Shelagh closed the door of Nonnatus House and took her first steps out into the world in something other than her habit in ten years. This morning she rose at dawn participated in her last plainsong and morning prayer as a nun. She changed into her civilian clothes and went into Sister Julienne's office and signed the final papers and even shed a few tears during that process. The vows that used to confine her did not any longer and she already had in mind the first thing she wanted to do.

She walked as fast as she could without breaking out into a run towards the maternity home. It was still early in the morning and she knew that he would be in his office, preparing for the appointments he would have throughout the day. She looked straight ahead, not caring about how many people were probably staring at her sudden change of outfit, although thankfully the streets were not as crowded as they were in the afternoons. She was ready to see him and not be ashamed of how he made her feel when she was around him.

She finally saw the maternity home in sight, but the closer she got to approaching it, the more nervous she got. "What if he doesn't like me anymore" she thought to herself. She stood and stared at the front door of the maternity home and decided that she wasn't going to let this sudden weight of doubt to get to her now, she had only been looking forward to this moment for the last week. She opened the door and walked straight back to his office. The door was closed so she knocked and walked in when she heard him say "enter" in a firm tone.

When he looked up from his papers at her, he had a shocked look on his face and said "Sister Bernadette"

"Well actually, my name Shelagh" she replied

Dr. Turner got up from his desk and walked up right in front of her.

"I'm so sorry for what happened in the linens closet. I have been so worried about you this last week" he told her

"When I went to Sister Julienne's office that day, I told her about everything and when I did that she helped me realize that there is more than one way to lead a godly life and I decided to leave the order right then. I had to wait a week for it to become final and Sister Julienne though it would be best for us not to see each other until today. I came here to see you as soon as I could" she said

Dr. Turner put his hand on her cheek and said "You are beautiful, caring and kind and I am entirely convinced that we are meant to be together"

Their lips met and the fire within her ignited once again. This time the guilt was gone and she was able to fully enjoy the way his kiss felt. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he placed his free hand around her waist with his other hand still resting on her cheek. Their kiss deepened and the pure bliss that came from being in his embrace overwhelmed her. Moments later they broke their kiss to catch their breath.

Once her breathing steadied, she said "I just realized I have kissed you twice and I don't even know your first name"

"It's Patrick" he said in a light tone

She knew that the best way to respond was to say nothing at all, so she stared into the brown eyes that she had fallen in love with. They looked at one another with pure joy and happiness flowing between them. She started laughing and Patrick give her a confused look and asked

"What is so funny?"

"Who knew that my need for a tablecloth and a locked closet would lead to all of this?" she told him.

He laughed and replied "Well I'm sure thankful that it did"

Every tear of pain and second of fear was totally worth the elation that she felt in this moment, knowing that this was only the first of many moments that would feel like this now that they had each other.