Title: Another Woman's Child Author: Spangle Rating :G Category: Angst, MSR, Vignette Disclaimer: The characters you imagine within aren't mine...if they were I'd be even happier than I am! Dedications: To my children, whom I can't conceive of life without...Mommy loves you more than life. And to M&S, may God forgive the powers that be for taking your son away from you...whats up with that? Thanks for the beta Sallie, love you. Feedback: Only if you like it (g), spangle1013@msn.com He is so beautiful, so determined this little boy. Already capable of astonishing single-mindedness when he focuses his attention on something... he is a child like none I've ever seen before. I never knew I could love someone this way, could want so much for someone, could know, without hesitation, that I would give my life for his. I know she felt the same way...somehow I feel her pain. What it took for her to give him up... is a love even greater than mine...and I know it is a sacred trust she's given me, as I raise another womans child. He calls me "Mommy." But when he says it, I hear a question in his voice. I know this is in my head...he cannot know the truth...can he? I wonder obsessively whether he remembers her. He can't, I tell myself, but sometimes the far away look in his vivid blue eyes tells me otherwise. I hurt for her; snuggling my precious bundle in my arms, laughing happily as he kisses my face and I bury my nose in his darkening hair. How could she stand to give this up? How could she be that brave? I know she loved him so very much; she told me. I didn't want to read the letter at first. He was MY child now, I didn't want to connect with her, but I owed her...she gave him to me, so I opened the envelope. To William's mommy, I entrust you with my son. It is unfair of me to ask you this, but I pray you will forgive me. Though you are free to do so, please don't change my son's name. William is his father's son, his name is the only legacy I can bestow. When he is old enough, I ask only that you tell him his natural parents loved him. We wanted him so very much. We will think of him every day, carry him in our hearts, our prayers, but for his sake, we cannot be a part of his life. Tell him he carries us with him always...when he looks in the mirror, he'll see us. He'll have my eyes, and the rest he can thank his father for. Thank you, for everything... and one day, when he is ready, tell him : "The truth is out there." I think he already knows this, my precious boy. He knows his destiny waits for him, as she does...till then, I'll love him enough for the both of us, and do my best to raise another woman's child.