To The Future - complete

Chapter Twenty Two

Connie and Jacob entered the E.D to start their shift when Noel shouted up from the reception desk.
"Oh er... Mrs Beauchamp!....a package arrived for you."
Connie collected it and put it to the bottom of the pile of paperwork she was carrying.
"What you got there sweet cheeks?" Connie glared at Jacob for using her pet name while they were both working.
"Never you mind Staff Nurse Masters!" She said as she walked off to her office and closed the door behind her.
In her office she pushed all paperwork to one side to focus on the padded envelope, tipping the contents on to her desk. It was a brand new name plate for her door.
Holding it in both hands she sat down at her desk and examined it closely.
It read:
'Mrs Connie Masters MBBS MS FRCS (CTh) FETCS MCEM'
'Lead Consultant in Emerging Medicine'
She had already officially changed her name on all personal documents, but she still needed to take the plunge at work.
Last week Grace had asked if she could change her surname to masters to, she'd said she felt left out, she wanted to have the same name as her mum. When the new baby arrives she would be the only Beauchamp in the house she'd said, so Connie had agreed.
The certificate with Grace's name change had come through this morning and Jacob still didn't know about it, between them they had agreed to surprise Jacob with it later today. She knew Jacob would be so touched by Grace wanting to take his name, it was now up to Connie whether or not she should take the same step at work?! Professionally it was the biggest career choice she's had to make in a long long time.
Connie's hand moved to her belly as she felt their baby boy kick... in that moment she'd made up her mind and nothing would break her resolve.

It was 3 o'clock so Connie told Zoe she was taking her break and would be back in half an hour, heading to the school to pick her daughter up.
"Hey mum, I was expecting Jacob?" Said Grace.
"I know.... I wanted to talk to you...Come on let's get in the car."

"Mum what's wrong?" Asked Grace.
"The letter came today from the registry office about your name change... so if your still ok with it your officially Grace Masters!" Explained Connie.
"I'm glad mum." Said Grace smiling. "When can we tell Jacob, do you think he'll be happy too?"
"He'll be over the moon Grace. I just wanted to make sure you hadn't changed your mind."

They arrived back at the E.D and Connie guided her into her office.
"I won't be a minute." Said Connie. "Wait here, I'll find Jacob."
Connie spotted him at the nurses station talking to Lofty.
"Staff Nurse Masters!! My office now!!" She bellow.
"Boss?"Asked Jacob, but she had already walked back into her office.

"Hey Jacob." Said Grace.
Jacob looked at Connie, she had a big smile on her face so he knew she had called him here for Grace and nothing work related.
"Hey mini Beauchamp. How was school?"
Grace walked over to her mum who passed her a piece of paper.
"You can't call me that any more."
"What? Mini beauchamp? Don't you like it?" He asked concerned.
Grace passed him the certificate as Connie walked across the room to join them.
"It's not her name any more" explained Connie. Jacob stood there reading trying to take in what was happening. "She asked me if she could be Grace Masters....so we can be a proper family. "
"Really!" Said Jacob disbelieving. "Are you sure?"
Grace nodded and they both hugged.
"You have no idea how much this means to me Grace. This is amazing... thank you!" Said Jacob.
"Mum has a surprise for you to." Said Grace.
Jacob looked at Connie with a huge smile. "Oh she does, does she!" But Jacob's smile was short lived as he watched his wife walk passed him and open her office door. He actually thought he was being kicked out. He was about to leave and that's when he noticed it, the new door sign sat in pride of place.
"Mrs Connie Masters." He read in awe.
"Thats me!" She agreed. "Now get back to work!" She ordered with her authoritative tone. "Yes Mrs Masters!" He said with a massive grin. "I love you."