Angela (The day After)
Neither Patrick or Shelagh slept much, their new little miracle was still adjusting to being in the world. When Timothy came down for breakfast, he looked a bit groggy.
"I don't remember it being like this with Angela," he told Patrick.
"Give him time to settle down...now I'm going to bring this tea upstairs to your mother. I have already arranged a locum for today and…"
"You get the day off!"
Patrick laughed, "You can too when you're a father...I going to get Angela from Mrs. Penny. Eat your breakfast and go catch your bus."
"If I fall asleep in class, I will tell the headmaster it's my brother's fault."
When Patrick returned with Angela, he found Shelagh downstairs tidying the kitchen with the baby nearby in the moses basket.
"You do realize that you gave birth less than twelve hours ago."
"I know Patrick, but I feel wonderful. In fact I feel better standing than sitting."
"You need to rest and no more stairs today...now you are downstairs to stay."
"Yes doctor...Where's Angela?"
Patrick, who was in the doorway, moved to reveal their daughter standing behind him holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Surprise!" She said as she jumped forward and gave her Mummy the flowers.
"Oh darling, they're beautiful...blue carnations and one pink rose….Perfect! Angela, we have a surprise for you," Shelagh added.
Patrick spoke up, "My love, I can't convince you to have a lying in, but you absolutely can't lift her...let me."
Patrick picked Angela up so she could see inside the moses basket that Shelagh had put on the table.
"Baby! Oooh baby."
"That's our baby," Shelagh said.
"Mine."
"Yes, but you must be very gentle."
"He is your brother," Patrick said.
"Timfee," she said looking around.
"Yes, darling Timothy is your brother, but this is your baby brother."
"Baby. Mine."
"Let's have Mummy go sit down."
"Patrick I spent weeks on that sofa. I won't do it again."
"Just rest for now. We'll see what Sister Julienne says when she arrives."
The baby fussed showing signs of hunger.
"Looks like he needs his Mummy," Patrick said as he picked the newborn up, "Can I get you a pillow to sit on?"
"No, Patrick. I am fine."
Shelagh was so glad she was spared the need for stitches. The last thing she wanted was for Patrick to have to administer medical care to her down there. The intimacies that they shared were meant for husband and wife not doctor and patient.
Angela patted the baby's feet as Shelagh nursed him. The sucking quickly worn him out and he was fast asleep at her breast.
Sister Julienne arrived shortly after. If she was surprised to see Shelagh out of bed she gave no indication.
"Everyone is so very busy today. Nonnatus House is buzzing with excitement."
"I really do not want to miss the wedding," Shelagh said.
"You just gave birth, my love," Patrick reminded her.
"I can sit there as well as at home," she said looking at Sister not Patrick.
"Let me see how you are in the morning," Sister replied.
Patrick took Angela upstairs to for allow privacy while Sister did her checks. He knew the baby was healthy as he had assessed his many times himself.
Patrick succeeded in keeping Shelagh still throughout the day. She even slept a bit. She was sitting up holding the baby when Timothy returned from school.
"How was school Timothy?"
"Exhausting...How are you Mum?"
"I am fine. Your father thinks I should be in bed."
Patrick knew not to respond, having the whole family was together his heart soared.
"Did you decide on a name for my brother?"
"Not yet...Angela has settled on 'Baby' and," She responded.
"Or 'Mine'," Patrick added.
As if on cue, Angela patted the baby and said, "Baby. Mine."
Laughing Shelagh said, "I keep trying to think of a name befitting this little miracle."
"Name his after an angel," Tim suggest.
"What like Gabriel?"
"Angel Gabriel is a girl, " Tim argued, "Girls are always the angel in the Nativity Play."
"Actually he is a boy, but no boy would ever want to be an angel so the part is always given to a girl."
Tim offered a few suggestions and then Patrick said, "How about…?"
Shelagh and Tim both smiled.