Chapter 48
It seemed that since he met Sara, Teddy had been wanting time to pass quickly. He had wanted to rush through his holiday and now he want to rush through the next ten days. Truthfully it could be longer, because he had to complete his evaluations which included the case studies for the entire group.
Monday was the start of their last full week at the surgery. He knew Sara had spent most of her weekend at the library. He kept reassuring her that she would do fine, but realized that he couldn't evaluate her objectively. He had the same issue with Emily and they weren't involved, but he had regarded her highly.
Tuesday after surgery they spent their time together talking. Suddenly the future looked near enough to speak of but Sara's focus was on her work and Ted suddenly felt lonely again. Every night he waited for her to call to say goodnight. The last weekend dragged on as Sara had work to do. He spent it with his children and on Sunday, as always, they gathered at Tim's house. Ted had so many questions he wanted to ask his mother.
He summoned up the courage to ask her to go sit with him in the garden. Julie gave him a look as he was going through the door and he winked at her.
He sat beside Shelagh and said, "I've been thinking about Dad a lot."
"I know dearest, as have I," she said and took his hand.
"I have been thinking about him as the grieving father who fell in love," he said quietly.
"Oh?"
Ted thought about his approach and decided to be direct. "How did he know that he loved you?" Ted blurted.
"Oh, I believe that feelings grew over time," she answered looking melancholy.
"But you loved each other when you left the convent?" He always assumed she knew she had a future with his father before she left.
"Yes, I knew I loved your father and Timothy. I tried to fight it for a long time, but couldn't."
"And Dad?" Ted wondered how his father had felt.
"He loved me. He never told me in words. He couldn't, but he found ways to let me know, " she said.
"How?"
"He wrote me letters when I was in the sanatorium, but before that I grazed my hand and when he examined it, he kissed my hand. That was the only impropriety that ever happened," she said. "Now what's this all about?"
"I think I'm in love, but want to be sure," he said thoughtfully.
"Oh...Do you want to love her?"
"Yes."
"Love is easy, all you need do is open your heart to it. Do you think she loves you?"
"Yes, she does."
"You will find that the more you're loved by another, the more you will love in return. Do I know this lucky girl?"
"Yes."
She smiled and said, "Your father didn't stop loving Tim's mother when he started loving me. Don't be afraid to love because you loved before."
"You make it seem so easy."
"Love is easy, don't doubt it. Do you ever doubt the love that you and I have?" He shook his head and she continued, "I loved you the moment I knew you existed. You just have to choose to love no matter. Things were not always easy for me and your father, especially at the beginning but we always had love to help us through. Love is powerful, but you know that."
"I want to love her...I want to be in love," he said.
"You will. You're both too special not to. Now you need to promise me you'll do it right this time. You will treat her with the respect she deserves and not jump in bed with her until you marry her,"
"I know. She's so different than...well you know. Mum, you can't tell anyone yet."
"I won't, but you need to bring her around next Sunday," Shelagh smiled.
"I love you Mum," Teddy said.
"I know dearest, and I love you."
When they went back in Angela asked, "What are you two up to?"
"Darling, your brother wanted to talk about Dad."
"We can all talk about Dad," Tim said.
"Yes dearest, but only Ted and I have lost our spouses," Shelagh responded.
Ted loved his Mum more in that moment. Did she fib for him? Perhaps not, but she quieted the questions from his brother and sister. If only she could take care of Julie.
Ted went into the kitchen because Patrick was thirsty. Julie stopped what she was doing and gave him a hug and whispered, "I heard you had a night out."
"What? Oh you've been talking to Christine. She isn't subtle," Ted said.
"We just want you to be happy," Julie said.
"I am happy," he reminded her.
"What was that about with Mum? Did you tell her?" Julie asked.
"Tell her what? That you're a busybody? I think she already knows!" Ted grinned, kissed her cheek and turned on his heels and left.
Later that evening he spoke with Sara and said, "Julie and Christine are meddling in our lives."
"I know. We could give them credit. It'll make them happy," Sara suggested.
"No!"
She laughed, he could tell she was more relaxed because she had finished her work. He longed to see her and was tired of months of sneaking around and said, "You should bring it over, I'll read it tonight."
"I can't."
"Just for a little while...No one will even notice," he pleaded.
"We have work in the morning," she reminded him.
"I know."
"I can't, Not yet...I want to," she said.
"I know."
Sara was so relieved to be done. She had two days at the surgery and one last lecture which was meant for turning their work in. It was bittersweet because she would miss working with him, yet they would be free to properly pursue their relationship. Suddenly Ted seemed more impatient than her. She felt a change in him since the night at Christine's and wondered if there was something she couldn't remember about that night.
She knew his deception was greater than hers. He had been lying to his mother and siblings. She hardly saw Billy now he had taken up with Lydia so it did not seem as wrong. Lydia was another story, Sara wasn't certain that she wouldn't take the news well at all. She made it clear many times if anyone could turn Ted's head it wouldn't be Sara. She was keeping a second secret upon Angela's request as well. Lydia didn't know that Sara had been offered a position at the surgery.
At the end of the day on Tuesday they had a little do at the surgery. Everyone was thanking them and wishing them well. Angela and Tim hugged her and Lydia, but Ted hugged neither. She didn't approach him, but Lydia certainly did. He responded by shaking her hand. Sara smiled across the room.
Ted announced, "You're both all turned in so no need to go to the university. Go celebrate together," he said.
Sara felt strange leaving the surgery with Lydia. She wanted to stay and be with Ted one last time. Still, she walked with Lydia to a pub and they waited for Billy to join them.
Lydia said, "I am going to miss seeing him everyday. I think he got hotter as time went on." Sara thought 'if only you knew how hot he was'. Lydia noticed Sara's smile and said, "You liked him too didn't you?"
Sara couldn't lie at this point, but couldn't tell the truth. She answered rather flip, "Of course, he's a good man."
Lydia said, "I'll bet he's good at something alright." Sara just blushed.
