37
They announced the news the next day after several home pregnancy tests, the appointment with Owen later in the day for a formal check but Ianto was so pleased and Fen shone proudly as he accepted a hug from his father, Jack almost beside himself as he whooped.
Hawk was unconcerned; licking his spoon of porridge like the doggies licking the stuff in their bowls, his Taddy's kiss along with the bowl was all he needed to know it was not a big thing. All was still good.
Ton considered things and looked over at Penny who had his chin in the table looking into space "Whatcha doing?"
"We are big."
"Some are, still growing but …oh. You mean in numbers. A big family. Yes. When you add the clan … we are huge. Cool. Did you know, some people don't have anyone at all? Imagine that, all alone with nobody." Ton shook his head with the wonder of it all as Ben looked at his brother and reached out to pat his shoulder.
"Don't worry, you will never be alone. You are special. My brother." Ben said in a serious tone "Like Taddy and Uncle Idris special."
Ianto did not correct the fact they were brothers in law, seeing the fact something important was happening, some quiet conversations as of late he had not picked up on as Ben pulled Penny closer "All these other people are cool. Fun and awesome but there is only one you, I only have one brother and you are the best one. I would pick you anyway. Don't worry … no matter how many monkeys or Imps there are … there is only one Crispin and he's mine."
Ah. Ianto had been neglecting them … all the stuff happening, enjoying the babies and Hawk . He felt sorrow as he realised they had not been enjoying Jack as much as he had thought, they had been going with him as they thought Ianto did not have time.
Bum. This is what he had been trying to avoid.
"So, plan for today?" he asked and everyone shrugged, Jack saying he had painting to do.
"I see. Do you need the kids? I was thinking … a special day. Since they have been so good for us while we have been busy. We are going to the lake this weekend so maybe we should all go. We could do some planning while you gut do your Grup stuff. The kids might want a Pirate weekend or something, we will need lists and stuff packed." Ianto said in an offhand way as the children all gasped with delight, wide eyes as they looked around the table at the others.
Jack followed Ianto to the kitchen area and Ianto whispered "They have been overlooked and feel left out. A weekend for them is OK, right? Supposed to be good weather, you can take them to on the boat … ask Marv for his big fifteen footer and go fishing, take a picnic and be pirates. Come home to a feast and those who do not want to go can help decorate."
"You are lovely, ya know" Jack reminded him ad Ianto rolled his eyes, leaning in for a kiss as Penny excitedly gripped his brother's arm.
He thought he knew where his pirate hat was.