A/N: wow, it's been a while huh! Way too long so I apologise for that. For those of you who don't follow LCA or my Facebook, I had some stuff going on for a while there, and when I did come back, I'll be honest, it was difficult to get my muse back for this particular story.

For those of you who have stuck around - Thank you! XOX. Thought I'd ease back in with a nice easy going chapter full of fluff and sap ;)

Candie x

Chapter 56 - mickey's in the house

CPOV

"Daddy...daaaaaadeeee. Daddddddy!" The bed shakes and dips, waking me from my sleep.

"Whaaat." I groan, my voice muffled by the pillow.

Teddy jumps on my back and starts bouncing up and down excitedly as if he were riding a horse.

"Teddy...son." I exhale a resigned breath. Time to get my lazy ass out of bed. When did I become somebody who sleeps in on the weekends?

"Suuuuuuper man!" He shouts, jumping off the bed, his cape flicking my face in the process. His cape?

Raising my head, I turn to look at him. He's dressed in a superman outfit; complete with cape and tights. He lifts his arms up, holding them out to his side and spins around.

"What time is it Teddy?" Like he'd know Christian!

"It be birthday time." He does some sort of ninja move with his hands, exaggerating the 'POWs and hiya' noises he makes with the actions.

I can't help but chuckle. "That's right, I completely forgot it was my birthday today." I joke.

He laughs, making me smile. "Noooo, daddy it my birthday!"

"Really? My big boy is turning two today?" I sit up feigning shock.

"Daddy," He huffs, "I'm three!" He holds up five fingers dramatically. Two on his left hand and three on his right. He rolls his eyes.

"Nooo, really? Three huh?"

"Maybe four." He scrunches up his face in confusion. "Me ask mommy, she be good with numbas." He nods his head with the satisfaction of knowing mom is able to solve his dilemma.

"Okay, let's do that. Mommy is good at everything isn't she?"

"Mmm hmm, mommy be the best." He smiles broadly before whipping his cape up and racing out of the room full throttle.

Crawling out of bed, I head to the bathroom, take a piss then wash my hands and face. I brush my teeth, throw a white tee on then head downstairs to face the day.

Teddy's birthday. Fuck me. Where did the time go?

Ana is standing at the kitchen bench beside Francis. She is wearing a pair of black, 3/4 length skin tight gym pants and a black racer back tank. Her baby bump is protruding out over the band of her tights. I am instantly hard. She must have been up doing her pregnancy yoga; which means I've missed watching her stretching and maneuvering her tight little body.

I stroll up behind her and snake my arms around her waist. "Morning, beautiful." I whisper, brushing her hair back and kissing her neck.

"Morning." She turns inside the cocoon of my arms and reaches up on her toes to graze her lips against mine.

Fuck that for a kiss. I cup the side of her neck with my hand and really kiss her. Yes, Francis is in the room. Do I care? Not anymore. I can't keep my hands off my wife - that's a fact -and if you're going to work at my home get used to it.

"Mickey is burning...MICKEY IS BURNING!" Francis yells from beside us; panic in his voice.

"Shit." Ana mutters and pushes me away, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. She turns her back to me and reaches over to the pancake grill where a pancake of Mickey Mouse's face is now smoking.

"Damn it." She looks at me sideways. "Look what's happens when you distract me. I murder Mickey Mouse."

Her face is so serious that I burst into laughter. "Love you." I mouth. I give her ass a light tap then go in search of the rug rats.

They aren't hard to find, I just follow the noise; which leads me to the television room. There, I'm greeted by mom and dad who are fussing over the children.

"Good Morning." I lean down and plant a kiss on mom's cheek.

"Morning son. We wanted to come early and spend some time with the birthday boy before your other guests arrive." Mom says, handing over a gurgling Phoebe, who is trying to wiggle out of Mom's arms and into mine.

"Dadadadada."

"Hey, beautiful girl." I pull her into my chest and hold her close. She relaxes into my hold, resting her cheek on my chest and chewing on my t-shirt.

I sit, mindlessly twirling one of her curls around my finger repeatedly as I talk with mom and dad.

Ana decided to have a family breakfast then a small party in the afternoon. I was fine with that. Like me, she didn't want to deal with a large group so only close friends and family have been invited.

She's a little bummed that Carla and Bob couldn't make it today, but Ray is coming out which lessened some of her disappointment.

"Did you ask mom how old you are today, buddy?" I ask Teddy as he comes over to show me the new book grandma and grandpa got him.

"Me four today. Four. Four." He repeats counting out on his fingers and holding up the correct number this time. "Me big boy now."

"You'll have to start thinking about schools soon son." Carrick motions toward Teddy.

"We are looking at a few."

"Private?" He replies.

I give him a look that says 'don't be ridiculous.'

Mom excuses herself to help in the kitchen and Teddy takes his book over to dad, asking him to read it.

I take the lull in activity as an opportunity to take Phoebe upstairs and change her out of her pajamas.

Placing her on a play mat on the floor, I rummage through her closet.

"What do you reckon, princess?" I hold up a yellow and pink checkered dress. She purses her lips and blows. "I take it that's a no then?"

After a series of adorable facial expressions, we decide on a pink 'daddy's little princess tee with a pink and blue tutu skirt and pink tights. Okay, maybe I decided on the t-shirt, but the skirt was all Phoebe.

Looking cute as a button with little flower clips in her hair we head back down. The house smells of bacon and pancakes now; reminding my stomach of how hungry I actually am.

"Smells good doesn't it, princess. Stick with me and daddy will sneak you a piece of bacon to chew on."

"No, daddy won't." Ana strolls into the foyer as we take the last few steps. She is holding a bowl of mush and a spoon for Phoebe.

"Busted." I nuzzle Phoebe's cheek, securing her in one arm and holding the other out to take the bowl from Ana.

"Thank you, babe." Ana kisses Phoebes hair and smiles at her t-shirt then kisses my jaw before heading back to the kitchen.

"What do you think Pheebs, shall we ditch the mushy fruit and escape to IHOP?"

Phoebe starts squirming in my arms, the temptation of food too much to keep her still. "Okay. Okay. We like the slop... I don't think Mommy would have been too happy anyway."

I take her to the dining room table and rest her in my lap so I can spoon feed her.

The banana and apple custard smells good so I try a spoonful between one of Phoebe's.

"That's is good, you're onto something here missy." I nod my approval at her then feed her another spoon before taking another myself.

"Does Christian need a bottle too?" Elliot laughs, walking in with a gift bag. I swallow my mouthful of baby custard and rest the spoon in the bowl.

"Where's my man." Elliot looks around for Teddy.

"In the TV room with dad." I tilt my head in the direction of the television room.

While Elliot heads out in search of Teddy. I feed Phoebe the rest of her custard, wipe her face then head there myself.

"Kate." I acknowledge, politely with a kiss on the cheek as I pass her. She smiles and says hello then leans in to kiss Phoebe.

Ava is playing happily in the corner with Phoebe's toys so I place Phoebe beside her so they can babble between themselves.

"Looooook Daddy." Teddy shouts excitedly holding up a box. It's a remote control car.

"Aren't you lucky? Maybe we can set it up after breakfast." I kneel down beside him and listen as he talks animatedly about its wheels and the number four sticker on the side. When he's distracted, I walk through to the kitchen to check on Ana. I've hardly seen her all morning. She needs to slow down - it's what we pay our staff for.

"Come and relax, babe." I walk up beside her.

"Pancakes aren't going to cook themselves, Christian." She replies, looking up at me apologetically. I look to Francis, but he's busy stirring pots, scrambling eggs and putting toast in the toaster.

"What can I do to help?" I ask. Feeling a bit useless walking around while Ana's in here looking flustered.

"Can you start taking all this out to the table?" She asks.

"I think I can handle that." I cup the back of her neck and turn her face towards mine; my thumb stroking her hairline. "Slow down." I breathe. She smiles genuinely for the first time this morning and leans into my hand.

"I know. I just need to get this done then I'll put my feet up. Promise." She plants a kiss on my palm then gets back to flipping pancakes.

I take the food that's ready - and not needing to stay in the warmer - out to the dining room table.

"Anything else you need me to do?" I ask having finished transporting the food, setting the placemats and cutlery, and putting glasses out.

"Um, can you grab the Mickey Mouse pancakes and I'll show you what to do."

I slide the separated plate of Mickey pancakes over to Ana, who grabs a jar of white hazelnut spread and a bowl of chocolate chips. "Okay, you need to paint his eyes white then put a chocolate chip on top for his pupils."

"Seriously?" I laugh.

"Seriously." She confirms and I look at her with adoration.

"What?" She studies at me nervously.

"Nothing." I shake my head. "You're an amazing mom." I am beginning to notice all the little things she does - like painting eyes on pancakes - that usually go unnoticed. How many kids could say their mom took the time to not only make mouse pancakes, but bring them to life?

I set to work painting the thick hazelnut spread onto Mickey's face with precision. I don't want to mess up her hard work. I press the chocolate chips in, eating some as I do, then stand back and look at the creations. They look fucking brilliant.

When everything is ready I go into the television room and let everyone know that the breakfast is up.

"Sorry I'm late." Mia rushes in and hugs Teddy as everyone is taking their seats. "Traffic was a nightmare. Happy birthday, little man." Mia hands Teddy a gift bag overflowing with presents.

"You can open them after breakfast Teddy." Ana says. He huffs but places the bag down and climbs up on his seat; making sure his cape isn't bunched up but flowing tidily down the back of the chair.

"Thank you, baby. This looks amazing!" I grab Ana's hand and stroke the top of her knuckles.

"Dig in everyone." She stands and goes to grab the plate of Mickey Mouse's to dish one onto Teddy's plate.

"Sit. Eat." I growl softly in her ear, taking the plate from her and sorting Teddy's plate out myself.

"Yes, Sir." She giggles, earning herself a promising glare.

Teddy keeps everyone entertained while we eat, talking up a storm about cars and Superman, The Wiggles and his new book. He devours his pancakes. His eyes lit up when he first saw them and the satisfied look on Ana's face was heartwarming.

I finish my eggs and bacon and sit back in my seat watching Ana smile and talk to Mia while she eats her fruit salad and pancake; one hand resting on her belly.

She catches me staring at her and looks at me questioningly. "What's wrong?" She whispers, leaning closer to me. I shift my chair closer to her and lean in.

"Nothing's wrong... I'm so fucking in love with you." I whisper back, holding her chin in my fingers. "It may be Teddy's day... But you... You brought him into the world Ana. Thank you."

She leans in even closer and brings her lips to mine. "You're welcome." She kisses my nose and leans back with a wink.

I don't bother to look around and see if anyone was watching our private moment. Like I said. My home. My wife and if I want to kiss her at the dining table, I will.

When breakfast is done we retreat to the living room where everyone watches Teddy open his gifts. To say he's been spoiled would be a gross understatement. It's fucking ridiculous the amount of presents our families have given him. At least most of them are sensible.

Mom and dad gave him some new clothes, books, a toy helicopter and purchased some bonds in his name; which I took for safe keeping.

Elliot and Kate got him a remote control car, a new pair of shoes - exactly like Elliot's, a t-shirt that says 'my uncle is the best wiggle.' Beneath the writing is a screen printed photo of Elliot on stage at the wiggles concert. A baseball jigsaw puzzle and way too many sweets for a four year old.

Mia went designer; designer jeans, shirts and a pair of leather shoes which he screwed his face up at - thank God Mia didn't see. She also got him some new coloring pens and books, a framed photo of Teddy and her for his bedroom wall and some toy cars and trains.

"Am I a horrible mother for thanking God that no one bought him anything noisy?" Ana giggles in my ear as she cuddles up to my side.

"I was thinking the same thing." I turn and kiss the tip of her nose. "Can we wait until tonight when everyone leaves to give him our presents?" I ask.

"Sounds perfect." She runs her finger down my jaw. "I love that you're still in your pajamas." She laughs, looking down at my blue drawstring pants.

Phoebe starts grizzling. Mia picks her up, but she doesn't stop so she brings her over to us and puts her on my lap.

"Dada." She yawns, her fisted hands rubbing her eyes. I look up at the clock; it's nearly 11 already.

"I'm going to take her up and put her down for her morning nap." I tell Ana before standing up and working my way through the sea of wrapping paper.

Once Phoebe is out for the count, I detour into our bedroom and dress for the day.

When I return downstairs - with the baby monitor in hand - Mom and Mia are cleaning up while Ana sits with Teddy and listens to him talk about all his new things.

Mom corners me and guides me into the kitchen. "Everything okay?" I ask. It's not like mom to bail me up like this.

"Yes, everything is fine darling. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you." She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. "You have a beautiful family, son. Seeing you today with Phoebe and Teddy, helping Ana... I'm just proud of you. Just wanted to let you know while I could steal a minute of your time."

Feeling a little choked up, I clear my throat. "Thanks mom." I manage, rolling my shoulders and exhaling.

"You know... You're going to have your hands full with Teddy." She laughs, shaking her head. "He reminds me so much of Elliot when he was younger. A ball of energy."

The comment makes me laugh. Elliot acts like a clown, but he's just a big softy with a heart of gold. Teddy could have worse role models than Elliot.

"He's a handful alright, he has his moments but he's a good boy. Now that Ana's at home every day he's settled down. She's a good mom." I say, thinking about how much Teddy has changed since Ana gave up work. The tantrums are all but gone.

"She's a great mom." Mom pats my forearm then leaves with a smile.

APOV

With breakfast over and done, everyone is relaxing while they have a chance; before the small party this afternoon.

I've left the men in charge of the decorations while I make sure everything is ready for the caterers to come in. There was no way I was going to cook for 50 odd people.

Kate has taken off with Sawyer to pick up the cake for me and Grace is upstairs trying to get Ava to sleep.

With Teddy keeping the men company outside I poke my head out the door and let Christian know I'm heading up to take a shower before the guests start arriving.

I take my time, knowing that everything is under control down stairs; letting the hot water pour over my body and the scent of our Jasmine body wash infuse with the steam and relax me.

Putting on a new pair of maternity skinny jeans, a black cami and a gray blazer; I twist my hair back, and pin it up then head back down.

"Look at you," Mia whistles as I walk through the doors to outside. "Looking hot, momma bear."

I giggle with her as she stops me to talk to my stomach before making my way over to everyone else -who are currently enjoying a drink.

"Teddy, do you want to get dressed?" I ask, bending down to his height.

"Me wan wear superman, Mommy."

"Okay, but we at least need to go and wash your face."

"I've got him, babe. Sit down."

I do as Christian says, taking a seat next to Grace. The rumbling of a van crawling up the driveway grabs my attention. The caterers are here. I start to push myself up only to be pushed back down by Christian's hands on my shoulders. "Don't even think about. Come on Teddy." He hurls Teddy up into his shoulders and runs across the lawn to meet the van; Teddy is bouncing like crazy holding his cape up in the air. Christian has a tight grip on his legs, but I still hold my breath anxiously until I see him being lowered to the ground safely.

I have a little chuckle when I see Christian telling Teddy off for weaving in and around the catering staff who are transporting foil wrapped trays into the house.

I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I'm not dreaming and this really is my life. I was never one to sit and fantasize as a child about living a fairytale; married to one of the richest men in the country - who also happens to be one of the sexiest. Two point five children, staff willing to wait on me hand and foot - whether I want them to or not - and a beautiful home filled with love and laughter. I don't ever want to take what I have for granted.

"How are you feeling, sweetie. You're looking radiant." Grace interrupts my wayward thoughts.

"I'm good Grace. A little tired but otherwise in good health."

"That good to hear. You've done a fantastic job today. That smile hasn't left Teddy's face all day."

"He'll sleep well tonight, that's for sure."

Christian's head appears out the window, "where were you wanting to serve the food, baby?"

"I was thinking on the outdoor table? That way the guests can flow in and out and help themselves. What do you think?"

"I think you're the boss so outside it is." He winks and his lip curls up into a cheeky smile. Elliot must mutter something to him because Christian diverts his attention toward Elliot with narrowed eyes then gestures to him rudely with his finger.

"They'll grow up one day," Grace mumbles with a shake of her head

Before I know it the guests start arriving: Flynn with his wife and boys, Ros and her partner Gwen, my personal assistant from GP - Jessica, and her little boy Caleb; as well as Clare from reception and Alby. Andrea arrives with Claude - Christian's trainer - which raises a few eyebrows.

Taylor and Gail walk across the yard with Sophie hot on their heels carrying a large present, a handful of other work colleagues with children that Teddy's grown fond of arrive, and last but not least my dad. I'm on my feet and jogging towards him as soon as I see his smiling face.

"You'll give the boy the hiccups bouncing around like that," he laughs, holding his arms open to embrace me.

"I'm so glad you could come." Linking our elbows together, I walk with him back to the outdoor area where Teddy is enjoying all the attention he is receiving.

As soon as Teddy spots Grandpa Ray he is flying in our direction, all other guests forgotten. Dad greets him with open arms, lifting the little superhero in the air and twirling him around.

"Grampa, Grampa. Come see what me got." He jumps up and down when dad lowers him the ground. He is being pulled toward the house before he has a chance to respond.

"I feel like I haven't been alone with you all day," a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. The party is starting to die down. A few people have already left, those who remain are obviously the big kids at heart. I lean back into Christians embrace, watch Claude and Sawyer wrestle with Teddy in the bouncy castle that was set up on the lawn. The sun is starting to set casting a reddish hue over the sound. Soft music plays through the outdoor speakers; barely noticeable over the sound of chatter and laughter. It's a perfect night.

"Well, that would be because we haven't been alone all day." I smile, swaying my hips with Christian as he moves subtly with the music.

"We are going to have to rectify that... and soon." His low growl tickles my ear.

"Feeling a bit uncomfortable there?" I giggle, his hardness grinding against my backside; his movement disguised as a slow dance. I lick my lips and tilt my head into his neck and place a kiss under his jaw.

"I've been watching you all afternoon, walking around in those tight little jeans... We are kicking everyone out within an hour." The seriousness in his voice has me stifling a laugh.

"I'll leave that up to you. Just don't forget we've still got to give Teddy our gifts so you'll have to rein it in for a little longer." I pat his cheek teasingly.

He rubs his jaw down my face, "why don't we start packing things up and maybe people will get the hint."

"Sound like a good idea." He angles my mouth to his and kisses me tenderly, our lips meeting together, sparking a promise of excitement that only he can deliver. My mouth continues to seek out his after he pulls away and my eyes flutter open to a devilish smile and eyes full of want. I close my abandoned lips in a pout. "Soon, baby. Soon."

With a pat to my ass, he directs me towards our guests. Despite my best intentions to start cleaning up I am soon caught up in conversation; talking to Claire about what's going on at work and listening to all the juicy details Andrea is spilling about her new romance with Claude.

"Fuck!" I shoot up from my chair, sending the seat backwards.

"Jesus baby, what's wrong," Christian grabs hold of my forearms and helps me steady myself.

"Christian, I forgot the cake. I forgot the fucking cake!" I whisper shout. How on earth does one forget about the rather expensive, lump of colored frosting?

"Okay, relax. We'll do it now." He says calmly.

"Half of the guests have left!"

"More cake for us then," tapping the tip of my nose with his finger he offers an amused smile. "Don't stress about something that's not worth stressing over. It's not good for you or our little man," he motions to my belly with his chin. "I'll gather everyone around the table and then we'll go get the cake okay."

I exhale slowly, nodding my agreement. "Sounds good."

After Christian ushers everyone toward the large wooden outdoor table and sets Teddy on Ray's knee at the head of the table, he escorts me into the kitchen where Teddy's cake is hidden.

"You didn't," Christian says, taking a peek inside the large box.

"You don't like it?" I even out my shoulders in defense.

"Babe, it's great, Teddy's going to love it." I help remove it from the box then grab the lighter I stashed at the top of the pantry and light the sparkling candles adorning the top of the cake.

Christian whistles loudly, signaling for the lights to be turned off, before he walks the cake out.

Teddy sees the flickering candles and jumps up on dad's lap, clapping and singing happy birthday to himself along with everyone else. "Wiiiiiiggles!" He yells excitedly, the cake now noticeable to him as we place it on the table in front of him.

He beams from ear to ear; all his perfect little teeth showing as Elliot starts a round of 'hip hip hoorays.'

"Make a wish little man," I whisper in his ear, "then blow out the candles."

"An my wish come truuu mommy?" He asks.

I nod and kiss his warm cheek a kiss.

"Okay, me wish my daddy be a Wiggle," he announces loudly to everyone, proud as punch and looking at Christian with such pride. His little lips purse and he blows out the candles with gusto.

I chance a glance at Christian, who is plastering on his best fake smile, but tense jaw suggesting he's none too happy about his son wanting him to be a Wiggle.

"Excellent wish buddy," Elliot smirks, then turns his attention to Christian and lowers his voice, "your birthday is coming up too," the smug look on his face lets Christian know he's enjoying this. "I'm sure I can find you a Wiggles costume for you birthday, you know, to make your sons wish come true... Wouldn't want to disappoint the little fella would you bro?"

"Shut it Elliot," Christian snarls earning himself an angry look from Grace.

"Oh, come on bro, just think...the Wiggles are nothing... Think of all the fun we'll have when Ava and Phoebe are older. We'll be twerking in the mosh pit at some Bieber wannabe concert, wearing tiaras to Disney on ice...embrace the Wiggles bro."

"We'll be doing what in a mosh pit?" Christian asks looking horrified.

"You know..." Elliot bends over, hands braced on his thighs, and starts shaking his ass all over the place. "If I was your boyfriend..." He starts singing.

"I'd hope your girlfriend would smack some sense into you." Christian grunts, his face screwed up.

"Let's cut this cake shall we." I clap, stealing back the attention of everyone whose attention was on Elliot's derriere.

After the cake, everyone who is left starts to go home. Grace and Carrick offer to stay and help clean up. Christian tells them he'll handle it but Grace insists.

After all the food and dirty dishes are taken care of we sit down with Teddy and give him our gifts.

He's ecstatic with what we got him; an extension for his train set, a new bicycle with trainer wheels, books and workbooks that'll help him to learn to write, some new clothes... "And last but not least..." Christian hands Teddy an envelope which he opens carefully; showing his tiredness settling in after a long day.

"What this be?" He asks, picking up the tickets.

"That buddy, are tickets to Disneyland for all of us. You'll be able to meet Mickey Mouse in person!" Christian explains.

"Really?" Teddy smiles as brightly as he can while trying to keep his drooping eyes from staying shut.

"Yeah, buddy. We'll go soon okay…before the new baby comes and we get busy."

"Lelly come?" He asks, crawling onto Christian's lap and curling into his chest.

"You want Uncle Elliot to come?"

"Mmmm me do. Me really wike Uncle Lelly."

"I guess that's okay then," Christian sighs, ruffling Teddy's hair and planting a kiss upon his curls.

"Me had best birthday, daddy. Can me hab some more cake?" He asks while yawning.

"How about we save that for later okay," he replies, but Teddy's eyes are already closed.

"Go on up to bed, baby. I'll tuck him in." Christian whispers, giving me a wink.

I stand from the sofa, stretching my legs which were getting a little numb from being curled up beneath me and kiss Christian slowly. He exhales shakily and licks his bottom lip when I pull away.

"I'll run us a bath," I smile, stroking his jaw then heading upstairs. I'm tired, and although Christian's birthday is not until next month, there is no rest for the wicked. There is so much to organize. It's straight back to Book Club tomorrow.