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Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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Chapter 7

The older Holmes stayed a total of five days before making their excuses and going back to their home in the countryside. Molly was sorry to see them go but at the same time, she was ready to fall back into the established routine that she had created with Sherlock. And she knew that her husband would be a lot more comfortable now that their marriage and his life choices wouldn't be under scrutiny by his mother.

"Well, that was fun," Sherlock said sarcastically as he settled into his chair with a book.

"Now Sherlock, your mother only wants what's best for you!" Molly chided gently. "She only wants you to be happy."

"I am happy though," Sherlock told her. "Aren't you?"

Molly looked a little surprised by his question and then she nodded. "I am. I'm very happy," she answered.

"Well then," Sherlock said, turning his attention to his reading.

"Sherlock," Molly interrupted.

"Mmmh, what is it?" He asked, not looking up from his book.

"I've been thinking that we should have John and Mary over for supper."

"Yes," Sherlock commented. "It has been a while since we spent time with them, hasn't it? And it is normal for married couples to spend time with other married couples, isn't it?"

"I suppose so," Molly answered. "But then I've never been married before."

"Invite them if you'd like," Sherlock said. "We should visit with them before they become parents and their social lives completely disappear."

"I'm sure being parents aren't that bad."

"Believe me, one day they'll be having dinner with us and the next they'll be too busy dividing their time between ballet rehearsal and piano recitals. Then we'll be having peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with their little Sherlock while they go out all by themselves."

Molly's lips quirked into a half-a-smile. "I don't think that they're going to name their daughter Sherlock, dear. And who knows, maybe you'll like peanut butter and jelly."

"Hardly," Sherlock retorted.

"Well, even if you don't, you're going to like their daughter. I'm sure of that," Molly answered. "Don't even try and deny it."

Sherlock peered over his book and made a face at her. "I'm sure I won't like her. I'm almost determined not to, actually."

Molly's smile had reached her eyes as she tried not to giggle. "If you say so, Sherlock. I'm going to call Mary and then start dinner. I'll call you when it's done."

"Mmmh," Sherlock answered. "Fine."

"Is there anything particular that you would like for dinner tonight?" Molly asked.

"Not particularly, no. Now if you'd please, I would really appreciate if you would leave me to my reading." He paused and made sure to look at her. "Really, I'll eat whatever you make."

"Okay then," Molly said.

"Thank you," Sherlock answered before looking down again.

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"We'd love to come for dinner tomorrow night," Mary agreed. "As far as I know, we don't have anything going on. I mean, John doesn't really want me to go far since we're so close to the due date but I think I could convince him to go across town and have a meal with friends. So, how was your visit with in-laws? It went well, I hope."

"It got off to a bumpy start," Molly answered, smelling a tomato before rinsing it off. "Sherlock's mother wasn't too happy about our arrangement, but I think she likes me."

"Of course she does!" Mary replied. "You are all things sweet and kind. Any women would be lucky to have you as a daughter-in-law, regardless of the circumstances of the marriage!"

"I guess," Molly said. "Anyways, Sherlock is happy that they're gone now. He was tired of her scolding him for marrying the way he did. She seems to think we'll both regret it."

"Maybe," Mary agreed. "But then you most likely won't. You two are perfect for each other, it's only a matter of time before Sherlock Holmes detects that."

"I don't know Mary," Molly replied, tucking the phone between her chin and shoulder. "I think he's pretty set on this always just being a marriage of companionship."

"Give it a little bit of time," Mary encouraged. "And then if it doesn't play out the way you'd like for it to, you'll just have to start dropping some major hints, men are men, dear. Even when the man is as smart as your husband is. Listen, I have to go. John's home, I'll see you tomorrow though."

"Okay," Molly said. "Have a good evening."

"You too, darling."

"So, are they coming over tomorrow night?" Sherlock asked, startling Molly as she hung up the phone.

"Yes," she answered, recovering quickly and fixing him with a look. "Really Sherlock, you need to stop sneaking up on me like that! Please."

"Sorry," he said in a tone of voice that indicated he wasn't very sorry at all.

"Were you listening in on my conversation?" Molly asked, looking at him suspiciously.

"No," Sherlock lied smoothly. "Of course not. Why would you even think such a thing?"

She laughed. "Why would I think such a thing? Oh Sherlock, the answer is simple, it's because I know you! You're always dying to find something out."

"Well. . ."

"Come on," she interjected. "Now that you're here, you can help me make dinner."

"Is this punishment for listening to your end of your conversation or something?" Sherlock grumbled.

"Something," Molly answered cheerfully. "Now come on, with your help dinner will be ready in no time at all."

Sherlock liked to think he had agreed to help just to get her off his back, but he knew that it wasn't true. He never really backed down from a challenge, he never gave in to anybody easily or even at all. But here he was, backing down from his wife, giving into her requests easier than he had given into anybody who had come into his life.

He hadn't wanted to give into Irene Adler this easily and a year ago, a foolish part of him had fancied that he was in love with the gorgeous dominatrix. He didn't think he was in love with Molly, but being with her made him realize that whatever he had felt for the Woman had been just pure unadulterated lust. And that the relationship he and Molly shared was so much better than the one he had shared with the other woman in his life.

He was lucky.

He had gotten the one thing that most couples worked to hold on to after passion and lust faded. He'd gotten the real deal and even though he didn't really believe in it, he considered himself lucky.

TBC. . .

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Author's Note:

Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter posted. Last Saturday I received some shocking news that completely threw me through a loop. I've been walking around in a daze for five days now. My health is fine, but my heart and soul aren't. I can't give all the details, but I hope that is enough explanation for my absence. Anyways, please tell me what you thought of this chapter. I tried to keep it as upbeat as possible under the circumstances.

Holly, 3/6/2014_