Tim tells her about their cub's trip and points out interesting things that they pass. She listens and adds facts she knows or stories about the places she remembers hearing growing up. Patrick enjoys the conversation and learning some new things about the woman he loves. They arrive in Gretna Green and he pulls up outside the B&B. After booking 2 rooms Shelagh takes his hand and guides him back outside.
"Patrick do you have my rings?"
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out some purple ribbon with 2 rings on.
"Nurse Miller tied them on so I wouldn't lose them."
"I know we are already married but I thought maybe you could put them back on here. It's a silly romantic idea but."
He rests his finger on her lips.
"My darling it's a beautiful idea."
They help Tim with his callipers and head to the kissing gate which Shelagh heard many stories about as a child.
She holds out her hand and he puts her engagement ring on then kisses over it making her tear up. Then he puts her wedding ring on.
"I love you Shelagh Isabel Turner, you are my everything."
She wraps her arms over his shoulders and hugs him whispering in his ear that she loves him and she is sorry.
"You have to kiss now." Tim says.
Patrick turns to him and is about to tell him off as he doesn't want to pressure her but she takes his face in her hands.
"He's right Patrick. Plus it's probably the only time we will be able to do it without him complaining." She giggles.
Tim rolls his eyes and does a get on with it motion with his hand.
"I guess you're right." He chuckles.
He leans down and waits for her to kiss him, he feels her lips press to his and he wraps his arms around her, rubbing her back gently.
He pulls away and enjoys the joy in her eyes when they open.
"So Mrs Turner what shall we do now?" He feels her shiver when he says her name, making him smirk. She pouts and pulls out of his hold.
"I'm hungry." Tim says from the floor, having gotten bored waiting for them to finish.
"So food then bed. Don't argue young man I can see you are tired." Shelagh says.
They find a little shop and get a mix of food and drink before going back to the B&B. They eat in Patrick and Shelagh's room before helping Tim to bed in the smaller room next door.
"Goodnight Timmy."
"Night dad. Night mum." He manages to say before drifting off.
Shelagh gasps and Patrick gently leads her back to their room.
"Patrick he called me mum."
"Yes my love. We have talked about it a few times and we were going to ask you when we got back from the camping trip. He doesn't have to call you it if you are uncomfortable with it."
"I just don't want to disrespect Marianne."
"You aren't. We talked about it on the way here he asked if I loved you and her the same and if it was the same way he felt about you and her as his mum. You honestly don't have to."
"No I would be honoured. Plus it might be the only chance I get to be a mum."
He gathers her close.
"We can work it out my love just please don't do things like that on your own. I am here for you and I want to help you in good times and bad."
"I know I just thought that when I left the order I would marry you and have children, you are an excellent father Patrick and I know you want more children. I just didn't see the point in staying married to you if I was holding you back from that."
"You are the woman I love Shelagh and if I can't have children with you I don't want them with anyone. We will work it out I promise. Now go and get changed we have had a long day and we need to sleep so we are ready for the drive tomorrow."
He smiles when she returns in the pyjama top she borrowed at Christmas.
"I just wanted to keep something of yours." She explains remembering how her heart was breaking as she packed and left the house.
He lies down and she gets in the other side, once she is settled he turns the lamp off.
"Patrick I'm still unsure about being intimate but can you cuddle me?" She whispers in the dark.
He wraps his arm around her and encourages her to rest her head on his chest. He strokes her hair as they drift off to sleep.