19

"Tad?"

"Yes Alice love?"

"You came for me. I was a brat and still… when it was not safe for Steven, or you, you didn't leave me to … you know." She watched him knot his tie, the bathroom mirror still steaming as Jack sang lustily in the shower behind him. It was like another normal day of yesteryear. Jack showering, Ianto trying to get ready and Alice in the bathroom so when Jack was finished, he would bellow that she had to leave.

"Like old times" she said as she saw it as well, the sorrow in her voice a surprise.

"You know… I miss it too" he admitted, reaching out to touch her face "and I miss you. Us."

"Daddy really screwed the pooch" she huffed.

"Well, he was a bit of a bitch to be sure, but it seems your grandmother had a thing or two to do with…. Hang on. He finally told you he cheated on me?"

She stood there staring at him, then he realized that he had just slipped into a trap. Fuck. She glared at him and he signed. Well, in for a penny and all that.

"Your Dad and I were just work colleagues. It was months after your mum left your Dad for Simon that he and I started to… admit feelings for one another and we didn't even sleep together until a year after the split." Ianto finally explained "I loved you, will always love you and it doesn't matter to me that you sometimes act like a right little cow… I will still love you. You are MY daughter too."

Alice looked at him, her eyes searching for the truth in his words. She didn't speak, but the tension in the room seemed to ease slightly. Ianto continued, "It's been a long journey, and we've had our ups and downs, but I would never abandon you. You mean the world to me. Every time I see you, I'm reminded of how much I care about you and how important you are in my life."

He paused, letting the words sink in before adding, "Being a family isn't always easy. There are arguments, misunderstandings, and moments of doubt, but there's also love, support, and the promise of always being there for each other. Your Dad and I have worked hard to build a life together even if apart, and you're an integral part of that life."

Alice felt a lump in her throat. She had always been a bit of a rebel, pushing boundaries and testing limits, but deep down, she knew Ianto's words were sincere. He had always been there for her, through thick and thin, and his unwavering love and commitment had never wavered.

"I guess I've never really said it, but I do love you, Taddy," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "And I'm grateful for everything you've done for me."

Ianto smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Thank you, Alice. That means a lot to me. We're in this together, no matter what."

He gave her a gentle hug, and she hugged him back, feeling a sense of belonging and safety in his arms. It wasn't perfect, but it was their family, and that was enough.

She didn't answer, just stood there processing.

"So, we will go today to see if Donna can get pregnant." Ianto continued to talk "Your grandmother will die a thousand deaths when she knows there are more babies and…"

"Can you and Dad handle another baby?"

"Well… Dad and I talked it over and Herself has no say. I will keep the baby here, your Dad and you will come visit lots and stay sometimes… Herself is not allowed to be here" Ianto said softly. "Dad knows the babies will all die otherwise and we sorted out the paperwork to say this baby or babies will be in my custody, your Dad getting visiting rights."

"Like the opposite of what Granny made for Fenny?"

"Yes and stop calling him that. Yes." Ianto nodded.

"And you trust Daddy not to pull a fast one?" she leaned back and Ianto sad Lucia in the girl, smiling at her as she added "He's wily that one."

"Yes, I rather found that out for myself darling Sweetpea." He reached out to pull her into a hug "I do love you so very much, you horrible little beast."

She leaned into him and enjoyed the cuddle as she hugged him back "Do you think it will work?"

"I hope so. I had such an enjoyable bonding with Fen before…. ah bugger it all… Steven before Herself managed to take him away." Ianto said as she giggled into him.

"Come on ya beast, let's sort out a snack"

She nodded like she was not actually looking for that in the first place, still amazed how he always knew.

Like a good Taddy does.

.

.

"Three" Jack said as they drove towards home after the appointment "Three. Can you imagine? Wow three. Are you sure?"

"You heard the doctor, not all of them will take, hopefully at least one will. At best, maybe two but… none might" Ianto replied in the back passenger seat, content to let Jack drive while he hid in the darkness of the tinted windows, his head pounding from the bright sunlight.

"And you will be the primary caregiver"

"Jack, this will not buy my forgiveness ya know. It doesn't undo things."

"I know… I just… I don't want her near the new one. I think… if I had a backbone, it would have been like this in the first place" Jack glanced over "And I know I cannot buy your affection or forgiveness. I just… I just want to do something right."

"Then don't let her in, she's like black mold or… the plague."

Jakk could only grunt in agreement as Ianto closed his eyes and listened to the soft music playing, Jack also remembering that it helped too.

If only he could fix everything.