It was Teddy's cries that eventually roused Shelagh from her slumber but before she had even had chance to move the cries had subsided and Trixie's hushed tones echoed throughout the house. She looked up to find Trixie cradling Teddy and within moments laughter filled the room as she smattered kisses across his forehead.
"You're a natural Trixie," Shelagh said as she continued to watch the pair. The sound of Shelagh's voice caught Teddy's attention and he immediately became disinterested in Trixie and reached for his mother, finally content when he was nestled in her arms.
"I'm not too sure about that, but at least I have six months to get some practice in," Trixie laughed, busying herself with clearing the abandoned cups of tea.
"Well you're more than welcome to come and babysit any time you want, I love my children but a night of peace with my husband every now and then wouldn't go a miss." Trixie feigned shock at Shelagh's words, immediately causing her to blush. "That's not what I meant and you know it Trixie."
"I am a married woman, I know exactly what a night of peace with your husband means."
"Well I'm not saying that wouldn't be nice too, but on the subject of you being a married woman you should get home and make a mends with your husband," Shelagh started, watching as Trixie's face fell, she couldn't avoid it for much longer.
"I've got work" she responded meekly.
"You're not scheduled to be on shift for until nine," Trixie opened her mouth to question how Shelagh knew her shift patterns but Shelagh pre-empted the question, "I've been keeping up with your shifts to make sure you're not over working yourself. And on that subject I'll be talking to Sister Julienne soon to ensure you're not put on any more night shifts, you need your rest. But, you've got at least six hours until you need to be at Nonnatus. Go home."
"You're not going to make me regret choosing you as my midwife are you?" Trixie giggled
"Midwife?" Shelagh questioned, her eyebrow arching.
"I need someone I trust by my side," Trixie replied, a hint of nervousness seeping into her tone. Shelagh simply took Trixie's hand in her own and lifted her chin so that she could look her in the eye.
"I would be honoured to be your midwife Trixie." Neither could help the tears that formed then. Trixie pulled Shelagh into a tight embrace before whispering endless words of thanks. She started the day scared and feeling alone within a sea of people. Now she was filled with a quiet confidence that her pregnancy would be okay, that she and Christopher would be the perfect team to bring a child up into an ever-changing world, and safe in the knowledge that the greatest midwife, and her oldest friend would be by her side every step of the way.