9

"Calm down!" Ianto demanded, the phone no longer shrill as he finally understood what was going on, "OK. I'm on my way."

"Babe?" Jack looked up for the dishes he was doing, the children all watching evening TV in the big room.

"Connor on the phone, Maggie seems a bit funny. He does love that dog" Ianto said as he pulled his jacket on, "You stay here love. Monster is out at the gate with Greaser. I will take him with me."

Jack nodded as he lifted another plate from the soapy water and handed it his Best Boy who was drying carefully with a look of concentration. Ianto kissed them both and headed out, glancing in at the large huddle of humans that were his.

All his.

Ianto got there and fond Em waiting with her face pale, "She's started moaning now. It's really upsetting him."

Ianto hurried in and found Connor kneeling by the dog, the fire going and his hands stroking her as she panted softly. Ianto knew immediately what it was and looked around, "The kids in bed?"

"Yeah, they are, what is it?" Connor asked with wide eyes, the fear raw.

"Connor, you know how we were saying the other day she might be getting on?" Ianto said softly, "I've not seen her for a while, so busy with the builds and such, I should have listened. Look, it's OK. She is not dying."

Connor sighed softly s he relaxed, "So what the hell is wrong with her?"

"She's in labour" Ianto replied softly, "You know? Pups?"

"Bullshit" Connor spluttered, then started to laugh shakily, "Bloody slut. Oh god."

"OK. Let's all calm down, she knows what to do" Ianto assured them as he settled on the floor and Em rushed to get him a cushion or something. The first puppy was coming and Ianto held a towel waiting for it and gently helped ease it out then move it around for her to check and lick as he crooned at her for being a good girl.

Two.

Only two. Not bad for an old girl that a well past her prime and had never had a litter. Ianto watched the little lumps squirming about and could see one with the brindle markings of his long since gone girl, his hand stroking the tiny body with glee.

"You having that one?" Connor asked, "Come on. Help a guy out, you know they will want to keep them."

"Yeah" Ianto said softly, "I can't not, can I. Myfanwy."

Connor sighed with relief as he knew the kids would agree to giving one away, after all theirs was gained the same way from Ianto.

Ianto sat back and snorted at himself as he knew a baby and a puppy at the same time was going to be interesting.