Disclaimer: Plot and original characters are mine. Characters from the show are not mine.
A/N: A thousand apologies for the long wait between chapters! Adjusting to full-time work has left me too tired to write lately. But stick with me, because this series is neither over, nor abandoned! And this is not Brit-picked, so I apologize for any Americanisms that slipped through. Please review!
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Kate Watson Lestrade stood on the pavement outside her new flat, supervising as her husband, her cousin, and a few friends carried boxes and furniture inside. She'd offered to help, too, but had been turned down. It was, she knew from past experience, nearly impossible to convince those closest to her that being seven months pregnant did not mean she had to be treated like fine china.

She'd been relieved when they'd closed on the flat. It meant there was enough time to decorate the nursery, and get settled in before the baby came. The two bedroom first floor flat had a small loo downstairs and a full bathroom upstairs. The living room was quite spacious, and there was enough room for she and Gabriel to put their desks at one end.

Kate stepped back as Gabriel moved towards the door with a stack of boxes. As she did so, she noticed her cousin, John, chatting with a pretty young woman. She knew he'd been seeing someone for several months, but Kate had yet to meet her. Between her work as a reporter, childbirth classes, and shopping for the baby, she sometimes wondered how she managed to fit in eating and sleeping!

Curious, she walked in their direction. John saw her and smiled, waving her over.

"Kate, there you are! Come here, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is my girlfriend, Raina. Raina, my cousin, Kate Lestrade."

Raina smiled and offered a hand. "It's so nice to finally meet you! John's told me so much about you."

"Likewise."

"Can I help with anything?"

Kate shook her head. "Oh, no, it's all right. Don't feel obligated. For that matter, John, you've been here for most of the morning. Go on, if you want."

"I'll stay; I don't mind."

"If you're sure. I think I'll go up and start organizing things as the rest of you bring it in."

"I can help," Raina offered.

"I'll manage," Kate answered, "but I wouldn't say no to some company."

An hour later, Kate decided that her cousin had done well in the relationship department this go-round. Raina was smart and funny, not to mention being willing to put up with the antics of Sherlock!

"He's not that bad once you get to know him," she shrugged. "Sure, the interrupted dates are a pain, but I understand. Sherlock works better when John's with him, and John enjoys the adventure."

"I agree, he has his good points. He can even be sweet at times. And he's both my cousin's best friend and a sort of surrogate younger brother to my husband, so I pretty much have to deal with him on a regular basis, one way or th' other!"

"Has he been here yet?" Raina asked.

"No, which surprises me. But he'll turn up soon, mark my words."

Kate was right. When she and Raina went back outside, they found Sherlock examining everything. From the look on his face, it was obvious that he was, as usual, deducing a great deal.

"Sherlock! Don't suppose you'd be willing to give me a hand with this?" Gabriel asked.

The consulting detective looked at him for a moment before stepping forwards to grab the other side of the table.

"I suppose I could do that. You know, Lestrade, it's evident from your possessions that . . ." his voice grew fainter as he went inside and up the stairs.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as they finally got everything inside. With John's help, Gabriel got the bed frame put back together, with box spring and mattress in place. Sherlock and Raina had stuck around, as well, so Kate ordered takeaway.

John looked around as they settled in the living room with cartons of Chinese. "This is really nice."

"But it'll take forever to get everything unpacked and organized," Kate sighed.

"Energy levels drop in the third trimester," he reminded her.

"I know. So don't think I'm rude if I sit here and doze off." She reached for another carton, and then stopped. "Oh, right, I can't eat that anymore."

"Indigestion or heartburn?" Sherlock asked. When they all looked at him in surprise, he explained, "I read up on pregnancy a bit."

Kate laughed. "So I'm your chance to observe what you've read actually playing out? Hell, Sherlock, coming from you, that's a compliment. I'm flattered."

"It could prove useful knowledge in the future," he replied dismissively.

Kate saw Gabriel and John exchange a quick smile. Sherlock's non-caring act wasn't fooling them anymore than it was her.

While she was enjoying the camaraderie of the evening, Kate was also glad to see John, Raina and Sherlock leave. She was eager to go put fresh sheets on her bed, dig out the pillows and duvet, and get some sleep.

Working together, she and Gabriel had the bed ready in ten minutes. Kate slipped one of her husband's t-shirts over her head and sighed happily as she relaxed into the mattress.

She was asleep in minutes, unaware of the kiss Gabriel pressed to her forehead, or of his soft whisper.

"Sweet dreams, darling. Welcome home."