The boys were growing up so fast. It seemed like only yesterday Francis and Arthur had brought the brothers home, now they were going to be 6 soon.
Alfred looked up at Arthur with adoration and smiled "Goodnight daddy! I love you!"
Matthew smiled in his sleep and rolled over, wrapping his arms around his brother. Arthur smiled, his heart filled with love for the boys. "I love you too Alfred," then leaning over, placing a kiss on both their foreheads.
Arthur felt familiar hands wrap around his waist, hands that could only belong to his love Francis.
"How are the boys doing mi amor?" Francis smiled and kissed the back of Arthurs neck, then looking down at the sleeping pair. They were so peaceful sleeping there. Their family was so perfect. How Francis break the news that their perfect family of four was about to get a lot happier.
Nerves filled his stomach, knowing he had to tell Arthur the news tonight; he could not hide it any longer.
"Arthur, can we talk in the kitchen?" He asked, letting go of Arthurs waist and straightening up.
"Francis what is this about?" Arthur could tell something was different about Francis from the moment his arms had locked around him. That behavior was normal, but there was a shake in his voice and gave a nervous vibe.
"Just follow me" Looking away, Francis grabbed Arthurs hand and led him to the kitchen, all the while feeling tears start to whell in his eyes as he sat them both down in the hard wooden kitchen chairs. All he wanted was for the other to accept his daughter has his own, but he was unsure could, after all, she was not his.
"Do you remember my daughter Seychelles?" He asked, his voice starting to tremble.
"Of course I do. What is this about Francis, you're bloody shaking!"
Trying to control his nerves, he put on a smile and said "How would you feel about her….coming to live with us?"
The color started to drain from Arthurs face. Of all the things for Francis to bring up this was the last he had thought of. "What brought this up?"
Noticing Arthurs reaction made Francis even more uncomfortable. "She is my daughter, and she could be yours do mon cher! I love her….she deserves to have a real family"
Tears began to fall as the memories of his daughter came back. The feeling of her hugging him and him tucking her in at night made him miss her more. If she came to live with them she would be able to have a real family, the one she deserved. Her mother loved her sure, but most of the time she was on her own.
"Calm down Francis jeez!" Arthur said, reaching over to hug the other trying to be sympathetic. "Honestly though why are you picking now after all this time."
"Why? Why you ask mi amor? It is simple. Am I not allowed to love her as much as I love our sons? Arthur I know she is not yours but have you no heart? Here is a young girl who is living with out her papa!"
"Honestly Francis stop being so dramatic" Arthur sighed and continued "I did not say she was not allowed, I was just wondering what sparked this interest" He rose from his chair and stood over Francis, holding his face in his hands and looking into his tear stained bright blue eyes. How could he say no to those?
Arthur leaned down and pressed his lips onto the others. As dramatic as Francis was, there was no doubt he loved the heart of that big goof. "I love you. Now gets head to bed. We have a big day tomorrow if we're going to prepare for a daughter"
He took Francis hand and led him into the bedroom to prepare to bed. Once changed and ready Arthur curled up beside Francis and wrapped his arms around his waist, then whispered softy "You get to tell the boys" before falling asleep.