OCTOBER 8, 2012

Ianto looked highly amused as Jack took out his mobile when they got into his car. As the garage door opened, Jack started to speak. "Gwen, please tell me something came up and you need Ianto and me at the Hub."

"Nope, sorry boys," Gwen's voice came from the speakerphone. "All's quiet here, same as the last time you checked the Rift predictor yesterday. I know you'd rather face Weevils, but you have to have dinner with Ianto's mother."

"Thanks for nothing, Gwen," Jack growled and hung up the phone.

Ianto rolled his eyes as he pulled the car out and pushed the button to close the garage down. "So it's come to this," he announced, driving the car around the house. "We would rather chase Weevils through the smelly sewers than sit down with Mam."

"It shouldn't be that way," Jack agreed. He let out a heavy sigh. "I just wish she could share our joy instead of making us upset."

"It certainly puts Tad in a bad situation," Ianto said.

"I know Ianto, but that's his choice. He's not allowing her or us dictate what he feels is right, and is following that. I feel for him, but I think I admire him more for it."

"I understand, Jack. So do I. At least we're getting there early, so we have some peace until Tad arrives with her."

"Damn Iola for moving this today instead of tomorrow. At least we could have begged out because an old friend is coming to town," Jack said with a sigh.

When they arrived at Iola's flat, they discovered they were having roast beef and a vegetable casserole with some fresh bread Iola picked up earlier from a bakery.

Ianto helped set the table, while Jack played with Drew. Jack tensed up when the bell rang, announcing Ianto's parents were downstairs.

Iola cast them both a nervous look. Ianto gave her a small smile. "Don't worry, Iola. Jack and I agreed to be pleasant until she starts. We suggest you do the same."

"I hope she can remain civil for a couple of hours," Iola remarked as she pressed the button to let her parents into the building. "You would think it was easy."

"One would think it should be," Ianto agreed.

When Gladis and Michael arrived, immediately Gladis took control of Drew, cooing over him and acting as if she had not seen the baby for months, instead of the day before, while Michael kept the conversation going for all of them. He was careful not to broach sensitive topics.

They managed to make it halfway through the meal, when Gladis asked Ianto, "I am really looking forward to seeing that big new house of yours next weekend. Especially since I've been left out of having the privilege already."

Ianto was unable to keep from rolling his eyes, but he did clamp down on the reply that was in his mind. He felt Jack tense up but otherwise ignore Gladis. The only indication that Jack heard her was by his sudden pushing the remaining food on his plate around with his fork instead of eating with his usual gusto when he enjoyed his meals. He attempted to keep eating, being careful not to look at his mother.

"Don't you roll your eyes with me, Ianto!" Gladis snapped. "And don't ignore me."

"Gladis," Michael warned.

"Well, it's true. Everyone was invited to help them with the move in, including people who are not family, but no one even asked me. I know when I'm not invited."

"Mam, I asked you to keep an eye on Drew," Iola commented quietly.

"I could have done that at the house as easily as at home," Gladis snapped back.

"You would have been in the way, Mam," Ianto said. "We were placing cartons everywhere."

"From what I hear that house was big enough that surely there was one place I could have been with Drew."

"Sorry, Mam," Ianto said, "but we just felt it was best that Drew not be there for the move-in."

"I could have sat on a patio," Gladis insisted.

"We don't have patio furniture yet, Mrs. Jones," Jack said. "And it is chilly outside too. You wouldn't want to keep Drew out there for a long time."

"Don't tell me how to raise my grandson, Jack!" Gladis exclaimed, dropping her fork.

Jack's face grew dark. "Why? Because I'm a man? Because men have no right raising children? So does that mean Michael shouldn't have anything to do with Drew?"

"Don't be daft, Jack," Gladis replied. "Of course he could. He's Drew's grandfather. Besides, Drew does have his mother and grandmother."

"Mam!" Iola cried out. "Just stop it!"

"I didn't start, Jack did."

"Don't you think you're a bit too old to be playing He Said She Said?" Ianto asked, with another eye roll.

"Jack was only stating the facts to your unreasonable demand," Michael said. "Now just calm down, Gladis. You'll see the house next Saturday."

Ianto dropped his fork, giving up trying to eat. He had completely lost his appetite. "And then, I'm sure we'll be hearing her moan and bitch about how the house is too big for us."

"It looks too big," Gladis remarked.

"We have three babies on the way," Ianto replied slowly. "They'll need their own rooms, and room to play."

"I still can't understand on why you insist on taking all three, never mind just one," Gladis insisted.

"Because men shouldn't raise children," Ianto replied. "Jack was right on what he said. You don't think men should, don't you?"

"Men could, but as long as there's a woman around. You two insist on taking all three of those babies from their mother, and it's not right," said Gladis.

"If there is a legal contract between them, it is," Michael said. "And they put up money."

"If you both must insist on having a child, why not adopt or foster? Why bring in a young woman and make her give up her own child? Wouldn't three be more than you can handle?"

Jack started to look upset, and Ianto could clearly see he did not want to launch into some story they had made up to cover up, but they had no choice. There was no way Gladis would be able to accept the truth. Ianto did not trust her to make the situation worse if she knew. The last thing Ianto wanted was for Jack to be called a freak, especially from his mother.

"Mam, our surrogate does not want children of her own, but she does believe that she shouldn't waste all her eggs when so many couples can't have their own family. She's especially sympathetic to gay couples."

"She's a warped one if she feels gay couples have a right to raise children," Gladis commented.

"Gladis, that's enough," Michael shouted, getting to his feet. "We should leave now. I'm sure you made the children feel bad enough."

Ianto stood up as well, and stared down at Jack with apologetic eyes. "No Tad. You can stay, but Jack and I will leave." As Jack also stood up Ianto flashed angry eyes at his mother. "You act like you don't know why you haven't seen our house, but you do know. You just proved it. I expect an apology by next Saturday or you are not welcome in our home."

He took Jack by his hand. "Let's go home, Jack."

"Gladly."

Iola stood up and rushed to meet them at the door. "I'm sorry," she apologised.

Ianto waved it off. "You're not the one to apologise. We all knew it would come to this."

"We did, and that's what I'm sorry about. She should not be around you and Jack."

Ianto leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Call us and we'll meet you for lunch during the week."

Jack hugged her. "I know you were hoping for the best, and I can't fault you for that. There's only one person at fault here. I'm sorry, Iola, but until she can keep her mouth shut, I don't want to be around her again. You and your dad, however, are always welcome. Good night, Princess."

As the door closed behind Jack and Ianto, Iola turned to her parents. "Tad, I'm sorry, but I want to be alone."

"Understandable," Michael said, getting to his feet. "Gladis, I think you did enough damage here. Time to leave."

"I want to stay!" Gladis insisted, not budging from her seat. "Who knows when I'll see Iola and Drew again now that they're on their own."

"I wonder why that is, Mam," Iola snapped. "Get out of here, Mam. I don't want to see you again until I hear from Ianto and Jack that you apologised and will start giving them the respect they deserve!"

Gladis finally stood up, looking outraged. "How dare you talk to your mother that way, young miss."

"How are you speak to your son and his spouse the way you do!" Iola retorted.

Michael was already getting their coats. Gladis swooped on him. "Why do you defend them?" she demanded.

"For one, I don't see anything wrong. Love is love, Gladis, and it's obvious that Jack is the best thing to happen to Ianto. They love each other, and that's enough for me. It shouldn't matter that they are both men," Michael replied. "You once were grateful to Jack for bringing Ianto out of his self-imposed prison after that fiasco in London. You did up until you discovered they were expecting."

"They are not expecting, the paid whore is," Gladis corrected him. "Michael, if men were meant to have children, they would have them themselves, but we both know that's not possible."

Michael took a deep breath. "A surrogate is not a whore. Ianto didn't have sex with her, Gladis. He donated his sperm and now she's pregnant with three of Ianto's babies. How can you ask him to give up any of his own children? If he's the son we believe he is, he couldn't do that anymore than I could, which is another reason I defend them. I refuse to put a wedge between me and my children, and will support them as long as they are doing right. I also respect Jack more for accepting all three of Ianto's children." He placed his free hand on Gladis's upper arm. "Gladis, we are going to be grandparents again. How can this not be a joyful experience?"

"Ianto should have found a good woman first before having a family."

"He did, their surrogate. Remember how they can't bring children into the world without one?"

"You're spouting nonsense, Michael. All of you are. You're right. Take me home, because I need to get away from this insanity!" She grabbed her coat from her husband and stormed out of the flat without stopping to say goodbye to Iola or Drew.

Michael shrugged as he watched his outraged wife. "I tried," he said to his daughter. "Take care, Iola. Call me on my mobile. I would also like to meet you for lunch sometime this week."

"Sure Tad." Iola came over to him, now hugging a crying Drew and looking upset. "Thanks for sticking up for us."

He hugged his daughter. "No need. I know what's right. Enjoy your new flat. Now are you set up with childcare for Drew tomorrow?"

"I am. Actually it's a woman in the building. Jack and Ianto recommended her. They have known her since they first moved in, and she is good for watching children in the

building. She's certified and actually has good references. She's also more inexpensive than a child care centre."

"I trust Ianto and Jack, and I also know they would not allow anything to happen to Drew. Just remember if you find yourself in a bind because she can't take him at any time, let me know and I'll be here."

"Thank you, Tad. I love you."

"I love you too," Michael replied, and after giving his grandson a kiss on the head, he left the flat, not looking forward to the ride home.

OoOoOoO

Hours later Jack woke up sensing he was alone in the bed. He knew Ianto was there when he had fallen asleep. They both had been silent on the ride home, and as Ianto made them tea. Then they started to talk about work, alien races, plans on how to finish the extended section of the lower level, what they were going to do about a nursery. They talked about everything except Ianto's family and what had happened that evening. When they went into the bedroom and started to make love, Jack felt relieved that they had something other to do than talk. He sensed the same of Ianto. When they were done and catching their breath, Ianto touched Jack's swollen abdomen.

Finally Ianto spoke, while rubbing the swell. "Thank you, Jack. I know it's not easy, especially with people like my mother." He leaned over and tenderly kissed Jack before pulling him in his arms and holding him.

"I don't have a choice," Jack said quietly. "They're yours. I can't help but love them."

"The babies are ours," Ianto amended.

"Yes, they are," Jack agreed. He snuggled close to Ianto, amazed on how easy the act was. Before Ianto came into his life, he had never considered himself a snuggler. Not even with Jensen or Kelly who, previous to Ianto Jones, Jack had thought were the loves of his life. Maybe they were once, but what he shared with Ianto went beyond his feelings for his previous spouses. There was something special about Ianto, and he tried very hard not to think about the day he would one day lose him and eventually have to move on, like he had when he lost Kelly. It was something Jack knew he never wanted to do, but would one day. He hoped that day not be soon, and that the three babies growing inside of him would know their other father until they were grown.

He tried to stay awake until he knew Ianto was asleep, but between the pregnancy and the emotional day, he fell asleep not long after Ianto pulled him into his arms.

As he got out of the bed and grabbed his dressing gown, he had to wonder if Ianto got any sleep at all. He dared to glance at the digital clock on Ianto's bedside table and the neon blue numbers displayed that it was after 3 am.

He wandered through the master bedroom suite, hoping Ianto was not far, but the Welshman was not in the en suite or the massive walk in closet that was easily the size of a room. He wandered through the first floor, expecting to find Ianto in the library, but he was nowhere to be found. A quick glance in the garage confirmed the SUV and Ianto's Audi both were there.

He went up the stairs to the upper floor. When he reached the first landing, he turned to look toward the covered porch and the observatory. He noticed a flame flickering in the firepit, which they had bought along with patio furniture during the week for that one particular porch. Next he noticed a figure leaning against a stone post. Jack headed for the closed doors and opened them.

"Ianto?" he asked.

"Here, Jack," Ianto replied, not moving from his position. Jack could see the Welshman was dressed in flannel sleep pants and a black hoodie. His arms were crossed and he lifted his head as Jack approached.

Jack closed the distance and reached out to lightly run a finger along Ianto's cheek. It was obvious that Ianto had been crying. Acting purely on instinct, Jack pulled Ianto into his arms and held him tight.

"It's not fair, Jack," Ianto said low, his head on Jack's shoulder. "We should be able to share the joy with my family, even if they don't know the truth."

"Mostly we are," Jack said. "Just not with your mother."

"It hurts, Jack. I want to hate her for all the ugly things she says, but I can't. She's my mam, and I still love her, even if I want nothing to do with her."

"No one is expecting you to hate her, Ianto," Jack said. "Even I can't bring myself to. I think that's why it hurts so much, because all those ugly things are being said by someone we love. Otherwise we would have just turned our backs and walked away."

"I know." Ianto hugged onto Jack. "I was remembering when Iola was pregnant with Drew. She was livid when she first found out, but soon enough she was so excited about becoming a grandmother. We all shared in Iola's joy and she was never alone, even if we had to do away with that scum of a sperm donor."

"Ironically we had a secret even back then, knowing that Drew's father is from the future, and was selling alien drugs hoping to control their minds for an invasion. We still don't know how it affects Drew's genes."

Ianto lifted his head and nodded. "True, but after some initial disappointment and anger, she had full acceptance from all of us. Why can't we get the same? The situation might be slightly different, but we told Mam that the babies were mine. Why can't she be happy about that?"

"She feels threatened," Jack replied. "She had this idea of what life should be for both you and Iola. Obviously Iola deviated from her plans, but it all worked out for the best. She still has hope for Iola finding a husband and having more children. She only deviated, but not killed the dream. We talked about this before. She was tolerant of us being together, because she still had hope that we would realize we were making a mistake and break up."

"We're married, Jack! That should have told her enough."

Jack frowned. "No, Ianto. We're not married. Not here in the U.K. Sure we had a ceremony, and we're legal partners, but we both know it's not the same because it's just so damn archaic in this bloody century. We have rights, but not the same as a married couple, and I hate that, but it's the truth. Your mother is the first to point that out when it conveniences her. However, now that we're adding children into the mix, she fears that this is going to be your family."

"It is. Dammit Jack! It may not be the same, but to me you are my bloody husband, and we both have no doubt that those babies you're carrying are ours. This is it for me, Jack. I'm here, where I want to be, with a husband I love more than my own life and a family on the way."

"Well, she may not know about the babies being both of ours, and that I'm actually the surrogate, but she knows enough, Ianto. She knows that what you just said is true, and therefore broke her bubble. You do have everything you want in life and don't have any want for something else."

"Well she should just give it up. It's my life anyway. It always had been, especially after I left home for London. She always had been overbearing, which is why I had cut off communication with them when I left. She still thought she knew what I needed even with me in London, and I had enough. I thought she had worked out that when I got back in contact with them. For a while I really thought she finally let go and let me live my own life. But she was just waiting for the chance to get her hooks back in me, but she can't now, and she resents it."

"Exactly. Unfortunately it's her problem, and not ours," Jack said. He let out a heavy sigh and pulled Ianto by the hand over to the swing seat. Settling them down, he said, "I know it hurts, and as long as we still care about her, it will." Jack hung his head. "It really cuts me when she talks about how we have no right to raise children, and that we should give them to someone else." He protectively curled his hand over his abdomen. "I doubt it would make any difference that she's asking us to give up our own babies, our flesh and blood."

"She'll never know, Jack," Ianto affirmed. "I fear what she would do if she discovered. I fear she would do things that would finally make me hate her because of what could become of my family. Unfortunately, as much as I keep wondering that perhaps it would be okay to tell Tad and Iola, I know we can't. I can't have them keeping secrets on top of everything else they do to support us. It's already starting to tear our family apart. I can't take the chance of one of them accidentally slipping and then watch this family be torn apart. It won't happen. I love them, Jack, but you and the sprouts are now my family, and I'd choose you every time."

"I hate that you're in this position. I feel like I put you in it."

Ianto turned so he could cup a hand on the side of Jack's head and turned it so he could see Jack's face. "It takes two to make a baby, Jack, or in our case, three babies. You didn't put me in this position. I'm not even willing to take the blame for ignorance and selfishness. That's all on Mam."

"But it won't stop you from being upset over it," Jack stated. "That's okay, because I get upset too."

"I say limited exposure will allow us to focus on this amazing time in our lives," Ianto said.

Jack turned so he could hold Ianto. Silence fell as they contemplated their own thoughts, while watching the fire in the firepit.

"I wish," Jack started a few minutes later, breaking the silence, "that I could take us away from here, and go somewhere that none of your mother's issues exist. When I'm from, love was love, regardless of sex or race, assuming the races involved are compatible, that is. It was even legal and considered normal for multi-partner families, if all parties consent to it. And obviously, women did not have the monopoly on having children."

"Sounds nice, but if we had the chance, could you really leave Cardiff now? Our team? Friends? This house?"

"No. I knew I couldn't long before we became serious. I had my chance to leave, but I found I couldn't. I wanted to be here. I admit that a big part of that was you, because through that year, all I could think about was you, and how I wanted a second chance to make things right. Even leaving with you, you're right. What I want is right here, what we have right now."

"So we deal, I guess," Ianto stated. "I do know that in the end, it will all be worth it when we have the spouts." He smiled tenderly at Jack and leaned in to kiss him. "Thank you Jack. I do feel better now."

Jack returned the kiss and taking Ianto's hands in his. "I know it's late, but I think we could use that whirlpool now."

"I think you're right," Ianto agreed.

As they stood up, Jack asked, "Did you get any sleep?"

"Not really."

"Thankfully we don't have duty this weekend, and can sleep in. C'mon gorgeous. Time for me to return the favour of all that pampering I've been getting lately."

Ianto went over to douse the fire in the firepit and then allowed Jack to lead him into the house.