10 days later outside of Paris.
Jonathan let his hand carefully run over the imprinting of his initials and the angelic rune on the leather journal before he picked up the letter again Clary had put into the gift box. Ever since he had opened his sister's gift he thought about calling her.
Dear Jonathan,
first of all I want to wish you a very happy birthday, big brother! I hope, you're truly enjoying this day but I'm sure that Zoé and her family are doing their best to make it really special for you. I had to get you this journal when I saw it. I know how much it calms you to write. The whiskey is from Jace. He told me that you had it when you were at the Angel's Share. I hope, the French won't take any offense in it that you skip from their beloved wine to whiskey.
I feel really insecure to write you right now because we haven't spoken in such a long time. The last thing I want is you to feel bothered by me asking you when you will return. I made a horrible mistake and there are no words to describe how sorry I am for showing so much distrust towards you. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, if or when we will see each other again, I'll always be proud to call you my big brother. I'm glad to hear from Zoé once in a while that you feel comfortable around her and her family. You deserve so much to be happy. Since the day I knew about you that's all I ever wanted for you.
Things are going quite well over here though Jace, Izzy and Magnus have me cut me short from the wedding preparations ordering me to relax. I was worried at first but they're handling everything quite well. And Zoé's always a voice of reason when I'm freaking out during a fitting but she might have told you that already. She even brought me pastries the last time and I'm quite jealous you can have these every single day.
Please don't get this wrong but I really miss having my brother around or at least being able to talk to you. I know how much you needed this timeout given everything that had happened and especially after me not believing and supporting you. I hope, you'll be able to let me a part of your life again when you feel that the time is right. There isn't a day that goes by without me thinking of you and wishing you the best.
All my love
Clary
“Still thinking if you should call her?”
Zoé's voice ripped him from his thoughts while she wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.
“Easy to guess. Wouldn't it be weird to just call her after nearly 3 months without having spoken a word?”
“Why would it be? Clary knew you needed time to process all that had happened. And I know, you miss her too. If you feel like it's weird you could call Jace.”
“No, that looks like I'd be afraid to talk with my own sister.”
“Then call her. I'm sure she'll be glad to hear from you judging by what she wrote. Clary had been giving you so much space. When we meet during a fitting, she always waits till I start talking about how we're doing here.”
“Has she asked about the wedding?”
“No, she only said, she would be happy if you would attend but that she supports whatever decision you're going to make. Have you decided yet?”
“Not yet.”
“And that's absolutely okay but you should really call her.”
“I think, you're right.”
“I knew, you were smart,” Zoé chuckled before she kissed him, “I'll leave you to your call. And don't you dare to open the whiskey without me.”
Jonathan sighed before he dialed Clary's number.
“Hello?”
“Clary, it's me.”
“Happy Birthday, big brother!”
“Thank you. The presents are lovely.”
“I'm glad you like them.”
“How could I not? The journal is absolutely amazing and my old one is literally falling apart. And Jace and I really enjoyed that whiskey.”
“Yeah, he told me. And I assume you're already tempted to open up the bottle. And with the journal I had to think of you immediately when I saw it. And if you'll ever publish any of the poetry you've written, I hope I'll get a signed copy. How was your day so far?”
“It was great. We got back an hour ago from a nice dinner with Zoé's family. And tomorrow we're going on a weekend trip to Montélimar.”
“I'm quite jealous.”
“Because of their world famous nougat? Zoé won't stop talking about it ever since we planned the trip.”
“Absolutely because of the nougat. You have to try it when you're there.”
“Should we get you some?”
“No, but thanks for the offer. It's very kind. I guess, you're starting early tomorrow?”
“Yeah, we will.”
“Then you better get some rest. Thank you for calling me and I'll tell Jace you appreciate the whiskey.”
“Clary, wait. I missed talking to you and it's nice to hear your voice. How you're doing? I read in your letter, you're banned from your wedding prep? What happened?”
Jonathan laughed out loud when Clary told him what had happened.
“It's good that my crazy behavior is amusing you.”
“I can't believe, you really thought that Jace would cheat on you.”
“I know, I know.”
“And how you're dealing with being benched?”
“It's not as bad as I thought.”
“You could kill your time off with some delicious nougat.”
Clary sighed.
“I get the hint but only if it's not causing any inconvenience.”
“It isn't. Regarding your letter...”
“I'm sorry, Jonathan. I didn't want to sound pushy or something like that.”
“It's not like that. I miss you too, lil sis. But I need some more time. To be away from New York and the institute, I've been finally able to cope with everything that had happened. And that's really relieving.”
“That's great to hear. I know, this is necessary for you. How is Zoé holding up? I didn't dare to ask her. I feel responsible she had been held hostage by Amberlyn.”
“She had some nightmares but it's getting better. How is it for you?”
“I had to realize that Amberlyn wasn't to be reasoned with. She chose what she wanted to believe and it's safer for all of us that she'll be locked up in the Guard for the rest of her life. And it wasn't easy to accept this.”
“Clary, I want you to know that I never hated you. But you losing your trust in me, it hurt.”
“I know and please take as much time as you need.”
“I will. Is Jace there? I'd like to thank him personally for the whiskey.”
“Oh, he's on patrol with Simon. But I'll tell him.”
“Thank you. It was good talking to you, Clary.”
“It really was. Thank you for calling. And thanks in advance for the nougat.”
“You're welcome. Love you, lil sis.”
“Love you too, Jonathan.”
Jonathan ended the call and he shook his head when he saw Zoé's bemused smile.
“What's up?”
“Nothing, I just enjoy that I was right.”
“Will you stop if I admit that you were right?”
“Only if you open up that bottle of whiskey.”
“Deal.”
“So?”
“Yes, you were right that it was the right decision to call Clary.”
“See, did that hurt?” she chuckled and went to get two glasses before she sat down on his lap.
“You said you'd stop.”
“True. I'll stay quiet now.”
Jonathan poured them a whiskey before he wrapped his arms around her.
“Did Clary tell you that she was ordered to take a break from the wedding preparations?”
“She only said that she needed a break. I've seen it with some friends, they were close to go bonkers.”
“Is that a normal thing?”
“Sort of.”
“My little sister thought Jace would cheat on her when she saw him meeting with another woman who turned out to be a goldsmith who creates wedding bands for them.”
“Really? I don't know them for that long but from what I've heard it's near to impossible to squeeze a sheet of paper between them.”
“That's a very accurate description.”
“But they're meant for each other. One can only wish to find a love like that.”
“I don't know how I would have gotten through the last time without you. Except for my family and friends I never thought, I would meet someone who could overlook the monstrous things I had done in the past. Zoé, you made my life so much better. I love you and I wish, I would be better in showing this to you but with how my life went, this is still pretty new territory for me.”
“First of all I love you too. And you don't have to worry I would ever think, you wouldn't love me enough. I know what you went through and you have to learn to trust your feelings. But I feel very safe and loved when I'm with you. I also know that you miss being in New York and that you miss your sister. I'm not going to push you in any direction but as far as I know Clary, she partly needs your forgiveness to forgive herself too.”
“You seem to know her pretty well.”
“It might depend on the fact that I'm dating her handsome brother who told me a lot about his stubborn younger sister.”
“You think I'm handsome?”
“Really? Did no one ever tell you that before? We really need to have some serious talks. But you have to promise me one thing.”
“Which one?”
“As soon as we get back to New York, you take me to this whiskey bar. This is absolutely amazing.”
“I promise but we better don't tell your parents.”
“You never heard that from me but they actually hate the French wine. Most of the wines in their wine cellar are from Italy, Spain and South America.”
“Then I don't have to worry I've corrupted their daughter.”