A/N: Thank you for all of the reviews and follows; they really do make my day!
Chapter 27
September 1914
"Wow Helen, the cake is beautiful," marveled Julian.
Helen smiled. "Thank you, I hope it's enough for everyone."
"With all of the other food it should be fine," said Clary.
"I'm glad we have you in the kitchen, Jules. It would have been hard to manage this between me and Clary."
"That's a lot of food for dinner," joked Jace.
"Don't be silly, Jace. It's for after the wedding," said Aline.
He ruffled her hair and she slapped his hand away. "I wonder how Lady Lily's getting along. I'd be nervous the night before my wedding," added Sophie.
Henry and Charlotte came into the room and sat down at the table. "Everything that can be done tonight is finished."
"Henry, you could have let me help. I'm pregnant, not useless."
"I know dear."
Will smiled at the couple. "That child is going to be very stubborn."
Charlotte gave him a look. "What are you implying, William?"
"What you already know."
Alec sat down and motioned for Helen, Clary and Julian to join them at the table. Everyone was now seated at the table. "Everything's going to be different tomorrow," remarked Aline.
"Well, not until Lord Alicante and Lady Lily come back, but it will be," said Cecily.
"It's like the end of an era," added Sophie.
Will stood up with his glass. "I propose a toast, to the end of the household as we know it, but to the beginning of a new era. May we all be blessed in whatever direction it takes."
-o-O-o-
"Hey Alec!" He turned around and saw Jace standing at the end of the stairs.
"Yeah?"
"I have a question, but don't laugh."
Alec crossed his arms. "Okay."
"I want to propose to Clary."
Alec smiled. "That's great. I'm happy for you."
"I'm just not sure when to do it."
"Wait until the excitement goes down. You'll do fine."
Jace grinned. "I know I will. I just wanted a second opinion."
Alec put a hand on Jace's shoulder. "I'm always here of you need another one."
-o-O-o-
"So, night before the wedding, any last minute regrets?"
Magnus rolled over to face Alec. "No, not since we got back together. Which reminds me, the honeymoon."
"What about it?"
"Aren't you coming?"
Alec shook his head. "Why would I go?"
Magnus sat up. "As a man of my social standings it would be odd if I didn't take my valet."
"Is Lily taking a lady's maid?"
Magnus paused. "Actually, no. She's very much one of those free thinkers who likes to do as many things as possible without the help of others." Alec gave him a look and Magnus rolled his eyes and fell back onto the bed. "Okay, so maybe my question answers itself. I was still holding out hope."
"It would just be too obvious. Or too awkward." Magnus leaned over kissed Alec gently. He smiled back and ran his fingers through Magnus's hair. Alec gave him a melancholy look before climbing out of the bed.
"Leaving so soon?"
"I don't feel right sleeping in bed with you the night before your wedding. I don't want to jinx your wedding," explained Alec.
"There is no way you'll jinx the wedding. Just come back here."
Alec shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Magnus."
Magnus nodded his head. "I understand."
Alec shut the door softly after himself, feeling more alone than ever before.
-o-O-o-
Alec was sitting at the table with a pack of cigarettes to his left and an ash tray to his right. He had been sitting down there since he had left Magnus in the early morning. He took another drag as he contemplated what he was going to say. He knew Magnus was right, he could have stayed, but he didn't want to do that to Magnus. He heard someone coming down the stairs and he looked up to see Helen and Clary. "Morning."
"Good morning to you too," said Clary brightly. The others began to filter down the stairs and the room began to fill with noisy clatter. Amid the noise Alec heard a bell ring and looked up to see it be Magnus's. He put his cigarette and let the room unnoticed.
A/N: We're into the homestretch guys! The next one is the last one for the season. Will the wedding go as planned or will something get in the way?
