Authors Note:
So, this is the last official chapter of this story, and I can't believe it's over! There will be an epilogue, but I have no idea what I'm going to write about, but it will be in the future, not too distantly, but far enough! Thank you for everyone who has taken this journey with me! I hope you loved it as much as I have! Let me know what you think and leave a review! :)
Chapter Twenty Nine
Time Jump – Stephan's First Birthday
Clary and Jace couldn't believe that Stephan was already one. It seemed liked yesterday that he was just coming home, and now he was walking. He was an over achiever, that's for sure, but when he saw Beverly walking, Clary and Jace figured he didn't want to be left behind, and just stood and started walking. They were thrilled, but now that kid didn't stay still. He was running all over the house, but Clary and Jace couldn't imagine doing anything else but chasing them around.
Beverly also loved her little brother. She was thrilled to have a friend, and the way they acted together made Jace and Clary really happy. Everyone was meeting at the Lightwoods soon and Clary and Jace were getting the kids ready.
"Beverly, can you come here." Clary called.
"Yes mommy?" Beverly said.
"I need you to go get your shoes sweetie. We need to leave." Clary said and she nodded. She ran to the other room before running back to Clary empty handed.
"I don't know where they are mommy." She said and Clary started looking around the living room.
"There right here sweet pea." Clary heard Jace say. She turned around and he had Stephan on his left side, and the shoes in his right hand.
"Thanks." Clary said as he handed her the shoes. "Take a seat Bev." She said and Beverly took a seat. Clary put the shoes on and than picked Beverly up off the ground and put her jacket on.
"Are we going to see grandma?" Beverly asked.
"Yes baby. We're going to see everyone." Clary said and she got really happy. She skipped out of the house and waited by the car. Jace strapped Stephan in and Clary strapped Beverly in and they were off.
When they got to the Lightwoods, everyone was already there. Max, Rafe, and Madison were in the backyard playing, Emily was in the living room watching a movie, and the adults were in the kitchen. Jace out Stephan on the couch with Emily, and Beverly agreed to watch them both, which Clary and Jace thought was adorable. She was such a big sister.
"It's about time you guys got here." Izzy said.
"Sorry, it's hard coordinating with two kids." Clary said and Alec and Magnus laughed.
"We got here on time with three kids." Alec said and Clary rolled her eyes.
"Your kids are 4, 5, and 6. Ours are 3, and 1." Jace said. "They listen to you, Stephan decided today was the day he was going to clean up his toys, and that took 20 minutes." Jace said and everyone laughed.
"Seems he's inherited your OCD." Alec said and Jace just rolled his eyes.
"At least my kids clean up. I've seen your place, and you have toys everywhere." Jace said.
"You stepped on a Lego once, get over it." Magnus said.
"That shit hurt." Jace said and Alec laughed.
"We step on them frequently." Alec said. "We know how much they hurt."
"So clean them up." Jace said.
"It's not out problem." Magnus said. "They need to learn how to clean up themselves." Magnus explained. "Plus, they've gotten better. Max stepped on one the other day and cried for 15 minutes. He now knows not to leave them lying around."
"I'm glad your kid had to get injured because you won't clean up the damn Legos." Jace said with an eye roll and Clary rubbed his back.
"Mommy!" Everyone heard and they all turned around to see Beverly standing there.
"What's wrong sweet pea?" Jace asked as he bent down to her level.
"The movie is over, and I was wondering if we could watch something else." She said.
"Dinner is almost ready." Maryse said. "Why don't you go round up your cousins."
"Otay grandma." Beverly cheered and skipped out of the room.
"Set the table." Maryse said. "All of you." Nobody questioned her, and started setting the table. Once it was done, the kids gathered in the kitchen and took their seats. Maryse stood up and clinked her glass and everyone settled down and looked at her. "Having all of you together today means a lot to us." She said. "There was a moment in my life, and in all of yours, where I thought life couldn't possibly go on." She said and Jace and Clary looked at each other. She leaned into him and he kissed the top of her head. "But than Clary, and Simon, and Magnus came into the picture and helped my kids out of a tough situation." She said and each of them took a moment to look at their significant other. "And I don't think I've thanked you for that." She said and everyone smiled. "Back than I never knew how bright the future could be. It seemed so dim at the time, and it was hard to look forward, but looking at this table now. Looking at all my kids, and my grandkids, I couldn't picture a brighter future." She said. "So, thank you for healing my family, and bringing more love into the family, and continuing to make it grow." She said and everyone looked around.
"Uh, continuing?" Jace asked and Maryse simply smiled and sat down. "Last I checked Alec and Magnus weren't adopting anymore, and Clary isn't pregnant." He said and everyone looked at Izzy. "Care to share dear sister?"
"I might be pregnant." She said.
"Might be, or are?" Clary asked.
"Are." She said and the table burst into a fit of congratulations.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Alec asked.
"I was waiting until we were all together." She said. "I thought I was happy with just having Emily. Simon and I were so incredibly content with our family, but Clary had Stephan, and you adopted Madison, and Simon and I looked at each other one night and just decided to start trying."
"How far along are you?" Jace asked.
"A week shy of two months." Izzy said.
"This is amazing." Clary said. "I can't wait to have another niece or nephew!" She said and Izzy smiled. "I'm so happy for you. I knew one wasn't going to be enough for you." She said and everyone laughed.
They ate dinner and talked about baby things, and what was new in their lives. By the time everyone was getting to leave, the babies were all asleep, and the older kids were pretty drained. Jace and Clary loaded Stephan and Beverly into the car and headed home. After Jace and Clary got them changed and in their cribs, they cuddled in their bed and just basked in the love that they had for each other.
Clary had no idea she would find that kind of love in high school. She was expecting to be in her 20's before she found someone that she would even consider settling down with but when Jace walked into her life, she knew that it was over. She was going to love him forever, and she knew that from the moment she felt it. Of course she didn't know he would feel the same way, but he did, and Clary couldn't be more thrilled that even in the most unconventionally ways, she found her forever love, and she would always be grateful for that.
Jace always thought he'd never get married. He was happy with his bachelor lifestyle. Being tied down to someone always used to freak him out, but the minute he saw Clary, he knew he was a goner. There was something about her that just fit with him perfectly. They had been through their fair shares of fights, and scares, but at the end of the day they always got through it. There wasn't anyone else in the world that Jace wasn't to spend forever with than the girl curled into his side right now. He could hear his son and daughter lightly snoring in their rooms, and he looked down at Clary who was sleeping peacefully. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes. His life was perfect, and he finally had a family that was his own, and nothing could compare to the love he felt for those three.
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Time Jump – Birth
Izzy had been in labor for about 2 hours, but for Simon it felt like a lifetime. Thankfully Maryse and Robert came up to watch Emily, so Simon could focus solely on Izzy. This pregnancy was a lot easier this time, and Simon knew what to expect from Izzy.
This time around they wanted to be surprised, which was driving Izzy crazy, but her and Simon agreed, and now that she was in labor she swore their child was prolonging the birth just to keep them in suspense. Izzy had gotten all the medicine she was allowed, but for some reason she just wasn't dilated, and she thought it was never going to end.
"Let's take a look." The doctor said once she stepped into the room. She lifted the gown and sheets up. "You're ready darling."
"Oh thank god." Izzy said and Simon laughed.
"Okay, next contraction, I want you to push." The doctor said. Izzy nodded and Simon offered his hand. The contraction hit and Izzy started pushing as hard as she possibly could. "Oh my. Looks like this little one is eager." The doctor said. "Keep pushing, and your baby will be out in no time." The doctor encouraged, which worked because Izzy started pushing twice as hard. In no time at all, Izzy heard the soft cries and than started crying herself. "You two are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl."
"Another girl?" Izzy asked and Simon nodded. "We have two daughters." She said and Simon smiled.
"Yea we do." Simon said as he kissed her forehead. "I love you so much Iz."
"I love you more." She said and Simon laughed. the nurse walked over and placed the sweet baby in her arms. "Welcome to the family Talia Lewis." Izzy said and the baby started to calm down.
After about 20 minutes alone, Simon had gone out and invited the family in to meet the baby. Stephan was especially cute because he had never seen a baby before and he was fascinated. When it was time for everyone to leave, Stephan started crying hysterically because he didn't want to leave Tally alone. Simon thought it was extremely sweet, and they promised to have a play date soon, and that got him quiet very quickly. When Emily was introduced to her sister she was slightly confused but than took over the role of protective big sister, and all bets were off. Simon and Izzy both knew they were going to be the best of friends one day, and they couldn't wait for that day to happen.
Time Jump – One Month Later
Izzy was exhausted, and even that didn't begin to describe how tired she was. Talia was such a night owl, and Emily was such a early bird, it was impossible to get more than 2 hours of sleep, and if Izzy was being completely honestly, she just needed a night off. Which Simon knew, and was going to take full advantage of.
Simon didn't tell Izzy that he took the weekend off. They weren't going far, but they were swapping houses. Robert and Maryse were going to stay at their house for two days, and Simon and Izzy were going to her parents house for two days. Izzy needed a break, and since Simon is working so much these days, Izzy takes on most of the hard stuff, and he wanted to treat her to a full blown sleep even if it was only for 2 nights.
Izzy was sitting on the couch when the doorbell rang. She was incredibly confused because she wasn't expecting anyone. She got off the couch and when she opened the door, she was shocked to see her parents there.
"Mom, dad. What are you doing here?" She questioned.
"Ask your husband." Robert said.
"Why do you have suitcases?" She questioned.
"Again, ask your husband." Maryse said as they made their way into the living room where the kids were, just as Simon walked down the stairs, also holding bags.
"Why does everyone have suitcases?" Izzy asked confused.
"We're going away for the weekend." Simon said.
"Seriously?" Izzy asked confused.
"Seriously. I knew I wouldn't get you to take a real vacation, so we're swapping houses with your parents for two night." Simon said. "You need a break babe, and we're only 2 hours away, so if we're needed at home, we can get back." Simon said and Izzy was so touched.
"You're the best." Izzy said and Simon smiled.
"Let's say bye to our babies, and hit the road." Simon said and Izzy nodded.
They said their goodbyes to Emily and Talia and were in the car on their way to her parents house. It might seem weird to be leaving your new born after just a month, but Izzy trusted her parents with both her kids, and she was so looking forward to just being with Simon.
By the time they got to the Lightwood house, it was dark. Simon grabbed the bags and they made their way up to Izzy's old bedroom. Izzy opened the door, and Simon dropped the luggage. Izzy looked at her incredibly thoughtful husband and pulled him into a passionate kiss. It lasted longer than they had intended but neither of them minded.
"What do you want to do now?" Simon asked breathlessly when they broke apart. Izzy eyed the bed and than looked back at Simon.
"I want to go to sleep." Izzy said and Simon laughed.
"Than lets go to bed." Simon said and Izzy smiled. Most men would probably assume since they were home alone, without children to worry about that they were automatically going to have sex, but Simon being as amazing and wonderful as he is, just wanted whatever Izzy wanted, and she couldn't be happier about that.
They got ready for bed and the minute Izzy's body hit that mattress, she knew she wasn't going to be woken up by cries, or woke up with a toddler jumping on them. She cuddled into Simon's side and for the first time in a month welcomed sleep like an old friend. It was 9 at night, and Izzy couldn't wait to be in a dreamland that didn't involved breast-feeding and diapers. She was in the arms of the man she fell head over heels in love with in high school, and she couldn't picture of better place to be.
Simon felt Izzy's breathing even out and he couldn't get the smile off his face. Even though he wasn't tired at all, he didn't mind laying in bed cuddling his wife while she slept. She needed this more than anything in the world, and he was going to hold her has much as he could because after this weekend, who knows when they'd get the chance to just enjoy each others company again. Simon couldn't adequately express how incredibly lucky he was. He had the most amazing wife in the world, and two beautiful little girls back at home. If someone were to tell Simon that he'd meet the love of his life in high school, he would have laughed and said it wasn't possible. But here he was holding his wife, and thinking about his little girls, and he couldn't possibly get any luckier, and when he finally did get tired, his dreams were filled with the three most important women in his life, and he was happy.
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Today was the day Alec and Magnus had both been waiting for. It was their wedding day. It felt like it was never going to be planned. Something was wrong, something didn't show up, or Magnus had a major freak out because nothing was going as planned. Alec had to calm him down and remind him that as long as they were surrounded by their family and friends the details didn't matter. Of course Alec knew the details mattered, but Magnus knew what he was talking about. If the silverware wasn't all the same, it wouldn't ruin the wedding, and Magnus accepted that.
Alec was standing at the alter waiting for Magnus to walk down. Magnus wanted to make his grand entrance, and Alec knew that he would want too, and Alec wouldn't want Magnus any other way, and this was his day as much as Alec's so anything that made him happy.
Max was Alec's best man, Rafe was Magnus's best man, and Madison was the flower girl. Everything worked out so perfectly. Their whole family got to be apart of the ceremony, which made it even more special for Alec and Magnus.
When the music started and the doors opened, Madison walked in with a beautiful dress on, designed by Izzy, and lined the aisle with beautiful rose peddles. She walked up to Alec, who pressed his lips to the top of her head. Next came Rafe, who was doubling as the ring barer for Magnus, whereas Max already had his rings while standing next to Alec. When Magnus finally walked in, Alec's breath hitched. Leave it to Magnus to want to do something completely outlandish for their wedding, and wear a suit of gold, but it made everything about him sparkle, and that's who Magnus was. Alec thankfully had gotten Magnus to agree to him wearing black with gold accents, which worked out incredibly well because than Magnus decided he would have black accents. They complimented each other, just like they did in real life.
When Magnus reached Alec, they both had the biggest grins on their faces. Today was their day, a day to finally unify them as a family, even thought they were already one. Today was the official start of the Lightwood-Bane family, and Alec and Magnus couldn't wait.
"Today is going to be a little unorthodox." Jace started. When he asked Alec if he could officiate the wedding, Alec was hesitant, but than he realized, there was nobody else in this world who he would rather have marry him and Magnus than his brother and best friend. Jace got ordained online, and it just made today even more special. "I know Alec asked me that all he needed me to do was pronounce them husband and husband, but me being Jace decided to not listen."
"Of course." Alec said with a laugh. "Cause you couldn't just listen to me on one day. My one day." He said and he had amusement in his voice because deep down he knew Jace wasn't going to listen.
"Alec has been my best friend since the day his family adopted me." Jace started. "I'll admit, the Lightwoods are far from perfect. But there isn't a family in this world who I would rather be with. They took me in, and gave me shelter, food, and a bed and for that I would forever be grateful." Jace said. "We've overcome a lot as a family." Jace said. "Some things that we never thought we could overcome. But just seeing the happiness that Magnus has brought into this family. And the happiness he's brought into Alec's life is something that is irreplaceable." Jace said and Alec looked at Magnus, who had the biggest grin on his face. "I've never seen Alec smile as much as he does with Magnus, and trust me, it was impossible to get this kid to smile when he was younger. And believe me, I tried." Jace said and everyone laughed. "Our family wouldn't be the same without you Magnus. Standing here today, and getting to officially start your journey together is something I'll cherish forever." Jace said and Magnus was truly touched. "Welcome to the family kid." Jace said and everyone laughed. "Now, Alec and Magnus had decided to share their own vows." Jace said and Alec looked at Magnus. They had played a game of rock, paper, scissors to see who went first, and Alec lost.
"Until the day I met you, I was so deep in the closet I was wondering when I'd ever get to Narnia." Alec said and everyone laughed. "I was scared to embrace who I was because I thought my family wouldn't approve. Everyone had a role in the family. Izzy was the only girl, Max was the youngest, Jace was, well Jace as a lot of things." Alec admitted and Jace just smiled. "And I felt like I didn't really fit anywhere." Alec admitted. "Being with you finally gave me a place. A place where I belonged. I knew when we were together I had a purpose, and that was something I didn't feel before." Alec said and Magnus now had tears in his eyes. "When you broke up with me because I wouldn't come out to my family I was crushed. I felt like I had just lost a huge part of who I was and I didn't know how to get that back." Alec said. "It wasn't until you talked me off the ledge, that I decided that I didn't care what anyone thought about my life choices, all that mattered was you. I wanted you and only you." Alec said. "If I had only known how supportive my family was, I wouldn't have waited, and I wouldn't have gone a single day without you in my life." Alec said and Magnus smiled. "You've given me something that I never thought I could have." Alec said as he looked at their children. "I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my entire life. You've given me a family, you've given me unconditional love, and you've given me a purpose." Alec said and Magnus smiled so widely at him. "I can't wait to continue on in this life with you and experience everything together. As a family."
"I should have gone first." Magnus said as a tear escaped my eye. "Why do you have to be so bad at rock, paper, scissors?" Magnus asked and everyone laughed.
"You picked the game." Alec reminded him and Magnus smiled. He composed himself before taking a deep breath and beginning.
"I never knew what it felt like to be loved." Magnus started. "My home life wasn't good, and I kept to myself because at one point, I just assumed it was in god's will that I got treated poorly by everyone in my life." Magnus said. "Meeting you was like a breath of fresh air. It was something that I wasn't used too. You listened to me, you comforted me when I needed it, you supported me even when my dreams seemed so wild that I'd never reach them." Magnus said and Alec rubbed his knuckles. "I was never ashamed of who I was, but after awhile I started to wonder if the way that I acted, or the way that I dressed was the reason that I was picked on, or made fun of, or hated by my dad." Magnus said and Alec could tell how tough this was for him. "But being with you made me realize that there was someone out there that would appreciate my incredible sense of style." He said and Alec laughed. "My wild dreams, and my need to help those who can't help themselves." Magnus said as he looked at their kids. "You say that I've given you a purpose, well Alexander, you've given me a purpose too." Magnus said with a smile. "You've given me a family that I always wanted but never knew I could have, you've shown me what it means to love and be loved, and you've shown me what it means to be apart of something so whole heartedly." Magnus said. "I treasure our life together. I treasure our amazing kids. And I will treasure you until the end of time." Magnus said. "I love you."
"By the power vested in me." Jace started and Alec and Magnus both looked at him with a funny expression. "I've always wanted to say that." Jace said and everyone laugh. "I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the husband." Jace said and Magnus and Alec looked at each other. For some reason just looking into each others eyes was just as intimate or even more intimate than a kiss. But damn it did Alec want to kiss his husband. He grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him into him. Everything was drowned out to both Alec and Magnus. It was just them, and that's all that mattered. When they broke apart they registered the applause and the cheers. Max, Rafe, and Madison all ran into them and Alec picked up Max and Madison was lifted off the ground by Magnus.
"We're a real family!" Max cheered and Alec and Magnus had the biggest smiles on their faces.
"Yea we are blueberry." Magnus said and they looked out to their family and friends. Today couldn't get any better, that was the truth.
Time Jump – Later That Night
The reception was in full swing. Everyone was dancing, the kids were so hyped up on sugar, well the kids that could eat it, and everyone was smiling. It was the perfect day in Alec's opinion, and nothing could possibly top today. He looked out on the dance floor. Jace was holding Clary close while they danced, and Alec could tell he was whispering something to her. Simon and Izzy were dancing close as well, but they had sweet little Talia in between them. The other little kids had crashed about 20 minutes ago, so they were all in the house, Alec was surprised that Talia was still awake, but Izzy said she was a night owl, and Alec simply smiled at everyone.
"What are you thinking about oh husband of mine?" Alec felt Magnus whisper in his ear as he snaked his arms around him from behind.
"Just about how amazing today has been." Alec answered and Magnus couldn't help but smile.
"It was a pretty amazing day." Magnus agreed.
"It really was, but I expected nothing less from you and Izzy planning it." Alec said and Magnus laughed.
"What can I say? I had a vision." Magnus said and Alec smiled.
"A beautiful vision." Alec said. Magnus leaned in and kissed him yet again. He couldn't stop doing it. Maybe it was because today was their day, or maybe because he just couldn't believe that they were finally married. Everything seemed so surreal to Magnus, but everything was also incredibly perfect. They were broken apart when Magnus felt someone tap his leg. They both looked down and saw Madison standing there.
"What can we help you with sweet pea?" Magnus asked.
"Can we dance papa?" She asked and Magnus couldn't help but smile.
"Anything for you." Magnus said. He reached his hand out and Madison and him made his way to the dance floor but before they were completely gone she turned and faced Alec.
"You too daddy." She said and Alec's heart swelled for the 800th time that night. He walked over and took Madison's other hand. They got out to the dance floor and Magnus picked Madison up, they were lucky she was so small for her age. Than Magnus pulled Alec into them. Alec's arm went around Magnus's shoulder and the other one wrapped around Madison's back. The swayed to the music for a few moments before two more attached themselves to their legs. Max was holding onto Alec, and Rafe was holding onto Magnus, and in that moment everyone on that dance floor knew what love was.