9

Ianto and Jack knew this was the day of the results.

Both men sat facing each other at the breakfast table, the phone sat on the table between them like a bomb… about to go off at any moment. When it rang they both jumped, then Ianto reached out to touch the screen and accept the call. Duncan spoke rapidly over the phone, clearly the news so important he did not wait to drive over

"Right. We have the results back. Negative. The baby is not from this family."

"Oh… oh thank god" Ianto sobbed, his head falling forward as Jack looked at the phone with incredulity.

"Really? For certain? What now?" Jack asked, still not looking at Ianto who was still and silent with his head still in his hands.

"Now we apply for custody citing the time limit is up for Child Protective Services to take him, the fact he left him with you long enough to form a bond… yadda yadda… we can do this."

"How long will that take" Jack asked.

"The judge is still here, hang on… I will get back to you"

Jack closed the call and sat back, glancing over at his husband who now sat back and wiped his face. The tears now apparent.

"I thought… I thought you were not invested" Jack finally admitted.

"I didn't want to admit it, to let it out into the light in case we had to give him up and I thought… I thought it would be now" Ianto hiccupped "I just…. God."

Jack sat and pulled Ianto's char over flush to his, gathering Ianto in his arms as they both clung to one another and took a moment to sob it out, not the least bit embarrassed with this display. After all, it was just them and if they could not show their feelings to one another, what was the point?

Once they were done Ianto rose and went to the kitchen while Jack sat with his head back taking deep breaths. Ianto returned with two bowls of ice-cream and a bottle of chocolate syrup. He sat next to Jack with their chairs still together and their legs pressed together.

They ate until they were almost sick.

And it felt better.

.

.

The Santa Parade ws underway and for the event Jack had rolled out his special secret surprise… a Tiny Bessie that just fitted him and his daughter who proudly say waving to the crowd as her Daddy drove the little clown car style fire engine along the street with Ianto in Big Bessie and Mickey driving Baby Bessie. Everyone was enamoured with the little engine and laughter rang out along the street as they saw it coming.

When their Fire Chief came close enough to see there was more noise as they saw him waving with the little one held above him by Millar who eagerly let them see little Sparky in his own little fireman suit. So cute.

This started the realization that this little fella might be staying in the village, staying with this family and most of all… being art of the community. By the time they were at the after function Sparky was a little 'pass the parcel' amongst the older residents who all wanted to let him know he was special.

It was starting to look a lot like Christmas.

.

.

Christmas Eve and the tree was fully lit as they both sat in the semidarkness of their living room, the children both abed and the silence broken only by the odd honk of a horn as the only local Taxi Service (two cars) passed one another while ferrying the locals home from their parties. Although invited, the two men had begged off, blaming the kids.

Truth be told, this was something they both wanted to do, much as they had with their little princess. They sat and looked at the gifts, those little blue paper covered ones snuggled amongst the pinks. They didn't speak, no need. Just sat and held hands as they let the world turn outside their house.

It was all good here.

.

.

"Dadda"

"Tadda, Dadda is a stink!"

Ianto blearily opened his eyes to find his little girl gripping the edge of the bed, her face glowing as she jiggled on her feet "Tadda. Come on… Dadda sleepin' so we's gotta be qwiet."

"Oh. Qwiet, eh?" Ianto grinned, kicking his husband who snored loudly and then muttered as he rolled over. Finally, she was talking in proper sentences. A special occasion I guess… all those presents she no doubt saw. Ianto reached under the covers and gently squeezed the half mast dick now digging into his back "Cariad. Merry Christmas."

"Yesh! Mewy Chrissy Mousie!" she giggled with agreement "Come on… we's gots to go!"

"Come on Cariad, we's gots to go already" Ianto said as he rolled to the edge of the bed and stretched, now taking in their daughter and the weird clothes she was wearing. Oh god, she had dressed herself and it was adorable. Odd shoes over no socks and the dress was a tutu with the hat on her head one of the fireman helmets Ianto had for kids as gifts.

"Shit" Jack muttered, then sat up with a gasp "Ianto! It's Christmas, oh shit, it's … where's my pants?"

"On your bum" the little girl told her father calmly and Jack patted his hips to find his PJ bottoms had stayed on for a change.

"Oh yeah, good call princess" Jack rose and shuffled to the cot to find their little bright spark was awake and waiting patiently with his little arms thrust up. Awww… so little, young and freshly made but already knew the soft touch.

Jack gushed as he plucked him up "Come on Sparky, you are gonna love this."

"I will help him!" came the demand from the little minx as she rushed ahead with her arms flapping like there were wild animals in the way or something. Her glee at opening presents could be her undoing one day but for today… she was the wrapping Ripper.

Ianto found himself giggling softly at her.