Gwen Cooper smiled as she settled a small bowler hat onto Freddie Lake's head. The boy was dressed in a vaguely-Victorian outfit, featuring knee breeches and suspenders, paired with full clown make up.
"There now. All ready for your big debut. Do you remember what to do if you get tired, or want to stop for any reason?"
"I give a thumbs up, and John or Rhys will come and get me," the boy repeated dutifully.
"Right you are. Off with you now, and have fun!" Gwen kissed her index finger, and pressed it to the tip of the boy's round, red nose.
"Oh, he's adorable!" Astrid exclaimed as the boy scampered over to join the group lining up for the local Easter Parade.
Jackson smiled and waved at his son, then turned back to Astrid. "Have I mentioned that you look quite beautiful today?"
"Thank you," she replied. "You're looking very dapper yourself, you know."
And he was. The wardrobe miracle workers had outfitted Jackson with a black tailcoat, top hat, and gold-tipped walking stick. His own red brocade vest was the perfect accent for Astrid's red ruffled gown and beribboned picture hat.
Jack and Rose wore their finest royal blue and white ensemble, while the kids who wanted to march in the parade were dressed in old fashioned clothing and made up as clowns. John and Rhys, as usual, were wearing their best 'don't even think about it scowls.' (There was some debate as to whether this was to ward off troublemakers, or Gwen and Tosh.)
Rose blew a kiss to her daughters, who were in their double stroller, in the care of Auntie Donna. She laughed as the Easter Bunny bounced up to introduce himself. Anwen and Jackie were entranced, and quite obviously believed him to be the best plushie in the whole wide world, but Allie pulled her little straw hat down over her face and wouldn't even look.
Rose noticed and managed half a step before Jack caught her arm.
"Rose, she's fine."
"But -"
"She's fine," Jack repeated soothingly. "Besides, Donna's loving this whole honorary auntie thing."
"I…you're right," Rose conceded, with a deep breath and a watery smile.
"That's my girl," Jack replied, leaning down to drop a kiss on her forehead.
Freddie watched the growing crowd with wide eyes. Dad and Miss Astrid had told him he didn't have to be in the parade if he didn't want to, but all the other kids were, and besides, he didn't want to have to stay behind with the babies. Still, there were so many people!
Jackson noticed his son's apprehension. "Do you think I ought to -?" he whispered to Astrid.
Just then, a veritable mountain of pink ruffles, replete with parasol, flounced up to Freddie. "Stick with me, kid," Tallulah said, winking as she extended her hand.
Freddie grinned and took her hand, and suddenly, the crowd didn't seem quite so scary any more.
John smiled as he watched 'Auntie Donna' finally coax Allie into taking a treat from the Easter Bunny's less scary assistant. He gave them a little wave as the Pendragon group got their cue to start down the route. Nice day, happy kids, and (hopefully) too early in the day for drunks. He needed more days like this.