Granny had been on edge for days. She knew the baby would be coming soon, but didn't want to disturb them. If Shelagh was her own daughter or even her real daughter-in-law, she would be right there ready to help. With Shelagh, a midwife herself, and Patrick, a doctor, they had things all arranged.

She had been assured that she would be called after the arrival. So she tried to occupy herself as she waited. She knew she was batty for not leaving the house. If she missed their call they would try again. Still she had no intention of missing this call.

With the ups and downs of the last nine months, she would be glad when the baby's born and all the anxiety is over.

She jumped when her telephone rang only to hear Betty on the other end.

"Oh Betty."

"Don't be too glad to hear from me," she snapped.

"I'm sorry. I am hoping for another phone call."

"What call?"

"Well the baby is due anytime."

"Oh the baby...you been talking about the baby for months."

"Well with the early scare and hospital and bed rest, there has been a lot to think about."

"Will you go visit the baby?"

"Of course as soon as they want me...I'll help if I'm needed."

"Let's me know, perhaps Dave can drive you there again."

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

She was surprised by how accommodating Betty was. Perhaps her sister had finally accepted that Patrick's family was her family.

It was midmorning when her telephone rang. When she heard Patrick's voice she knew the baby had arrived...A boy!...How marvelous!

She was over the moon with excitement. A healthy baby and mother was always a cause for celebration. An Invitation to come on Sunday was wonderful.

She was surprised when Judy was in the car with Dave.

"Well this is a surprise," Granny said as she settled herself and her knitted gifts and a covered dish into the back seat.

"Auntie, I am glad that you are still close to Patrick. I am not sure why my mum never cared for him...I know she used to compare him to Eddie. She did not like that he married Marianne and now she does not like that he married again."

"She'll never be happy," Granny said and Dave laughed.

"Dave, don't insult my mother," she scolded

"I didn't...It was Auntie."

"Never you two mind," Granny interrupted, "Dave dear did I tell you they've moved."

"Have they?" Judy asked..

"Yes, they were bursting out at the seams. Timothy and Angela were sharing a room."

"Poor kid," Dave said, "He's a great kid, but sharing with a little sister...So what's the new address?"

Dave was able to find the house based on the cross street the Granny told him.

"Wow it looks big," Dave said.

"It certainly does," Granny agreed.

"Let's go ring the bell then," Dave said.

Judy spoke up, "Honestly Dave...they've just had a baby and we've not been invited, You wanted to go to bow to your old pub. We'll come back for Auntie and maybe say hello then."

"Splendid idea...I'll see you," Granny said and walk to the door alone.

There was the garden she heard about. It looked like it needed a bit of work, but it would be lovely.

Patrick answered the door, "Hello...welcome...Did Dave run off?"

"Yes, Judy's with him. They weren't sure that Shelagh would be ready for company."

"I'd like her to meet them. What's all this?" he said taking the dish out of her hand.

"They'll come back for me so maybe then…You know what's in the dish she smiled, "..and these are gifts for the baby...now where is he?"

"Granny!" Angela said as she ran to her and hugged her legs.

"Hello love," Granny said as she bent over to hug her proper.

"Baby! Granny...baby."

"Show me."

Angela brought Granny into the sitting room. There was Shelagh on the sofa holding the new arrival. She looked beautiful, glowing much like a statue of the Madonna.

"He's sleeping, but I just could not put him down...Come take him? so you can meet properly."

"What a beautiful baby," Granny said with a smile if pure joy.

"Well we think so."

"That's all me," Patrick said as he came in with the tea tray.

"I'm not so sure," Granny laughed as the baby stretched and started to stir.

"If you decide to put him down, there is tea," Patrick said.

"Tea can wait...Shelagh, you look wonderful."

"I feel wonderful…" Shelagh said as she got us to look at the gifts from Granny, "These are so lovely. You must have been doing nothing but knitting. Thank you."

"Shelagh forgets she just had a baby," Patrick scolded.

"I have spent more time these past months lying around. I just want to get on with it."

"My love, you went to a wedding reception two days after giving birth."

"Yes and you and Sister Julienne made me sit in a chair all night."

Patrick said as bent over and kissed her forehead, "You're in good hand, I'm off on my rounds."

"Where is Timothy?"

"Hiding in his room I suppose. Angela, go get Timothy. Tell him Granny is here."

The children came down together and Timothy said, "Hello Granny. I figured it would be awhile before you missed me."

"Timothy, I always miss you. Your baby brother is irresistible."

"I know."

"I can show you around when you decide to give him back to mum."

Angela meanwhile did not mind Granny holding baby because she was able to sit with her Mummy.

Angela said, "Granny...mermaid!"

"Mermaid love?"

"Mermaid and horsy and music and wee!"

"What?"

Timothy told Granny about the carousel at the wedding reception.

"How marvelous!"

Later Timothy gave Granny a house tour with Angela following them.

"It is quite big," Granny observed.

Returning to Shelagh she said, "Shelagh, the house is amazing."

"It is," Shelagh smiled.

Time went by quickly and Patrick returned. A short while later, Dave and Judy were back to fetch Granny.

Patrick met them at the door and greeted them, "Hello, so nice to see you...do come in."

"Patrick you look well," Judy said.

"I'm not sure about that...I've hardly slept."

"You look happy."

"Oh I am..."

Granny watched the exchanged knowing that they had not seen each other since the funeral. They had both lost their best friend.

"...Come meet Shelagh" Patrick added, entering the sitting room, he said, "Dave and Judy, my wife, Shelagh."

"Hello. Welcome," Shelagh greeted them with a smile, "Of course you know Tim and I believe you also know Angela and..."

Judy gushed, "Oh he is precious."

"Would you like to hold him."

"Yes!"

"Tea?" Patrick asked

Dave spoke up first, "Have you wet the baby's head?"

"No…"

"I think it's time."

"I think I have a bottle some where...Shelagh?"

"Look in the cupboard in the kitchen."

"I've got it...how many am I pouring?" Patrick called from the kitchen.

"One for me," Tim said.

In unison, Patrick and Shelagh both said, "NO!"

"None for me," Granny said.

"or me," Judy added.

"Well just two then. Tea for the ladies then?"

Dave joined Patrick in the kitchen. Granny could not hear their conversation, but heard their laughter. She noticed Timothy was interested in the men in the kitchen.

"They used to be mates," Judy said.

"Yes, Patrick told me when he brought Granny the last time."

The phone rang and Shelagh went to answer it.

"Patrick, you best put that bottle down. Sister Julienne called to say they've had two admissions to the maternity home. You may be needed."

"Well that's it for me then, we should join the others."

"I think I need to pop upstairs to feed this little one," Shelagh said.

When she left, Granny said, "She really does look wonderful Patrick"

Patrick smiled, "She is wonderful...she and our little miracle."

"Well you chose well old chap," Dave said.

Judy added, "She is lovely."

"Don't let on to your Mum that you think that," Dave said

"Mum will just have to get used to it...I think I'd like to visit again."

Granny said, "We best be heading home. Please thank Shelagh for me."

The others stood up and move towards the door. Dave said, "Congratulations, I wouldn't want to be starting over with little ones, but you seem happy, so I'm glad."

Granny had hugs for all and promised to come back soon.

She was tired when she arrived home. What a marvelous day she had!