'Did you have a good sleep Angel girl? Timmy'll be home soon. You looking forward to that sweetie? You looking forward to seeing your big brother again? You are? Do you think you can muster up that beautiful little smile of yours for him? Oh what a day we've had already my girl. I know I shouldn't hope so but I do hope your father agrees to the adoption. Would you like that? Would you like a big sister? I know you won't remember these days but this decision will affect your future.' Shelagh grinned as Angela waved her chubby fist around. 'I'll take that as a sign of approval then. Oh little one I love you so much. No matter whether we adopt Carole you have brought such joy into my life. You saved me. I will always make sure you know that.' She said dropping a kiss onto her daughters nose as she heard the front door close quietly. It has taken a while but Timothy had finally learnt to be quiet around Angela. He adored her but had discovered that, when awoken or jolted unexpectedly by a slamming door or or a shouted greeting, she could be far from adorable.
'Hi Mum. Hello Angela.' He grinned curling up next to his mother to peer down at the currently angelic face blinking up at him.
'Thank you for coming in quietly.'
'I do listen to you you know.'
'I know. You're a good boy.' Shelagh grinned as she passed the baby over to him.
'Hey Angie. You promise not to be sick on me again?'
'She only did it to show you how much she loves you.'
'Angela I would prefer chocolate if I'm honest.' Timothy grinned as Shelagh giggled at her son's silliness. 'As your big brother I feel it is my duty to inform you that as tokens of appreciation go being sicked on is pretty bad.' He dropped a kiss into her hair. Though he pretended to be cool in public Timothy could not resist cooing over his much loved, much prayed for little sister in the privacy of their home. He looked up to see tears brimming in his mothers eyes. 'Mum? What's wrong?'
'Nothing. I'm just so happy. I love you two so much it astounds me sometimes. I have more than I could ever wish for with my 3 Turners.'
'Riiggghht. Are you sure you're okay?'
'I'm sure I'm okay. I'm just very aware of how lucky I am and how in love with my family I am.'
'I love you too Mum.' Tim grinned. He lifted Angela up in front of his face and put on a high pitched baby voice. 'And I love you too Mummy.' He imitated as Angela squirmed in his hands.
'I love you too my little Angel. And you my precious boy. So so much. Whatever happens in the future please do not ever doubt that.'
'You're not doing a great job of convincing me you're okay.' He cocked a disbelieving eyebrow at his mother as he blew a raspberry on Angela's cheek prompting a delighted giggle from the girl.
'I would tell you if something was wrong I promise you.'
'So you're not ill?' He asked tentatively, fearing the answer. He could not bear it if her TB had returned.
'I'm not ill.'
'Good.'
'What homework do you have?'
'None.'
'And I'm the pope. Try again.'
'Maths.' He grimaced.
'Well why don't you start on it now. It'll get finished sooner that way. Don't forget you have cubs tonight'
'But...'
'I'm withholding Angela until you start it.' Shelagh smiled retrieving her daughter from his arms.
'Too mean mum!'
'I'll help you.' She grinned kissing his brow. 'Now scoot.'
'There. Done. Give me Angela.'
'Manners.'
'Dearest mother mine,please may Angela be returned to me for a cuddle?'
'Hmm. What do think Angel? Do you want to go back to your brother?' Angela smiled and sneezed. 'I'll take that as an adorable yes. Here you go. What would you like for dinner? No we're not having fish and chips or fries bread.'
'But Muuuuuuuuumm.'
Shelagh looked up once more as the front door closed. Timothy was not due back from cubs for another hour or so meaning that there was only one person who could have entered. Her heart began to hammer loudly in her ears. Nervously she stood and placed her slumbering daughter in her cot and turned to face her husband who now stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
'Shelagh, we need to talk.'