On Hundred and Forty Seven One Shot
Concealment
Clary POV:
It's not something that I wanted to do. It's not something that I ever planned on happening. You fall in love in a whirlwind and steps get lost. The honeymoon phase isn't just a phase but the whole relationship. You avoid arguments because you don't want the short time you're stuck with to end in a burning ball of fire and harsh words. Instead you ignore all the signs, and you chose to look at the good parts of the relationship. There are consequences to this path, and I hit all of them.
Jace and I met one summer and sparks flew. He was an up and coming model, and I was just a girl from a small town in a big city trying to take everything in. Our paths crossed, and bam, passion ensued. People thought I was crazy to jump into a relationship with a guy I barely knew. I wasn't impulsive. I wasn't brash. I was a small town girl who had very little friends, and was content with staying in the same small town I was born in. Jace made me see that I was capable and worthy of so much more in my life. He made me carefree, and although our time was short together, I was appreciative of everything he taught me.
Our time together ended after one summer. He was called back to England to the company that he was signed with and I was going back to finish my senior year of college. We both had different paths in life, and although I wish we weren't separated at the time, I understood that our romance was always going to come to an end.
Of course it didn't end exactly how I imagined. I thought we would cut the ties, and that would be it. End things civilly, and continue on my life like the whole summer never happened. I guess the universe had other plans for me. Two months after Jace and I ended things, in a rather passionately way, I wasn't feeling so well. My friend at school convinced me to take a couple pregnancy tests she picked up for me, and to get her off my back I took them, thinking I wasn't possibly pregnant. I was wrong. Right before graduation I gave birth to a little boy, and my entire world changed.
Liam was born at a healthy 8 pounds 6 ounces, 21 inches long. He was absolutely perfect, and I loved him more than I ever thought was possible. Today he turns 5, and I couldn't imagine life without him. I'm worried that he's going to start asking about Jace, and I have no idea what I'm going to tell him. I barely knew him, only that he was extraordinarily handsome, a risk taker, a breath of fresh air, and someone who I owed a lot of self-exploration to. I knew Liam would want to know one day, and I would tell him, but I wanted to make sure he was old enough to understand what I was talking about.
"Mommy! I'm hungry." I heard Liam say as he walked into the living room.
"What would you like for lunch?" I asked as I shook my head clear of the memories.
"I was thinking hotdogs!" He cheered and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hotdogs it is little man." I said as I grabbed them out of the freezer. He continued to talk about what we were going to do this summer. Mainly involving the park, museums, hanging out with Simon, and going to every single theme park he could think of and I listened intently. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for him, and I planned on getting his summer bucket list as full as humanly possible.
Jace POV:
"Last show before your summer off starts. How are you feeling?" Alec asked as we walked out of the studio.
"Like I am finally getting the break I deserve." I said honestly.
"You're coming back to America with us right?" Izzy asked as we made our way to our cars.
"Yea. I need a break. I need to get out of here. All London feels like to me is work. And I need a break from work." I admitted. London was my home, but all I could feel now was work drowning me. Getting away would be a good thing for me.
"Alright. We leave Sunday morning." Alec said. "I'll pick you up, and we'll leave."
"Thanks for letting me crash with you Iz." I said as I looked at her.
"Hey, you're practically my brother. It'll be nice to have you two around more. At least I won't be lonely anymore." Izzy said.
"What happened to that boyfriend?" Alec asked.
"Ugh. Dirty rotten cheater." Izzy spat. "I was over him anyway. He just wasn't invested."
"Clearly." I said and she smacked my arm.
"Not all of us find winners on a whim." She said to me and I laughed as I remembered that amazing summer.
"Hey, I haven't been lucky since." I pointed out.
"That's because you were totally in love with her, and sometimes that type of love just doesn't come around twice." She said and I nodded.
"You are correct, but I've come to terms with it." I said. "We parted ways very civilly. No hard feelings."
"But if you found her again? What would you do?" Alec asked.
"I never really thought about it." I lied.
"Oh please. You so have." Izzy sneered.
"Okay, maybe I have." I admitted. "But she could be living a completely different life these days. When I met her, she was going to be a senior in college. It's been a long 5 years."
"I think it would be so romantic if you saw her again." Izzy smiled.
"If it's meant to be, it will be." I said, and I wholeheartedly believed that.
"Okay, go home and pack. I'm picking you up at 6:30 tomorrow morning. Don't be late." He said and I laughed, but nodded knowing Alec was a punctual person. I got in my car and headed back to my place. I was excited to be taking this extended vacation. I needed it.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
Liam was currently at a birthday party and I was picking up dinner for tonight. There were just some days when cooking wasn't an option. Tonight was one of those nights. I had been running around like a lunatic all day, and I didn't want to cook, so I wasn't.
I was standing at the counter ready for my food when the bell chimed. People go in and out of here all the time so I thought nothing of it. I was handed my bags and I turned around to leave when I ran into someone. Literally. When I looked up I saw those golden eyes I never thought I'd see again.
"Clary?" He questioned.
"Jace." I breathed out. "Wow. This is – insane."
"I can't believe it." Jace said. "You're still in New York."
"I loved it so much I decided not to leave." I smiled. "What brings you back here?"
"A much needed vacation." Jace said and I nodded. "I've been working pretty much non-stop since I got the call."
"Well, it's a good thing you're booking jobs, and everything." I said and he nodded. He opened his mouth to speak when my phone started going off. I looked at the caller ID and knew I needed to answer it. "I have to take this." I said and he nodded. "Hello?"
"Clary, it's Liam." Mr. Hannon said.
"What's wrong with him?" I asked concerned.
"They were rough housing, and Liam got tackled. We think he broke his arm." He said. "We're taking him to the hospital now."
"I'll met you there." I said as I hung up. "I'm sorry, my son needs me."
"Oh okay." He said. "Maybe I'll see you around?" He asked.
"We'll see." I said. "Bye Jace." I said as I walked out. It was crazy that I ran into Jace, but right now my son needed me.
Jace POV
Holy shit she had a kid.
"What was that about?" Izzy asked.
"Her son needed her." I said.
"She has a kid?" Izzy said. "Damn, she looks good."
"Did either of you see a ring?" I asked.
"Sorry, we weren't focused on her hands." Alec said. "But you don't have to be married to have a kid these days."
"Yea, but Clary wasn't the type of person who would be that spontaneous." I pointed out.
"I mean, she did spend a whole summer with you. Maybe that changed her." Izzy said. "And maybe it's your kid." She laughed as she punched my arm.
"She would have told me if it was mine." I said. "Wouldn't she?"
"You know her dude. We don't." Alec said. "But if you're that curious, ask." I nodded and we took our seat. I couldn't get what Alec or Izzy said out of the head. It couldn't be my kid. Right?
Time Jump – One Month Later
Clary POV:
I haven't run into Jace since that day at Taki's and if I'm being completely honest, I'm glad. It was so weird seeing him after all these years, but I couldn't risk him finding out about Liam. Not that I enjoy keeping this from him, but he has a life, and a very unstable job. He was constantly traveling, and I didn't want to subject Liam to having a part time dad.
Liam and I were currently at Taki's eating lunch before his doctors appointment. I think I spend more money here than I do anywhere else, but Liam loves it, and sometimes you just can't deny your child what they want. Especially because Liam doesn't ask for much.
We were currently coloring a picture when I heard the door chime. When I looked up, there stood none other than Jace and his friends. I couldn't believe we kept running into each other here, but I couldn't do anything about it now. Running would be way too obvious.
"We gotta stop meeting like this." Jace said as he made his way over to me.
"Well, this is our favorite spot to eat, so if you keep coming back, the odds of us seeing each other are very high." I pointed out. At that moment Liam looked up at Jace, and the look on Jace's face told me everything.
"Who are these people mommy?" Liam asked.
"Old friends." I said, because it wasn't all a lie.
"Hi, I'm Liam." He said with a big smile.
"Hi Liam, I'm Izzy, this is my brother Alec, and one of our best friends Jace." The girl, Izzy said. "What happened to your arm?"
"Oh, I was playing with my friend Thomas and I broke it." Liam said casually. "It didn't hurt too bad."
"You must be a tough little guy." Izzy said with a smile on her face.
"Mommy says that I'm the toughest." Liam said and I couldn't help but smile.
"Uh Clary." Jace finally spoke. "Can I have a word? Privately." He said but I didn't want to leave Liam alone.
"Uhh." I said as I looked at him.
"We'll watch him." Izzy said.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Of course." Izzy said as she slid into the booth.
"Okay, be good Liam." I said as I stood up.
"Yes mommy." Liam said and before I knew it, I was being pulled into the back of the restaurant.
"You lied to me for 5 years." Jace hissed.
"Keep your voice down." I ordered.
"This is down. I can make a huge scene if I wanted too." Jace said bitterly.
"There is no need for that." I said calmly.
"That's my kid, isn't it?" Jace asked.
"His name is Liam." I pointed out.
"And he's my son." Jace said. "Not many people have gold eyes Clary."
"Yes, he's yours." I stated. "And I have a very good reason for keeping him a secret."
"Please enlighten me." Jace said angrily.
"Your career was starting up, and I didn't want you giving that up for me and our son. I didn't want to burden you." I said.
"That's bullshit Clary, and you know it." Jace said and I sighed.
"Okay, I thought you weren't going to want him." I finally said. "I thought you'd laugh in my face and go on with your life because you were going places. I was in college, and we split up. I didn't think I had the right to give you such a huge responsibility."
"Clary, you should have known I would have helped." Jace said softly. "We barely knew each other, but I barely had parents myself, I would never make my kid feel as thought they were unwanted. But you've already done that with him."
"No I haven't." I said. "When Liam asks about his dad, I tell him he working and maybe one day he'll get to meet him. I never told him you didn't know, or that you didn't want him."
"So he just thinks I'm a deadbeat? That's great." Jace scoffed.
"No. He understands that you have to work." I said. "He's never once hated that fact that you were not around."
"But he doesn't know me. And I don't know him." Jace stated. And in that moment, my heart broke. He leaned against the wall and ran his hands through his hair.
"But he could." I said and Jace looked at me.
"What do you mean?" Jace asked.
"I know your job and life is in England, but you're here now. So, why not start now." I offered.
"You'd really let me get to know Liam?" He asked, sounding kind of stunned.
"I never wanted him to feel unwanted by anyone. Which is why I always told him about you when he asked." I admitted. "But I had no idea if I would ever see you again. I mean, I only got a cell phone because of Liam. So I didn't have your number, and than life got busy." I explained.
"I don't have anything lined up for the rest of the summer." Jace said. "I wasn't planning on staying for three months, but I can, and I want too, if it means getting to know Liam."
"I think he would love that." I said and he smiled, that hundred-watt smile that could make any girl melt. "Come on, let's go get you two introduced." I said and he nodded. We made our way back to the table where Liam was coloring a picture and I sat down.
"Mommy, Izzy and Alec told me that they are going to take me to the zoo, isn't that awesome?" He beamed and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Sounds like a good time little man." I said as I took a seat.
"Hey, Iz, Alec, do you mind giving us a moment alone?" Jace asked his friends, an they nodded and got up.
"So baby, I have some news for you." I said to Liam.
"What is it mommy?" Liam asked as he looked up at me.
"You know how you always wonder about your dad?" I asked and he nodded. "Well, you don't have to wonder anymore."
"Really?" He asked with so much excitement.
"Really. In fact, he's sitting right next to you." I said and Liam looked over to Jace.
"What's up dad?!" Liam said with the biggest smile on his face.
"It's so nice to finally meet you." Jace said to Liam.
"You too." Liam smiled. "So you got a break from work?" He asked.
"I did. For the whole summer actually." Jace informed him.
"Does that mean you're going to be doing all our summer activities with us?" Liam asked.
"If your mom lets me." Jace said and Liam looked at me.
"He has to come with us mom. Especially on our vacation." Liam said.
"If he's up for it, he's always allowed to come." I said and he cheered.
"Where are you going on vacation?" Jace asked.
"San Francisco." I said. "Liam has been obsessed since he saw a postcard." I told him.
"When is that?" Jace asked.
"In two weeks." I told him and he nodded. "Are you up for it? Liam always makes a list of things he wants to do all year for the summer."
"I wouldn't want to do anything else." Jace said with a smile.
"Can we come back yet?" A voice said and there stood his friends.
"Of course." Jace said and they rejoined us. "Izzy, Alec, I'd like you to meet my son, Liam." He said and Izzy and Alec both snapped their heads towards me, before looking at Liam.
"It's very nice to officially meet you." Izzy said. "You can call me Aunt Izzy, since your dad is basically my brother."
"Cool. I've never had an aunt or uncle before." Liam said with a smile.
"Well, you have the coolest Aunt and Uncle now, in my opinion." Izzy said and we all laughed. In that moment, Liam ducked under the table and made his way to my side and hugged me.
"What was that for baby?" I asked as I kissed his head.
"For finally introducing me to daddy." Liam smiled, and I nearly cried at his words. I kissed him one more time before he went over to Jace and did the same thing. "Thanks for coming dad." He said and I could see the overwhelming flow of emotions hit Jace like a ton of bricks.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Jace said as he placed a kiss on my son, our sons head. It felt surreal to say that.
"Can we go to the zoo tomorrow?" Liam finally asked.
"I thought you wanted to say in and build that new Lego set we got the other day." I said and he shook his head vigorously.
"Now that daddy's here, I want to go to the zoo!" He said animatedly.
"We can do whatever you want Liam." I told him honestly.
"Cool!" He cheered, and I couldn't get the smile off my face. Jace and I's eyes locked, and I couldn't really figure out what I was feeling, but I knew one thing, this was the best thing for Liam, and I was happy he finally got everything he wanted.
Time Jump – Zoo Trip
Jace POV:
We had agreed to meet up at the zoo, and I couldn't stop shaking like an anxious teenager who has never been on a date before. Meeting my son was the most surreal thing that's ever happened to me, and being able to spend the summer with him and getting to know everything about him was going to be a thrilling and exciting summer, and I really couldn't wait.
"Stop pacing." Izzy told me, slightly annoyed.
"I can't help it. I'm nervous." I said honestly.
"Why? You weren't nervous yesterday when you met." Izzy pointed out.
"I guess I was so caught up in the moment I had no time to think about what was happening. Today, I'm spending the whole day with my son, and just thinking about it terrifies me." I admitted.
"You're going to be an amazing dad to that little boy Jace." Izzy said as he rested her hand on my shoulder. "You were a great role model for Max growing up."
"That's different. He wasn't mine." I said. "This kid, is a product of Clary and I. He has my DNA. I don't want to fuck him up."
"And you won't." Izzy said happily. "You'll screw up, but as long as you love him, that's all that matters."
"Thanks Iz. I needed that." I said as I pulled her into a hug.
"That's what I'm here for." She smiled. "And here they come." She said and I looked over my shoulder to see Liam and Clary walking up to the entrance.
"Sorry we're late." Clary said. "Liam didn't know what outfit to wear." She smiled.
"Do you like it daddy?" Liam asked, and I bent down to his height.
"You're the coolest dude here." I said and he smiled.
"I think you're the coolest dude here dad." He said and I really couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, how about we go in and see all the animals?" Clary said and Liam started jumping up and down. We made our way to the entrance and paid. When we got into the place, Liam grabbed my hand and started running towards the one exhibit. I don't think I've ever been to a zoo before, but I would go anywhere this kid wanted to go, that was a promise.
Time Jump – Two Weeks Later
Clary POV:
Jace has been spending every single day with Liam and I, and all I could think about was how fast we fell in love 5 years ago. It honestly felt like it was yesterday, but than I have to pull myself back to reality and remind myself that his life is across the ocean, and this wouldn't last forever. It sucked, but I was happy Liam was bonding so quickly with Jace.
We were packing because we were actually leaving for San Francisco tomorrow morning, and I wanted everything to be done tonight, so that tomorrow we had no issues. Jace was currently occupying Liam so I could get everything packed. I have to admit, it's a lot easier when Liam isn't asking me question every two minutes. I love my son to death, but his curiosity gets the better of him, and sometimes it's never ending.
Finishing faster than I anticipated, due to the lack of child around, I decided that I would make dinner. Jace told me he would bring Liam home around 6, so I had plenty of time to make one of Liam's favorite dinners. But cooking was also a good way to distract myself from the fact that Jace was spending the night tonight so we could leave for the airport together tomorrow. I haven't spent the night with another man since our whirlwind of a summer ended, and doing it again, 5 years later, with the same man, was something I never expected to happen.
"Mommy!" I heard as I finished up the meal. "I smell baked ziti." He smiled as he ran into the kitchen.
"You'd be correct little man." I smiled down at him. I don't think this kid ever ran out of energy. "Can you be helpful and set the table for me?" He nodded and made his way to the cabinet and got the silverware. "How was your day?" I asked Jace.
"It was great. We had a lot of fun." Jace said and I nodded. "Are you all packed?"
"Yea. I finished a lot sooner than I expected because I normally have to occupy Liam at the same time." I admitted, and he laughed.
"Hence the baked ziti?" Jace asked.
"Yea. It's his favorite." I said and Jace nodded.
"Good to know." Jace said. I grabbed the plates and handed them to Jace.
"Help him please?" I asked. Jace smiled and nodded as he grabbed the plates. His fingers brushed mine and I swear a spark ran through me. "Thanks." I said as I pulled my hands away trying to get this feeling to pause. This was moving way too fast for me. These feelings were coming back way too fast.
Time Jump – After Dinner
Clary POV:
Liam passed out during a movie we watched after dinner. As I put him to bed, Jace started cleaning up the living room. When I came back out, all the blankets were folded, but Jace was sitting on the couch, watching the end of the movie. I wasn't that tired yet, so I decided to rejoin him. We both sat in silence for a few moments before I decided to ask a question that's been nagging me for a couple days now.
"I know you said you got everything taken care of for our flight, but I'm not good with not knowing." I laughed. "Can I get a couple hints?" I asked and Jace just laughed.
"Of course." He smiled. "I know we've talked about this a little, but I still feel like I have 5 years to catch up on." He admitted, and although I wanted to tell him he didn't, I completely understood where he was coming from. "Our flight isn't until 10, so we get a chance to sleep in a little, and we are booked first class."
"Jace, you didn't need to get us first class." I told him honestly. "We aren't material people."
"I know." He smiled at me. "But I wanted to do this for you two."
"Sometimes I forget that you already know me." I admitted with a shaky laugh.
"Why?" He asked.
"I don't know. That summer was so spontaneous and fast." I said. "When it ended, I honestly thought I'd never see you again, and I was starting to get used to that idea until I found out I was pregnant."
"Was it hard?" He asked.
"At times." I confessed. "I had really bad morning sickness, and I was in a lot of pain but I was still in school so resting was a luxury I didn't have a lot of."
"I would have been here for you." He said. "In a heartbeat."
"I didn't expect anything from you Jace." I told him honestly.
"Yea, but I would have been." He said. "Ending things that summer, it was tough, but I started working and got so busy that my mind was so distracted that it helped me move on from our summer fling." He laughed. "But I was never the same."
"Really?" I asked, kinda shocked.
"Izzy and Alec could tell. I threw myself into work, and I never let another woman close enough because they all weren't you." He said and my jaw dropped.
"How is that possible? You've been surrounded by other models and actresses for years." I said and he laughed.
"I don't know if you know this, but that summer was the best summer of my life." He smiled. "You have always been levels above every other woman I've ever met, and you always will be."
"Jace." I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
"Look, this doesn't have to change anything." He said. "We can co-parent like other people do if that's what you want, but I need you to know that the summer where we fell in love wasn't just summer love, it was real, and it was passionate." He said and I couldn't help but blush. "I will never be able to spend time away from Liam after this summer. And you if there is even the slightest possibility that we can try to rekindle any of those feelings we had 5 years ago." He explained and my mind was just spinning. Of course I thought about that summer, but now it was right in front of me, asking if I wanted another chance, how could I say no?
"I can't rush into anything Jace." I told him honestly. "Liam is my life, my world, and I won't hurt him that way."
"You know the last thing I would ever do is hurt him." Jace said. "I love him more than I thought possible."
"I know. That summer was the best summer of my life too, and I always used Liam as an excuse to put my dating life on hold, but it was impossible not to compare the other men I met to you. It just naturally happened." I admitted.
"What are you saying exactly?" Jace asked.
"How about we use this vacation to San Francisco as a test run?" I offered. "A real family vacation. Family pictures, dates, hand holding, the whole charade. When we come back, we can figure everything out." It might not have been the best idea, but I was willing to try, and in a situation like this, I think a little test run will show us what could be, and give us the motivation to make it a reality.
"I can do that." Jace agreed. "But that also mean you have to let me spoil the two of you." He said and I went to protest but he stopped me. "I know what you're going to say. You hate being spoiled, but I have more money than I need. Five years ago, spoiling you meant I got to take you to dinner and a movie, this time around, spoiling you means I get to make your vacation dreams a reality." He said and I nearly cried. "Let me do this for you two."
"Fine, but only because I know how stubborn you are, and I know how much this will mean to Liam." I gave in and he smiled. "And by the way, I loved our dates that summer. I didn't need to be taken anywhere. As long as we were together, I always had the best time."
"That doesn't mean I didn't want to spoil you like you deserved." Jace said and I smiled. "I wanted to give you the world that summer, and now I can do that."
"Jace, you already did." I smiled, referring to Liam. Jace seemed to understand that, and before I knew it our faces were inches from each other. I could tell he wanted to kiss me, and I really wanted to kiss him too. Before anything happened, Liam called out for Jace.
"I'll be right back." He said as he walked to Liam's room. I took the moment to shake out of whatever daze I was in, and made my way to the hallway. Jace walked out of the bedroom and shut the door and looked up at me. "He thought I left." He said and I nodded.
"It's getting late, and we have a flight tomorrow." I said and he nodded.
"I'll see you in the morning." Jace said as he went to spend the night on the couch. Knowing he would be under the same roof as me, and not next to me didn't sit well with me, and before I could think I grabbed his wrist, stopping him and he turned around.
"Come with me." I said and his eyes widened slightly.
"Clary, I don't know." He said sounding really uncertain.
"I won't be able to sleep knowing you're under the same roof as me, and you aren't right next to me." I admitted, although I wish I wasn't so open right now.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"We're both adults Jace, I think we can handle sharing a bed." I teased, but was very serious. He nodded and we made our way into my room. It wasn't the biggest, but it was mine. "Sorry it's not bigger." I apologized, knowing he probably had a huge house back in England.
"It's cozy. I like it." He smiled and we both got into bed. "Night Clary."
"Goodnight Jace." I said and I turned the light off. I felt him move a little in the bed, and I took that moment to adjust as well. Knowing he was right next to me lulled me into the best sleep I've had in years.
Time Jump – Next Morning
Jace POV:
I woke up smelling a hint of strawberry, and feeling a pressure on my chest I've never felt before. I opened my eyes and noticed red hair spread across my chest. Remembering that Clary and I shared a bed last night I smiled to myself. It was the best sleep I've had in years, and having Clary back in my arms made everything feel right. It would be hard to go back to England knowing she was here with my son. The future just got more complicated, but I'd go through Hell to have Clary and Liam in my life permanently.
"Daddy!" A voice cheered, and before I knew it Liam jumped on the bed. "Wake up daddy, we're going on vacation! Come on mommy, we gotta get up!" He cheered as he shook Clary.
"I'm up, I'm up." Clary groaned as she opened her eyes. She noticed that we were cuddled together, blushed and moved off my chest. "Why don't you go brush your teeth and we'll make breakfast." Clary told him and he jumped off the bed and ran to the bathroom.
"Good morning." I smiled and so did she.
"Morning. Sorry for being in your space. I guess I'm not used to sharing it." She laughed nervously.
"Or you remembered how great of a cuddler I am." I smirked and she blushed.
"Grab the bags, and I'll go feed our son." She smiled, and just hearing her say our, made my insides melt. "What's with the face?" She asked, and I guess I didn't realize that I was showing it on the outside.
"I just really love hearing you call Liam ours." I admitted. Her smile softened, and she made her way over to me and brushed a stray hair out of my eyes.
"He is our son Jace." Clary said and I nodded.
"I know that, but hearing it is totally different." I admitted. "Up until this summer, I never imagined someone calling me dad, and now I never want to be called anything different."
"It's an amazing feeling." Clary agreed. "But your son is going to be so upset if we don't get to the airport, and get to San Francisco."
"Okay, I'll grab the bags and load the car." I said and she nodded before walking out of the bedroom. I couldn't get the smile off my face, but I didn't want it to go anywhere else. I was going to be spending a week with Liam and Clary and I couldn't wait.
Time Jump – Landing in San Francisco
Clary POV:
We got to San Francisco and right off the plane Liam almost bolted he was so excited. Jace and I grabbed a hand as we made our way to baggage claim. Liam was talking nonstop about everything he wanted to do here and I couldn't wait to make his dreams come true.
Time Jump – One Week Later
Jace POV:
The minute we touched down in New York my phone was hit with a bunch of messages. When I saw it was my manager I wasn't happy. I still had some time off, and I wanted to enjoy it with my family. While Clary and Liam waited for baggage claim I stepped off to the side to call my manager back.
"Jace, where have you been?" He answered immediately.
"I was on a plane for 5 hours." I told him.
"To England?" He asked.
"No. From California to New York." I told him.
"Well you need to get back on a plane and head home." He said.
"Why?" I asked, confused. "You know I'm on vacation."
"Jace, do you know who personally asked for you for a shoot?" He asked.
"Vera Wang?" I said sarcastically.
"Vogue." He said. "They want you to be their signature male model, and they want you this weekend." He said and I sighed. It was already Friday.
"I just got back from vacation." I said.
"They want you Jace, and you know how much this could boost your career." He said and I hated to admit that he was right.
"I'll call you back in an hour." I said and I hung up before he could convince me otherwise. Just in time, Clary and Liam came back with our luggage.
"Ready?" Clary smiled.
"Ready." I said and I took the bags from her. She took Liam's hand in hers and we made our way to the car. I needed to talk to Clary about this.
We got into the car and in about 15 minutes Liam was passed out. I knew I needed to talk to her about this, and if I didn't do it now, I would lose all my nerve.
"Can we talk about something?" I asked and she looked over at me.
"Why doesn't this sound good?" She asked.
"My manager called." I said.
"Okay?" She questioned.
"I've been personally asked to do a shoot this weekend." I explained and I saw her nod her head. "I wouldn't even consider it if it wasn't like the one job I've been hoping for my entire career."
"And it's in England?" Clary questioned and I nodded. "And you want to do it?"
"More than anything." I said honestly.
"Than you should do it." She said.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"I never asked you to give up your career ambitions for Liam and I." Clary said.
"But I would." I added.
"Yes, but I didn't ask you to." Clary said. "If this has been your dream job since you started, I would be a fool to stand in your way."
"I would be gone for the weekend. I'll be back on Sunday." I said.
"Take your time Jace." Clary said. "You don't need to rush for us."
"I'll let my manager know." I said. That was the end of the conversation. I was so happy to be getting this opportunity, but why did I feel so guilty about it?
Clary POV:
We got home and Jace carried Liam inside. I took my bags into my room and started to sort through them. I heard Jace faintly talking in the other room, who I can only assume is his manager. Hearing that Jace was going back to England hurt, but that was his home. I always knew that, but hearing it sucked.
"Mom?" I heard and when I turned around there stood Liam.
"Hey baby. Are you hungry?" I asked.
"A little." He said and I nodded. We made our way out to the kitchen when Jace finished the conversation.
"Is it all set?" I asked and he nodded.
"What's all set?" Liam asked.
"Daddy has to go away for the weekend." I explained to Liam.
"You're leaving us?" Liam asked in the saddest voice ever.
"I'll be back by Sunday night. I have to work tomorrow." Jace tried to explain.
"I thought you were on vacation." Liam said.
"Sometimes vacations get cut short." Jace said and Liam hung his head. "But buddy, I promise I'll be back."
"No." Liam shoved Jace away. "Just go back to your stupid work and leave us again." He ran to his room and this time Jace hung his head.
"He doesn't mean it. He's just upset." I tried to say.
"He has ever right to be." Jace sighed. "I left you two once, and now I'm doing it again."
"Don't do that to yourself." I told him.
"I live in London Clary." Jace said. "You and Liam live here. Have you ever thought about that before?"
"Of course I have." I said back.
"So you know this is only temporary? I'm going to disappoint him yet again because that's what I'm best at." Jace said.
"Jace." I said but he wasn't having it.
"I have to be back at the airport. I'll see you when I get back." He grabbed his bag and left. I sighed. Of course I was thinking of the long term. But I've been putting it off for as long as I could. I didn't want to think about it because I wanted to live in the moment. But who says the moment ever has to end?
Time Jump – Next Day
Clary POV:
I had dropped Liam off with a friend as I waited for Izzy to arrive. I've gotten to know her throughout the summer, but she knew Jace the best, and I needed a girls advice, and she was happy to help.
"Hey." I heard and when I looked up there she was. "Everything okay?"
"I think so." I admitted. "I just need help."
"Is Liam okay?" She asked.
"He's fine. A little sad, but he'll be okay." I said and she nodded.
"Jace leaving must have hurt his feelings." Izzy said.
"You have no idea. Liam loves him so much." I smiled.
"And Jace loves him too." Izzy pointed out.
"I know, which is why I need your advice." I said.
"What's on your mind?" She asked.
"Would I be crazy if I packed up my life, and Liam's life and moved to England?" I asked and her jaw dropped.
"You want to move across the ocean? For Jace?" She asked.
"I let him go once." I admitted. "And I tried not to think about him, and I tried to move on, but he's impossible to forget. Liam isn't in school yet, I can find work anywhere, but I can't find another Jace, another father to my child, and Jace has work there. A whole industry. It makes sense."
"But moving to another country, that's risky Clary." Izzy said and I nodded in agreement.
"Yea, but I don't want to do long distance. I don't want him to pop in and out of Liam's life. I want him there, I want more, and in my head, the only logical thing to do is move there." I explained.
"And you're not worried about Liam acclimating there? A brand new place." Izzy asked.
"No. I really don't. Liam is a friendly kid. He gets along with everyone, and sure he'll miss his friends here, but he'll make plenty more there." I said and Izzy nodded, but she didn't respond. After a few minutes, I couldn't take it. "So? Any advice?"
"When are you leaving? And are you packed yet?" She asked and I got the biggest smile on my face. This was scary as hell, but something I needed to do.
Time Jump – Later That Night
Jace POV:
The shoot got pushed back, so it's nearly 1 am and I'm still here. All I wanted to do was go to bed and get up for my flight tomorrow so I could be back with Clary and Liam. I didn't know I'd miss them this much, but I felt like I had a whole in my chest that wouldn't be filled until we were back together. Call me crazy, but I wanted to keep the two of them in my life forever this time, I just needed to figure out how.
"Jace?" I heard someone call. "There is someone here to see you." He said and I got confused.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"She says she's your baby mamma?" He questioned and my eyes widened. I shot out of my seat and practically ran out of the trailer to see Clary standing there.
"What are you doing here?" I asked breathlessly. I didn't care that a whole film crew was on set listening, Clary was here. In England.
"We parted civilly 5 years ago because we agreed to have a summer fling." Clary started. "I had no idea that would give me the greatest gift I've ever been given, but it did. It brought me Liam." She smiled, and I couldn't help but smile. "I let you go once, but I sure as hell don't plan on making the same mistake this time."
"You live in New York Clary. And so does Liam." I said.
"But we don't have too." She said as she took a step closer to me. "Liam is only 5, he isn't in school yet, and it's not like I'm prying him away from life long friends and a girlfriend, and a high school football team." She explained. "New York is amazing, but it doesn't have you. And I don't care where we live, or how often we have to move, or the hassle your job could potentially make our lives." She said and I nodded, knowing that was true. "All I care about is our family. And having our family together. I love you Jace. I've never stopped, and I don't think I ever can." She didn't need to say another word because I was over to her and slamming my lips to hers as fast as I possibly could. This was the next step. When we finally broke apart I couldn't get the smile off my face.
"I love you too." I said and she smiled. "I love you more than anything, and I love Liam more than I thought possible. But moving is huge Clary. Have you thought about this?"
"More than you know Jace. It's all I could think about while we were on vacation, and once you left I felt empty. I need you, Liam needs you, and we can have you. Here. In England." Clary said and I picked her up and spun her around.
"Okay, we need to find a house. We need to sell your apartment. We need to get Liam a passport. We need to enroll him in school. Oh and we definitely need to make our relationship more permanent." I said and she looked at me confused. "Marry me Clarissa, and make me the happiest guy in the world." I said and her hands covered her mouth as I saw tears pool in her eyes.
"Yes." She whispered and I pulled her back into my arms. Life was perfect, and I never thought that was possible when I first found out about the Concealment.
Authors Note:
So I left this one shot up for your own imagination, so if anyone says it's not finished, well it is.
Sorry that it took me so long, but prepare for it to take longer next time!
Happy Halloween!
