Chapter 13

April 1789

"You're a sweet boy aren't you?" Ben whispered as Benny, now two months old smiled at him as he gently tugged on the infant's fingers.

"He's not the only one." Sarah whispered as she and James walked in, Sally following behind them.

"What ever do you mean, Sarah?" Ben chuckled, a slight deviousness to the smile on his lips as he kissed Benny's forehead.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because Benny has such a sweet man who's happy to hold him and love him when we need a moment." Sarah replied, wrapping an arm around Ben's shoulders "You sure you can handle coming with us to Washington's inauguration?" she asked as Elizabeth lifted her grandson into her arms.

Smiling Ben nodded "I assured him I'd be there but also, like you two and Samuel I want to see the fruits of everything we've worked so hard for since Massachusetts first stood up to the British."

"We'll take the cart so you don't have to walk." James assured Ben as he helped him stand "I know you can but… I'd feel better if we did this."

"I understand, James, probably better this way." Ben sighed.

"Don't worry, Benny and I will be here when you get back, hopefully he'll take a nap while you're gone."

"We shouldn't be long Elizabeth, depends on Dr. Franklin." Samuel assured his wife.

At Independence Hall, James, Sarah, Sally, Samuel and Dr. Franklin watched from the cart as the crowd around them cheered, each of them moved despite the fact no one in the crowd had heard the speech.

"I don't believe I've seen a more joyous day!" Sarah exclaimed as James smiled, his arm wrapped around her as they excitedly watched everything going on around them.

"I believe you're right my dear." Ben whispered as he gently squeezed her hand, the fact obvious he was already struggling despite his determination to stay and see everything that was to happen.

"Well, Dr. Franklin, seems we've done it." George smiled as the two men talked after dinner that night.

"We've created a country not ruled by a king but we didn't do it alone and unfortunately we have no way to know for sure it will be a success."

"Unfortunately not but for now, a toast to you, I may have been the head of our army but I couldn't have made the victories I did without the men you sent both generals and soldiers, of course John Paul Jones."

"We all did it, George, you, I, Congress, let us remember them all." Ben chuckled with a smile as they both took a sip of wine.

"And I hate ask this despite the fact I know you will willingly offer any advice you have for me but where are James and Sarah?"

At this Ben smiled, obviously happy for the two and the new life they'd found, even if they were still living in Philadelphia "Samuel and Elizabeth felt they didn't need to impose, as for James and Sarah, I imagine Sarah is rocking little Benny to sleep while James reads Sally a couple chapters from his Bible before they talk about their day and anything else on her mind… I am honored you trust my advice."

"Speaking of Sally and Benny I suppose I'd best get back before Washy and Nelly go off to bed themselves. They're growing up but that's just more reason for me to spend time with them."

"You have no idea how thankful I am for each day more I have with James and his small family." Ben agreed with a sigh.

"Believe me, I do after loosing both Jacky and Pasty." George replied as both men shared sad smiles.