Author's note: Sorry I didn't get this chapter up yesterday. Running errands and then opera last night derailed my plans as I did not finish proof-reading. Heading off to see Endgame shortly and wanted to get this up before leaving. I'm very grateful nobody has spoiled the movie for me LOL.

Putting a hard T rating just to be safe for the love scene at the end of this chapter. Nothing graphic of course, but a whole lot of love :)

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Molly was having an afternoon nap. She would be starting nightshift at midnight for the first time since they had been married.

With no urgent business to attend to, Sherlock decided to go ahead and read the next few pages of Molly's diary.

Fortunately today his reading glasses were where they were supposed to be, and Sherlock put them on before picking up the diary and beginning to read.

.../.../.../.../.../.../.../

January

Happy New Year, dear Diary. I am determined to get out of this funk. For over a year I have allowed myself to dwell on thoughts of how my life might have gone if things had been different. It's time to take stock of my life, re-evaluate.

Uh-oh, the Tom stuff is coming up soon, I kind of wonder if I should really be reading about him at all. Isn't it invasion of your privacy? But then again, you did give me the diary, so I guess you know what you're doing. XOX

February

I looked at my previous entry, so full of enthusiasm, so full of hope. What a load of rubbish. Thank God I have church to keep me sane. I don't know where I'd be without faith. I know that God has a plan for me, even if I can't see it. Perhaps it is His will for me to never marry, but become a wise elder in the church, expounding wisdom to the young people of the church, encouraging them in their Christian walk. I am reminded of the words from "Power of Your Love" which say - "Lord, renew my mind, as your will unfolds in my life, in living every day by the power of your love." perhaps I'll become like old Alice Benson who sits at the back of the church and refuses to sing to any of the modern worship songs. No, I'm kidding, That would never happen. I must admit, I'm not too fond of her. There's just something about the way she seems to look down on people and she is always frowning when there is any disruption in church by a crying baby or the like, as if the parents are to blame. I wonder what makes someone become so bitter? Is it because she has never married? I would never want to be like that.

Sweetheart, I love the way you talk about your faith even in this diary. I can't believe you thought you might never marry. Actually I can't believe you were willing to wait for me. Any man would've been blessed to have a wife like you. XOX

March

Well, guess what? I met somebody tonight.

Let me backtrack a bit. Kaitlyn invited me to go out to a pub for a drink, to celebrate my birthday. I'm not really much of a drinker, but she insisted, so I thought, why not?

We had been there for half an hour when I felt my stomach drop. I spotted someone at the other end of the bar, someone with curly hair, wearing a coat, it looked like a Belstaff. I was sure it was Sherlock, somehow come to town and my mouth went dry. I stared, trying to see better in the dim light and the man turned around. I immediately realised, to my extreme disappointment and embarrassment, that it was not Sherlock at all. It was a guy I had never seen before.

Anyway, I guess he noticed me staring in his direction and he came on over to where I was sitting. Kaitlyn made herself scarce as soon as she saw him approaching. I suppose she realises I haven't been out with a guy since she started working at Bart's and wanted to give me a chance to meet someone.

Anyway, we got to chatting. He said he'd seen me looking at him and I just told him he reminded me of someone I once knew and that I was sorry for staring. He didn't seem bothered by it, though. He asked my name and I asked his. His name is Tom. He has hair that goes over his forehead in a similar manner to Sherlock's, and I must admit, that kind of intrigued me. I was always obsessed with Sherlock's hair, not that he had any clue about that.

Anyway, Tom bought me a drink. He's a few years younger than me, so it kind of made me feel a bit special that he was paying attention to me. I've never gone out with a younger man before. He asked me out to dinner next week and I accepted. I figured, why not? Kaitlyn is always telling me I need to get out and socialise more. Oh, and Tom is very tall. He's a whole foot taller than I am. So yeah, I'm moving on, Diary, isn't that great?

Well, it is interesting to read the circumstances of how you met. I can't help feeling a bit pleased that you were disappointed at first that it wasn't me. I have to admit, I do feel a little jealous reading about Tom. He was an important part of your life for awhile. I remember you saying you met him through friends. I guess you meant that you were with a friend when you met him. There I was, thinking you had been painting the town red with a group of mysterious friends I'd never heard of before. Just goes to show I am not always right in my thinking. XOX

March

Oh, I have to share this with you, Diary. Today at church I received a little present from George and Roxanne. They are a very nice, middle aged couple who came here from America. Roxanne used to be a pathologist so we have sometimes talked about things. Anyway, George and I sing on the praise team at church occasionally. I only get to do that once every couple of months because I hate to commit to something too far in advance when I might get called to do an extra shift at the hospital, so I kind of just sing if they are desperate because people are away on holidays or something. Anyway, George gave me a CD. He told me it was a professional recording of a song composed by one of his fellow church members in America. There is a version with her singing it and also with the accompaniment only. This friend of his apparently sang the song to her husband at their wedding, isn't that romantic?

Anyway, when I got home, I put it in my CD player and listened to it. The words are so beautiful and they certainly would make for a good wedding song. The woman who sang it is a professional opera singer as well. The song is called "In His Love", and my favourite parts are the chorus and the bridge. The chorus says:

"Take my hand and never let me go, 'cause I truly believe that God meant us to be. With our hearts forever we can show, in the light of God's love, as it shines down upon us, it's a blessing we know, that forever we will grow, in His love."

Such a lovely Christian song! Oh, and the bridge says: "Body and soul joined as one, my fears for the future are gone. With you now my life is complete. You are the other half of me."That's what I pray God will give me. Perhaps I'll sing it on my wedding day if I ever get married. Oh, I just thought of something, there's a lovely couple at church, Abigail and Caleb who are getting married soon. They have asked me if I'd sing at their wedding while they sign the register. I was so honoured, but they didn't have a song in mind. I winder if this one would fit the bill? I'll have to play it for them and ask.

Why didn't you tell me about this song, Molly? It sounds perfect for us. I think I will have to ask you to sing it for me if you still have it. Oh, Caleb and Abigail who sang at our wedding? Something else you never thought to tell me. It is fun to keep learning new things from you. I hope you will say in your diary if you do sing for their wedding! XOX

April

I spoke to Abigail at church this morning and played that "In His Love" song for her. She loved it and said it would be perfect and yes, I should definitely sing it! I already sent back the acceptance for their wedding reception. It was a little bit sad that I had nobody to invite to accompany me, especially as I have just met someone new, but then, I'd feel a bit weird asking someone I barely know to go to a wedding reception with me. So, single I shall be for it! Anyway, I have a month to practice the song and I'm both nervous and excited about it. It is the first time I've been asked to sing at a wedding!

Oh, in other news, Tom took me out tonight for dinner and it was nice. It wasn't an expensive restaurant. He told me he works in his dad's jewellery store. It's a family business. I told him about my job. He wasn't repulsed, which was fortunate, but he also wasn't too interested either. That's okay too, I'm not particularly interested in the ins and outs of working in a jewellery store either. Anyway, it was a much more successful date than the one I had years ago with Jim Moriarty with all his questions about Sherlock. Thank goodness Tom is interested in me. He asked me out again next weekend, and I accepted. Let's face it. I'm not getting any younger. I guess we'll see where this leads.

Oh, I will be most anxious to hear about you singing at the wedding. Now you have me even more curious about that song!

I have to say this, you really didn't have much in common with Tom, did you? I love the way we can work together side-by-side at the hospital. We understand medical terms and can talk about them. I suppose a lot of people do have completely different jobs from their partners, but I like the fact that you are highly intelligent, as well as completely captivating. You were definitely too smart for Tom. You were meant for me, baby. XOX

May

Tom and I have been out a few times now. His favourite time is the weekend, when he gets to go out with his mates in the evening to the local pub. He likes me to come along, but I feel a bit uncomfortable, to be honest. While I don't mind the occasional glass of wine or a cocktail, I'm really not much of a drinker. I don't like that feeling when you've had too much to drink. I certainly don't want to lose control of my faculties.

I don't know, I feel like I'm being swept along in a direction I wasn't expecting. I do like Tom, and he introduced me to his family last week. They seem really nice. Tom has even kissed me on a couple occasions. I guess it's just my romantic nature from reading too many of those stupid Barbara Cartland novels. I guess I thought there would be more, how should I say it – passion? Tom is solid and dependable. He might not have much money, goodness knows that more than half the time I pay when we go out anywhere, but he works hard in the store full-time. I feel like there's something missing, but again, I think it's because I've let myself become carried away by thoughts of romance and passion because of those novels. Perhaps I should just throw them away and face the fact that reality isn't all hearts and flowers.

My poor darling, it sounds to me as if Tom was trying to fit you into his lifestyle, wanting you to be the kind of woman who would enjoy the weekends at the pub like he did. He should have put you and your needs first if he was serious about you. I know what was missing - it was the fact that you weren't with the man God created you for - me. I hope our love has restored your faith in those romance novels of yours. XOX

May

Today was Caleb and Abigail's wedding. It was such a beautiful spring day for them and Abigail looked absolutely radiant as she walked down the aisle towards Caleb. I had tears in my eyes. Abigail was just glowing and her smile lit up the church. That is the way I want to feel when I get married, if it ever happens. They love each other so much. It's rather ironic in that I was writing in my last entry that my relationship with Tom lacks passion. I suppose some people are destined for more passionate relationships and others are content with ones that offer security and companionship.

Anyway, I sang the song and it went off really well. I bought a nice dress with yellow flowers on it for the wedding and I had a big bow in my hair. I felt really pretty, but I didn't really participate much during the reception. I did get asked to dance by a couple unattached guys, but I felt it would be disloyal to Tom, seeing as I now consider him my boyfriend. Oh well, at least if I get asked to any more weddings I now have an outfit to wear for it! It was still a lovely day and I was very happy for my friends.

Hmmm, the dress you describe sounds rather familiar, I assume it is the one you wore for John and Mary's wedding. It would make sense as I doubt any of the same people would have attended both weddings, so at least you got the use of your dress more than once. You did look exceedingly becoming in that dress, as I've told you before. I'm glad your singing of the song went well too. I want to hear it now more than ever! XOX

June

I know I haven't written much, but really there isn't much to tell. Even though I have a boyfriend now, we do the same things whenever we go out. We go out for a meal, which I more often than not pay for, and then usually he wants to go to the pub afterwards. We don't get together during the week because I never know my schedule far enough in advance to make any concrete plans.

Last night Tom tried to put his hand on my breast through my blouse and I pushed him away. He seemed a bit put off. After all we've been going out together now for about three months. I just felt a bit uncomfortable. Maybe in a few months that won't be an issue anymore. I did tell Tom about my faith and the fact that I want to be a virgin on my wedding night. He seemed to understand, but I feel he would really like to try and make me change my mind. He did make a comment that once I've had sex I'll really enjoy it. I'm guessing that means his previous relationships have been sexual ones. I nearly told him that I didn't want to have sex, that I wanted to make love, but then I figured he would interpret that as an invitation. Once again, those Barbara Cartland novels are influencing me. The heroes in those novels always make love, it's never about sex. Why am I such an incurable romantic? It's such a waste of time.

Thinking of Tom touching you makes me feel a little jealous, I'll admit it. I'm glad he didn't force his attentions on you, but he should also not have made you feel uncomfortable for having your own views. I hope you don't ever think I would've pressured you in that way. I respected you too much even before I was a believer. I see we were on the same page in regard to the differences between having sex and making love, despite that quip of yours about "having a lot of sex." I will always make love to you, my darling. Now I think it is your turn to read what I have written, so that I can carry you off to do just that afterwards. XOX

.../.../.../.../.../.../.../.../

Sherlock set the diary and his reading glasses onto the coffee table, then looked at his watch. It was time for dinner. He decided to head to Joe's Fish Shop for some chips, and allow Molly some more time to sleep.

As he walked, he thought again about Tom. Tom, the young man who had tried to replace him in Molly's heart. He was sincerely grateful that he had not been away from London for an even longer period of time. If he had found Molly married, he wasn't sure what he would've done. He supposed he would've led a lonely and solitary existence. Only Molly could ignite the passion within him. Only Molly gave him the unconditional love that he gave back to her.

He walked into the fish shop and was greeted by Joe himself. It was the first time he had frequented the shop since returning from his honeymoon.

"Oh, Mr. Holmes, it's so good to see you again. I saw the pictures in the papers from your wedding. I'm sure it was lovely."

"It was everything I could have dreamed of," said Sherlock, smiling warmly at the older man.

Without being asked, Joe set to work making Sherlocks usual extra large serving of chips. While the chips were in the deep fryer, Joe engaged Sherlock in conversation.

"So you have recently come back from your honeymoon?" enquired the older man.

"Indeed we have," confirmed Sherlock. "Well, it has been three weeks already, but Molly returned to work two weeks ago."

"Ah yes, I saw the news this past week. You have already been busy catching murderers since you've been back," noted Joe.

Sherlock chuckled. "I guess crimes just follow me around."

"As long as you keep your nights free for your lady wife," said Joe with a grin and a wink.

"Most definitely," responded Sherlock agreeably.

Joe went to the fryer and lifted the chips in their basket. As usual they were perfectly done. Sherlock watched as the older man salted the chips with the signature chicken salt he imported from Australia, then put them in a large cardboard container for him to take home.

Sherlock paid for the chips, then walked back home, eating a couple of them on the way.

Back in the flat, he set the chips on the kitchen table and went to the bedroom to wake Molly.

He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to set his lips to Molly's in a tender kiss, after which he whispered, "Sweetheart, it's time for dinner. I bought us some chips."

Molly opened her eyes and smiled sleepily. "You did? Thanks honey."

He left her to get dressed and set the chips onto plates for them. She entered the kitchen in her pink chemise for modesty and he looked at her appreciatively, knowing she had not bothered to dress properly because she planned to take a shower before work. Of course, he would not have objected to seeing her sit there topless, but that may have been a bit too distracting.

Shortly afterwards, as they sat and ate together in the kitchen, Sherlock said to Molly, "I was reading your diary while you were sleeping. I think it's time you read my comments again."

"Okay," she agreed. "I have plenty of time before I have to get ready for work."

After they finished eating, the couple sat on the sofa and Sherlock handed Molly her diary. As she read, he turned on the television and flipped through the channels. Finding nothing of interest, he decided to take a shower. Afterwards, he shaved and put on a pair of boxers, not bothering to dress further.

Molly looked up when he entered the sitting room. "You were writing about that song I sang. I had completely forgotten about it. It was two years ago, after al." She quirked her lips. "The disc is in my bedside drawer I think. I'm probably a bit rusty, but I could sing it for you if you like?"

Sherlock smiled. "I'd like that very much. I can play the disc in my laptop."

"Okay. I'll get it."' Molly left the room and returned a couple minutes later, holding a disc case. She presented the CD to Sherlock who inserted it into his laptop.

Then he sat and listened to his wife sing for him for the first time since their wedding day. Watching her sing for him, wearing just a chemise and knickers was rather - stimulating. She had been right, it was a beautiful, fitting song for a wedding, although the first line did not really fit their situation.

"You came into my life out of nowhere and offered your help as a friend." No, he had not been a friend in the beginning, it would have been more appropriate for Molly to change the words to "and I offered my help as a friend."

When Molly had finished singing, he gathered her in his arms. "Thank you, my darling. That was absolutely beautiful." He kissed her tenderly running his hands along the silky fabric of her chemise, then released her reluctantly. Her scantily clad body was tempting him most alarmingly. "Now finish reading while I put the disc and my laptop away."

Molly obediently returned to the sofa, folding her legs beneath her and continued to read while Sherlock returned the disc to its case, sat in his chair and thought again what a beautiful voice his wife had.

A few minutes later, Molly dropped the diary unceremoniously on the coffee table, stood and walked towards him, saying, "Yes, Sherlock you have restored my faith in romance. You know you're my romantic hero."

She reached him,plopped herself onto his lap and slid her arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his naked torso. Then she looked up at him seductively through her lashes. "Well, are you going to carry me to the bedroom now or not?"

Sherlock needed no further invitation. He placed an arm beneath her knees and supported her back with his other arm, lifting her easily and carrying her to the bedroom, laying her down gently upon the bed.

He kissed her thoroughly, even as he pushed up her chemise and she lifted her arms so he could remove it completely. Then he was kissing those breasts that the unfortunate Tom had been denied access to, gently suckling those rosy peaks until Molly moaned and clutched at his hair. "Enough, Sherlock," she gasped, and he raised his head, kissing her lips once more, as his hands continued their exploration.

He slid his hands over her skin, marvelling at its softness, touching her belly reverently, knowing there was life growing within her, a life that he knew he would already give his own for. Then he caressed her hips before continuing his ministrations further. Her sounds of pleasure spurred him on until she was begging him again, this time to be with her.

At last, he too found his own pleasure in the sweet fulfillment provided by their joining as one, and bliss settled over them both as he held her close in the aftermath of their passion.

It was with some regret that Sherlock had to release his hold on Molly soon afterwards. While he was prepared to stay in bed with her all night, she had to get ready for work.

The sleepiness afforded by the release of endorphins faded away as he watched Molly grab her clothes and head to the bathroom.

She showered and Sherlock got out of bed, put on his boxers and dressing gown, then went into the kitchen. He made a coffee for both of them, offering Molly's to her when she exited the bathroom. They chatted quietly until it was time for her to leave.

When Sherlock was alone in the flat, he returned to bed, then realised what a mistake it had been to drink that coffee. For the first time since their marriage the space beside him in the bed was empty. He simply could not sleep without Molly next to him.

I can't sleep without you in bed beside me, he texted to Molly, who texted back a suggestion that led to a very interesting dream.

Author's note: If you are one of my readers who prefers to read my stories in chronological order timeline-wise, this is where Sherlock has a dream in the story I entitled Forced to Marry.

If you have not read it, feel free to check it out. Even though it is a completed work, please know I still appreciate getting reviews on my older stories as well. There is no time limit as to when reviewing becomes obsolete!

So, what did you think about the introduction of Tom to the story. I have some major revelations about him coming in a future story that takes place during this time period of Sherlock reading the diary, but I will only publish it in the correct chronological timeline so it will be a couple weeks yet.

In addition, this chapter contains information about a song called In His Love. It is in fact a way to insert myself into the story a little. I wrote the song and sang it for my husband on our wedding day with a basic piano version of it, then I made a professional recording of it later. I'm considering whether I should look into getting it onto iTunes. Would you be interested in hearing it?