Author note:

Sorry it has taken me so long to post. I was ready last night, but I had to watch the premiere. (Holy S***!)

I hope you all enjoy this one. Please let me know your favorite part.

CH 57-Home Movies

The party wasn't supposed to start until noon. But even though Jason assured her that he had everything under control, she wanted to be there early to help set up. And, she had a feeling that there were probably a few details he had overlooked.

That's the reason she and Clay were pulling into the driveway at 10:30 a.m. They walked inside and to her surprise, her dad already had the tables set up and she could see paper plates, napkins and plasticware in the kitchen.

"It actually looks like he has everything under control," Clay commented.

"Did you doubt it Spenser?"

Jason had walked up behind them silently.

"Hey Daddy."

"Hi Em." He gave her a quick hug. "What are you guys doing here early?"

"I thought you might need some help."

Jason tucked his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

"I told you I would manage everything. Did you hold up your end of the deal?"

"Yep. There's peanut butter cup cookies and snickerdoodles in the bag." She handed it over to him.

He immediately reached for the snickerdoodles.

"This one's not very full."

"I know. Some got a little too brown. Sorry."

"You never burn cookies Em. Weren't you paying attention?"

Emma blushed and Clay bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling.

"Something tells me I don't want to know what happened."

His gaze shifted between the two of them. He shoved an entire cookie in his mouth.

"Mmmmm…just gonna enjoy my cookie."

Emma wondered into the living room and noticed a stack of old VCR tapes and DVDs next to the TV.

"Dad?"

He joined her by the television.

"What are these?"

"Oh, I found some old home movies as I was cleaning and packing."

"Really?" She started to rifle through the tapes and discs. "I don't remember these."

Clay joined them. "Don't remember what honey?"

"These home movies."

Jason interjected again. "You don't remember because we never watched them together. The old ones, the VHS tapes, are from before you were born. They're of me and your Mom and some of my old buddies."

"Mom's on these?"

Clay reached out and rubbed her back.

"These newer ones, you're on some of them. So's Mikey."

She laughed. "We are?"

"Yep." He grabbed one from the pile. "This one's got your 3rd birthday party and some other stuff form that year."

"A little Emma? This I have to see," Clay said.

"Well, I thought we could watch some later when the others get here."

Emma smiled. "I love that idea."

Mikey scampered down the stairs. "What idea?"

"Dad found some old home movies. We're going to watch them later."

Jason clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

"Since you are here…let's finish setting up before everyone arrives."

They worked together to get the food set out and load up the coolers.

Ray arrived with the kids. Naima, unfortunately, had to work. Jameelah saw Clay and came running.

"Uncle Clay!"

"Hey Little J!" He grabbed her and swung her through the air. "How's my favorite niece?"

"Good. Are you going to play with me today?"

"I think I can manage that." He tickled her and she dissolved into a fit of giggles.

"Are you stealing my boyfriend Jameelah," Emma teased.

The little girl laughed. "No. I can't. Mama said that Uncle Clay voted for you."

"Huh?" Clay looked at Emma, but she shrugged her shoulders. She couldn't untangle this one.

Ray stepped in to interpret. "Mama said that Uncle Clay's devoted to Aunt Emmie. Hey Emma, Clay."

"Hey man."

"Hi Ray. You want me to take this little guy?"

"He's a little fussy, so I think I'll hang on to him for now. Thanks for the offer."

Brock got there with Cerb and Koda and Jameelah immediately wanted down to play with the pups. Emma pressed herself to Clay's side and hugged him.

"Are you devoted to me," she asked in jest.

Wrapping an arm around her, he kissed her and then answered without hesitation.

"Yep, completely."

It was hard to corral everyone to let them know it was time to eat. Clay was in the backyard with Brock and the kids playing fetch with the dogs. Ray, Sonny, Trent and her dad were standing around the kitchen joking. Emma was sitting in the living room holding little RJ and talking to Vic. The little one had overcome his fussy mood and reached out from his father's arms to her.

"Is it always like this," Vic questioned.

"You mean loud and chaotic?" She laughed. "When this crew gets together…always."

"So, this is a regular thing, team get togethers?"

"Oh yea. We've been doing it as long as I can remember. We're a family."

The rest of their conversation was cut off by and ear-piercing whistle from Jason.

"Chow time everyone."

The noise startled little RJ and he screwed up his face like he was going to cry.

"Oh, oh no baby. It's okay. Don't cry."

Emma walked and bounced him a little. "Dad, did you have to scare the baby?"

"Oh, sorry little man." He rubbed the little boy's back. "Em, can you go let everyone outside know it's time to eat?"

"Sure."

Emma stepped outside and called out. "Come on everyone, food's ready."

Jameelah and Mikey rushed for the door while Brock, Clay and the dogs followed. Everyone settled in and the food disappeared quickly. Conversation drifted to memories of times spent at the Hayes house over the years. Sonny, Ray and her Dad tried to one up each other with embarrassing stories. Emma was laughing so hard she was crying.

Jason mentioned the home movies, and everyone agreed that was a great idea. Tables were cleared and they all settled in the living room. Emma claimed a spot on the couch next to Clay with Koda curled up at their feet. Ray sat next to them with Jameelah and held RJ in his arms. The others found places about the room.

"Ok. Which one first," Jason asked.

Clay quickly spoke up. "Let's see that one of Emma's birthday party."

"Alright, works for me."

Jason popped in the disc and soon the screen came to life with shots of pink and purple balloons and a glittery sign that said, 'Happy Birthday Emma.' The camera swung around and there she was, chubby cheeks, big blue eyes, and blonde curls. She was dressed in a princess dress and was singing and dancing around.

"Yea, I remember this one. This was the 'Princess' phase Jace. I lost track'a how many times I had to 'die' and transform from that Beast into a Prince," Sonny mentioned.

"Wait, Em had you play Beast so she could be 'Beauty'?" Clay couldn't stop his laughter. "That's perfect, Son."

The action on the screen transferred to the backyard. It was clearly summertime. Alana was sitting on the grass next to a wading pool. Clay glanced at Emma. He could see her eyes soften as she saw her Mom on the TV. He reached over and pulled her to lean against him.

"You okay babe?"

He felt her nod against his shoulder. "Yea. She was beautiful, wasn't she?"

"Yea, she was honey."

Before the mood got too somber, a buck-naked, toddler-Emma streaked across the screen.

"WHAAA…Dad?!"

"Sorry Em. You refused to wear a swimsuit."

As if to prove his point, the TV showed him chasing her with a tiny, polka-dot bikini, trying to wrestle her into it. After he had finally gotten it on her, she stood with her pudgy little hand on her hip, glaring at him. Once Jason sat her in the pool and walked away, she stood up and peeled it off.

Emma had buried her head in Clay's shoulder, dying of embarrassment. She could feel Clay start to shake as he tried to hold in his mirth. Emma sat up.

"Sorry honey. I can't help it. You were so cute." She gave him a cynical look.

He captured her jaw I his hand. "I mean it babe. I want us to have a little girl. An adorable, sassy, stubborn, little girl…just like her mama."

He tilted his head and kissed her fiercely.

They were oblivious to their audience. No one was looking at the TV. They were watching the scene playing out right there on the couch.

Jameelah started to giggle as she watched them kissing. The sound finally broke through their self-imposed bubble. Emma pulled back and realized they were being watched. She tried not to be embarrassed.

Thankfully, the video ended and drew everyone's attention back to the screen.

"Okay, next movie," she declared. "And no more naked Emma. I think we've seen enough."

"Not me," Clay whispered into her ear. "In fact, I'd like to see her tonight, back at the apartment."

"I think that can be arranged," she whispered back.