They slid into their booth at the restaurant, amazed at the atmosphere and authenticity of the place. The Revolutionary War- era stone house had been immaculately restored, and the upstairs dining room resembled a parlor of sorts; they were sitting on a platform with tied-back curtains made to resemble a bedstead. Servers dressed in colonial costumes presented the food in an extremely knowledgeable and professional manner. The soft glow of candlelight provided the perfect setting for the ending of a truly remarkable day.

"So, did they tell you what the twins are?" Jamie asked, secretly hoping for one of each.

"No, it's too early yet," his mother responded, enjoying her delectable French Onion soup. "But in a month or two we should be able to know for sure."
"I hope we get two more boys!" Philip announced. "Two more for the Bombers!" His mouth full, Lee grinned and gave him a thumbs-up.

Dotty chimed in. "And for the Junior Chipmunks, and the Junior Trailblazers, too!"

"As long as they're healthy little Stetsons, it really doesn't matter," Amanda said. Then, reconsidering a little, she added "But what mother doesn't want a girl?" She smiled over at her mother, who was more than enjoying her platter of surf and turf, complete with a Maryland crab cake.

"You're so right," Dottie agreed, giving her daughter's hand a squeeze. "Someone to dress up in pretty clothes and show how to be the perfect wife and mother!" Dotty glanced over at Lee, who seemed to have recovered from the shock and was lost in his King-sized fillet mignon.

Lee swallowed his steak, medium-rare. "No one better than you, Mom!" he answered. Dotty beamed; since this afternoon, Lee had been calling her "Mom" and her heart was full. She knew that Amanda could never EVER have gotten a better husband.

Philip looked up from his chicken steak. "What are you hoping for, Dad?" he asked.

Lee smiled. "No question, Philip. Healthy, happy children, like you and your brother!" His expression grew thoughtful. "They've already decided what they are though, but if I had my druthers, it would be one of each!" Jamie smiled. He was loving Lee more and more every day.

The server brought around more coffee and refilled their water glasses.

"Any thoughts on names?" Dotty asked as she took a bite of salad.

Amanda looked at her. "We just found out several hours ago, Mother," she reminded her. "And we weren't even thinking of names just yet. We don't even know what sex they are." She migrated to her roast duck with apples and cider, savoring every mouthful, thinking how wonderful it would be to name a boy and a girl after Lee's parents. But like he'd said, the die was already cast. Once they knew more, then they'd focus on names.

Jamie, still absorbed in his platter of jumbo shrimp, decided to let everyone know how much he thought of Lee. It was time. "I think if it's a boy and a girl, their names should be Matthew and Jennifer!" He looked over at Lee. "There's no question!"

Lee about burst into tears. He got up from his seat and gave Jamie a huge hug. "Thank you!" he whispered into his ear. "That means more than you will EVER know, son!"

Jamie hugged his stepfather back with resolve. "I love you, Lee!" he whispered back. It was a long time before Lee was ready to sit back down and finish what was going to be a dinner he never forgot.

After dinner, Amanda asked the server if they had "Pilgrim's Peach Puffs" on the dessert menu. Lee smiled his special smile and then kissed her hand. Dotty knew it was another inside joke she'd never get clarified, although the dish did sound vaguely familiar. Hearing that the answer was "no," they decided to forgo dessert there and walked a little bit into town to a place once known at "The Twin Sycamores," an old house known to be haunted that now sold home-made ice cream. Lincoln himself had ridden by the two huge trees on his way to the National Cemetery to dedicate it on November 19, 1863. As they enjoyed their cones, Lee told them some stories about the house and what it must have been like during the Battle of Gettysburg, when Longstreet was there.

It had been an incredible day. Tomorrow they would start exploring the battlefield.