Gordon was thankful that Penelope had thought ahead and brought lunch for them all. Parker had produced trays of sandwiches from the back of FAB 1 that Gordon had helped carry up to the villa, alongside a selection of freshly baked cakes. Three sharing bags of chips were retrieved from the pantry and Grandma served tea from the china tea set reserved for Penelope's visits. Gordon suspected it would come out if they had any guests to the island, but those were rare and often brief visits. Coffee was also served for those who couldn't stomach tea.

The sandwich selection was varied enough to satisfy everyone, especially because it contained everyone's favourites and even Brains joined them so he could see his old friend again. Penelope's knowledge of his family was astounding, though Gordon suspected there was a file somewhere that contained all their preferences and other useful information. She was first and foremost an agent of International Rescue. He would have to seek it out at some point.

Conversation was simple as they ate in the living room. There was just enough room for everyone as Parker stayed standing in order to serve them. Gordon was his jovial self, at least he hoped he was as inside his stomach was a knot. This was the first time he and Penelope had been in a room together with Dad. They hadn't told him about them yet, choosing to wait until Dad was more used to being home before dropping the bombshell that they were dating. They had spoken and were planning to tell him today, if they could get him alone. Penelope had no worries about it, but Gordon had memories of the disappointed looks Dad used to give him. He could never keep up with his brothers academically, and Gordon's messing around and pranks hadn't helped the matter at all. It had been an outlet for him at the time, a way to express himself. Virgil had understood; he had seen the meaning behind it all. Dad had been reluctant to let Gordon pursue swimming seriously when it had been proposed that he would need to cut back on academic activities. It had been a combination of the school's pressure and Scott's outburst that had gotten Dad to reconsider his position. It had surprised Gordon at the time, his younger self not realising how much Scott looked out for him. Scott had stood his ground with Dad. Toe to toe and almost nose to nose, Scott had placed himself between Dad and himself during one of their arguments. Gordon had only seen Scott's back, but he had heard the venom in his brother's voice as he spoke the words "Mum would let him do it". The next day Dad had gone into school and met with his teachers. The next week Gordon was handed a new schedule. Ironically, the intense swimming sessions had helped Gordon to focus and thus his grades improved with the change. He had always been fighting for Dad's acceptance. That was why Gordon was anxious. What would his Dad think? He already knew Gordon had a girlfriend, but he hadn't been interested in Penelope when Dad had disappeared. Would he think that Gordon wasn't good enough for her? There was a part of Gordon that hoped the years away had softened Dad. There had definitely been changes, he'd discussed that with Virgil on their flights in Thunderbird Two.

A piece of cake was held out to him and Gordon accepted the offering from Penelope's hands. She smiled at him and he couldn't help but return it. She loved him, he knew that and it was all that needed to be said. Sticking the fork into the cake he hacked off a large chunk that barely fit on the fork, before shovelling it into his mouth.

"Gordon Cooper Tracy!" Grandma's voice rang out, "where are your manners?"

He knew it was childish, but it was fun. Gordon gave his Grandma a toothy grin, mouth still full of cake, and a shrug. He swallowed, but before he could retaliate Dad beat him to it.

"I thought you gave up on teaching him manners years ago?"

His father got a gentle smack on the shoulder for his cheek as chuckles came from his brothers. How many times had Grandma wagged her finger in front of his face when berating him for being cheeky? The count was probably too high. A yawn from Dad and the conversation settled down to a quieter, more civil level. It only took five minutes before soft snores came from the old astronaut. Everyone quietly slipped away and the few leftovers were taken down to the kitchen to be snacked on later. Penelope took his hand and led him towards the pool, Sherbet close on their heels.

"Let's go for a walk around the island," she whispered softly into his ear.

Gordon squeezed her hand in response. Once beyond the pool, their feet naturally led them towards the island's beach. Sherbet yapped as he ran ahead, knowing the trail as well as they did. The wind that whipped through Gordon's hair was full of salt and tinged with ocean spray. The waves crashed against the rocky cliff to their right as birds sang in the trees to their left. It was peaceful out here with Penelope leaning in close, their arms brushing each other as the path steepened.

"He'll take it well, Gordon."

They were on the sand watching the little dog bound through the surf. Gordon still had his shoes on, a sure sign that something was bothering him. She could always tell when he wasn't quite right. Her hand moved up his arm, stroking it reassuringly.

"He's your Dad, Gordon. He's proud of you. This will be the icing on the cake, I promise."

"You're sure, aren't you? Even though his most wayward son is in love with his good friend's daughter, and a Lady to boot? I'm a bad influence."

"Maybe as a child, you might have been a bad influence on Alan, but not now Gordon. You've grown and matured into a well rounded adult, with the same love and respect for the sea you always had."

Gordon let his eyes meet Penelope's. She'd been there for him ever since the crash. When he struggled, she had always called him at just the right time and helped him through.

"He'll be overjoyed, Gordon."

There was only love and belief in those blue eyes. Leaning forward, he stole a kiss, which deepened as his arms wrapped around her. They broke apart when water from a shaking Sherbet peppered them. The damp dog had sand stuck to his paws. Gordon held Penelope close, allowing himself to smile. His body rocked as Penelope chuckled.

"How about we join him in the water?"

A quick kiss and Gordon released the Lady, who elegantly slipped her shoes from her feet before sliding off her stockings. A simple press on the heel was all Gordon required to remove his, a technique perfected by years of practice. Hand in hand they strolled to the water's edge and stepped into its tropical warmth. Waves always soothed Gordon's soul. They lapped at his feet, dragging away his worries and sweeping them out to sea. Today they washed over everything, stealing the footprints the three of them left behind.

Gordon and Penelope headed up to the lounge via the poolside changing rooms, where they had left Bertie with Parker. Parker had been prepared with all the doggie shampoos lined up next to the sink ready. He'd also had a change of shoes set out for Penelope, which she gracefully accepted. As they rounded the corner into the room, Gordon's eyes darted around to catalogue its occupants. Only his father was present, sitting at his desk and stretching. It appeared he'd only just awoken from his nap and they were the first to notice.

"Good afternoon Gordon, Lady Penelope."

His father nodded his head as he spoke Penelope's name, though he didn't get up. His clutch was balanced against the desk. It was now or never. Heading over, Gordon tried to look at ease.

"Father, I have something I need to tell you."

Dad sat back in his chair and regarded him with clasped hands, as Gordon stood before the desk. Penelope had kept pace with him and stood on his left. It was comforting to have her there.

"Go ahead, son."

"Well, I told you I had a girlfriend, so I thought I'd introduce you to her."

Gordon slipped his hand into Penelope's. His father appeared a little taken back, glancing between them. A blink and his features softened.

"Of all my sons, you fell in love with this one Penny?"

The fondness in his father's voice as he used Penelope's nickname surprised Gordon. It had never occurred to him how familiar the two of them might have been before the accident.

"I did indeed, Jeff."

There was a deep chuckle from the man as he shook his head, a smile spreading over his face.

"Well then. All I can say is I'm happy for you both. I had noticed Gordon light up when your name was mentioned, so I'm glad it's reciprocated."

Gordon swallowed as he felt heat rise in his cheeks. Penelope let out a delicate chuckle beside him, though when their eyes met they contained only endearment. They sparkled at him and he grinned.

"Well I never," Dad shook his head, "How official are the two of you? Are the media aware of this Tracy/Creighten-ward pairing?"

"Gordon has made a few appearances as my plus one on a few occasions, however it is not uncommon for me to have a Tracy on my arms at a formal event. The media is starting to catch wind of a possible relationship, but John and EOS have been helping to keep it under wraps. Your return has created quite the frenzy that my relationship status is not prime news. The long association of our families means that my increased presence is not considered anything out of the ordinary, under the current circumstances."

"Good to know. I'm sure you'll keep me informed of any changes. There will be many people interested in the family once I'm back to full health and able to stand in the limelight again."

Penelope nodded in response. Gordon had heard of her many dealing with the media. Being a high profile socialite with a massive social media following meant she had a wealth of experience in the area. Right now they were on the down low, still discovering their feelings and exploring their comfort levels together. It was a partially long distance relationship after all, with Penelope still attending all her engagements and him being on call for rescues at all hours.

"I'm glad you've found happiness."

"Thank you, Dad."

Not knowing what to say or do next, it was almost a relief when the alarm sounded and John ran into the room.

"International Rescue, we have a situation."