The warm sunshine made it easy to forget that it was still only February. Wedding plans were well underway, as Timothy had progressed so far in his treatment that he would be discharged at the end of the month. A few days home to get used to the world outside again, and then they would be a family in fact as well as perception.

The reconciliation with Nonnatus House had a curious effect on the wedding preparations. Delighted to learn that the Turner wedding would be a grander affair, the nurses and nuns of the community decided that their services were vital to the proper planning of the event. Shelagh found that rather than being overwhelmed by preparations, she in fact was able to continue her with her visits to Timothy, and still have time for Patrick. Every task from Shelagh's dress to the church music and the party afterwards had been assigned to an eager assistant.

The dress became the most talked about topic of the women, with even Sister Evangelina joining in the debate. "I say: jump in with both feet. White lace, veil, the whole nine yards. If you're going to do something, pull out all the stops! No sense in trying to downplay it, anyway. This will be the most talked about wedding in Poplar since the Queen's. Might as well have a good time while we're at it!"

Shelagh bloomed under all this attention. Her confidence grew as she found her place in this in-between life. By mutual decision, her time at the hospital was cut back. She let Jenny and Cynthia take her shopping for some new clothes, joined Trixie at the beauty salon (although one afternoon spent with the smell of peroxide was enough to convince Shelagh that her own dark blonde locks were just fine, thank you very much) and became a frequent visitor for tea at the Noakes'.

The new Shelagh delighted both Patrick and Timothy. Her happy mood was contagious, and the Turner men couldn't help but respond to it. Patrick had more patience for his long days now that he and Shelagh had worked out a way to see more of each other. Timothy benefitted most of all. His muscles grew stronger and he became more skilled with his leg braces. Even school lessons were exciting as the return date approached.

As Timothy's recovery progressed, he was slowly allowed more visitors. The first granted privileges was his grandmother. Shelagh had met Mrs. Parker shortly before the original wedding date, but unfortunately, the meeting had been an uncomfortable one. Shelagh was eager to appear respectful of Patrick's first wife. Anne Parker was eager to appear understanding of the change in her son-in-law's life. Patrick was eager to protect the feelings of both women. With all that eagerness, the afternoon could not end quickly enough for anyone.

For her part, Mrs. Parker was surprised by Patrick's choice of new wife. Shelagh was quite different from her Margaret, in both look and manner. This timid, quiet woman had been a nun, after all. What could she know of the affection and joy a wife and mother should bring to a home?

As it turned out, Patrick could not be there during Mrs. Parker's hospital visits. The first time Timothy' s grandmother walked on to the ward, Shelagh felt her heart plummet. They had just finished a difficult lesson on geometry, and Timothy was fractious. Anxious to please, Shelagh found herself falling into old patterns and retired to the background, and Anne Parker's first impression did not change.

Timothy felt the strain between the two women. He wasn't sure why, but his grandmother did not seem to take to Shelagh, at all. He tried to put himself in the older woman's shoes, but aside from the obvious, could not think of any reason for her prejudice against Shelagh. He did not understand that the obvious is sometimes reason enough.

By mid-February, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Shelagh was out with for what he hoped was the last dress fitting ("Women!" he lamented), and he was alone with his grandmother.

"You don't like Shelagh, do you, Granny?" he asked.

"I don't know what you mean, Timothy. I hardly know her. How could I possibly have formed an opinion of her, one way or the other? Besides, it doesn't do to for one to ask such awkward questions."

Timothy would not be put off. "Shelagh's wonderful, Granny. She's kind and pretty, and she has ever so much patience with me during my lessons."

"She's lovely dear, and I'm sure she'll make your father very happy." This conversation must end, she thought.

"She does, Granny. Really, she does. I haven't seen Dad so happy, not for a really, really long time. She makes us both happy." He reached for his grandmother's hand. "It doesn't mean we don't still miss Mummy, you know. And Shelagh knows that. She talks to me about her all the time."

"Shelagh talks to you about your mother?" She wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"Yes. When we were getting ready for Christmas, Shelagh helped me find Mum's Christmas decorations, so we could dress up the house like the old days. And when I was really sick, she helped me remember things about Mummy that I'd forgotten."

"Why did she do that?"

"Shelagh's mum died when she was little, too. She told me she never had anyone to talk about her with, and it made her miss her mum even more. Shelagh says that it's important to keep your mum in your heart, and to remember her, because it's like making a 'love quilt,' she calls it." Timothy blushed. He was a bit embarrassed to say that part. "When you feel lonely, you can take it out and wrap yourself up in it." He paused for a moment. "I use it here, at night, especially. It makes me feel better."

Anne Parker fought back tears. She didn't cry, or hadn't for a long time. "I'm glad Shelagh has been such a help to you, Timothy. Don't you worry about me. I'm just a cross old lady."

"Not old, Granny. Shelagh says a lady is never old."

Several days later, Shelagh received a letter,

My dear Shelagh,

I am sure you, with your loving heart, must know that the loss of my daughter has been the tragedy of my life. Margaret was a vibrant and loving woman, and the greatest achievement of my life was raising her. Her death was a terrible blow, and I will never fill the void that has been left.

Patrick has been lucky enough to find love again. For that alone I was prepared to accept you. But you have brought him back to life, and helped my daughter's son discover the depth of his own mother's love for him. My Margaret, if she could have planned their lives after her passing, would have chosen exactly this. I will always be grateful to you.

Though I was prepared to accept you, I never expected to love you for your own sake. You are a blessed woman. You bring devotion, tenderness and warmth wherever you go. I thank you for loving my family.

Thankfully yours,

Anne Parker