A Wife for Sherlock Holmes
Chapter 7 – Christmas Surprises
Mari was standing on a chair hanging garland. She then moved. She looked held the star for the tree. She looked up at the tip. She would not be able to reach it on the chair. She sighed and shook her head flicking her thick braid back over her shoulder as she stood hands on her hips thinking.
Tonight was the Christmas party they were throwing for the friends of the family. There were few enough. John and she had been up since early making treats, goodie bags, and baking the main course. John had insisted she rest every hour or so and kept her well hydrated.
Sherlock fluttered about reading, writing, and watching the production. After a long rest, Mari smiled announcing she needed to go for some last minute things.
"Where you going?" John asked.
"Grocery store. I won't be long."
"I can come with you if…"
"No need, John. I will go." Sherlock said standing from where he had been reading the news on his phone.
"Pardon?" John asked.
"What?" Mari said looking at him as she stood her hand on her belly. She stepped a bit and gasped a little.
Sherlock stepped forward, eyes wide. "Are you all right?"
She looked at him and smiled. There was no sign of distress in her look. It was a look of joy. Her hand was on her belly and she looked down again even as both men stood within feet of her, watching her.
"What happened?" John asked.
"I…I think it was the baby." She whispered pressing her hand over the spot.
Sherlock's large hand pressed to her as John smiled at Sherlock wanting to feel his child. After a few moments, Sherlock stepped back. "I didn't feel anything." He sounded annoyed and sad at the same time.
John patted his shoulder. "Women feel them sometimes weeks before you can. Soon, Sherlock. Soon."
Sherlock pouted a moment and then straightened. He pulled on his gloves as he watched his wife bundle herself up. He offered her his arm. She smiled and took it walking out with him. He hailed a cab and they got into the warm interior.
Sherlock settled and smiled at the driver. "Nearest grocery please."
"Sir." The man said.
Mari looked at him from under her hood she had pulled up. "You really didn't need to go. I just needed some wine, a couple sparkling apple juices for me and whomever wants it, and some crackers."
"I want to be a little more proactive in the shopping from now on. I have heard it is a good study of human behavior."
She chuckled. "Ever at work aren't you darling."
He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Yes, but it will be fun and I have been cooped up in the house all day."
"So have I." she frowned.
"You aren't a nicotine addict who has a bunch of nervous energy."
"True." She smiled.
At the store they got out. They walked in. The store would be closing in a matter of a couple hours for the holiday. She picked up a basket and walked straight for the wine. Sherlock walked with his hands behind him looking at the people they passed smiling in mild amusement at them. One man clearly had forgotten several things and was busily checking a list written in a scrolling hand. A female. His wife no doubt with her parents visiting. Poor man. At least Sherlock did not have in-laws to worry and fret about.
Another was trying to be non conspicuous about carrying condoms. Oh a hot date then? Sherlock looked him over. Clean clothes, shaved, tennis shoes, and a nice shirt. Hot date and hoping to get lucky, but not too much hope about it. His right sleeve marked him as an internet porn addict. Shame, he was a young man. Best of luck, young man. The girl isn't dating you for sex, she is dating you as a sympathy date he wanted to scream, but then shook his head.
Marion paused and he had to side step to avoid crashing into her. He recovered it well by leaning down pretending to inspect a can on the shelf nearby. He noticed she had not put on a hijab, but rather she wore a headband with a silk flower on it. An interesting change. Her hair hung down her back in a thick braid as she looked at the varietals. She picked a nice merlot and claret. She moved to the whites and seemed to notice he was behind her like a watchful shadow.
She looked at him. "Would you be kind and get some sparkling apple juice? It is two aisles over."
"Ah divide and conquer then. Very well. Won't be a moment." He said and disappeared.
She selected two whites and then looked up as he returned arms full of sparkling apple juice, some brie, crackers, olives, and some tea. She could not help, but giggle as he set everything in the basket and then smiled at her.
"Allow me." He said softly.
She sighed and allowed him to take it. She looked in inquisitively. She then noticed he also had at least three kinds of chocolate in the basket as well. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
He grinned. "I might…get peckish before the stores open again."
She laughed outright at that and nodded. "But of course. You had better share."
"Oh I will." He smirked.
She playfully slapped his arm and then held it. She was still grinning as they walked toward the front.
He reached and touched her cheek pausing a moment. "I love seeing you smile and laugh." He said. He smiled at her. "My beautiful Mari."
She giggled and leaned against his hand a moment. He then led her to the cashier. The lady put the bottles in a cloth bottle holder. All six were held well. The groceries went nearly in two sacks. Mari paid, speaking pleasantries with the cashier who kept looking at Sherlock. Mari smiled and nodded, blushing a little. The cashier laughed and went to Sherlock and hugged him.
"Thank you for all you do!" She said lifting her rosy cheeked face to look at him. He looked helpless as Mari stood back smiling behind them. The lady stepped away and he picked up the groceries. Mari looked down. She then looked up at her husband as he walked for the door, smiling a little.
"Sherlock…Let me…Let me help…"
He shook his head. "Don't be silly. I am not going to have you carry these."
She sighed and moved to call a cab. One stopped at the corner and they got in and went back to Baker street. Mari paid the cabbie as Sherlock got out. She got the door and smiled looking at her tall husband.
He looked at her. "What?" He asked.
"That was rather enjoyable." She smiled.
"Quite." He said and dipped down. He kissed her cheek. "I will have to go again. Fun to watch the people."
"You didn't mind Jennifer then?"
"A blog reader then?"
"Naturally." She smiled.
"Well at least she was grateful. Now. What can I do to help so you can put up your feet for a while?"
John appeared. "Ah. Welcome back."
Marion smiled. "Ask John. He has everything stashed places."
John chuckled. "Just in here. I will see to it. You should so see to your wife." He said nodding toward her as she sat down in a chair.
"It is snowing again." She said, her voice full of wonder.
Sherlock nodded at John and stepped to his wife. He bent down and perched his head on her own looking out as his hands rested on the back to either side of her. "So it is."
He stepped around her and dropped onto the chair arm. Her hand lifted and rested on his thigh as he sat there. After a few moments he moved and began to play his violin. Mari settled, her hand on her expanding belly, listening. Her eyes closed and her head dropped to the side.
Sherlock had been watching her and smiled a little as he continued watching his wife as she napped.
Mrs. Hudson came up carrying some food with her and was about to speak when Sherlock pursed his lips and looked at Mari's sleeping form. John noticed and moved putting a blanket on her and moving to start a fire in the hearth. Mari shifted a little, lulled by the soft sounds of her husband's musical talent.
ZzZ
The four awaited their guests. Marion had changed into a lovely dress of green velveteen that went to her mid-thigh with black maternity leggings and Christmas socks. She didn't wear shoes. The belt to her dress was silver and belted high over her belly. Her hair, which she had styled and wore long, hung about her shoulders and back like a thick cloud. In it was a headband of silver that was delicate and matched her belt.
Sherlock stood next to her, his suit jacket buttoned, a hand on her shoulder, idly caressing her soft skin with his long fingers since the dress had a very open neck. He ached to touch her hair, but for now he would behave, settling for her skin and idly playing with one of her dangling earrings that made a delightful bell sound when it moved.
Mari smiled. He was almost like a cat and could not resist the shiny toy in the firelight. She would normally have scolded him, but she was enjoying the tender caresses too much. She knew he was soothing himself as much as her by doing it.
John was in a sweater, relaxed pants, and loafers. Mrs. Hudson was wearing a purple dress and she was watching Sherlock with his wife as she sat across from them. Sherlock seemed deep in thought as he caressed his wife with the backs of his fingers along her neck and collarbone tenderly.
The first to arrive was DI Lestrade. Next was John's girlfriend. He greeted her with a kiss. Marion levered herself up and walked into the kitchen to pour wine.
Lestrade looked at her and smiled. "You are looking well Marion."
"Thank you." She smiled.
He was casually dressed and looked rather at home as he looked over the goodies. "Can I help myself? I haven't eaten since breakfast."
She smiled. "Oh you poor thing. Go ahead Inspector." She said. "Can I pour you some wine?"
"Please." He said taking a plate.
"Red or white?"
"Red if you have some." He smiled.
She smiled at him. "Of course." She moved to uncork the bottle.
"How are you feeling? You look smashing." He said smiling at her.
She poured the glass and handed it to him before she smiled down and patted her belly. "It is going well." She said.
He took the glass. "May I?" He asked.
She chuckled and nodded as she spread her hands. He was being so polite about it. She smiled as he pressed his hand to her and then chuckled.
"I have not done that since my ex-wife was pregnant with our daughter. Thank you."
She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "You are welcome, Greg."
She walked into the common room where Sherlock was looking at John's girlfriend. He was trying to guess which one she was and Marion rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "My husband does not have a head for names, apologies." She said meeting her husband's gaze and giving him a look. "Welcome to the party Abigail."
The lady had been watching Sherlock annoyed, but brightened as Marion said the correct name. Disarmed she joined John who was talking to Lestrade. Mari smiled and offered a glass of wine to her husband.
He smiled and took it looking at her. She arched an eyebrow, but turned as she heard someone at the door. The last two guests no doubt. She moved to the top of the landing.
"Welcome." She said. "Let me get you some wine."
"Thank you!" Came a male and female voices from below.
Sherlock smiled and took the glasses and brought them as he offered to take coats. Marion poured some apple cider for herself. She smiled lifting an olive and lifting a cracker. She smiled as she heard the chatter to the side as everyone spoke together.
She stepped out of the kitchen, hand on her belly, watching everyone. She sipped on apple juice in a flute as she looked up seeing Sherlock standing back. He was watching as well. He then saw her looking at him and smiled.
Mycroft stepped to her and smiled. "Ah there you are my beautiful sister." He said stooping and kissing her cheek.
"Mycroft." She said softly. She was suspicious of the man. She had never taken a real shine to him and Sherlock smiled as she spoke to the man. She then laughed with him about something. Sherlock knew she may never forgive him for letting his lackey hit her. Hell, he wasn't ready to forgive his brother for that either.
"I am glad you could make it, Mycroft."
"I would not miss this for the world." Mycroft smiled. "And I know it was you who invited me."
She took a sip of her drink. "Family is family. Perhaps one day you two will get along."
"Perhaps." He nodded. "However, it helps to have such a lovely buffer."
She chuckled lightly. "Flattery will get you everything, Mycroft."
"I know. Though you are yet to take a shine to me. Perhaps there is something I can do to amend this."
"Flowers and chocolates are a good start." She said.
He chuckled. "Now, now, I do not want to have a jealous feud over you as well."
She shook her head drinking more. "Honestly, I just need to get to know you better. Some tea sometime? Coffee cake?"
He nodded. "I would like that."
"A good start then." She said lifting her glass. He clinked his to hers.
"You look beautiful." Mycroft smiled at her. "You are keeping well I trust."
"Of course. Despite what you may think, he is a good husband and cares for me and the baby."
"Up until he met you, I did not think he was capable of sex with a woman, let alone marriage."
She looked up at her brother-in-law. "You thought him gay?"
"No, I thought him asexual." Mycroft said. He chuckled. "I will talk to you soon, but I see some mini quiche calling my name."
She shook her head. "Help yourself…brother."
She then walked over to her husband as he stood there in the shadows. She smiled at him and he reached down taking her hand, lifting it, looking at her wedding band. He then looked at the rest of her, twirling her so she stood, her back to him, their hands dropping to her belly.
"You looking ravishing, habibti." He told her softly.
"Happy Christmas, Sherlock." She whispered.
"Happy Christmas, Mari." He whispered back. She took a sip of her drink and looked at the other guests. She swallowed and smiled as she felt Sherlock shift her hand. She looked down and then up at him. He set his wine glass down. Sherlock reached down and cupped her face between his hands and kissed her, deeply. She gasped, startled, and then relaxed into his embrace.
They kissed for what seemed like ages until she realized there were jeers and cheers as people had taken notice. He stepped back breathless and she leaned against him, burying her face in his shirt as she flushed red.
Molly Hooper stood, eyes wide. Sherlock smiled at her. Lestrade had told her about Sherlock's marriage. She had not taken it well at first, being cold to him in the pathology lab until he reminded her that she was a friend and he trusted her greatly. But to watch them kiss pulled at her heart strings a little.
He then nodded to his wife as he lifted his violin. She dropped into a chair.
Sherlock began to play and everyone stopped talking to listen.
ZzZ
Dinner was lovely. It was nearly eleven when everyone began to disburse. First was Abigail who called a cab home. John went with Lestrade to the airport. They both had early flights out to see family. John had gone to see his family after much convincing on the part of Mari to speak to Harry, Harriet, his sister whom he was estranged from. She had sobered and had been looking forward to a holiday with her brother. Lestrade was going to see his ex-wife and daughter.
Mrs. Hudson retired after seeing Molly Hooper and Mycroft Holmes out. That left the flat to Mari and Sherlock. Mari sat dreamily before the fire watching the flames dance. Mrs. Hudson told them she would be up late in the morning to help clean and then would start on Christmas dinner for the three of them.
Sherlock went about locking the place up. He noticed his wife was no longer in her place. He looked about and then heard the water run and saw a trail of clothing leading to the washroom. He chuckled and walked toward it. He had removed his shoes, but walked for the room.
He opened the door, hearing the water run. The water was running. She was taking a shower. He smiled and could see her form moving as she washed. He stripped himself, standing naked a moment, and then pulled back the curtain at the back and stepped in.
He had never joined her. A few times he had come into the room and talked to her while she bathed or sat in silence just watching as she read by candle light. He closed the curtain and smiled. She stood under the water, her hands were cupping the swell of her abdomen, daydreaming. It was still high. She had several months to go yet, but she was halfway in three days of her pregnancy.
Tenderly, he stepped forward, his hands wrapping around her body and cupping the swell in his hands from underneath. He bent his head and kissed her shoulder before pressing his forehead to her shoulder, letting the water fall about them. She leaned her head against his, enjoying the tenderness and closeness to him, though he had felt her start originally.
"So beautiful." He murmured, his hands caressing the swell.
"Sherlock, what are you doing?"
"Enjoying a shower." He said smiling against her flesh.
She rolled her eyes and turned to him, kissing him, pressing her abdomen to him. She was starting to become a little self-conscious about the bulge, but she was glowing, really glowing. His hands rested on her lower back, fingers caressing the soft roundness of her buttock.
He then lifted his hands to her hair that was now like a living thing about her, clinging to her skin. "You really should wear your hair down more often. It is lovely."
"I did it for you, husband."
He nipped her lips gently. "Say it again."
"I did it for…"
"No the last word." He said.
"Husband?"
"Hummm. My wife." He said kissing her again hungrily.
She relaxed into his kiss. His hands were everywhere and she was powerless to resist his charms.
When they were soaked and breathless he blinked and grinned at her. "Shall we retire, habibti."
He smiled and turned off the shower and then looked at her. Wet, she looked so innocent and small. They stepped out, and they toweled off, watching each other playfully. He rubbed his tongue over his teeth and she tossed her towel at him. He chuckled and clicked his tongue at her. He took her hand as he led her to the bedroom. Once inside he closed the door and she backed away from him. She looked at him, all of him in his glory before her as he stepped to her and kissed her, pressing her backwards to the bed.
They kissed and he smiled at her as he pressed into her, watching her eyes as she exhaled shifting to take him deeper. He looked at her, his beloved wife. He watched her looking up at him with such love, caring, and desire, it undid him.
"Mari. I love you." He whispered, his hands gliding up her sides. "I love you so much." He touched her cheek, his eyes serious and full of adoration. "Never leave me." He begged, his hand on her belly. "Please…"
She realized that was his greatest fear and he was trusting her with the knowledge of it. She smiled and looked up at him, eyes moist.
"Never." She whispered back. "Oh Sherlock. I love you too." She smiled touching his high cheek-boned face. Tears were in her eyes, but she was smiling. She didn't care what he got her for Christmas now, his words were the best gift he could have given her.
ZzZ
Christmas Morning
Marion Holmes lay on the bed. Her husband still slept, He had fallen asleep with his body against her, his hips to her own, his legs wrapped about hers. She felt his soft breaths against her hair and could feel his warmth against her. His arm was over her hip in quiet possession, hand resting on her thigh.
He had never slept so before, but then he had never showered with her before either. She smiled. Her Christmas Eve had been deliciously satisfying and to hear the words she had wanted to hear from his lips for months, made her smile, even now.
She looked out the window. It was light out, but the snow still fell and the wind shook the windows a little.
She turned and sat up a little. She sighed and walked to the washroom. A curse of pregnancy was a rather full bladder, often. She smiled and returned to him. He hadn't moved and he looked so young and adorable in sleep so.
She crawled back under the blanket and rested on her back, moving his arm up. He did not wake. It was funny. She had always taken him for a light sleeper. She let his arm rest against her thighs as she lay there, looking at the ceiling.
She then gasped startled.
Sherlock woke to that and sat up, looking at her in alarm. "Mari?" He asked. He blinked, still mostly asleep. "Are you all right?"
"Perfectly. Feel." She said pressing his hand to her belly, low, on the curve.
He blinked and looked at his hand as if concentrating. He then sighed after a moment. "Nothing." He sounded dejected.
She bit her lip and moved his large hand higher, toward her breasts. She pressed his hand with hers. She looked at him watching him. This time he was rewarded by a jab to his palm. Mari winced a little, but then smiled as she watched his face.
He beamed. "I feel it!" He gasped. His face was full of affection suddenly as he looked down at her belly.
"Sherlock?" She asked moving her hand to his face. His green eyes were bright.
He pressed a little and was rewarded with another kick. He gasped and smoothed her night dress and laid his cheek against her. Her hand caressed his hair as she looked down at him as he cupped her with a hand and had his cheek to her.
A third kick against his cheek made him lift his head and beam like he was the happiest man on the planet. He looked like a boy who had gotten all he wanted for Christmas and more.
"Nothing…I never felt…it is always so?" He asked caressing her belly.
"Sometimes it hurts a little." His eyes flashed concern. She smiled and touched his cheek. "But not often. It was kicking the whole time at the party."
"Such a wonder. Life within a woman. It is…magical." He whispered looking at the swell. He pressed a kiss to her swell.
The baby kicked again. "It knows its da." She said. She then laughed as he watched in wonder.
"Hello." He whispered caressing the swell reverently.
She sniffled and giggled. "Oh, Merry Christmas, Sherlock." She said happily.
"The merriest ever!" He said. He leaned up and kissed her, deeply, pressing her back against the pillows before he turned her and entered her from behind, his hands were everywhere on her body. "I love you." He whispered as they both climaxed. It did not take long. He had caressed her secret places and he was already hard as it was. His mouth was against her shoulder. "I love you so much."
"I know." She whispered. "I love you too." She smiled. She relaxed. Finally, he had told her the words she had wanted to hear and twice in a matter of hours. Finally, he had broken the barriers he had.
He then looked at her in concern. "The baby? Are you alright?" He asked looking at her.
She smiled and touched his cheek as he hovered over her. "You could never hurt us, Sherlock." She whispered. She turned a little to look at him and he kissed her again. "I love you."
"I love you. I love the baby." He looked down at her his hand on the swell. "Is it strange that I now feel so full of emotion at the baby?" He looked at her, his green eyes wide. It was clear he was in awe of the feelings in him. The protective feelings and most importantly, the feelings of love. He knew that now. This was love. Love for his child. Love for the woman carrying his child. Love for his marriage. Love…the dangerous game was now his and no longer chemistry or flirting. This was real, tangible, and his.
"No. You can feel it alive now. It is that much more real to you."
"Indeed." He said and settled. He was still grinning like an idiot.
The baby settled and he settled behind her, his body pressed to her, his arm protectively over her once more. Neither felt the need to leave their warm love nest yet and why would they. It was Christmas, their first Christmas together.
She had never felt so warm inside or as loved as she did now. She looked at the window at the snow falling as Sherlock, who was not quite asleep, caressed idle patterns on her hip and thigh. She then realized he was drawing patterns of snowflakes. She smiled and reached down. She took the hand, kissed the fingers, and then held it as she snuggled closer, if that were possible. He muttered something into her hair and relaxed again. She sighed.
She was home. Finally. 221B Baker Street was home.
A very Happy Christmas indeed.
