Suddenly x-Turnadette-x

Twenty-nine

Patrick, Trixie and Sister Julienne walk down the long corridor in the hospital, silent anticipation and nervousness hanging in the air around them. Delia opens the door for them and Patrick's eyes instantly fall on his wife where she stands staring out of a small window. She turns at the sound of the door opening and a big smile spreads across her face.
"Look at you" Patrick sighs smiling to match hers, She walks swiftly to him and he pulls her close, resting one hand against her hips and the other on her cheek, brushing it with his thumb.
"My love." She whispered so softly only she could hear.
If there was any doubt in his or her minds it vanished at that moment, they were together for the first time in what felt like years.
Trixie and Sister Julienne share a smile as they watch the couple embrace.
"Not to disturb this moment but we do have to go"  Trixie interrupts, Shelagh pulls away from Patrick and smiles, the two walk together, hands clasped tightly. Trixie smiles as she observes the reunited couple swing their hands in time with their steps.
A little later they arrive home and assure Trixie and Sister Julienne that Patrick can keep an eye on Shelagh for the time being as he isn't at work for the rest of the day.
"I've missed you." Patrick sighs closing the door after saying goodbye to the others. Shelagh smiles as Patrick pulls her tightly into an embrace. They don't separate for a while until Tim leaves his bedroom and sees the couple.
"Mum!" He exclaims, rushing to hug her, Shelagh hugs him tightly, trying to hold back tears. Patrick chuckles and kisses her cheek, walking to the baby's room. He comes back holding Beatrice in his arms, Tim steps out of Shelagh's grip as she looks up to see her baby. Tears well up in her eyes and she holds out her hands, Bea smiles widely at her mum and leans out of her dad's arm towards Shelagh.
"Mu-mmy" she stutters, the others widen their eyes in shock, the ten-month-old had never spoken before, Shelagh hugs Bea tightly, sniffling.
"Oh my baby, I'm here" she whispers close to Beatrice's ear. Angela walks in and wraps an arm around Tim's leg.
"Mummy!  I missed you!" She exclaims, Shelagh looks up and beams at her daughter.
"Oh look how big you are! Come give mummy a hug!" She gasps, kneeling down to Angela's level, the young girl rushes into her mother's arms, Beatrice crawls to one of her toys and babbles contentedly. Patrick stands beside his wife and places a hand on the arch of her back, the two watch their children play together.
"Do you need to sit down?" He asks, Shelagh rolls her eyes at him and he chuckles, kissing her cheek.
"You haven't changed a bit since I first met you, still reluctant to get help." He tells her fondly.
"I'm not reluctant I'm stubborn, there's a difference dear" she replies laughing softly, he pulls her close and strokes her cheek with the back of her hand.
"Well, I love you either way, just the same as I did when I first lay eyes on you." He whispers.
"I only just got used to not having to watch you two make googly eyes at each other" Tim groans loudly and the two laugh, kissing each other fondly.
"But I'm happy you're back mum, even if I have to put up with the googly eyes" He says. The couple share a brief smile together.
~Time skip to night time~
Shelagh settles into the sofa with a cup of tea and Patrick rounds the corner from the hall to the living room, he leans against the doorframe and smiles, watching his wife gingerly sip her hot beverage.
"You're watching me" Shelagh notes, Patrick chuckles and plops beside her.
"Yes, I am. Because you amaze me. Even when you're burning your mouth on tea or listening to the radio, you amaze me because you are the bravest, strongest woman I've ever met. You continue to amaze me every day even when I don't see you" He says, taking both of her hands in his and pulling her off the seat and into his arms. She smiles up at him fondly. He places a long and sweet kiss against her lips, then kissing her forehead.
"I've missed you so much" He whispers, he pulls her into a hug again, she pushes her face into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply.
"You've been smoking again" She notes at the scent of his aftershave mixed with mentholated tobacco clinging to his shirt. He pulls back and a look of guilt flashes in his eyes.
"The anxiety got too much" He explains, Shelagh nods her head.
"It's okay, I don't blame you." She sighs pressing a hand against his cheek. 

Later in the night

Shelagh stands from kneeling beside Angela's bed, she groans as her knees crack. She leans down slightly and kisses the sleeping girl on her head. She straightens and flicks the switch on the little bedside lamp and darkness floods the room. Shelagh sighs contentedly and leaves the room after a last look at Angela before closing the door gently.
Shelagh enters the living room and Patrick walks through from the kitchen holding a cup of tea and a packet of pink wafers.
"Patrick! I haven't had those since... it must've been before Beatrice was born!" She exclaims, he grins and sits on the sofa, she plops beside him and pinches a biscuit from the packet.
She sighs contentedly and settles into her husbands arms.
"I think things are going to be better from now on" She hums.