It took three years before Flambeau worked up the courage to go back to Kembleford.

It's because he was busy, he kept telling himself, he didn't have time to come back and see how Sidney was doing.

A small part of him knew this wasn't true… a small part of him had yearned to go back to the village and check on his son, making sure that he was happy and healthy.

It was the week of Sidney's third birthday, when Flambeau made his fateful decision, a small present concealed in his bag. When he moved into his hotel room, he checked on the present to make sure he still had… and to remind himself why he was actually here.

The grey and white teddy was half-buried in his clothes. The right eye was a little lopsided, but aside from that, it was the perfect present for a three-year-old toddler.

It was then, that he made his way to the small village of Kembleford. As he got closer to the home of Father Brown, the smell of pancakes filled the air. When the door flung open, Flambeau ducked down into shelter, watching as Father Brown made his way out of the door a little bit, "SIDNEY!" he called out, "SIDNEY!"

From around the corner of the house, a toddler came racing around, running straight into the Father's arms, who lifted him into the air, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!"

Flambeau couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face as the Father kissed Sidney's cheek.

"Here's the birthday boy! I believe Mrs McCarthy has made you some pancakes."

"Yay!"

From his position, Flambeau could instantly tell that his son did take after his Sire a lot, although the boy did seem to have his eyes. As they made their way inside, Flambeau moved a little closer to the window, where he could hide behind some bushes and continue to watch the day's events through the window.

There weren't many presents there, but Sidney still seemed thrilled at what he saw.

It was probably good that he gave Sid up.

As the toddler ate his pancakes, perfectly wrapped presents were placed in front of him. A bible (honestly, the boy couldn't even read yet), a few wooden toy soldiers and other bits and bobs.

Simple… but Sidney seemed happy enough.

Knowing that the majority of the celebrations were probably over, Flambeau made his way over to the door, placing his present on the doorstep, knocking on the door and making a quick getaway, finding his own hiding place.

Much like he had all those years, the Father opened up the door, eyes falling on the teddy left on the doorstep, before moving out a bit further, to see whether or not he could find the not-so mysterious gift-giver.

"He'd like to meet you, you know." The Father stated nonchalantly, apparently speaking to no-one, "I've told him about you."

Flambeau was tempted… but this was for the better.

When the Father finally gave up and went back inside, taking the teddy with him, Flambeau was already long gone.

…..…..

"And just what is that?" Mrs McCarthy pressed a hand against her chest at the sight of the slightly tatty looking teddy, "Is that- "

She stopped as Father Brown slowly lowered himself to his son's level, holding the teddy out to him. "Guess who this is from?"

Sid stared at him, before shaking his head. "Dunno Daddy."

"This is off your… Mummy."

"Really?!" Sid visibly brightened up in excitement, gently taking the bear, "For my birfday?"

"Of course."

Sid then glanced around, pouting when he didn't see anyone else in the room. "He not here t'ough?"

A look of regret flashed across Father Brown's face, before he shook his head, "He… couldn't stay."

Thankfully, Sid seemed to accept that as he started to play in his own imaginary little world, leaving Father Brown to deal with Mrs McCarthy and Lady Felicia.

"What was I meant to do?" He asked, "Ignore the teddy and throw it away?"

"Yes!"

"Flambeau took a large risk by coming here. He cares enough to give his son a present."

"For the first time." Lady Felicia gently pointed out, "And that thing doesn't even look new."

"A present doesn't have to be new to be loved."

That night, as Sid slept with the teddy for the first time, Father Brown watched sadly from the doorway.

One meeting. That's all it would take.

One.