1966

Chapter 24

May 6th

Hyannis Port

It was Patricia's birthday. Everyone gathered at Hyannis Port for dinner. They sat for dinner before it was time for a toast.

Jack stood up, with Jackie's support because of his back. Joe would have gave the toast but he had suffered a stroke. "Well another Kennedy birthday" he joked to which everyone laughed. "How many is there? Nine?". Everyone knew this would be humourous but serious too. "Of course, there isn't just Patty in the Kennedy sisters. There's Eunice, Jeanie, K.." Jack tried to say Kathleen but he couldn't.

He held back his tears, for his family's sake. "Kathleen" he raised his glass. "Then there us Kennedy brothers. None of us are ordinary. We all have our talents and gifts. And Patty with her humour, fashion and looks, are some of the charming most of us have ever seen" Jack smiled. Patty blushed at such praise from her elder brother. 

Jackie smiled. She was proud of Jack once again. He could make such wonderful speeches in private. "So let us raise our glass to one special person. A wife, a daughter but most all, a sister. To Patricia" Jack raised his glass before they drank. Of course Jackie had water because of her pregnancy. 

During the meal, Jack felt Jackie tap his hand. Everyone was already talking so they wouldn't notice. "Jack, I have something I need to tell you" Jack could see it was important so they excused themselves. 

Hyannis Port beach

Both of them found it odd to be standing on the beach in full dinner attire with Jackie in her black and white dress she wore to Jack's 46th birthday and Jack in his suit. But they didn't care. "What is it kid?" Jack asked, his arms around Jackie's waist. She placed her hands on his chest. "Well Jack, I have some news and you need to be the first to know". 

"Yesterday, I called Dr Travell as I had pains in my stomach. Well she did some tests and it was the baby" Jack looked sad. "Oh God, don't tell me if there is something wrong" Jack could once again feel tears building up. Jackie giggled and shook her head. "No there is nothing wrong. It's just..." she paused. 

"Well, you see..." Jackie giggled like a child. "We're having twins".