The wedding was over, and Shelagh and Patrick were now husband and wife. It had all happened so suddenly but despite their very brief interactions with each other, both of them had never been more certain that they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. Something told them both that it was going to work. It had to.

Being a nun, Shelagh had never experienced anything with a man, not even the most innocent thing possible, and so marriage was going to be an eye-opener for her in so many ways. Her husband would have to help her through and be patient with her, but despite not having any sexual experience, Shelagh wasn't nervous. There was something about Patrick which told her he would look after her, even if at any point she did become scared.

Patrick on the other hand was terrified. He knew he was supposed to be the experienced, confident person in the relationship but he was so scared of hurting his new, treasured, fragile wife, physically or emotionally. He knew he had to try and hide his feelings, but it wasn't going to be easy.

Their wedding night came around quickly; neither of them could barely even remember the ceremony or the reception afterwards, despite having such a good time with all the people closest to them. The whole day was a blur but all both of them knew was that it had been incredibly special.

After taking Timothy to stay with his Aunt, Patrick had returned back to the reception to collect his new wife and take her home. Both of them had changed into easier clothes as the train on Shelagh's white dress wasn't exactly practical for a party. She was now elegantly dressed in a lavender skirt suit, while Patrick wore a white shirt and black trousers. Reaching for her hand he looked into her eyes with trust, which relaxed her into a smile back at him. After exchanging goodbyes with everyone, it was time to leave.

The journey home seemed longer than usual and neither of them spoke, but that was only because nerves were now getting the better of both of them. Shelagh wasn't scared at all, but she had those niggling butterflies in her stomach that just wouldn't go away.

Pulling up outside their new home, Patrick got out of the car first and then helped out his wife. As they approached the front door he unlocked it with his key before turning to his wife and smiling. "I believe this is the moment I carry you over the threshold." Shelagh couldn't help but laugh softly and as he held out his hand to her, she took it, taking a step towards him. Within moments he had gathered her up into his arms, feeling like she weighed no more than a lonely feather. His arms seemed to mould so perfectly around her petite frame, making her feel safe and loved. Both of them smiling, he carried her through the door and up the stairs to their shared bedroom. Obviously, until now, the bedroom had been unused and unshared, but tonight, that was going to change.

Patrick set his wife down onto the floor and shut the bedroom door behind them, lighting up a cigarette to calm his nerves. Shelagh smiled as she watched him, folding her hands behind her back and commenting, "That was incredibly romantic." A smile crept across both of their lips as he replied, "I'm glad." He offered her a puff of his cigarette, which she accepted, steadying her nerves also. Once his cigarette had been put out, he turned on his record player and chose a Jim Reeves album. Shelagh smiled as the first tune belted out. "My favourite," she said softly, while Patrick came over and stood inches away from her.

He faced towards her and cupped both of her cheeks in his hands, looking deep into her eyes. "I want you to know that whatever happens tonight, I will always love you..." he whispered to her. She smiled up at him, her eyes closing for the moment as she tried to take in the intensity of the situation. "I already know..." she whispered back, her lips almost hesitating to add, "...I love you, too." The smile exchanged between them before their first passionate kiss was one of trust and love, and both of them knew that tonight was going to be something magical... whatever happened.