Tim had another brilliant day. He was working at a GP surgery and was learning more than he expected. This GP practice was unlike the one on Kenilworth Row. It was modern with multiple examination rooms for children and adults with a large wall full of color coded patient files.

Jules was now living in Oxford, so he braved the early February chill and walked to the Jeffers' house. He was a frequent visitor and had been made welcome by the doctor and his wife, who insisted on being called by her given name, Paula. Julie was more comfortable with addressing her informally, but of course Julie didn't know her as Ward Sister like Tim.

"Hello Tim. Come in out of that cold."

"Thank you, Sis…"

"Paula, please. You can be formal with my husband."

Tim walked over to the playpen and peered in at Oliver, who was happily gnawing on a ring. He really was a happy little thing.

"He's something isn't he?" Dr. Jeffers said as he entered the sitting room.

"Yes, sir. He's very content," Tim added.

"That's because he loves Julie's singing. Earlier she treated Oliver to Imagine. I do love John," Paula sighed.

Tim smiled, because Julie always said she loved Paul. She'd probably throw him over in a heartbeat for a chance with either John or Paul. His thought was interrupted by Jules breezing down the stairs. She was beautiful. He often still wondered how he was so lucky, especially when she smiled at him the way she did.

Dr. Jeffers said, "She's also a brilliant cook. You're quite lucky. Sorry dear…"

"No need. I agree. You two should eat. It doesn't seem right that Julie cooks for us and doesn't eat."

Julie looked at Tim to let him decide. He would much rather eat her cooking than some greasy fair at the caff around the corner. He nodded and shrugged out of his coat.

Tim went into the kitchen with Julie. She served up two plates and they sat together. Talking quietly about their day.

Dr. Jeffers came through as they were eating and asked, "Did you see the piece on the effect of wheat germ on irritable bowel symptoms?"

Before Tim could answer, he heard Paula shouting, "David don't be a git. They're eating and you're talking about bloody bowels!"

Tim laughed and said, "I did, but perhaps it would be more suitable to discuss the ethics of fluoridation."

"Perhaps you should come out and let the two of them be," Paula hollered.

Julie giggled and Tim was certain that Julie would also be the type of wife to tell him what's what. He smirked at her as the doctor left the kitchen.

Julie whispered, "I really like them. I love this job. I'll be happy if I never have to take dictation again."

"If I have my way you won't."

"I almost forgot, I talked to your mum today…"

"You talk to her more than I do," Tim complained like a child without a biscuit.

"She called me. She wondered when you would be home again."

Tim sighed. He'd been opting to stay in Oxford on his weekends off if Julie couldn't come home with him.

"I told her we'd come this weekend. I'm not needed here. She said that Teddy's been missing me."

"I'll bet he has. I won't tell him that you've given your heart to a boy called Oliver."

"I've given my heart to you, silly, but Oliver is a close second. I'm going to go see Kate tomorrow she's absolutely miserable. The midwife said any day now."

"Do you feel bad?"

"What?"

"All these babies and you've got to wait…"

"I want your baby. I think two children… a boy and a girl will be perfect."

"You do know you can't chose, but if we could that sounds perfect."

They were washing up when Paula came into the kitchen and said, "Julie, Oliver is in his cot. David wants to go meet some friends at the pub. If you don't mind, I thought I'd go too."

"You should. Go have some fun. I can see after Oliver if he needs anything," Julie replied.

"Then it's settled. Don't feel like you have to wait up for us."

#####

Paula often found ways for them to have time together alone. Julie suspected that she assumed things about her and Tim that weren't true.

Julie knew all about how as doctor and nurse, her employers started with flirting that led to a very cliche rendezvous in the linen cupboard. Julie was never certain exactly what that clandestine meeting involved, but she was certain the couple weren't nearly as concerned with propriety as her and Tim.

Snogging just didn't seem to be enough anymore. She longed to be touched places — not just her breast which Tim was more than willing to explore. The sensation made her want more.

Tim had his own physical response. She wasn't completely naive. She had heard her brothers talk crudely of unmet physical needs. Most every girl in the village knew to stay away from the older Miller boys.

Feeling bold she brushed her fingers lightly along his hard length.

He hissed, "Jules."

"Tim," she replied sounding much like a question.

"We can't."

"Waiting is so frustrating… We don't have to be like Kate. It's nineteen-seventy-six, everyone does it."

"Jules honey, you know me. I might be cheeky, but I always do what's proper. My mum was a nun for God sake. My father has lectured me more times than I can count. Your father is convinced I've already ruined you and that is all I want from you."

"Nobody needs to know."

"I can't take any chances. I can't give you a baby yet," he sighed.

#####

The conversation had calmed them down physically. Tim sat up and Julie followed suit. There was a sudden physical distance and he took her hand.

"I can go to the family planning clinic. It can be our secret," Julie said barely louder than a whisper.

"It's still not right," Tim said. His father was from a very different era and was struggling to accept the changing culture. Even mum was old fashioned the way she dressed. She rarely wore trousers. As his wife and a mother, Julie wouldn't suddenly wear a skirt to the dinner table.

"Tim…" Julie paused and snapped him out of his digression. "We've been going together for three years. Did you know that everyone says the first time is awful? I don't want our wedding night to be awful."

"Everyone! Who have you been talking to?"

"Kate and there were some girls at the office. According to my mother, it's a chore, but I don't believe her. I just don't think it's like Hollywood makes us think…"

"Jules, I'll agree to think about it." He secretly thought her points had merit and was glad she didn't believe her mother.

"Nevermind. You've probably decided I'm a tart and not good enough for you!" She said talking very fast.

Tim pulled her into him to calm her. "You are not a tart and you're too good for me. Jules look at me." He put his hand on her chin and tilted it up. "Love, if I only listened to my body, we would've had this conversation years ago. I need to listen to my head to. If you want to go to family planning, I won't stop you. You can make your own decision. We'll decide together if we make use of it. Alright." She nodded. Tim said, "I think I should be going."

He kissed her at the door and reminded her that he loved her. Shivering in the cold, he thought about their conversation. He would certainly consider her proposal.