Author note:
I'm still here. My laptop had issues and I couldn't write until it was fixed. I hope there are still a few of you out there interested in my stories of Clay and Emma.
CH 27-Generations
Emma was removing her baking from the oven when she heard the mudroom door close and Clay kicking off his boots. He entered the kitchen, slung his coat over the back of a chair, and sat down with a sigh.
"Finished," she threw over her shoulder as she moved the gingerbread men from the cookie sheet and onto the cooling rack.
"Yea. The lights are all up. And the nativity. That snowman inflatable is toast though. I had to toss it."
She slid the last pan in the oven and set the timer. Then she went to the refrigerator, grabbed a beer, and handed it to her husband with a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Honey."
"You're welcome." He took a long gulp. "It smells like you've been busy in here too."
"Not too much. This is the last batch of cookies I need to make."
"You needed more?"
He gestured to the tins and containers stacked along the cabinet and overflowing into the pantry. Her already flushed face turned a deeper shade as she answered.
"Well…these are Quinn's favorite. The cut-outs are for AJ. And last time they were here, Jacob mentioned he liked my pecan squares. And then there's Rosalina. I have no idea what she might prefer. But I figure everyone likes M&Ms. Hence the cookie bars."
"So, even the son-in-law gets his favorite? What about me?"
Emma smiled at his teasing and swatted his arm.
"I have a whole container of oatmeal-raisin set aside for you."
"Thank you, Babe. Seriously though, you're going to be too exhausted by the time the kids get here to enjoy their visit."
Ever since she found out that Quinn and her husband as well as AJ, with his girlfriend, would be home for the Christmas holiday she was beside herself. She had cleaned the house from top to bottom, made the beds with newly purchased sheets, and stocked the guest bath with a variety of soaps, lotions, and shampoos.
"I don't have much more to do."
"They're coming to visit us, not the house or the pantry."
"I know. But this is the first time we've had them all home at the same time in a few years. And AJs never brought a girl home to meet the family before. I just…I just want everything to be perfect."
"It will be perfect because we'll all be together."
Pulling out another chair, she sat next to him.
"You're right. I'll slow down and get some rest now."
He leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"Good! I can't have my best girl sick over the holidays."
The oven timer sounded, and Emma started to get up to remove the cookies. Clay laid his hand on her shoulder before she could move.
"Sit still. I'll get them."
"Thanks, Honey."
Emma's frantic pace did slow down. But she still fussed about the house. Finally, the day of the kids' arrival dawned, and she was up before the sun. The alarm hadn't sounded. But she was wide awake, going over in her mind everything she wanted to do before the children got there. She decided to go ahead and get up. She knew she wasn't going to get back to sleep. As she started to roll out of bed, Clay's arm tightened around her and pulled her back next to him.
"Where are you goin'?"
She smiled at his early-morning, gravelly voice.
"I was going to get up and take a shower."
He squinted at his watch in the dim light.
"It's not even seven yet."
"I know. But I'm wide awake so I thought I might as well put my energy to good use."
Clay leaned in and started to nibble at her neck.
"I can think of another way to use that energy."
"Oh really? What's that?"
He slipped a hand up under her gown and cupped her breast while he ground his morning erection against her.
"Maybe a little of this," he growled as he tweaked her nipple with his fingers.
"Mmmmm…"
He moved his hand down her stomach and teased at the soft flesh between her thighs.
"And some of this."
She didn't need to be convinced any farther. Crossing her arms, she sat up and pulled the nightshirt off and tossed it toward the end of the bed. Clay's eyes flashed fire as she pushed him over onto his back and straddled him.
"I think that's an excellent suggestion."
Emma was in the kitchen putting together their dinner for tomorrow evening. She wanted it prepared ahead of time so that all she had to do was put it in the oven when it was time. Placing the casserole dish into the refrigerator, she proceeded to work on cleaning up the kitchen so she could start getting their lunch ready. She hoped Clay would be home from his errands soon. Glancing at the clock, she knew that Quinn and Jacob would be arriving anytime. He wouldn't want to miss welcoming home his girl.
Emma was getting out the dishes to place on the table when she heard a commotion at the front door. She expected to see one of the kids come through, so she was surprised to see Clay instead.
"Look who I found!"
Laughing, Quinn stepped inside with Jacob following closely behind. Emma smiled and hurried over to greet their daughter.
"Quinn! Honey, it's wonderful to have you home."
Wrapping her arms around her girl, she blinked back happy tears.
"Oh, Mom! You saw us just a couple months ago."
"I know. But there's something about having you kids home and under one roof for the holidays…"
Quinn laughed softly and then gave Emma a kiss on the cheek.
Jacob stood quietly letting the ladies greet each other. As soon as she released her daughter, Emma opened her arms to embrace him as well.
"Jacob, it's so good to see you too."
"Thanks, Emma."
He bent and kissed his mother-in-law's cheek.
After the initial greetings, Clay and Jacob went back out to retrieve their luggage as Quinn hung up her jacket and followed Emma back to the kitchen.
"Are you hungry? I'll have lunch ready in just a few minutes. I decided to keep it simple since we're going out tonight. I hope that's okay."
"It's perfect. We don't need anything fancy. And I'm starving, So, what can I do to help?"
"I'll dish up the soup if you can get the crackers from the pantry."
"Sure," Quinn sniffed appreciatively when Emma took the lid off the pot warming on the stove. "Mmmm. Chicken noodle?"
"Yep. I thought it would be nice with the temperatures dropping."
Emma ladled a hefty helping into each bowl and started to place them on the table. Quinn was right behind her, setting the crackers in the middle for everyone to share.
"Mom. How much did you bake for this weekend?"
"Well…I…"
"It looks like the Keebler elves invaded."
Clay caught Quinn's jest as the guys entered the kitchen.
"I told her the same thing. She's got more than twenty of us could eat."
"I wanted to make sure everyone has their favorites. Some of it's for Dad, and there are some for Naima and Ray as well as Michaela and Jonathan."
She stood with her hands on her hips, trying not to look indignant. Quinn swooped in for a hug.
"I'm just kidding. I've been looking forward to your cookies all week."
"It's true," Jacob cut in as he sat down. "She talked about your gingerbread men and molasses spice cookies all the way here."
Everyone laughed as they dug into their meals.
After lunch, Quinn and Jacob went upstairs to settle in. It wasn't long until they were back down, arms full of presents to place under the tree.
"Is that what was in that heavy-ass suitcase I hauled upstairs," Clay teased his daughter.
"Yes. And it wasn't that heavy. I loaded it in the car by myself. Maybe you're just getting soft, old man."
"Listen here, I can still run circles around you. I was in the real Navy. Not some cake-eater sitting behind a desk all day."
"That's Lieutenant to you, Master Chief."
Jacob sat down next to Emma on the sofa.
"Already going at it, I see."
"Yep. Always."
They laughed as they watched the familiar exchange between father and daughter.
"Like I said…cake eater. I bet I could still beat you through the O-course."
"In your dreams. Look at all that gray hair. Probably getting pudgy around the middle too."
Clay stood, motioning to his abs. Although less bulked up now than when he was younger, he maintained his fit physique.
"You see any pudge? As for the gray hairs…most of them are your fault, you know."
"Uh! That's it. Drop and give me 20."
"What?"
"You heard me, Master Chief. I want 20 right now."
"No problem. Twenty's easy for me. Can you even do 10? Or is that courtroom making you soft?"
"You're on."
Quinn peeled off her sweater and got down beside her father.
"Time us, Em."
"I'm not getting in the middle of this. Right, Jacob?"
When she turned to her son-in-law, she saw the concern on his face.
"Quinn. Are you sure you su—"
Jacob's question got lost in the string of teasing flying back and forth between father and daughter.
The ruckus inside prevented them from hearing a car pull into the driveway. Inside the small, black, sedan, AJ turned to Rosa as he turned off the ignition.
"Here we are. Are you ready to meet my family?"
"I guess I am. I-I just want them to like me."
Grabbing her hand in reassurance he answered.
"They will love you. Just like I do."
She offered him an uncertain smile in response.
"They can be loud and crazy, particularly my sister. But you'll fit right in. I know it."
They approached the front door and could already hear the laughter and discussion going on inside. AJ opened the door, and they took in the scene in front of them. Clay and Quinn were both on the floor in plank positions as they criticized each other's form.
AJ rolled his eyes and turned to his companion.
"What did I tell you?"
But his voice was full of loving exasperation.
"Rosa, meet my family."
Emma jumped up off the sofa to greet her son and his guest. Clay stood up as well, and Jacob helped Quinn up off the floor.
"Don't think you're off the hook Spenser," Quinn muttered at Clay.
The young woman's expression was one of slight confusion. Emma laughed and pulled the girl into a hug as she commented on Quinn and Clay's antics.
"It's so nice to meet you, Rosalina. And don't pay them any mind."
"Please, Mrs. Spenser, call me Rosa."
"Okay, Rosa it is. But you have to call me Emma."
The raven-haired beauty smiled in response.
"And this is my husband, Clay."
Clay gave her a cozy hug as he welcomed her. AJ took over the introductions then.
"Rosa, this crazy, loudmouth is my sister, Quinn. And behind her is her husband, Jacob."
Quinn gave her brother a swift punch in the arm before moving forward to greet Rosa.
"So nice to meet you, Rosa. And, contrary to what AJ might have told you. I am the soul of decorum. I was just trying to teach this enlisted sailor some respect for officers."
Her eyes twinkled as she took another jab at Clay. Jacob greeted Rosa quietly as AJ stepped back beside her.
"I told you they are a handful."
"AJ's right," Emma agreed. "You just have to get used to it. Quinn and her father are horribly competitive. They are always trying to prove who's the better sailor. The best thing to do is just laugh."
Rosa smiled and nodded quietly, still a little overwhelmed.
"Well, come on in and take off you coats."
"We need to get the bags, Mom."
"Of course."
Clay and Jacob followed AJ out to the rental car as Quinn hung Rosa's coat in the hall closet and Emma encouraged her to take a seat.
"How was the flight?"
"Just fine."
"I wish AJ would have let us come pick you up."
"That's okay. I think he wanted to have a car. He mentioned wanting to show me some spots around here and he didn't want to deprive you of your transportation while we do that."
The guys came back in with the luggage and stood waiting for Emma's direction.
"You can put your things in your old room." Then she turned to Rosa. "If that's okay dear. I figured you two could stay in AJ's room. But if you'd rather, AJ can sleep down here on the pull-out."
"AJ's room will be just fine, I'm sure."
When the guys were back downstairs, AJ took his place beside Rosa.
"So…what are the plans?"
"Well, tonight we are all going out to dinner. Then tomorrow I figured we could pick up Dad, and then take flowers to Mom and Grandma Linda before the church service. Then dinner here at home."
"What about for Christmas day?"
"We can all sleep in a little. But someone needs to go get Dad and bring him over. Then we can eat and open presents."
"Sounds great. Anything after that?"
"Nothing in particular. Why?"
"I want to show Rosa around. Take her to a few of my favorite places."
"So, the Comic bookstore and the orthodontist office," Quinn teased.
AJ rolled his eyes as his sister laughed.
"No. I want to take her down to the pier, spend some time at the beach, maybe go up to Cape Henry."
"Oh. That's a beautiful spot, Rosa. That's where Clay and I had our first date."
Clay spoke as he entered the room.
"Who said I was beautiful?"
Emma laughed and swatted at him as he sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"AJ has plans to take Rosa over to Cape Henry. I was saying what a pretty spot that is and how we had our first date there."
The conversation was fun and easy as the afternoon wore on. They learned that AJ and Rosa met when she accompanied her father on a business trip to acquire some of AJ's horses for his employer. The two hit it off almost instantly and had been dating for a little less than a year.
Soon it was time to get ready for dinner. Quinn and Jacob volunteered to go pick up Jason while Rosa and AJ rode with Clay and Emma over to the restaurant. While they were in the car
"So how is Grandpa?"
"Your grandfather is fine. The new hearing aids have really made a difference. It's so much easier for him to carry on a conversation now."
"That must be pretty recent. The last time he called Uncle Sonny, we could hear them yelling at each other over the phone."
"He just got them fitted and started wearing them a couple weeks ago. I wish it wasn't so hard to get him to agree. But you know what he thinks about asking for help."
"I know Uncle Sonny is the same way. He really needs to use a walker, or get his knees replaced. But he won't even discuss it."
"Well, he's always been a stubborn S.O.B. Sorry, Rosa."
"No need to apologize, Mr. Spenser. I mean, Clay. You are right about Mr. Sonny being stubborn. I think that's why we couldn't talk him into coming with us. He was worried about walking around the airport without some sort of help. And I hate to think of him spending the holiday alone."
Both Emma and Clay were touched by Rosa's compassion and obvious fondness for their old friend.
"You just remember all this in about 15 years. When all your years on the team catch up to you too, Master Chief."
Clay picked up Emma's hand and kissed it.
"I promise."
Emma just rolled her eyes, knowing that her husband was just as obstinate as his Bravo brothers.
They arrived at the restaurant and were shown to their table. It didn't take long for Quinn, Jacob, and Jason to arrive. AJ immediately stood up and went to embrace his grandfather. As he was wrapped in Jason's arms, he let out a breath. The broad shoulders may have been a little hunched, and his step not quite as spry, but the twinkle in his eyes and the warmth of his greeting assured AJ that his grandfather was still well and strong.
Before he could make any introductions, Jason spotted Rosa and reached out a hand to her.
"Well, now. Who might this pretty lady be? My pleasure to meet you, miss."
"Grandpa…this is Rosa Perez. Rosa, my grandfather, Jason Hayes."
"It's so nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hayes. AJ and Mr. Sonny have told me so much about you."
"It's Jason. And don't listen to anything that crooked, old Texan says about me."
They all laughed as Jason took Rosa's arm and maneuvered around to seat her at the table next to himself.
"Why don't we order some drinks, and you can tell me all about Sonny and the ranch."
"I see some things never change, huh," AJ whispered to his sister.
"Oh no. Not at all. When we arrived, he was in the lobby flirting with the duty-nurse. She's probably younger than Mom."
"The Jason Hayes Charm."
The siblings smiled at each other and then took their places at the table.
Dinner was delicious. Clay and Jason kept them entertained with stories from their team days. Some that were fit to tell, and some that weren't. Everyone enjoyed the time spent together, happy that they would see each other again the next day.
When they returned home, both young couples were tired from their day of travel and made it an early night. Clay settled down in front of the TV while Emma made some quick preparations for tomorrow. Then they too went up to bed.
AJ awoke the next morning to the smell of coffee drifting up the stairs. He turned to see Rosa's big, brown eyes looking back at him.
"How long have you been up?"
"Not long."
"You didn't have to wait for me, you know."
"I know, but it didn't seem right to go down and help myself to your mother's kitchen."
Giving her a quick kiss, he pushed off the covers and sat up.
"Well then, let's go on down."
The two descended the stairs and continued toward the kitchen. There they saw Clay and Emma, who were completely unaware that they were no longer alone. They stood under a sprig of mistletoe that had appeared since yesterday in the doorway to the kitchen. Emma had her arms around Clay's neck and her legs wrapped around his waist as his large hands cradled her fully on the behind. Meanwhile their lips were fused together in a passionate kiss.
"Oh, my goodness!"
Rosa's exclamation reached their ears and they turned to the young couple. Clay loosened his hold on Emma and carefully helped her find her feet.
"Rosa. My dear. We're so sorry."
Emma was flushed with embarrassment while Clay tried to cover a grin.
"If you're going to be around here, Rosa, you'll have to get used to seeing Mom and Dad act like horny teenagers when they think they're alone."
"Adam Jason!"
AJ just laughed. Knowing his mother was more embarrassed than angry.
"In fact, Grandpa loves to tell the story about how he was watching us one night while they went out. When he brought us home the next morning, we walked in on them, buck naked, having sex on the couch."
"W-we…we were Not having sex," Emma stated emphatically.
"Well, not at that particular moment anyway."
AJ and Rosa tried to cover their laughs as Emma shot Clay a look after his comment.
Trying to gain some control of the situation, Emma started to talk about preparing breakfast.
"How can I help?"
"Rosa, you're our guest here. You don't need to help."
"I want to, please."
"Okay then, if you want to cut up the fruit that's in the fridge, I'll start on the eggs."
"I want to apologize again for earlier. We, weren't thinking…"
"There's no need. It's nice to see a couple still so in love. My mother died when I was young. So, I don't remember seeing my parents with each other."
"I'm so sorry."
"Thank you. I just hope…"
"You hope, what?"
"I hope that's the kind of love AJ and I have." Emma smiled and pulled Rosa into an embrace.
"Me too."
The ladies worked well together as Clay laid out the plates and cutlery on the table and AJ poured them all mugs of coffee. Just as they were sitting down to eat, Jacob joined them.
"Sorry! I didn't think I would sleep this long."
"It's not a problem. I'm happy you got some rest. Is Quinn still asleep?"
"Uh…yes. She's been a little tired lately."
"She's not coming down with something, is she?"
Not meeting his mother-in-law's eyes, he answered quickly.
"No, no. It's nothing like that."
"It's that soft life of a JAG lawyer," Clay added loudly.
Jacob sighed in relief as AJ piled on Clay's comment and he wasn't obliged to explain further.
They had a lazy morning and a light lunch before picking up Jason and visiting the cemetery. Emma brought the poinsettias. They placed the first on Grandma Linda's grave, taking the time for silent remembrance. Then they moved on to Alana. Emma lovingly sat the pot in front of her mother's headstone and then stepped back. As was their tradition, they each talked to Alana about their lives, and how much they still loved and missed her. AJ introduced Rosa to his grandmother. Emma's tears fell freely as the young woman spoke of her love for AJ and how honored she was to meet Alana and the rest of the family.
They left after a quiet prayer and walked slowly back to their cars for the ride to church. Emma was the last and AJ hung back to offer his mother an arm to help her over the bumpy terrain.
"Rosa's a very sweet girl."
"She is. She's the most wonderful woman I've ever met."
Emma smiled at his firm declaration.
"I-I mean besides you, Mom."
"Don't worry, son. I'm happy you've found someone that you feel so strongly about. Do you have any plans?"
She heard AJ swallow loudly.
"I do. But I wanted you and Dad to meet her first. I guess…I guess I wanted your blessing."
She patted his hand and then squeezed it tightly.
"Then you have it."
"Really?"
"Yes. Your father and I were talking last night about how much we like Rosa and how good she seems for you. We would both be more than happy to welcome her into the family."
Beaming, he kissed his mother on the cheek and helped her into the car.
After church, they all returned to the house for a late dinner. Thankful that she had prepared in advance, Emma pulled two large pans of lasagna out of the oven. When everyone sat down, Emma glanced around. Her heart was full seeing her family gathered together. A small tear escaped her eye. She tried to brush it away with no one seeing. But, as always, Clay caught her motion. He said nothing, only reached for her hand and squeezed it. Telling her without words that he understood and shared her gratitude.
Dinner was a boisterous affair. The cheerful banter and teasing flew back and forth around the table. It was chaotic and loud. But Emma wouldn't have it any other way. After finishing two and a half helpings. Clay stretched and then rubbed his stomach.
"Em, that was amazing."
"Yea, Mom. I definitely miss your cooking."
Emma offered up dessert, but no one was remotely interested after their filling meal. AJ and Rosa volunteered to take Jason back home while Quinn and Jacob cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen. Clay poured the rest of the wine into their glasses and then joined Emma on the sofa.
"That really was the best yet, Babe."
Snuggling into his side, Emma laughed.
"You say that every year."
"And every year it's true. But this one was extra special."
Emma knew he meant it because their whole family was there to enjoy it together.
"I agree," she answered smiling up at him.
The next morning, Emma was up early again. Eager to celebrate the holiday. Clay got up and into the shower so he could go pick up Jason.
By the time the two men returned, Emma had the coffee going and already had the strata in the oven. Jason joined her in the kitchen and the two embraced as they wished each other a 'Merry Christmas.'
"Anyone else up?"
"I'm not sure. I think I heard someone in the bathroom."
Before he could answer, Quinn and Jacob wandered down in matching holiday pajamas.
"Merry Christmas, Mom. Merry Christmas Grandpa."
Greeting both with kisses and hugs, she went immediately to the cupboard and pulled out two mugs. Jacob offered his holiday wishes as Quinn glanced toward the coffee pot but made no move to fill their cups.
"Wait…where's the hot chocolate?"
She seemed concerned that there was no trace of her father's traditional Christmas beverage.
"It's there, in the thermos keeping warm. He made it before he went to pick up Grandpa."
"Thank goodness. I thought he forgot."
Clay entered as Quinn took a sip of the fragrant brew.
"I've never forgotten the Christmas hot chocolate."
"Sorry, Dad. Merry Christmas."
She took another long drink as Clay placed a fond kiss on top of her head.
"Merry Christmas, Quinnie."
The oven timer sounded, and the table was set before AJ and Rosa made their appearance.
"Good morning, everyone. Merry Christmas.
"I want it noted that I was up and down here before AJ," Quinn teased.
"I agree. You getting up early is definitely news-worthy," he jested back.
The two continued to taunt each other throughout the meal, much to everyone else's amusement.
After the dishes were cleared, they all retired to the living room and found places to sit. Jacob started handing out the brightly wrapped presents and everyone dove in. Soon, every box was opened, and every bag emptied as the paper and tissue piled up around them. Clay started to stand up to go get a bag for the garbage when Quinn stopped them.
"Daddy, wait…we actually have one more for you. It's, it's from Jacob and me for both of you."
She handed Emma a small box that was hidden under the tree skirt.
"You have to open it together."
Clay smiled indulgently as he sat back down and watched Emma carefully unwrap the small present. After opening the lid, Emma pulled out a tiny gray onesie that had NAVY in large letters. As she held it up, a piece of paper floated onto her lap. Clay picked it up and read it aloud.
"Fourth generation sailor coming soon! ~
"Quinn…is this, are you…"
Emma was already on her feet moving to hug her daughter.
"Yes. Jacob and I are expecting a baby in May."
"Oh Honey!"
Both women's cheeks were already damp with happy tears as they held each other close. Then, Clay's strong arms wrapped around them both as he pressed a kiss to Quinn's head.
The rest of the holiday passed too quickly for both Clay and Emma. They said goodbye to the children, and it was just the two of them again in the house. Clay knew Emma would be feeling the separation deeply. As she climbed into bed that night, he opened his arms and pulled her close.
"Well, Babe, it was a perfect Christmas. Just like you wanted."
"It really was, wasn't it?"
"Mmmhmm."
"And a baby! Can you believe it? Quinn's having a baby."
"It was definitely a surprise."
"It'll be so much fun. I need to get my needles out again so I can knit a blanket and maybe a little sweater."
Clay chuckled softly at her enthusiasm.
"I can't believe I'm going to be a grandpa."
"And I'll be a grandma."
"You know…I've never made love to a grandmother before," he whispered into her ear in a husky voice.
She slipped her hand under his shirt and skated her fingers across his pecs.
"Would you like to?"
He claimed her lips in a searing kiss as he growled low in his throat. That was all the answer she needed.