Once back in Poplar, Shelagh had gotten settled in as a resident of Nonnatus House and began her work as a district nurse and a midwife in training. While she had enjoyed her time with her patients at the psychiatric hospital, nothing compared to this. This was her true professional calling in life. As far as her calling in her personal life, she had prayed so long and hard and even confided in Sister Julienne, who she had become increasingly close with. While she had always felt so strongly about joining the order and leading a life committed solely to God, she now had those strong feelings toward a man. Her faith still stood just as strong, if not stronger, but her heart had gone to someone else. She was so grateful that Patrick knew all of this and was understanding about the whole situation. They continued courting each other, but he never pressured her with questions about her decision or which direction she wanted to go. They both just enjoyed the time they had together and didn't worry with the things that didn't matter in that moment.
December 1945
Patrick had been working under the supervision of another general practitioner per the conditions of his release from Northfield; however, he was very anxious to get back to life without a supervising doctor and be in charge of his own practice.
One evening just before dark, Shelagh heard a knock at the front door of Nonnatus House. She was pleased, but surprised to see Patrick standing there. Before she could say a word, he picked her up off the ground and kissed her as he swung her around. While she was quite excited at the hugely romantic and uncharacteristically grand gesture, she was quite confused. "I'M FULLY RELEASED! NO MORE SUPERVISION! I GET CHARGE OF MY OWN PRACTICE AT THE FIRST OF THE YEAR!" Patrick joyously shouted.
"Oh, how marvellous, Patrick!" Shelagh reciprocated his excitement, but not quite his volume. "Come in, let's have a celebratory drink."
"Let me take you out for a celebratory drink?" Patrick requested.
"Sure, let me grab my coat. It is actually my night off. Lucky us!" Shelagh ran up the stairs to grab her coat and give herself a quick look in the mirror before darting back down the stairs. As she taking two steps at a time beaming with excitement, it hit her, she could not live without this man by her side and it was time to let him know that she had made a decision. She just needed a romantic way to do it.
It was Christmas Day, and it so happened that Shelagh was on call, but she wasn't too concerned considering the only family she had within 500 miles was right there in Nonnatus House. Patrick had popped in for a bit so they could have a small Christmas dinner with the Sisters and exchange holiday greetings. Shelagh took advantage of the quiet moment that had presented itself as everyone settled down from the holiday excitement and pull Patrick off to the side. She handed him a small box tied with ribbon. When he opened it, it was just a note that read "I choose you." At first, he seemed puzzled, but then it seemed to hit him all at once. He scooped her up and let out a laugh of excitement.
"I am so glad you made your choice, and I hope I didn't make you feel pressured- "
Shelagh interrupted, "You were always supportive and never made me feel like you had any expectation. You have been so kind and patient. I'm so thankful."
"That means I can finally give you this. I've been holding onto it with high hopes for a few weeks now," Patrick said as he pulled a ring box from his pocket.
Shelagh gasped! She couldn't believe it as she watched him sink to the floor on one knee and ask her to be his for the rest of their lives. She hadn't noticed the nuns had snuck around the corner until she heard Sister Monica Joan whisper, "I hope she says yes. He's a good one."
Shelagh let out a giggle and quickly said yes.
Things had happened so quickly, but Shelagh knew from the very beginning that it was love at first sight.
