(no subject)

"Uncle Gummy, I want to be the bridesmaid in the pink dress." Frogspawn's four-year-old niece announces as they sit out back in the garden.

They're unable to go into the house because of the little girl's allergy to cats, so babysitting is taking place on the lawn instead. By Guppy's knees Ani is making her first efforts at moving around, and appears to be taking the path of the bottom-shuffler rather than the crawler.

"I think pink is fine by me." Guppy says with a grin, looking up at his fiancee, who smiles.

"You can wear any colour you like Abby, providing we can find a dress in it. And one to match for Ani."

"Hear that Ani, you're going to be a bridesmaid, better get you walking by mid August." Guppy ruffles the baby's hair.

Abby bounces over to the other side of the garden and picks up the piglet, who has been built a pen in place of the garage. Frogspawn hurries over.

"No sweetie, the piglet's not been well, leave him in here." She looks over at Guppy, who is suddenly looking anxious and worried. "Do you need a few minutes?"

"Um, yeah, I just want to check the cake." Guppy says, getting up and exchanging a knowing glance with her.

"It's not long since you checked it."

"I know. I need to check it again."

"Okay, I'll watch Ani."

Abby watches this slightly odd display, then goes back to bouncing.

"Uncle Gummy can I have some of the cake? Pleeeeese?"

Guppy flickers a smile. "Sure sweetie."

He goes inside to find the bar door again. Because even on this warm and comfortable saturday afternoon, the safety of his friends nags away at him...

...but if he doesn't stop himself from checking, he thinks he can keep it under control, for now.