June 30th.

It was an early Saturday morning in New York and Jessica had the day off to spend with her family.
This morning she got up bright and early to make Coltan's favorite. He was turning five years old today, and it was extra special because it's his first birthday legally being Jessica's son.

**

Danny walked into the kitchen in boxers and major bed head. He yawned and rubbed his eye as he asked, "What are you doin up so early? I wanted to cuddle but you weren't there."

"Well I'm glad I wasn't. You look like you need a shower, honey."

"Thanks." Danny says sarcastically.
"What are you doing?"

"Well in case you've forgotten, it's your son's birthday today."

"Ha-ha, very funny. Of course I didn't forget."

"It's his first after adopting him, and as his Mommy, I want to make him feel extra special.
..Especially since his momma died so close to his birthday. Have you noticed how down he's been? He scenes something, Danny."

"I've noticed.. poor thing. I just don't know what to do. Am I supposed to talk about her so he won't forget? I didn't know her that well.. plus I don't want him only remembering the accident."

"I know.. I don't really know what to tell you.." Jessica sighs. "But what I do know is that my baby boy is going to love these chocolate chip pancakes!" Jessica smiles and continues cooking.

Danny smiles softly as he walks over and kisses the top of her head.

"You're a good momma, Lange."

"Thanks.. Smelly."

"Alright, Alright! I'm getting in the shower. No need to bully me."

Jessica laughs as Danny walks away.

**

After taking a quick shower Danny and Jessica woke the kids. They saved Coltan for last so they could surprise him with balloons and party blowers.

Jessica crawled into his bed and softly caressed his warm cheek.

"Baby boy.. it's mommy! Wake up, darling.."

"Mommy?"

"Happy Birthday!" Everyone shouted.

"Thanks guys!" Coltan smiles.

"I'm five, guys!"

"You're such a big boy now, huh?" Jessica smiles.

"Yeah! I'm a whole hand now!" Coltan holds his five fingers up.

"That is so crazy!"

"Mhm!"

"Let's go downstairs and eat some breakfast. I made you chocolate chip pancakes!"

"Yummy! Thanks, mommy!"

"You're welcome, sweet boy." Jessica kisses his cheek.

**

Later that day after taking Coltan to the park, they came back home and the kids played around the house.

"Look at this mess they're making." Danny chuckles.

"I know, but they're having fun so it's okay."

Danny smiled and reached over to hold her hand.
"You're incredible, do you know that?"

Jessica smiles and leans over to kiss his lips. "Thanks, mister."

They were soon interrupted by Danny's cell phone.

"It's his grandmother, I've been waiting for her to call.

Hello, Gina!"

"Hello, Daniel! Is the birthday boy there?"

"He is! How are you?"

"Oh I'm doing okay.. just thinking back to the day he was born.. I can't believe my baby girl is gone.."

"I know.. I'm so sorry, Gina."

"I just wish we could have helped her.. anyway, may I speak to my little buddy Coltan?"

"Of course! Cole, grandma wants to talk to you!" He smiles.

Coltan gasps and runs over.
"Grandma Dottie?!"

"No honey, it's grandma! Grandma Gina!" She says.

"Oh! Hi.." He says shyly.

"Happy Birthday, baby boy!"

"Thank you!"

"How has your day been so far?"

"My mommy made me chocolate chip pancakes and then we all went to the park! AND My brothers and sisters, and mommy and daddy got me lots and lots of presents!"

"Oh how nice!"

"Mhm! And my mommy said I've got MORE surprises!"

"That's.. that's cool, honey.
Coltan?"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever think about your mommy? Your Real mommy?"

"My real mommy?"

Danny looks at Jessica and she instantly feels awkward.

"Yes baby. The one with Jesus. The one that gave birth to you.. the reason you're on this earth."

"Oh.. Yeah.. I do."

"Well good. I don't want you forgetting about her. You know she loves you, right?"

"Mhm." He nods.

"I know she would be the best mommy to you.. because for two years, she was The Best!"

Coltan looks around with tears in his eyes so Danny takes the phone from him.

"Alright buddy, let me see that. You go play, okay?"

"Gina?"

"Daniel. Are you letting him forget his mother?"

"No. It's just.. it makes him upset, so I try not to."

"Daniel, you and your wife went and did that whole adoption thing without asking us, and now you're not even talking about our daughter! No matter what she is his mother. Not your wife."

"Gina, please stop this."

"We haven't seen him in months. You have him over there in New York! You won't be happy until I take legal action."

"What? Gina, what are you talking about? We are here because Jessica is working. He's with his family, it's not like he's with strangers. And please do not disrespect my wife again. She has taken such good care of him and she IS his mother. Coltan wanted to be adopted."

"She will never be his mother."

"Gi-"

Danny sighs. "She hung up."

He then turns and sees Jessica comforting Coltan.

"I don't like talking about that, mommy! There was fire and my other mommy.. she went through the window! Then I don't know what happened.. it went black. Everything went black!" He sobs.

"Honey, don't think about that." Jessica rocks him.

"It's okay.. you're okay, baby."

Coltan buries his face in the crook of Jessica's neck as he mumbles. "I love you.."

"Oh I love you so much more, honey!"

"I don't think so cause I love you a lot, mommy! You're my favorite girl ever."

"Aw baby! That's such a sweet thing to say!" Jessica says with tears in her eyes.

After calming down, Coltan went back to playing with his siblings.

Danny sat there, obviously upset, so Jessica went over and rubbed his shoulders. "I'm sorry, honey."

"No, I'm sorry. You are his mother, babe. Gina she just.. I don't know..
I'm sorry but Trish wasn't a good mother! She took the money I gave my son and used it for alcohol and drugs. She lied to Coltan about how I felt about him, and she put him in danger! Coltan could have died because of her! You are an angel sent from Heaven to Coltan. Don't let Gina make you feel like you aren't."

"I know, baby. She doesn't matter to me. I know Coltan is my son, and I know he loves me.
I'm not saying he should forget about Trisha, but it's still too soon and talking about her makes him upset.. we're not wrong for not bringing her up."

Danny looks at her and holds his arm out for her to cuddle into him.
Jessica held him tight and laid on his chest.

"What scares me is that she said she'd take legal action.. she can't do that, can she?"

"I don't know. I don't think so.. and even if she did, we have nothing to worry about, baby."

Danny sighs as he watches his children laugh and play together. "I hope not.."