4 years later..

Clary jerked awake to the sound of her phonr ringing. Checking the digital clock on the bedside table told her that it was 1 AM. Having no idea who might be calling, and too irritated to guess, she picked up the phone.

"Claryyyyy! Guess who's getting married?" It was Izzy. Ever since the trip 4 years ago, Izzy had become Clary's confidante, best friend and partner in crime. Now, she couldn't even imagine her life without the fiesty Lightwood to talk to. But even though, in the past few years she had been witness to quite a few of Izzy's escapades, calling her in the middle of the night, drunk out of her mind, was new.

"What? Izzy are you okay? Do you need me to come pick you up?" Clary asked.

"Nooo. I am okay. I just wanted to tell you something." Izzy said in a singsong voice. "Simon proposed. I am getting married..!" This was followed by hooting from people who Clary guessed were other patrons of whichever bar Izzy was at.

Simon Lewis, was Izzy's boyfriend, now fiance. He was Lightwoods' college friend, Jace's room mate once Alec moved out. An accounting major, he was smart, nerdy and awkward. Isabelle's complete opposite. Clary didn't know how their relationship worked exactly, but just like Magnus and Alec they balanced each other out.

"Clary? I am sorry. She's a little drunk. She will tell you the details tomorrow." Clary distantly realised that it was Simon's voice saying the words.

"Oh, okay. Congratulations anyways. Do tell her to call me tomorrow. I do need to hear all the juicy details." With that Clary put down the receiver.

Knowing she won't be going back to sleep anytime soon, Clary went into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Clary was happy for her friend, she really was. She herself was not in a serious relationship never had been. On the contrary, since the past 4 years, since Jace her love life had been even more desolate. But she was content, she had great friends and was a successful artist. She still missed Jace something fierce, of course she did. But she hoped that wherever he was he was happy.

She hadn't seen him in four years, no one had. Not even Alec and Izzy. He did call his siblings sometimes, but he was so busy making a name for hinself, that he didn't have time for a visit. Clary hoped that he attended Izzy's wedding. They may not say itn, but she knew that his siblings missed him a lot more than they let on. And maybe this time he might stay? A girl could hope.

As she settled into the sofa with her cup of coffee, she turned on the TV. The first show that came on was the one for which Jace was the director of photography. As she made herself comfortable, she couldn't help but feel exactly as she had before going on the trip that changed her life : good things were about to happen. She knew it.

Jace POV

Jace was on cloud nine. His show was a massive success and he was on his way to become one of the most sought after photographers, both for shows as well as shoots. His favorite assignment by far was working with the VS angels, but then which man said no to that?

Despite all this he was lonely. Sure, he had great friends here and more than a glfew girls who he could turn to, but they didn't share the same comfort level as he did with his siblings.

His siblings, Alec and Izzy and Max, he has not seen any of them in more than four years. He was ashamed to admit that it was his fault. He was always so busy, in one shoot or another. Touring the globe, taking pictures of exotic locations in the world, learning new languages, he had no time for his family. Initially they had called and skyped almost daily, but as time passed and they all grew busy in their respective professions, the calls became few and far inbetween.

He still knew the big things, opening of Alec's clinic, Izzy's engagement, Magnus' website, Max's surgery which had been a success. But still he missed the intimacy they had when the three of them shared everything.

Then there was Clary. That girl had grown on him. Inviting her to the trip had been a split second decision. He wanted to know her, really talk to her. He hadn't expected to fall for the girl. But he did. When she told him she loved him, he nearly cancelled all his plans and wanted to go to New York to be with her. But he also knew, that if he did that, he will forever blame her for this missed opportunity. He didn't want that. Didn't want their relationship to fall apartapart like that. So, he let her go.

That got him to where he was now. Currently, he was in Spain, working on the last episode of his show. But it was his next assignment he was excited for. He had signed a 5 year contract with a show, which will be shot primarily in and around NYC. It was probably his biggest break ever. And on top of it, it meant that he was moving back home. He was going to be back with his siblings and his friends and Clary.

As he was packing his bags, his laptop pinged signalling he had a video message. It was from Izzy. With it was attached a wedding invitation, with a note from Izzy inviting him a few days earlier. He played the message.

She was standing in what looked to be the dressing room of a high end boutique, wearing a wedding dress. "Jace, I am getting married. Me..! Next month. On the Island, with your permission, of course. And I am freaking out. I need ny entire family there. I know you are busy, I know. But Jace you are and will forever remain one of the most important people in my life. You are the only one who could calm me when even Alec failed. So I want you there. Please do come. We miss you. Alec misses you. I miss you. I love you. Always and forever?" By the time the screen went black, Izzy looked as if she was about to cry.

"Always and Forever, Iz." Jace said softly. It was an old joke between them. Whenever one of them was feeling particularly sad or alone, the other two would promise that no matter what happened they will stay together, Always and Forever. Jace smiled.

And she was getting married at the Island. The Island was the setting for some of the best memories Jace had from his childhood.

Originally owned by his birth parents, the island was given to Robert and Maryse for safekeeping till Jace turned of age. They would go there, every time they could. Jace, Alec and Izzy would spend hours scouring the land. They explored every inch of the place. They climbed cliffs, jumped down waterfalls, even learnt how to ride jet skis there. It was a safe haven. A place full of memories. So Jace gave Izzy his full blessing to get married there and promised he would be there. It was actually that plea for permission that hit Jace the hardest. If his siblings felt need to ask before going to their place, then things really needed to change.

And they will. He was now surer than ever. He was moving back. And was going to rebuild his relationship with his siblings. And see if his friendship with Clary could be salvaged. Maybe it might even lead them back to each other, who knows? He sure as hell hoped it did.