#bridget and mark | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

shmaptainwrites · 10 months ago

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𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 [𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐘]

PAIRINGS — Mark Darcy x fem!Reader

SUMMARY — Mark and Reader meet on a dock in Greece and the rest is history

WARNINGS — difficulty conceiving, pregnancy, allusions to sex

NOTE — Okay the beginning and end of this are definietly Mamma Mia-esque but TRUST ME it fits the vibessss- anyways I hope you guys like it :3 Also a big thanks to @/mystic-writings for beta-ing!

Mark wondered what had brought him here that day. There he was sitting on a dock in Greece, reevaluating all of the decisions he had made in recent days. He found it very hard to stay hopeful when that very much could have been the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with on that boat, sailing towards an island he didn’t know the name of with a ferry that wouldn’t allow him to chase after her until two days later.

He was about to get up and turn around, find the nearest airport that would get him out of the sunny Mediterranean country, when he felt someone tap on his shoulder.

He squinted against the sun, trying to get a better look at who it was, but it wasn’t clear until you stepped in front of him.

“You miss the ferry?” you asked him and he nodded his head. “Shame,” you sighed and took a seat next to him. You introduced yourself and offered a hand for him to shake. He took it and introduced himself in return.

“I don’t suppose your travels have also been…” he chose his words carefully, “subpar?”

“Actually, they have,” you leaned back. “This was supposed to be some sort of girls trip.”

“And?”

“Well, you don’t see any girls around me do you,” you motioned to the empty dock.

“No I don’t suppose I do.”

You sat in silence for a moment, the sun beating down on both of your backs before you chose to speak again.

“Have you done much sight-seeing yet?”

“None. I just got here, and I think I’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow,” he admitted.

“Leave Greece without seeing even one sight? You’re an interesting man, Mark.”

“I’m glad you think so,” he sighed and pushed himself up off of the bench.

“You know,” you started, “If you change your mind and want to see some of the sights before heading back to wherever you’re from, come find me. My hotel’s that one over there,” you pointed to one of the buildings overlooking the water.

Mark nodded his head and wished you a good day before grabbing his bag and heading towards the main street, he’d call for a taxi and maybe his choice would be more clear to him the next morning. It was hard to think in the midday heat, because right now, for some peculiar reason, your offer seemed awfully enticing.

—

The next morning you awoke to a knock on your door. You checked the time, it was half past seven which was far too early for housekeeping.

With a confused look on your face, and a just-in-case large vase in hand and ready for whatever was on the other side, you approached the door. In a quick motion you unlocked the door and swung it open, the vase held as threateningly as you could until you realized that you recognized those eyes and that tall frame.

“Mark?”

“You said if I wanted to get in some sightseeing before I go I should come to your hotel. You didn’t tell me what room though. I made a few awkward mistakes before landing on your door.”

“What compelled you to do this at half past seven on a weekend?” you chuckled.

“I could ask the same about your vase. Not normally something you greet someone with at the door,” he commented.

“Just playing it safe,” you said, now lowering the vase and returning it to its place on the table. “Why don’t you give me two minutes to get dressed then I’ll properly invite you inside.”

Mark nodded his head and you quickly shut the door, rummaging through your suitcases until you found what you wanted to wear, changing into it and reopening the door and allowing Mark to come inside.

“So, what changed your mind?” you asked. “You seemed awfully set on leaving.”

“I thought maybe it was time I took a break. I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation,” he admitted. “And it crossed my mind that perhaps you were right.”

“About what?”

“It would be a shame to leave Greece without seeing at least one sight.”

You grabbed your bag and shoved a few things in it, looking back up at Mark.

“Then let’s find a sight, shall we?” you offered your arm to him and he took it as you exited the room together.

After you sorted out where you wanted to go you found yourselves on a hot overcrowded bus, trying to understand what the stops were and continuously looking at the map and your surroundings to determine where to get off.

“So Mark, where do you hail from? I’m guessing England, but whereabouts?” you asked, over the loud engine.

“London, currently,” he said. “And yourself?”

“Currently? Also London,” you said.

“But-,”

“I don’t sound British?” you looked over at him and he chuckled.

“Exactly,” he nodded.

“I’m there for work. I’m an art curator,” you explained. “Brits bring pretty good business.”

“That I can believe, and I think this is our stop,” he pointed.

“Oh goodness, HEY! HEY! Stop the bus!” you called and stood up, waving down the driver with your hat. He slammed on the brakes and you jerked forward, almost falling into the seats in front of you if it weren’t for Mark quickly grabbing you by the waist and pulling you back down into your seat. “Man, let’s get the hell out of here.”

Mark couldn’t help but give you a little smile as he helped you up from your seat and you exited the crowded bus as quickly as you could.

“Good grief,” you sighed. “I would have gone flying if it weren’t for you. Thanks, Mark.”

“Don’t mention it, all part of the Greek charm I suppose,” he shrugged as you began to walk down the quiet countryside street, looking for the entrance to the beach.

“What about yourself, what do you do for work?” you asked.

“I’m a lawyer,” he said. “Human rights type stuff mostly.”

“Oh so a true London hotshot then,” you chuckled. “Come on, I think it’s right down here,” you motioned to a small trail opening.

“Well, I don’t know if I’d say hotshot,” he said.

“Oh don’t worry, I’m just teasing,” you said as you slipped on some loose gravel only to have Mark catch you again.

“You’re quite clumsy.”

“It’s a part of my charm,” you grinned.

From there you both silently decided maybe it would be best if you held on to Mark so as to not fall again, and you walked a short distance in comfortable silence until you came to the opening of the beach.

“Wow. Mark, this is really a sight,” you grabbed his arm and dragged him further so he could see the full view.

The cove was secluded and the pristine water gently lapped against the shore along the white sand.

“What do you think?” you asked.

“I’m glad I stayed,” he said with a smile.

Still hand in hand, you found a comfortable spot in the sand and laid out a blanket you had packed to sit on for the time being.

“Do you have anyone waiting back home for you, Mark?”

“Not aside from my parents,” he shook his head. “And yourself?”

“Unattached currently,” you said while grabbing a water bottle from your bag. “My girlfriends would say this seems to have the making of a summer romance.”

Mark found himself curious to see if you thought so too. Certainly he thought that seeing Bridget go off into the sunset with someone else would be the end of his romantic life, but perhaps he was mistaken.

“Well, we’ll have to see if they’re right,” Mark said simply and you chuckled.

Spending time with Mark was easy. It was as if your friends hadn’t all bailed on you and this was your plan all along. The days quickly melted into one, then two, then three and it was an easy routine for Mark to join you at your hotel in the morning.

You were both too caught up in a whirlwind of tourism filled with adventures and flirting that you barely even noticed your departure date approaching.

“Has it already been ten days?” you sighed, leaning into Mark’s side as you sat along the beach just outside of your hotel.

“Went by a lot faster than I expected,” he admitted. “Feels like just yesterday I was so forwardly introduced to you.”

“Shut up, Mark. You’ve had a good time,” you laughed. “Now let’s do one more fun thing before we go back to the doom and gloom of London.”

“What do you have in mind?” he asked as you stood up and walked with him towards the water.

“Hmm, have you ever tried the opposite of skinny dipping?”

“Which is?” he frowned.

“This!” you exclaimed while pushing him into the water, fully clothed, but not before he grabbed onto your waist, pulling you down with him.

You squealed in surprise, falling on top of him in the shallow water.

“Did you really think you could get away with that?” Mark asked and you shook your head with a laugh.

“It was either this or you’d get up and chase me and throw me into the water.”

“We could do that too if you wanted,” he moved one of the wet strings of your top off of your cheek which it was currently stuck to.

“No, I think I kind of like it here,” you said with a whisper.

“Good, because then I can do this,” his thumb moved from your cheek to your chin, pinching it between that and his index finger and bringing your face closer to his before finally pressing his lips to yours.

You brought yourself as close as you could to him, your hands holding on to both sides of his face. You could feel the water’s crests and falls and tasted its salt on Mark’s lips.

When he gently moved away, giving you both a moment to breathe, he said, “I had to make sure I gave you a proper kiss goodbye.”

“Could I perhaps entice you to make that a regular occasion?” you asked.

Mark kissed you again, this time shorter before giving you a thinking face and then nodding his head.

You chuckled and grabbed his hand, standing up yourself first before pulling him up with you. He trailed behind you as you walked towards your things, pressing a kiss to your temple from behind, then your neck until neither of you could help it and turned around to kiss properly again.

“Why don’t you stay in my room tonight,” you murmured. “And maybe if we’re lucky the vacation will continue when we’re back in London. Any objections?”

“No, sustained,” he kissed you again and you giggled at his joke.

“Save something for the room, Mark,” you teased as you pulled away, “If we stay out here much longer we’ll be putting on a show for the tourists.”

“And?” he raised a mischievous brow.

“Mark!” you exclaimed with a surprised laugh, quickly grabbing your bag while he grabbed the blanket, shaking out the sand before grabbing your hand and heading back to the hotel, prepared for whatever this summer romance would bring.

—

A few months later…

“Mark! I’m here, are you home yet?” you called into the townhome as you stepped across the threshold, throwing your keys on the table and slipping off your coat.

There wasn’t an answer so you assumed he hadn’t arrived yet, but when you climbed up the stairs you saw him lying down on the couch with a pillow over his face.

You chuckled a little and quietly bent down and removed the pillow only to be met by a soft,

“Hey.”

“Last I remember, you asked me to come over after work,” you leaned down and pressed a kiss to his nose. “How was your day?”

“Exhausting, can’t you tell?”

“Yes, quite clearly,” you nodded as you sat on the edge of the couch. “So, did you miss me?”

“Dreadfully,” he nodded and beckoned you to come lay down with him. “How was work?”

“It was alright,” you sighed. “I think I’m getting tired of working for snooty rich folk. Maybe I need a change of scenery.”

Mark kissed your temple and you hummed,

“Or maybe I should stay like this all day.”

“I wouldn’t complain,” he teased.

“But alas, there’s work to be done. Come on, we have to make dinner,” you pushed yourself up and took Mark’s hand, helping him up and dragging him to the kitchen.

You had agreed earlier on what to make for dinner so you easily fell into a rhythm of preparing things together.

Even though the clouds were grey and it was perpetually raining in London, when you were with Mark, everywhere felt like Greece.

“Mark, how am I supposed to get any bloody work done when you keep distracting me?” you asked just as he finished pressing yet another kiss to your neck.

“We could forget about work,” he suggested.

“As much as that sounds enticing, I’m starving,” you sighed. “And I think we both know what happens when I haven’t had enough to eat.”

“Yes, I believe we’d like to avoid that,” he nodded his head and went back to chopping up some vegetables.

“Mark, can you pass me the pepper and paprika please?” you asked, pointed over to his spice cabinet as you walked away from the stove for a minute to go grab something to drink.

As you bent down to check what was in the fridge, something caught your eye on the counter and you quietly closed the fridge to inspect it.

“Mark, what’s this?’ you asked, picking up the small box and opening it as he protested only to stare blankly at what was in front of you.

“Ideally,” he started, “this would not have happened.”

“I-I just…” your voice trailed off.

Mark sighed, “You see I was worried this would happen, you’d see this and get scared and run away, and I’ve ruined it, haven’t I.”

“You mean this is meant for me?” you pointed to the ring, then to yourself.

He nodded his head.

“When did you get it?” you asked.

“The day we left Greece,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “See I told you, you would think I was insane-.”

“I never thought that,” you were grinning, looking up at him.

“You-You don’t?” he confirmed.

“Since I’ve ruined the surprise, why don’t you ask me the question and see what my answer is.” you suggested. “Go on.”

“I-Darling, are you sure you want to do it like this? I could plan something more romantic than being in my kitchen in the middle of making dinner.”

“No,” you shook your head. “It’s perfect.”

Mark took a deep breath and walked up to you, taking your hands in his, saying your name in the way he did that made you feel like it was his magic spell that would fix all his problems.

“Will you-,”

“Yes,” you interrupted him, unable to even contain your own excitement.

“You didn’t even let me get the question out,” he chuckled.

“Sorry, sorry,” you shook your head. “Say it again.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Mark Darcy, I would love to marry you,” you grinned and he quickly pulled you in for a searing kiss.

When you pulled apart, Mark took the ring from the box and slipped it onto your finger.

“Your parents are going to think we’re insane,” you laughed.

“And yours won’t?” he poked.

“Oh I’m sure they will, but-wait, what’s that smell?” you frowned.

Mark turned around and you looked past him seeing the smoke coming from the pan.

“Shit!” you exclaimed and quickly went to turn the stove off and move the pan off the hot element.

You both examined the burnt food and then looked at each other.

“Take out?” you suggested and he nodded.

“Thai?”

“Nah, what about Mexican?” you asked and he shook his head.

“Indian?” Mark landed on and you nodded.

“That’s the one.”

Mark easily reached out his hand and took it in yours before grabbing your coats and heading out the door.

As you walked down the lit streets, Mark lifted your hands so you could both see the ring glimmering under the streetlamps.

“I think it looks complete with a ring,” you said. “Don’t you?”

“I surely do,” he nodded and pressed a kiss to your hand. “I love you, my darling.”

You smiled fondly at him, “I love you too.”

—

Several years later…

Mark never got tired of going to sleep and waking up next to you every single day. If anything, his heart longed for you to be next to him when he was away on trips for work.

Tonight was no different, except it was a little sweeter on this occasion, it always was when he was coming back from being away.

He quietly got changed and slipped into bed next to you and you jolted awake, turning around excitedly.

“Jesus, Mark! When did you get here?” you asked.

“Moments ago,” he chuckled.

“I tried to stay awake,” you yawned. “I really did.”

“Well, you’re up now,” he kissed you. “And I suppose that means we can fall back asleep together.”

“Yes, but before we do that, I have something I wanted to ask you,” you started. “I’ve been thinking about this when you were away and I was wondering what you think of maybe having a little one join us?”

“You mean like Lucy?” he looked over at the corgi sleeping at the foot of the bed. “I suppose we could get another puppy-,”

“Mark, not a puppy,” you laughed. “A baby.”

“A baby,” he hummed thoughtfully. It was something he always assumed he would have, it seemed like the next logical progression of things, and when Mark thought of having a miniature version of you running through the hallways of your home, he was sold. “I think, if you’re ready of course, maybe we should start trying.”

“Really?” you grinned.

“It’s an easy decision,” he kissed your nose. “I would take any chance to bring more of your light to the world.”

You gently reached out for Mark’s cheek and looked at him lovingly.

“Funny, I was thinking the same about you.”

You both shared a sweet kiss, and Mark let his lips stray away from your lips, kissing along your jaw then your neck.

“You know, we could start trying now,” he murmured. “No harm in getting a head start.”

“Well, I am awake,” you raised your brows and squealed playfully while he pulled you on top of him.

After a little bit more discussion in the following days, you and Mark had gotten yourselves as prepared as you could for life as a family of three. Mark was determined to make sure your finances were in line and what both of your work lives would look like once a baby came into the picture. With that sorted you began trying, and weeks turned into months, which turned into a year, and then another, still with nothing.

Mark could see how difficult it was getting, each time you went in with a little light of hope in your eyes, but it continuously became dimmer and dimmer with each negative result.

At this point, you both wanted it so badly, but nothing you were doing seemed to do the trick so to speak.

Mark waited patiently outside the washroom while you went in there with another test, by now you had both lost count. When you came out he could see that the test still wasn’t done, so you both waited in silence by the kitchen counters for the three agonizing minutes to pass.

When your watch beeped, you hesitated before lifting the test up to your face to see what the results were. Mark was standing across from you and he watched as all hope and energy drained from face and how quickly your shoulders began to shake while you covered your face with your hand and began to sob.

Mark quickly came to your side and wrapped you up in his arms, taking the test away from you and placing it on the counter, allowing you to feel the weight on your chest, but also lean on him.

“I-I’m so sorry, Mark,” you shook your head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he shook his head. “It’s just a hurdle, we’ll jump over it like we always do.”

“I don’t know how much more I can take,” you cried softly into his shoulder. “It’s been two years since we started trying, Mark.”

“Then let’s press pause,” he whispered and kissed your temple, he could feel a few tears welling in his own eyes, not only was his heart crushed by the state you were in, but regardless of how much he let on, he wanted this too.

After a few more moments in silence together you told Mark you were going to call in sick at the museum and just take the day.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked.

“No, you have important things to do at work, you should go,” you said as you walked back into your room.

Mark watched from the doorway as you walked to your side of the bed and slipped back under the covers.

“Are you sure?” he checked again.

“I’m sure,” you nodded.

He came in and kissed your temple once more, whispering a soft I love you which you returned.

Mark gathered his things and headed out the door, calling a taxi to come and pick him up. As he sat in the car and an overwhelming feeling came over him, he was about halfway to work when he couldn’t sit with it any longer.

“Can we please turn the car around,” he asked. “Just take me back to where you picked me up,” he told the driver while dialing a number on his phone.

“Hello?” a man’s voice on the other line responded.

“Paul, it’s Mark, I’m not going to be able to come to work today, something came up at home and I have to be with my wife.”

“I’m sure the world won’t burn down without you for one day,” Paul assured him. “Go be with your wife. You both barely took any time off for your honeymoon anyways.”

“Thank you, Paul. Call me if you need anything that I can do from home.”

“I won’t. Like I said, go be with your wife.”

Mark chuckled and they hung up the phone. He’d always had a hard time letting go of work, but sometimes it was a little easier when it came to you, and you both agreed there were a few things in your relationship that not even an urgent case could pull Mark away from. In his opinion, this was one of them.

When he entered the house again, he tossed his keys on the front table and slipped off his shoes while loosening his tie.

Coming back into the room again, he could see you were still curled up in the bed and Mark came carefully placing himself behind you and wrapping an arm around your waist.

“You came back?” you asked.

“This is more important than work,” he said. “Someone else can save the world today.”

You turned around and pressed your face into his chest, holding him so tightly.

“Thank you for coming,” you mumbled. “It hurts a little less when you’re around.”

“I feel the same,” he kissed your hairline. “And regardless of how things turn out, whether you get pregnant, or we adopt, or decide not to have a baby after all, we’ll still have each other.”

You looked up at him with a small smile,

“No regrets?” you asked, but he could tell you were teasing.

“Never,” he leaned down and kissed you and you knew he meant it.

—

A few more years later…

Mark stood outside the front door to his home, looking down at what was in his hands in contemplation. What would be the best way to break the news to you? He could just come in and show you, but perhaps it would be best to tell you slowly, he could manage that, he just had to use his skills as a lawyer and it would be easy as pie, you wouldn’t even know what had hit you.

With one last deep breath, Mark swung the door open and stepped inside.

“Darling, I’m home!” he called.

“Oh good!” you called, “I have something I want to tell you.”

Mark frowned curiously, and thought to himself what could it be that you had to tell him?

He hid his one hand behind his back and climbed up the stairs, meeting you in the living room.

“What was it you wanted to tell me?” you asked when you stepped into the room from the hallway.

“What did you want to tell me?” he asked in return.

“Maybe we should go on three?” you suggested and Mark nodded.

“1…”

“2…”

“3.”

“I bought another dog.” “I’m pregnant.”

Mark’s jaw dropped as he now held the baby dachshund puppy in front of him.

“You’re-You’re what?!” he repeated.

“You bought another dog?!” you looked with surprise at the puppy in front of you.

“I just thought Lucy was getting lonely, and we could use the extra energy in the house, but wait,” he paused, placing the small puppy on a soft spot of the carpet. “You said you’re…”

“Pregnant,” you smiled.

“But I thought-,”

“We couldn’t have kids?” you filled in for him and he nodded. “Turns out impossible sometimes means: very, very, very, very unlikely.”

“We’re going to have a baby,” Mark said softly to himself. “My God, we’re going to have a baby!”

He scooped you up in his arms and pressed a smacking kiss to your lips and you joked,

“Took us long enough.”

To which Mark laughed and said,

“I know right.”

“Now, I think someone on the carpet wants our attention,” you moved over to pick up the small puppy who was wagging its tail excitedly. “What’s your name, little one?”

“Maisie. She’s a rescue,” Mark said, wrapping his arms around you again from behind.

“A baby, and a puppy,” you shook your head. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”

Lucy barked and you both laughed.

“Someone certainly thinks so,” Mark commented before bending down to pick Lucy up so she could meet her new sister.

“It will be a full house, that’s for sure,” you kissed Mark’s cheek, “but something tells me that’s what will make it fun.”

—

Nine months passed like a whirlwind and before you knew it, your beautiful baby Ana was here with minimal complications, leaving you with a very healthy baby.

The first time Mark held her in his arms you knew it was love at first sight, and you didn’t think you’d ever seen him smile that big.

“How am I supposed to go back to work when she’s growing every second,” Mark sighed and whispered as you held the napping baby in your arms, sitting up in your bed.

“You could try it out and see what it’s like,” you suggested. “Or maybe you could do consulting from home for a bit, until she’s a little older. Do you think they would let you do that?”

“They might,” he nodded. “They’ll probably call the police to report a missing person first.”

“Come on Mark, you’re not that bad,” you chuckled. “Okay, maybe you are, but you’ve always made time for what’s important. Trust me, especially if you talk to Paul, he’d be surprised if you didn’t quit.”

“I’ll call tomorrow and speak with the firm to see what they’ll allow,” he said.

“Are you sure you won’t miss working cases too much, and you won’t be too cooped up in the house with us?”

“I’m sure, and like you said, if it works out I can always reevaluate when she’s older.”

He looked back down at his daughter and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Don’t you think she’s just the most beautiful baby you’ve ever laid eyes on,” you sighed, leaning into your husband’s shoulder.

“The most beautiful indeed,” he turned his head and kissed your temple. “Just like her mother.”

“Mark, I’m literally a week postpartum after a geriatric pregnancy, no one looks good after that,” you laughed.

“You have the glow of motherhood,” he insisted. “And your smile still hasn’t changed,” the corner of your mouth with his thumb.

“Sweat and delirium, my love,” you responded. “But either way,” you looked down at Ana once more. “I still can’t believe she’s really here.”

“Neither can I,” Mark spoke softly, leaning down to kiss your shoulder. “Our daughter.”

“Have you thought about what you want her to call you?” you asked.

“I was thinking Papa, but I’m not sure it suits me, but she’s far too young to be training her.”

“Speak for yourself, I’ve already started to teach her how to say mum,” you teased which made Mark chuckle.

Ana started to move and shift in your arms and you could sense she was waking up to be fed.

“Unfortunately, I can’t be much help for this,” Mark said. “But I can go into the kitchen and warm up one of those lasagnes your mother made when she visited so that we can have something to eat.”

“Sounds splendid,” you kissed your husband’s cheek and exchanged quick "I love yous" before moving on with your respective tasks.

No matter how tired you got over the next couple of months, you both would never forget that feeling, the one of gratitude that by some chance of life, you were able to create the little human being in your arms.

—

“Sweetheart, are you sure you’re okay to do today alone?” you asked.

“I’m sure,” Mark insisted, “look at us,” he pointed to the baby carrier fitted with a recently one year old Ana. “I’ve got phone consultations lined up for the day and some simple casework. You should go before you’re late.”

“Goodness, you’re right,” you looked down at your watch. “They really don’t tell you how hard it is to leave.”

Mark quickly kissed you goodbye and you kissed Ana, lingering a little longer, not knowing how you’d last a full day without your little girl.

“Alright, goodbye my loves, I’ll miss you,” you blew them both kisses and Ana giggled which made you smile as you headed down the stairs and quickly ran out the door to get into your taxi.

Back inside Mark slowly began to get into the groove of things.

“Today is Papa and Ana banana’s day,” he smiled and kissed the top of her head, listening to her babble. She’d do that whenever he called her Ana banana and sometimes he’d do it just to hear her little attempt at speech and communication. “Alright, shall we get to work?”

Ana bounced in her carrier, smiling brightly.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Mark grinned.

Having already felt with breakfast, Mark put on an earpiece and began making his necessary phone calls, walking around his home office consulting on matters pertaining to different cases he was consulting on.

After about an hour or so Ana began to get a little fussy and Mark assumed she wanted to move around a bit, so he took her out of her carrier and placed her inside an enclosed play area in his office while he did some paperwork.

He loved any time he would get to spend with Ana, even if it meant working from home.

The rest of the day went by in a flash and by the time you got home both Mark and Ana were taking a nap on the couch. Ana was lying on top of Mark’s chest drooling on his shirt and Mark still had his bluetooth in his ear.

It was a sight to see and you quickly snapped a picture before either of them awoke.

Carefully you took Ana off of Mark and went to place her in her cot and woke up Mark, knowing if he stayed asleep any longer he wouldn’t be able to sleep that night.

“Where’s Ana?” he asked immediately and you chuckled.

“I put her in the cot. Your father-daughter day go as planned?”

“Exactly,” he nodded and you kissed his cheek.

“Come on, I brought home dinner. You can tell me all about it.”

You took Mark by the hand and dragged him to the kitchen, making sure to turn the baby monitor on in case Ana woke up.

You grabbed your takeout and sat on the counter, eating your food, watching Mark and listening to him recount all of the cute things Ana did throughout the day.

Even though more of your meals had become store bought and you were running around in every direction, it was always all worth it when at the end of the day you could sit together and visit, especially with Ana at your side.

—

“I think we should go, don’t you?” you placed the invitation back on the table. “It’s a good excuse to go on vacation again and it’s around the area where we met. It could be romantic.”

Mark looked skeptical.

“I’m not sure it’s the best idea, perhaps we could go another time.”

“Isn’t this your friend getting married?” you asked. “Come on Mark, please? Right Ana darling? Don’t you wanna go too?”

“Yes Papa,” she stood up in her chair and clasped her small hands together. “Please!”

Mark looked over at his wife and daughter and shook his head.

“Alright, I’ll look into the tickets,” he said and you grinned and Ana clapped.

“Your first real vacation Miss Ana, what do you think?” you kissed her cheek.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I’ve never been on vacation.”

Mark chuckled and picked up his now six-year-old daughter,

“Well, your mum and I met on vacation,” Mark told her. “She was very clumsy.”

“And your papa was very-”

“Handsome,” Mark tickled Ana and she squealed. “Now before your mum can correct me, why don’t we go look for flights, Ana banana.”

“Alright, Papa,” Ana agreed.

“Ah ah ah,” you scooped Ana out of Mark’s hands. “After she finishes her dinner.”

Ana quickly jumped out of your arms and went to eat her food as fast as she could so she could join her dad.

“Slow down, sweetheart you’re going to choke,” you chuckled as she pushed her plate away from herself, saying,

“Done!” with her mouth half full of food.

In the end you got what you wanted because three short months later you had landed in Greece and were on your way to the location of the wedding being held for Mark’s friend.

“Mark, isn’t this the dock where we met?” you asked, looking around at the benches as scenery that looked very familiar. “Yes, I think it is, look, there’s that hotel I stayed at.”

“Mum, this is where you and Papa met?” Ana asked and you nodded.

“What a lovely coincidence that is,” you smiled and kissed your daughter's cheek.

Mark just gave you a small smile as you awaited the ferry and after you boarded the crowded boat, you squished into a few seats with Ana sitting half on your leg and half on Mark’s.

“I guess you finally have the chance to take this ferry,” you laughed a little to yourself, but you could help but notice that Mark was awfully quiet. You figured you’d ask him about it later, maybe once you’d settled in your hotel room, but first on your list was to mingle with the rest of the wedding guests and the bride and groom in some of the hotel common areas.

All three of you couldn’t have been more happy to get off that boat and Ana was excited to have a little run around before coming back and holding one of your hands and one of Mark’s.

“Did you and Papa come here, Mum?” Ana asked while swinging both her arms.

“No, we didn’t,” you shook your head. “I guess we were just waiting to come with you.”

“Well you waited a long time.”

That made you both chuckle as you finally finished your walk and arrived at the hotel.

“Should we check in or-?”

“Mark!” you all turned when you heard his name only to see a bright smiling blonde woman coming your way. “Mark, it’s so good to see you, I’m so glad you could make it.”

She gave him a big hug before taking a step back and introducing herself to both you and Ana.

“I’m Bridget,” she said. “It’s so nice to meet you all, you must be Mark’s family.”

“Yes,” you grinned. “And you’re the bride!”

“Guilty,” she laughed. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come or not, but I figured I’d throw the invitation out there.”

“Oh, why wouldn’t he come?” you asked curiously, not noticing Mark’s tense reaction.

“It’s just, after Mark and I broke up I came to Greece, oh what was it, around ten fifteen years ago, and I just hoped it wasn’t a sore subject still, but I can see it isn’t,” she pointed at you and Ana. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

You wanted to respond, but your mouth seemed to stop working. You heard Mark do it for you and quickly excused you all so you could check into the hotel.

You could hear your name being said a few times when finally a gentle hand on your shoulder pulled you out of your trance.

“Ana, can you do Papa a favour and go over there and spend time with aunt Jude?” he asked.

“Okay,” she nodded and chased after her father’s friend’s wife leaving just you and Mark.

You turned to him with a hurt look on your face,

“You came to Greece to chase after her didn’t you,” you said quietly. “That’s why I found you on the dock; that’s why you were waiting for the ferry.”

Mark chewed on his lip and nodded.

“And you didn’t think to tell me she was your ex before letting me convince myself it was a good idea to come here?”

“Darling, you were so excited and I didn’t think it mattered-,”

“Mark, please,” you shook your head. “I just-,” you paused and took a breath. “I need some time.”

You took some of your things and went to the front desk to check into the hotel while Mark went to join Jude who had Ana in her arms. He made friendly conversation until you were done and you collected Ana and went upstairs to your room in silence.

“Ana, how are you feeling, my love?” you asked.

“I’m a little sleepy,” she admitted. “Is it bedtime soon?”

“Mhmm,” you nodded. “We’ll all get ready and tuck in early, how does that sound?”

She yawned, “Good.”

Once you got in the room, you started to help Ana get changed while Mark got out your toiletries and easily took over when it came to teeth brushing. You took the time to get changed and settled, giving Ana a book to flip through while you and Mark both silently got ready for bed and slipped in the bed on either side of Ana.

You slept close to the edge, your back turned away from the centre so Ana naturally decided to curl closer to father.

“Is Mum okay?” Ana asked in a quiet mumble.

“I hope so,” Mark kissed her head. “Why don’t we go to sleep, maybe we’ll all feel a little better in the morning.”

You hoped deep down Mark was right.

—

“Why isn’t Mum coming with us to the beach?” Ana asked while Mark helped her put on some sunscreen.

“She just needs some time to herself,” Mark said simply. “You know how Mum and Papa sometimes like to have alone time.”

“Yeah, but we’re on vacation,” she tilted her head. “Do you think she’ll come later?”

“Maybe Ana banana, I’m not sure. I think Papa might have hurt her feelings by accident,” he admitted.

“Did you say you were sorry?” she asked.

“I did, but sometimes we need to say sorry and give some alone time, too.”

Ana nodded her head thoughtfully, “Okay, then let’s go to the beach so she can have her alone time.”

Mark nodded his head and took his daughter’s hand in one of his and grabbed a bag in the other and they headed out to the beach together.

Ana was adamant on starting off with a sandcastle, but both her and Mark found out quickly it was a little harder than it looked in all the movies, so they quickly abandoned that task to go for a swim. Ana had always enjoyed being in the water and Mark loved seeing how much she was enjoying herself. He just wished you were there to see it with him.

He tried to keep his focus on Ana for the time being, knowing he would hopefully have a moment later to talk to you, but the day passed so quickly and before he knew it you were back in bed resting to prepare for the rehearsal dinner the next day.

The next morning, Mark made a point to speak with you before you went down for breakfast, knowing if he left it he may not catch you until dinner.

“I spoke with Jude,” he started, “she can look after Ana this afternoon so we can talk.”

“Alright,” you nodded. “We can meet on the terrace.”

Mark agreed and before you left, quickly reached for your hand to give it a squeeze.

You chewed on your lip before squeezing it back, he was still your husband and you still loved him regardless of your hurt.

The afternoon couldn’t come fast enough for Mark, he waited anxiously by the terrace after dropping Ana off with Jude, at least she’d have fun playing with her friends.

“Mark,” you waved him down by the stairs. “Come on, let's walk,” you suggested.

He jogged to catch up with you and you walked side by side down the stairs and further along into the streets, busy with traffic and locals, just going about their daily business.

“I figured I should probably tell you the whole story of how I ended up in Greece,” Mark said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

You nodded your head and motioned for him to continue.

“After Bridget and I broke up, for the second time mind you, I thought I had to chase after because in my mind I thought she was the person I was going to spend the rest of my life with,” he said truthfully. “So I wound up on that bench on the dock, mourning my losses as she came to the island and I was stuck on the mainland.”

“You wanted to marry her?” you asked.

“I thought I did,” he clarified, “but then I met you.”

“Mark-,”

“You know me, darling. I’m terrible with emotional declarations, which is probably why I never managed to tell you how quickly I fell in love with you,” he admitted. “I was set to pack my bags and go home, but you convinced me, somehow just in your demeanour to stay, and so I did and spent ten of the most wonderful days of my life by your side. It made me realize the reason I came to Greece wasn’t for Bridget, I came because I had to meet you.”

You looked up at Mark and saw him staring down at his shoes.

“It never occurred to me to mention her because of how clear my future looked with you in it. How clear it still looks.”

“And how does it look?” you asked.

“Well,” he sighed. “Ana grows up and becomes a lawyer of course.”

You chuckled at that.

“And as she grows we retire eventually, move into that rundown cottage in the countryside we always talk about buying. They come up with some way to keep dogs alive forever and we grow old, fixing our cottage with Lucy and Maisie and Ana visits us on weekends, eventually with a husband and our grandchildren. It’s quiet and simple, but it’s us.”

You smiled a little to yourself and leaned your head against his arm which he easily wrapped around you.

“How uncomfortable was that for you?” you asked, knowing your husband wasn’t often fond of talking about his feelings.

“Unbearable,” he said, “but worth it.”

“Good,” you turned his head to face you and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I’d love to grow old with you, Mark Darcy. Although I’m already convinced we have a little bit, the hotel bed is really not doing it for my back.”

“That’s funny, I was going to say the pillows for my neck,” Mark teased and you nudged him a little. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

“I’m sorry I doubted you had a very romantic reason for not telling me,” you joked while circling back towards the hotel. Ana caught both of your eyes and she waved at you, rushing down to meet you at the bottom of the stairs, much to Jude’s worry.

“Mum, is your alone time done?” Ana asked.

“Yes it is, my dear,” you laughed and bent down to kiss her forehead.

“Good, cause you need to come see this trick I learned!” she exclaimed, grabbing both yours and Mark’s hands and pulling you up the stairs.

@/iceman-kazansky

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