That Boy is Mine

The Celebration

7 years later

"Peggy, you have a letter from your sister." James told me.

John's siblings were visiting my family. I sat with Martha and Mary in the parlor. John and Martha's husband were talking about politics in the study.

John's father passed away earlier in the year, so Martha had to teach Mary to be lady by herself. Martha was thirty-three and Mary was twenty-two. Henry was living with his fiancé, and James was living with a friend. The whole family came to my home to have an early birthday celebration for Philip.

James walked over us, and handed me the letter. He smiled, and sat down next to Mary.

"Thank you James. Where are the children?" I asked.

"The children are outside with Henry." James replied.

"Could you bring them inside please?" I asked.

James sighed, and stood up. He walked out of the room.

"What does your sister have to say?" Mary asked me.

I read the letter and smiled. Eliza's letters always made me smile.

"Eliza says that Angelica arrived home a few days before sending out the letter. The two of them are decorating Eliza's whole home for the celebration. Little Angelica and Alexander are excited to see their cousins. The Burrs and the Reynolds will both be coming to the celebration." I informed my sisters in law.

"What are you going to tell Philip?" Martha asked.

Before I could answer, my three children ran into the room, followed by James and Henry.

"Mama, when are we going to have cake?" Catherine asked me. She ran to the table, and spun around. My daughter had John's eyes and freckles, but beside that, she looked like a miniature version of me. She wore a pale purple dress.

"We will have cake, as soon as your father and uncle come into the room." I replied.

The twins ran out of the room, calling for John to come inside. I smiled at the sight of my children.

"Philip, come here." I told my child.

The boy walked over, and stood in front of me. His dark and curly hair was long enough to tie back. He surprisingly looked very similar to John. The only way someone was to tell that John was not his real father, was if they were to look into his eyes: Alexander's eyes.

I was reminded of this every time I looked into his eyes. It pained me to know that I would never be his real mother, no matter how much I loved him. I knew it hurt John the same way it hurt me.

"Yes Mama?" My son asked me.

"We are going to leave for New York tomorrow." I replied.

A wide smile formed on his freckled face. I could see the glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"I know how much you miss Aunt Eliza, and Uncle Nigel, and your cousins. Father and I decided to make the trip part of your birthday gift." I told Philip, with a smile.

"Can we visit Mrs. Burr and Thea while we are there?" Philip asked.

"Of course sweetie, it is your birthday." I told him. I chuckled quietly.