God Gave Me You 11
Shelagh stood over Angela's cot watching her daughter sleep. Her heart was beating at a monumental pace, but she couldn't tell if it was more from nerves or excitement.
He was here. He was truly here. No matter how many times she'd wished for this moment, she had never imagined what she would actually say to him. How she would tell him about their daughter.
Glancing at her watch, she moved towards her wardrobe and quickly changed into one of the newer dresses Trixie had picked out on their last shopping trip. Clinic would be over soon, and as Sister Julienne had said, she was sure he would be at Nonnatus shortly after. Brushing her hair and taking a last look in the mirror, she checked Angela once more and made her way down to the kitchen.
As she rounded the corner, she saw Sister Evangelina coming up the stairs. "Clinic is just finishing, so Sister Julienne sent me back to check on you...before your guest arrives. Are you alright?" Shelagh nodded, pasting on a smile that Sister Evangelina could see right through. "Well, I'll get the door and if you need me, I'll be in the sitting room."
"Thank you, Sister." The older nun nodded and squeezed Shelagh's arm in comfort as she headed towards the kitchen. Setting up a tea tray as the kettle boiled, Shelagh began to feel herself calm down, until the doorbell sounded.
Patrick stood outside Nonnatus House, hand poised over the doorbell. Sister Julienne had been right earlier, a lot had changed since he'd left. New convent, new clinic, new Sister Bernadette. No, he thought to himself, Shelagh.
He was still in shock over her appearance. He'd always thought she was beautiful-he'd never seen eyes like hers- but to actually see her out of a habit, his heart had stopped. Don't think like this, Patrick. He thought to himself. She's found someone. She has a child.
It was that thought that kept him from pressing the bell. But the bigger thought that gnawed at him, was why couldn't it have been him. Drawing in a deep breath, he rang the bell, internally preparing himself for her to answer the door. Which is why it surprised him when it was swung open by Sister Evangelina.
"Doctor Turner. Come in, Shelagh's waiting for you in the kitchen. Go on through."
"She's been expecting me?" He asked, shocked.
"We all have, Doctor Turner. Come in."
He crossed the threshold and waited as Sister Evangelina closed the door.
"Well, go on! No use standing around staring at me, I'm not the one you came here for."
Patrick wanted to laugh, some things never changed. He wouldn't admit it, but on some level he'd missed the gruffness of Sister Evangelina. Clearing his throat, he spoke softly. "I'm not familiar with the new convent, Sister. Could you point me in the direction of the kitchen?"
"Right. You've been gone a while. Almost forgot. Follow me." Sister Evangelina led him down the hallway, pointing towards the kitchen. "She's just through there."
Patrick nodded his thanks and made his way to the door. Knocking on the door jam, he saw her standing at the counter. As she turned around, he noticed that she'd changed out of her uniform and was now wearing a fitted blue dress. He smiled at her, taking in her loveliness when she made eye contact with him.
"Greetings, Doctor Turner. Can I offer you a cup of tea? I made a fresh pot."
"Thank you." His voice sounded hoarse, this wouldn't do. "Nurse- um- Shelagh. I'm sorry, I've just realized I don't even know your name."
Her cheeks colored a light pink. "Mannion. Shelagh Mannion."
"Nurse Mannion, I'd like to discuss what happened at clinic today." He said as he sat down. "And...well, before."
Looking away from him as she poured the tea, she handed him his cup before she spoke. "I'm afraid there are a great many things we need to discuss, Doctor Turner. Though I'm not quite sure where to begin."
"May I ask- I'm sorry to be so rude- but, I'm feeling a bit out of the loop. Why did you- um, that is to say- when did you leave the Order?"
"About two years ago." Shelagh replied honestly. "Not long after you left Poplar, Doctor Turner."
She sat down at the table, fiddling with the cloth in front of her. "How is Timothy?"
Patrick smiled. "Much happier, now that he's back in Poplar. To be honest, I haven't seen much of him. He shows up for dinner and then he goes right back to his friends. And if he's not with them, he's asking me about you..."
"Me?" She asked, surprised.
"Yes, he missed you." Patrick added, in a whisper. "We both did."
They sat staring at each other, drinking their tea in silence, neither one sure how to begin the conversation they both desperately needed to have. Finally, Patrick couldn't take the quiet. "Sister Winifred tells me you have a daughter."
Shelagh's hands faltered as she placed her cup down. "Yes, I do. She's taking a nap right now, that's why I left clinic early."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you." She whispered back, feeling rather awkward.
"Your husband must be proud."
"I'm not married." She responded levelly.
He glanced at her hands, noticing no ring and immediately colored. "My apologies, I didn't mean to pry."
"It's alright. Erm-Doctor Turner, I need to-"
"How old is she?"
This was it, Shelagh thought. The moment he knew. "She turns two on April sixth."
"Two?" He looked at her, the wheels in his head turning as he quickly did math. Shelagh nodded as he fell silent. Be brave, Shelagh.
"Doctor Turner- I left the Order in September of 1958. I...I was three months pregnant. And I...couldn't remain a Sister, and keep my child."
Patrick's face turned ashen as realization struck. "So what you're saying is..."
Shelagh nodded, taking a deep breath and looking at the face she'd longed to see everyday for two years. Say it, Shelagh.
"We have a daughter."