A/N: And this is the end. I want to thank you all for following me on this wild ride and allowing me to this little indulgence of merging "An Affair to Remember" with "Sherlock". Especially my wonderful beta old ping hai, who kept me at this story. If it wasn't it for her I am dead certain it would never have been finished.
One year later…
John looked up from where he was pulling weeds to better hear the sounds of a violin being played. He smiled as Sherlock exited the veranda, the violin tucked under his chin. Its music filled the air.
John pulled off his gloves and moved to stand. He wobbled a bit, but Sherlock was there before his knees buckled too far.
"Not quite all the way there, yet," Sherlock admonished. "You aren't able to stand without help, and you are only able to walk a short distance without aid."
"What do I care?" John asked, turning in Sherlock's arms to face him. "You will always be there to catch me." John placed his lips on his lover's. Sherlock wrapped his arms around John the best he could, his hands full as they were.
"Are you sure you are able to walk the fifteen steps to the altar?" Sherlock asked, as he nuzzled John's neck. "We can postpone it awhile longer. I don't mind waiting,"
"Sherlock, I'll be fine. I promise. In one week's time, I will walk down the aisle toward the love of my life, and before God and all those witnesses pledge my life to him. And nothing, not even the trifling thing of being a bit wobbly on my feet, is going to stop me from doing so." He lifted his love's head in order to look him in the eyes. "You haven't changed your mind, have you?"
The tall, dark-haired man shook his head. "I just worry is all."
John nodded and let Sherlock lead him back into the house that was now theirs.
Though John was taking the place of "the bride", he was in black and Sherlock was in virginal white. They had decided to wait until John felt ready to take that step with his injured spine. Then they got engaged and they decided to wait until their wedding night. Some days were harder than others on holding off, but as John looked down the aisle at his fiancé he knew they had made the right choice. Tonight was going to be special.
They had forgone the traditional groomsmen for just two best men. Lestrade stood for Sherlock and Mike stood for John.
Cane in hand, John made his way toward the priest and the man he loved more than anything. There was a small smattering of awws and oohs. He handed his cane to Mike and took Sherlock's hand.
They went through the ritual until they got to their vows, which they had written themselves.
"I, Sherlock Alastair Holmes, take John Hamish Watson to have and to hold. For he is the inspiration behind every brush stroke and every note I play. He brings light to the darkness, hope in the face of despair, love in a world gone mad. I would cross oceans for him. He is my John." He took the ring from Lestrade and placed it on John's finger.
John reached up and wiped a tear that had escaped Sherlock's eye and had fallen down his cheek.
"I, John Hamish Watson, take Sherlock Alastair Holmes, to have and to hold. For he makes my song take wings to new heights. He is my savior, not because he stood by me through my learning how to walk again, but because he taught me that being different isn't something to be hidden, but embraced. He is mine and mine alone." John took the ring from Mike and smiling, slid it on Sherlock's finger.
"I now pronounce you husbands for as long as you both shall live. You may now kiss the groom."
They reached for each other and kissed like there was no tomorrow to the sound of cheers.
The reception was incredible. Sherlock played a song he wrote for his new husband and John sang one he wrote with the Northumberland Fusiliers, with their new guitarist.
When John wanted to come back, Seb opted to run off to parts unknown with the new leader singer, Jim. Seb's replacement was a goofy little kid with big ears, but he was army, just like the rest of them. The name "KNIGHT" was emblazoned on his chest. Just like the names "MURRAY", "STAMFORD" and now "WATSON-HOLMES" were emblazoned on the other band members' chests.
The happy couple danced to the song John had been singer when the two of them saw each other for the first time. There was cake and champagne to be had, good times for all. Mycroft was seen cracking a smile or two. He even got into a rousing debate with Lestrade over politics, but it was all in good fun and the men walked away as friends.
Mary came and she struck up quite the conversation with Sherlock's brother. John and Sherlock shared a surprised but knowing glance, as the boys decided to play matchmaker. Her father, thankfully had been barred admittance. So she was able to relax and enjoy the evening without him breathing down her neck to find someone new. Mary, of course, became fast friends with Mrs. Hudson, who had graciously made the cake.
Looking around at all their friends and the happiness that surrounded them, Sherlock and John were truly content.
