April 4 - 38 weeks

Shelagh checked her list for the umpteenth time.

There were still a couple of weeks to go, but like the good midwife she was, she knew though that every moment was good now and she didn't want to be caught unprepared.

She went over her notes again: blankets (one heavier and one lighter), 4 sets of sheets (including a brand new one), baby clothes, baby hats, baby socks, plenty of nappies, a large number of towels...

Shelagh continued counting, folding and arranging fearing that she might have overlooked something. After the fifth check, she persuaded herself that nothing was missing and crossed out "Baby Set" from the list.

Her eyes fell again on the underlined and well-stamped "Done!" that her husband had handwritten next to her "Ask Patrick to assemble the cot" . Once again she giggled, pleased with how the task had been completed.

She had been asking him to do it on a daily basis for almost a month and for almost a month he had kept putting it off with a condescending and very annoying "I will, I promise. We still have time, darling." Until the previous Friday, when she thought it best to entrust Teddy with the arduous task of drumming up his father to complete said task. This is how, that same Sunday, at 7 o'clock sharp, Patrick got out of bed huffing, woken up by the incessant "Daddy, it's Sunday. We need to assemble the crib for the baby." of a very effective and determined six-year-old.

She had a small contraction, short and not very intense. Braxton-Hicks was a good place to start , she thought.

She called the children who were downstairs watching some telly and who, dutifully and without further appeals, joined her in no time. This strong sense of responsibility with which they had been overwhelmed lately was something Shelagh intended to make the most of for as long as possible.

"Children, do you remember what your father and I told you about what you should do when the baby arrives?"

"Yes mum, you told us a umpthousand times."

"It won't hurt to repeat it again, Teddy"

"We have to stay at Nonnatus House and behave, waiting for Grandma Sister Julienne to join us after she helped you with the baby. And keep on behaving while we stay with her." Teddy answered.

"And do you also remember what Sister Julienne made you promise?"

"Yes…not to be naughty and not to steal Sister Monica Joan's secret biscuits." he replied with the same annoyed expression that Patrick wore whenever something went differently than he had expected.

"But mum, why can't we stay home with Timothy? He comes back tomorrow and will stay here for the Easter holidays!" Angela asked.

"Because Timothy, in addition to studying, will have to lend a hand to your father," she explained to her.

"Mum, for how long will you be away?" May asked.

"We'll all be back home as soon as possible, dearest!" Shelagh reassured her, hoping that was the case. And above all, hoping that the children wouldn't drive Sister Julienne crazy in her absence.

"Now please, prepare your own bag for your stay at Nonnatus: here's a list with things you absolutely need to bring. Plus you can add a book and a toy of your choice."

Another contraction. One, two, three…she counted up to ten.

"Do you understand?" she made sure.

"Yes mum."

She left them to deal with the assigned task and moved on to the next item on her list: making stew for dinner.

In the following hours, she counted three more contractions, but irregular and mild. After dinner, once the children were put to sleep, she thought to go to bed and have some rest.

Patrick arrived late that evening.

The house was dark. He found his plate of stew still warm and ate it. Then he went upstairs to check the children's rooms.

Angela had fallen asleep again reading Mary Poppins, Patrick smiled and thought she must know it by heart by now. He took the book from her hands and kissed her forehead, then turned off the bedside lamp and moved to the next bed where May was sleeping. He picked up the stuffed bunny from the floor and placed it next to his little girl, tucked her in, stroked her hair and kissed goodnight. He then went to the boys' room and found Teddy sleeping in Tim's bed. He smiled and stayed for a while contemplating his kid: the youngest of the Turners, just for a few more days. It fascinated him to see how Shelagh's features blended so perfectly with his: her smile, her nose, and her eyes with the same facial expressions of his own. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine for a moment who Baby X would look like. For some reason, he pictured a little girl with the same black hair as him and with Shelagh's beautiful face. He reopened his eyes thinking that tiredness was playing really bad tricks on him and headed towards the master bedroom.

Convinced he would find her already asleep, he gently opened the bedroom door, only to discover to his surprise that Shelagh was waiting for him awake, reading a book.

"What are you still doing up?"

"I was waiting for you. And in the meantime I was keeping a check on contractions."

"Contractions?"

"I had some Braxton Hicks today."

Patrick looked at her in alarm.

"Are you sure?"

"Oh Patrick! Please…I'm aware I haven't worked in months but I'm still a midwife. I know the score, so do you! It can still take days for labor to begin."

"I know. But how are things going now?"

"Since I've been in bed everything has been quiet. Except Baby X who occasionally stretches and crushes my bladder, as usual."

Patrick chuckled, crawling into bed. Shelagh poked him on his side.

"Ow! What was that for?".

"Just a reminder that Love is sharing. I wanted to give you a taste of what it's like." she answered, pointing to her belly.

Patrick laughed again, "Is there anything else you want to share with me?"

"Right now, I'd love to have your ability to sleep through the night without fighting against insomnia and cramps."

"Do you want me to get you another pillow?"

"Oh Patrick! I don't think it would help...but thanks dear."

"Shelagh, please…is there anything at all I can do for you?" he asked her sincerely. He knew she had already suffered several nights without being able to sleep properly and he really wanted to do something to allow her some rest.

Shelagh looked into his eyes, his love was the best she could ask for.

"You could give me a kiss and hold me in your arms."

"All you have to do is ask, that's why I'm here."

He complied and waited patiently for her to fall asleep, while with slow movements he continued to gently stroke her back.

April, 5th

Shelagh opened her eyes at dawn, still wrapped in Patrick's embrace.

She was in disbelief that she had been able to sleep for almost seven hours straight, even though she was paying with discomfort in her lumbar region for the not particularly suitable position.

She got up to go to the bathroom and when she came out Patrick was already up.

"Oh Patrick, did I wake you?"

"Don't worry...I got up early because I've to see Matthew Aylward later to discuss the meeting we are having next week with the Councillor for Health. First though, I have to go to the Maternity Home for the round of visits and make sure everything is in order," he told her as he entered the bathroom.

"Was the appointment this morning?"

"No, it was next Tuesday but I asked Matthew to anticipate it."

"Have you talked to Timothy? What time is he arriving?"

"He said he would take the usual train, he should already be on his way by now. He'll be home in the early afternoon."

They went downstairs together to have breakfast. It was Easter Eve and the following day, barring unforeseen circumstances, they were supposed to attend lunch at Nonnatus.

Still holding half a sandwich, Patrick put on his coat to leave the house.

"Is Sister Julienne coming this morning?"

"Yes, she said she'll be here around 11.30"

"Well then, I've to go now. You're good, right?"

"Oh Patrick, yes! My only symptom is your anxiety!" she answered, slightly frustrated.

"I know, sorry. Are you sure you don't want to come with me? There's a bed waiting for you..." he teased her, taking the opportunity to give her one more kiss.

"Coming with you to do what?" she smiled at him "Patrick really, I'm fine!…and I don't have the slightest pain. Now please, go and come back soon!"

"Then I'll see you later! I plan to be back by lunch time."

Once he was gone, Shelagh set the table for the children's breakfast.

It was just before 8 and she knew she'd soon see Teddy coming down the stairs, followed a few minutes later by May. Angela was always the last to wake up.

That morning turned out to be no different than any other, and she saw her children arrive exactly in the expected order. As usual, breakfast began in silence, thanks to the fact that all three were still sleepy, and then continued in a more lively manner.

After breakfast, the kids knew they had tasks to do: take care of their bunnies, tidy up their rooms and make their beds. Once finished, they were free to go and play or watch television.

Shelagh finished washing the breakfast dishes and decided to go for a hot shower before Sister Julienne arrived. She informed the children and went upstairs.

Coming out of the shower she heard the kids arguing in the next room. The clock read 9.20. She thought it was a record that the first argument of the morning occurred more than an hour after they woke up.

Unless the issue became particularly dramatic, she let them resolve their differences on their own: they have learned that it was wiser to find a peace agreement by themselves, rather than ending up discussing the issue under their father's gaze, risking a grounding.

Once she had put on the robe, she had a contraction. This time it was strong, very strong. And it was long…she counted up to 40 before she could catch her breath.

She looked at the clock: 9.32. She thought that it was probably the beginning of labor but there was still a long way to go.

She sat up in bed, waiting. 9.38, another pain. Just as long and even more strong, enough to make her wail. She caught her breath and called the children, who were still busy arguing and didn't hear her.

She tried to breathe normally. It can stop still, I can't be sure they are regular contractions yet. She tried to convince herself but it didn't last long, because again, after a few minutes, she was hit by another contraction. She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. Perhaps the hot shower had too much effect.

She swallowed and tried to think clearly: sudden, strong, close contractions. She certainly didn't lack the experience to understand that what she was facing was a quick birth and that the plan to give birth at the Maternity Home was no longer viable.

It was clear that this baby was a pro at ruining their plans.

She called the children, this time with a strong and loud voice.

The three, thinking they had been called back for their bickering, showed up at the bedroom door in a few seconds, finding her bent over and with a suffering face sitting on the armchair in the corner of the room.

Taking advantage of a moment of respite, Shelagh explained what was happening. Suddenly she saw the children looking at each other and Teddy immediately ran straight towards the phone on Patrick's bedside table.

Angela took her hand saying: "We know what we have to do! Make yourself comfortable mum", while May stroked her hair repeating "Don't worry mummy, keep breathing. We'll take care of you."

Meanwhile, a very focused Teddy had dialed the first number marked on the piece of paper he had kept in his trouser pocket for days.

On the other end of the phone, a voice answered "Nonnatus House, midwife speaking"

"I'm Teddy Turner, can you tell…"

"Teddy-bug!?"

Only one person in the whole world called him that.

"Grandma…come quickly because mummy is having the baby."

Sister Julienne had already hung up the phone, Shelagh's lament was enough for her to understand that the situation was rather urgent.

While his sisters took care of their mother, he dialed the second number written on his paper.

"Maternity Home…"

"Miss Higgins, Teddy Turner's speaking. Please tell my dad to come home straight away, mum is having the baby!"

Teddy hung up before Miss Higgins could tell him that his father had just left to see Mr. Aylward.

The first part of his work was done, at least he believed so, therefore he came back to his sisters and to his mother, who had just caught her breath. The contractions were strong and regular, but were currently spaced five minutes apart.

She looked at her children, moved by their loving concern and caressed them one by one. She asked who had taught them so well and she wasn't that surprised to discover that Patrick was behind that organization.

While Angela didn't leave her side even for a moment, May and Teddy came and went from the room like little worker bees carrying towels, a basin, a plate with some biscuits and a cup of tea. "Well sugared," May specified.

"Thank you sweetheart, but…is your father behind this too?"

"Actually, no. Grandma told us how it works and what to do," Angela clarified. "And also, we read your book."

"What? Have you read the Midwifery textbook?" she asked in shock.

"Well…yes, we looked at the pictures and read the most important things," May confessed.

If not for the arrival of a new contraction, she would have chortled at Teddy's disgusted face.

"Breathe mum! Keep breathing! Very good!" her daughters repeated to her.

At that moment, she remembered Patrick's words from some time ago, when he confessed to her that those little girls could only make him prouder the day he would see them follow in her footsteps as midwives. Well, that was probably the day and it had come sooner than they thought.

In the meantime, at the Maternity Home, Miss Higgins was very busy tracking down Dr. Turner. She instantly telephoned Mr Aylward's office but the secretary replied that he had not yet arrived. She demanded that as soon as Dr. Turner would show up for his appointment, she must immediately and peremptorily order him to go home. He would understand why. The secretary replied that, to tell the truth, she didn't have any appointments on the agenda, but that, if ever Dr. Turner showed up, she would certainly pass on the message to him.

On second thought, Miss Higgins realized that he hadn't specified the location of the meeting. She dialed the home number of Nurse Franklin, now Lady Aylward, hoping to get some help. That move proved crucial, because Dr. Turner had just entered the Aylward residence and Miss Higgins could hear Nurse Franklin just being Nurse Franklin and candidly announce "I think you will have to reschedule your meeting. Patrick, sweetie…go home now! Someone needs you!".

A few miles away, Teddy Turner was looking out of the window, waiting for reinforcements. As soon as he recognized Sister Julienne's figure, he rushed down the stairs, opened the door and ran towards her, dragging her into the house "Come on grandma, hurry up!"

Sister Julienne followed the child upstairs and entered the bedroom in the middle of a contraction. A very strong and painful one. Even the girls, relieved to see her, instinctively ran to hug her.

"You did a very great job kids...now, how about you go outside and wait for your father? I'll take care of your mummy," Sister Julienne suggested. The children, although reluctant, left the room.

Meanwhile, Sister Julienne had taken Shelagh's hand and was rubbing her back to ease the pain. When that contraction was over, she helped her move onto the bed to examine her.

Outside the room, Angela and May were sitting in the hallway while Teddy was on lookout at the window waiting to see the silhouette of his father's blue car; he was concerned since he hadn't arrived yet... he should have already been there.

"Shelagh, you're doing great…you're already 6cm dilated" Sister Julienne informed her.

"I want to get up, I can't lie down…" she pleaded.

Sister Julienne helped her get back to her feet and walked her towards the dividing wall in the middle of the room, a convenient point to hold on for Shelagh, the same she previously used during Teddy's birth.

"There's one more coming…" Shelagh anticipated, before letting out a cry of pain.

"Good my dear, don't hold back... it will help you ease the pain" she suggested, trying to instill all the calm she could.

"Why isn't Patrick here yet? I need him..." she asked in tears.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he's coming."

The minutes passed and the contractions too, the intervals between one and the other were close now. As confused as she was from the pain and the situation, Shelagh knew that there wasn't much left now.

"Daddyyyy!"

The two women heard Teddy shout and a few moments later Patrick appeared on the threshold breathless.

Shelagh stood in the middle of the room, clinging to Sister Julienne, as another contraction took her breath away.

"We're in a bit of a hurry, but everything is proceeding well... would you like to join us, Dr. Turner?" Sister Julienne updated him.

"I'm not here as Doctor Turner, I'm just the husband of this extraordinary woman" he sanctioned emotionally.

As Patrick approached, Shelagh threw herself into his arms and broke into a liberating cry.

"Shelagh…Shelagh, darling…look at me!" he told her, gently lifting her chin with his hand. "Look at me! I'm here now, I'm right here with you. We are a team...and we will do it together. Hold on to me, my love."

Sister Julienne observed them in silence. They were inches apart and as soon as Shelagh made eye contact with him, she began to regain control of her emotions.

"Very good darling…just breathe. You're doing so well!"

She watched as Shelagh found comfort in resting her back against his chest, while he supported her. Their hands were intertwined resting on her belly as they swayed together, in a sort of silent dance. Their faces leaning on each other while Patrick whispered imperceptible words in her ear which, judging from Shelagh's half-closed eyes and her half-smile, she deduced were words full of love.

Sister Julienne thought she was privileged to witness that scene, to witness that love.

In many years she had never seen two people like them, two people who are each other's home, who feel completely safe, warm and protected in each other's presence.

After yet another check, Sister Julienne stated it was time.

"Dear, your dilation is now complete. Do you want to settle down on the bed?" she kindly invited her.

Shelagh took advantage of that pause in contractions, a courtesy from Mother Nature before the final rush, to prepare herself. After just a few steps her water broke.

This time too, as it had been for Teddy, Patrick positioned himself behind her to support and help her in the counter-thrust.

Shelagh used those precious minutes to regain her strength and try to relax.

"What time is it?" she asked. She had completely lost track of time: it had all happened so suddenly but at the same time it seemed like she had been in pain for an eternity.

"It's 1.40 in the afternoon, are you thinking about lunch?" Patrick teased.

But she couldn't answer because she had a new contraction and was feeling the pressing need to push. Without saying anything, she looked at Sister Julienne who answered her silent question by telling her: "When you're ready you can push."

She gathered all her strength, took a deep breath and pushed as hard as she could when the contraction hit her.

The voices of Patrick and Sister Julienne overlapped, giving her strength and encouragement, but all her attention was focused on what her own body was doing.

That powerful, raw and mysterious experience of giving birth of which she was now center stage, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

She felt the pain, that pressure that seemed to tear her apart. Pants! She repeated to herself. She thought at all the times she had repeated that word to all the mothers she had helped give birth.

She closed her eyes, leaned her head back searching for Patrick's shoulder. Face to face again, both wet with sweat and tears. She heard him sigh, she knew he was crying. Not out of fear, but because he was tormented by having to watch her helplessly without being able to take away even a fraction of that pain.

"You're doing great, my love!" he told her in a small voice.

She pushed again, making the most of every contraction. She didn't even know where she was getting that strength and courage. Or maybe yes, of course she knew. The credit went to Patrick, for those joined, tight hands, for his being with her and for her at all times.

"Come on Shelagh, keep going…I see the head! Push, my dear!" Sister Julienne encouraged her. She focused again and pushed with all her energy.

Patrick and Shelagh saw Sister Julienne grin from ear to ear, tears streaming down her eyes. She looked at them and said excitedly "There's a little head full of black hair here!"

Their new blind date was about to begin.

There was one more contraction missing, just one, and it would all be over. Or better, it would all have begun.

When the pain came, she took a deep breath, gathered the last of her strength and pushed with all the forces she could. And just like that, the baby slipped into Sister Julienne's hands, screaming at the top of her lungs.

"You have a beautiful, bonny little girl!" Sister Julienne announced as she cut the baby's umbilical cord with sure hands. She wrapped her in a blanket and handed the crying baby to Shelagh who welcomed her into her loving arms, showering their little girl with kisses and caresses.

Patrick brushed that little face "She's here! You did it my darling!" he said, kissing Shelagh on her cheek.

"We did it Patrick! And she's perfect!" she replied, caressing the baby girl and continuing to touch her from head to toe to confirm that she wasn't dreaming but it was all real.

They were enchanted contemplating their wonder, who now in contact with her mother's warmth had calmed down and opened her eyes.

During the afterbirth phase, Patrick took care of his brand new daughter who in the meantime had started crying again. He examined her and stated she was a very healthy baby with a nice temper!

After cleaning her with a damp towel, he wrapped the baby again in the blanket and took her in his arms. He tried to sooth her cry by massaging her little foot, just like he used to do when she was in Shelagh's belly.

The baby calmed down and opened her eyes

"So, this really had some effect on you, huh?!" said Patrick.

Then, while trying to bring her little hand in her own mouth, she grabbed his father's finger instead.

"Yes, yes my snuggle bunny. You already got me wrapped around your tiny fingers!"

In the meantime, the last phase of the birth had also ended, Sister Julienne gave him a nod to confirm that everything was absolutely normal.

With the little girl in his arms, he came back close to Shelagh, handing her that little bundle of joy.

"She's already a daddy's girl, isn't she?"

"Are you jealous?"

They exchanged a sweet kiss and then Patrick told her "I'm going to call the children...they'll have to tell us what we should name little miss here!"

Shelagh laughed, then looked back at their baby who was now sleeping peacefully.

"Poor little thing…you and I had a busy morning. Don't we?"

Sister Julienne got closer, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"How do you feel, my dear?"

"Over the moon…tired, sore, but happy. Thanks for being there!"

Sister Julienne smiled at her and kissed her forehead, holding her close.

"You made me so proud, once more…"

"I'd like to introduce you to your granddaughter, but…we don't even know her name," Shelagh told her, smiling.

"Oh! I do…but I can't tell you!" Sister Julienne replied, winking at her.

"You do?!"

"A little bird told me. He said they made him promise not to tell mom and dad, so technically he could still open it up to me." They both laughed at Teddy's cuteness.

"Please, tell me it's not some weird name."

"On the contrary…I think they chose a very beautiful one!"

They heard a knock on the door and turned to see Patrick.

"Look who I found downstairs?"

Timothy appeared smiling, followed by his three siblings.

"Oh my God, Timothy! When did you arrive?" Shelagh exclaimed.

"A few minutes before her…" he replied pointing to the little girl. "Just in time not to starve these three rascals…I made sandwiches for everyone while you were busy here".

The young man came close to hug his mother and at the same time brushed his new sister's little hand.

"So we've been outnumbered!...poor Teddy! And poor dad!" he added laughing.

One by one, the other children also approached to meet the baby.

"She's so small! Can I hold her?" Angela exclaimed.

"Maybe later darling, she needs some rest now."

"She's so cute!" May said, touching the little girl's hand.

Teddy stood aside, looking shy and serious, so Patrick picked him up to bring him closer to the baby. "Here's your baby sister, Teddy! Do you like her?"

He nodded and then delicately placed a kiss on her forehead whispering a very sweet "I love you", which made Patrick and Shelagh melt.

Sister Julienne took advantage of that moment to greet them.

It was right that such a moment was theirs and theirs alone, even if everyone had asked her to stay several times.

Patrick walked her to the door and offered to drive her home.

"Don't even think about it ! Go back upstairs to your wife and kids! A walk would be good!"

"Thanks for everything!" he told her gratefully.

"No Patrick, thanks to you for making her happy every day."

They hugged each other with sincere affection, then Sister Julienne walked away and Patrick closed the door to go back upstairs.

The image he saw when he entered the room was beautiful: right there, on their bed, there was his whole world. Shelagh, their newborn baby, May and Teddy right in the middle of the bed, Timothy sitting on the edge with Angela on his legs…that's how their family looked like now and he thought it was the most beautiful image he had ever seen.

He joined them, sitting down at his side of the bed and asked their four children: "Do you think this is the right time to tell us the name you chose for your sister? Or is there anything else your mother and I need to do…?"

The children looked at Timothy, who laughing and jokingly challenged the parents by saying "Curious, huh?"

"I'd say worried, more than anything," Patrick replied. Shelagh chuckled and then added "We really appreciate your help, but your father and I will have to agree on this name. You know that, right?"

Timothy rolled his eyes "Don't worry mum, I'm sure you will!…it was a very serious election and the kids were very good in their choices."

"Yes, it's true! Timothy put us in two teams," Angela explained "May and I were Team Girls and he and Teddy were Team Boys".

Shelagh and Patrick listened with curiosity and amusement to the backstory of the famous " a lection" , as Teddy said.

"Each of us had to pick a boy's name and a girl's name and our team mate had to do... how do you say Timmy?" Angela asked her brother for help.

"We had to act as a guarantor, precisely to prevent unsuitable names from being chosen"

"Exactly! And then we put the names to the vote and..."

"AND…?" Shelagh and Patrick asked at the same time.

"And…mum, dad…it is with great pleasure that we have the honor of introducing your daughter: Julie Elizabeth Turner" Timothy declared solemnly.

Patrick and Shelagh looked at each other smiling in amazement.

"But it's a beautiful name! It suits her perfectly" Patrick said.

"Told you!"

"It's just wonderful! But how did it come to your mind?" Shelagh asked.

"Julie is after Julie Andrews who is our very very very favorite actress," May said.

"But also because Julie is short for Julienne," pointed out Angela.

"Elizabeth…well, it's quite easy to understand the reference but I'll let the mind behind it explain why he chose it" added Timothy, ruffling his brother's hair.

Teddy delighted them with one of his funny faces and then explained "Elizabeth, it's because she's going to be our queen!".

They all laughed but everyone already knew Teddy was right.

Shelagh kept staring at her family, her life. Thinking of what she saw around her, she thought it definitely was worth it. Everything around it was worth it… Every moment. Everything was worth it.

She took a moment for a silent prayer, thanking God because everything was fine for her and for the baby. For Patrick. For each one of their children. For Sister Julienne, from whom she was loved as a daughter and whom she loved as a mother. For her family.

Patrick put his arm around her shoulder, holding her. Both glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms: Julie was the missing piece in their puzzle, no doubt about it. They tenderly kissed but the kids were too busy for the "Mushy Stuff" alert.

The Turner family was now ready for a new life, for new memories because everything was exactly just as it ought to be.

THE END