Hi Everyone! Thanks for reading, reviewing, favoring, following, and taking interest in my story.
I am trying to update as quickly as possible, but I also have a full-time job at night, so it's hard for me. Please bear in mind that.
This chapter will delve more into the relationship between Clay and Mia.
Please continue to review and let me know what you think!
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Chapter 18- Spencer Family
"Any progress on the relationship front?" Brock asked.
Clay sighed, "we are working on it" he replied.
"Keep faith, she just needs some time. You put her through a lot" Derek stated.
"You're telling me" he said.
"Girl that is so stupid. He loves you, anyone can see that" Grace said.
"I second that" Tess added.
"Third it" Abby raised her hand in agreement.
Mia laughed, "I hate you all" she giggled.
"That's what a girl's night is for" Grace held up her drink to cheer the other three.
"Girl's night" Abby clinked her glass.
"Girl's night" Tess added her glass.
"To Girls night and many more to come in the future" Mia finished the toast.
Clay came home the next day to find Abby and Tess in the kitchen making breakfast.
"Morning" he greeted with a sleepy Ally in his arms.
"Good morning, how was drinks last night?" Tess asked.
Clay dropped Ally's stuff on the couch before placing her in her playpen.
He joined the girls in the kitchen and helped himself to some coffee.
"It was good hanging out with the guys. It's not often we are all off rotation at the same time" he stated.
Abby nodded in understanding. Before she could say anything else, they all turned to see Mia and Grace come down the stairs.
"Morning" Grace called out.
Clay walked over and helped Mia walk to the table. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
She held onto him and nodded with a smile, "I'm okay, just sore" she replied.
Tess and Abby started dishing out breakfast before helping themselves to some coffee and tea.
"So, how was your night last night?" Clay asked them as he made himself a plate.
Mia took a sip of her smoothie, giving the rest of the girls a knowing look.
She was embarrassed because the girls really got on her about her relationship with Clay.
"It was great. We had a lot of fun" Tess saved Mia the embarrassment of having to answer.
Clay looked between the four of them with a curious look in his eyes.
He knew something more had happened and was even more curious at the blush on Mia's face.
"Good, I am glad. What did you guys do and why are you blushing so hard?" he asked, directing his question to Mia.
She choked on her smoothie, coughing as she gave the girls a look for help.
"We watched Sons of Anarchy and Fifty Shades Freed. I mean, have you seen Jax Teller or Christian Grey, yes please" Abby teased around a cup of tea.
Mia blushed further when Abby mentioned Jax Teller because she knew what her friend was doing.
She was trying to compare Clay to Jax like she did last night.
"Really Abbs, Jax Teller, that's your thing? What about Zach?" he smirked.
Tess scoffed, while Mia hid her smirk behind her smoothie as Abby smiled around her bite of eggs.
"Zach knows I have two hall passes. David Beckham and Jax Teller. I get a chance with either one of those two, I am taking it" she replied.
Clay just looked amused and in shock, while the other girl group threw their heads back laughing.
That was totally something that Abby would say.
He just shook his head laughing behind his coffee.
"So, what did you have planned today?" Tess asked Clay and Mia.
"Jeremy is having a birthday party for Natalie at Splash Lagoon tomorrow. So, we are going shopping to get her a present and then pack for tomorrow. Later we'll probably just have a bbq and relax by the pool" she informed them.
"You can't go in the water" Grace reminded her friend.
Mia nodded, "I know. I plan to just sit in the cabana, enjoy the sun and relax" she replied.
Grace nodded, "good, just remember to be careful" she stated.
Mia wasn't planning to go swimming but that didn't mean she couldn't go out and have fun.
After breakfast, the girls changed and left Clay with Mia for the day.
Clay helped Mia upstairs and into the shower.
"Do you need my help?" he asked.
She shook her head, "no, I should be okay. I will scream if I need help" she replied.
He nodded, "I'll go get Ally up and get her some snacks ready for the mall" he stated.
Mia slowly took her shower, being careful not to bend over too much. It felt so nice to take a shower and feel human again.
She changed into some shorts and a t-shirt before putting on her double strap sandals and left her hair down to dry.
She grabbed her purse and slowly made her way downstairs.
Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the scene before her.
Clay was standing in the kitchen in front of the counter where Ally was sitting eating grapes and having some juice.
She ate one and then fed one to Clay, who pretended to bite her fingers, causing Ally to squeal in laughter.
Mia smiled as she made her way down and into the kitchen.
"Morning baby girl" she walked over and gave Ally a big hug.
She hadn't seen her since her surgery, and she was missing her munchkin.
"Feel better Mama?" she asked.
Mia smiled and nodded, "yes baby, mommy is feeling much better thank you. Are you ready to go shopping?" she replied.
Clay picked up his daughter and grabbed her backpack while Mia grabbed her purse and the keys.
The Spencer family were off to the mall.
Clay drove and parked close to the door so Mia wouldn't have to walk as far.
He knew she was okay, but he didn't want to push her too soon.
Once he helped Ally out of the back, he grabbed her stroller and buckled her in, putting her backpack in the back carrier, and they were off.
He stopped at the entrance. He didn't usually come to the mall. He was lost as to where to start.
Looking over at Mia, "where do you want to go?" he asked.
She smiled up at his lost gaze. Knowing that he was uncomfortable, she took full advantage of the situation.
"Well, I know that she wants the Wishes body set from Bath and Body Works, so we can start there. Then we'll go to Victoria Secret and get her the tote bag. And I want to get her something from Ally for babysitting her, so we can go to the little trinket store before we leave" she informed him.
Mia had formulated this plan ages ago. When she first found out about the birthday party last month, she knew exactly what Natalie would want.
Their first stop was Bath and Body Works.
Clay pushed Ally through the entrance following Mia as she smiled at the employee.
"Hello, Welcome to Bath and Body Works, how can I help you today?" she asked them.
Mia turned to her and smiled, "hi, thank you. I am looking for the Wishes bath body set" she informed the employee.
"No problem, please follow me" she replied.
She led them through the store to the gift set section, telling them about all the deals they had for the day.
The candles were only $13.95 instead of $24. The lotions were buy one get one free and the hand sanitizers were 10 for $10.
While the employee was telling them all that, Clay thought back to all the candles, lotions, and body sprays Mia had around the house.
She had an air freshener and candle in almost every room.
When they got to the stand with the gift sets, the employee let them look and browse, leaving them alone.
Clay just stood with Ally by the stroller watching Mia look at each gift set.
"Mia you must really love this store" he commented.
She looked at him confused, "what do you mean?" she questioned.
"Mims, you have a candle and air freshener in almost every room in your house. Now that I think about it, so does Emma. No wonder Jason's house smells like the seasons" he teased.
She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Just be glad that I am easy" she replied.
Blushing a minute later when she realized what she said and how it sounded.
"I didn't mean it like that" she stated.
He just smirked and shook his head.
"Sure, you didn't" he loved making her blush.
Mia just waved him off and continued to look through the gift sets.
It took her a minute to find the one she was looking for, holding it up when she found it.
"What do you think baby girl?" she asked Ally.
"It looks so pretty mommy, and it smells really good" Ally replied.
"Alright, let's get this one. Do you want to get some lotion?" Mia asked.
Ally nodded excitedly.
Clay picked her up and let her walk to the lotion wall.
"Pick out whichever one you want babe" he said.
They had travel size lotions with all the scents of body sprays. The bottles were colorful and petite, perfect for Ally.
After a few minutes, she picked up tropical beach and summer and sunshine, two lotions she wanted.
Their next stop was Victoria Secret to get Natalie a tote bag.
Mia knew exactly which one she was looking for. She was talking about it the last time she was over watching Ally.
Clay stopped at the entrance of the store.
Looking around at all the lingerie and Mia in the store, he couldn't help but think of her in those pieces.
"Mia, um" he cleared his throat, "I think I'll just wait out here with Ally and let her play in the play area" he stated.
Mia turned back to him confused, until she saw the look of discomfort on his face.
"Really Clay. I thought Navy Seals were trained to withstand torture and torment?" she asked, amused.
He nodded, "we are, put me in a torture chamber and I'll be fine, but this" he pointed around the store, looking horrified, "is too much" he turned around and wheeled Ally out of the store.
Mia's laughter followed them out.
Clay took his daughter and let her free in the play area where all the other dads were waiting with their children.
"Daddy, can I play?" Ally asked about the puzzle on the wall in front of him.
He nodded, "yeah babe, have at it" he replied taking her coat off.
Mia went around the store and went to look at their tote bags. She knew exactly what she wanted to get.
Mia took her time looking through the bags to figure out which one was the best one for her.
Once she found the one, she wanted, she went and got Ally some small lotion and a key chain to hook to her stroller.
After she paid, she made her way out to see Clay playing with Ally on the slide, around the playground.
She walked over and put her purchases in the bottom of the stroller.
"Hey Princess" she called out to Ally.
Ally ran over to her mom, "hi mama" she was out of breath, red cheeks, with a big smile on her face.
"Hi, are you ready to go to the trinket store and pick something for Natalie?" she asked.
Ally nodded with a big smile on her face. She was really excited to pick something for Natalie.
Clay picked her up and put her back in the stroller and followed Mia to the little trinket store.
It was a cute little accessory store that had little trinkets, bracelets, necklaces, and a hodge podge of things.
He picked up Ally and let her down, holding her hand.
Clay left the stroller at the entrance by the cash register as he followed Mia around the store so Ally could look around.
"What do you want to get Natalie babe?" Mia asked Ally.
"I don't know mama. A candle or bracelet so we match" she replied.
Mia laughed and nodded.
They let Ally wander around the store for a couple of minutes, before she stopped in front of the candle section.
Ally just picked a couple candles out by color.
"Mama, what does this say?" she asked.
Mia slowly bent over and read the candles for her.
"This one is fresh cut lilacs, like the purple flowers in the garden. This pink one is grapefruit" she replied.
Ally nodded and handed them to Clay to put in the basket.
"Can I get other stuff?" she asked.
Clay nodded, "knock yourself out babe" he replied.
She kept walking through the store, picking up some lip glosses, small nail polish bottles, lotions, and then stopped at the bracelet stand.
"Mama, which one is for friends?" she asked.
Mia looked through the bracelets to try and find a friendship bracelet.
She found two of them, one had hearts on it, and one was a flower.
"Which one do you want to get babe? There is one that is a heart that has best and friends on both halves. The other one is a flower. Which one do you want to get?" she laid them out in her palm to show her.
"I like the hearts one better, right daddy?" she looked up at Clay for approval.
He ran a hand through her hair and nodded, "whatever you want baby" he replied.
Clay was just enjoying his time with Ally and Mia. In moments like these, he felt like they were a real family.
They ended up with the flower necklace because it matched the candles she got.
When Ally finished shopping and got what she wanted, she walked up with Mia and Clay to the register.
The employee smiled at her, "you all ready honey?" she asked.
Ally nodded, "yes ma'am. They are for my friend's birthday party" she replied.
"I am sure they will love it" the employee stated.
Ally was really excited to get her bags from the cashier.
"Okay, come on, let's get home and get the gifts wrapped up. We have to get ready for tomorrow for the party" Mia stated.
Clay took them home and settled into the kitchen getting the meat ready for a bbq while Mia and Ally settled in the living room, on the floor with wrapping paper and gift bags.
Ally had her markers and paper in front of her to make Natalie a card.
"Mama, can you write happy birthday for me? I want to color it for Natalie" she said.
Mia nodded and took the card from her.
She used pencil to stencil happy birthday Natalie into the card before handing it back to Ally so she could color in the letters.
"I am going to start on the steaks" Clay called out.
Mia nodded, "okay, the steaks and chicken are in the fridge" she stated.
Clay went out the back and started grilling while Mia wrapped up all the gifts they got Natalie.
She put them all in the tote bag and wrapped the straps with a cute bow and some ribbon, attaching the card that Ally made to the front pocket.
"Come on Princess, let's go get packed" she held her hand out for Ally to follow her upstairs.
Mia packed up Ally's stuff first. She packed all their stuff in a duffle bag.
A swimsuit for each of them, towels, sunscreen, tanning lotion, hats, and a change of clothes, with some extra stuff for Ally.
Then she packed a cooler with some snacks and drinks for them to take before they left in the morning.
When the steaks and chicken were done on the grill, Mia took out the salad and they sat on the back patio to eat lunch.
After lunch, Ally turned to her mom, "mama, can I go swimming?" she asked.
Mia smiled and nodded. "Yeah, go change into your swimsuit" she barely got out before Ally ran inside.
"I'll go in with her. Let me just take these inside" Clay replied.
Mia nodded, "okay, I am going to lounge by the pool" she stated.
He smiled and nodded with a little laugh, "knock yourself out" he teased.
Mia walked through the fence and made herself comfortable on the lounge chair, pulling up her top to show her stomach and putting her sunglasses on.
It wasn't long before she felt a splash of water on her legs.
Looking over, she saw Ally in the pool, playing with her float.
"Hi Mama" she called out.
Mia smiled, "hi Princess" she waved.
Clay walked out of the house in his swim trunks and some lemonade.
He set everything up by Mia on the small table before leaning over and kissing her forehead.
"You good?" he asked, handing her some of her meds.
She nodded, "I am good" she replied taking her meds, watching as Clay jumped into the water, causing Ally to squeal in excitement.
"Daddy!" she squealed, swimming her way over.
Clay met her halfway and started to play with her in the water.
Mia took her phone out and took some videos and photos to keep for memory.
It wasn't long before they were swimming and Mia was relaxing did, they hear a car drive up.
"How much do you bet that is your uncle and cousins?" Clay teased Ally as he held her in the water.
They all turned to see Jason, Emma, and Mikey coming through the gate to the backyard.
"Hi Uncle Jay, Emma, Mikey" Ally called out waving to them from the water.
Mikey dropped his stuff by his aunt before jumping in the water, taking Ally from Clay.
"Hey Ally Cat, you ready for tomorrow?" he asked, throwing her up in the air and catching her.
"Yup, me and mommy packed our swimsuits and got Natalie the best present" she replied.
Jason took a seat next to Mia, dropping their swim stuff off on the chair next to her.
"How you feeling?" he asked Mia.
She nodded, looking over at her brother.
The concern was the most evident on his face.
Mia knew that she worried the boys about doing everything behind their backs and not telling them how serious she was sick, but she was really okay.
"I promise that I am okay. Clay just gave me my meds and now I am relaxing by my pool with my family. I am fine. Just relax and enjoy the day" she teased.
Jason glared, narrowing his eyes at her as if he could tell if she was okay or not based on how she looked.
"Fine, I will enjoy the pool with my niece" he replied.
She smiled and nodded, satisfied. She just wanted everyone to have a relaxing and fun day.
"Guys, Clay grilled some steaks and chicken a little bit ago for lunch if you guys are hungry" she informed her niece and nephew.
"Thanks Aunt Mia, we are good for now" Mikey called out before proceeding to chase Ally around the pool.
Mia nodded and went back to lounging with her eyes closed and a smile on her face.
She enjoyed listening to them laughing and splashing with each other.
For her, it was everything she dreamed of when she came back to Virginia Beach. She wanted a family and to make memories like this.
It was great healing for her because she could rest and be with her family all at the same time.
They stayed in the pool and just hung out until almost dinner time.
Clay brought out the steaks and chicken he made, while Emma and Mia made a tossed salad and some pasta salad.
They set up the patio outside with the food, so everyone could sit and enjoy themselves.
"So, you guys ready and packed for tomorrow?" Jason asked Mia and Clay.
It was Ally who nodded, "yup, me and mama packed our bathing suits and toys. Are you ready Uncle Jay?" she replied.
He smiled, "I sure am Gumdrop. Packed all our bathing suits and some extra stuff for Natalie. What time do you guys want to leave?" he asked.
They were all going to follow each other.
Clay was going to drive Mia's Jeep since there was more room than his small car.
It was going to be easier for them to go as a family since the park was an hour away.
"Well, let me call Jeremy and see what time they are leaving, and we can all just follow each other" Mia suggested pulling out cell phone.
Jeremy was packing his stuff and Natalie's when his phone rang, 'Beautiful' by Christina Aguilera.
Smiling he answered and put it on speaker, "hey Gorgeous, what's up? You doing, okay?" he asked.
Mia smiled and shook her head, "yeah, I am good, feeling okay thanks. Hey, listen, Jase and Clay are here, and we were trying to plan our day tomorrow. What time are you guys leaving?" she asked.
"I set up the party reservation from 12-6, it should take us an hour to get there, so I figure we all meet at my house at 10, since the highway is closer to me" he replied.
Mia looked at the guys for their perspective.
They both looked at each other and nodded.
"Sounds good on our end. We'll meet you at your house" Clay replied.
It was only down the block but still, now they at least had a plan.
"Alright, see you tomorrow Jeremy" Mia said before hanging up.
"I'll see you Gorgeous" Jeremy replied before hanging up on his end.
"Natalie, hey everyone is going to meet here tomorrow. Can you order some bagels and stuff for tomorrow morning?" he called out.
Natalie popped around the corner, into the doorway of her brother's room, "you mean Uber Eats some breakfast food?" she asked.
He narrowed his eyes at her and glared, "funny smartass, yes please, just order the food. We should be on the road by 11am tomorrow" he stated.
Natalie smirked and saluted him before going back to her room so she could finish packing.
Mia, Clay, and the kids moved into the living room after dinner to watch a movie.
"I'll see you guys' tomorrow morning" Mia hugged her niece and nephew before they left once the movie was over.
They were going to be over early the next day.
Clay ended up staying with Mia since she was closer to Jeremy, and they were leaving from his house in the morning.
Clay and Mia were lying in bed when he broached the subject of their relationship.
"So, Mia, before we go meet everyone else, I know they are going to ask, so, where are you on our relationship?" he asked.
Clay could feel Mia tense and sigh, relaxing into him after a minute.
"Well, I have been thinking about it and I have to say that I am very grateful for you Clay" she stated.
Clay looked down at her surprised. "What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Clay, you were there for me when I was going through surgery. There is a reason that I put you as my emergency contact after surgery. I trust you completely. I just need time to figure out what I am doing with everything" she replied.
She was afraid to look at him while she was talking.
Afraid of his reaction and what he would say.
He sighed and let out a deep breath.
"I get that Mia. Just take your time. I am always going to be there for you. That is not going to change. You and Ally come first; you know that. If you need more for me to prove it to you, then take all the time you need" he replied.
She looked up at him surprised and a little guilty. This was on her. The ball was in her court.
Everyone was waiting for her to make the decision on their relationship.
The next morning, Ally woke up first and ran into her mother's room, jumping onto the bed.
"Mama, Daddy, wake up. It's party time" she yelled, jumping up and down.
Clay groaned, rolling to his back, bringing Mia with him stretching.
"What's going on?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Mama, it's party time" Ally sat on her daddy's stomach and leant down to her mom's ear, so she was laying on her daddy.
Clay smiled and wrapped his arm around her, squeezing her to him, looking over at his watch to find that it was only 7am.
"What time is it?" Mia asked.
"7am" Clay replied.
Mia groaned, she had an emotional day and night. She wanted to sleep in.
"Babe, the party is not until 12pm. Jeremy lives down the block. We don't need to leave for another few hours. Go back to sleep" she argued.
Ally sighed, pouting, resting against Clay's chest as he played with her hair.
"But mama, I want to go swimming and have Nattie's party" she retorted.
"Five more minutes" Mia replied.
Clay laughed and picked Ally up, so she was sitting on his chest.
"Why don't you go watch some cartoons while Mommy wakes up" he suggested.
She nodded and lifted her arms so he could lift her up and over the bed to the floor.
Once she was safely standing on the floor, she ran out of her mom's room and to the living room.
Mia dug into Clay's side. She did not want to get up yet.
"Why did she have to take after you and wake up at the crack of dawn?" she asked.
Clay shook with laughter. He wrapped his arm around her as they turned to lay side by side.
He just took a minute to look at her and remember how she looked completely sated and relaxed.
"I want to try something tonight when Ally is with Jason tomorrow" he said.
Mia's eyes fluttered open as she met his curious gaze.
Quirking her eyebrow, she wondered what he was talking about.
The only thing they ever did when Ally was away was talk about their relationship and take some action with each other.
Was he making a move?
What did that mean?
Did she need to wax?
All the thoughts were racing through Mia's mind, trying to figure out what he had planned and how it was going to f**ck her up mentally.
"Do I need to do anything?" she asked.
He shook his head leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
"You don't need to do anything. Just show up" he replied.
She nodded and leant forward to sleep some more.
Clay kissed the top of her head before getting up to grab the duffle bag with their clothes and the pool bag to bring with him downstairs by the door.
He walked into the living room to see Ally sitting on her beanbag in front of the TV with her favorite stuffed Navy Bear.
"Hey Angel, I am going to make us some breakfast before we head to Uncle Jeremy's house. What do you want to eat?" he asked.
She looked up at her dad, "can I have some fruit and eggs daddy?" she replied.
Clay nodded, bent to kiss the top of her head.
Mia woke up a few minutes later. She walked out to the living room and settled with her daughter on the couch.
When Ally saw her mom walk into the living room, she got up and laid with her on the couch.
"Morning Mama" she greeted.
Mia smiled and kissed the top of Ally's head, "good morning Princess, did you sleep good?" she asked.
Ally nodded, "yup. I am excited for Nattie's birthday" she replied.
"I bet you are. After breakfast, we'll change and get the food ready so we can get to Uncle Jeremy's house" Mia instructed.
Clay made them all eggs and some fruit since Jeremy was going to have breakfast/brunch at his house before they went to the waterpark.
As promised, after they ate, Clay took Ally upstairs to get her changed and dressed for the day.
Mia laid out her bathing suit and some shorts with a tank top the night before that she could wear to the park, so it was easy for him to get her changed.
While Ally and Clay were getting ready, Mia was getting the food ready for them.
She made some salad, wraps/sandwiches, and packed some snacks for them to munch on while they were at the park.
Ally came down with Clay pulling on a t-shirt as he walked down the stairs.
"Ready Mia?" he asked.
She nodded, "yeah if you can start putting these in the cooler and loading the car. I am just going to get changed" she replied before running upstairs.
Mia changed into some shorts and a tank-top with her double strap sandals before putting her hair in a French braid.
She grabbed some last-minute things to put in the swim bag before making her way back downstairs.
Ally was "helping" Clay put things in the car and load up the cooler, so when Mia was done with the swim bag, she took that out to the jeep for him to load.
"Do you want to call Jeremy and see if he needs us to pick up anything?" she asked Clay.
He nodded and pulled out his phone.
RING! RING!
"Jeremy, your phone is going off" Natalie called out.
Jeremy came back from outside to grab his phone off the counter to see that it was Clay.
"Hey Man, what's up?" he answered the phone.
"Hey Man, we are just getting backed up, but we wanted to check in. Do you need anything?" he asked.
Jeremy blew out a breath, looking around the kitchen as Natalie and Crew set up the brunch for everyone.
"I think we are okay man. If you can just grab some bags of ice for the coolers, I think that's all we need. Otherwise, we are all packed up" he replied.
Clay nodded, "sure, no problem. I have to grab some for our cooler anyway" he stated.
"Alright, we'll see you soon" Jeremy hung up and went back to getting everything packed up in the car.
Clay hung up with Jeremy and turned to Ally. "Want to come get some bags of ice with me?" he asked.
She nodded and ran right up to her dad, "okay daddy" she got herself loaded into the car.
"Mia, we'll be back" he informed her.
Mia nodded, "I'll meet you at Jeremy's" she replied.
There were only a couple blocks between the two of them, so Mia was just going to walk and meet them there.
When Clay left to get some ice with Ally, Mia just grabbed her bag and walked over to Jeremy's house.
It was a beautiful day out, so all her neighbors were out planting and doing things in the yard.
It was great for Mia to walk over and see everyone.
Sometimes when she was on-call or working her shifts in a row, she barely had time to see the light of day.
That is why she always tried to be outside or just sit on her deck when she was off.
She tried to take Ally to the park or always do something outside with her.
When she got to Jeremy's, she could see that he was running back and forth inside and outside.
"Hey Jeremy" she greeted.
He looked up and over the car door to see Mia walking up the driveway alone.
"Hey, where's Clay and the Princess?" he asked.
"They went to get some ice, so I walked over to see if you guys needed any help" she informed him.
"Thanks Mia, Nat is in the house with Crew" he greeted her with a hug.
Mia walked in to see Natalie setting up the island with all the brunch food.
"Hey birthday girl" Mia called out.
"Hey, where's Mini and Uncle Clay?" she asked.
"He went to get some ice with Ally for Jeremy" Mia replied, putting her bag down before greeting Natalie with a hug.
"Happy Birthday Nattie" she celebrated her.
Natalie smiled and returned the hug, "thanks Mia. I appreciate all you have done for me" she said.
Mia wiped her tears, "it's been my pleasure Nattie" she replied.
Crew was standing off to the side of the island, watching the two with a smile on his face, clearing his throat when they pulled away.
He knew all about Mia, Ally, and pretty much all of Bravo, Alpha, and Charlie Team.
Natalie made sure to tell him all about their little friend group.
Natalie pulled away and smiled at Crew, "Mia, this is Crew. Crew, this is Mia Hayes, she's Ally's mom" she introduced them.
"Hi Crew, it's nice to meet you" she shook his hand and greeted him.
He smiled and nodded at her, "hi, thanks, it's nice to meet you too. I have heard a lot about you" he said.
"I hope it's good things" she teased.
"Always" he played along.
Mia was surprised that Jeremy and the guys in Alpha Team were okay with Crew.
She was shocked he didn't get the third degree.
Mia helped Natalie set up the island and take out the food for brunch.
She set up the drinks, cups, plates, napkins and silverware while Natalie started heating up the eggs, bacon, and sausage.
"Anything else you need babe?" Crew asked Natalie.
"Can you get the fruit salad from the fridge outside?" she replied.
He saluted her and got up to get the food she had in the refrigerator outside.
By the time he walked across the backyard, Clay and Ally pulled up to the house.
Clay got Ally out first, following behind her as she ran up the driveway and into the house.
"Happy Birthday Nattie" she called out, launching into Natalie's arms.
Natalie smiled and picked up Ally in a twirling hug, "Thanks Mini" she replied.
"Hi Crew" she greeted.
He smiled and bent down to give Ally a hug, "hi ladybug, ready to go swimming and party?" he asked.
She nodded, "yup, I have my bathing suit and everything" she was so excited.
Clay and Jeremy stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching Ally interact with Crew.
Jeremy stood smirking as he watched Clay's reaction to seeing Ally with Crew.
"Excuse me Angel, are you keeping a secret from me?" he teased.
Jeremy had told him that Natalie was bringing her boyfriend to the party for the first time to introduce him to everyone all at once.
As they did with Cole, the guys were planning to grill him and put the fear of God in him.
"Daddy, this is Crew. Crew this is my daddy" she walked him over.
"Clay" he introduced himself, putting his hand out.
"Crew, nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you" he greeted.
Clay nodded, "haven't heard much about you though" he retorted.
Mia snapped her head up and glared, "Clay, be nice" she warned.
She knew what he was doing. She also knew that Jeremy was standing there smirking because he was in on it.
It's what the guys did. They used each other to berate and interrogate the boyfriends.
Jeremy just shook his head as he helped himself to some juice.
"Good Morning All" Jason greeted as he walked in followed by the rest of the gang.
"Happy Birthday Nattie" Emma greeted.
"Thanks Em" she greeted her friend with a hug.
"Alright, now that everyone is here. I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate Natalie's birthday. She has grown into a strong, independent woman that I am very proud of. We are family and we all love you Nat. Let's eat and have fun together today" Jeremy announced, causing everyone to go up in cheers.
The girls dished up the food for the kids, before everyone helped themselves.
Each family had their own car, with their own cooler and swim bag. It was a mess of people invading that water park.
Once they pulled up to the park entrance with all their coolers and pool accessories, the park attendant stood at attention.
"Hello, welcome to Splash Lagoon. Do you have tickets, or do you need to purchase tickets?" he asked.
Jeremy stepped forward with the reservation information.
"We have a reservation under Woods" he informed them, handing them the paper.
The park attendant nodded, "yes, Mr. Woods, please follow me. We have two cabanas reserved for you in our water park" he replied.
The gang all followed the park attendant into the park and straight to their reserved cabanas.
The ladies immediately started unpacking the swim bags for the kids, setting up their towels and sunscreen.
"Alright, whoever needs to change into their swimsuits, the changing rooms are straight across from here. These are Elsie and Casey. They will be your assistants while you are here. Enjoy and Happy Birthday Natalie" the park attendant announced.
"Thank you" Natalie called out.
"Okay, who needs to change?" Jeremy asked.
"I do" Mia stated, taking her swimsuit from the bag.
"Clay, can you start putting sunscreen on Ally? I know she is going to want to get in the water" she informed him.
The group split up between the two cabanas.
Those who already had their swimsuits on started putting on sunscreen while the others went to change.
Mia changed into a black bikini, keeping her shorts on until she got back to the cabana.
Ally and Clay were already in the water, playing and splashing with each other.
Ally wearing her floater vest, having the time of her life.
"Hi Mama" she waved.
"Hi Baby" she greeted.
Mia pulled out her phone and started taking pictures of everyone playing in the water.
"Come in Mama" she called out from the water.
Mia smiled and pulled off her shorts and walked into the water.
Clay helped Ally swim over to her mom, smiling as Ally wrapped her arms around Mia's neck.
Mia smiled and bent further into the water.
"This is so much fun Mama" Ally squealed.
Mia laughed and nodded, "it sure is, huh baby girl" she replied.
Clay swam near them when Jason and the rest of the guys swam over.
"Want to go to the wave pool guys?" Mikey asked.
"Can I go?" Ally asked.
Mikey nodded and grabbed his cousin from his Aunt Mia, "come on Angel Cakes" he carried her across the pool area to the other pool.
Mikey held Ally in the water as the buzzer sounded, causing her to squeal and hold onto her cousin tighter.
The waves started coming throughout the pool, Mikey bending down to have Ally in the water.
She jumped into her cousin's arms as the waves rolled over them.
Laughing and squealing as the waves rolled over her.
When the waves slowed down and then eventually stopped for their break, Mikey let Ally down in the water.
"What'd you think Ally Cat?" he asked.
"That was so much fun, thanks Mikey" she replied.
"Want to try the slides?" Crew asked.
"Yeah, let's do it" Emma stated, as she, Natalie, Mikey, Crew, and some of the guys went to try the slides.
Cole grabbed Ally, "come on babe, let's go to the kiddie area" he walked her over to the children's water area.
With Ally occupied with Cole, Mia and Clay went with the remaining group to the cabanas to start setting up the food.
Naimah and Mia started dishing out the salads and put on their coverups so they could walk around the pool to order some hot food for the kids.
Mia and Naimah ordered some chicken fingers, tenders, fries, and some pizza for everyone, taking the ticket to Elsie and Casey.
"Hey guys, we ordered some hot food for the kids, if you don't mind bringing that over when it is done" Naimah informed them.
Casey nodded, "no problem, ladies. Whenever you are ready to have us bring out the cake, just let us know" she said.
Mia nodded and went back with Naimah to the cabana.
They set up the plates, silverware, and cups with the drinks, salads, and trays of food that Elsie brought over.
The girls made a section for the gifts and birthday decorations they brought from home.
When the kids came back, Natalie froze at the sight of the cabana.
Elsie and Casey brought out the cake, as the guys started singing Happy Birthday.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NATALIE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" they all sang.
Natalie smiled, leant over and blew out the candles.
She stood back up and wiped her tears.
"Thank you all so much for coming and being there for me the past year. I really appreciate it" she announced to all of them.
Jeremy gave his little sister a kiss on the temple and a hug, "we love you Nats. It may have started out just as you and me, but now we have a whole extended family that will kick Crew's ass if he hurts you" he added at the end causing the guys to start cheering.
Natalie, Emma, Mikey, the rest of the kids, and the girls started laughing.
Jeremy cut the cake and started serving it as everyone made their plate for lunch.
It was great that everyone was having a great time, and they were surrounded by love.
Natalie sat in the cabana with the kids surrounding her, 'helping' her open her gifts.
Ally was more excited than anyone when it came to the time for the gifts.
When it came to the gift that Ally picked out, she got it ready and handed it to Natalie.
"This is from me, and this one is from mama and daddy" she informed her.
Natalie laughed at her excitement and took the gifts from Ally.
"Thanks Ally Cat" she replied.
She was practically vibrating she was so excited for Natalie to open her gifts.
"We definitely got the best gifts" Clay teased.
"Well, with that confidence, let's see what the Spencer's bought" Jeremy stepped up to see the gift.
"The Spencer's?" Clay turned to his friend asking.
Jeremy and Derek turned to Clay surprised.
"Hello, you are the Spencer's. Mother, Father, and daughter. That's a family. It doesn't matter what your relationship status is. You are a family, and you need to start thinking like that" Derek replied.
Clay looked at the guys with a smile on his face.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. We are a family. I just never thought about it like that, as a unit, but I guess we have been acting like a unit for a while now. I just need Mia to realize that" he stated, taking a sip of water.
Derek patted his back, "she will, just give her time" he replied.
When Natalie opened her gifts, she gasped and squealed.
"Oh My Gosh! Thank you so much Ally" Natalie pulled her in for a hug.
"Your welcome Nattie. It's from my family" she replied before running to her dad.
Mia stood there at the table with tears in her eyes, listening to their daughter talk about her dad, watching them interact.
Jason noticed his sister tearing up and walked over.
Nudging her shoulder. "You okay?" he asked.
She nodded, "yeah, I just, seeing them together is something I don't think I will ever get over. They are two peas in a pod. I am really grateful for Clay" she replied.
"You need to make sure he knows that, Mia. That boy is desperate for you and that little girl. He's just waiting for you" Jason stated.
Mia wiped her tears and nodded, "I know, I am working on it" she said.
"It's time for the Spencer's to be the Spencer Family" Jason added.