A drabble from a prompt on tumblr.

He called for her downstairs when Timothy had gone. Usually she was down to see him off to school. His son did no say anything but gave him a concerned glance as he made his way to the front door. Patrick smiled at him reassuringly.

"I'm sure she's alright," he told him, "Maybe she just feels a little bit poorly. I'll go and see if she's okay."

"Tell her goodbye from me," Timothy told him as he went through the door, obviously consoled by his father's words.

Patrick on the other hand was not so heartened. It was unlike her not to be down for breakfast. She had come down earlier and set the table, but by the time they were both down she had been back upstairs.

Trying to make sense of this, Patrick made his way hurriedly up the stairs.

"Shelagh?" he called again, "Shelagh, darling, are you alright?"

Opening their bedroom door, he found her sitting on the chair in front of her dressing table.

"Timothy had to go," he told her, "He says goodbye and sends his love."

She was just sitting there, not looking in the mirror or getting ready. He frowned a little.

"Darling, are you alright?" he asked, seriously, taking in her stillness with some concern now.

But when she turned to look at him properly, there was a smile on her lips; rather a small, timid smile, as if she was uncertain of something, but there was one there nevertheless. His concern merged a little way into confusion.

And then, gently, her hand moved from her side to cover her stomach. It was unmistakeable; he'd seen women hold their hands in that same position a thousand times before, but never, never, had it brought him such joy as this. His eyes widened, and he glanced up at her quickly. She nodded, almost imperceptibly, her eyes shining.

"Patrick, I think there's going to be a baby."

He could have asked all kinds of questions. He could have asked if she was sure, he could have asked how far along she thought she was, he could have asked if anyone from Nonnatus had confirmed it. But her eyes spoke for her certainty and that was enough for a moment. He didn't think his voice was working to ask anything; his heart was hammering, and soaring, and he was so, so happy.

He fell to his knees in front of her, his hands covering hers on her stomach so tenderly, and carefully. He saw all traces of uncertainty leave her face as he did so and he realised that a small part of her had been wondering how he would take the news. Sometimes it felt like they had always been together and he remembered the anxiety and uncertainty she must inevitably be feeling about having her first child. His only thought was to reassure her.

"This is the most wonderful thing that could have happened," he murmured gently, cupping her face with one of his hands, tugging the strands of hair behind her ear.

A full smile broke out on her face, and she beamed at him, consumed by happiness. He kissed her, stretching up a little to reach her lips, reaching his hands around her back to hold her gently to him.

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