Chapter Twenty Five

Time Jump-One Month Later

Clary POV:

Today was the day that Simon was deploying and Izzy was a complete mess. But she wasn't the only one. Turns out Jordan was also deploying, and Maia wasn't doing too well either. I felt incredibly bad for both of them because I had never experienced the other end of deployment. Sure, I would see Jace before I would board the plane, but I never sat down with someone who was facing such a scary situation. Jace and I were standing back while Izzy said goodbye to Simon and while Maia and Bat said goodbye to Jordan. Being pregnant didn't help because it just made me that much more emotional. I buried my head into Jace's chest and let out a couple tears while he held Jenna and I held Carter's hand. This was tough, and I have no idea how they are doing it. I looked up at Jace and he just smiled down at me.

"I have no idea how you did it. This is really tough." I said and he let out a dry laugh.

"It was beyond tough. Watching you get on that plane and not knowing whether you'd come home. And if you want me to be completely honest, I shed a few tears that night." I couldn't help but bury my head into his chest even more. "But they can do it. I know how tough it is, but I know that Simon and Jordan will both fight their hardest to make it back." He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine, and after a couple minutes we noticed both Izzy and Maia making their way towards us. When they got to us I immediately reached for Bat and brought Maia into a hug and let her cry into my shoulder. Jace did the same thing to Izzy. She buried her head into his chest just like I had been doing and let it all out. After about 10 minutes Jace spoke up. "How about you guys stay with us tonight? I know how hard it is the first night, and sometimes being alone makes it even harder."

"I would really like that." Izzy sobbed into Jace and Maia just nodded. Once they calmed down we made our way back to our cars and headed back to our house. When we got back Maia and Izzy both walked like they were zombies. Completely drained from the day. I put Bat into the playpen with Jenna and let Carter play with his blocks. I took a seat next to Izzy and began rubbing her back.

"How long is he gone for?" I asked and she wiped her tears away.

"A year." She took a deep breath. "And I don't know what I'm going to do."

"You can do this Iz, and you always have Jace and I to lean on. You are welcome here no matter what." She gave me a huge hug and than settled back into the couch. I made my way into the kitchen to help Jace with dinner. I snaked my arms around his waist and got as close as I could while being 6 months pregnant.

"Hey baby." Jace said as he turned around and placed his hands on either side of my face. "How are they?"

"Izzy is so sad, and Maia is just kind of blank. She hasn't spoken since we got here." He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine again. "It'll be tough, but I think they can do it. It'll just take a little while for them to get used to having them gone." I nod in agreement and than we go back to fixing dinner.

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. I got the living room all situated for both of them to sleep before I put the kids down. By the time it was midnight I was sitting in bed just thinking about how Maia and Izzy could be feeling. I knew that it was tough on the end of the soldier for leave his family but I never knew just how hard it was on the other end. It truly broke my heart to see Izzy and Maia look so defeated, but I completely understand the life that we all are in, and I couldn't help but pray that Simon and Jordan make it back.

Time Jump-Three Months Later

Clary POV:

I was currently sitting in a hospital bed preparing to welcome my baby into this world. I had gone into labor at about 5 this morning and it was close to noon and the doctor said that any minute I would probably be ready to push. The past three months have been interesting, Maia had taken a couple days off to regroup herself after Jordan left and Jace completely understood, and Izzy made her way to our doorstep a couple times at odd hours in the morning. They both seemed to be doing better, and I was really happy to see them both smiling again. Especially after Izzy found out she was pregnant a month after Simon left. She was freaking out, she didn't want to have to raise their baby alone which brought back so many of her worries but so far she was handling it really well. And motherhood was looking food on her. I was ripped out of my thoughts when the doctor came in.

"Alright Clary, are you ready to push?"

"I've been ready since I found out I was pregnant." I laughed and grabbed Jace's hand.

"Alright, on the count of three. One…..two….three." I pushed my hardest and let my screams echo through the whole room. It took about 45 minutes before there were cries from someone other than me in the room. The nurses quickly whisked our baby away to clean him or her off and I just couldn't wait to hold my baby and finally see what we had. After about 5 minutes the nurse turned around to reveal a bundle of blue. I looked at Jace and he just smirked but didn't say anything. Damn him for always being right. I look back up to Jace and I couldn't keep the tears in anymore. He leaned down, kissed my check and than whispered in my ear.

"Ti amo così tanto." He kissed my cheek again and I couldn't help but smile.

"Ti amo più che avrai mai sapere." I replied as I looked down at our son again. "What should we name him?"

"I was thinking Damion. Do you like it?"

"I do. Did you think of a middle name?" I asked as I stroked my baby boys face.

"I was thinking that we could name him after one of your brothers." I sucked in a sharp breath, not expecting him to say that. "It's up to you which one you want to us. I know it's kinda hard to pick between brothers, but unless we have another son, I think you just kinda have too." He laughed and I looked down at Damion. I thought back to Jonathan and Sebastian, and all the memories that I had with both of them. Choosing was going to be hard, but deep down in my heart I knew who I wanted to pick.

"I think I figured it out. Thinking back to all the memories of Jonathan and Sebastian it's really hard to pick between the two, but I know who my heart wants me to pick." I looked down at Damion than back at Jace. "I choose Jonathan. For more reasons than one."

"And what are the reasons?" He asked as he joined me on the bed and I leaned into his side.

"Well, growing up I was clearly always the youngest, always the girl, and always being teased for many reasons. Whether it be my red hair, or how tiny I was, or just being smart. I just I always had someone picking on me, and it was Jonathan who really encouraged me to be the bigger person, and that one day all those things people were making fun of me about would be exactly what someone was looking for in a woman. And of course I was young but he was right, I mean I have you don't I?" He smiled and kissed my cheek, and I couldn't help but smile back. "Which leads into my other reason. You. I have never considered myself to be pretty, or funny, or even out going. I always thought that I was so average despite my intelligence. I wanted nothing more than to blend into the crowed and just get by without being noticed. Especially with everything that happened when I was a teenager. It wasn't until I met you that I finally started to actually like who I was, or liked the things people made fun of me for. I mean, you're constantly complimenting my hair, or telling me how much you love how tiny I am compared to you, and you love my brain. You've accepted everything about me that I used to hate. Jonathan is not just the brother who always stood by me, and helped me through some tough times, but Jonathan is also my husband who loves everything about me, and wouldn't change a single thing about me." I looked back at Damion. "And I want our son to know that he is named after two important men who really made me see the good in myself."

"I think it's absolutely perfect babe. Damion Jonathan Herondale. Doesn't sound too bad." We both looked down at our son and just filled with so much joy.

Throughout the day people were stopping in. First it was Izzy and Maia and the kids. Carter was so thrilled to meet his brother and Jenna was to young to know what was going on. Izzy and Maia both agreed to watch the kids for the rest of the day, which Jace and I were both grateful for. My parents stopped in next, and when we told them his name my mom choked up and even though my dad would never admit it, he had some tears in his eyes. Next were Jace's parents, and Max. They didn't stay long, they had to leave for France tonight but wanted to stop by and see the baby. Alec, Magnus, Will and Tessa were the last. I hadn't seen them in awhile so it was great to catch up.

"So, how is everyone doing? I feel like I haven't seen you all in forever."

"It has been forever." Tessa said. "But Will and I have some exciting news." She held up her left hand and I screamed, causing Damion to wake up and start crying. Jace took him and started to bounce him up and down while Tessa and I celebrated.

"Oh my god. That is so exciting. I'm so happy for the both of you." I couldn't contain my excitement, they both deserved this. "When did it happen?"

"Last night. We were going to call you today, but Jace said you were in labor, so we wanted to wait until you had the kid."

"Wow. I'm so excited for the both of you." I gave her one last hug before I looked at Alec. "And are you two ever getting married?" I saw Alec pale and I couldn't help but laugh.

"We'll get there. We're just taking our time." Alec said and I saw Magnus grab his hand and he instantly relaxed.

"As much as Alexander hates to admit it, having his parents approval means a lot to him, and I don't think I'm quite there for them yet." I could see the hurt in both Magnus and Alec's eyes.

"I'm really sorry, but I can see how happy you two make each other and if your parents can't see how happy and in love you are Alec, they need to get a reality check." I said and Alec gave me a small smile. But before he could say anything Jace spoke up.

"I mean, having their approval is great and all Alec, but its your life, and if they can't support you than screw them. I haven't seen you this happy in awhile, and I would hate to see your future with Magnus dependent on how fast they can get both of their heads out of their asses. I told you before man, live for you, not them."

"Thanks guys. I know it shouldn't matter as much as it does but I guess that part of me always hoped that they would approve of my spouse, and as long as I have you and Iz around, and supportive I guess that's all the approval I need." Alec said and Magnus looked like he was about to burst at the seams. "Well, congratulations on the kid, we should get going. We'll visit soon." Both Alec, and Magnus got up and gave us both hugs before exiting and Will and Tessa weren't far behind them. Damion had finally fallen asleep and Jace rejoined me on the bed, looking at him with Damion completely melted my heart and I was so excited to be going on this journey again with Jace.

Time Jump-Six Months Later

Clary POV:

Everything with Damion was fantastic, he was such a happy baby and Jenna and Carter really loved him. I now had four children to look out for during the day, but thankfully Izzy had started to come and keep me company. She said she wanted to have some experience with kids before her daughter is welcomed into the world. Surprisingly she was a natural. She was upset that Simon wouldn't be there for their daughters birth, but knowing that he would be home in four months was getting her through. Maia was also getting through, she had really thrown herself into work so that she wasn't constantly missing Jordan, and Bat was thriving. All in all, everyone was doing really well and I couldn't be happier.

I had decided that I was going to ask my commander if I could take a temporary leave from deployment in order to raise my kids. It wouldn't be forever, but I didn't want the possibility of deployment looming over my head while raising my three children. Thankfully he gave me a year to stay at home with my family, and raise my kids, and I was very thankful for that. It was nice knowing that when my phone rang it wasn't me being called off to a third world country for months on end. I was still doing my job just from home.

It was a normal Tuesday and Izzy and I were at my house watching the kids and talking when my phone rang. When I made it over and looked at the ID it was Jace.

"Hey babe, what's up?" I asked and I could immediately tell something was wrong.

"Maia is on her way home. She got a call today, Jordan has been shot, but they couldn't give her any details. She kinda lost it in the office so I told her to go straight to you."

"Oh my god. Alright, thank you for the warning."

"I gotta go, huge case. Kiss the kids for me. Love you Clare."

"I love you too." I hung up and 10 minutes later there was s pounding on my door. When I opened it up there was a frantic and completely destroyed Maia. I pulled her into a hug where she cried for about 10 minutes. When she finally calmed down, I moved her to my couch. Jenna and Bat were in the playpen, Carter was playing with his blocks and Damion was currently upstairs sleeping. After another 15 minutes she finally calmed down enough to talk. "Are you okay Maia?"

"I don't know. I just I got the call and I totally freaked. I think I scared everyone in the office. Jace was the only one who knew what to do. He gave me a hug and than told me to take the day off. He told me I could come here, and I just I don't know what to do."

"What did they tell you in the phone call?"

"They told me that Jordan had been shot, and that he was being medevac'd to a army hospital in Germany and that he would call me when he was coherent enough to. But I just what if he died? I have no idea where he was shot, or how close her was to dying, or even what the hell happened. I could have lost him."

"But you didn't. He's probably in surgery right now, and the minute he wakes up he will call you. He isn't dead Maia, and you need to stop thinking that he could have died and focus on the fact that he didn't die."

"I just don't know what I would have done if he died. I mean, I still want to have more kids. I want to be able to kiss him again; I want to grow old with him. That's why you marry someone right? To get to the ripe old ager of 97 before you kick the bucket? I don't want to lose him at 26. I can't lose him. I just I think I'll feel better once I hear his voice you know. It'll make it more real."

"I totally understand. Jace felt the same way when I was kidnapped. Once he heard my voice he knew it was actually all right. Why don't you go up and sleep on our spare bedroom. You look exhausted." She nodded and got up and kissed Bat before heading upstairs. Once she was out of sight I looked back at Izzy and sighed. "Man, I really didn't understand it until I was on this side with both of you. This really must have sucked for Jace."

"It did. He was so lost. I mean, I understand it's you, and Simon and Jordan who are risking your lives for this country but in the process we're also risking our family, our loved ones, and sometimes even our happiness when you go over there. I know I didn't know what it felt like to be married until 9 months ago, but man do I feel like I'm missing a huge chunk of who I am since Simon left. And sure it's hard for you too but that's your job, it isn't mine. We come home to a empty house every single night, sleep in an empty bed, and sit down to eat at an empty table for dinner because we married someone who's job it is to strap a gun to their chest and run into the line of fire and hoping that their brothers have their back. I listen to the news, I try not to but every now and than I hear it and I am scared shitless. I honestly don't know how you do it Clary, but I can tell you from the view point of an army wife, your job freaking sucks."

"I never had anyone before Jace, so I didn't know what it felt like to be loved the way that he loved me. So I never really knew how it felt when you were separated from the only person who made you feel whole. Leaving him behind was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I know it doesn't seem like it because we chose this life, but it sucks on our end too. Every thing about military life sucks sometimes. I mean, I never want to leave my kids, or my husband, or my friends, but I do it because I took an oath to protect this country Iz. Simon did the same thing. He had no idea he would meet you, fall in love, and have a baby on the way. I guarantee he never thought that was a possibility before joining the army. It happens, and only really strong and independent, and good-hearted people can do what you, Maia and Jace did. It takes a lot for someone to marry into this life, and trust me, it'll all be worth it when Simon gets back and holds your little girl for the first time." Izzy was rubbing her belly and trying to fight back tears.

"I know, it just really sucks that I have to do all of this alone. I mean, I really appreciate everything you, Jace, Alec and Magnus have done for me, but I just want and need Simon. I wish he was going to be in the delivery room with me, I wish he was going to be there for the first night she's home you know? It just sucks he's missing out."

"I know it does, but trust me, that little girl will have some of the best parents in the world." She smiled at me, and the tears were gone. "Do you know who is going to be in the delivery room yet?"

"My mom has been bugging me about it. She wants to be in there, but honestly, I really want Alec in there with me. Growing up we were really close, and my parents always travelled a lot so Alec and I really relied on each other. We were joined at the hip. I feel like since Simon can't be there, he's the next best thing."

"What did Alec say to that?"

"He was shocked. But he said it meant a lot to him. He promised to be by my side the whole time."

"Good. Trust me, you need someone who is willing to witness you at your absolute worst, god knows poor Jace witnessed a whole new side of me during each birth." We both laughed and continued to talk for hours until it was time for dinner. I started cooking and when I was about to go up to get Maia she was already on her way down the stairs. She looked better, and when I went to ask how she was doing she told me that Jordan had called and that he was going to be home in about a week and she more than trilled.

We all ate dinner together, and by the time 7 rolled around Maia had taken Bat home and Izzy wanted to go home so that she could wake up early and talk to Simon. After the day we all had I just didn't want to put Damion down. So instead I rocked him to sleep in my bed and when he was finally asleep, I slowly started to drift off. The next thing I know I feel Damion leave my arms and I panic and immediately wake up to see Jace holding him.

"Long day babe?"

"Very." I rub my eyes and look up at Jace and Damion.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just after today I never really realized how hard it was for you when I was deployed and I want to thank you for being strong enough to stay with me. Between getting ambushed and kidnapped, you never once thought this life would be too much."

"I love you Clary, and I couldn't picture my life without you or our kids. It never even occurred to me to leave because I already knew that I wanted you." He leaned down and kissed me. "I'm gonna go put Damion down, I'll be in bed in a half hour."

"Alright, I might be asleep by then, but I love you so much Jace. Thank you for staying." I said as I felt my eyelids closing. I was asleep before I could hear his response, but soon a felt the bed dip and I rolled over and cuddled into the side of my husband who no matter what stuck by my side, and I couldn't be more thankful for him.

Translation:

Ti amo cosi tanto - I love you so much

Ti amo piu che mai sapere - I love you more than you'll ever know