Author note:
And we're back. I hope you all are still enjoying my story. I will keep writing as long as someone is reading it.
If you celebrated Christmas, I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
CH 29-Home & Family
Clay and Emma made it to her house before nine per Jason's request. Getting up and going was hard for her, but since her dad had agreed so easily to her staying with Clay, she wanted to abide by his wishes as much as possible. They walked in quietly. Emma was carrying a fruit salad she had made, and Clay was bringing in the gifts. The welcome aroma of coffee and bacon met them once they were in the living room.
Jason heard them come in and stepped out to greet them.
"Merry Christmas you two."
"Merry Christmas Dad." Emma walked over to give him a hug and kiss.
"Merry Christmas Jace."
Emma went into the kitchen with her dad while Clay arranged the packages they brought under the tree. Once he was done, he joined the two in the kitchen. Jason was frying up some bacon and making pancakes. Emma went to get syrup and get the table ready.
"Where's Grandma and Mikey?"
"Your Grandma is in the shower and I think Mikey is still sleeping. He's getting more like you every day Em." Clay laughed and Jason smirked.
"Very funny you two."
The coffee was finished brewing, so Clay stepped over to the counter and served himself a cup. He also fixed a mug for Emma and handed it to her. He leaned against the counter and she leaned into him.
"Thanks for bringing the fruit, Em. I think this is almost done. Could you put everything on the table?"
"What can I do," asked Clay.
"You wanna try and get Mikey down here?"
Clay passed Linda on the stairs as he went up to wake Mikey.
"Merry Christmas Clay."
"Merry Christmas Linda." He stopped and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. He continued on to Mikey's room and knocked on the door frame.
"Mikey-man, chow's on." Clay saw a bit of movement under the covers and Mikey poked his head out.
"Let's go man. Breakfast is ready and I'm starving." He walked into the room and grabbed the hand that was offered and pulled Mikey up and out of bed. The two walked downstairs and found the rest of the family already seated at the table.
Everyone enjoyed the meal and they lingered a bit around the table until Mikey mentioned presents. They found seats in the living room as Emma started passing out the gifts.
"Grandma, you go first."
Linda opened her packages. She was equally appreciative of the sweaters from Jason and Mikey and the silk scarf from Emma and Clay. Mikey dove in next. He was super excited over the Washington Capitals jersey that Clay and Emma had for him.
"Dad, this one from us is actually for you and Mikey." Jason opened a small, flat box.
"Yes! Score!" He handed the box to Mikey to see.
"Flyers v. Capitals tickets. Awesome!"
"Yea, this is great. Thanks, Em, Clay."
Clay received some new shirts and a toolbox that attached to the bed of his truck. Emma got leggings, boots, and a new purse.
Linda asked, "What did Clay get you Emma?" Emma pulled the pendant out from under the neckline of her shirt and showed everyone.
"Wow! That's gorgeous honey."
"Isn't it. The stones are from his grandmother's ring."
Jason caught Clay's eye and nodded with approval. Internally. Clay sighed with relief. He hoped that Jason still felt that way for the conversation he needed to have with him next.
After the presents were opened and the wrapping was disposed of, Mikey went back upstairs, and Emma and her Grandma went to clean up. That left Clay and Jason to talk.
"So Jace…the necklace wasn't the only thing I gave Emma for Christmas."
"Yea?"
"Um, yea. See, I'm moving into a bigger place after the first of the year. And …I asked Em to move in with me after she graduates." He blew out a big breath.
"I see. What did Em say?"
"She said she wanted to." This was a whole other level of acceptance and letting go for Jason.
"I guess…if that's what Emma wants. I…I said I wasn't going to get between you two."
"Thanks, Jace."
"So, she'll live there and go to school?"
"That's the plan. She did have one concern."
"That is…"
"Mikey. She's worried about how to take care of him when we're spun up."
"Mom and I have been talking about that. I guess it's time to have the conversation with the whole family." Jason called Linda and Emma in from the kitchen.
"Em, Clay just told me that you want to move in together after your graduation."
She scooted closer to Clay and threaded her fingers through his. "Yea. He asked me and I said yes. I can commute to college just as easily from there as from here."
"Your Grandma told me about a prep school near her with a great hockey program. We asked Mikey and he said he'd like to give it a try. But, for us to afford that and your school Em, I would need to sell the house."
"Sell?" Emma's eyes filled with tears. She knew that she wouldn't be living there but selling the home that held so many memories of her mom was hard to swallow. Clay reached his arm around her and pulled her close while pressing a kiss to her temple.
"I know honey. But it's the only way to make it work. I'll get a place close by."
She nodded in understanding. "When?"
"I figured on this summer sometime. That would give Mikey time to move in with your Grandma. And it sounds like it will give you time to move also."
Emma was quiet on their ride back to Clay's. He could har her sniffling in the darkness of the truck cab. He wished he could hold her.
"You okay Em?"
"I guess. I mean I was planning on moving. I just never thought about dad moving too."
"Do you...do you want to stay with him honey? It's okay if you changed your mind."
"No. I want to be with you Clay. Nothing could change my mind about that."
He would support her either way. But he was relieved that she was still choosing him, that she was choosing them. They got back to the apartment and as soon as they were inside, he reached for her and held her close.
"I know I'm not much compared to your family and home, but I love you honey."
She silenced him with a kiss. "You are everything to me Clay. You are my home. As long as I have you, I'll be okay."
"You'll always have me Emmie. I promise."
