23

Ianto looked up at the tree and sighed softly, the soft lighting perfect as he turned to look at the families.

"Right. Tomorrow is the official ceremony to reopen the bridge and all the blah-blah involved. Tonight is just for us. Our own moment without the cameras and bullshit. See these ornaments? Everyone take a good look" Ianto pushed some boxes closer and they all peered in at the pretty stars and snowflakes, then one gasped softly as she recognised her daughter.

"Oh Ianto!"

"There are hundreds of these, all with pictures of your children. They will be available after the ceremony to those who want one of each child for their own personal tree at home. So the village will remember those who will not be here each year to celebrate. We will never forget!" Ianto said calmly as more than one person started to weep gently, pulling out the boxes to find their child. "Manny will sell these to those vultures, the proceeds going towards the memorial garden we will grow here so every time you leave you wave goodbye and each time you cross this bridge you will be welcomed home. Each large rose bush will be for a child, the smaller ones for those who come to help tend for their friends."

"Perfect" a mother sobbed turning into her husband's chest.

"So. Tomorrow it will be loud. Full of bullshit and everyone will want a piece of you. You do not have to talk, only if you want to. OK? This is their day. The children!" Ianto then looked over at Ton who was waiting with the boys around him. "Ton?"

"We had a big talk. All us kids at school and stuff. Playground talks without Grups and we chose the name we want for the bridge. Tadda said it was up to us because they were our friends and we need to remember them forever." Ton motioned and Penny scuttled over to where big brother Ben was waiting, pulling at the blanket covering the sign. "You all get a peek before the grand unveiling thing. Go Pen."

Penny lifted the blanket to reveal the new name.

Where Angels Fall Bridge

"Oh god, it's lovely" a father was choking out, reaching for the sign to touch it.

"On the back is a plaque with all their names and pictures, look!" Ton said and they rushed around to find he was right. Their babies bold as brass for all to see.

"I promised you" Ianto told them gently, "I promised them. Our angels will always be remembered not for the falling … but for their flight."

"Thank you Mister Mayor"

"Ianto shook hands and accepted prise, the children all nodding solemnly as they took their cues from Ton. Muncher sat with Badger in the back of the Toninator Traveller with their heads poking over the edge of their big safe seat, watching the people milling like they could taste the sorrow and wanted nothing to do with it.

"Right. Back to mine. We have a feast laid out, some mulled wine and some of Roger's home brew that apparently will knock your socks off!" Jack clapped his hands as he ushered everyone towards their ride and they clambered up, pulling blankets over legs as Jack picked up the reins and looked over at his love "OK Tiger?"

"Yeah. Tired. Might need a back rub later" Ianto admitted, not scared to tell Jack he may have overdone things a tad.

Jack flicked the reins and the large horse and cart started to move, the horses nickering softly as they pulled the hay covered trailer with all those on board enjoying the cool air rushing through their hair. Bells rang out along the harnesses and the fairy lights on all the trees along the roadway seemed of another world, so pretty and as from a fairytale. They all clung together in the back, comforted with the knowledge that they were not forgotten. Ianto had kept his promise. As always.

Ton drove sedately along in his motor, the two dogs baying like wolves as Ton sang lustily some nonsense song about reindeer poo that ended with 'not on my watch mister' which had Jack sniggering softly.

Ianto hoped the high jinks this year were going to be free of ladders.

Ianto glanced back as Lady Bug squealed with glee, her little hands waving as her cousin answered and Grace showed that she was enjoying the ride too.

Ianto ignored the boys hanging off the back screaming with glee as they threw straw over the road like confetti.

Plenty more.

And it was nice, like breadcrumbs to lead those little souls home.