One Hundred and Seventeen Story:
Six of a Kind
Jace POV:
"Julia, come on sweetheart, we have to leave soon!" I called up to my one child.
"But daddy, I want to stay home and play with my dollies." She said in the sweetest voice imaginable.
"I know you do sweetheart, but you're going to grandma and grandpa's today while I run a few errands." I said and she came down the stairs with a pout on her face.
"Otay daddy." She said and my heart broke.
"Grandma and grandpa are going to take you in the pool today baby." I told her and she instantly perked up.
"Yay!" She cheered and she skipped into the other room.
"Dylan! Come on little man! We gotta go!" I called to my son. He was just a little inventor, always wanting to build things with his Legos or building blocks.
"Coming!" She called back down. I walked into the living room where the rest of the kids were.
"Okay, Julia is ready. Polly, are you ready?" I asked.
"Yes daddy." She replied.
"Cool, what about you Ryan? You ready?" I asked him.
"Yes daddy." He said and I nodded.
"Sweet. What about you MJ?" I asked.
"Of course daddy." She said and I smiled.
"And you GiGi?" I asked.
"Ready!" She cheered.
"Alrighty, let's go to grandma and grandpa's!" I said and they all headed towards the door. Being the father of sextuplets was incredibly difficult, but when they are as sweet as my kids are, there was just something special about all the intense work that made it incredibly worth it.
I got them all in the car and headed towards my parents house. Today I was in search for a nanny, but the ones I interviewed thus far all said that they couldn't possibly look at 6 four year olds. They were looking for 3 max, and it was incredibly frustrating. I hated relying on my parents to watch them all the time. I knew they loved them, but it wasn't fair to them at all.
Their mother had a difficult time after they were born. A severe case of postpartum depression lead her to alcohol as a coping mechanism, and after her parents found her half dead for the 4th time, they decided to check her into a rehab facility, and there she was deemed mentally unfit to take care of herself. A week later she was sentenced to a mental institution, her maternal rights were terminated, and that was the end of it. I get letters every few months from her parents letting me know what was happening, but from what I've gathered, she was going to be there for the rest of her life, and it was really a shame because she would never get to see her kids grow up, and it broke my heart.
When we reached my parents house, I got all the kids out and they practically ran into the house and to the backyard. I didn't even get a chance to say hi to my dad since he went chasing after them, but my mom gave me a big hug.
"What are your plans today?" She asked.
"Continuing my search for a nanny." I said and she nodded. "There has to be one person out there who is willing to nanny six kids. I just have to find her."
"I'm sure today will be your lucky day!" She said optimistically.
"You've said that the last 2 times I went searching, and all I've encountered was that 6 kids was apparently too much to handle." I said dryly.
"For some people it is, but there is one nanny out there who will love taking care of those kids." She said with a smile.
"I hope you're right." I said and she kissed my cheek. "I'll be home around dinner time. I want to get some grocery shopping done as well."
"Take all the time you need baby." She said and I smiled.
I went back out to my car and headed towards the coffee shop where I was going to be interviewing the nanny's. I tried my best to be optimistic but sometimes it was hard when all you hear is no. I hoped that I had a better day today, and that some of the stress would be taken off my shoulders.
"Jace Herondale?" I heard and I looked up.
"Are you Kaelie Whitewillow?" I asked and she smiled.
"I am." She said and we shook hands.
"Thank you for meeting with me." I said as we sat down.
"Of course. I can't wait to hear about you kids." She said with a smile.
"Well, there is something that I deliberately left out of the ad when it came to looking for a nanny." I said and she nodded. "I have 6 kids, all of which are 4 years old."
"My god." She said and I laughed.
"I know, it's insane. But sometimes life hands you more than you can handle and you do your best to try and manage." I said and she nodded. "And I think I've run out of steam, so hiring a nanny is really important for me, and my kids."
"I'm guessing your search has been pretty dead huh?" She asked.
"Pretty much." I said and she gave me that sad smile.
"I would love to help you out Jace, but I'm not looking to be a full time nanny, and that's what I think you need. Someone who could live in with you, and help with those kids."
"You think?" I asked because no other potential candidate mentioned that.
"I really do. Six kids is a lot, and I'm only a day time nanny, and if you really need a committed nanny, a live in one would be your best bet." She said.
"I think this might be the most informational rejection I've gotten while searching." I said and she laughed.
"I wish you the best of luck Jace, and I can only assume your kids are amazing." She said as she stood up.
"Thank you for the advice Kaelie. Have a great day." I said and she smiled before leaving the coffee shop. I had a few more interviews today, but if I didn't find one, I was definitely making a few adjustments to my ad.
Time Jump – Two Hours Later
Jace POV:
I was getting pretty discouraged at this point. None of the other candidates were willing to nanny six kids, and I only had one more interview today, but I had no hope in it. I was on my 4th cup of coffee today, and just dreading this last girl.
"Jace Herondale?" I heard and when I looked up I saw the most beautiful woman standing in front of me. She had the most vibrant red hair, and the clearest green eyes.
"Clary Fray?" I asked and she smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you."
"You as well, do you mind if I grab a cup of coffee before we start?" She asked.
"Not at all." I said. She walked over to get her coffee but was back a moment later. "That was fast."
"Doesn't take a lot of time to pour black coffee into a cup." She smiled and I nodded.
"So, I'm going to get right down to business." I said and she nodded. "I have sextuplets."
"Really?" She asked and I nodded. "Cool."
"And I'm actually looking for a live in nanny. I know I didn't put that in the ad, but up until earlier today, I didn't know that's what I needed." I explained and she laughed.
"Well you're in luck. I happen to be a live in nanny." She said and suddenly this interview looked promising.
"That's awesome to hear." I said and she smiled. "So, before I get into all the details – like room and board, vacation and salary – would you consider being my live in nanny?" I asked.
"Absolutely." She said cheerfully.
"Oh you are my saving grace." I said and she laughed. "Now, when I knew that I needed a nanny, I did a bunch of research about everything I would need to offer her, and there was little information about a nanny of six, so I'm just making it up as I go at this point." I explained.
"No problem, I'm sure we can come to a reasonable middle ground we both are comfortable with." She said and I nodded.
"As for living arrangements; there is a bedroom and bathroom ready and waiting for you at my house, it's basically a second master bedroom and bathroom so it's rather large." I said and she nodded. "For transportation; I'm assuming you don't have a car big enough for 6 children, so there will be a car that I provide for you. It's a Chevrolet Tahoe. It's big enough for all the kids and it's very safe." I said and she nodded yet again. "When it comes to the money you'll get when taking the kids places, I'm giving you a credit card that's attached to me, so don't be afraid to use it." I said and once again she nodded. "Now, for your salary; since I do have six kids, and they are all rather young, I'm going to start your salary at 60K a year."
"You're serious?" She asked with her jaw slightly dropped.
"Very. This is something that I really need. And so do my kids. I have to keep pawning them off to my parents just to work and get things done. My parents are super supportive and they love having the kids over, but I don't want to keep having to rely on them for everything." I said and she nodded.
"I totally understand that. I had a nanny growing up as well, and she became part of our family. She was truly an inspiration and role model to me. It's one reason why I wanted to do this job. I wanted to make a difference." She explained and I nodded.
"So, tell me a little about yourself." I asked realizing I knew nothing except her name.
"Well, I grew up in New York actually, but I've been a nomad since high school." She said. "I took a year off to travel a little, than went to college. I got my degree in early childcare. After college I moved to Napa Valley and got a job as a nanny for this really great family, and was with them for about 3 years until they no longer needed my services. Than I got a bunch of summer nanny positions and I was a nanny for this family who just needed me for holiday vacations, so I travelled a little more for that."
"So how did you find my ad?" I asked curiously.
"I pretty much troll the internet for jobs. I don't have roots anywhere, so if I need to move across the country for a job, I can do that." She explained. "I actually drove 12 hours to get here for this."
"What if you didn't get it?" I asked curiously and she laughed.
"I'd look for something else." She simply said.
"How old are you?" I asked.
"I just turned 30." She said.
"You don't look it." I said abruptly.
"Thank you." She said and I smiled.
"Well, I actually have some grocery shopping to do, but if you want to go back to the house and settle in while I do that and get the kids, you are more than welcome to." I said and she nodded, as I handed her a couple things. "Here's the address to the house, here's the pass code to get through the gate, here's a key to the house, and once I get home I'll give you everything else."
"Thank you Jace." She said and I smiled.
"No, thank you. I was beginning to think a nanny didn't exist for this job." I said and she smiled.
"I'll see you at home?" She questioned and I nodded. She walked out of the coffee shop and I took a deep breath. The search was finally over, and I already felt lighter.
Clary POV:
I pulled up to the address I was in awe of this house. It was massive, and totally not what I was used too. I parked my car in the driveway and made my way into the house. The place was spotless, which shocked me for six kids, but maybe they were just really good cleaners. I grabbed my things and headed upstairs and started searching for the bedroom. Thankfully it wasn't hard to find. It was literally labeled 'For the Nanny', so I was pretty confident that it was my room. When I walked in, my jaw hit the ground. This bedroom was bigger than some of the apartments I've lived in. I dropped my bags and checked out the space. It was glamorous, and I was sure going to enjoy living here.
I grabbed my speakers and set them up and hooked my Bluetooth up to them and started playing music as I unpacked. I don't think I even had enough clothes to fill all the drawers and closet space, but maybe I could finally update my wardrobe with my new salary.
Time Jump – An Hour Later
Clary POV:
I finished unpacking my close when I heard the commotion downstairs. I figured that it was Jace and the kids, so I made my way downstairs. Once I got there, Jace was surrounded by cutest little pack of kids I've ever seen.
"Kids, there is someone I want you to meet." Jace said once he saw me on the stairs. They all turned around and looked at me. "This is Clary, and she's going to be living with us."
"Are you our new mommy?" The one little girl asked.
"No sweetie. I'm your nanny." I said nicely.
"What's a nanny?" One little boy asked.
"A nanny is someone who stay with you and helps your daddy out." I explained. "I'm just here to watch you and take you on all sorts of fun adventures!" I said and they all smiled.
"Cool!" They all said.
"How about we all go into the living room and get to know Clary a little?" Jace suggested and they all nodded before racing into the living room. They all sat on the couch eagerly waiting to listen. "Okay, let me introduce you from right to left." Jace said and I laughed.
"Right here we have Dylan." He said. "Next to him is Julia, Polly, Ryan, MJ, and GiGi." He said.
"It's wonderful to meet you all." I said.
"Now, Ryan and Dylan are identical, so are MJ and Julia, and Polly and GiGi are identical as well." He explained.
"You really got the pot of gold at the end of a very rare rainbow didn't you?" I asked and he laughed.
"Very much so." He said. "Would any of you like to ask Clary any questions?" Jace asked.
"Where are you from Clary?" Dylan asked.
"I'm originally from New York, but I've lived in California for a couple years." I said.
"How old are you?" Ryan asked.
"I just turned 30." I said.
"Do you have any siblings?" GiGi asked.
"I have an older brother." I said.
"That's it?" Polly asked, and I laughed.
"Not everyone gets blessed with a lot of siblings." I said and they all nodded.
"Okay kids, why don't you all go wash your hands, the pizza should be here any minute." Jace said and they all hopped off the couch and ran towards what I'm assuming is the bathroom.
"They are all really well behaved." I told him.
"Gotta keep order some how." He said and I smiled.
"So, I have to ask." I started and he nodded. "The ones who have nicknames, what are their real names?" I asked and he laughed.
"MJ's real name is Marjorie. Polly's is Pollyanna, and GiGi is Virginia." He said.
"Those are some pretty old names." I pointed out and he laughed.
"Their mother and I had a deal before they were born. I got three names, and she got three names." He said and I nodded. "She was really into old names, and when she told me them I couldn't complain, they could have been worse."
"Very true, and at least you have pretty cute nicknames for them." I said and he smiled.
"So true." He said and then the doorbell rang. "Do you mind setting the table?" He asked and I shook my head. I went into the kitchen and started looking for plates, once I found them, I set the table and all the kids ran in. Jace came in with the pizza and they all dug in. the conversation at dinner was all around so natural. These kids loved to laugh, and Jace loved making them laugh. I knew I was going to have a good time with them.
Time Jump – One Month Later
Jace POV:
Having Clary around was truly the most amazing thing in the world. I got up in the morning, and she was already cooking breakfast, and all the kids would be at the table. I would kiss each of them goodbye and go to work not worrying about where I would have to drop them off or pick them up from. It was amazing having help, and I wish I thought of it earlier, but I was really thankful for her help. It did make me wonder what would have happened if Candice didn't end up in the mental institution, but I can't dwell on that now.
After work today, I actually had to stop by my parents house. The kids birthday was coming up, and my parents always loved throwing them parties, so I told Clary I would be home alter than normal so that we could talk about what was going to be done this year. I walked right into their house and met them on the back patio.
"Hey guys." I said as I took a seat.
"Hey honey, how was work?" My mom asked.
"It's was fine." I said and she nodded.
"You look lighter." My dad said.
"I feel lighter. Hiring Clary to be my nanny has been the best decision I've made in years." I said and they both laughed.
"So she's getting along with the kids?" My mom asked.
"The kids love her." I said. "Polly has taken a particular liking to Clary. Follows her around everywhere. She's Clary's own personal shadow." I said and they laughed.
"That's wonderful. She really seems like a great nanny." My mom said.
"She is. I'm glad to have her." I said. "So, about this party." I said and they nodded.
"This year we have a theme." My mom said and I laughed.
"There is always a theme, even if it's subtle." I said and she smiled.
"Ah, but this one is very deliberate." She said and I nodded, telling her to continue. "Different sections of our backyard are going to be transformed into their favorite thing. So we're going to have LEGOLAND for Dylan, a huge dollhouse for Julia, the pool will be Little Mermaid themed for MJ, Ryan's corner is going to be Batman themed, Polly's section is going to be Candy Land, and GiGi's section is going to be decked out in jungle theme." She said.
"That actually sounds super cool." I said honestly and she smiled even bigger.
"It's going to be awesome!" She said excitedly. "I've already been in contact with the company I always use, and all I have to do is supply all the necessary equipment and go over the designs with them, and it's settled."
"They're going to love it mom." I said.
"But it's going to take an entire week, so the kids can't come over here while it's be constructed." My dad said.
"That's okay. Clary has been keeping them super busy lately, so I doubt they would realize they haven't come to visit." I said and they all nodded. "Well, I'm glad we figured all this out, I'm gonna head home."
"Of course. Thanks for coming by." My mom said as she kissed my cheek.
I made my way home and couldn't wait to eat dinner. The minute I opened the door, the aroma hit me like a brick wall, and it just made me even hungrier. I walked into the kitchen where all the kids were helping Clary out and I couldn't help but smile. Nobody noticed my presence, so I leaned against the wall and observed.
"Okay Polly, I need you to do a very special job for me." Clary said and she nodded eagerly. "I need you to get all the forks out for me, and put them at each seat at the table. Can you do that?" She asked.
"Yes!" Polly cheered.
"Dylan, can you give each fork a napkin for me?" Clary asked and Dylan saluted her before running to the table where Polly was. "Now, MJ and Julia, I have a very special mission for you." She said and they both nodded eagerly. "I need you both to look in the oven and see if the chicken is finished. Remember, don't open it, the light is on." She said and they nodded before running to the oven.
"It's done Clary!" They yelled in unison.
"You two are very good at your jobs." Clary said and they giggled. "Now, Ryan I'm having trouble remembering where the plates are, can you help me?" She asked and he nodded enthusiastically before he showed Clary the way. "You are just so smart, thank you Ryan." She said and they high fived. "GiGi, do you want to help me butter the noodles?" She asked and GiGi ran over to her. She lifted her up on the stool and added the butter while GiGi stirred. "Alright everyone, go wash up, dinner is almost ready!" She called and everyone ran, and that's when they saw me.
"Daddy!" Polly cheered and I scooped her into my arms.
"Hi princess." I said and she hugged me. "I'll give you all hugs and kisses after you wash up like Clary said." I told them and they all nodded before running off. I made my way into the kitchen and Clary smiled at me.
"You're home earlier than expected." She said.
"The conversation with my parents was rather short." I said and she nodded.
"Well, dinner is ready." She said and I nodded. "Come on GiGi, let's wash those hands." She said as he moved her over to the sink and let GiGi wash her hands. The kids all ran back in and sat at the table. I gave them each a kiss on the head before we all sat down for dinner together. I loved coming home from work to dinner on the table and my kids being happy. There was no better feeling in the world than seeing them beaming.
Time Jump – Birthday Party
Clary POV:
We were at the kids 6th birthday party, and man oh man do the Herondale's go all out. Jace's parents transformed their entire backyard in what each of the kids loved most, and it was truly spectacular. It was incredible to see all the planning that went into this.
It was also nice to see Jace's life outside of kids. He had his friends over here as well, of course they all had their kids, but it was still nice to see him interacting with adults. I couldn't even imagine what it must have been like to grow up the way that he did. I mean, we had a nanny but we weren't nearly as wealthy as Jace was – we were well off – but this level of wealth was truly off the charts.
"You're new here." I heard from behind me and when I turned around there stood a man who I didn't know.
"I am. Who are you?" I asked.
"Will. Will Herondale." He said.
"Are you related to Jace?" I asked.
"He's my cousin." He explained.
"Cool. I'm Clary, Jace's nanny." I said and we shook hands.
"He did mention that he got a nanny, but he didn't give me any specifics." Will said and I nodded. "How long have you been working for him?"
"A couple months." I said.
"And are you from around here?" He asked.
"No, I lived in California for a number of years." I said and he nodded.
"So how are you liking Seattle?" He asked.
"It's a beautiful city. And I really like the weather." I said and he laughed.
"One of the many things to love about the city." He said.
"Clary!" I heard and when I turned around Polly was running my direction.
"What is it Polly?" I asked.
"Can you come play with me?" She asked.
"Absolutely." I said and I turned back to Will. "It was lovely meeting you, but I have to go."
"Of course. Nice meeting you as well." Will said and Polly and I made our way over to her Candy Land dream.
Jace POV:
I saw Will approach Clary and I watched them talk until Polly pulled Clary away. Will made his way back over to me and smiled at me.
"She seems nice." Will said and I laughed.
"Do you think I would hire a hag to be my kids nanny?" I questioned and he laughed.
"No, but I expected her to a be a little older." Will said.
"What do you think of her?" I wondered curiously.
"She is very nice. And the kids seem to like her." He said and I nodded.
"Yea, especially Polly." I pointed out. Will went to open his mouth when there was a commotion at the pool. We all ran over there and that's when I saw Clary performing CPR on a child, but not just any child, Will's child. I put my hand on his shoulder to show that I was there for him. Tessa was crying in the arms of my mother while Clary gave him mouth to mouth. After a gut wrenching couple minutes, James started coughing and breathing again. Tessa and Will ran towards him, and in the distance we heard an ambulance coming. Clary got up and I made my way over to her with a towel in my hand. I put it over her shoulders and she smiled at me.
"Thank you." She said.
"What happened?" I asked.
"I was just watching the kids swim, and he jumped off the diving board and hit his head on it somehow and was knocked out. I ran as fast as I could but little legs don't cover much ground." She said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Clary." I heard and there stood Will. "Thank you so much for saving my son."
"I'm just glad he's breathing." Clary said honestly.
"I just don't know how to thank you." He said.
"Just text Jace with an update on how he is doing, and I'll be good." Clary said with the kindest smile. Will pulled her into a hug, before he got into the ambulance with Tessa and James. After the ambulance left and everyone went back to their activities, and enjoyed the rest of the party. It made me feel good that Clary jumped in after James to save his life. It just made me that much more confident that she would do anything for my kids, and that's all you can really ask for in a nanny.
Time Jump – Three Months Later
Clary POV:
Jace has been staying late at the office lately, so I've been getting the kids ready for bed lately. But I could tell that they were sad that Jace wasn't there with them. But I assured them that this wasn't forever, and once he was done working on his important project that he would be around more, and that seemed to help.
The kids were all sleeping, and I just finished my hot tea and was getting ready for bed. It was calling for thunderstorms tonight so when it started to violently rain, I wasn't surprised. I got my PJ's on and got into bed when a huge crack of thunder hit. It was pretty terrifying considering it shook the house. I put the TV on so that my mind could focus on something else rather than the storm, when I heard my door open. I sat up in bed and saw the kids standing in the doorway.
"Not a fan of storms?" I asked and they all shook their heads.
"We normally go to daddy." Polly said and I nodded.
"Come on." I said and I motioned for them to join me and they all ran and jumped on my bed. Since my bed was a king, there was plenty of room for all of us. "Do you want to watch a movie while we try to fall asleep?" I asked and they all nodded. "What movie?"
"Something happy." MJ said.
"Okay, how about The Emperors New Groove?" I asked.
"What's that?" Dylan asked.
"Oh now you must watch it." I said. "It's funny, I promise." I said and they all nodded. I got onto Netflix and found the movie. I put it on and we all began watching.
About 30 minutes into the movie I noticed that Dylan, Ryan, and GiGi were all asleep. MJ and Julia weren't far behind but Polly didn't seem to be coping well with the storm still.
"Everything okay Polly?" I asked.
"I'm really scared." She said.
"Come here." I said and she moved closer to me. I put my arms around her and pulled her into a big hug. "The thunder sounds scary, but it won't hurt you. I promise." I said and I felt her nod. "I'll hold you the whole night." I said and I felt her nod again. We continued to watch the movie, and I noticed that MJ and Julia were now asleep and Polly wasn't far behind. "Night Polly." I whispered in her ear as I kissed the top of her head.
"I love you Clary." She whispered back and I almost cried.
"I love you too." I said and a few moments later I felt her breathing even out. At this point I wasn't far behind them, but I fell asleep with a smile on my face and these beautiful kids surrounding me.
Jace POV:
Once it started raining I knew the kids were going to be scared. They all hated thunderstorms and normally ended up in my bed for the night. I felt awful not being there for them, but this project who huge and we needed it done.
The moment I got to go home though, I raced out of the office and got home as quick as I could. I ran up stairs and checked MJ and Julia's room only to find it empty. I checked the boys next and it was empty as well. Polly and GiGi were the same as the other two. Curious, I peaked into Clary's room to see all of them curled up together in her bed. Polly was clutching close to Clary along with Ryan. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. There was something about Clary that I couldn't quite seem to get out of my head – and that was how much I truly loved being around her. The days we went out as a family were the greatest days in my opinion. I loved how amazing she was with the kids, and I loved how she just fit seamlessly into our family. It was like she wasn't the nanny but something so much more. Something the kids needed – a mother.
I closed the door and made my way to my room. I got ready and got into bed just thinking about Clary. Every time I looked at her, and I saw that beaming smile I never wanted it to end. I wanted to continue to make her smile for the rest of my life. It was a weird feeling, considering I never thought I'd feel this way again – although it was 10 times more intense with Clary than it ever was with Candice. Clary was extraordinary, and I had a feeling that it was going to turn into something eventually, but I needed to know where she stood in all of this. If she was just going to be the nanny forever, or if there could potentially be something more.
Time Jump – One Year Together
Clary POV:
I've been Jace's nanny for a year now, and I loved every single minute of it. The kids were absolutely amazing, and Jace was perfect. Of course the most attractive guy I've ever met was my boss. Sometimes it felt like the world played some kind of joke on me. Everything about him was perfect. He was an amazing father, son, business man, boss, and person. It didn't seem to end the amount of pure goodness that that man kept spewing out. Getting to know him for a year just made me wish there could be something more there. Cliché right? The nanny falling for her boss? Seems like it's been done in every single romance novel out there, but I couldn't help it. The more you get to know him, the farther I fell.
The kids were going to spend the day with Celine and Stephen today, since apparently Jace had plans for us. He wouldn't tell me anything, which sucked since I hated surprises. According to him I was going to love it. We showed up to a bar and when we walked down Jace sat at the bar and ordered us two beers.
"It's the middle of the day Jace." I said and he laughed.
"So? You aren't working, and neither am I." He said and I just laughed and shook my head. The bartender put the two beers down and we each picked one up. "To being my nanny for a year."
"Shouldn't we be celebrating with the kids? After all, if it weren't for them I wouldn't be here." I said and he smiled.
"We will, later." He said. "I have a surprise for you."
"I hate surprises Jace." I said and he laughed.
"I think you'll love this one." He said.
"And how do you know that?" I asked.
"Because who wouldn't love me?" I heard and my entire body froze. I knew that voice. I slowly turned around and there stood Jon in the flesh. I haven't seen him in years.
"Jon?" I asked and he smiled brightly at me. After the initial shock wore off I jumped into his arms. "What are you doing here?"
"Jace tracked me down a couple weeks ago and asked if I'd come in and surprise you." Jon said and I looked back at Jace.
"You told me that you didn't get to see him a lot since he still lives in New York, and I might not have any siblings, but I can't imagine spending years away from my parents, so I thought it would be a good thing for you. Give you the night off and just spend time with him." He said and my eyes filled with tears. I walked over and pressed my lips to his cheek.
"This is the best surprise I've ever gotten." I said. "Thank you."
"No problem." He said with that dazzling smile. "So, I figured we could all eat lunch before heading back to the house. We can pick up the kids on the way back, you can settle in, and than the rest of the day is yours."
"Wait, he's staying with us?" I asked.
"Of course. The pool house barely gets used, so I figured he could use it while he's in town." Jace said.
"You're the best boss ever." I said and he laughed.
"And you're the best nanny." Jace said. We clinked glasses and continued on to order lunch. I couldn't believe Jon was here, and I couldn't believe that Jace did this for me. I was truly thankful for today.
Jace POV:
After we picked up the kids, we headed back towards the house. They were super excited to know that Clary's brother was in town. The whole car ride back they were just asking questions about him. We assured them that they would have plenty of time for questions while he was here.
When we got back, Jon immediately went to the pool house and Clary went with him. I took the kids inside, and they were all sitting in the living room when I finally joined them.
"Is Clary ever going to leave us daddy?" Polly asked.
"Well, she can't be your nanny forever." I said honestly.
"Why not?" MJ asked.
"Because one day you won't need a nanny anymore. That's when Clary will go find other kids to nanny." I said sadly.
"No!" Julia yelled, which shocked me. "She can't nanny other kids."
"Why not Julia?" I asked.
"Because she's ours." She explained. "She belongs to us."
"She doesn't belong to anyone baby. She needs to work, and there are other kids out there that are going to need her in the future." I explained.
"I don't want her to leave." GiGi said sadly.
"I don't either baby, but it's how life works." I tried to explain to them.
"She'll leave, just like mommy." Ryan said.
"Listen guys, what happened to mommy wasn't your fault. She needed help. A lot of it, and unfortunately, the kind of help she needs requires her not to be around." I said as I kneeled in front of them. But I'm sure she loves you all very much, and wishes she could be here with you all every single day."
"You think so?" MJ asked.
"I'm positive. She would have to be crazy not to miss you six." I said and they all smiled. I hope that one day they understand what happened to their mother, no kid should ever have to go through that.
Clary POV:
Jon decided that he was just going to unpack later, so he dropped his stuff and we made our way into the house so Jon could properly meet the kids. We were just about to round the corner when I heard them all talking, and I heard my name.
"Is Clary ever going to leave us daddy?" Polly asked Jace.
"Well, she can't be your nanny forever." He said honestly.
"Why not?" MJ asked.
"Because one day you won't need a nanny anymore. That's when Clary will go find other kids to nanny." Jace explained and there was a certain sadness in his voice, and I couldn't blame him. I never wanted to leave either.
"No!" Julia yelled, which shocked me. "She can't nanny other kids."
"Why not Julia?" Jace asked.
"Because she's ours." She explained. "She belongs to us."
"She doesn't belong to anyone baby. She needs to work, and there are other kids out there that are going to need her in the future." Jace explained, but it still hurt knowing that one day I will just be out of their lives.
"I don't want her to leave." GiGi said sadly.
"I don't either baby, but it's how life works." Jace said and something in me did a little flip. Jace didn't want me to leave.
"She'll leave, just like mommy." Ryan said, and my heart broke. Their mother was a topic that I knew was sensitive, and I tried not to ask what happened to her, but that didn't mean I wasn't curious.
"Listen guys, what happened to mommy wasn't your fault. She needed help. A lot of it, and unfortunately, the kind of help she needs requires her not to be around." Jace said to them. "But I'm sure she loves you all very much, and wishes she could be here with you all every single day."
"You think so?" MJ asked.
"I'm positive. She would have to be crazy not to miss you six." Jace said and that's when I decided to go in.
"Kids, there is someone I would like to introduce you too." I said and they all turned around. "Everyone, this is my older brother Jon, Jon, these are the kids."
"What's up kiddos?" Jon asked and they all smiled.
"You're tall." Polly said and I couldn't help but laugh. "And you don't look anything like Clary."
"Not all siblings look alike." I told her and she nodded. "Okay, I'll point them out to you." I told Jon and he nodded. "From left to right." I said and I saw Jace smile, knowing that I took that from him. "Ryan is the first one, and than it goes Polly, MJ, Julia, GiGi. And finally Dylan."
"I guarantee I'll mess up all your names." Jon said and they all laughed.
"It's okay, our teacher does that too." MJ told him and Jon smiled and nodded.
"Well kids, Jon and I are going to go out for the night, but I'll see you all tomorrow." I said and they all ran to hug me. I gave them all a hug and kiss before turning to Jon. "I'll be right back. I need to grab something from my room." He nodded and I darted upstairs.
Jace POV:
The kids were all watching TV in the living room, so I went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. When I turned around, there stood Jon with his arms across his chest and this look on his face.
"What?" I asked.
"You're in love with my sister aren't you?" He asked and I nearly dropped my glass.
"What?" I said and his eyes narrowed.
"Don't mess around with me. I just want a yes or a no." He said. There was probably no harm in tell him how I truly felt. At least, I hope there wasn't.
"I am." I admitted and a giant smile broke out on his face.
"Good, because she's in love with you too, and the longing looks you two are giving each other is starting to become insufferable, and I've only been here for a couple hours." He said.
"There are no 'longing look' going on between us." I said and Jon scoffed.
"Yea right. Look, Clary isn't that hard to read. She clearly has strong feelings for you, so why not act on them?" He asked.
"Because unlike you, I can't read Clary that well." I said. "Plus, she's technically my employee."
"So? It's not like she has to answer to anyone but you." He pointed out, and he had a good point. "This is what's going to happen. Clary and I are going to go out. Your mom agreed to come over around 9 to watch the kids. I'll text you where we are, and you'll meet us there, and than I'll leave."
"Wait, you spoke to my mother?" I asked and he laughed.
"She's noticed the longing looks as well." He said. "She thinks you two would be great together, and I have to agree with her."
"You sure this is the right move?" I asked.
"I know my sister." He said.
"Jon!" Clary called from the living room.
"Coming!" Jon called back. "Trust me." He said and I nodded.
He left the kitchen and a minute later I heard the front door close. I made my way back to the living room where the kids were watching TV.
"Who wants pizza for dinner?" I asked.
"ME!" They all shouted as they raised their hands.
"Perfect." I said and I went to order the pizza. Now I was freaking out about tonight and if it didn't go as smoothly as Jon said it would, I don't know how we would recover from that.
Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later
Clary POV:
Jon and I were having an amazing time together. I totally forgot what it felt like to hang out with him, and I couldn't even begin to thank Jace enough for bringing him out here.
I was getting kinda worried. Jon said he was going to the bathroom like 15 minutes ago, and the last time I checked, the men's room didn't have a line like the women's, so I have no idea what was taking him so long.
"This seat taken?" I heard from behind me. I turned around and there stood Jace.
"What are you doing here?" I asked as he took a seat.
"Your brother set us up." He said and I couldn't help but laugh.
"That little shit." I said and Jace laughed. "Who is with the kids?" I asked.
"My mom." He said and I nodded.
"So….." I said and Jace smiled.
"I'm gonna come right out and say it." He said. "I like you a lot Clary, and I've been thinking lately, that maybe we could go out on a date."
"You like me?" I asked a little surprised and he just laughed.
"Yea, I like you a lot." He reiterated.
"And you want to go on a date with me?" I asked which caused him to laugh.
"Very much so." He said.
"I'm guessing this doesn't count huh?" I asked and he smiled.
"No. This was all Jon." He said and I smiled.
"I'd really love that date." I said and Jace smiled.
We sat at that bar and talked for at least an hour, mostly about little things about us. But the nagging question about the kids mom was trying to make it's way out, and I knew that he was probably wondering when I would ask, and I was so curious after what I heard today, that I needed to know.
"So, I have a question for you, and I've wanted to ask about it for some time, but I didn't know how to bring it up." I said and Jace nodded. "What happened to the kids mom?" I asked.
"Candice is in a mental institution." He said and I just felt so bad for the kids. "We weren't married when we had the kids. Truthfully, I didn't think I was ready for marriage, hell I wasn't ready for kids either, but things happen." He said and I nodded. "When we found out it was six, I pretty sure I passed out." He said and I laughed. "I mean, the doctor said to just have sextuplets was really rare, yet there we were, having six kids." He explained. "After they were born Candice fell into a deep postpartum depression. It was so bad." He said and I could see the pain on his face. I reached my hand over and put it on top of his. "She turned to alcohol to cope with it." He explained. "Her parents found her close to death a couple times before they decided she needed to go to rehab. While she was in rehab she was deemed mentally unfit to take care of herself. Her maternity rights were terminated and she was institutionalized. I hear from her parents every couple months. She's never getting out."
"That's terrible." I said.
"It was incredibly hard at first, I didn't know the first thing about being a father, and I had 6 new borns." He said and I smiled. "But we managed."
"You raised 6 amazing kids." I said and he smiled.
"They are pretty great." He said and I couldn't help but smile.
"Okay, so let's move on from depressing topics." I said and he smiled and nodded in agreement.
The rest of the time we spent at that bar was pretty light. We were laughing and joking and just having an amazing time together. If this was what a non-date with Jace was like, I couldn't imagine what an actual date with him was going to be like, but I was really excited to find out.
Time Jump – Two Years Later
Jace POV:
One date turned into two, which turned into three, and after a year of dating, Clary and I were engaged. Of course I made sure it was okay with the kids first before asking her, but they were all over the moon happy that Clary was going to be staying forever. They've known Clary for so long, and they've gotten so close with her, that the thought of her leaving made them so incredibly sad, and just seeing them light up when they realized this meant she was going to be staying forever was all the approval I needed.
We weren't having a big wedding. Just family, and close friends. If Clary and I had it our way, we would just get married at the courthouse, but my mom nearly had a heart attack when we suggested that, so we compromising. Small wedding so we both get what we want. I don't think Clary ever wanted a big wedding to begin with anyway.
I made my way down the stairs and the hose was in chaos. Clary was making lunches for the kids, while they ran wild trying to get their things together. I walked into the kitchen, grabbed an apple and gave Clary a kiss. She returned it quickly before getting all the lunches packed.
"5 minutes kids!" Clary yelled and they all filed into the kitchen. "Have a great day at school everyone!" She said as she handed the lunches out and gave them each a kiss. "Learn something new!"
"Bye mom!" They all shouted as they made their way to the bus. When I asked the kids if they were okay with me asking Clary to marry me, the first question Polly asked was if they were allowed to call her mom. I told them that it was completely up to them and Clary.
They had a pretty in depth conversation about it. Clary was fine with being called mom or Clary. She didn't want to push them into calling her mom. Polly was calling her mom the within the hour, but each kid took their own time. Dylan was actually the last on to start calling her mom. It took him a few weeks before he was comfortable with it, but I understood that. Their birth mom was still technically around. Although she probably will never remember them, they know she's out there, which I think is worse than losing someone.
"See you at my parents babe." I said and Clary gave me one more kiss before I left for work. It didn't matter how chaotic the mornings were, I wouldn't trade them for the world.
Clary POV:
I took a seat on the couch after everyone left and just caught my breath. The mornings were insane around here, but I expected nothing less from those 7. I took a deep breath as I rubbed my belly. Yup, I was pregnant. Finding out was crazy, and I think it took me like a month to realize I was growing a human. Than at one of my ultrasounds the doctor mentioned the possibility of multiples. He wasn't sure yet, but he promised to call the moment he found out, so whenever my phone rang, my heart skipped a beat. This time was no different. My phone rang and I nearly fell off the couch trying to answer it.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hi Clary, this is Dr. Penhallow." He said.
"Hi doctor." I said.
"I have the results back, would you like them over the phone or in person?" He asked.
"Over the phone please." I said, I couldn't wait for an appointment.
"You are indeed having multiples Clary. Twins to be exact." He clarified.
"Thank you Dr. Penhallow. Do you happen to know the gender as well?" I asked.
"I do in fact, would you like that as well?" He asked.
"Yes please." I said.
"Both babies are boys." He said.
"Thank you Dr. Penhallow." I said and we hung up. I sat back on the couch and processed it all. Twins. There was going to be another set of multiples. Twins. Boys. I couldn't wait to tell the rest of the family.
Time Jump – After School
Clary POV:
Jace picked the kids up from school and we were all meeting at his parents house. It had been a little over two weeks since we saw them, so none of the kids had activities, and Jace was not stuck at work so it all worked out. We were all sitting around the table talking when I thought it was time to drop the bomb.
"So." I said and everyone looked at me. "I got the phone call today." I said.
"Really?" Jace asked.
"Yup." I said.
"And?" He asked and I smiled.
"It's multiples." I said and his jaw dropped. "Twins."
"You guys are seriously a rarity." Celine said and I smiled.
"Do you know the gender?" Stephen asked.
"Yup." I said.
"And?" Jace asked again. I looked around the table at all the eager faces.
"Both boys." I said and it was completely silent for a moment. Nobody said anything until Ryan and Dylan looked at each other, than looked at me with the biggest smile on their faces.
"Yes! More brothers!"
Authors Note:
So, Puppy 17 (who by the way, I have to mention is killing it on the reviews! I look forward to all your thoughts on my stories! I'm glad you're enjoying them so much and I hope you continue to enjoy them! [also, sometimes people get confused by my slang terms, so I'm going to clear it up anyway, 'killing it' is a good thing. a very good thing!] anyway, so much love for you Puppy 17 for all the kind words) requested that I do one where Jace had multiples, and I know a lot of you requested one where Clary was Jace's nanny, so I combined them, and this was the result! I've read a lot of stories about nannies, and I wanted to make this one a little different, but I hope that I still did it justice!
I did some research on sextuplets, and as of 2007, there were 179 sets of sextuplets in the world, so as you can see, they aren't unheard of! Now, I have no idea if they would all have an identical one within the group, but I just thought it would be nice if they did. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible, but still making it enjoyable to read. I hope that I lived up to your expectations!
Also, I don't know the inner working of what it takes to be a nanny. I did some research on salary and what you needed to become a nanny, but some of the numbers and stuff I made up because believe it or not, it's pretty hard to find a concrete answer for some of those questions!
As I said before, I'm going on vacation on Sunday, so I will be gone for roughly two weeks, which means I probably won't be updating, but I have TWO one shots in the works aside from this one, and hopefully I can finish one of them before I leave, but if I don't get the chance, they both will be finished slightly I come back!
Let me know what you think and leave a review! :)
