This is up to 12 chapters now. Somebody stop me.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, such an amazing response. This is now my most reviewedfic.

Trixie walked up to her, tears in her eyes.

'Shelagh I am so sorry. You left your life behind to be with him and the first thing I do is incorrectly gossip to you that he's courting another woman.'

'It's okay. It made me certain in my choice. I knew that I still wanted to leave the order. You helped make the path forward even clearer.'

'But that must have hurt. Oh no and then we made jokes about you finding a fella and getting married and having kids.' Trixie realised horrified. 'That's why you ran out. It wasn't residual nausea from the treatment was it?'

'Uh no. It wasn't.' Shelagh shifted awkwardly.

'You were crying?'

'Yes.'

'Oh Shelagh.' The other nurses joined Trixie in hugging Shelagh tightly and apologising for their thoughtless words. She hugged them back, reassuring them that it honestly was fine. That she was just glad she was in a position where they could make the jokes. They pulled back and Shelagh saw tears pooling in Sister Julienne's eyes.

'Sister?'

'I am so glad this has been resolved. It broke my heart when you started crying in my office earlier. Though I will admit I never expected that your young man was in fact Doctor Turner! That isn't scorn.' She amended seeing Shelagh's face fall. 'Far from it. He is a good man, quite possibly the best one I know. He'll treat you right. Oh my dear, I'm so very happy for you.' Sister Julienne hugged her. Suddenly Shelagh was hit by a fierce wall of happiness. All being well with Chummy she could have the life she wanted, with the family who refused to turn their backs on her, the boy who would soon hopefully become her stepson and the man she loved as her husband. She let a few rogue tears of joy soak into the nuns shoulder before turning to face them all.

'Thank you. All of you thank you. So much. I couldn't have dreamt of a better return home. You've all been so accepting.'

'Yes well if we learn one thing from Nurse Noakes' hospitalisation it should be that anything can happen. Life's too unpredictable to hold grudges against those you care about.' Sister Evangelina smiled. Patrick strode back in.

'Well?'

'Any news?'

'How is she?'

'She's going to be alright. She's had the baby. It's a boy. Mother and baby both doing fine. They'll both just be marvellous.'

'Oh thank the Lord.' Everyone let out an audible sigh of relief. Many hugs were exchanged and good cheer was abundant.

'I think this calls for celebratory Horlicks then bed for us all don't you?' Sister Evangelina announced. There were cheers of agreement. 'Doctor would you care for a cup? Or something stronger?'

'Thank you but no. I've somewhat abandoned Timothy at Jack Smith's house and it's about time I relieved his parents. He's been there hours longer than I said. I had something important to attend to you see.' He smiled across the room are Shelagh, once more ensconced in Sister Julienne's arms. She blushed.

'I'll walk you out to your car ' She offered ignoring Trixie's giggle.

'Thank you.' Silently they walked out of the front door. 'Oh Patrick. What a day it's been.'

'The best day of my life since Tim was born for sure. Even if it was only the past 15 minutes that made it so.' He stopped dead and took her hand in his. He raised it to his mouth and lay the lightest of kisses to her palm, unreasonably glad to see the bump of her scar. Seeing her shiver at the action he removed his coat and slipped it around her shoulders, holding the collar up either side of her face.' I don't know where the rumour came from. I haven't even thought of another woman that way since I realised you were my every thought. I love you so very much Shelagh. I will never tire of saying that.' He smiled down soppily at her

'I love you too Patrick. My Patrick.'

'My Shelagh. You're so beautiful my love. I never imagined just how stunning you would be. I knew you were naturally pretty, with those eyes and those cheekbones and those delicate lips how could you not be considered so. But I never dreamt you would be so very beautiful.'

'I did it all for you. I made a friend and she made me over. Told me to knock your socks off and show you what you were missing. Oh my is she going to be surprised when I tell her what happened.' She giggled

'You made a friend?'

'It's a long story. We need to have a long chat you and I.' She beamed at the thought of spending more time with the man who was finally hers.

'Indeed we do. But not right now. You've spent enough time outside. You're still recovering. Tomorrow morning I should be free to come around.'

'I look forward to it already. Oh but I don't want to part in case this was all a dream.' She admitted.

'I know how you feel. I could pinch you if you want.'

'I'd rather you...' she broke off, her blush just visible in the half-light from the convent. The adrenaline of the situation beginning to fade she found her earlier bravado dropping in the face of reality.

'Rather I what?'

'Never mind.'

'My love? Daring what is it you want me to do? I would do anything for you.'

'I'd rather you kissed me.' She grinned, emboldened by his words.

'I'm sure I can manage that.' He smirked and lowered his head to hers and kissed her sweetly. His hands slid from the coat collar to cradle the back of her head, angling it slightly so he could deepen the kiss.

'Yes yes this is all very nice I'm sure but your Horlicks will get cold if you don't get a hurry on.' Sister Evangelina chuckled from the top of the stairs. Shelagh giggled, burrowing her face in his jumper.

'This is going to be a strange life isn't it.' She said muffled.

'Indeed.'

'Goodnight.' She shrugged the coat off, kissed him briefly and scurried up the stairs, planting a big kiss on the startled nuns cheek.

Patrick and Shelagh begin to have a long overdue conversation in the next chapter

Reviews appreciated xxx