had Xander and me in the Green Room and ready to go when they wanted us.

"Welcome back, now to a story that has taken the nation by storm. We have the account of two boys who were visiting one of America's most significant landmarks and schools, The United States Naval Academy. They were enjoying the sites when two midshipmen accosted them. To tell their side of the story, we welcome the boys who American has dubbed TrisAnder; please welcome Tristan Michaels and Xander Phillips.

The camera panned, showing us sitting there with Wyatt Anderson.

"Good morning, boys, and welcome," Wyatt said with his trademark smile
"Good morning," we both replied.

Before the interview could begin, three men were standing on the plaza with bombs strapped to their chests.