A/Note: Hey, all. Well, here's the next chapter. It's a Thanksgiving Chapter mainly, but has a different beginning. Btw, do not laugh at the names that Peter gives Paige and Henry. They are rather lame, especially the one given for Henry. I used my little cousin for help and this was the result. Please do review.

Chapter 14- Patty's Protection

November 22nd, 2006

Two days following the death of Peter's father, the funeral took place. Paige and Henry were able to work alongside Social Services to make sure that Peter would be allowed to live under their care and they were moving closer to getting that as finalized as it could. But those matters didn't matter today, for they were present to bury a young man who died trying to create a better life with vast opportunities for his son. In trying to create that life for Peter, Keith lost his own.

Peter Moore wasn't even acknowledging his future foster parents, who were standing by his side, but just stared at the black casket with gold borders that would've glistened under the sun if it hadn't been for the dark grey clouds concealing it. The rain showered down and the autumn winds would blow it into Peter's face, but he remained immobile and ignored the sprinkles. It didn't bother him. He wasn't going to be alone in this world, but there would eventually come a time where Paige and Henry might not be enough to substitute his mother and father.

What if I lose them too? Peter thought, more tears welling up in his eyes, mixing with the moisture of rain on his face. He wasn't even aware of the real dangers that await his new family in the world... this probably wasn't the knowledge that a soon-to-be one year old needed.

November 25th, 2006

The kitchen at Halliwell manor was busy. It was the same thing every year with the one difference of Paige following Piper's every move with a notepad in her hand, recording her sister's techniques. Piper moved over to the kitchen sink with an orange apron hanging from her neck with a turkey patch on it. Piper turned on the hot water, washed a spoon and turned to Paige, "Are you going to record down my spoon washing method?"

Paige chuckled, "Must you mock me? You should be honored that I came to you to learn how to cook a fabulous feast. I finally have my own house and it'd be nice if I could play hostess next time. At this time next year, I'll have two kids running around."

Piper smiled at her sister as she turned off the water and moved over to the oven. "So when are you guys going to open the envelope telling us if you got a boy or girl?"

"I think after we all sing 'Happy Birthday' for Peter," Paige guessed. "Speaking of... how's that cake coming along?" She shot her sister an innocent smile.

"What is so hard about making a cake, Paige? You pour the batter into a tray, stuff it into the oven and babysit it," Piper explained. "And for your information, the cake is fine. It needs another ten minutes or so and then I'll add the strawberries to the top."

"Great, thank you. My problem with the cake is that I don't think I leave it in long enough and when I do, it burns. So what do you prefer; flat cake or burnt cake?" Paige rhetorically asked, moving her way around the island to see what Piper was doing.

The irritable eldest sister glared at Paige and said, "How about this instead? I will personally write down the notes, step by step, for you. It'll also come with my free services next year with Thanksgiving at your house," Piper offered. "Is it a deal? All you have to do is get out the kitchen."

"Whoa, feisty!" Paige put down the notepad and surrendered. "Apparently your natural attitude added with the blend of a three hundred degree temperature kitchen just makes you extra feisty. I'm going to go and step out of here, but I will hold onto that coupon for next year."

The youngest left the kitchen and was immediately welcomed by the soft breeze in the air. To further allow the enjoyment, she opened two more buttons down the middle of her white blouse. She placed her hands on her waist as she saw Peter tottering after Wyatt and Chris through the foyer.

Wyatt separated from his brother and hid behind a wall. Peter chased after him and Wyatt orbed out of his spot, just in time before Peter could catch him. Peter looked around, puzzled and looked up at Paige. "Has yous seen Wyatt, Paigey?" Peter had selected a name for Paige at his first morning at the Mitchell-Matthews Manor and Paige approved, despite her dislike for the name when her friends in high school would call her that. It didn't fit the image she had set for herself.

Paige shrugged her shoulders and lied, "I have no idea, honey. Go look for Chris if you're having trouble with Wyatt..." she crouched down, "I think Chris likes hiding behind the couch." She winked at him and smiled.

Peter laughed and shouted, "Thanks!" He turned on his heel and ran towards the living room.

Paige looked around and whispered, "Wyatt." Her nephew orbed before her and he made sure Peter wasn't behind him. "Wyatt, don't forget that Peter doesn't know about magic, so try and play fair with him, okay?"

The blond boy nodded and ran down the foyer. His father came down the steps and said, "And you had doubts with being a mother?"

"That wasn't mothering, that was... aunting," she rose back to full height and stuck her hands into the pockets of her brown maternity dress pants. "I'm assuming that Henry left to pick up Phoebe, right?"

Leo nodded, adjusting the collar on his new green polo shirt. He decided to switch up his style now and felt comfortable with his decision. Piper was very ecstatic to deliver the majority of his polos to charity. The mortal answered, "Yeah, Phoebe's car is still in the shop and we're avoiding as much magic as possible for your new son. You know we can't keep the magic in the closet for long."

The newly reformed Witchlighter nodded, "I know, I know. I just want to be careful with this. It wouldn't be very fair for me to educate him on how super cool magic is and not tell him about the demons. My other problem is that he's going to want to orb and move things with his mind after he sees me do it."

The mortal shrugged, "That is tough. You just have to tell him that with your great power comes..."

"Great responsibility?" Paige interrupted. "Please tell me that you weren't about to cop one of Spider-Man's most popular lines."

Leo laughed, "I was actually going to say 'duty' to avoid that, but I'll admit that the line was inspired by the movie. Wyatt has been watching it all week, but my point is that he's going to have to understand that your powers aren't for gaining the advantage in games of tag, but to helping those in need. He's a prime example."

"I didn't use my powers to help him," she replied. "Lame alert, but I just went by my heart. I knew it was the right thing and I have no regrets. I'm happy to see him happy."

Wyatt, Peter, and Chris ran into the foyer and stopped in front of Paige and Leo, breathing hard.

"It looks like they are in need of some tall glasses of refreshments," Leo said. "I'll go and get some apple juice."

"Be careful. Piper's not in the best of moods," Paige warned.

"I think I can escape the wrath of my wife after all of these years," Leo said, walking into the kitchen.

Paige shushed the three boys and said, "Wait for it."

The four waited in silence and heard glass shatter followed with Piper shouting, "Damn it, Leo! Go and hire a bodyguard to watch that damn door for me! The next person that comes in here is going to get it! Understand?!"

Paige regretted advising the boys to listen in and told them, "You guys all know not to say that bad word, right?" The trio nodded in unison. "Why don't you three just head on into the living room and watch some television? We'll bring you your juice there."

The three best friends walked into the living room and left Paige standing alone in the foyer until the door opened. Henry walked in holding two sodas under his arms and grinned at his wife. Behind him was Phoebe in a silk top that matched her blue jeans.

"Happy Thanksgiving!" Phoebe shouted with extended arms. "I haven't seen you in weeks, sis." Paige walked over to her elder sister and embraced her. They released and Phoebe continued, "So where is he? And don't ask me 'Who?' because you know who I'm talking about."

The Witchlighter laughed at her sister's excitement. Phoebe had been supportive of all of Paige's decisions and this was their first time meeting since she took Paige shopping for maternity clothes. "Peter is in the living room watching cartoons or something with the boys. He's a bit tired right now, so let him breathe for a minute."

"Why is he tired?" The foster father asked, walking to the dining room table and setting down the sodas.

"There wasn't a demon attack or anything was there?" Phoebe asked, concerned. "Because you know me, I will beat a demon over the head with Piper's turkey."

The Witchlighter laughed, "I appreciate the everlasting offer, but we have powers to fight the demons... we don't use the power of poultry."

Phoebe quickly frowned before resuming her smile, "You have powers to fight off demons. I'm still working with one power here." She then slapped her own forehead and said, "Ignore me. I'm ecstatic that you have your powers back, but I just miss fighting along my sisters in our Charmed line up. As a substitute though, I will be vanquishing my fiance if he's not here by the time we're all seated."

Paige crossed her arms and asked, "Where is Cupid?"

Phoebe peeked into the living room and only saw the back of Peter's head. She turned back to Paige and said, "Do I really have to answer that? He's running around playing with his ring. Before he comes though, he knows to pick up the gift I got for Peter. It was too big for the car so he's just going to teleport it over." She looked back at Peter, "Is he hydrated yet?"

"Did I happen to miss three flying glasses of juice while you were talking?"

"No," Phoebe answered, knowing where her sister was going with this.

"Then I guess not," Paige replied. "Look, just count to one hundred."

"Paige, I just want to see my new nephew. Is that really such a huge hassle?" Phoebe questioned. Paige didn't say anything and Phoebe said, "How about fifty seconds?"

"Deal," Paige said, accepting the bargain with a laugh. "How are the wedding plans going?"

Phoebe waved a disregarding hand to Paige, "There'll be time to discuss wedding business later." She then looked at Paige, "I can't wait any longer." She rushed into the living room and Paige chased her down to the best of her ability.

The middle sister stood in front of the television and took a good look at Peter. The three boys stared at her, quizzically, but her lips curled upwards and revealed a beaming smile. She put her hands to her mouth and dropped them seconds later, excited, "Aren't you just a handsome little man?"

Peter stared at her, still confused. He kneeled up on the couch and turned back to Paige, "Paigey, who dis?"

Paige walked over and placed a hand on her foster son'sshoulder, "This is your very loving aunt Phoebe. She's going to spoil you as much as she spoils Wyatt and Chris."

The one year old turned back at Phoebe and gladly accepted the smiling woman in front of him as family at the mention of being spoiled. "Hi!" He jumped down from the couch and hugged Phoebe's legs.

Phoebe bent over and hugged him back. She looked up at Paige, "I appreciate the love, but I feel like you sold him to me."

The Witchlighter smiled, "He's being brought into a new family and you can afford to spoil him." She saw Wyatt and Chris trying to watch T.V and Paige said, "Pheebs, your two nephews are trying to watch some Fairly OddParents. Mind getting out of the way?"

Realizing, Phoebe walked out of the way with Peter still holding onto her. She found it adorable and just smiled at him. "He's going to fit right in." Peter finally let go of her and plopped back onto the couch in-between his best friends. Phoebe walked over to her sister and the two headed towards the dining room, "So how's he doing at home? He seems pretty happy."

The two pulled out seats at the table and sat down as Leo walked by with a tray. On the tray were three cartons of juice with three plates of sliced fruit. Leo smiled at Phoebe, greeting her and Phoebe waved back at him before returning to Paige.

"He cried this morning. Naturally, he wanted his parents to be there for his first birthday and I was so close from summoning them from the dead to do it, but how would I explain that to him?" Paige asked. "He's actually woken up in the middle of the night because of nightmares. He was there when all those bullets were going off and knew that his father was dead by the end of it. He's a child so his imagination must be going crazy without him actually witnessing what happened."

"I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to make it that day," Phoebe said. "I just had my phone off so I could concentrate on my column and I will never turn my phone off again."

"Don't feel bad. Really. This wasn't something that was expected. It was something we knew was a possibility, but we always come out of a crisis," Paige reflected. "We shouldn't have assumed that all was good before getting out of the city." She noticed Phoebe still wasn't comfortable with the answer and lightened the mood with, "Besides, if you don't turn your phone off when at the movies, that's eleven dollars down the drain."

Phoebe grinned slightly and said, "I'm just glad that everything went well with social services. It sounds as if it was simple."

She nodded and tapped her index finger against the table, "It sure was. My experience as a social worker and inspection of a nice clean home was all it took. They were also willing to trust us since Henry was charged with the responsibility of taking care of Keith, why not his son as well?" She grinned. "Oh! I can't go without giving credit to the hours of paperwork. That pesky paperwork sure had Henry and I busy. Peter still can't legally take our name for about a year, but we're happy that he's at least living with us." She then pressed her hands against her still growing stomach and said, "And I cannot wait to see if we're getting a boy or girl."

Phoebe clapped with glee, "Me either! I'm so happy that my little sister is going to be a mother."

Paige stopped tapping her finger on the table and quickly pointed at Phoebe, "And what about you? Can we expect a little cupid from you?"

Phoebe shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea. I feel like I should take it slow, but I also feel like I should at least get the nine months rolling on already. I also have to wait and see how Coop feels about children. We've talked about it and he's just at a different place than me right now. He wants to focus on me and him before we add a baby to the mix." She nodded, "In due time though. I'm sure that after all that fighting, I'll get my little girl and if I don't, I am going to sue the cosmos for false advertising."

"Cake is almost done!" Piper shouted from the kitchen. "Can someone come here and start setting the table?"

Henry came down the steps and had finished getting into his dress clothes. The mortal was comfortable in his fitting blue jeans and was wearing a green collar shirt that was open, showing his clean white undershirt. "I guess we better help out with that."

"You got it, mister," Paige replied, getting to her feet. She stopped Henry in his tracks and said, "I got this." She held out her arms before her and voiced her command, "Dinner settings!"

Various clouds of orbs spread across the table. It was a show for the eyes and a demonstration of Paige's control over her power with the way she orchestrated all the silverware, glasses and plates to their designed positions. Upon receiving her power back, Paige learned that it hadn't fully recovered and she had to command what she wanted again, but was content enough to have her power returned to her. The orbs cleared and the various sparkles of white and blue lights ascended into the air and vanished, leaving the table set.

The Witchlighter folded her arms and boasted, "It feels good to be back in power."

(X)

Everyone, including a now present Coop, stood around the table with Peter sitting at the head in front of a strawberry cake with Peter's name in a coconut icing.

Piper counted, "Alright, three... two... one."

Everyone sang, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear Peter... Happy Birthday to you!" They all clapped for the smiling child.

Peter stared at the blue wax candle that was shaped like the number one. The small flame on the flicker was calling out to Peter, waiting to be blown away and the birthday boy closed his eyes.

"Make a wish," Paige instructed. She knew he was aware of the process, but wanted to enjoy the feeling of that new mother instruction.

Peter closed his eyes and thought about his wish. I wish my Mommy and Daddy are okay. He then blew the candle out. The flame dissipated and a stream of smoke danced off of the wicker. Within seconds, it ultimately vanished.

The family clapped once again and even Peter clapped for himself.

Piper looked at her watch and said, "Turkey should be done in another fifteen minutes if you guys want to go open presents now." She turned on her heel and proceeded back into the kitchen.

"I'll cut up the cake," Phoebe said. She moved over to the cake as the men and boys moved into the conservatory.

Paige went to her sister and said, "Be sure to cut up slivers. Piper's going to blow you up if the boys are too full for her turkey." Phoebe laughed and shook her head, knowingly. "Pheebs, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, honey. Anything," Phoebe replied, cutting into the cake with the knife in her possession.

"Do you feel that Mom made a huge mistake with giving me up?" Paige questioned.

Phoebe stopped cutting and eyed her sister, "Paige, where is this coming from?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Paige answered, nodding towards Peter's direction.

"Well, yeah, but Mom had her reasons. It was to guarantee your safety and to ensure that we'd be able to take care of the world. You're doing a great thing for Peter, but you asking this question makes me feel like you did this to feel better about yourself," Phoebe admitted.

"What? No!" Paige replied, offended. "I did it so that Peter would have parents that would promise to be able to help him, no matter what. I honestly did it for him, its just that I've had time to think about my decision and it lead me to thinking about what our mother and my father did for me."

Phoebe put down the knife and wrapped her arm around Paige's shoulders, "Look, I didn't mean to offend you. It just sounded off. How about we just go and watch your son open some presents?" Paige nodded, defeated for the moment, and the two walked into the conservatory.

The sisters walked into the conservatory and saw that Peter had no control. Gift wrapping was scattered amongst the floor and Phoebe's gift of a small tricycle was fresh in its box. Piper and Leo's gift of clothes and a race car were next to the three-wheeled bike and Peter was currently opening Paige and Henry's gift.

Like the other presents, Peter savagely tore apart the colorful paper that concealed his gift. His smile grew as he saw the present he had wanted the most; an electronic portable game. Henry purchased the Gameboy and Paige bought games for him; two were fun and the other was educational. She knew he'd be happy with just playing a game as she had cast a spell to discover what he wanted. She ignored personal gain in order to give this boy happiness and although he was young, this is what he wanted most.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Peter repeated several times, bouncing with glee.

Henry kneeled down and hugged him, "No problem, buddy. Paigey and I will be letting you play it an hour a day." They both knew they had to set some restrictions while he was young to avoid obsessive playing when he's older.

"A Gameboy, Paige?" Phoebe asked. "Are you guy to buy him a cellphone when he's five?"

Paige rolled her eyes, "My maternal and magical instincts told me that he wanted this. With proper monitoring, he'll be fine. Besides, games require concentration so its not all about fun."

Phoebe held up her arms in a surrendering fashion, "Alright, you win." She then lowered her voice, "So you used magic?"

Paige nodded, guilty, "Well, yeah. I haven't known him long enough and I wanted to make his first birthday a good one. Next year, I'll be able to figure it out on my own." She folded her arms and said, "I'll be back, I have to go ask Piper something."

Phoebe glared. "Would it happen to be the question that questioned whether or not Mom was a bad parent because of what she did?"

"I never said she was a bad parent. I just think her decision was a bit... sucky," Paige got out, remaining silent after her last word.

"Sucky?" Phoebe repeated. "Is that the best you got? Of all the words in the dictionary, you select something outside Webster's vocabulary?"

Paige began to walk off and pursed her lips, "It's not the point, Phoebe." Her sister followed as Paige walked towards the kitchen and continued, "I just think that I should confront Mom on this. It's something that I've left on the back-burner for too long and I need to get it out into the open."

They entered the kitchen and Phoebe immediately said, "You told me. It's out in the open. Leave it be."

Paige stopped proceeding further and turned around to face Phoebe, "Why are you so against me doing this? You should be supporting me, not holding me back."

Piper stopped pouring vegetables around the turkey on the island and asked, "What the heck are you two bickering about?"

The psychic witch jumped to answer, "Paige wants to summon Mom to ask her why she gave her up." They saw Piper's jaw dropped and Phoebe continued, "It's not reasonable."

"And not to mention that we aren't going to be calling the dead before we have turkey!" Piper replied. "You guys are lucky that I agreed to the cake before dinner, but now you want to add another seat?"

"I'm not inviting her to eat. I'm summoning her so she can shed a little light on why I didn't grow up with you guys," Paige defended. Her sisters still had no clue about her stumble into Providere Universitas, so they had no idea why this was such an issue for her. "Piper, would you mind if I summoned Mom after dinner?"

Piper breathed, "No, I wouldn't."

"Piper!" Phoebe exclaimed. "Normally, I wouldn't mind for Paige to do this, but not on Thanksgiving and not on her son's birthday. Peter is being pushed in the background and we should just be suffocating him with company, so to speak."

"Phoebe, that makes it sound like you think I adopted him, but am not caring for him," Paige addressed. "That would make this the second time you've questioned my parenting in the last five minutes."

Phoebe rubbed her forehead and said, "Not at all. I'm glad you adopted Peter, you're doing a great thing. I'm just wondering why this can't wait until tomorrow."

"It may be Peter's birthday, but it was Thanksgiving first. A day for family and I just want to know why I didn't spend over twenty of these with you guys," the Witchlighter said. "Sorry for wanting to question our mother on the subject." She sped past Phoebe in a rushed exit and left the two sisters stunned.

"I wonder why she's taking this so strongly," Piper questioned. "I thought this issue was buried six feet under." She resumed adding the vegetables and focused her attention there.

"The logical explanation would be Peter's presence in her life. She became a mother overnight and she's been forced to change some things in her life. She wasn't expecting to have to mother anyone until next year and I'm assuming with whatever free time she's had, has been directed to re-evaluation of herself," Phoebe speculated.

"Hey, Ask Phoebe?" Piper said, catching her sister's confused look. "If you knew all of that, why is it that you just ran our sister out of the kitchen?"

"I wasn't processing this as quickly," Phoebe defended. "I don't even have advice on what my next move should be now though." She walked out the kitchen, thinking.

(X)

The family were already in the process of eating Piper's delicious meal. As opposed to usual, the kids joined the adults at the table with Peter sitting in-between his foster parents. Paige was helping him cut his turkey, while he continued to pick at his broccoli.

"I commend your kid on eating vegetables, Paige," Piper said. "Wyatt and Chris are just not fans."

"It is gwoss," Chris said for himself, staring at the untouched vegetables on his plate. He turned to his mother who was giving him a look at the insult and almost ate it out of intimidation.

"Paige, can you pass the gravy?" Phoebe asked.

"Why? I thought you liked leaving things alone with the way they are," Paige snapped. "If that applies to your sister, I think it should apply to you dry turkey."

Both Phoebe and Piper were offended at this remark, but for different reasons. Henry turned to his wife and said, "Paige, do you really have to do this right now?"

The Witchlighter was ashamed at herself. She had just overreacted and apologized, "I'm sorry. Especially to you, Piper, this is very good turkey."

"I understand, Paige. Let's just try and tone it down a bit," Piper replied, lifting a fork to her mouth with stuffing on it and eating it.

"I just didn't appreciate what we discussed earlier," Paige defended herself.

"That's fine, Paige, but let's just have a nice and happy," he turned to Peter and back at his wife, "dinner. All other affairs can wait." Henry hoped that his words reached out to her.

"Okay, I'm sorry," Paige apologized once more. "So... should we go around the table and say what we're grateful for? There's no point waiting until the end of dinner." The Halliwell tradition was to share what everyone was grateful for on this day before starting dessert, a time where everyone was most relaxed. People were generally too anxious to eat prior to the meal to allow any time to pass around their blessings.

Piper stood up and clasped her hands together, "Good idea. I'll go first. I'm grateful for a normal dinner. No interruptions. No uninvited guests and just all of us together. I'd rather have us arguing with each other than having to run off to fight some people." She smiled and everyone in the room, obviously excluding Peter, understood her code of speaking. "This is something that I always envisioned with a normal life and I'm happy to have survived everything we survived to be able to experience it." The eldest smiled and sat down.

Phoebe stood up next and said, "I, too, am happy that we're able to have this joyous dinner without interruption. We have a couple additions to Thanksgiving this year and I feel as if our family is almost complete, although we're aware that it's still growing. Cheers to us for being victorious and gaining an opportunity to finally be able to live our lives." She sat down and kissed Coop who was right beside her, happy to have someone to be with on this day.

Henry stood up after seeing that no one else was and smiled at Paige, "Well, Thanksgiving has always been a funny time for me. Although I keep connections with my old family, it's always been a time that I would generally spend in my apartment with some takeout. I don't know, I think I'm just glad to be able to spend it with all you guys as you are all my new family. So yeah, many more, I guess." The mortal sat down, slightly blushing and Paige kissed him for taking the initiative to say something.

Paige looked around to see if Coop or Leo wanted to say anything, but they all stared at her. Leo generally had something to say every year, but it looked as if he was going to sit this one out as all had been said. The Witchlighter didn't mind and rose from her seat, "I'm really grateful for the additions to our family. It's nice to have a husband to sit beside and a son to look after and it has helped make us feel a little more complete. We still have one on the way, but I feel blessed that Peter is able to have a safe dinner on his special day. It's unfortunate what happened with Peter's parents, but I'm thankful to have such a wonderful boy in my life now."

The half-witch sat back down and kissed her foster son on the cheek.

Coop cleared his throat and asked Paige and Henry, "So, you guys ready to tell us the sex of the baby? Or better yet, find out for yourselves?" Coop wasn't sure about the sex of the baby, but already had some knowledge of his own.

Paige turned to Henry and asked, "What do you think? You ready?"

He took a quick breath and nodded. "Sure. Your sisters are here, my friends are here and Billie wouldn't want you to hold off because of her."

Paige nodded, agreeing. She was still really concerned about Billie, but knew she'd be able to take care of herself. She just hoped that she was getting closer and closer to success. The Witchlighter reached into her purse pocket and pulled out a tan envelope. "Ready, Daddy?"

The receptive mortal smiled and said, "You're carrying the baby, you open it."

"Really?" Paige smiled and Henry nodded once more. She unsealed the envelope and pulled out the photo, sharing it in sight of Henry. Peter was in between, but had no idea what he was looking at. Paige and Henry were quite confused themselves. The picture was in black and gray and there was no labeling below the image indicating whether it was a male or female. They tried searching for indication on the child being a boy, but couldn't find anything. Instead, they just saw two gray circles that were close to each other.

"So is it a boy or girl?" Henry asked. "I'm hoping it's a girl now or this kid's pen-"

"I think it's a girl," Paige interrupted, casting her husband a look that spoke of why she interrupted. She eyed it closer and said, "I think we'd be able to identify it, but it's safe to say it's a girl."

"Girls," Coop coughed out. Everyone looked at him, confused and he said, "I sensed a total of three heartbeats with Paige and that can only mean..."

"Twins?!" Paige exclaimed. She dropped the envelope and put her hands to her mouth, just as shocked as everyone else. Her and Henry stood up and embraced each other. He picked Paige up and spun her around once and placed her back down. She placed her hands on his cheeks, leaned up and gave him a quick, but passionate kiss.

The family members around the table were clapping and the happy soon-to-be parents of twins broke their kiss and just gazed at each other.

(X)

Paige walked into the attic with her sisters behind her. The Whitelighter sister was still ecstatic about the news of twins, but was also concerned that the expenses were now going to be over the top. By next year, she would have a total of three children under her and Henry's care with a house they were still paying for monthly. If Paige was going to make this work, it was likely she was going to have to quit her teaching position at Magic School and get an actual job. Even after she received her powers back, Paige still hadn't officially resigned from her position as she loved working with the teenagers, but it would have to be soon that she taught her last class.

That was business for another time though. The Witchlighter held out her hand and was about to make a command when Phoebe interrupted her.

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" Phoebe asked, promising herself that this would be the last time.

"Candles... circle!" Paige ignored her question and managed to get her command out. Five candles orbed out of a shut box and gathered around in an equidistant circle. "Phoebe, it's not like Mom is going to say she didn't love me or something. I'm not expecting some tearjerker moment, I just want to get this all out. I've never confronted Mom about this and I've only gotten this story from the mouths of others."

Phoebe was about to speak again and Piper said, "Leave it be. She has every right to do this. We have no experience in this and have no reason to step in her way."

"Look, I'm not trying to hold any grudges, but can I please just have this time alone with Mom? I would really appreciate that," Paige requested.

The middle sister surrendered and just stood by the eldest. The two elder sisters looked at each other and nodded. "Good luck," Piper wished, as her and Phoebe stepped out of the attic and closed the door behind them.

Paige got the silence she wanted and chanted the spell to summon the dead.

Hear these words, Hear my cries,

Spirit from the Other Side,

Come to me, I summon thee,

Cross now the Great Divide.

An immediate swirl of white lights spun around inside the circle of the dead and called upon the spirit of Patty Halliwell. The response obviously reached out to her and a final golden glow washed over the spiraling spheres, forming the spirit of Patty. The Charmed mother looked around the attic and saw her youngest daughter. "Hello, Paige. Happy Thanksgiving," she greeted.

The deceased transparent witch was in a simple dress that matched the tone of fresh ice and her auburn hair was behind her shoulders, as opposed to usual. A teal silk wrap hugged her shoulders and Patty's smile remained on her face as she waited for a response.

"Hi, Mom," Paige replied, maintaining respect.

"How are you?" Patty asked.

"I'm... in need of an answer. Before I go into that, you know about the recent change in my life, don't you?" Paige asked. She knew there were times that the ancestors weren't watching every second and Paige first recognized this when Grams didn't know that Wyatt wasn't a girl until a time for the Wiccaning came.

"I do," Patty answered, remaining in her spiritual circle. "I was watching every step of the way. You're truly courageous to do such a thing. I think my heart would've wanted me to, but in the end, I don't think my courage within would've allowed me to make that actual step."

"That's kinda what I want to talk to you about. We've never actually had this talk about you giving me up. The night I met you, we just hugged before the Elders just pulled you away from me. We never really had an opportunity to speak about your giving me up. After you went back to the heavens, I just spent the night chatting with Piper and Phoebe about you," Paige explained. "In the end, they were just defending you and I bought the pitch that the Spokespeople of Patty Halliwell were selling me."

Patty remained silent, intent on listening before speaking. She knew Paige still had a lot to get out of her system.

"We've just never discussed this ourselves. I've never given myself the opportunity to be mad at you, to yell at you, but yet I've always appreciated you. It's strange, but I appreciate you for giving me up, but after entering that world... not so much," Paige admitted. "I still love the parents that were there for me, but after experiencing life with the sisters that I love more than my parents -both sets- I feel that I was gypped of a better life." The Witchlighter brushed her red hair back and took a deep breath, staring at her mother and searching for her next words.

She placed her hands on her stomach and found herself asking the question she wanted to ask, "How were you able to give up your daughter? Why wouldn't you risk punishment as opposed to tossing me away to protect yourself?" The Witchlighter pushed her hands on her stomach further and said, "I can't even think about giving up my children. How could you separate me from my sisters?"

It was finally her mother's turn to speak. The deceased witch's eyes were watery and she said, "Paige... we weren't thinking as clear as you would've. We just... we made our move out of fear. Sam and I knew that we were pushing it already with being together, but then to have a child? Why, it was unspeakable. We would've died for sure and what upsets me is that you're not seeing the bigger picture."

"What would that be?" Paige questioned. "To protect me?"

Patty nodded, "Of course, but you're not understanding where I'm going with this. Sam and I knew that we were risking death. The punishment that the Elders dole out is unspeakable and in some ways, Sam and I were ready to just keep orbing you away from your family to bring you home. We were willing to go against their wrath."

"So what was it?"

Patty thought twice before answering, but realized that Paige wanted answers and answers she would give her. "We weren't ready to put you under the danger of their wrath." She saw the surprised face on Paige and explained further, "Let's face it, Paige, the Elders would've discovered you and knew they could've gotten away with doing whatever they wanted to you since we hadn't really exposed you to the world. Your sisters didn't even know you existed until it was time to become a Charmed One. They could've hurt you... killed you ... or even destroyed your soul as they thought that this new breed would have tainted spirits that weren't worthy of being recycled. These weren't dangers that I was prepared to put for you!"

The pale Witchlighter was taken back and stunned. This was reasonable.

"It's horrible enough that I had to give up my daughter, but then to be responsible for her death as well? I'm sorry that you had to be separated from your sisters, I would've wanted that life for you as well, but in the end I made a choice that I knew would keep you alive," Patty informed. "The Elders have changed over the years and for the better as of lately, but the Elders from decades ago would've wiped the memory of your foster parents, took you from their lives, and did whatever they felt was right."

Paige felt better, but scared at the same time. The Elders didn't seem like the paragons of Good they're supposed to be back in her mother's time. Elders didn't exactly vanish all at once, so the fear came to Paige knowing that some of them were still up there.

"I'm so sorry, Mom-"

"No," Patty interrupted. "Don't be. You had every reason to question my actions. I was being a mother that wanted to protect her daughter, but I myself, never took the initiative to actually sit you down for this talk. I'll admit that once again, it feared me to have this conversation. I've been anticipating it some more lately after knowing about your journey to the alternate world. You've been on a quest to discover who you are since a young age, I'm sure. With the knowledge that you are from another family, questions naturally follow, and you're still searching for the answers. Confront whoever you have to get them, don't be scared like me and just take charge."

"I will, Mom," Paige replied, tearing in the eyes. She opened her arms, inviting her mother to step through and watched as she did so. A glow washed over Patty and solidified her spirit, allowing her to walk in the world of the living. The two embraced and Paige just rested her head on her shoulder, crying. "I just wanted to have these moments growing up."

Patty gently brushed her hair and replied, "I know, baby. I wanted to be able to hold my daughters just as much as you wanted to hold your mother." They hugged for a little while longer before Patty pushed her back and slid her palm down Paige's cheek. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to meet your son and have a long overdue welcome to your husband."

Paige chuckled and said, "Of course." She walked over to the attic door and opened it. She shouted, "Henry! Can you come up here with Peter?!"

After a few moments of silence, Henry's voice responded from the bottom floor, "Be there in a minute!"

Paige turned back to her mother and reminded, "Now, don't make any mention of your being a ghost. Peter's not exactly a son by blood."

"I'm aware," Patty replied. "That's why I wanted to introduce myself to him now while I'm here since we dead spirits won't be coming down for a Wiccaning."

Paige grew dissapointed, "I had a feeling we wouldn't be able to hold one. It kinda sucks that we can't call the family to welcome him."

"What you're doing for him is fine and the family will be watching over you and him. He's just not magical and can't have the ceremony, but you have what it takes to protect him and you just have to make sure that he grows up to be a good kid... no drugs, no gangs-"

"Considering a gang killed his parents and I'll have to tell him that story when he gets older, I have a huge feeling that he'll be gang-free," Paige explained. "At least you can meet Henry now; hit two mortals with one stone."

Patty chuckled at her daughter's humor and saw the two mortals enter. Peter was in the arms of his foster father and the two guys looked at the two women before them.

Peter didn't know what to make of Patty, but was happy to see his Paigey some more on his birthday. His foster mother gracefully walked towards him and he stretched out for her, hoping that his Henny would release him from his grip. Henry did so and Peter was in Paige's arms, instantly playing with her hair.

"Henry and Peter, there is someone I'd like to introduce you to," Paige started, bouncing Peter on her side. "My mother, Patty."

Henry walked over to Patty and offered his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Halliwell."

"No need to be so formal, dear. You can call me by my name or even 'Mom' if you want," Patty informed, quickly shaking his hand. "I don't mind."

"No disrespect, but I do, Patty. I've gone through a lot of homes where people expected me to call them a certain name against my wishes, so I'd like to just keep it simple for my own sake, if you don't mind," Henry replied.

Patty smiled and embraced her son-in-law. "I don't mind at all." She then lowered her voice and whispered into Henry's ear, "Sam wanted me to tell you that he'll be returning in a respectable time to help you." She then pulled away to avoid the suspicion of whispering and just looked at him.

Henry nodded, understandably. Paige knew of his previous encounter with Sam, but still didn't know about the childhood that scarred him.

Patty turned on her heel and focused on the little boy in Paige's arms. "Why hello, Peter. How are you?"

"Fine," Peter simply responded. "How is you?"

Patty blushed at the boy's manners. "I'm doing very, very well. Thank you." She turned to Paige and said, "He's a very adorable young man." The deceased witch then heard a jingle that was restricted to her hearing and she sorrowfully turned to the rest of the room. "I'm afraid I have to go. They're calling for me."

Peter looked at Paige, puzzled, "I don't hears a phone."

Patty blushed some more and realized her slip. "It's on vibrate, dear."

Paige moved over to Henry and passed him Peter. "You should take him downstairs."

"Isn't she coming?" Peter asked.

"She'll be going down in a moment, honey. Just go and play with the boys, alright?"

Peter nodded and shouted, "Nice to meet yous!" Patty blew a kiss at him and understanding it because his own mother used to do the same thing, Peter reached out for it, clawed the air and grabbed the imaginary kiss.

"Take care, Patty," Henry said, leaving the attic with his son.

Patty gave Paige one last hug before stepping through the Great Divide, losing her solid body. The spirit said, "You're going to be a fantastic mother, Paige. You've taken on the task already unexpectedly and I'm proud of you. You must feel far in this path of discovering yourself, aren't you?"

Paige nodded, "Yeah and my next stop is a career. All these kids aren't going to come cheap, ya know." The two exchanged final smiles. "Thanks for coming to have this well needed talk, Mom."

"Anytime, my dear. If you ever need help with this pregnancy, you call on me, your Grams, or just take the easiest path with orbing on back here to chat with Piper," Patty suggested. "Do what you have to do discover yourself. You're living a life of danger and you don't want to die knowing you're leaving more than your family behind... but the knowledge of who you are as well." Patty glowed and glistened away.

Paige looked up to the ceiling and saw beyond it. "Thanks, Mom."

End of Chapter

I hope you enjoyed the chapters. To all those who review this chapter, I'd like to thank you for doing so because it'll help me reach and even go past the 200th review for this story and you can't know how much that'll make me happy to get to this point already. I'll be sure to thank many of you personally when that time comes.