Hi guys! This is a sequel for After the fair story. I just could not let it end like that. There are too many ifs, that might have changed the story completely, if Isobel said yes… 😊

Walking around the shooting range booth, I have to smile and take my thoughts to another era, distracting my attention from the doctor, Richard - (as I can call him in private - which pleases me), talking about his university years (who would say that? … not only student years … that it explains a lot of his knowledge…lecturing…though he left that task to me, regarding the training of new nurses during the war … what else will I learn about him? ... how come we haven't talked about it yet? … it does not matter though … there will be enough time for that). Back to the shooting range …

- It's rude to interrupt such an interesting story, Dr. Clarkson, however … - I have to blush over his surprised but still pleasantly smiling face, - already during the war I wanted to ask about the medals of honour decorating your uniform. I do not assume that they were only for the merits of the medic. - the surprise in those sky-blue eyes indisputably grows.

- Not only for that. You're right. - he agrees and we will stop for a moment. - I just don't understand, don´t get me wrong, Mrs. Crawley, how did you get from my lung diseases research to my military career. - Seeing the rolling of my eyes over him, in a good way, he just snorts. Grasping him slightly by the elbow, I turn him towards the shooting range. Did I rest my fingers on his elbow unnecessarily long? Nevermind…

- Well, I haven't seen you shooting yet, not even on the hunt. -

- After the war, after the horrors that perhaps each of us had to do in order to survive; I swore I wouldn't take the gun in my hand anymore. Not if it's not necessary. - he just shrugs and a smile fades on my face. He hasn't talked about Boer War before, and I've just brought this topic to light. At the Fair, where we are supposed to smile. - Thus, I would appreciate, - he moves forward and my heart stops. Sure, he would appreciate it if I started to think before I spoke. He had to wish for that a lot before and during the war, especially, quite often. However, he continues, surprising me even more. - if you won't laugh at me in case, I don't hit the target even once. It will be our little secret. - he's smiling again and looking over his shoulder, he may be a little surprised that I'm still standing still.

- I promise, but I don't think it will be necessary to keep anything secret. - I'm happy again and catch up with him right away. Richard, no longer Dr. Clarkson, at least in my mind, puts a few coins on the counter and immediately gets a rifle with 6 bullets. Then, taking off his grey hat, which he doesn't hand me, but I'm still willing to take it to the safety of my hands - he smiles; and steadies his elbows on the counter in the next moment.

- You really are challenging me, Mrs. Crawley. - he sighs but smiles mischievously. I roll my eyes again, but I smile broadly.

- And you should be used to it already, doctor, after all those years, we know each other. - nodding, he focuses and shoots. I trust him completely, his line of sight, his abilities, his accuracy … and I'm not disappointed. He hits the target once, two, three times, misses once and then ends with two more hits, shooting through a total of 5 wooden-sticks of paper roses, which the surprised owner ties with a red ribbon, finally handing it to me.

- Well, the mystery of one of the honours is revealed, although that man will probably wonder for a long time and ask who was the mysterious shooter who would easily deprive him of his business … - in return I hand him his hat, which he puts on immediately, but it does not cover the redness of his cheeks.

- He doesn't have to worry. I certainly do not intend to return there today. - he laughs and so we continue the walk again.

- Well, maybe next year, you will win the entire round. - I'll speak again a little recklessly. It is not written anywhere that we will come again in a year. - These flowers are nice. - The ground under my feet is becoming very interesting. Suddenly, I am the blushing one. However, the doctor smiles contentedly.

- Maybe. - we will go through a few steps just without words, when he speaks again. - Do you feel like having something sweet as well? -

I had, yes, but only now did I find out that the cotton candy was not the sweetest thing the Thirsk Fair could offer us. His lips ... I can still feel them on my skin. Feeling sleepy again, smiling and, clipping my eyelids, I fall asleep yet again...

-/-

- Well, I'm not sure I have the right. - he started slowly, a little nervously, so I just smiled reassuringly, which gave him a bit of courage. I don't even know why I immediately thought of the hospital at the time but given that we spent most of our time there ... in a good mood, if we discussed in his, that is, our, office.

- If you'd like me to come back to the hospital, I ... - I started, but he just shook his head and looked me straight in the eyes. At that moment, my heart was pounding faster because I felt like he could see into my soul ...

- No, it's not the hospital. I'd be interested to know, - Richard sighed again and thus my curiosity only grew. However, I did not expect this, but given the course of that day ... and those before ... - … if you've ever thought of marrying again. - I hid my nervousness probably well. It could have occurred to me after all! After all, all this time, the last few days, I also felt that something was happening between us, changing ... why I said the greatest stupidity of my life is an incomprehensible mystery to me.

- Are you thinking of getting married, Dr Clarkson? - I was so rude (nervosity certainly played a role here) and yet held a bouquet of paper flowers in my hand, a gift, that made him to violate his principles ... despite his conviction, not to take the gun again. - Because if you are, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din. -

- Why? - I didn't even notice the disappointment. I was so bad-mannered! It was so disgraceful! How he must have felt. My poor Richard ...

- Well, with good friends like you, - good friends? After all, he is my only good friend, although we have unknowingly crossed the line of friendship. Long since. What would I give for one kiss during the war? Did I forget about it? - I enjoy my life as it is, - alone in a big empty house ... that's why I tried to fill every minute of my free time, lonely life, - and I wouldn't want to risk things by changing it. - coward Isobel Crawley! It doesn't look anything like me, but I lost all my courage ... He visibly exhaled when Jimmy, a young footman from the manor, interrupted us.

- Excuse me! Doctor! Doctor, you've got to come now! -

And how it hurt when I stood by his side again, in the zeal of enthusiasm for the nurse's work, and realized that he might no longer want my help, my presence in his life. After that afternoon. How could he? And then? In the hospital? My bouquet of red paper roses remained somewhere under the bridge in Thirsk, and Richard disappeared from the building after a quick intervention, giving brief instructions to the other staff, before I could even notice his absence. A lonely trip home, coming to an empty house ... and it was such a beautiful day. With the suspicion that everything would change for the worse between us and Richard would be a few days, maybe weeks successfully avoiding me, my heart sank. I got so used to his company at an hour like this and didn't even realize how much I could miss this routine. Only then.

- What are you thinking, about my dear Isobel, hm? - he also asks me sleepy and by kissing me on the shoulder, Richard hugs me a little firmer.

- Over my stupidity. - his embrace weakens suddenly; his heart rate rises and so I quickly stop his hands and wrap them around me tightly. - Over how I could have lost you forever yesterday, Richard. You. My best friend, now finally life companion, amazing lover, future husband. Darling, - I turn my head to him and kiss him on the lips.

- And I was scared, that you wanted to run away the moment I woke up and placed that kiss on your shoulder. - I turn to him completely. It´s difficult a bit, but I still don't want for the strength of this embrace to ever decrease.

- I love you, Richard. I do and want to show you again, how much you mean to me, how much I lust for you, for your love, touch, your great body, the union of our bodies. - with another kiss, a caress of his face and a feeling of moisture in my lap, as a reaction to his erected manhood, we return to the passion of the previous night ...

-/-

He must sigh. Just today, when he has a day off, the phone starts ringing in the hallway, which can only mean one thing. Another emergency, an urgent case he would have to hurry to, even though his beloved fiancée lays in his arms.

- It´d better be something serious. - he groans again, kissing the smiling beauty in his arms. Isobel smiles understandingly and strokes his cheek.

- I know who I am going to marry, darling. Not just you, but the work of yours as well and I absolutely love every aspect of your life. Soon our life. -

- And I love being in bed with you, my dear Isobel. - Richard can only sigh though and reaching for his bathrobe, covers the perfect body of which the future Mrs. Clarkson can't get enough. Isobel strokes the empty half of the bed with her left hand and smiles amusedly.

- Eventually, the broken bathsalt flask saved me. - chuckling, suddenly blushing, remembering the moment when she wandered into his crotch with her right hand. - Poor darling- suddenly she starts contemplating anew. What would happen was it not to one of those moments of yesterday´s evening, not to be this painful one for Richard. Would they get to the topic of love, more precisely their love? Going an hour after an hour of the day before, she finds out that she managed to find out so much about him. My Richard. - And now I'll learn even more about him. - the realization of all this knowledge, is suddenly interrupted by the sudden entry of the doctor into the bedroom.

- Honey, I'm afraid we both must go to the hospital. -

- Dear Lord, - she gets out of bed at once, feeling a light blanket slip down her body, revealing the soft skin of her breasts. She blushes at once, but Richard sniffs with satisfaction. - what is going on? - swallowing empty, she tries to cover up. Richard just shrugs, sitting next to her and kissing her on the temples, whispering right in her ear:

- Let's say, that the Crawley family, will welcome the new baby today and you will be a grandma. -

- Mary is in the hospital? - she wonders, a little panicked. Richard nods, and Isobel widens her eyes.

- I'm not having any clothes here! Richard! - she just came in coat wrapped around her thin chemise, fastened by a corset.

- We have time. The labor has just begun. - he knows very well that she did not want to miss the childbirth. - I'll run to the hospital, bring your clothes inconspicuously, and then we'll welcome the little one together, okay? - his reassurance is sealed with a kiss.

- Richard? - Isobel calls as soon as the doctor returns from the bathroom, dressed again. He smiles happily this time. - Clarkson family, will welcome the first grandchild too, darling. I hope, you don´t mind becoming a grandfather, do you? - this startles him. This sudden realization of the upcoming reality. After the wedding he well indeed become a grandfather, by marriage, though ...

- I would not mind, darling, not at all, but this decision is on your son and most importantly on your daughter-in-law. -

- Sweetheart, they don't have choice in this matter. Now, bring me my clothes, so we can welcome our grandchild together. -

-/-

Isobel´s eyes are full of tears that slowly run down her cheeks, and he has never seen her more beautiful, despite them. The irises of those beautiful hazel-brown eyes that enchanted him right from the start, in which love and goodness always burn, shine. He doesn't even understand why she tries to wipe them out and hide them from him, even though he saw her already completely exposed, in all forms of beauty.

- Honey, come on. - Richard wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her on the forehead. - You don't have to be ashamed of your tears. I also had them on my face. After what you told me in the morning, hm.- Isobel slightly giggles and rolls her eyes. And indeed.

He has already brought many children into the world, but this one was exceptional. As Isobel told him when they walked together to the hospital, the little one would surely spend a lot of time with them - she decided on it at the beginning and she will achieve it. Without a doubt. And then it happened. He held his grandchild in the arms and proudly declared that he is a healthy boy, which was confirmed with baby´s powerful crying. And when the lovely little baby began to calm down, still in his arms, when Richard addressed him gently mo ogha beag in a whisper in his native language, he really had hard times to avoid succumbing to the mighty emotions. Then Isobel took her firstborn grandson in her arms and measured his height, weight, and indeed, with tears in her eyes, she handed him to Mary, to whom Richard devoted himself fully again.

- Really?-

- Really.- Now they're both laughing, and so Richard finally wipes the tears from her cheeks, which he immediately kisses. In the next second, they almost jump from each other. The doctor's office door opens wide and someone enters without knocking ...

- Mom? - surprised Matthew opens his mouth wide, seeing his mother in the doctor's arms, but then, for incomprehensible reasons, starts laughing. - No need to keep the secret anymore. -

- Secret? - Isobel repeats, leaving the comfort of her fiancé's arms, who is also blushing.

- I know you well, Mom, and I'm sorry to tell you this, but you two certainly weren't unobtrusive. - He shakes his head and then shakes doctor´s hand. - But I came for another reason. - this newly-formed couple is amazed. Inconspicuous? The secret? There was nothing to hide before yesterday. - Thank you, Dr. Clarkson. You don't even know how much I appreciate you being in there with my wife and bringing my son to this world. -

- My pleasure, Mr. Crawley.-

- Call me Matthew, please. Given the situation, - amusedly looking at both, he smiles again- it´s more than proper. -

- How do you know? - Isobel can't stand it anymore. She wears the engagement ring on her ring finger, but only since yesterday and Matthew didn't have a chance to notice it. He did not take his eyes off his wife and son. She wasn't even sure if he registered her there at all.

- I have my eyes. -

- And I thought no one had noticed the engagement ring yet. - it´s almost a whisper, but even that brings confusion on Matthew's face, his eyes immediately sliding to Isobel's hand.

- I did not. -

- Oh.-

- So it's out. - Richard finally speaks and takes Isobel´s hand in his own again. - Yesterday evening, - fine, it was almost at night, but the details do not need to be known by everyone, to be precise, - I asked your mother for her hand and she generously agreed. -

- Generously? Oh, Dr. Clarkson, I hope you've thought it through. - Matthew provokes them both, earning a punch in the shoulder from his mother. - Really, congratulations to both of you. I am genuinely happy and relieved, I must say, that my mom will be taken care of and not alone anymore. - He was full of remorse after the wedding when he moved to the Manor, with his wife, leaving his beloved Mother in the Crawley House all alone. - However, - he continues right after, - I will have to leave you. I bet Carson is already stepping briskly around the house, waiting for my arrival and the good news. -

- Do you really have to leave so fast? - Isobel asks disapprovingly. - Mary would certainly welcome if you stayed with them. - Richard will also support her protest.

- Well, you can also announce this amazing news over the phone. No need to leave. This in the office is little used.- Matthew really hesitates and his will to get into the car and drive to the Manor just to announce what can be really said through a phone, slowly fades away. Doctor Clarkson, sensing it very well, adds one last persuading triumph.

- Plus, now that we've said it all today, and we really have much to celebrate, I think we should drink to the health of your new-born son, and I can't imagine anything better than a 40 years old whiskey.

- Doctor, you know how to achieve my mother's will. -

- It's Richard, please. - he smiles. That bottle was a gift from his father, that he was given on his wedding day ages ago, and was to be opened to greet his first child. That never happened until today, although this little angel will be his grandson. At the same time, he pulls out three crystal glasses and fills them, handing one to Matthew, the other to Isobel, and finally raises his glass.

- To your son, Matthew. -

- To your grandson. Grandma, grandfather. - Isobel's eyes fill with tears again and after placing a half-empty glass on the table, she hugs her son.

- My darling, we will be the best ones, I promise. -

- We will definitely do our best. - Richard also smiles happily.

- I do know that. - and indeed. He has no doubts. - I haven't drunk anything better, Richard. - he speaks with ease, releasing his mother, who immediately wraps her arms around Richard´s waist. So much joviality, familiarity, and none of them feels strange or inappropriate. - In that case if I can, I'll pass the message on over the phone. -

- Of course. Take as much time as you need. -

-/-

The doorbell does not stop ringing, so Richard has to get up from the chair, leaving the latest medical journal behind, in the corner of his mind, hoping that this time his services will not be needed. With the door being open, he takes a deep breath of relief.

- Matthew, what a pleasant surprise. And hello to you, George as well. - he smiles and steps back, inviting both to enter the house.

- Surprise? - Two-and-a-half-year-old George is already pulling his arms for his grandfather, who is willing to take him over from his stunned father. - Didn't Mom mention George should stay with you today? -

- I guess she forgot to mention it. - tickling George, he looks at the uncertain Matthew again. - In any case, it's a nice surprise and I'll be more than happy if this little gentleman keeps me company. -

- Mom's not even home?! -

- No, but I can still take care of him. -

- No doubt about it. I know he is in good hands. So, can I leave him here, Richard? - Matthew asks uncertainly, hoping Dr. Clarkson would nod willingly. After all, Mary and he wanted to have time for only themselves tonight, and Crawley House is completely empty after a long time, the staff is on vacation. After all, they wanted to work on the baby number 2 without anyone around ...

- What do you say, darling, will you stay here with me and wait with me for grannie Bel? -

- Yes! - little George exclaims with pure joy. - And I brought, Scottie, with me, gran´pa. - and as proof little George will press a teddy bear with a butterfly to his chest. - Scottie is from Scotland. Like you, gran´pa. Do you remember? - the not so little one anymore begins to explain with the same enthusiasm as when he unwrapped this stuffed animal the previous Christmas from wrapping paper in Clarkson's cottage.

- Well in that case, we will take him to the Highlands for another adventure, captain George. -

- Yes, Major Gran´pa. -

- Great, we'll come for him tomorrow morning. - Matthew full of relief and the feel of pure joy at the same time, is preparing to leave. Of course, in the worst case, they could leave George with the other set of grandparents, but he can not imagine that neither Cora nor Robert would have been able to do without a nanny, which she and Mary no longer use. - George, be a good boy -

- I am always good. Right, gran´pa? -

- You are, mo leannan. -

- Gran´pa speaks fairy-tale language again! -

- Well, I'll leave you now and good luck on the expedition to the Highlands! - Matthew leaves with relief.

-/-

Hanging her coat on a hanger in the hallway, Isobel smiles broadly. Finally, at home. She thinks as soon as the pleasant warmth of home begins to warm her. She can't wait for Richard, the moment she snuggles up to him and, together with him, and a kiss on the lips, she will start reading a new issue of the Paediatrics Journal, not to mention the moments behind closed doors of their bedroom. However, she stops immediately. From the living room there is a loud laughter and an enthusiastic shout "buaidh" from the mouth, which can belong to only one person. George! Only now does she remember. Today, after all, he was to come to them and spend the whole night with the Clarksons' grandparents. And I forgot. She rushes to the source of enthusiasm and fun, stopping at the door. There are pillows on the ground, which once again represent the Scottish Highlands and Ben Lui. Richard's blue shawl is wound around them to represent the Tai River. Her husband and grandson are holding Teddy Bears in their hands, that are bravely exploring the mysterious forests, certainly looking for some mythical treasure. George even wears Richard's military cap and both teddies each one of his honour medals.

- George, I guess I can see Eilean Donan castle! - Richard suddenly exclaims, somehow not noticing his fascinated wife, whom tears well up in her eyes when she looks at her loved ones.

- Buaidh! - George calls again in Scottish. And indeed, it is a victory. - Ulaidh! - he continues overjoyed and Richard shines with happiness. George willingly learns the fabulous language of his Homeland.

- Ulaidh - he calls, too, and they together start pulling out various objects from under the pillows. Teaspoons. Richard's other medals. His old, now George's, stethoscope. A few buttons and balls of coloured threads for embroidery.

- Can I join the expedition? - she can't stand it any longer and thus asks, surprising both of her dearest ones.

- Mo ghràidh gaoil! - Richard does not expect this. He is always immersed in the game with George so much that the rest of the world ceases to exist for him. Then it's just him and George and sometimes his beautiful Bel, when they want to involve a noble fairy in the game.

- Grannie Bel! - exclaims George as well, who immediately runs to her. - I missed you. Come! - and he is already pulling her onto the warm carpet so that she can sit next to them and add to the game. Once she settles down, she kisses the cheek first of her lovely grandson and then of her beloved husband.

- Do you know, Richard, that you are the greatest love of my life, don´t you? - Isobel whispers to him, pressing a quick kiss on his lips. George is playing with his treasure again.

- And you are mine. Love of my life. - he murmurs and then, with bright smile, joins his grandson, followed by Isobel, that glows with happiness. - You two mean the world to me, Bel.- doctor Clarkson whispers discreetly before leaving the world of reality behind the threshold of their house again ...