Author note:

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks to ididitjustforthis for her help in finding the right song choice, and for letting me bounce ideas off her. I took some liberties with the idea of this event. I hope it's not too unbelievable or rambling. (see notes at end)

CH 20-Something to Talk About

Clay heard the garage door open, and Emma come in from her lunch with Captain Harrington's wife. He was sitting on the floor playing with Quinn, encouraging her still unsteady, toddling steps. Emma came inside carrying folders and papers, looking a little frazzled.

"How was your meeting with Mrs. Harrington?"

"Oh, lunch was great. Maryanne is a great cook."

"Okay…what's with all that," he motioned to the stack in her arms.

"Well, she had an ulterior motive for asking me to meet. It's my turn to chair the Fallen Eagles benefit this year."

"Wow! That's a big deal. Are you sure you have time?"

"I'll have to make time. I guess it was actually my turn last year, but since I just had Quinn when the planning started, Brittany Miller, Delta one's wife took it again."

"I'll help however I can."

He looked over at the kitchen table where she's flopped down into a chair. He could see her chewing at her bottom lip and her forehead pinched together with anxiety. He pushed up off the floor, scooped up Quinn and pulled up a chair next to her.

"Babe, it's going to be fine. I'm sure you'll do an amazing job."

"I'm not so certain. I remember my Mom doing this a couple times. She used to say that it made her want to pull her hair out. And…this is so important, raising money to help the families of fallen DEVGRU operators…I just can't let everyone down."

Clay shifted Quinn into his right arm and reached for her hand with the other.

"Em, everything you do, you put in 100%. I am positive that it's going to be a huge success."

"Really?"

"Of course. We both are, aren't we Quinnie? You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because you're the best, Em. Huh, isn't that right," he bounced Quinn, making her giggle. "Mama's the best, isn't she?"

Reaching for her, Quinn tried out one of her new words.

"Ma-ma…mamama."

Emma took her daughter, kissing the chubby cheeks. She wished she were as confident as Clay seemed to be.

Each evening she took out the folders passed on to her. Inside were the papers about previous year's planning. Mrs. Harrington said that she could find pretty much all the information she needed in them. As she perused the documents, a couple things stood out. First, most of the money raised came from past and present DEVGRU families. Next, the amount raised over the last five years hardly varied. An idea started to form. She wanted to run it by Clay first, before taking it to Mrs. Harrington. One evening, after Quinn was in bed, she broached the subject.

"Hey, I've been thinking about this fundraiser."

"I noticed," he joked as he muted the TV and gave her his attention.

"It seems like we could raise more money if we did a little more public outreach. What do you think?"

"You mean tell the public about our event?"

"Not necessarily the dinner. But maybe some local businesses would be willing to donate some items or experiences for us to giveaway. This is a Navy town. I'm sure there would be a lot of support. We could sell raffle tickets, or let people bid in a silent auction or something."

She was talking a mile a minute, her excitement making her almost trip over her words. Clay could see the shine in her eyes and the glow on her cheeks as she threw out more ideas. He loved it when she got really passionate about something.

"It sounds great. But it also sounds like a lot more work for you."

"It really won't be, I don't think. It will just shift my focus."

She laid the folders in her lap and changed her position to face him fully.

"If we can raise more money to help, I have to at least try."

He leaned forward and pressed a firm kiss to her lips.

"I think you should go for it, Em."

Her smile and fervor were infectious. Damn, he loved her! He laid the folders aside and slid one hand behind her head and the other around her back as he gathered her to him. Any more plans would have to wait until tomorrow.

Emma talked with Mrs. Harrington and got the go ahead to change things up. All Summer long, any spare moment she had was spent on the phone. She persuaded several companies to donate to their cause. She even got a website set up so that they could manage and promote the silent auction. Clay was truly in awe of her. She organized all that while still managing to work on lesson planning for the upcoming school year, kept the household going, and didn't neglect him or Quinn.

Tonight, was the finally the big night. Clay knew how much time and effort she put in. He was confident that the event would go well. Emma had planned everything down to the last detail. They all knew what a great cause it was, one that touched them all deeply. The fact that this was her first time in charge had kept her up at nights. She fretted and fused about making the most of their limited resources in order to make the most impact. She wanted this to be the most successful DEVGRU Fallen Eagles Annual Fundraising Benefit ever.

They put Quinn down for a nap and got ready for the dinner. Clay put on a simple black suit and white dress shirt. Even though this was an event for work, it wasn't anything official, so he didn't have to be in uniform. He sat down in the chair by their bed to wait for Emma. Soon she stepped out of the closet and came over to him and turned around. Her hair was up, and she had on the pearl and diamond earrings that were her Mother's, and the bracelet he gave her long ago. His eyes swept over her. Her elegance and beauty never ceased to amaze him. The simple, black sheath, stopped just above her knees and was finished with a small ruffle. The fabric skimmed over her curves, up to an asymmetric neckline that tied over her left shoulder, leaving her right shoulder bare.

"Clay…my zipper."

"Yea, sorry."

He was completely engrossed in the view and didn't even register that the zipper wasn't completely closed, and that she stood, waiting for him to help her finish dressing.

He stood up and slid the fastener all the way up. Then, with his hands grasping her waist, he bent and placed a tender kiss on her shoulder.

"You look gorgeous, Baby."

She turned and swept her hands over the lapels of his jacket.

"Thank you. So do you."

The moment was interrupted by the thud of a car door closing outside. Clay hurried down the stairs to meet the babysitter and open the door before a knock or doorbell woke Quinn. It was still a couple hours before the dinner was scheduled to start. But Emma needed to arrive early to make sure all the decorating was finished, the dining tables were set up, and that the band arrived and took their place on the stage. They peeked in on Quinn, made sure the babysitter was set, and hurried off to the venue.

The entire ride, Emma flipped through her binder, checking and rechecking everything. At the next stop light, he looked over at her and she was chewing at her bottom lip.

"Em…Emma."

"Huh," she barely responded.

Clay laid a hand on her knee to try and get her attention.

"Honey, everything is going to be great."

"I'm sorry. I'm just so nervous. I don't want to let anyone down." She continued almost under her breath. "And make you look bad."

"Whoa, what?"

She lowered her face and spoke quietly.

"I don't want this to go badly and be a poor reflection on you."

He wished he could pull over and talk to her face to face.

"Em, if you think that I would ever be anything but proud of you, you're crazy. Even if things don't go perfectly tonight, I know that you put your heart and soul into this. Everyone else will see that too."

"I hope so."

"I know so."

"I'm not so sure. I've heard the talk."

"What talk?"

"You know I'm a lot younger than most of the other Team Leader's wives."

"So?"

"I've heard the scuttlebutt that some people don't think I can handle this."

"I'm sorry that they think that. But I know they're dead wrong. Besides, tonight isn't about them. It's for the families of our fallen brothers. And I know you'll do them and me proud."

He took her hand and wove his fingers through hers and then brought it to his lips, brushing a kiss over her knuckles. For the rest of the drive, she held on tightly, trying to draw from his strength and confidence in her.

When they pulled up to the hotel, Clay dropped Emma off and then went to park the car. Eager to see how everything looked, she didn't wait for him to come in, but proceeded to the ballroom. This was a new location for the Benefit this year. In addition to donating a weekend stay for the auction, the beachside hotel gave them a competitive rate on the room for the eventr and was willing to work with Emma on the menu and the décor.

When she stepped inside, everything looked perfect. The lighting was low and the decoration minimal. This was by design. Emma wanted the focus to be on the pictures of the fallen operators that were placed on each dining table and on the collage of team insignias mounted on the far wall. The Manager came inside and stopped to talk to Emma.

"Hello Mrs. Spenser. Is everything to your liking?"

"Hello. Yes, it all looks exactly as we agreed. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and the company's generosity."

"It's our pleasure, really. If anything comes up tonight, anything at all, don't hesitate to send someone to find me."

"Thank you."

Just as he left, Clay entered through the double doors.

"Em, this looks spectacular."

"Thanks. I hope everyone else thinks so."

She went to a table, laid down her binder, and began going through her checklist again. Meanwhile, Clay wondered around the room, stopping at each table to view the back-to-back pictures of Fallen Brothers that substituted for a centerpiece on each table. When he reached the photo of Adam Seaver, he stopped and bowed his head. Emma observed his reaction and hurried to his side. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly.

"Are you okay?"

She knew that this one hit him particularly hard. Adam had been his mentor, before her Dad. And, despite everyone telling him differently, he still harbored some guilt over Adam's death.

"Yea, yea, I'm okay," he answered quietly as he put an arm around her.

"Do you think it's too much? I wanted them to be the focus. I wanted everyone to remember why we're here. I can remove them if you think I should."

"No, no. You're right. They're right where they should be."

He took a deep breath and kissed the top of her head before moving on to pay his respects to the others.

Time went quickly and soon the guests began to arrive. She could see some of the other wives gathering together and talking. They kept glancing over at her as they gossiped. She tried to ignore it and keep her mind on ensuring the dinner was a success.

Everyone found their assigned tables and the servers began to get drinks. Captain and Mrs. Harrington found Emma over by the kitchen door talking with the wait staff.

"Emma, my dear. This is beautiful."

"Good evening Mrs. Harrington, Captain Harrington."

"It's Maryanne and Joseph, remember?"

"Yes, thank you."

Maryanne turned to her husband and started to regale him with Emma's new thoughts on the event and how her approach had breathed fresh life into their fundraiser.

Clay was talking to Jason and Captain Blackburn. The three men were catching up and laughing over old times.

"Hey," Jason motioned with his hand toward the back of the room. "Harrington and his wife have Em cornered. Looks like she could use an exfil."

Clay's eyes followed his Father-in-law's finger. It did indeed look like Emma was trapped. He knew she was anxious and wanted to check on everything one more time before dinner was served. He downed the rest of his drink and handed his empty glass to Jason before heading toward Emma.

"Captain, Mrs. Harrington. So good to see you tonight."

"Spenser," the Captain nodded.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to steal my wife away."

"Of course, of course. I was just telling Joseph what a wonderful job Emma has done."

"She has put in a lot of hard work."

Clay put an arm around her and started back toward their table.

"Excuse us, please."

Emma breathed a sigh of relief as they left the couple.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure how I was going to get away without being rude."

"No problem. Can you come sit down yet?"

"I'm just going to go let the band know to start playing. I'll be right back."

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and hurried off toward the stage. Clay sat down leaving an empty chair for Emma between him and Jason. Blackburn was also seated at their table, along with Vic and Maria Lopez and Victoria Seaver. He knew Emma would be happy for the familiar, friendly faces.

As Emma crossed the floor to join them, Clay noticed several glances her way, followed by whispered conversations. He thought she was exaggerating the gossip, but obviously not. It made his blood boil. He knew that he couldn't react. And he didn't want to draw it to her attention and make her even more self-conscious. He simply pasted a smile on his face and stood to hold her chair while she seated herself.

Dinner was served and their thoughts and conversation turned to more pleasant topics with their friends at the table.

"Emma, this is really beautiful," Victoria praised. "It's such a lovely way to honor Adam and the other fallen Seals."

"Thank you, Victoria. It means so much coming from you."

"It's not just me, honey. I spoke to a few of the other wives as I came in. They all feel that simplicity and focus on our lost loved ones is the perfect tone."

Clay smiled and leaned to whisper in her ear.

"See, I told you. Who cares what anyone else thinks?"

"You're right."

She squeezed his hand and gave smile of thanks.

Just as it seemed she could relax, the drummer from the band stood over by the side wall, motioning to her.

"I better go see what's up. Excuse me, please."

A few minutes later she came back to the table looking panicked.

"What's wrong, Honey?"

"I guess the vocalist got into a fender bender on his way here. He wasn't hurt, but he won't be able to get here for another forty-five minutes to an hour. We promised dinner and dancing. What am I going to do?"

"Couldn't they just play instrumentals? Does there have to be a singer," Victoria offered.

"I suppose…" Emma answered absently. "But the invitations promised 'a band singing your favorites from across the years.'"

Jason chimed in.

"Em, I know you weren't prepared for this, but…why don't you sing?"

"I…I can't. I haven't practiced."

"C'mon, Babe. I know you went over the set list with them. You know a lot of the songs. Maybe you could fill in until the singer gets here."

"That's not what people expect."

Then, she continued more quietly, for Clay's ears alone.

"And I don't want to give people any more reason to gossip."

He knew she would wow everyone.

"Why do what they expect? Why not show them what you can do, hmmm?"

She was clutching onto his hand so hard her knuckles were white. She looked back and forth between the band waiting on stage and her personal fan club seated at the table. She let go of Clay's hand and walked off toward the stage. He held his breath as she mounted the steps and went to talk to the band. Then, she walked up to the mike at center stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention?"

She waited for the talking to cease and the room to quiet.

"I was just informed that our singer had an unfortunate accident on the way here. Thankfully, no one was hurt. But…he will be delayed."

There were a few nods and murmurs following her announcement. She allowed time for reaction and then continued.

"I know we promised a band and singer for the after-dinner dancing. So…until he arrives, you're going to be stuck with me."

She turned to the band and motioned for them to start playing. Clay's eyes scanned the room, and he could see many expectant expressions, along with some derisive ones. Thank goodness for his underwater training, because he didn't take a breath until her first note rang out. She was a little shaky for a couple lines, but then she closed her eyes and let the music guide her. Several couples and groups got up and made their way to the dance floor. He followed and settled himself to the side of the stage to watch her in awe.

Emma felt her knees knocking together as she started. But she closed her eyes and blocked out everything except the melody. The song was from Michael Bublé. She enjoyed the upbeat tempo and the lyrics. Opening her eyes, she sought Clay out and they locked eyes. From that point on she sang for him.

And I can't believe that you're my man.

And I get to kiss you baby, just because I can.

Whatever comes our way, ah, we'll see it through.

And you know that's what our love can do.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, You're everything.

As she finished, the dancefloor was full, with just a few stragglers remaining at the tables in back. She even saw her Dad dancing with Victoria Seaver. When the song ended, the applause was quite loud, and interspersed with shrill whistles, mostly from Clay. The band started another tune that she knew, and she waited for her cue. Emma sang a full forty-minute set before begging off.

Clay met her with a glass of water, and a huge kiss. Several people came over to compliment her on her voice. She thanked them each with equal sincerity. With each comment or acknowledgement, Clay's proud grin grew wider until he felt his face might split in two. Finally, the two were left to themselves.

"Honey, you were absolutely amazing."

"Thank you. I was so nervous at first I almost passed out."

"It was perfect. That singer will have a tough act to follow now."

"I seriously doubt that."

He put his arms around her and pulled her close. Letting go of the adrenaline, she leaned against him and he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I wonder what they're thinking now?"

"Who?"

"Them..." she inclined her head toward the small group that had remained seated and silent during her set and was now trying, and failing, to look unobtrusively in their direction.

"It doesn't matter. They're just jealous of you, Babe."

"I'm not sure that's it. And now they have even more to talk about."

The singer arrived, apologized profusely, and made his way to the stage. Clay detained him briefly. Emma hoped he wasn't giving the poor man a hard time. But, as soon as he stepped to the microphone, she knew exactly what was said. She heard the notes of their song begin.

Clay offered his hand as he spoke softly.

"What do you say we really give them something to talk about, hmmm?"

She nodded her head and took his hand as he led her to the dance floor. Clay pulled her close and they began to sway to the familiar lyrics of the Dan & Shay song. Her left hand was looped up and over his shoulder and the other, fingers laced with his, was tucked between them against his chest. Clay's right hand rested on her lower back. He wanted to slide it lower and pull her hips to his, but he knew this wasn't the appropriate venue. Still, he did use their joined hands to tip her face up and drop a few chaste kisses on her lips. Their song ended and they walked back to their table and sat so that she could rest.

As the evening wore on, Emma started to finally relax and enjoy herself. The dinner was wonderful, and now that the job of entertaining everyone was passed onto someone else, she felt like she could breathe easier. Sitting at her table, she, Victoria, and Maria had a great conversation. And she danced, danced until her feet started to hurt. She danced with her Dad, Vic, and even Captain Blackburn. The rest of the evening found her back in Clay's arms until it was time to announce the results of the fundraising. Emma once again, took the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen…our time together is almost over. I hope everyone has enjoyed the meal and the company," she paused for applause. "And I think we all enjoyed the music," again more applause. "I would like to thank you all for coming and for your commitment to our cause. Now I would like to bring up my Dad, retired Master Chief Jason Hayes."

Jason mounted the steps and gave Emma hug and kiss before taking the microphone. She left the stage, and Clay was there with a steadying hand to help here down the stairs.

"Thank you, Emma. We all know why we're here. We're here to honor our fallen brothers. They made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. They had our backs, and we need to have theirs. And to do that we've promised that we would help take care of their families. So, I'm proud to announce that this year we raised a record amount. Our final total, after closing out the silent auction, is $12,623."

The applause and whistles were deafening. The total was over double their previous record. Even though she'd been keeping track, hearing the final total left Emma speechless.

"Thank you all for your generosity. And thank you to this year's coordinator, Emma Spenser."

All eyes focused on her as the clapping continued. Clay knew it wasn't really appropriate, but he couldn't help himself. He wrapped her in his arms and gave her a hug that lifted her off the ground. Then, he claimed her lips with a firm kiss, that lasted until he lowered her back down and her feet touched the floor. Anyone with eyes could see how besotted he was. This time the wolf-whistles were for them. Emma lowered her head and blushed.

Jason finished thanking everyone and the band played one more song. Most everyone was leaving, and many stopped to thank Emma for her efforts. Hannah's mother gave her another hug before she left as well.

"You did a such great job, Emma. Thank you so much."

"It really is the least I could do. I know how much Adam's death affected your family; how much the losses have affected all the families."

Then Victoria whispered into her ear.

"Don't pay attention to the 'crew'. They don't like change, they never have. Not to mention that they're jealous of your talent and Clay's obvious devotion to you."

Emma was surprised by the older woman's perceptiveness. But she shouldn't have been. Victoria was an Operator's wife long time before she was. At first, she scoffed and tried to brush off the comments. But, as she looked over at her husband, she could see the light in his eyes as he gazed in her direction, waiting for her to finish so they could get going.

Emma smiled and realized she really didn't care what the scuttlebutt was. She had done her duty to the best of her ability. And the results spoke for themselves.

She approached Clay and motioned for him to lean down so she could whisper in his ear. When he lifted his head to look at her, she arched her eyebrow and subtly bit her lip. He responded with a knowing smirk as she tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and they walked back out to the truck. Let them talk. She knew she was one of the lucky ones.

*The song is "Everything" by Michael Bublé. Clay & Emma's song is "Speechless" by Dan and Shay.*