Twenty Third One Shot:
Maid
Clary POV:
"So it says here you graduated high school a year early, and were one of the top students in your year." The woman says, and I smile.
"Yes ma'am. Education is very important to me." I said.
"So why is an 18 year old with such incredibly grades interviewing to be a maid?"
"I'll spare you the sob story." I started and she held her hand up to stop me.
"I'd like to hear the sob story. You seem to have such a bright future ahead of you."
"My dad died 3 years ago, and my moms an alcoholic, and is hooked on drugs. I have a 4 year old brother who depends on me. I graduated early so I could take care of him. My last job closed. I need this job." I said. I knew I sounded desperate, but that's what I was.
"I like you. I think you'd be a good fit for Jace. Do you know anything about him?" She asks and I shake my head. "He's a 23 year old CEO, of Herondale Industries. His parents died when he was young and he bounced around from foster home to foster home. He struggled to get his way up to the top, and he's an extremely proud man. Sometimes his ego can get a bit large, but underneath the hard exterior, he's really a great guy. Your job with entail getting here at 5 am, getting his coffee and breakfast ready. Cleaning the house, every inch of it. Being here for any delivery, or person that drops by to give him something. You'll start dinner at 5:30, so it's ready by 6 for him. He'll eat in 10-15 minutes, you'll clean up and go home." She said and it seemed like a lot but the money was worth it.
"I can do that." I said and she smiled.
"Than, Clarissa Fray, you got the job." She said and I smiled so much.
"Thank you so much. When do I start?"
"Tomorrow. Since it's the middle of the week, you'll get in the habit of it the rest of the week and than be good."
"Do I work weekends?"
"No. Jace doesn't want help on weekends. He's a bachelor, so weekends he brings girls back. Trust me, you don't want to witness that." She said as she stood and I followed.
"Thank you so much." I said and we shook hands, gave me the address, and I went to the bus stop and waited for my bus home. I was excited to start this new job.
Jace POV:
When I got home from work Camille was sitting in my living room waiting for me, and she scared the hell out of me.
"Jesus Camille, you couldn't have texted me?"
"I like to watch you scream like a girl." She said and I put my stuff down on the table and met her in the living room. "I found a maid."
"Really? Someone lives up to your high expectations?" I said and she laughed.
"She's great."
"Tell me a little bit about her."
"She's 18, she graduated high school early. She's extremely smart, and I really hard worker."
"She's 18?" I said. "Come on Camille, there has to be something wrong with her. If she's so smart, why would she go to college?"
"Her little brother depends on her to survive. She graduated early so she could provide for him. I think she will be good for you. At least give here a chance."
"Alright, I trust you. I'll give her a chance." I said and she smiled. She left shortly after that and I was left to my thoughts. Who knew what his new maid was going to be like, but I was intrigued.
Time Jump - Next Day
Jace POV:
I was woken up by the amazing smell of coffee and French toast. I groggily got out of bed and made my way into the kitchen. When my vision finally came into focus, I saw a petite redhead standing in my kitchen. I cleared my throat and she turned around and smiled.
"Good morning! I'm Clary, and I'm your new maid." She said and I guess if she was good enough for Camille she was good enough for me. "I hope you don't mind, I didn't know what you'd like so I made French toast but if you want something else I can totally make it." She said and I laughed.
"No need. I like French toast." I said as I took my seat. She put a plate of French toast in front of me and it looked amazing. She gave me a cup of coffee and the creamer and sugar.
"Do you mind if I have a cup? It was a really early morning for me." She asks and I smile.
"Of course. Help yourself." I said and she grabbed a cup and poured it and started drinking. "How do you drink it black?"
"I guess I got used to it. We didn't have enough money for milk or creamer, so it was black or nothing, and I can't survive without coffee." She said and I totally understood that. I finished my breakfast and my coffee and stood up.
"Thank you for breakfast. It was very good. I'll be in the shower." I said and walked away.
I turned on the water and blasted my music. I was in there for maybe 15 minutes when I heard the door open and than close again. I didn't think anything of it and continued my shower. When I stepped out I grabbed my towel, that was amazingly warm and wrapped it around myself. After I got dressed I walked back into the living room and saw Clary straightening up the living room. I guess she heard my footsteps because she greeted my by the door. She was starting at me and I tried to keep the sarcastic remark to myself but I just couldn't.
"I know I'm stunningly attractive but it's not polite to stare." I smirked but she gave me back a sassy smile herself and laughed.
"As much as I would love to give you a sarcastic remark back, you're my boss and that would be unprofessional. I was staring because your tie is crooked." She said and I looked down. Damn she was right. "Let me." She said and she stepped closer. She smelled like strawberries and coffee. When she stepped away a part of me missed her smell and the warmth that radiated off her body. "Much better. Do you have an special food you'd like for dinner?"
"For some reason I really want chicken." I said and she laughed.
"Chicken it is than. Have a good day!" She said as I opened the door and left. I liked Clary, and I was curious to see where this went.
Time Jump - Six Months Later
Clary POV:
Working for Jace had been great. We had a routine down, and it was very efficient. Some days he even let me go early so that I could rest. He was a great boss, and I can only imagine how his actual employees were treated. Today was one of those days where I was left off early. It was only 3:45 and I had just picked Devon up from his daycare. When I got there he ran into my legs and I couldn't help but smile. He was honestly everything to me. I don't know what I'd do without him.
"Clary?" He asked as I tucked him into bed.
"Yea bud?"
"Do you think mommy will ever get better?" She asked and I internally groaned.
"I don't think so buddy. She's very sick."
"Can't she just take some medicine?" She asked and I laughed. Children are so innocent.
"I wish. Mom has to want to get better, and she doesn't want that." I said as I kissed his forehead. "I love you Devon."
"I love you too Clary." He said as he yawned and closed his eyes. I went back to the kitchen and started cleaning up when the front door slammed opened. I went out to see who it was and it was a bunch of moms junkie friends. I rolled my eyes and went back to the kitchen trying to ignore them.
An hour later the whole house smelled like weed, and when I went to confront them about it, they were snorting cocaine off the table, and my mom was shooting up heroin. I ran back to the room Devon and I share, packed a bag for us, picked Devon up and left out the back door. Of course it would be pouring tonight. I ran to the bus stop and sat down with Devon on my lap, we were done living that life, I was going to make sure Devon never had to watch that horrible woman destroy herself the way I had to.
Jace POV:
It was after midnight when I was woken up by my doorbell. I don't know who the hell would wake me up at this hour but they were going to get a piece of my mind when I opened that door. When I reached the door I was prepared to let it blow but when I opened it, a drenched and sad looking Clary was standing there holding a little boy. Every mean thing I was about to say suddenly left my head when I motioned for her to come in. She walked over to the couch and put the boy down and faced me.
"I'm so sorry to come here at this hour like this, but I had no where else to go." She said as she started crying.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Are you okay?" I said as I stepped closer to her.
"I didn't want him to see it. It would break him. He thinks she can get better." She said and I was about to ask what she was talking about when the boy moved and woke up.
"Clary?" He asked and she walked over to him.
"Hey bud. I'm sorry about that." She said and she brushed his hair away from his eyes.
"Where are we?"
"You know that job I've had for awhile?" She asks and he nods. "Where at that mans house. Mom was having one of her nights and we couldn't stay." She said and this little boy, who looked no more than 5, completely understood.
"I'm tired." He said and Clary nodded.
"I promise, we'll find somewhere else in the morning, but can we stay for the night?" She asked and I just couldn't say no.
"Of course. There are plenty of spare room." Clary picked up the boy, and started walking to one of the rooms. I went into my room and found some extra clothes for them. I went to the room she picked, knocked and than entered. "I grabbed you some dry clothes." I said and she smiled.
"Thank you." She said and I walked out and closed the door but lingered for a moment. For some reason I was just really curious. After a minute I heard Clary begin to speak.
"Hey bud, let me get you out of those wet clothes and into something dry." She said and I guess he agreed. A couple minutes later she was talking again. "I'm really sorry about tonight Devon."
"Was it bad?"
"It was really bad. Her friends were over and everything."
"Why doesn't she want to get better?"
"I told you Devon, she's sick. She has to want to get better. She's an addict. Addicts generally don't change."
"Can you tell me a story?"
"What story?"
"Can you tell me what you do here?"
"Of course. I get here really early in the morning, and I start breakfast."
"What do you make?"
"Depends on the day. Normally French toast, or pancakes, or eggs, sometimes I get fancy though and I make a little bit of everything. His favorite I've noticed is French toast." She said and I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face.
"How can you tell?"
"Well, it's the only meal he fully eats." She said and I thought about it, and she was right, I really did eat everything when she made French toast. "Than he takes a shower, and he averages about a 20 minute shower, so after 15 minutes I go in and place a towel on the sink ledge."
"Why doesn't he get one himself?" The boy asked and now I was a little curious.
"He does but I put it in the dryer for 15 minutes so that once he's done its extra warm for him."
"Just like you do for me!" He says and I just I couldn't help but feel differently towards Clary. This girl was 18 years old, and she was completely amazing. She was beautiful, and sweet, caring, and just about everything you look for in a women.
"Alright Devon, it's late, you should really get some sleep."
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course bud."
"Clary." He said once more in a very sleepy voice.
"Yea Dev?"
"Happy birthday." He said and I heard her laugh. Tomorrow was going to be her day off. I wasn't allowing her to work on her birthday.
"Thank you." She said and than the light went off and I walked back to my room. I learned a lot about Clary tonight, and I loved what I learned.
Clary POV:
I woke up when I heard my phone buzzing. I blindly started looking for it on the night stand but realized that I had left it in the living room. I got out of bed and ran into the living room, clearly not focusing on anything because I was barely dressed, but the house was extremely warm so I didn't care. I got to my phone right on time and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Is this Clarissa Fray?" The man on the other end of the line said.
"Yes, this is she."
"We regret to inform you that your mother Jocelyn Fray was found this morning, unconscious in her home. She was transported to the hospital when she was pronounced dead. I'm so sorry." He said and I think my legs gave out but before I hit the ground there were hands wrapped around my waist. I looked up to see Jace standing above me. "Clarissa? Are you still there?"
"Yea. I'm still here. Can you tell me how it happened?" I said and Jace's hands were still wrapped around my waist, and I couldn't help the familiar feeling that his hands brought.
"She OD'd on a combination of cocaine, and heroin." He said, and although I'm not surprised it doesn't stop the tears to form in my eyes. By this time Jace had moved me to the couch and we were siting there, and his hand was still wrapped around my waist. "We need you to come down to the hospital an identify the body."
"Okay, I'll be there within the next hour." I said and he said goodbye and I hung up. I put my phone down and rested my head in my hands. We sat there for a few moments and I couldn't tell Jace was curious but he was giving me time to collect my thoughts. When I finally looked at him in the eyes and opened my mouth someone else spoke.
"Clary?" I heard, and when I turned around Devon was standing there.
"Devon." I said and he was rubbing his eyes, clearly he was still tired. "Can you come here for a moment?" I asked and he made his way over to me. I picked him up and sat him on my lap and leaned back against the couch.
"Are you okay? You look upset."
"I just got a really bad call buddy." I said and he sat up and looked at me.
"Is it mommy?"
"Yea buddy."
"Is she okay?"
"No buddy. She isn't. She got carried away last night, and she was taken to the hospital, and she didn't make it." I said and he started crying. I pulled him close to me and rubbed his back, and before I could process what was happening, Jace pulled me close to him and I leaned my head on his shoulder until Devon calmed down. Devon ended up crying himself to sleep. I looked down at the sweet boy in my arms and than back to Jace. "I'm really sorry about this." I said and he started shaking his head.
"Don't worry about it. So you need to go to the hospital?" He asks and I nod. "I'm giving you the day off, and I'm also taking the day. I'll watch Devon while you're gone."
"You don't have to do that Jace."
"Nonsense. You have had a rough day, and I've built up enough time off that I can afford to take the day."
"You're really the best boss ever." I said as I stood up with Devon. "I'm going to go put him back to sleep." I said and Jace nodded. I stood up, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you Jace." I said and he smiled. I walked back to the room where we slept last night and tucked Devon in, this wasn't the way I wanted to spend my birthday, but I wasn't going to let Devon know how much I was dreading what comes next.
Jace POV:
After Clary went to put Devon down I couldn't help but press my fingers to the spot on my cheek where she kissed. When her lips met my cheek it was like a serge of energy went through my whole body. I've never felt something like that before. I've been with my fair share of women and none of them have ever given me that type of reaction. A few moments later Clary walks back out of the room.
"Alright, he's asleep, but I wouldn't be surprised if he woke up soon. He normally doesn't sleep well or long after he cries himself to sleep." She said.
"It's happened before?"
"Often. He hasn't had the best up bringing. I've tried to shield him from that world as much as I can, but sometimes things slip, and I can't protect him from everything." She said and I just nod. "I don't plan on being gone longer than necessary, but with the bus schedule I might get stuck."
"You don't have a car?"
"No. I've been taking the bus here since I was hired."
"Do you know how to drive?" I ask and she shakes her head.
"My dad died a couple years ago, and my mom was either wasted, or higher than a kite, and I was so focused on Devon that I never took time to focus on myself."
"I can have someone take you to the hospital. It'll be a lot quicker." I said and I could see some light come back into her eyes.
"That would be great." She said and I walked over to the intercom system.
"Chad, I have a job for you. Get the car ready, and be out front in 3 minutes." I said and he said 'you got it' back and I went back to Clary. "Alright, Chad, my driver, should be out side waiting for you." I said and she walked over towards me, got on her tippy toes and pressed her lips to my cheek again.
"Thank you. For everything." She said. She grabbed her belongings, and headed for the door. I walked back into the living room and called Camille.
"Hello?"
"Hey Camille, I just wanted to call and tell you that I won't be in the office today."
"Jace, you have 4 meetings today, you can't just bail."
"Cancel them all. I have more important things to do today."
"Like what Jace? Work has always come first for you."
"Clary showed up at my place after midnight last night with her little brother, and she found out this morning that her mom died last night. She had to go to the hospital to identify the body, so I'm watching her little brother."
"Oh my god. That's horrible." She said and I sigh. "Is there something more going on Jace?"
"As a thank you she kissed my cheek." I said and Camille laughed.
"So? It was a way of showing her gratitude." She said and I shook my head.
"That's not the part that confusing me. When her lips met my cheek I felt something I've never felt anything like it before." I said and I heard Camille gasp. "What?"
"You have feelings for her don't you?" She asked and I took a moment to think about it and I realized that over the past 6 months she's been working for me, I've been a lot happier and a lot nicer than I normally am. Before I could speak Camille started talking again. "I can see it Jace. You're a lot nicer around the office, and you always come in with a smile on your face. For the past 6 years that I've known you, I have never known you to be so cheerful. I mean last week you actually laughed at that stupid joke Paul tells in the beginning of occur meetings. That never happens." She said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"She's just so different. She's funny, and caring, and sarcastic. She's an amazing cook, and she keeps my place in order just the way I like it, and she's always smiling and the way she is with her brother, man it just makes her so much more attractive to me." I said and I heard Camille laugh.
"Jace has been bitten by the love bug." She said and I couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, I'll cancel your appointments, and your meetings, give Clary my condolences."
"I will. Thank you Camille." I hung up the phone and started looking for something to eat in the kitchen. It's been so long since I had to cook my own food that I kind of forgot where everything was. I was getting some eggs, when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around, and Devon was standing right there.
"Hey, I'm Jace." I said and he walked over to me.
"I'm Devon." He said and I walked over to him. "Where is Clary?"
"She's had to go to the hospital for some paperwork, I offered to stay here with you for her."
"You're her boss right?" He asks and I nod. "She likes you." He said and I couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "She tells me you're the best boss ever, but considering her last boss was a meany, I can't blame her for liking you so much."
"How was her last boss mean?"
"I don't know exactly, all Clary told me was that he wouldn't leave her alone. He kept hairissing her." He said.
"You mean harassing?" I said and he nodded.
"Yea, I don't know what that means, but that's what she said." He said and I couldn't help the anger the filled me. "Can I have something to eat? I'm hungry." He said and I smiled.
"Of course. Now, I'm no Clary, but I can make a mean grilled cheese." I said and he laughed.
"Clary is the best."
"Yea she is." I said and I walked back over to the fridge. "So, grilled cheese, and some iced tea? Will that do?"
"Yea!" He said and he hoped off the stool. "Can I watch TV?"
"Of course. Living room is right over there." I pointed and he nodded and walked towards the living room. I started making the grilled cheese and by the time I was done I walked back into the living room and gave Devon his food. We sat there and ate our food while we watched TV. I had to admit, I never really thought about having kids, but Devon was a cool little guy, and I didn't mind having him around. I heard the front door open and when I looked over I saw Clary walking towards us. I smiled at her and Devon immediately perked up and ran towards her. She picked him up and walked towards me.
"I'm sorry that took so long. There was a lot of paperwork." She said and I smiled.
"It's no problem. I didn't mind spending time with him." I said and she smiled.
"Thank you. I was blind sided at the hospital. Social services showed up and made me sign a whole bunch of paperwork that had to do with Devon." She said and she put him down. "Dev, can you go watch some TV, I have to talk to Jace for a moment." He nodded and ran back towards the couch and Clary and I went into the kitchen,
"So, what happened?"
"Well, they had to make sure that I was stable enough to be his guardian." She said as she started to make coffee, before she stopped and looked at me. "I'm sorry, can I make some coffee?" She asked and I smiled.
"Of course."
"Anyway, they saw that I have a stable job, and I can in fact provide for him so I had to sign all of that paperwork. Now all I have to do is find a place to stay."
"What about your house?"
"It's in a really bad neighborhood, and I don't want Devon there. Plus, it smells like alcohol and weed, and no child should have to grow up in that environment." She said and I couldn't help but think about how she grew up in that environment. It broke my heart.
"Stay here." I blurted out and she was shocked.
"What?"
"Stay here. I have enough rooms, and with him being here too, you wouldn't have to put him in a daycare while you work. I mean, you don't have to if you don't want too, it was just a suggestion." Before I could even register what was happening, she threw her arms around my neck and I grabbed her by the waist and hugged her back. I didn't want to let her go, but when she pulled away I had no choice but to let her go.
"Thank you so much Jace. I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me." She said and I couldn't help but smile. She grabbed her coffee and made her way into the living room to sit with Devon.
I follow soon after with my own cup of coffee and take a seat on the couch with them. I have no idea what we're watching, but Devon and Clary seem to be extremely entertained and I can't find it in me to want to stop watching. They would sing the theme song, and laugh at the stupid jokes, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. This moment felt right, and I couldn't really explain it, but I never wanted it to end.
The day progressed but like this. Devon didn't want to do anything but relax, and neither did Clary. I felt like they never had a day off like this, and I wasn't going to be the one to ruin their lazy day off. Instead, I embraced it. Devon had fallen asleep on the couch and Clary wasn't far behind him. She started with her head on the back of the couch and before I knew it she was leaning on me. She still smelled the same, like strawberries and coffee, and before I knew it I was drifting off the sleep soon after.
Clary POV:
I didn't even realize that I had fallen asleep but when I woke up I was extremely warm. I propped myself up to see that I was cuddled into Jace's side, and half of me wanted to stay there forever, and the other half knew that it was completely unprofessional. I tried to get up without disturbing him but I failed because he stirred and woke up soon.
"Hey." He said in a groggy voice, which was extremely sexy.
"Hey. I'm sorry I fell asleep on you. I totally didn't mean too."
"I don't mind. Really, how are you feeling?" He asked, and I guess I didn't really want to think about it.
"I'm alright. Her death will affect Devon way more than it'll affect me." I said and he seemed confused.
"Why is that?"
"I shielded the bad part of her life from him, but I never had someone to do that for me. I was there when she would drink her sorrows away, or when she'd snort the cocaine off the table, or shoot the heroin. By the time I was 12, her junkie friends were hitting on me, and she even tried to pimp me out once or twice."
"Damn."
"I promised myself once she got pregnant that I would protect my little sibling from that part of her life. I did a good job too. He only really saw her when she was a little high or a little drunk. He still has this image of a perfect mother in his head, and I want to protect that."
"You're an amazing sister." He says and I can't help but smile.
"I try my best." I said and I looked at him and our faces are extremely close. I bit my lip, and his eyes flickered down to my lips. Before I knew it he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine and I've never felt my body react this strongly to anything in my life. We sat there kissing for a while before we broke apart. Everything in me wanted to keep kissing him, but I also couldn't get over the fact that he was my boss and it was super inappropriate. "I'm so sorry."
"Why are you sorry?"
"Because you're my boss Jace, and that was super inappropriate."
"It's only inappropriate if you allow it to be." He said with a smirk and my brain went numb before I got my focus back together.
"We can't do this Jace."
"Why not? You can't tell me you didn't feel anything when we kissed?" He said and I guess he felt something too.
"That's not the point. It doesn't matter if I felt anything, you're my boss, and this can't happen."
"Than you're fired." He said and my jaw dropped.
"What? Jace I need this job. This was the only way I was able to keep Devon, please Jace please, I really need it." I said and he smiled.
"I'm not kicking you out, you're just not my maid anymore. I like you Clary, and I know you felt something when we kissed. I want to see where it goes. That is if you want that as well." He said and I couldn't believe what he just said.
"Jace."
"Tell me right now Clary, did you feel anything when we kissed?"
"Yes." I said.
"So take a chance. Please." He said and I just couldn't say no.
"Okay." I said and before I knew it his lips were on mine again, and we didn't break apart until we heard Devon start to wake up. We turned around and Devon sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Hey buddy."
"Hi." He said as he climbed up on my lap.
"How was your nap?"
"Good." He said and I kissed his head.
"We're going to stay here for a little okay bud?" I said and he smiled and nodded. He curled up on my lap, and we sat there for a while just bonding together and for the first time in a long time it felt like we were finally going to be all right.
Time Jump – Six Months Later
Jace POV:
Clary and Devon have been staying with me for the past six months and honestly having them around was amazing. Although I fired Clary from her maid duties, she still does everything she did before. She still makes breakfast, and coffee, cleans up the place, makes dinner. It was different this time though. It felt like we were a family, and I enjoyed coming home from work to see them, and to hear about their days, and what they did. Devon was a maniac, but he always brought a smile to Clary's face, and seeing her smile was an amazing thing.
It was a Saturday and there was a knock at the door. It was about 8 at night and I wasn't expecting anyone to just drop by. When I reached the door and opened it, my adoptive family was standing there. All five of them. I didn't even know they were in town, and of course I couldn't turn them away, so I motioned for them to come inside and before I even got one word in I heard Clary yelling.
"Devon! Get back here right now! You will not run around this house naked!" She yelled, and just like that Devon came running in the living room completely naked. I leaned down and scooped him up and Clary came running in. "Oh my god, I had no idea you had company." She said and I laughed. She walked over and I handed her Devon and she wrapped him in the towel she was holding.
"I didn't know I had company either. Clary, this is my adoptive family. Maryse, Robert, Izzy, Alec, and Max. Everyone, this is Clary, and her brother Devon." I said and everyone said their hellos.
"It was lovely meeting you all, but I have to give him a bath and get him to bed." Clary said as she started walking away, but we could still hear her talking. "And this is why we don't run around naked Devon." She said and we could hear him giggle. I turned around and looked at my family.
"What brings you all here?"
"We were visiting for a company meeting your father was attending and decided to make it a little reunion. If we knew you had guests, we would have called."
"It's not a problem. Come in." I said and we all gathered in the living room.
"So, who is this Clary?" Maryse asks.
"About a year ago Camille hired her to be my maid, and after six months she showed up here in the middle of the night because she had to get her brother out of her house. The next day she got a call, and her mother had died, and I offered her a place her stay."
"And how long have you been sleeping with her?" Robert asks and I'm a little annoyed her would just assume something like that.
"It's none of your business. We are together, but we haven't slept together yet."
"The play boy Jace hasn't slept with a girl yet? Seems pretty strange to me." Maryse said in her normal judgy tone, but before I can step in Izzy does.
"I think this is great. It's about time he found someone to settle down with."
"You guys act like I'm 35, and desperate for a girlfriend." I said and they laughed.
"She seems like a very sweet girl." Alec said.
"She's the best." I said and I smiled. "She's had a hard life, but she never let it get her down." I said and before I could say anything else Clary walked into the room. She walked over and took a seat next to me and I gave her a kiss on the temple while she cuddles herself against me.
"I'm so sorry about Devon, he was fine until I got him undressed, and than he went crazy." She said and everyone laughed.
"It's quite alright. We just came to maybe have a place to stay but if you don't have enough room, we can always get a hotel." Maryse said as she started to stand.
"Don't be ridiculous. There are plenty of rooms here for you all. You know you're always welcome here." I said and the smiled and nodded. "The third door on the left is where Devon sleeps, but every other room is available, except mine of course." I said and everyone got up, grabbed their bags and walked up the stairs. I sank back against the couch with Clary still cuddled into my side. "Well, that's my adoptive family."
"They seem nice. Camille told me you bounced from foster home to foster home."
"I did, until I was 15, and the Lightwoods found me. They thought I would get along with Izzy and Alec, and brought me into their home. We got along really well, and a year later they adopted me."
"That's great."
"Yea, it was amazing, but it still didn't completely fill that void that I had." I said and she wrapped her arms around my waist. "I still wanted to make my family proud, which is why I built the company, I thought it was the best way to honor them."
"You did an amazing job." She said and I looked at her and brought her up on my lap.
"I love you." I said and her eyes widened. I thought it was the wrong thing to say before I saw a smile break out on her face.
"I love you too." She said and I couldn't help but press my lips to hers. We stayed there for a while before we decided that it was time for bed. I scooped her up bridal style and carried her to our room. It was at this moment that I knew I had to do something for Camille. She brought Clary into my life, and I don't know what I'd do without her.
Time Jump – The Next Day
Clary POV:
I woke up early, and got out of bed quietly and made my way downstairs. Nobody was awake yet, so I started breakfast. I had no idea what anyone liked so I just made everything. I had made two pots of coffee, and I had cut up some fruit, in case anyone wanted that instead of breakfast. After about an hour I started hearing footsteps on the stairs. When I looked up Jace's family was standing there looking at me.
"Good morning! I made breakfast." I said and they still looked tired, and a little stunned. "I didn't know what everyone liked so there is a little bit of everything. There is coffee over there, fruit in these bowls and I have French toast, eggs, and pancakes, but if you want a certain kind of egg or something in your pancakes just let me know." I said and everyone nodded and started getting food. A couple minutes later Jace came down with Devon and he placed him on one of the stools before walking over to me.
"Good morning." He said as he kissed my temple.
"Good morning. Your French toast is over there, and so are Devon's pancakes." I said and he walked over and grabbed them and gave the plate to Devon. Once everyone had their food they all took their seats and started eating. Breakfast went by wonderfully. I got to know a little more about Jace's family and they seemed like amazing people. Once everyone was done, I told Devon to go into the living room and occupy himself while Jace and I cleaned up. We were in the kitchen when Maryse walked in.
"Breakfast was wonderful dear." She said and I smiled and nodded. "We're going to head out Jace, but thank you for letting us spend the night last night. We really appreciate it."
"You're always welcome here." Jace said and she nodded and headed out to the rest of the family. Jace and I put the dishes on hold to say goodbye to them all. Once they were gone we settled back into out normal routine. Jace went to work while Devon and I occupied ourselves around the house. I loved living here, and the fact that he loved me made it even more amazing.
Jace POV:
When I got into work today, I immediately went searching for Camille. For some reason she was nowhere I was looking so I decided to go to my office and wait for her to find me. I was in the middle of a bunch of paperwork when there was a knock on my door. I looked up and Camille was standing there.
"Just the girl I've been looking for." I said and she smiled.
"What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to thank you for hiring Clary that day. Without you I wouldn't have met her, and I don't know what I would do without her." I said and Camille smiled.
"I thought she'd be a good fit for you. I had no idea what it would turn into, but I knew she'd be good for you."
"I want to do something for you Camille."
"Like what?" She asks as she takes a seat.
"What do you really need?" I ask and she looks confused. "A raise, a vacation, paid time off? Anything you need, let me know."
"Jace, you don't need to do anything for me."
"Yes I do. Camille, I'm in love. I'm completely in love, and I wouldn't be if it wasn't for you. I want to do something for you, but I don't know what."
"Well, my husband and I have been talking about taking a vacation recently, but we can't afford to not be working."
"Done, you will get two weeks paid time off." I said and her eyes widened. "Tell me the dates, and you got them." I said and she got up and hugged me.
"You truly are the best boss ever." She said as she ran out of my office. I smiled to myself and went back to work. Life was good, and for the first time in my life, I was excited about the future.
Time Jump – Two Years Later
Clary POV:
Devon was starting kindergarten this year and I honestly felt like an overwhelmed mom. I had gotten him dressed, and packed his lunch and his backpack, and just looking at him my eyes started to water.
"Clary, I'm not leaving forever." He said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"I know, but you're so grown up. I'm just so proud of you." I said and I gave him a big hug. "Now, Jace is going to drop you off today, and I'm going to pick you up, and I want to hear all about your day okay?"
"Of course. I love you Clary."
"I love you too Devon." I said and Jace walked into the living room.
"Is the king ready to conquer kindergarten?" Jace said and Devon smiled and nodded. Their relationship was really the cutest, Jace was like a big brother to Devon, and I know that's what Devon needed in his life, and I'm glad he had Jace to fill that roll.
"Alright boys, if you don't leave now, you'll be late." I said as I ushered them to the door. "I love you both, have a great day!" I said and they smiled at me. Jace leaned down and gave me a quick kiss.
"I love you too." He said before him and Devon walked out the door. I looked at the closed door for a moment after they left and just couldn't believe how my life turned out. All because I applied to be a maid, who knew this is how that all played out. But I was thankful every day.
Time Jump – Four Years Later
Jace POV:
I was planning on proposing to Clary tonight at dinner and I was freaking out. These last 7 years have been amazing, and I knew we both were ready for this step, but it was still scary to think about. I had picked up the ring earlier today, and I couldn't stop staring at the ring. It was perfect, and exactly what I knew Clary would love. I got home and Clary wasn't there, she was picking Devon up from school which gave me plenty of time to get everything ready. I set the table, and got dinner on the table, and by the time I was finished, Clary walked through the door with Devon. They walked through the house and saw the set up and Clary gasped. I reached out my hand and she took it and I guided her to the table. I leaned down and whispered in Devon's ear.
"Do you mind giving us some time alone bud?" He asked and Devon nodded and went to his room. I looked back at Clary, and smiled. "I know you weren't expecting this, but that was the point." I said and I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring. "Clarissa Fray, I love you more than I ever thought imaginable. I love the way you curl up into my side. I love the breakfasts you make, and the way you are with Devon, and I love the life we've built together. I had no idea what I was missing in my life until you walked into my life. You were the light when all I saw was darkness, you were the good when everything was bad, and you were the happiness when I felt like I was drowning in sadness. I don't want to spend another day without you, and I can't even begin to express the amount of love I feel for you. So, Clarissa Fray, will you do the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Oh my god! Yes!" She yelled and she jumped into my arms and I couldn't help but swing her around. I put her down, slide the ring on her finger and than pressed my lips against hers. We stayed like that for a while before we broke apart and when I looked into her eyes, I couldn't help but be excited that we were going to start our lives together. I couldn't wait to marry this girl, and do everything I can ever think of with Devon and Clary. Our life together was going to be amazing, I just knew it.
Authors Note:
This one shot was requested by Helle and I hope you liked what I did with your idea! I started this and didn't know where I was going to take it, but I'm happy with the outcome and I hope you are too! Let me know what you think! :)
