The New Midwife

Chapter 27

Two weeks Madeline had been gone from Poplar. But today she was coming home and everyone was gathered in Nonnatus house, waiting to celebrate her return. 
As soon as she entered the house she heard the cheers of her friends and their surprised smiles at her new look. 
"Why am I getting flashbacks?" Trixie smiled as she hugged Madeline tightly. 
"You look so happy my dear sweet child" Sister Monica Joan smiled as she hugged her. 
"Thank you, all of you. Truly I am not worthy of your help and love" Madeline smiled despite the tears forming in her eyes. 
"You are most worthy" Sister Julienne assured her. 
"Now all we have to do is get your daughter back where she belongs" Sister Hilda added. 
"That's all I've been thinking about" Madeline admitted. 
"I've reached out to her orphanage and you have an appointment tomorrow morning to start the process" Sister Julienne told her before she dove into her arms, hugging her tightly. 
"Thank you sister" 
"Come on, let's get you unpacked again" Trixie smiled, picking up her suitcase. Madeline followed her upstairs back to their joint room, the pair unpacked as they talked about her future and everything she wanted to come.  

Madeline moved down the street and pulled open the phonebooth door before she moved inside. She picked up the phone and dialled the number, listening to it ring. 
"Hello, Turner residence. Timothy speaking" 
"Hello Timothy" 
"Madeline" 
"I'm back. I got back this morning" 
"Can I see you?" 
"I want that but, there's something that you need to know" Madeline took in a deep breath.
"What is it? Are you okay?" 
"I have a daughter. Sophie. She's six, and I love her so much that being away from her hurts. I'm going to get her back, Timothy. But being away from you hurt me too" 
"It hurt me too" He admitted. 
"I like you Tim, and I love my daughter. Whatever you do with that is up to you" 
"Can I see you tonight?" 
"Where?" 
"I'll meet you under the bridge" 
"What time?" 
"An hour from now?" 
"Okay" She nodded gently "Does that mean nothing changes between us?" 
"I don't think that it could even if I tried. I like you Madeline. I think I love you. The fact that you have a daughter won't stop that" She couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across her lips. 
"You have no idea how happy that makes me" 
"Making you happy makes me happy" 
"I'll see you tonight"
"See you then" He smiled, waiting until her he heard her receiver click before he hung up. 

Madeline left Nonnatus after giving an excuse that she was going out to eat by herself for the first time since she became a nun. And when her eyes landed on Timothy she couldn't and didn't stop her smile. 
"Hello" She smiled shyly. 
"Hello" He smiled back "I was thinking that we could take a walk and get some fish and chips on the way" 
"That sounds perfect" She smiled, taking his arm as they began walking side by side.