One Shots 'The nursery nurse'

Valentine's Day

It was a clear but crisp Valentine's Day, when Sorscha and Clodagh sat down in their car. The two where on their way to the restaurant, where they had got engaged almost four years ago. The streets were festively lit and the air seemed to be filled with love and joy everywhere.

Sorscha could well remember, how nervous she had been back then, when she and Clodagh had proposed in the same breath. Today everything was different, but somehow the same - she still felt her heart leap, when she held the hand of her now wife and mother of her daughter.

Clodagh sat in the passenger seat and held her phone to her ear. "Yes, Carly, everything will be fine," she said in a calm voice. "Quinn's asleep already, isn't she?" A pause while Carly answered on the other end. Sorscha heard the soft murmur of her colleague and babysitter's voice, and although she knew Carly was very experienced, she felt Clodagh put a gentle reassurance into her words.

"Don't worry, you've got everything under control," Clodagh continued. "Sorscha and I will be back home in a few hours. Don't worry, if she wakes up for a moment, she'll calm down again quickly. You're a great babysitter, Carly."

Sorscha had to smile when she heard Clodagh's reassuring tone. It was fascinating how well she was taking on the role of mother, even if life with a small baby was sometimes chaotic. Carly was a little unsure, but Sorscha knew that her daughter was in good hands.

"We'll be back soon," Clodagh said, putting the phone back in her handbag. "A little nervous, but I think Carly will be fine. And we still have plenty of time to ourselves."

Sorscha grinned broadly. "I think so too." She placed her hand on her wife's thigh.

The restaurant was a charming, elegant establishment located in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and countless lights. As they entered the front door, they were greeted by the warm, inviting light and familiar atmosphere. The waiter led them to a table by the window, overlooking the softly shimmering lights of the city.

"Here, just like the first time," Clodagh whispered as she sat down and glanced at Sorscha. Her wife wore a black blouse, the last three buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up, showing Sorscha's forearm tattoo. The shirt was tucked into matching black suit trousers. As always, she wore a black leather belt, only the belt buckle itself stood out.

Sorscha nodded and took her hand, running her eyes over Clodagh. Despite the cold, her wife had decided to wear a sand-coloured dress that fell loosely over her knees. Her hair fell over her shoulders and down her back. Her necklace, which was in the shape of an angel wing, fell down her neckline.

"I remember it clearly," Sorscha said softly as she looked at the soft, gentle candle flames surrounding the table. "How nervous I was, and ready to fish the ring out of the rubbish."

Clodagh laughed softly. "Oh Darling, how you just didn't realise that the ring was on the plate in front of you!"

The smile on Clodagh's lips now was as warm as the memory they shared. It was exactly what they wanted to celebrate this Valentine's Day: The time they spent together, the ups and downs of the past few years, and of course, the family they were now.

Over dinner, they talked about everything that had been on their minds recently - the challenges of being parents, their dreams for the future and the little everyday joys that made their relationship so special. There was plenty to laugh about and enjoy, and the atmosphere was relaxed, almost like a warm summer evening, despite the winter chill outside.

The food arrived - one delicious dish after another - and every bite felt like a feast. Sorscha and Clodagh enjoyed the change of pace that an evening without Quinn brought, but their daughter was never far from their minds. The conversation eventually turned to Quinn, and they were both pleased to hear from Carly that her daughter was sleeping peacefully.