4

It was the day of the cruise and Ianto was awake at dawn, as always. He did some yoga and some tai-chi while the breakfast cooked then woke the kids so they had time to wake up and get excited. He knew half-asleep children would not appreciate the day ahead, awake fed ones might.

After a good breakfast they called a cab, drove to the docks and Ianto let them explore the waiting room, the colouring implements and such provided for children making them excited. They were soon chatting with a girl that looked just a bit bigger than Mica and her dark hair was neatly braided into a little crown on her head. She looked so sweet and Mica was clearly smitten.

He got some crisps and walked over to place them on the table "Here we are, perhaps you can all share then, eh?"

"Uncle! This is Alice, she's cruising too!" Mica gushed and Ianto froze as he stared at the girl who clearly had Jack's eyes.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady and not even at sea yet. Lucky, I may have thought you a mermaid with such pretty hair!" he said and someone stepped into view. Ah. Lucia.

"There you are, turn my back for one minute!" he laughed "And food? You and that stomach. Just like your father."

"But clearly her mother's manners" Ianto said quickly, "such a lovely wee bit. A testament to you, she looks like a little princess. Just like my Mica here, precious."

"Oh" clearly Lucia was not used to hearing this and she smiled warmly "Why thank you. Most people find her a little …. Ah … chunky."

"Nonsense!" Ianto snorted "I was bigger than David at his age, I had chins I tell ya. A little dumpling bum and look at me now. Clearly she is going to be tall. Needs her skin to get the right size before a growth spurt."

"Exactly" Lucia smiled happily "I think so too. See darling? This nice man thinks you are not fat."

"Anyone calls you fat, you tell them you will grow out of it but they will never grow out of ugly!" Ianto retorted then looked t Lucia "Sorry. I have a problem with bullies."

"One was bullying me in the locker room at school because I like big pants" David said to the little girl "I like them to come up high. I have a funny belly button ya see, thought if I hid it … so he made fun of me undies. Grabbed at them and went on. I said that. I told him I will grow big and strong and meet him in a pub one day where I will smash him!"

"David!" Ianto spluttered, then started to giggle "Horrible child."

Jack saw Mica first, her blonde hair like a beacon and he was approaching when he heard a familiar sound. Laughter… his daughter's sweet laughter. He gaped as he finally saw Lucia and Ianto sharing some joke, their faces open and happy. Then Alice saw him.

"DADDY!"

Jack immediately dropped everything and opened his arms so she could run to them, kissing her face as he also said her hair was fantastic "Did Mama do that? It's amazing. I've never seen such a pretty hair do. Wow, looks like a movie star. Look at her."

Jack scooped her up and approached the table.

"Alice!" Mica gasped "This is your Alice. Really Uncle Jack?"

Lucia blinked and looked at Ianto who was reaching for Mica to pat her head as he leaned in "Looks like she's too pretty to be his. Maybe he's just stealing her and pretending to impress us. No way he would make one so pretty."

Mica laughed as Jack pretended to be insulted then Ianto added "Mind you. Her Mama is quite the looker, might be able to work with his genes."

Lucia laughed, unable to resist the charms of the lovely Welshman and his silver tongue, Ianto smiling back.

"I hope you don't mind Lucy. Ianto and his girlfriend broke up and there was a ticket going. You know I am still on automatic leave after the shooting so … Owen and Tosh. You know them." Jack smiled, "Their honeymoon and … well … felt like a good idea."

"This is awesome!" Mica crowed "A friend for the trip. Uncle Jack said you were fun, you are fun right? We can play together. Do you have the premium package? Uncle Jack? Can she be added to ours if not?"

"Easy Mimi" Jack laughed "I am sure her Mam and Uncle Lance have that sorted."

"Daddy Lance got us the premium too" Alice preened and Jack felt his face drop before he could school it, looking at Lucia as he let Alice slide to her feet and run back to the children.

"Daddy Lance"

"She started that, no one told her to!" Lucia said with a frown "She has her own mind and maybe wanted a Daddy that was there!"

"Not my fault I am not. That was your choice, not mine!" Jack replied with growing annoyance, "You said you needed space, next week came divorce papers!"

"Not in front of the children" Ianto said softly "Stop that. Going over a happening will not change its result. You are not here for that now. Lucia, Jack tells me you are engaged to the man. Congratulations, I wish you every happiness. And a wedding at sea? How romantic. Jack is not here to challenge your Lance … merely to blow the cobwebs away and having him here means you and Lance can have some more alone time, after all this is your honeymoon as well. We have room for a night here and there, give you and Lance the suite to yourselves. Mica is smitten. Look at them, happy as clams."

They all looked over at the children who were in animated discussion.

"Sorry Ianto, you're right" Jack agreed as he realised she had not vetoed the idea of him taking Alice some nights "I am chewing on gristle too long. Luce, I do wish you the best. I do. For my daughter to like him he must be good stock. I know you choose well."

Ianto knew what was coming and Lucia got to see her first Patented Jones Eye Roll as Jack said "You did choose me!"

Ianto was quick "And everyone needs a practice run I guess."

Jack blinked and then roared with mirth as he shoved at Ianto, seeing that he really was going to like this man. Lucia relaxed and nodded as well, liking this man too.