Author's Note: Here it is, the final chapter! I don't own any of this except the people you don't recognize. Also, just for a heads up, this chapter is slightly AU with some of the conclusions at the end. Hope you all still like it though!

Chapter 10 All the Loose Ends Tied Up

The evening found me once again reading in my bed. From my room, I could hear conversation coming from the study. Who was it? Frowning, I crept to my door and opened it so that I could hear the voices clearly. It was Irene and Holmes. Normally I would have closed the door and left them to their privacy, but just as I was doing so I looked up to see Victoria listening through her open door. She shook her head and signaled for me to stay so I listened, against my better judgment while giving her a disapproving look.

"Watson told me you are traveling to South America," Holmes was saying, "When do you leave?"

"In two days time," Irene replied, "I have to finish packing tomorrow."

"Where in South America are you going?"

"Anywhere the missionaries need me. I am going to be an English teacher's assistant. I won't know where I will be stationed until I arrive in Panama."

"I see," said Holmes and I could tell by his tone he was saddened, "Well, I wish you the best of luck and hope you find whatever it is you are looking for."

"Thank you Mr. Holmes. I should be getting to bed, good evening."

I quickly shut my door but did not dare move. I knew how well Irene could hear. I heard the door open and Holmes say suddenly, "Do you wish I were dead?"

A pause. "Pardon me?" Irene asked.

"Do you wish I had been shot instead of Moriarty?"

The door was closed back to its original position and I re-opened mine so I could hear Irene respond, "Why would you ask such a question?"

"The way you reacted to my return was emotionless, as if you did not care whether I was alive or dead," said Holmes and I knew by that tone that he was shrugging as he talked.

"You know I am not one to show my true feelings, Holmes."

"But I would think that if someone you thought was dead was, in fact, alive, you would not be so cruel and cold-hearted as to feel nothing," Holmes said testily, "Even I, who has been referred to as a calculating machine, would show joy or happiness or at least shock if I were in your position! If I thought you were dead and then actually saw you before me afterwards, I…I…"

"What would you do?" she asked and I heard the rustle of fabric and knew she had sat down.

"I would be overjoyed and demand to know how you had survived," he said as I heard him pacing, "And, especially after what I had told you before you left, I would want to know if your feelings for me were true. But you have proven that you do not care, and therefore I must learn not to. However, let me tell you Miss Irene Adler, that will be the largest challenge of my life."

"I did not remind you of that incident because I know how men react if they believe they are about to die," said Irene, "They say things that they should not say, and I do not want to hold you to your word. Do not feel as though your actions must follow what you told me that night. You have a beautiful daughter who is about to be married to a very lucky man, and a dear friend who cares for you like a brother. I would not want to ruin any of that for you."

"How would you ruin any of that for me?" asked Holmes in shock, "Having you in my life could only add to my happiness. I love you, I have always loved you. Why are you shaking your head at me? You don't believe me when I say that?"

"How am I supposed to?" Irene cried out, "You told Victoria that you loved her mother, and now you tell me you love me? What am I to believe Holmes?"

"Yes, I loved my wife very much. I have mourned her death in silence for years and years, too long as she would have told me. She would want me to be happy, as my daughter reminded me earlier today when I asked her opinion on the matter. I know that you can make me happy." He let out a deep sigh and continued in a weary voice, "However, if you have no feelings for me in return, I will not force anything upon you. If you still wish to go to South America, I…I will not stop you."

There was silence. I looked at Victoria and saw her anxious face staring hopefully at the door. I myself was worried too. Then, Irene finally spoke.

"You are an interesting man, Mr. Holmes," she said, "I guess that was how I fell in love with you. I don't want to go to South America, I want to stay here in London."

"Are you quite sure?" asked Holmes and I knew he was anxious and excited at the same time.

"Yes, very much so."

Holmes let out a laugh, loud and happy, and I saw Victoria smiling widely. She looked at me, waved, and closed the door to her room. I chuckled lightly and did the same, climbing into bed and falling asleep quickly.

…

So concludes our case. Victoria and Phillips were married two months after the case closed. Phillips was promoted to Lieutenant Detective and eventually led the entire Scotland Yard. Victoria stayed at home and took care of their four children. There were two girls, twins actually, and a boy and another little girl. They were always coming to visit Holmes and me and they enjoyed nothing more than sitting in our laps while we recounted past cases.

Mr. Richard James' invention was later attributed to another man, a fact which still annoys to him this very day. His great-nieces and nephew know better than to talk about the automobile business when he is in the vicinity for he has a tendency to rant and rave about how it was not even how he imagined them to be.

Sherlock lived to the ripe old age of sixteen and was still as boisterous and protective to his dying day. The day he died, we held a small service in the backyard of 221 B Baker Street, devoting a large corner in his name. His grave is still there to this very day, although not many people know about it. At the funeral, I even saw Holmes shed a tear to the loyal breed who he shared not only his name with, but a very strong bond.

Holmes and Irene were married a year later. I had never seen my dearest friend happier than when he was around his wife. He and Irene continued to live in the Baker Street apartments and, although they had no children of their own, Victoria's young ones were always dropping by for visits.

Mary and I had our disagreements at times, but we always worked them out together. I love my wife so much and had realized just how wonderful she was when I was away from her for that time. She is my life and my everything. I cannot imagine having to live without her.

As for Holmes and I, we are still in the consulting detective business and plan to be until we become too old and cannot walk two steps without having to stop and rest. I think that Holmes is glad this story is out for all to read. After all, it ties up all the loose ends of his life rather nicely, don't you think?

Author's Note: It's finished! Hooray! Thank you to everyone who reviewed and had me on alert or in their favorites. Knowing you guys liked my story and followed it is amazing and makes me so happy! Any final thoughts or over all opinions of the story are always welcome so go ahead and review or PM me if you have any questions or comments or just want to say hi! I love talking with you guys and hearing your opinions. Thanks again everyone and hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it. :D

Love always,

silvermoony77