Heir Documents

Three days later the last exclusion was granted from the government in Bern City and the Heir Documents were allowed to be final drafted. The next day Tim and Mia along with Caleb, Jason, Nathan, and a consulting attorney for Barrett met at the courthouse and were ushered into Judge Morrell's chambers to go over and sign the documents. There was no bribe this time as Heir Apparent Documents were the most important proceedings in the land and considered global law. They were strictly enforced everywhere.

"Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, how are you? I hope married life is treating you well?" The Judge asked kindly as Mia sat in a chair.

Mia smiled at the man and arranged her skirt. "Very well, thank you sir."

"I will admit, I had some misgivings about your marriage at first, but you look well enough." Morrell said glancing at Mia then at Timothy.

"We are quite well, your honor. I do appreciate your help in this matter." Timothy remarked smoothly.

Morrell picked up a huge folder of papers and leafed through to a specific page. "We will start with the parties involved. This matter is relevant to Timothy Barrett CEO and Owner of Barrett Group, Mia Lane Barrett, Ginger Lane Barrett(daughter), Sage Lane Barrett(son), and any child born from this date forward to Mr. Timothy Barrett and Mrs. Mia Barrett. This matter also includes provisions for Mrs. Laura Barrett Senior." The judge took a sip from a cup on his desk.

"Other parties that are referenced within are Sharon Barrett, Veronica Barrett, Shelly Barrett, and Asher Maynard. There are also special provisions for Caleb Winters current Vice President of Barrett Group. The document references Luna Maynard." Morrell finished listing the parties.

Judge Morrell adjusted his glasses on his nose. "Mr. Timothy Barrett without reservation hereby claims that Ginger and Sage Barrett are his legitimate biological heirs and that it is his sound decision that they along with future siblings with Mrs. Mia Barrett will inherit his company Barrett Group and intends to have the company divided equally among his children. Except as stated as follows."

The judge stopped there. "Are you sure you want your daughter to hold equal shares, Mr. Barrett?"

Tim looked at the judge unwaveringly. "Of course, my daughter will be quite capable of her position.

"What if she would rather not work?" The judge asked curiously.

"Then she can hire a manager for her share." Tim answered unconcerned.

Morrell looked back at the documents. "Where was I? In the event of Mr. Barrett's death or incapacitation, Mrs. Mia Barrett will immediately gain full control of fifteen shares of Barrett Group. She along with Mr. Caleb Winters who holds one share per five years of service as Vice President of Barrett Group, will maintain the company until the claimed heirs specified above reach majority."

The judge breathed in then kept reading. "At that time, the Barrett Heirs will receive two years of mentorship from Mrs. Mia Barrett and Mr. Caleb Winters. At the end of those two years the Heirs will gain control of their shares and controlling interest in the company. In the interim Mia Barrett and Caleb Winters hold the only controlling shares of Barrett Group."

Morrell took another drink. "Mr. Barrett leaves all other property and assets to his wife Mrs. Mia Barrett. With the understanding that she will care for his Grandmother Laura Barrett in a manner befitting the lady for the rest of her days. Laura Barrett has already bequeathed her assets to Mia Barrett, including the Queens Tiara. Mrs. Sharon Barrett has assets of her own and is not otherwise accounted for in this document. Ms.Veronica Barrett has assets of her own and is not otherwise accounted for in this document. Miss Shelly Barrett receives her marriage contract award (see legal court document #7691265) and that is all she is granted in this document."

The judge frowned glancing at Timothy. "Asher Maynard has been granted the allotment of five shares of Barrett Group bequeathed by Mr. Barrett Senior and is considered paid in full. As nephew to Mr. Barrett this matter has been resolved without litigation. Asher Maynard and his mother Luna Maynard are to have no further dealings with Barrett Group. No person is entitled to anything from Barrett Group, Mr. Barrett, Mrs. Barrett, or the Heirs Apparent in this document other than has been specifically stated in this document."

The judge scratched his nose. "The Heir Apparent Document is a sacred document that provides for the successful future of our society. To the one that would cause harm in any way to the Heirs listed within these pages they will be subject to the death penalty. If anyone should attempt to interfere with these mandates or harm any person listed as beneficiary in this document, the penalty is life in prison up to the death penalty. Anyone attempting to interfere with the successful transition of Barrett Group will face a penalty of life in prison."

"Mr. Timothy Barrett states that these documents are correct and depict his wishes and claims in the manner that he intended. Mrs. Mia Barrett acknowledges the rights and responsibilities expected of her in this document. Both parties agree to enact this document for the benefit of Barrett Group, the Barrett family, and the Barrett Heirs."

Judge Morrell looked at Mia and Timothy. "Do you wish to sign this document?"

Timothy grabbed a pen and signed without a word. His signature had a distinctive flourish that caught Mia's attention.

"Mrs. Barrett?" The judge prodded.

"Sweetheart, please sign it. I am tired of hiding; Sage is tired of hiding. Let us be done with this and live our lives."

Mia picked up the pen. "When will this go public?

"How about eight days from now, the day after Shelly's wedding." Tim asked.

Mia signed the document and nodded her head. "All right." Jason squeezed his sister's shoulders letting her know that he thought she had done the right thing.

The attorneys signed the document and then Judge Morrell gave it the final signature. The twins were claimed, and Barrett's line of succession was secured. Tim shook both Jason and Nathan's hands.

Caleb clapped Tim on the back. "Congratulations my friend! I am happy for you."

Mia took a deep breath. Her children were officially protected by the Heirs Document. Most people were not brave or stupid enough to mess with claimed heirs. Mia wondered if that would hold true for Luna Maynard? Somehow, she doubted that would stop Luna. Mia thought that the claim would only make Luna worse. Mia wondered if Luna knew she had come back to Timothy.

Timothy watched his wife as the attorneys chatted with the judge. He wondered what could be causing the dark look on her face. Without thinking he pulled Mia into his arms and kissed her sweetly. He might have continued but a voice stopped him.

"Ahem..." Jason drawled. "Please do not manhandle my sister in front of me." This caused Tim to chuckle and Mia to blush. However, it did not get Tim to release Mia.

Tim raised an eyebrow at Jason, "I will kiss my wife when I want brother-in-law. Learn to adjust." Jason scowled at Timothy for a moment but then shrugged and headed to the door.

Mia, Tim, and Caleb were in the car on their way back to the hotel. Mia stared at her phone introspectively. After several minutes she dialed a number.

"Mia, how are you? Is everything all right?" Nicholas's voice came through the phone. Tim turned to look at her questioningly.

"I am fine, Nick. It's time. I need you to drop the engagement." Mia said calmly.

A chair squeaked in the background. "Are you sure? What changed? Are you safe now." Nicholas asked in an even tone.

Mia sighed. "The Heir Documents will be published in a week, and they address me as Mrs. Barrett plus Tim, and I have a couple public appearances this week. It would be less embarrassing for you to say the engagement was a fraud and you did it to cover for me. The press would eat that up and it will take the spotlight off you and Rachel."

The line was quiet for a minute. "Are you sure that is what you want?" Nick inquired quietly.

"Yeah," Mia answered, "that is what needs to happen."

"All right, I will take care of it as soon as we hang up. You have my word. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me. I have your back, you know that." Nicholas told Mia in a gentle tone.

"I know Nick, thank you again for everything." Mia said.

"No problem, Doll. Take care." Nick hung up the phone.

Timothy smiled at Mia taking her hand. She turned, staring out the window. Mia knew Nicholas would be hurting now. Some part of him had hoped they would find a way to be together. Mia cared about his pain. She owed him so much but there was no way to avoid this.

Tim was pleased because they could now go into public as a couple. He would be able to call Mia his wife. They could go to dinner together. Mia could finally be his and he could show everyone how special she was to him. They could openly be a family in eight days. He could show the world how proud he was of his children, his daughter and his son. Soon they could announce Mia's pregnancy and look forward to the joy of another child. Things were finally starting to fall into place for the Barrett family.