Author note:

Happy Monday everyone! Just a quick bit of Fluff to start the week. I hope you all enjoy.

I want to thank you all for the continued reviews and support of my story. It means so much to me. I am truly grateful!

CH 77-Grateful

They heard Jason's complaining all the way out in the hallway as they approached his room. Emma rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I told you he is an awful patient."

Clay chuckled and squeezed her hand. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

"I guess you're right," she acquiesced. "If Dad wasn't cranky, I would know something was wrong."

As they walked into the room Jason was sitting up picking at the tray of food in front of him.

"Hey Daddy! How are you today?" Emma went and placed a kiss on his scruffy cheek.

"Okay, I guess. This food they give you is crap," he groused.

"I'm sure they do the best they can. You haven't been giving your nurses a hard time, have you?"

"Well…I…"

At that moment, his day nurse came in to get his breakfast tray.

"Chief Hayes, you have hardly touched your food."

He opened his mouth to respond, but she stopped him with her hand in the air.

"I know it's not steak and eggs, but I've told you before that in order to get your strength back, you are going to have to eat something. You have PT today. How are you going to get through that if you don't have any breakfast?"

Jason was about to give a sarcastic answer when Emma intervened.

"Dad, how about I go down to the café in the lobby and see what they have?" She turned to the nurse, "Any restrictions on his diet?"

"Nothing fried, and no caffeine, but other than that, he can eat what he wants."

"Okay, no hash browns and only decaf, got it. How about some scrambled eggs and turkey sausage?"

Jason grudgingly nodded his agreement. "Alright. I'll run and get you some. What if Clay takes you to the solarium and I'll meet you there?" She didn't wait for an answer but kissed his cheek again and went to get his food.

Clay reached for Jason's robe and held it out to his boss. "Do you need help getting this on?"

Jason gave him a withering look, grabbed the robe, and slipped into the sleeves. Clay let it go, but when he moved to stand up and get into the wheelchair without assistance, he drew the line. He wrapped his arm around Jason and helped maneuver him out of bed.

"Thanks," he grumbled. He hated to admit that he was still weak as a kitten.

"No problem."

They left the room and Jason directed Clay to the solarium. They chose a spot in the sun, near the window and settled in.

Jason started up the conversation. "Hey, Em told me how you put the kibosh on her postponing the rest of school and graduation. Thanks for that."

"Yea. No problem."

"She's like her Mom, always putting the people she loves ahead of herself. I'm glad to know that you make sure she doesn't lose focus on herself." He cleared his throat to continue. "Back, after the explosion…I asked you to promise me some things."

"Jace…" Clay interrupted.

Jason held up his hand. "Let me finish." The younger man nodded. "I knew…I know that you would do what you promised. I already knew you would take care of Em…and that you would look after Mikey, if necessary. I, I just needed to hear it. I want to thank you." Clay's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "I…it's good to know that Emma is with a man that will put her first and take care of her. It takes a load off me, you know, just in case." Each man nodded knowingly. "And, that you love her enough to be invested in her family too."

Clay took a deep breath and responded. "You know I love her. I will always do my best to take care of her. And, I'll be there for Mikey however or whenever he needs me. But Jace, I have to thank you too."

"What?"

"You saved my life. If you hadn't pushed me out of the way. I…I probably wouldn't have made it back. I wouldn't have made it home to Emma."

"Yea. And she would have kicked both our asses," he joked to lighten the tone.

That was the scene Emma returned to. She was happy that Clay seemed to be able to talk her dad into a better mood. She found a tray and set the food in front of him.

"Here you go. Eggs, turkey sausage and Decaf. I know it's not what you really want, but it's got to be better than what you had before. And…I did sneak you some hot sauce for your eggs."

He looked at her wide eyes and hopeful expression. Instead of complaining about the turkey sausage, and the lack of "real" coffee, he thanked her. He was so lucky to have someone in his life that fussed over him, someone who cared so much. He tucked into the plate and flashed her a smile.

"This is great Em. Thanks."

When he finished eating, he brought up another topic of conversation.

"I think we need to start making plans for your graduation party. Do you want to have it at my place? The apartment is kind of small."

"Dad, I don't need a party. I just need you to concentrate on getting well."

"But you need a celebration. You've worked so hard."

"I agree Em." She thew Clay an exasperated look. "I know we've already talked about this, but I agree with your Dad. It's not right to ignore your special day."

"You guys don't need to be worrying about that. You need to focus on getting your strength back and getting well."

Jason was about to speak when Clay took Emma's hand and spoke softly.

"Honey, you are important and your life matters to us. We are both so proud of you. We want to show you and to celebrate your accomplishments with you. We have missed so many important times with you, don't deny us this. It may seem like this is bad timing, and none of us would have chosen for things to be like this, but because of what happened, there isn't a chance of us missing your graduation. Please babe, let us do this for you."

When Clay finished there were a few tears on her cheeks. She finally nodded her head in agreement, and he reached out to wipe the wetness from her face. Cradling her head in his hands, he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly. With their foreheads leaning together he whispered to her.

"Thank you, Emmie."

Jason cleared his throat to remind them that he was still there. Emma looked at him, blushing slightly. She expected to see some displeasure in his gaze, but instead she only saw acceptance. He reached out and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Well…now that Clay's finally talked some sense into you, I guess we need to get planning."

They managed to talk her into a modest party at Jason's condo. There would be cupcakes and decorations, and all their family and friends. Emma was surprised that she was actually feeling excited and eagerly anticipating the get-together.

Clay's phone rang and he stepped away to take the call. Emma took advantage of the moment. She had been wanting to tell her dad something since she found out what really happened on the mission. But she wasn't sure, until now, that we was really on the mend and strong enough to hear it.

"Daddy…I have to thank you."

"Em, I already told you that a little party's no problem…"

"I don't mean the party. I mean…" He could see tears gathering in her eyes. "Thank you for getting Clay home to me. I know it's your job to get your men home safe. But you saved his life, and I can't ever thank you enough for that."

"Honey…"

She moved to kiss his cheek again and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry you got hurt, but I am so grateful that you brought him home to me." She shuddered with a silent sob. "I just can't imagine life…without him."

Jason wrapped and arm around her and held her tight. "Shhh, baby. It's okay. We're both okay. Everything's going to be fine."

He kissed her head and thought to himself that they all had a lot to be grateful for.