Author's Note: This is the first and only epilogue for Her Mother's Secrets. I just wanted to give a little more closure to Clary (her art, college, trauma, etc.) and give CLACE a little more romance after so much angst. As I indicated before, I plan to write an alternate ending for the Jonathan/Sebastian lovers. I don't think it will be an epilogue, per se, but a bit longer… a standalone and crazy as hell. I have some stuff written, but it will be a bit. Real life stuff is slowing my writing schedule down (arg!). Again, thank you so much for reading!
I do not own any of the characters, only the illustrious Cassandra Clare owns them. I do, however, own this particular story, so please don't be lame and copy/paste it elsewhere.
Thank you for the follows, likes, and reviews! It really means a lot!
One Year Later
Clary stepped down from the ladder and wiped her hands on the towel at her workbench. Placing her hands on her hips she leaned back to survey her work. The new murals for Pandemonium were finally complete. It had taken nearly a year to finish her work, but she could honestly say she was pleased. Magnus had been ecstatic about her idea for The Wild Hunt of Faerie lore. She had started the project the week before she left for Idris, over a year ago. She had been pregnant with Celine then and had no idea how much her life would change because of that tragic trip. When she returned to New York… after my rescue… after I killed him… she had been a new mother, but also a shell of her former self. All of her traumas had culminated and the last thing she could do was pick up her sketchbook or paints.
After Simon and Izzy's wedding, Jace had re-proposed to her and she had gladly accepted. After that, Clary threw herself into intense therapy, to process what had been inflicted upon her and her friends by the Morgensterns… as well as cope with what she had finally been forced to do– kill Jonathan Morgenstern. Celine and Jace deserved a mother and wife that was whole, not owned by her trauma, anxiety, and guilt. It had taken a long time, but she finally was able to truly move on. It wasn't until she returned to teaching at the New York Institute's Community Arts Center that she had been able to feel her creative itch again. At Jace's urging, she had returned to NYU to finish her degree, as well. Her graduation last month had been bittersweet without her beloved parents. She couldn't help but think that, in addition to Jace, her mother had somehow been pushing her from beyond to return to her art. Clary closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Thank you, mom.
Clary began to pack her paints and brushes, gazing proudly at the murals. She and her team had worked tirelessly to finish the installations in time for Magnus' New Year's Eve gala. It was different from the Angels and Demons theme she and her mother had designed two years before. Even darker and more sensual. Mom would be annoyed. Jocelyn Fray-Garroway definitely had preferred more whimsical pieces, less darkness. I miss you so much, mom. Kiss daddy for me. Clary smiled wistfully, remembering, despite their artistic differences, how proud she had been to paint such beautiful murals alongside her talented mother. I hope Magnus likes them. Clary texted her crew for clean-up when she heard a dramatic sigh behind her. Clary smiled and turned around as Magnus Bane sauntered up to her and pulled her into a tight embrace. Speak of the devil.
Clary laughed and pulled back, running her eyes over her dear friend. He was always a sight to behold. His royal blue silk shirt shimmered under the bright work lights. He ran his hand through his black spiky hair as he grinned down at her. No wonder Alex was always staring at him. He's beautiful, inside and out. Clary felt frumpy and underdressed in her baggy denim overalls, paint splattered boots, and messy bun. "Well, Mrs. Jace Fucking Herondale, you have simply outdone yourself." Ever since Clary and Jace had married, six months before, Magnus would address her as "Mrs. Jace Fucking Herondale" whenever they met. It got weird looks from people, but Clary had made her peace with it. He waved his hands in the air, gesturing to the large murals that covered the walls of Pandemonium. "Biscuit, thank you so much. I absolutely love every single, dark, murdery, kinky, debauched, Faerie and creature you have adorned my beloved club with. You're my spirit animal, sweetie, you know that right?" Clary blushed. "Oh yes, I do. I'm so glad you're happy with it, Magnus. Oh! Thank you again for donating the New Year's gala proceeds to the New York Institute's Community Arts Center. You're so generous, Mags. Simply the best!" She stretched onto her toes and kissed Magnus' cheek as he cupped her face and kissed her forehead in return. "Of course, biscuit. Your mom meant the world to me, as you do as well. I love helping to carry on her legacy through the art center. I know you'll do great things with it. Shit!" Clary and Magnus jumped into each other's arms, squealed and spun around, as two loud masculine coughs erupted behind them.
Jace Herondale and Alec Lightwood stood, shoulder to shoulder with their arms crossed and eyebrows raised in suspicion. "Unhand my wife, sparkles. You've got a perfectly acceptable fiancé right here. You're welcome to maul my partner here all day and night, but that little red head is all mine." Jace jerked his thumb towards Alec who blushed and stared suggestively at Magnus. Jace smirked as Clary walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. "Hi, baby. I missed you." She murmured against his lips. Jace hummed and scooped her up into his arms, heading towards the exit, kissing her lips as he walked. Magnus pulled Alec into a hug and yelled after the Herondales. "Ugh. Get a room, CLACE! I'll see both of you disgustingly pretty people tomorrow night for my NYE Gala! Be red carpet ready lovers!"
That night, Jace opened the nursery door and smiled at his two girls. On the plush carpet, his beautiful wife lounged on her side with her chin resting on her fist, happily watching their daughter toddle back and forth, pulling her toys from the large toy chest. Someone didn't want to go to bed and was playing her mommy like a fiddle. Celine, looking much like a miniature version of Clary giggled and babbled, her silky red curls bouncing around her rosy face. Jace's chest tightened as he watched them. How did I get so lucky? After he and Clary returned from Idris last year, Jace feared he had lost her again to what Morgenstern had done. Rot in hell, motherfucker. She had barely been able to speak, so wrought with terror, shame, and guilt… Guilt over killing that monster, even after everything he'd done to her. She still pitied him. Jace had attended many therapy sessions with Clary and had found out more than he ever wanted to know about the atrocities Jonathan fucking Morgenstern had committed against her. But he hadn't shied away from any of it. He let her speak all of her truths about everything. He had forced himself to make his own peace with all of it, if only to help her heal. And she had. They both had and they were stronger than ever together. Finally.
He and Clary had married, nearly six months before, in a small private ceremony at the art center, surrounded by their closest friends. She had worn a simple white silk gown with her hair cascading down her back in waves. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen or ever would again. Afterwards, they celebrated with those they loved at Pandemonium. It had been the single, most glorious day of his life, when Clarissa Adele Fray Fairchild said "I do", with a genuine, complete, whole smile that spoke volumes. Because it was at that moment that he knew she was back, wholly his again. Healed. Soon after they married, Jace adopted Celine. Although, in his heart, Cece was already his daughter, it felt good to have it legal and official. They had been a complete family ever since. His entire world. Jace swallowed a lump in his throat as he closed his eyes, thinking about Luke Garroway. I hope I'm good enough for her now, Chief. I'm sorry so much happened to her on my watch. I'll never let anything touch her or your grand daughter again. I swear on my life.
Jace opened his eyes and walked into the nursery. His eyes wandered up to the painting that hung over Celine's crib. Her Eyes. It was one of the few pieces from Valentine's collection of Jocelyn's work that Clary kept… the rest placed in a memorial gallery at the New York Art Institute. Clary said that she wanted her daughter to know who she came from– what Fairchild women were made of. Jace nodded at the painting. I know you're proud of her, Jocelyn. I am as well.
Clary had given their daughter her bath and put on her pajamas. Jace sank to his knees and crawled across the floor next to Clary, kissing her quickly on the lips. "Hey babe. Is it bedtime yet? I want my bath too…" He looked down at her chest, admiring the cleavage her tight tank top allowed, then her lips, then back to her eyes. "But we can skip the PJ's if that's okay with you?" He bounced his eyebrows at Clary as she blushed and giggled. "I think that can be arranged. I need a shower too…" Jace jumped up and scooped little Celine into his arms as she squealed and giggled. "Okay, squirt, time for night-night." Clary dimmed the lights and turned on lullaby music, as Jace settled their little girl into her crib. Minutes later, Celine's eyes closed and they made their way down the hall to their bedroom, hand in hand.
The Next Morning
Clary threw her head back and gasped. "Oh god, Jace! Yes–" Jace's eyes widened as he looked up and watched the love of his life ride him passionately. She had been insatiable lately and he was definitely here for it. So fucking tight. This morning, Jace had been pleased to wake up to his wife's lips wrapped around him, sucking his arousal deep beneath the covers. They had made love into the wee hours of the night, finally collapsing into each other's arms and falling asleep. But, he was more than happy to participate in Clary's good morning activities. They had finally found their passion again, like before… before him. His gorgeous wife arched her back, her full breasts jutting forward and bouncing, her silken muscles tightening deliciously around him. Jace growled, grasped her hips, and pumped furiously up into her quivering depths as he chased his release. She was finally back. Whole. After everything... And he would spend the rest of his life keeping her happy and safe. "Look at me, Red." Biting her lip and moaning, Clary looked down at him, rocking her hips, and squeezing her breasts. Holy shit. So beautiful. "Come for me, sweetheart. With me." Crying out his name, Clary exploded around him, her tight heat quivering and milking him, as he came hard. Humming, Jace wrapped his arms around his whimpering wife. He pulled her down, flush against his chest, her legs straddling him, still joined. He gently pumped into her, relishing the ebbing quivers of her orgasm, whispering into her ear. "I love you so much."
Clary pulled back and smiled down at him. "I love you too, Jace. Um… I have to tell you something, babe. Before we go to Pandemonium tonight." Clary's face suddenly turned serious and she moved beside him on the bed, pulling the sheets up over her chest. Furrowing his brow, Jace sat up and turned towards her. She looked worried and nervous. Before Pandemonium? What's wrong? Clary looked away, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Jace reached over to her and cupped her face, pulling it towards him. "Clary, what's wrong? Just tell me…" Opening her eyes, she looked at him, tears forming. "Nothing's wrong, Jace… It's just. I'm pregnant, baby." Jace froze, his eyes widening. Pregnant. Clary's pregnant. Jace swallowed, his mouth dropping open. She's having my baby. Oh my god.
Staring back at him, Clary raised her eyebrows. Why isn't he saying anything? Did I break Jace? Maybe he came too hard to process… She ran her hands through her mussed curls, unaware that the sheet had fallen back down to her waist. Jace blinked, his eyes falling to her naked breasts and then back to her face, his mouth staying open. "Jace. Uh– did you hear me?" Oh shit. "I know it's a shock and we weren't trying. With our crazy schedules, I forgot to take a few pills last month and tried to play catch-up… But you came at me with your amazing abs and beautiful cock– err body… I didn't think this would happen. I just didn't want you confused when I didn't drink tonight at Pandem– I mean Cece's not even two–" Clary squealed as Jace's mouth smashed against hers, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Pulling back he peppered her neck with kisses. "Pregnant? You're having my baby? I-I'm so happy. You have no idea… I love you, Clary Fray… Best shock ever, sweetheart."
Giggling, Clary excitedly returned his kisses. "Izzy's going to have to do tequila shots solo tonight… poor Simon." Jace hummed and pulled her beneath him on the mattress. Kneeling between her legs, he leaned forward, gently running his hands over her stomach, kissing her. "You've made me the happiest man alive, Clary. You're making me a father… again. But, baby. Please don't talk about Lewis while we're in bed… naked. Ew." Clary laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him on top of her. "Deal… now, let's go get our daughter up for breakfast and celebrate. If our family is going to get bigger, I'm going to need coconut pancakes from Taki's." Grinning Jace scooped Clary up into his arms, bounding towards their ensuite. "First I'm going to wash you, Mrs. Herondale… then I'm going to make you filthy and wash you again. Cece's still sleeping, you know." Clary tightened her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Okay, Mr. Herondale… sounds like a plan."