Author's notes: Thank you so much to Jane Doe51, LouiseKurylo, Rosepeony and Shadowdweller for their reviews of the last chapter, hope you enjoy this one, at least a two parter.
"Ow woman I was asleep."
"We need to go to the hospital."
Jane sits up quickly at the strain in her voice. She's bending over slightly, leaning on the bed frame. Jane shoves the covers away and is by her side. He starts rubbing her back.
"When did they start?"
"About three hours ago."
"And you're only just waking me."
"They're didn't seem any point while they were slight and far between, but they're stronger now and five minutes apart."
She stands up as the contraction ends and turns to him.
"Thank you."
He cups her face in his hands.
"Are you doing okay?"
"I'm fine."
He brushes her mouth with his thumb and looks intently at her.
"Remember, no trying to be superwoman, if you want help, take it."
She smiles at him.
"I will. Now go get dressed so we can go."
He kisses her and gives her hug then throws some clothes on. Teresa's in the middle of another contraction, so he rubs her back. When it's over he grabs, the already packed suitcase, from the closet and picks up his car keys and they head to the hospital.
Teresa's booked in and settled in her room, examinations are over, and the baby is, indeed, on its way. They've been left alone with instructions to press the call button should they need anything and a nurse will pop in a check on them at regular intervals, and to feel free to go for a walk. After half an hour in bed, Teresa decides she wants to take up the offer of a walk. Patrick digs slippers out of the suitcase and her dressing gown. They chat superficially in between contractions but then lapse in to silence. Teresa gives sideways looks at Patrick and can see that he's deep in thought.
"Shall we go to the cafeteria and have a drink."
Patrick looks at her a little startled and then recovers.
"Sure sounds great, I'm sure their tea will be everything I expect it to be."
"Good, then it won't disappoint."
She takes his arm and he smiles at her.
Patrick places the drinks on the table and sits down opposite her at the table of the almost deserted cafeteria He picks up his cup, blows on it and takes a sip, he nods his head.
"Better than I thought."
"Good."
She studies him as he takes another drink.
"Are you okay?"
He smiles at her.
"I'm the one who should ask that question."
"I know this must bring back some painful memories for you."
The look he gives her is full of love and he shakes his head.
"It was a long time ago Teresa, this is my life now and it's more wonderful than I could ever have hoped."
"You were so pensive back there, I thought you were thinking of Charlotte, because it's all right if you were."
"Of course her shadow is here, how could it not? But not in a painful way, not anymore. Time lessons the ache. No, let me correct that. Love lessons the ache, not being alone, lessons the ache. I know that Angela and Charlotte would be happy for me, knowing I've found love again, and Angela would certainly approve of you. She liked people who bullied me.."
Teresa protests:
"I don't bully you!"
Jane smiles at her.
Teresa smiles back.
"Well maybe a little. How did she keep you in line?"
He shrugs.
"I haven't really worked that one out. She had a gentle way about her that just seemed to work…most of the time, but secretly I think she wished she was more forceful, hence her liking the bullies.
"I'm kind of glad I'm not like her…Ugh"
Patrick moves quickly to Teresa's side and rubs her back, he checks his watch, still five minutes apart. After it's over he crouches beside her still rubbing her lower back.
"No you're not like her, except you're beautiful too, and your love for me, and I'm more grateful for that than words can express. I can't wait to see you holding our child, for us to share the wonderful experience of raising a child together, completing our love."
Teresa reaches out and strokes his jaw-line.
"I saw how much you loved Charlotte and I can't wait to give you the chance to love like that again. Seeing you hold our baby will be overwhelming, it will be a moment I will never forget. I can only imagine what it will mean to you. I don't want you to hold back, let Angela and Charlotte share the moment with us…Ugh"
Patrick checks his watch as he rubs.
"That's three minutes Teresa we better get back."
She finishes panting it out and slowly rises.
"Stronger too."