Chapter twenty-one: I chose right

Four years later,

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot. A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Indeed, time would take it's time and all things that were meant to happen in due time, did. Sherlock and Mary's relationship blossomed and flourished. Mary had made his heart filled with joy and he in turn made her feel loved and cherished. The media had a field day with their relationship and both were relentlessly stalked at first. But as their courtship dragged on for several years, the media lost interest. They worked on crime scenes together and it was arranged for Mary to get some form of pay while she worked with Sherlock. She was as valuable to him as his mother had been to his father many years ago. Mary learned to shoot, throw knives and martial arts to defend herself and she began to inherit some of the darkness that had run through her mother's veins.

Mary, now feeling safe and confident in love was able to find her nerve and she and Sherlock had several merry arguments. One moment they were shouting at each other and one second later Sherlock had her clutching him in a deep embrace. Their relationship was as physical as allowed, but nothing to extreme. Mary's attack had left her mentally frightened on some occasions, prohibiting things from going too far. After courting for three years, Sherlock had Mary move into his flat with him. Uncle John didn't care about their decision, for he'd done a similar thing. His parents, however, hit the roof, but Sherlock promised that he and Mary wouldn't have sex until they were married. And that for most part was true; he could still get pleasure from Mary's body simply by touching or kissing her. Still, it was getting harder and harder for them to resist the urge.

Then one day, Sherlock and Mary were hurrying through Trafalgar Square on a rainy day when Sherlock stopped Mary by the fountains. She glanced at him. "Sherlock, I'm getting wet." He was always doing crazy little things, things that she was never expecting. Sherlock and her rarely had time for romance, but they'd decided that they didn't need romance, after being together for so many years. Their 'romance' was like their parents. It was simply there, no need to find it or act on it, for it was always there.

"Mary," he exhaled as he pulled off his gloves and shoved them in his pockets before cupping her face in his hands. "I cannot go another moment without letting you know how deeply I love you." Mary flushed as he kissed her hand before getting down on one knee. Mary gasped and covered her mouth as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. "Mary, will you marry me?"

"Yes. Sherlock, I will."

He'd stood up and kissed her on the mouth as the rain streamed down their faces, somehow managing to make this the most intoxicating kiss he'd ever given her. Whenever it rained, she'd remember this moment, how she felt with the blood pounding through her veins.

They decided to marry on May first, which made the wedding two months away. Mary and Sherlock wanted Mrs. Holmes to create the wedding, make it as magical as possible. There was no denying that his mother had a talent with the music and the mood setting. She'd promised to keep it elegant and along the lines of what Mary wanted. Mary wanted just something simple, but after her future mother-in-law showing her a multitude of wedding themes, she decided on wanting a white, fairytale wedding. Sherlock had flat out refused to wear a white tuxedo, stating that if he was forced to wear a white tuxedo, he was going to elope with Mary and he wouldn't bring her back until she was properly impregnated!

Lisa rebutted her original request to be Mary's bridesmaid, as she was pregnant. Her crush with her doctor, James Marlow, had paid off. As soon as she was able, the two became physically involved in a hot and steamy relationship. After Lisa gave birth to their daughter, Pansy, and was pregnant with their second, did Mr. Marlow make an honest woman of her and marry her.

Scott had gotten over Mary slowly but surely. Last year, he'd tripped over a chair and spilled his hot coffee over Alexander's secretary's lap. Her name was Penny Tate, a beautiful, redheaded, Irish woman with a thick accent. He'd worked hard to get her attention and they were now courting. Linda had a difficult time becoming pregnant. After being married for two years, they adopted a set of four-year old twins, Christopher and Alice. Once the papers were final and legal, Linda became pregnant, throwing everyone for a happy loop.

Maria and Monica kept their parents on their toes every day. His father did the unthinkable. He announced his retirement from the crime scene, stating he wanted to spend more time with his family. However, as mother predicted, a week later he was down at Scotland Yard, insulting everyone for his or her lack of intellect. Sherlock, unlike his father, arranged to get a month off of his work to go to Paris. Aunt Irene and uncle Mycroft had let them use their residence for their honeymoon. It was completely private, with servants in private, separate quarters, giving them the run of the house.

His mother had done a great job making their wedding day special for Mary. She'd helped her shop for a dress and they'd found the perfect dress. The dress was of embroidered Schiffli lace and organza over a satin A-line wedding dress. It was with slight cap sleeves, illusion and had a scalloped lace bateau neckline over a sweetheart bodice with a slightly dropped hand-beaded waistband. Illusion and scalloped lace back bodice features covered button closures. The full box pleated organza over satin skirt had concealed side pockets and a chapel length train. Mary didn't want a white dress, she'd opted for a very pale pink shade instead and it was most becoming.

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. Uncle John fought the tears as best he could as he handed his only child, his beloved daughter, into the hands of his best friend's oldest son. Sherlock hadn't even bothered waiting to be pronounced man and wife. He kissed Mary the moment she took his hand, earning some laughs from everyone. Their vows were simple and traditional. Sherlock, refused to let Mary Ann Holmes out of his sight as soon as his wedding ring was on her hand.

The wedding dance was the highlight of the evening. They'd learned the dance, without knowing what song they were dancing to. He asked his mother to pick a special song, one that they'd remember forever. And she'd chosen well.

As I leave my single life behind, thoughts are kinda spinning in my mind. He pulled Mary into his chest and they began to rumba as everyone let out whistles. She smiled and exhaled as he brushed his lips against her brow. First, I think about you, then I think about me, loving you. Then, I think about you and me deciding we can be one. It's crazy I know, I wrestled with my pillow all last night. When I look at you, he looked down at Mary as she looked up at him. I know I chose right.

They began moving in sync, barely taking their eyes from each other as they listened to the song, recognizing the impact it had on them. Life's a very long road and the crossroads come up right away. And it's sure hard to know which way to go when you've barely begun. And though the road you leave behind can shine so bright. When I look at you, then I know I chose right.

The tempo changed and they smiled as they moved into the hustle from their rumba. Everyone let out their cheers as they danced merrily together. Now, maybe we don't mean that much, you and I, and maybe our balloon will never fly. And baby, no one cares if we let things go by. And maybe it doesn't matter if we live or die! But if I'm making promises to you today, I want to know I'll keep them all the way. Mary's face glowed a happy, bright, pink as they whirled about together. And if I'm not good meaning what I say, it's time now to try. So I think about you, and I think about me loving you. And I think about my friends who say they're in love when they're just having fun. But I say no, no, no, if I am gonna love, he lifted Mary up, spinning her around in the air, before dipping her backwards. it's with all my might. He pulled her upright slowly, maintaining eye contact. And I will be true, I will follow this rule. He brushed her cheek with his knuckles, delighting in her shiver. When I look at you…..then I'll know I chose right.

He whispered. "And I did, I know chose right." He leaned forward, claiming his wife's lips as his again.

She nodded and whispered. "Indeed, you did Mr. Holmes." The blood rushed to his head and he realized why his father would go crazy every time his mother called him Mr. Holmes.

He kissed her. "Mrs. Holmes…tonight you're mine."

"And I'm yours."

"And I'm going to warn you," he murmurs against her ear. "I intend to get triplets out of you." The look of shock on her face was well worth the blow that followed from her. However, the laughter in her eyes assured him, that she wouldn't mind completely.

And it's over, I'm sorry that Sherlock's story had to end so soon, but all stories must draw to an end. Now, I've got a poll, as I mentioned several times, even if you don't review, please, just vote and give that poll a leap in differences, please. Thank you! The link for Mary's wedding dress is on my profile.