Epilogue to "Trio (So She Dances)".
Disclaimer: Cassandra Clare owns TID, and Josh Groban owns "In Her Eyes".
When their baby had turned six months old, Jem had claimed Sunday mornings for his own. He would look after their child while Tessa slept in. It was a brilliant idea, and Tessa thoroughly enjoyed the extra hour or two of shut eye. Maybe it was the early bedtime or the way the breeze was blowing through the open window that awoke Tessa earlier than expected one Sunday morning. Whatever the reason was, Tessa got out of bed with a yawn to discover what the two loves of her life were doing on Sunday mornings. She searched the house as quietly as her stiff limbs would allow her. The quiet tones of Jem's voice led her to the living room. Not wanting to be found, Tessa only peeked her head past the living room door to see them. Jem was stretched out across the couch, their baby sitting on his stomach, giving her father her full attention. He was singing to her.
Does she realize?
I awake every morning with her strength by my side
I am not a hero, I am not an angel
I am just a man
Man who's trying to love her
Unlike any other
Oh God. The love in Jem's eyes was enough to melt her heart. And his voice. Even if the lyrics were written by someone else, the honesty behind them was real. The baby was quiet, soaking up every melodic word. Her wide-eyed gaze, so bright and accepting, was too much to handle.
Was it possible? Was she really watching this moment happen? Choked up, Tessa slid to the floor, leaning against the door frame. Before she knew it, tears rolled down her cheeks. This was what happiness meant to her, to Jem. To start a family together and watch their child grow...Tessa could only have dreamed of this before. But this was all real, as real as falling asleep every night listening to Jem's heartbeat and the pin-feather softness of her daughter's hair.
"Tessa?" Jem was kneeling beside her, cradling the baby in his arms. "Are you alright, qin ai de*?"
"Never better." Tessa smiled. She was more than alright. Jem joined her on the floor, sitting cross-legged. The baby sat contentedly in his lap, her eyes darting between her parents when they spoke.
"Josh Groban fan, much?" she teased when her head was finally comfortable on his shoulder. A long curl slipped in front of Tessa's ear, blocking his view of her grey eyes, and he gently tucked it back into place.
"Of sorts. That song has been stuck in my head for days now. I thought I'd try something to get it out before it drives me insane."
"Did it work?" she asked, as she clasped his hand, giving it a squeeze.
"No." Jem laughed. "In fact, I have the urge to sing it every day now. I think she'd like it, wouldn't you, Lottie?"
Baby Charlotte wasn't paying attention anymore. She just smiled between her fingers she was sucking on.
*my love
I just want Jem and Tessa to have kids in The Dark Artifices so badly!
And the wait continues.