4

"Oh I was going to ask" Emma said as she settled with Ianto in her front parlour… well… Art and Betty's now I guess "Easter. Are we going to do that? I mean… since we did Christmas the last two years… we did not have Easter last year but…"

"We did have a family meal but you are right… we did not do the eggs. I was still a little preoccupied with my new husband as I recall" Ianto winked and she giggled softly as she blushed.

"Well… if it's not too much of an imposition, I would love to help out" she said after Ianto had taken a bite of the cake. He tried to hide his horror but it was not hard for her to see as she grinned "Betty is NOT a baker I fear."

"Bless the Stars" Ianto choked as he spat it into a napkin "Ergggg. No, she is poisoning you!"

Emma giggled as Ianto took a swig off tea and coughed some more "We can't have that."

"But you are such a wonderful cook… why… oh. Is there a little pushing n the kitchen?" Ianto guessed.

"Her house… her rules" Emma huffed, now letting her own horror show "She is annoyed that I dare breathe."

"I was afraid of that" Ianto groaned, then Art entered with the usual bustle as Emma rose to get him another cup but Betty was already there, pushing her roughly back into the chair in a way that made Ianto's face change. Art noticed and looked back at the two women then shrugged.

"So, Art. Emma and I were discussing the Easter Weekend coming up. I was going to ask if she wanted to come stay at mine, give you two teenagers the place to yourselves while she helps me do the eggs and such for the children." Ianto said smoothly, Betty's face changing to glee as she clasped her hands together.

"How long will you have her?" she blurted, then added "we shall miss her of course."

Ianto looked long and hard at Art who had the mind to look down and show he known dammed well the two women did not get along.

"Well, Miss Mae is due any day so I may have need of Emma for a while with the children if you don't mind Art. With Betty here to tend to you, I thought maybe I might be a little selfish and steal Emma away." Ianto said calmly.

Emma's intake of breath told him he had made the right decision, her excitement as she rose to pack even as her brother still had to agree to the deal telling all of them in the room that this was a good idea.

After she had left Ianto turned to face Betty "I am glad Art found you, that you are capable of loving him. But I also see that is harder to extend to Emma. I loved her sister as I loved the stars… her death almost took me with her. I have also found happiness again and I think it best that we share the burden. I will take her with me, my own house more than big enough for her without needing to SHOVE anyone."

Art blinked, looking at his bride with surprise. She looked down and nodded.

"Right, so… I shall see you both next weekend for the Easter Hunt. I am sure the children will love showing off for you" Ianto rose and smiled, the pounding of shoes on the stairs announcing Emma's return so quickly. "Do you have enough sweetheart?"

"I have what I need… I… I don't need much. Honest" she said with glee "Everything here was our parent's… Art's now as he is oldest. He inherited, I do not even own my own bed."

Art went to speak but Ianto was quicker "Just as well I have silver credits in my pocket to go choose one from the store. Come on… Jack gave me the stock Hover so we can ferry it home. As big as you like."

"Oh my" she squealed, her hands clasping as she took off out the door to look at the huge horse transporter Jack had purchased last fall along with the new cattle to renew the bloodlines. The Blue Bear Bounty Hunters were making money hand over fist these days.

Ianto turned back to the couple "I am so glad we could sort this and now … once she is settled and I convince her that she is needed… we can come back and get the rest of her things in a week or so. Then that room will be prefect as a nursery, so close to your own room right?"

Betty lit up, nodding with glee as Art blinked, knowing that he has somehow been played but just could not quite work it out.

Ianto took his sister-in-law to the huge store that was like a barn full of furniture and large goods. The proprietor glad to see them come as Mister Harkness-Jones was a good solid customer… great repeat customer too.

Emma chose a four poster bed with soft lacy curtains and a fairytale feel, even as she scolded herself and called it fanciful, her glee raw as Ianto calmly counted out he credits then slipped another silver credit to each strong young lad that had helped load it.

The pretty little vanity and matching stool making her almost weep as Ianto suddenly got those a well. She had never had such pretty things, had always been jealous of Ruby for her luck in catching such a generous man. She now knew she was lucky too.

To have been seen and judged useful. For at her age, a spinster like her in this little town… she knew she would never wed. She had given her best years to raise her little sister only to give her away and find herself trapped with a brother who scared any potential suitors away.

Hopefully… she would find peace here.