1

"Anything else you need?" Bets asked as she loaded the plastic containers into the basket to be carried ot the SUV.

"No Mama, I think I have it all now" Ianto was doing a quick check as he spoke, closing the fridge with a soft whump, "It will only take a wee bit to get things sorted at the compound. Thank gods it's a fine day."

"Yes, it looks like it will be a lovely one darling" she soothed, knowing this was an important day for all of them, not least of all her princess.

It was her birthday and it was gong to be epic.

Ianto called out to load up and Ton was the first in as he demanded his drink bottle and then settled in his seat. Ianto made a mental note to get a larger size if he could, Ton was getting big for six.

Stephen entered next, turning to make sure his baby brother was clipped in and Ton grinned happily, asking Stephen to please start his Superman Movie he had given him for his birthday. Gods, the kid was gong to wear the damned thing out.

Ianto was excited to see his neice too, even though it had only been yesterday that he had been at the compound baking with her on his hip, he loved the little babble now she was old enough to engage in nonsense conversations and show an interest in things.

Delicate yet strong willed like her Mama had been, Neve showed a dislike for green and an interst in purple and orange. A dangerous combination.

Babs wantd to be shotgun, it was her birthday didn't you know and Inato happily slid into the back with Stephen as Walter hopped in the other SUV with John and Chrys, calmly reaching for another basket Bets was crrying so Herb could help her into the back.

"Convoy!" Ton crowed as thet got underway and the two SUVs crawled thought the village as Ton waved happily to everyone out the window.

Jack glanced in the rear view mirror at Stephen as he laughed, his teeth flashing like his father's and then Jack's eyes sifted to Ianto who was adoringly watching Stephen as well, his own soft smile as he let Stephen tease Ton gently.

Gods, so lucky.

Babs was in a simple outfit, white organzsa that seemed to flow forever and she had added some soft silver accents instead of the rusual gold that made her look like she was stepping out of a fashion magazine. Such a natural flare.

"So, the Grandys will meet us there, right?" she asked anxiously, their flight due in at any moment.

"Owen and Tosh are picking them up an coming on to the compaound darling" Ianto assured her.

"Funny, to think of the firehouse as the compound now" she canted her head, "But since Uncle Idi brought the houses around it and put the guys in them, it is kinda like a cult, isn't it."

Ianto laughed softly, "Yeah, the cult of Idris. We will go from the Firehouse to the old compound for the picnic, remember?"

"Yes, we will go to the woods" Ton agreed, "I want bare feet!"

"Yes darling" Ianto tagreed softly, letting his head fall bak.

Since the fire, the buildings had been refurbished with most of the clan setlting back but Idi and Gene had oufnd the Firehouse too comfortable and had pchased the neighbouring properties to enlarge their 'realm' as Idris as grandly put it. The compound was still the office and where their house had been a large hall-like structure had been build, a round house with windowed walls so they could all compune and 'camp' in it.

Old Father looked out over it all with his arms stretched wide as if welcoming the changes, Idris often finding himself hugging the large tree affectionately as Gene watched feom the warm house with thier daughter playing happiliy on the mats.

Today there were tables and chairs around the perimeter, in a horse shoe so the tree was still the feature and Idris checked the sunshades were goung up as he looked at his little girl asleep in Gene's arms. He didn't want anyone to burn today.

Bab's birthday, she was Ten.

Hard to believe she had come so far. Walter was about to be fifteen and Stephen was now a tall seventeen that had already had his first driving lessons. Jack knew speed would dominate his son's lide like it did his.

Jack and ianto had talked and they knew they needed to get an old bomb for the kid to do up, his first car. Herb was also keen and would be a good teacher.

But today was all about Babs.

Double digits.

Wow.