"I'll give you a gift, both of you: a glimpse of the future. Give me your hand, Captain."

Before Jack could make a decision, the old man reached out with blinding speed and grasped his hand. In a split second, a short scene played out in his mind.

He was in the small banquet room of Ianto's favorite restaurant with about two dozen people in formal clothing. In the front of the room Ianto was standing with James both dressed in finely tailored black suits. They both wore matching red rose boutonnieres and were holding each others' hands. Tosh, who was standing next to Ianto, handed him a ring, which he slid onto James' finger. James then received a ring from Owen and slid it onto Ianto's hand. The couple then kissed as the room erupted in applause.

Jack recoiled with wide eyes, "Is this for certain?"

Bilis nodded his head, "Oh, I'm afraid it is."

When Jack had arrived in the Hub after months of absence and happened upon their impromptu engagement party, Ianto wasn't sure what to expect. Their long lost captain was surprisingly quiet but obviously shocked. Gwen introduced him to all the new team members but he barely seemed interested. After a few awkward minutes of updates, Jack pointed upstairs and petulantly asked, "Is that still my office?"

Gwen nodded weakly and Jack marched upstairs slamming the door behind him. He didn't emerge the rest of the day. After everyone had gone home, Ianto ventured up to Jack's office while James waited downstairs. When Ianto entered, Jack was sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. Without even moving, Jack sharply spoke, "He didn't waste any time, did he. How long was I gone before you began fucking him?"

Ianto said nothing. Jack looked up with weary, red rimmed eyes and glared at his former lover who was maintaining a blank face. Ianto's lack of reaction only served to enrage Jack further. "Do you call my name when you come?"

Ianto still said nothing. Jack stood quickly and pounded his fist on the desk. "I guess it was his name first so why shouldn't he have my job and my lover?"

Jack then picked up a half empty glass of whiskey and threw it against the wall. Ianto didn't even flinch as it smashed into little bits. Still furious, Jack shouted again, "He's downstairs, isn't he? Why doesn't he come up and defend your honor or is he too scared to tangle with the undying man?"

Ianto crossed his arms in response and raised an eyebrow. He knew it was all the push Jack needed before the inevitable happened. Seeing the small reaction from Ianto, Jack slumped back into his chair as if all the energy had just been forced out of him. After letting out a long sigh, Jack gazed up sadly, "I shouldn't have left. You were right about him."

Ianto walked over and placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, "He wasn't what you expected?"

Jack shook his head, "No, he didn't even look the same. He told me there was nothing he could do about the way I am, told me I was wrong. After everything he even asked me to travel with him, but I couldn't. There's no place for me in his life anymore. I don't know if there ever was."

Jack's eyes were dark and fatigued like a man returning from the battlefield as the only survivor. Ianto pulled Jack in close to him and Jack rested his head on the young man's abdomen. With a voice filled with despair, Jack softly asked, "Are you really marrying him?"

Ianto responded just as softly, "Yes, I love him."

Tears began to form in Jack's eyes as he gently placed his hand over the spot where Ianto was stabbed. "There wasn't a day that passed when I didn't regret leaving you. This would be a lot easier if you hated me."

"I love you." Ianto said without hesitation.

Jack looked up at him pleadingly, "Then don't marry him. Come back to me."

Almost inaudibly, Ianto whispered, "No."

"Are you sure this won't be too awkward for you? I can always just write them a letter." Ianto asked James.

James smiled warmly and patted Ianto's knee, "Of course not, I think it's only proper that I meet your family before we get married. Are you sure it won't be too awkward for you?"

"Absolutely not." Ianto said unconvincingly. In all actuality, his stomach was in knots and he had barely slept the night before. The week prior, Ianto had mentioned that he had family nearby and James teased that he was too scared to tell them. In an escalating series of dares, Ianto had called his sister and arranged to visit her family for dinner mentioning he was bringing a special guest. Ianto immediately regretted the action and had been trying every excuse to back out without appearing to back out; however, James seemed to thwart every attempt.

Once they pulled up outside his sister's flat, Ianto couldn't bring himself to exit the car. James laughed earning himself a glare from his lover. "What on Earth is so funny?" Ianto asked sharply.

"You." James replied, "I have seen you charge out into the middle of the Cardiff Blitz and stare down the nastiest beasts the Rift has to offer, but this is the first time I've actually seen you scared. If this night turns out to be as awful as you think it's going to be, I brought some retcon with and you are free to use it." James then leaned over and drew Ianto into a sweet, lingering kiss.

Rhiannon greeted them at the door with a big smile and pulled Ianto into a warm hug. Her two children came running up and hugged Ianto's legs. His niece, Mica, looked over to James and smiled knowingly at him as she asked Ianto, "Is this your boyfriend?"

Ianto blurted out, "Mica!"

Blushing, he turned to Rhiannon who asked, "Well, is he?"

As Ianto stammered in shock, the little boy, David spoke, "We saw you two kissing in the car."

Rhiannon could barely hide her grin at Ianto's discomfort making her tease him further, "So is this the special guest you mentioned?"

Noticing that Ianto didn't know what to say, James intervened, "I like to think I'm pretty special. James Harner." He smiled broadly as he held out his hand to Rhiannon, "He's going to kill me for saying this, but I love your brother very much."

Mica and David giggled while Rhiannon smiled warmly causing Ianto to nearly die from embarrassment. After the meal, the children were in the other room distracted by their video games while Rhiannon had coffee with Ianto and James.

"I see where Ianto gets his coffee skills." James told Rhiannon politely.

The Welshwoman blushed, "You are such a charmer. So how did you end up in Wales?"

James gave Ianto a quick glance and then launched into the background story they had set up, "I was in the Air Force back home but couldn't continue to serve in the states-"

"Because you're gay?" Rhiannon interjected. Ianto was still shocked at how casually she was treating the situation.

James continued, "Yes. So I volunteered for the RAF. Then I met Ianto . . ."

He placed his hand lovingly over Ianto's as the two gazed at each other momentarily.

"You left the service just to be with Ianto? That's so romantic!" Rhiannon added enthusiastically.

It was then that Ianto's sister noticed the ring on his finger, "Are you getting married?"

Ianto nodded, "That's why I wanted you to meet him. I know it may seem sudden, but-"

"No need to explain. He's so kind and handsome; he looks like a movie star. You gotta hold on to someone like that." Rhiannon gushed. It was then James' turn to go red.

Ianto could barely hide the smile on his face as he took a sip of his coffee. Looking around, he asked, "Where's Johnny?"

Rhiannon rolled her eyes in exasperation, "He's out with his mates. I told him to be home for dinner, but he forgets."

Just then, Johnny burst in through the front door, laughing as he said goodbye to his friends. Upon seeing his wife and her brother, he slapped his forehead, "I forgot about dinner. I'm so sorry, Rhi. How ya doing, Ianto?"

Johnny slapped Ianto roughly on the back and then noticed James, "Is this your boyfriend?" He asked teasingly.

Seeing the embarrassment on Rhiannon's face and annoyance on Ianto's, James took an immediate dislike to the drunken man. He stood and shook his hand while speaking stiffly, "James Harner. You must be Johnny Davies."

Johnny smirked, "An American? What's the matter, Ianto, couldn't find a good Welsh poofter to shack up with?"

Ianto glared while Rhiannon shouted out angrily, "Johnny! Get the fuck out!"

Without seeming to care, Johnny laughed and headed upstairs, "Nice to see you again, Ianto."

After finishing their coffees and discussing the details of the commitment ceremony, James and Ianto said goodbye to Rhiannon and went out to the car. On the drive home, Ianto was quiet making James wonder if his brother-in-law's words had upset him. However, Ianto finally spoke in an almost chipper voice, "That went a lot better than I thought it would."

Gwen watched Jack from across the Hub; he was miserable. When he returned, Ianto had cruelly tossed him aside and remained with his fiancé. If he had asked her to leave Rhys, she would have done it in a heartbeat. However, she could tell where his heart was and it wasn't fair that he should suffer so much because of Ianto's obsession with James. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that the time displaced man never stood a chance. Ianto moved him into his flat, picked out his clothes, and made him completely dependent.

Gwen knew if she had the chance to show him that he didn't need Ianto then James would come to his senses. Besides, he was once a proper soldier and had girlfriends so there was no reason he should have fallen in love with Ianto other than he felt he had no other choice. When Jack was alone in his office, Gwen made her move. Jack was sitting at his desk, looking dejected while going over some paperwork. Her heart ached seeing him so lonely.

She went up to his desk and leaned on the side, "How are you holding up, Jack?"

Jack put on a fake grin, "I don't think I have ever seen the Hub run this efficiently. I was skeptical at first about the increased staff but they are working out marvelously."

Gwen pressed on, "No, how are you holding up? I know that finding out about Ianto must have been difficult."

Jack's face fell, "During my time away the one thing that kept me going was the thought of returning to him."

"Well think about how Ianto felt. You left him while he was injured and in the hospital. He was devastated so he turned to the man that reminded him the most of you. Then you come back and he doesn't know how to break it off with him. You know how loyal he is, he probably feels obligated to follow through with James." Gwen told him sympathetically.

Jack appeared to be accepting Gwen's analysis so she continued, "I have a feeling that if I can get James alone and explain how Ianto really feels about you then he'll understand. Then you tell Ianto exactly what you just told me and he should realize how important he is to you. The two of them will know they're making a mistake and call this thing off."

Jack sat back in his chair, deep in thought. Finally, he replied, "They invited me to dinner at their flat tomorrow night. Do you think you could get me some time alone with Ianto?"

Gwen smiled, "Yes, I think that can be arranged."

Ianto had been asking Jack to join him and James for dinner ever since he returned. He hoped that seeing them together would tell him what he couldn't express in words. When Jack came to him the day before and said he would come over, Ianto was both cheerful and relieved. He could see Jack was hurt deeply by whatever had happened with the Doctor and his returning just as they had announced their engagement was terrible timing.

When Jack arrived, he was wearing his usual button down and braces, but Ianto could tell he had taken them to be professionally cleaned and pressed. To Ianto's shock, Jack had brought flowers and a bottle of wine which did not sit well with James. However, the American was first and foremost a gentleman so he thanked Jack and welcomed him inside. After only fifteen minutes into the meal, James received a phone call from Gwen.

The two field teams took turns on who was on call each night and that particular night it was Gwen's team so James was worried that something serious was happening. "What's going on, Gwen?"

Gwen answered, "I need some backup in the park. We have a pack of weevils and two of my team members are ill."

James was immediately suspicious since protocol dictated they would have reported illness to him, "I'll call Timothy and have him meet me there. How are you for weevil spray?"

Gwen hesitated then answered, "No need to call Tim; just meet me at the north entrance." Before James could inquire further, she hung up.

He sighed and turned to Ianto, "I'm terribly sorry, but Gwen says she needs my help with some weevils. You two finish eating and I'll be back as soon as possible."

Ianto rose and met him at the door. As he left, he placed a soft kiss to Ianto's lips that made Jack ache in jealousy. Once he was gone, Jack stood and began opening the wine he brought, "You are going to love this. I bought it back in '78 and have been waiting for a special occasion."

"Sorry, none for me." Ianto told him politely.

Jack continued to fix two glasses, "Nonsense, have one drink."

"I can't. I was stabbed in the liver, remember?" Ianto replied dryly.

Jack cringed and closed his eyes in frustration. Since he was losing favor quickly, he decided to get right to the point, "I'm glad we have this chance to talk. Ianto, I'm sorry that I left you. I don't think you realize just how important you are to me. James is a wonderful man and we're lucky to have him working for us, but he's an adult and you shouldn't be afraid of hurting him."

"Jack, do you love me?" Ianto interrupted.

Jack hesitated, not knowing how to answer.

Ianto sighed, "Something awful must have happened to you while you were away. There's pain in your eyes that wasn't there before you left."

Jack could only lower his head in response. Ianto approached Jack and cupped his cheek, making their eyes meet. With a serious voice, he spoke, "I can't erase what happened to you and I can't be a replacement for the Doctor that doesn't exist anymore."

Jack tried to stop him but Ianto continued, "You have a lot of love in your heart, but I know that even if I were dying in your arms you wouldn't be able to tell me you love me. I'm not worth the risk, the risk of losing everything. There was a time that I had accepted that and was willing to live my life giving more than I was receiving, but things have changed. I invited you here because I hoped you would see what exists between James and me. We've dedicated our lives to each other and that is not something I could ever ask of you. The commitment we have cannot be asked for; it can only be given freely."

Ianto drew Jack into a gentle hug and told him softly, "The only regret I have about my love for James is that it has caused you pain. I do love you and I want you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart."

Jack knew that everything Ianto had just said was true, making it even more difficult knowing he was losing the lover that had truly understood him. However, he also knew that Ianto deserved a man willing to give him everything. He then leaned forward and gave Ianto one last kiss before they became friends only.

When James arrived at the park, he was not surprised to find Gwen alone and not hunting weevils. He looked around and breathed out with exasperation, "So, Miss Cooper, why did you call me out away from dinner?"

Gwen smiled at James' sharp instincts. She should've known he would see right through her story, but since he had come anyways she held out hope. Sidling up to him in the cold night air, she looked him in the eyes, "I needed to speak with you, alone. I care about you and that's why I can't stand to see you hurt."

James raised an eyebrow but allowed her to continue, "I can't imagine how confusing this whole experience must have been for you and you've had to rely on Ianto throughout everything. Even though you think he's important, there is a big world out there that you don't know about. Yes, he's smart and beautiful but he's also in love with someone else. You don't have to let yourself be a replacement or a convenient substitute. There are other people who love you for who you really are."

James gazed deeply into Gwen's large brown eyes and spoke seriously, "If I asked you to leave Rhys and run away with me tonight, would you do it?"

Gwen's heart fluttered with hope and she met James' gaze while replying, "Yes, I would."

James leaned in close and softly told her, "Then I have a great swell of pity for that man."

At that, he turned to leave, but Gwen shouted after, "James! I don't understand."

James laughed and faced her once more, "No, you don't understand. You think that Ianto is leading me around by the nose while pining for Jack Harkness. Let me tell you something: I am Jack Harkness and was for thousands of years before your captain was even born. I fell in love with Ianto Jones the moment I laid eyes on him and while he may have had something special with the current Jack, he belongs to me now." James then paused and added softly, "and I belong to him. If you can't recognize true love when you see it then that poor fool you're marrying is in for a rough time."

Gwen continued to stare at him in shock and James whispered into her ear, "When I hold him at night, there is not a shred of doubt who he wishes was inside of him."

Gwen blushed at the sensual tone in James' voice and watched with longing as he stepped back. "Now if you'll excuse me Miss Cooper, dinner is waiting. While I'm confident in Ianto's love, I'd be a fool not to be nervous about Jack and those 51st century pheromones." He then turned and went back to his car.

When he rejoined Jack and Ianto at the flat, he could immediately recognize that something had changed. His eyes met Ianto's and he knew that Ianto was finally able to get through to his former lover. Knowing that Jack understood their relationship was a great sense of relief for James. He knew how much it was plaguing Ianto and wanted him to have closure before their union. He noticed Jack drinking the wine he had brought and asked for a glass.

Taking a sip, he smiled, "This is wonderful, Jack. Thank you for joining us tonight. You're a very important person in both our lives and I hope you'll be coming to the ceremony."

"Where are you holding it?" Jack asked.

"That French place down the road; it's Ianto's favorite." James answered as he put his hand over his lover's.

Inwardly, Jack cursed fate toying with him, but put on a smile anyways, "I wouldn't miss it."

The commitment ceremony had been lovely. Owen in particular had a smashing time. He made sure to tell the story of how he had brought the couple together to every available young woman in the room. Jack, while subdued throughout the evening, was polite and seemed genuinely happy for the couple. When he pulled Ianto aside and gave him a beautiful antique stopwatch, he earned a quick jealous glare from James. However, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Ianto blush at the memory of their favorite sex game.

Ianto was nervous about James' choice of holiday location, but he supposed he needed to keep an open mind. Apparently Corpus Christi, Texas was a favorite vacation spot of his family and he wanted Ianto to see it. Despite Ianto's vision of every Texan carrying a gun and wearing a big hat, he decided to trust his new husband that it would be romantic. Once they arrived at the beachfront resort, Ianto was pleasantly surprised. Their suite that overlooked the Gulf was perfect, and there was even a floral arrangement and fruit basket waiting for them.

As Ianto picked up the greeting card that accompanied the gift, James stood behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. The plane ride had been far too lengthy for newlyweds to be able to contain themselves. As James peppered kisses to Ianto's neck, he stopped when he felt the other man's body stiffen. Ianto nervously released the card he was holding and stepped away. James' stomach dropped when he read the discarded message: Fate will find a way – Bilis Manger.