Patrick came home in a rather foul mood. Shelagh wondered what could have gone wrong. It wasn't as if he was out to a call after all he'd been shopping with Angela. Before he left he had assured her that he could manage just fine.

"You know it was questionable as to what Tim was fed before we married, but I always managed to dress him in proper fitting clothing," Patrick said.

"Oh, I always thought Granny Parker had a hand in that," Shelagh admitted.

"No, unlike what our teenage son would have you believe, I am not completely useless. You've compiled a detailed list and Angela and I might just do some Christmas shopping for a certain very special mummy," he smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you dear and have fun darling,"she said as they button their coats and added hats and scarves.

"I promised her a treat if she behaved," he winked.

Shelagh smiled as her husband and only daughter set out for Oxford Street. She would stay home with her newborn son and perhaps manage a little rest.

They returned with packages and Angela was as happy as could be chatting up a storm. Whatever Patrick was upset about it didn't bother Angela.

Shelagh found him in their bedroom brooding. Patrick what's wrong… she's only a little girl… did she break something?"

"What? No…" he paused and said, "It happened three times."

"What happened?" Shelagh asked concerned.

"First a shop clerk, then a customer and last the waitress when she had her treat."

"Ah yes, I noticed her treat down the front of her dress. Darling you can tell me anything. What happened?" she asked again gently.

He sighed and said, "Their words were all different, but they each referred to her as my granddaughter!"

"Oh dear," Shelagh said trying to hold back a smirk. "Patrick, it's bound to happen."

"It'll be worse by the time I'm taking Teddy on outings."

"I just laugh at situations like this," Shelagh admitted.

"Have you heard others?"

"I never told you, but once when Tim was in hospital, you took me to dinner. You left the table and the waiter asked, "If my father would be having more tea."

"Shelagh this isn't funny," he said quite upset.

"Our family is perfect the way it is and anyone who thinks it should be different doesn't bother me. Besides I know you're not my father," she said as she kissed him long and deep reminding him of just that.

Patrick's mood quickly improved.

This was written after a post on tumblr about a father and daughter being confused for as husband and wife. To my friend who inspired this xx.