John looked across the table at the woman sat before him, as his hands brushed over the ring box in his pocket. Her eyes sparkled like two jewels in the light. And finally he was ready to ask her. He finally accepted that the true love of his life was gone. He loved Mary, and would happily marry her, it's just that she will never be Sherlock.
His hand met her's as he stared into those beautiful eyes full of warmth. He might have asked her, then, if he wasn't comparing hers to Sherlock's cold blue eyes.
A man came up to them, interrupted one more proposal attempt, and John secretly thanked him. Was he really ready for this? Ready to give up on the most unpredictable man ever, who could still be... no, he wasn't, John told himself once more. He couldn't get hung up on this! Sherlock wouldn't have wanted him to.
A few failed proposal-starting moments later, the man returned. Again. There was no secret thanking this time, if he was going to do it, it had to be now. He looked up, and...
"I'm sorry Mary."
"I know."
He stood up and drew Sherlock into a deep kiss.
Sherlock stood there, dumbfounded. He hadn't quite expected this reception. Not that it wasn't unwelcome but Sherlock didn't know what to do.
"Wha-"
John now looked as confused as Sherlock was. He sat Sherlock down into a spare chair and tried to explain.
"I got your letter."
"What lett-" Sherlock stopped once more. The letter! He had never considered that Mycroft would have actually sent it! But his anger subsided slightly as he saw the love in John's eyes.
"I love you, John."
"I love you too."
Mary started to applaud them as they kissed for a second time.