The New Midwife

Chapter 28

"Well, it appears as if you have everything figured out" The woman from the adoption society smiled as she sat on the sofa with Madeline and sister Julienne. 
"Nonnatus and everyone under its roof has been very kind to me" Madeline smiled. 
"I see. Well, I will get started on the paperwork as soon as I get back" 
"Really!?" Madeline couldn't hide her shock. 
"Yes, I don't see what help delaying the process will do. Sophie has a loving mother who is ready to care for her once again, so why keep the two of you apart?" She smiled. 
"Thank you. Thank you so much" Madeline smiled. 

That night Madeline went out with Timothy again and the pair got fish and chips again before they sat in the park on a bench under the stars. 
"She's beautiful" Tim smiled at the photograph before he handed it back to her. 
"She is" She smiled. 
"Can I ask about her father?" 
"It was just once, young, stupid children messing around. He stayed a child and I had to grow up very quickly"
"Why did you give her up?" 
"My parents weren't happy when I told them, I hid it for as long as I could but when I started showing I was sent to live with my grandmother. I had Sophie and she was taken to the orphanage here in Poplar. When I joined the sisters in Chichester one of them told me that she was going to the orphanage, she sends me pictures of her on every birthday" 
"She sounds like a good friend" 
"She is. I'm thankful for every picture that I got, and now I'm thankful because soon I'll be holding her in my arms" She smiled. 
"When will you see her?" 
"A few more days. I'm counting down the minutes, the seconds" 
"I'm happy for you, truly" He smiled. 
"Have I scared you off yet?" She nudged him slightly. 
"Not at all" He admitted with a smile "My mother might need some convincing though" He joked gently. 
"But not you?"
"Not me" He agreed. 
The pair finished their food and walked back to Nonnatus house, arm in arm, side by side in the darkness. They came to a stop just under the bridge. 
"I enjoyed tonight, thank you" 
"So did I. I hope we can do this again, maybe with Sophie" 
"I think I would enjoy that" She smiled widely. 
"Good. May I kiss your cheek?" He asked shyly. 
"You may" She agreed shyly. 
Sister Monica Joan watched from the window as Timothy leant towards Madeline and placed a small kiss to her cheek. She watched the pair separate, Madeline headed towards the house with Timothy watching her until the door to Nonnatus closed behind her, then he disappeared back towards his home.  
"Young love. Nothing is sweeter. Love catches you unawares, illuminating the dark corners of your mind, and filling them with radiance. Once in awhile you are faced with a beauty and a joy that takes your soul, all unprepared. There is nothing like young love" She murmured to herself before she headed back to her room.