#white generation

And before the family knew it, New Years Eve had arrived! All of the kids were still enjoying their time off school before the end of winter break. While the twins played upstairs (and Primrose slept in), Peony and Piper were up in the morning finishing up their breakfast and the homework assignments they’d been assigned over the break. Dani was puttering around the house, cleaning up and doing laundry for the most part.

Teddy came downstairs and after giving Danielle a quick peck on the cheek and wishing her a good morning, he moved into the dining room and sat at the table with the girls.

Teddy: Listen guys, I’ve been wanting to talk to you guys about something while your mother’s not around.

Peony: ... ??? *puts down her pencil and looks over at Teddy* Sure Ted, what’s up?

Teddy: I need you both to be honest with me about something... Do you guys like having me around here?

Piper: Um.... Not sure what you’re trying to ask us.

Teddy: I mean, I’ve never tried to kid myself and think that you girls see me as your dad, because I know that you and Prim already have a dad of your own and you’re not looking for another one. What I’m trying to say is... Even though I’m not your real dad, I hope you girls know that I think of you as my kids, just as much as Victor or Eliza. And I care about your mother very much and nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life making her happy, and I want you to be happy just as much as your mother. But I hope that if you guys don’t like having me around here that you’d be able to tell me to my face.

Peony: *sits there silently for a moment before quietly beginning to speak* I can’t speak for my sisters, but as far as I’m concerned, you’ve been way more of a dad to me than our real dad has ever been. He calls me, what, once a month if I’m lucky? And it’s always at random times, like I’ll just be getting home from school or in the middle of my homework and he calls and he wants me to come over to the apartment and spend “quality time” with him and his husband, it just... It pisses me off more than anything.

Piper: *jumps into the conversation* What I think Peony is trying to say is that it doesn’t matter to the three of us whether you’re our biological father or not, because you genuinely care about us and know us as people, whereas Diego just gets by with putting in the minimum amount of effort. So of course we like having you around here, I can barely remember a time when you weren’t a part of our lives.

Teddy: *smiles at the two of them, looking relieved before proceeding to pull a small box out of his pants pocket.* I want to ask your mom to marry me. But I won’t even consider doing it unless I have all your girls’ blessings first.

Peony: *squeals excitedly* Ohmigod, Ted!!!! Mom’s gonna be so happy!

Piper: *grins* Of course you have our blessing, you weirdo. So when are you gonna ask her?

And there was one stray cat in particular that looked up at Primrose with warm green eyes... and Prim’s heart immediately stopped. Without hesitation, she scooped up the black, white & orange kitty and cuddled him in her arms.

Dani: This doesn’t mean that I have to invite Diego to our Harvest Fest dinner, does it?

Allison: Oh heck no! That day is for you and your family to enjoy at home, he doesn’t need to be there to ruin it.

Ginny: Hopefully he won’t fight you on it...

Dani: I don’t think so. I certainly hope he won’t, there will be enough stress that day without having to throw him into the mix. On top of Ted’s sister coming over-

Ginny: Ted has a sister? What’s she like?

Dani: I haven’t met her yet, but Teddy thinks the world of her. She’s in her early 20′s, she sounds like a nice enough girl. But I’m still nervous to be meeting her for the first time, not to mention my birthday...

Jade: Oh, when’s your birthday?

Dani: It’s actually on Harvest Fest this year, so that’s another thing to look forward to...

Ginny: You don’t sound too happy about that...

Dani: I’m fine, I guess... Just not looking forward to getting any older.

Jade: Amen to that.

Allison: *chuckles* You’d look great at any age, sweetheart.

Jade: *smiles warmly* Thanks Alli.

Ginny: Hey! How about we take you out to dinner for your birthday?! Obviously not on your birthday, but maybe some time after Hallow’s Even when you’re not so busy.

While Teddy kept the twins entertained and occupied, and while Dani’s turkey was now in the oven, she was sitting with Teddy’s sister Chloe and getting to know her.

Dani had been trying for weeks to stay strong, if only for the girls’ sakes, but she could feel her resolve begin to crumble. Knowing she wouldn’t make it out the front door in time, she walked away from the bar, keeping her head down, and ducked into an alcove with a pair of empty couches. She felt the tears hit her cheeks the moment she’d sat down, and she did her best to cry quietly, quickly wiping at the tears so as not to make a mess of her make-up. When she was finally able to leave, she didn’t want to draw attention to herself by looking like a sad, melting clown.

Teddy: I thought that might be you.

Jumping slightly at the unexpected voice looming over her, Dani looked up to see her next door neighbour and friend standing before her. Quickly swiping at her eyes to try and hide any evidence that she’d been crying, she took a steadying breath before quietly speaking to him, grateful that her voice wasn’t cracking.

Dani: Hey... How long have you been standing there?

Teddy: Not long. I was working the DJ booth before, my shift just ended and the headliner took over.

Dani: Oh...

Teddy: ... Scoot over. You could use some company.

Dani: Um, I don’t think-

Without waiting for her express permission, Teddy walked into the alcove and sat down next to her on the couch.

Now that the girls were back in school, Dani was able to spend some quality time with Teddy. During the summer they had still seen each other - Teddy had brought over take-out for all 5 of them on occasion, and sometimes when the girls were asleep they would cuddle on the couch and watch a movie. But now they had the freedom to go on an actual date!