The duo arrived in a small town. The roads were dirt that billowed up in clouds as you drove past, no matter how slow you went. The shops were quaint and family owned. The homes were vintage, but well-kept with green lawns and colorful flowers to adorn the pathways to the front doors.

As Jace drove, Clary pointed out homes where friends had lived, or where the best parties had been held. She pointed out where she and her cousins would hang out, and where Jon had been caught doing the most unsaintly of things. She'd always chuckle and get a misty look in her eyes, as if she could see those young children again, with simple lives and childish dreams.

They drove through the town and Jace noticed as the houses grew larger, their lawns more manicured, the architecture more regal. Clary told him to turn left. They drove for what seemed like forever, the car shaded by huge trees lining the road. They came up to a Victorian looking home. (AN: Think of Forest Gump's house)

"This is it," Clary told him. Only then did Jace notice the freshly painted sign swinging in the slight breeze, declaring the building to be a bed and breakfast.

"That's all they really have around here," she explained as she hopped down from the passenger seat.

"It's perfect," he smiled as he went around to meet her in front of the trunk. Before she could even reach up to get her luggage, Jace had taken hers in one hand and his in the other.

"Show off," she chuckled, pushing him slightly in the torso.

"Just grab the door, sweetheart," Jace cooed. Clary jogged ahead of him, opening the front door as he ambled up behind her, sweeping into the entryway. There was a large staircase leading up to what he assumed to be bedrooms. Clary gestured for him to follow her as she walked down a short hallway, light filtering in from the windows lining the left side.

They ended in a brightly lit den, the outer walls littered with plush couches and dainty side tables. They were greeted by a sweet looking older woman, her gray hair in a bun at the nape of her neck with wispy hairs falling around her heart shaped face.

"Oh, Clary dear!" she called as she dropped her feather duster and rushed over to hug Clary. She didn't just hug her either. Her arms coiled tightly and she rocked the petite girl from side to side, prompting Jace to chuckle. When the woman released Clary, the ginger girl whipped around and glared at him. That's when the woman noticed Jace standing in the doorway, "Sweetheart! Come in, relax!" she exclaimed as she went up and began squeezing at Jace's cheeks, "Any friend of Clary's is a friend of mine,"

"I've missed you Imogen," Clary chuckled, coming up to place hand on the woman's shoulder.

"Oh, when your mother told me you were coming, I was so excited. Isn't nice your brother is getting married, and to such a nice girl too," then she turned back to Jace, "he was quite the heartbreaker you know," then she seemed to consider Jace's presence, "You must be special if our Clary brought you home,"

"OKAY, Imogen," Clary cut in, her cheeks stained red, "we really have to get ready for the rehearsal dinner tonight," she told the woman, Imogen, "You'll be there, right?"

"Of course, of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world" she smiles. She digs a softly wrinkled hand into her apron pocket and produces a small silver key, "You're the first room on the right, straight up the stairs," she smiles, pressing the key into Clary's palm.

"I'm Jace by the way, it was a pleasure to meet you," Jace gently takes Imogen's hand and places a kiss to her knuckles.

"Oh, dear, you're such a ham," she patted his cheek and then dropped a wink to Clary before returning to what she'd been doing before they arrived.

As they trekked up the stairs, Clary giggled.

"What?" Jace smiled a little confused, unsure what was so funny.

"You're just adorable," she chuckled, "a real ham," then she had to stifle her round of laughter in her hand.

"You're just jealous because you're not a ham," Jace chuckled as he set their luggage down just inside the door of their room.

"Actually, I'm a peach, or a doll, depending on how Imogen felt that day,"

"Well lucky you," Jace muttered, "Who is she anyway?"

"Just a family friend, she went to school with my grandparents," she told him as she kicked off her shoes and began rummaging in her suitcase. Jace did as well, searching for a suitable outfit for the rehearsal dinner, hoping nothing had gotten too wrinkled in his suitcase.

When he heard a frustrated grunt from Clary, he turned around to see her in only her tank top and underwear, glaring down at two articles of clothing, one in each fist.

"What's wrong babe?" he asked, coming to stand in front of her.

"Casual or fancy?" she asked, holding up on fist full of fabric for each option.

"I don't know, fancy I guess," Jace shrugged, unsure how to help with such minimal information.

"I'm just really nervous," Clary sunk down on the edge of the bed and stared at the clothes in her hands.

"I know," Jace whispered, "I think the real question is, how do you want your family to see you after so long?" he asked her. With a moment of speculation, a smile grew on her face. Clary turned and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"You're a genius, thank you," then she rushed over to her suitcase, throwing both options down as she yanked another free. The dark blue caught Jace's eye, but that's all he could see before she was sliding past him, "I'll be ready in a minute," she then disappeared into the bathroom. Jace simply shook his head and began looking through his own case, a slight smile reaching his lips as his cheeks tingled.

Clary

It was perfect. I hadn't been sure if this dress would see the light of day on this trip, but now I was glad I packed it. It was royal blue, the top flowing. It had a slit down the back which showed creamy white skin if I moved just right while the front dipped down in a v. Unlike the top, the bottom cinched at my waist and hugged my hips and legs all the way down to just above my knee.

Satisfied with the perfect dress, I decided to set my hair in hot rollers, imagining the large soft curls the rollers could produce. With my hair set, I walked out of the bathroom. I was met with a confused looking Jace in only his boxers.

When I emerged, he looked up and smiled, his eyes scanning my frame.

"Are you sure you've never had a boyfriend?" he chuckled, coming up to wrap his arms around my waist. When his pinky dips into the slit at my back, he raises an eyebrow before sliding his hand gingerly under the fabric, his touch warm to my cool skin, causing me to shiver.

"Only you," I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck. He nuzzles his nose into my neck and sighs.

"I miss your hair," he whispers, causing me to laugh.

"I still have hair, you know,"

"I do, but I miss feeling it down," he moans, stepping back. He offers a cheeky grin before bopping me on the nose. He goes back to looking at the selections he laid out on the bed, occasionally looking back to me.

"Decision made," he finally declared.

"Congratulations," I chuckle, walking away to grab my makeup bag. I settle in at the small vanity in the corner of the room, deciding how to do my makeup. I go with simple liner and a deep red lip. Turning back to Jace, I see him dressed, sliding on his socks and shoes. He looks good in beige dress pants and a light blue dress shirt that offsets his golden skin and the hair that falls against the collar.

He looks up as he ties his shoe and smiles, "You look beautiful," he tells me. I simply smile back and turn around. I see him continue to stare at me through the mirror. I meet his eyes.

"You look very handsome," he beams at my words, "My aunts will be all over you," I chuckle, feeling if my rollers have cooled enough for me to take them out.

"Well, all Jon's friends will surely be after the hot New York artist, regardless if you're their friends kid sister," Jace retorts, his eyes sparking.

"Lord, I hope not," I groan. Last I checked, the single ones were the worst our town had to offer, hence why they were still very, irrevocably single.

I uncoil the rollers from my hair, satisfied with the soft, bouncy curls they form. I simple fluff them up then go in search for shoes to match. I settle on a pair of nude shoes I brought, slipping them onto my feet.

"Ready?" I ask Jace, whose laying on the bed, him phone held in his hands.

"Yeah," he replies, turning of the device, "My friend just texted to say everything was well at my apartment," I nod and look around for my own phone. When I find it, I realize the absence of pockets, so I walk up to Jace and slid it into his back pocket.

"At least take me out to dinner first," he mutters into my neck before I can pull away.

"Will a kiss suffice?" I question, tapping my finger to my chin. He catches my hand and looks down at the turpentine toughened, paint splattered fingers, smiling fondly.

"What have you been painting lately that has so much gold?" he inquires, looking up with a challenging grin.

"A super-hot guy from back home," I reply coolly, coiling my arms around his neck.

"Hmm," he hums, placing his hands over my hips. In these shoes, we are nearly nose to nose, "He must be pretty special if you want to paint him,"

"Oh, he is," I place a warm kiss to his waiting lips. It stays calm and comforting, any residual anxiety from earlier today dripping away, at least for a blissful moment.

"I don't want to be late," he finally groans, pulling away. He grabs his car keys and wallet from the small table beside the door before holding his hand out for my own.

I take it and he leads me out the room, which I lock just in case Imogen has any other borders tonight. We descend the stairs together in a comfortable silence, until we are met with an empty landing. Taped to the front door, there's a small note. I notice Imogen's loopy cursive and pluck the note from the door.

Didn't want to rush you, but I had to go help set up for tonight. I will see my peach and ham tonight. - Imogen

Jace, who had been reading over my shoulder chuckles, "I guess you're a peach today,"

"I guess so," with that, we leave the little bed and breakfast, heading towards Jace's truck that has never looked more in its element. We hop in, the action much easier in such tall shoes, and buckle our seatbelts. Jace reaches out once more for my hand as he starts the engine.

"Ready?" he asks as the ac blows across his face, ruffling his hair slightly.

"As I'll ever be,"

Jace

Clary had never told me she was rich.

Or rather her parents were rich.

We had driven for about ten minutes when we came across a full on estate. I had nearly driven right past it when Clary told me to turn. A sign adorned the front walkway.

Fairchild-Morgenstern Plantation Est.1882

I tried to keep my face impassive as we drove down the mile long driveway lined in weeping willows. I didn't dare utter a word until I felt Clary's eyes burning a hole into my cheek. I chanced a glance over to see her worrying her lip between her teeth. I untangle out fingers and softly reach up, freeing the flesh with my thumb.

"I like all the trees, I've never seen anything like this in New York," I offer a reassuring smile. I hear her soft sigh and then she begins to speak.

"My family is from old money. My great great great grandfather ran a cotton plantation and owned a few stores in the town, selling cloth and things like that. The Fairchilds and Morgensterns have been marrying each other for generations," she recited the information with such detachment It was as if she was giving a history lesson, rather than speaking of her own blood.

"So what are you doing with me?" I attempt to joke, but my mind does nag at me, wondering where she came up with the surname Fray. I pull into what appears to be an entire parking lot, finding a spot in the shade of the trees. I kill the engine and look over to Clary. She has a sad look on her face.

"I would have married a Fairchild, if I hadn't left," then she's out of the car, leaving me speechless.

I scramble out as well, grasping for any bit of composure to craft a disarming response.

"Well," I begin as I saddle up beside her. I offer her my arm, which she takes, "I'm glad you left then," She smiles warmly at me before looking back up to the mansion looming up before us. Music is pouring from inside as well as laughter and what I assume would be well wishes. Clary takes a deep breath then begins walking forward.

There's no going back now.

Third Person

The duo stepped up to the front door and Clary paused. No normal person knocks on the front door of their home. But this wasn't really her home anymore, was it? Just as the battle warred on in her mind, her fist hovering over the cherry wood, the door swung open and she was being pulled away from Jace and into a warm chest.

"You really came," the chest rumbled and Clary hugged back, knowing it was Jonathan, the brother she had left behind. The brother she hadn't seen in years. The brother she'd nearly forgotten what he looked like.

"Of course I did," she mumbled back, pulling back slightly to look up into his face, attempting to rememorize every dip and plane. Every shade of skin and eye and lip in the fading sunlight.

She turned her head when she noticed something behind her had caught her brother's attention. Jace stood there slightly awkward, a muscle twitching in his jaw as Clary stood in the mystery man's arms. Clary found it rather comical.

So she laughed and laughed as she pulled further away and took a hold of Jace's forearm, pulling him with her into the door's threshold.

"Jace, this is Jon, my big brother," she motioned to the white blond man who offered a wave and grin, "Jon, this is Jace…my boyfriend," she smiled up at him as she said the novice word. He smiled back down at her, one arm looping around her waist, causing their hips to kiss. His other hand reached out and took Jon's outstretched one.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, congratulations on your engagement," Jace said benevolently, his signature grin adorning his features.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," he grinned impishly, "I've never been able to fulfill my brotherly duties of sharing all of Clarissa's most embarrassing anecdotes with her boyfriend before. Do know I have been looking forward to this day her whole life," Jace chuckles along with Jon's antics.

"Well, where's my future sister in law?" Clary muses, looking around the entry way that devoid of any other people.

"Attempting to survive mom, aunt Maryse and Isabelle all at once," Jon smiled.

"Ooo, and you left her," Clary winced, "That's stone cold big brother, stone cold,"

"She'll survive," he waved his hand fillapently, "You always did,"

"Barely," Clary muttered, "Where's dad then?"

"Out back, seeking quite," Jon jerks his head to the back door. Clary nods and looks up at Jace before smiling. Jace offers a smile of his own, though he does feel a sense of worry well into his stomach.

"I think I'll go say hi to him," Clary tells her brother, tugging Jace along.

They're able to evade any other family members on their trek to the back door. They are greeted by the sunset and rapidly cooling evening air. Clary could see the shed's light on and she knew where her father was. Where he always was when the entire family got together.

"Do you think he'll like me?" Jace suddenly asks, his feet halting nay progress to the shed. His eyes dart nervously in his head as Clary looks back at him.

Placing a hand to his cheek, she rubs soothing circles over his cheekbone, "I have no doubt in my mind he will love you," she whispers, placing a chaste kiss to his lips. It does the trick, loosening his tense muscles. When he seems ready to go, Clary continues their walk down the cobblestone path, conscious not to trick over the uneven pavement.

Coming to the shed's door, she knocks lightly.

"I'll be in soon Jocelyn," a voice calls tiredly.

"It's me dad, Clary," she calls back. They hardly hear a sound before the door is swinging open and Clary is pulled into yet another man's chest, the arms far thicker and broader than her brother's, but no less comforting.

"Oh, my sweet girl," he mutters as he kisses the crown of her head, "You've finally come back," he smiles, patting her back. He holds her by her shoulders at arm's length, "You look beautiful, sweetheart, just like your mother," he beams. Then his eyes notice a shadow beside his daughter's and his own and looks up to meet its owner.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Jace Wayland," he offers his hand, which the older man takes. His handshake is firm, but Jace holds his own, offering a warm grin.

"I'm valentine Morgenstern, and I have killed a man with this very hand," His face is a blank slate and Jace internally flinches as Clary gasps.

"Dad!" she exclaims, looking apologetically at Jace before glaring up at her father, "He's only kidding,"

"You know, I did have a life before I was married," he mused.

"But you never killed anyone," she hisses.

"I suppose you're right," he agrees, "I let your mother do it for me," this time he smiles back before beginning to laugh. It's a warm sound that seems to rumble up from his very soul, "I'm only joking of course, It's nice to meet you Jace," He releases the boy's hand and looks to his daughter.

"I assume this is the boyfriend your brother had been blabbering about," Valentine inquires.

She nods her head before muttering, "I never said he was my boyfriend,"

"Oh really, because Jon just sent a message in the rehearsal dinner group message. The entire family is hunting you down right now," Valentine fishes his phone from his pocket and shows it to his daughter.

Jon- CLARY'S HERE! I REPEAT, CLARY'S HERE! AND SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND

"Wonderful," she sighs, handing the phone to Jace who only chuckles before returning it to Valentine.

"You can hide in here with me, but only for so long," Valentine offers.

"No, we might as well go face the music," Clary rolls her eyes smiling.

"I'll see you both at dinner then," Valentine smiles at his daughter and claps Jace on his shoulder. Jace nods and as Clary is about to turn to walk back to the house, Valentine stops her. Her stoops down to whisper for only her to hear.

"I like this boy, I don't know what it is, but there's something I see in him I like," he tells her, glancing at the patiently waiting man on the path.

"I'm glad, because I really like him too," then she rejoins Jace to go face the rest of her family.

Clary

It was naïve of me to think we could make it five steps into the house before being swarmed. I had never realized just how much like wild animals the women of my family were.

Between to huge hugs and sticky kisses and platters of food being shoved in our faces, Jace and I left the circle looking a little more than disheveled. I was attempting to swipe red lips from Jace's cheek as he simply stands patiently. I can see the laughter in his eyes, which makes me laugh right along. I think he secretly loved all the women swooning over him. A voice is suddenly cleared behind me.

I turn and Jace simply looks over my shoulder. Standing there, looking as much like southern royalty as she always has is my mother.

"Oh Clarissa," her voice is a breath as soft and comforting as a light spring breeze, "How I've missed you," she comes closer and pulls me into her chest. But unlike my brother or father, it's almost in a protective manner, all softness and warmth. She smells sweeter, as if she's just run through fields of honey and wildflowers. I can almost believe we care so deeply for each other. That this isn't all a front for the prying eyes. But I let her act, for now.

"Mother," I say simply, pulling away after a few moments, retreating to stand beside Jace, who immediately places an arm around my waist, dropping a kiss to my temple. "This is Jace, my boyfriend," I introduce.

Her eyes drift lazily to the golden young man beside me, letting them drift over his body in an unimpressed fashion. I feel him starting to go restless under her scrutiny. Then she breaks out in a grin, clapping her hands together. "Ah, this is the boy your brother was speaking about," she throws a grin at Jace before extending her hand.

"I'm Jocelyn Fairchild-Morgenstern," she says. Jace takes her hand in his own softly and drops a kiss to her knuckles as he did with Imogen.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, your home is lovely, as is your family that I've had the honor to meet," He flashes a dazzling grin and I find myself suddenly remembering. Jace does this for a living. Meets the family and friends. Makes the mothers swoon and grannies blush. And he was damn good at it.

Jocelyn squints her eyes, as if she doesn't trust such a composed man, compared to her own son and his friends whom could only be described as wild.

But, the ever perfect host, all she says is, "Thank you, we should all begin heading into the dining room for dinner" then she sashays off and we both release a breath we had been holding in. We burst into giggles like the children we are.

"Isn't she horrible?" I ask, trying to stifle my laughs in his chest when people begin to stare.

"Oh no," he begins sarcastically, rubbing down my bare back, "She was simply a peach," that only causes me to laugh harder. Deciding we have a little time, I grab onto Jace's hand and lead him to the nearby staircase.

"Would you like to see my childhood room?" I ask, stepping onto the first step so for a fleeting moment I'm taller than Jace. He looks up at me and nods, smiling.

"I would, and it's kind of nice seeing you from this angle," he chuckles as I jab him in the chest, running up the steps. I hear his swift footfalls following me up and down the hard wood hallway. I skid to a halt, causing him to clobber into me. We stumble slightly, but I grab a hold of the door handle in time to steady myself.

"Here it is," I exclaim, throwing the door open. It looks the same as it always has…minus my brother and some girl laying on my bed making out.

I squeal and scramble out, pushing Jace out the room in the process, before slamming the door shut again.

"What? Has that never happened to you before?" he smirks, going to lean against the wall across from my door.

"All the time, but that was when I still lived here. I've lived alone for years, hence no kissing people in my bed," I wave a hand helplessly at my closed door.

"Well, I vote that we wait and simply stare at them when they come out until they look uncomfortable," Jace says coolly, eyes sparkling.

"I second that vote," I reply, crossing my arms like him, mimicking his stance against the wall. As we wait, he bumps my hip with his own. My head snaps over to look at him, but his face is simply trained on my door, stone still.

I bump him this time and see the faintest of grins reach his lips. When he bumps me again, I go flying, and Jace roars with laughter as I steady myself against the wall. I push him as hard as I can. I'm thoroughly satisfied when he stumbles a few steps away.

"Truce," he holds up his hands before holding one out to shake.

"Truce," I parrot, placing my hand in his. He uses it to pull me closer, and begins kissing from my knuckles up my palm to my wrist where he nibbles softly. Suddenly the door opens and our heads snap up.

A rather red cheeked girl walks out, trying to hide behind my brother's hulking figure. All I can see are her chestnut curls and the long fingered hand in my brother's.

"Hold on," I place a hand on my brother's chest, halting any progression. He doesn't meet my eyes, "Is this your fiancée?" I ask.

"Obviously," he rolls his eyes.

"Well, it's not like I've even seen a picture or anything," with a huff, I shove my brother to the side so I'm standing face to face with the girl. She doesn't meet my eye either and she seems nervous, or scared. Like a little bird. Not Jon's usual type.

I feel the need to take that look from her face, so I crack a smile before speaking, "Is my brother as bad of a kisser as I've heard?" I snicker, earning an indignant gasp from Jon.

The girl's head snaps up and I'm met with twinkling hazel eyes, "Worse," she grins. She's pretty when she smiles.

I link my arm with hers as begin walking towards the staircase, "I'm not surprised. I got all the talent of the family," I toss a wink back at the boys when I hear Jace mutter an agreement.

"I'm Scarlett by the way, you must be Clary. Jon talks about you a lot," she says it so softly I almost don't hear her.

"It's nice to meet you, Angel bless you for dealing with my brother," I chuckle. She laughs along with me, a light honeyed sound that brings new life to her features.

"I love that bonehead," she says wistfully before flashing me an impish grin. I'm going to like this girl.

"Me too," I reply.