Once inside her bedroom, Shelagh let out a deep breath and groaned. The sisters were at her side in seconds, looking extremely concerned.
"Its fine. I just...ooooh...couldn't let it out while Patrick was driving, he looked so nervous I didn't want to add to it." Shelagh said with a laugh.
"Well, then. Now's the time to let it out. We'll get you changed and see how far along you are, then we'll let the good doctor back in."
Shelagh nodded to Sister Evangelina, breathing through another contraction. Pointing to the wardrobe across from the bed, she opened her eyes as her breathing returned to normal. "Nightdresses are in the third drawer, there should be an older one in there. No use dressing up for baby, is there?" She laughed briefly before another contraction hit her.
"Alright, Shelagh. Let's get you checked and see how you're doing." Sister Julienne helped her out of her dress and into her nightdress, settling her on the bed under a sheet.
"Heartbeat is nice and steady." She paused. "My word, Shelagh! How long have you been having pains?" Sister Evangelina asked as she examined her.
"I don't know, only a few hours. Why? What's wrong?" Shelagh asked, panic starting to rise in her voice.
"You're nearly fully dilated! And frighteningly calm, to be honest."
At that moment there was a knock at the door. "May I come in? I've brought tea for everyone."
"Please let him in, Sister? I need to see him before things start moving." Shelagh asked, sitting up in bed.
Sister Julienne opened the door and took the tea tray from him, putting it down on the vanity. "Come in, Patrick."
Without hesitating, Patrick walked over to the opposite side of the bed and grasped Shelagh's hand in his. "Hello, darling. I dare say this isn't how I thought we'd be spending our anniversary." He kissed her hand with a chuckle.
Shelagh laughed at him just as another contraction began. "Well, at least now I don't feel as bad about not getting you a present." She gripped his hand tighter as she gasped out.
"And that'll be the waters. Not long now, I should think." Sister Evangelina said as she spread out a towel on the bed.
"Please don't send him out, Sister. Please?" Shelagh was practically begging.
"It's alright, my love. Sister Evangelina and I have an understanding." Patrick winked at his wife.
"Indeed we do. Whoever thought we'd be back in this position, eh, Doctor Turner?" Sister Evangelina smiled at him as Shelagh looked between them both quizzically. "I deliver all Turner babies, and Doctor Turner is allowed to remain as a bystander. And don't you go telling the other nurses, Shelagh. Let's keep this little secret between us, shall we? I have a reputation to uphold."
Shelagh nodded happily until another contraction hit her unexpected.
"Right then, I think it's time for some pushing. Ready to meet baby, Mummy?"