Sorry for the wait. But here this is, I'm not entirely happy with it but...yeah...any who...Responses! Yay!

rycbar15: Thank and don't worry, I'm not done yet.

Sassiebone: Thank you for two reviews...yeah. Xoxo

LittleBeeofBakerStreet: I thought it was you! Hello and thank you friend!

Dream01: I'm a sucker for happy endings, what can I say.

Truelonerdoner123: Glad to hear that you want this to continue.

Mary2397: Thank you and I hope to write some more with this pregnancy.

Shadowplay27: I always feel more comfortable when I write about things I know or at least studied so I wanted to check my facts before putting in the twist.

I have about two chapters left in this and then, to be honest, I don't know. I want to write one of those 30 day OTP things for Elfie and Sherlock and introduce the new baby that way but I also have some new stories floating around in my head that are separate from this AU I've created. Tell me what you guys think! I want to know what you want to read :)

As always, I do not own BBC Sherlock or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's cannon.

Much love and many thanks...truly Xoxo

Chapter 25: We Can Only Go Forward

The sweet, smooth and velvety sound of the violin fills the entire ballroom. The well sized congregation, with their glasses of champagne and their full attention, is standing in a semi-circle around the bride and groom while they have their first dance. The song, an original, was composed with them and only them in mind. It brings joy to everyone who can hear it especially me. I sit at a table near by with my mother-in-law, looking on with such a sense of pride. Hamish sitting in Violet's lap, watching in awe as his father brings the piece to a close and trying his damnedest to stay still. There is a feeling of serenity that pervades the room and I let out a deep sigh. After weeks of turmoil, this roller coaster is finally over and what better way to end it then with this moment right here, right now.

With a small dip, John smiles down at his new wife and the happy couple shares a sweet kiss. Sherlock sets his bow and instrument to the side as friends and family of Mr. And Mrs. Watson applaud his work. I too clap and smile proudly at him. Hamish giggles loudly and wiggles about in joy on my lap. Sherlock sees us and smiles. Picking up the white flower that had been pinned to his jacket from the music stand, my husband motions to me and tosses the flower. I catch it with ease and just laugh, something I haven't done in what seems like ages.

I don't remember much of what happened to me. I mean, of course I remember the case and Victor Trevor and that awful basement but the details of my attack are a blur. There was a knife, then pain, then darkness. I woke up in a hospital bed after God only knows how long with my husband fast asleep at my side. The very sight of him brought me so much relief that I barely even noticed all the tubes and other medical appliances around and hooked up to me. He was safe, that was enough comfort for me.

Over the course of my recovery (I don't know how long that was; in hospital, all the days and hours just meld together), Sherlock never left my side. He and Hamish stayed with me from dawn until dusk; they were there every time I woke up and left when I fell asleep. Sherlock seemed so different to me during these visits, very sweet and, dare I say it, more human. I guess one could say he was more emotional. That's not a bad thing, far from it actually, just different.

I didn't ask too many questions, Sherlock just filled me in on everything that has occurred. I sort of got the impression the he believed he was never going to speak with me again so now he's getting in every possible word he can. Sherlock told me about Victor's reasoning behind all those ridiculous notes. He told me how Mary saved us by leading John, Mycroft and the ambulance to our told me how scared, honestly scared, he felt when I went limp in his arms. He told me about his mind palace and what I had told him in there. Lastly, he told me I was pregnant.

Pregnant.

I, Elfie Marie Holmes, am pregnant with my second child.

I was shocked to say the least and not just by this news. I think what through me off was how Sherlock had told me: "We're being given a fresh start, Elfie," he said between tears, holding onto my hand with both of his, "This baby, this new life...It will be a new life for us as well, my darling. I promise you that nothing will take me away from this. I won't let you down, never again." He was being so emotional, so raw. It was as if I was speaking with a new man. He's changed but at the same time he's still my Sherlock. My beautiful, wonderful Sherlock.

After compleating his duties as best man and dismissing the crowd to dance to the recorded music, my husband comes over to our table.

"Bravo, little one," Violet says, "that was truly a wonderful performance."

"You have to say that, you're my mother," Sherlock says, leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek. Violet simply laughs and the two just smile at one another.

"Well, Hamish, what did you think?" Sherlock asks our giddy son, swooping the boy up into his arms and tossing him up and down.

"More! More!" Hamish squeals. Sherlock lets out a hearty laugh and brings the giggling toddler in close. Hamish then wraps his arms around his father's neck and nuzzles his little head onto Sherlock's shoulder: "What's this now?" Sherlock teases, kissing Hamish's forehead, "you're not falling asleep on me, are you Hamish?"

"No, I fine." Hamish yawns.

"Come now, young man," Sherlock coos, cradling our son, "Time for you to go to bed."
"No, no, I stay wit you. Sleep is dull."

My husband and I exchange a look and then smile. He is his father's son, no doubt about it.

"It's been a long day for both the old and the young," Violet says as she's getting up, "I'll take him upstairs, Sherlock. I'm off to bed myself."
"Won't you stay to wish John and Mary well?" Sherlock offers, handing Hamish off to her.

"I'll speak with them, don't you worry little one." she replies with a smile, "Besides, I think you need to spend some more time with your wife. The two of you have barely spoken to each other all day." Sherlock blushes and looks at me with all the admiration in the world. It's true, we haven't really seen or spoken with each other all day. Not because of anything bad, but because we've been busy; He helping John and I helping Mary. Now that Violet mentions it, though, I wouldn't mind spending some time alone with him.

Sherlock places another kiss on his mother's cheek and then turns his attention to me. My cheeks turn a bright side of pink as I motion for him to sit beside me. Before he does, the very exited newlyweds come rushing over. "Sherlock, that was brilliant! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Mary squeals as she comes running over with John close behind.

"Yeah, mate, I don't think I've ever heard you play like that before," John adds in, "Thank you."

"You see, it's not just me," Violet points out, adjusting Hamish onto her hip, "it was a beautiful performance."

Sherlock blushes and gives the newly weds a thankful nod as he takes a seat beside me; "Composing a piece was the least I could do," he says, "after what you both did for Elfie and I."

"Hey, hey, hey come on," John says, "we all promised: no talking about what happened in that cellar. Ever."

"John, you make it sound like we are part of some secret society" Mary says with a laugh, but deep down we all know he's right, me especially. I don't ever want to talk or think about that night ever again. Sure, I'll carry the scars both physical and emotional for the rest of my life, but that doesn't mean I have to linger on it all.

"The ceremony was absolutely lovely," Violet quickly says to change the subject.

"Well that backyard is an amazing space," Mary replies, "this whole house is amazing."

"Mm, try living in it. Your opinion will change, I assure it." Sherlock quips, "But I must admit your nuptials have given a new light to this dreadful place."
"Sherlock," Violet says between her teeth, gently swatting his arm, "be polite." But he just shrugs and rises up again;

"John, Mary, I wish you both the best," he goes on, patting John's shoulder, "and I will forever be in both your debts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to dance with my wife. She's hardly spoken all evening and we've barely had time together so, before she slips away to turn in early for the night, I would like to have a few moments with her. Elfie?" He then turns back around and offers his hands out to me. I gladly take them into my own and allow him to guide me out onto the dance floor, leaving our friends and Violet to chat among themselves.

"What's this?" I ask when we settle in a somewhat secluded section of the dance floor, "I didn't know you danced?"

"Ah, she speaks." my husband teases, resting a hand on my waist while holding my right hand gently in his left, "Hello Elfie Marie."

"Hello," I giggle as he guides me in a sweet waltz. I rest my free hand on his shoulder and lock my eyes with his. I'm a god awful dancer, but with Sherlock Holmes guiding my two left feet I feel like a ballerina. His gaze is one of pure love and my heart if all a flutter. I love this man, more than I could ever possibly say.

"You've been quiet all day, darling," he whispers, nuzzling his forehead against mine, "are you alright?"
"Perfectly fine now that I'm with you," I reply, stealing a kiss on his lips. Sherlock chuckles and pulls me in closer to his body, giving me that look of 'I-know-your-hiding-something-just-tell-me.' I let out a heavy sigh and rest my head on shoulder: "I guess I'm just tired. Long day of walking around in heels can do a number on a pregnant girl."

"I see," he replies, resting his head atop mine, "not to mention you are a tad homesick?"

"God yes," I sigh, "I mean, don't get me wrong, I loved watching John and Mary get married here and I'm over the moon that you've finished up this case, but I can not wait to get on that train tomorrow morning."
"I feel the same, my darling," Sherlock coos, "truly." I feel his lips brush against my forehead and I close me eyes, feeling utterly content with this scene.

When the song comes to an end, Sherlock and I share a sweet kiss then he takes me by the hand, leading me out of the ballroom and out to the garden where the ceremony had taken place earlier. The moon is bright and the night air is tranquil and sweet, much like the nights we would share walking home from the museum. Sherlock and I take a seat on the edge of one of the steps and move as close together as humanly possible.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, "You were looking a little pale up there on stage. Stagefright?"

"Hardly," Sherlock replies, taking my hand into his, "It was just withdrawal rearing it's ugly head once again. But don't fret, love, I'm quite alright."
"I know." I sigh, resting my head on his shoulder. Sherlock's been clean, honestly clean, for two weeks. Sure every now and then he'll have cravings and start to show some flu like symptoms, but he's actually fighting them off now. No more mopping about in bed, locking himself away from the world. He's trying this time and for that I couldn't be happier.

"Why did we never do this?" my husband wonders aloud, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Do what, love?" I ask

"A ceremony with a party and what have you afterwards," he goes on, "Our wedding was about 15 minutes long with an attendance of about 5. We never even had a first dance, Fee."

"Wait, did you want a big wedding?" I scoff, lifting my head so to give my husband a questioning look.

"No, not necessarily," he replies, "It was just a thought that crossed my mind. I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding, my darling, I assure you."

"Good, nor would I." I agree, resting my head back down again, "It was perfect."
"Yes, it was. However, I would like to have shared a first dance with you."

"Mm, well, when we get home you can write me a song just like the one you wrote of John and Mary, okay?"
"Okay." Sherlock chuckles, placing a kiss on top of my head.

"Your song really was beautiful, Sherlock," I say, "Dare I say your best work yet."

"As much as I enjoy the praise, Elfie, please remind me to never do anything like this ever again," he replies.

"What? Play your music in front of people?" I tease, "You're really good, honey, don't be embarrassed."
"No, no I didn't mean that." he says, massaging my knuckles, "I mean doing the whole 'best man' ordeal; it was infuriating."

"Sherlock, don't say that. You did this for John and Mary, remember?"

"I know, I know. I was just..."

"Being a child."

"Voicing an opinion. No need to be so harsh."

Our eyes meet and we laugh, nuzzling our foreheads together like we do. My heart is all a flutter as Sherlock gently brings his hand up to brush his fingers over my bare arm, "You know," he whispers, "You truly are the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure to love."

"I thought I was the only woman you loved," I tease, causing my husband to blush. Suddenly, his expression changes to one of sadness. I furrow my brow in worry at first but then I see that his fingers are tracing over a few pale scars on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry I dragged you out here," he whispers, but I place a finger to his lips and look him in the eyes with a serious gaze before he can go on.

"Sherlock, stop," I say, "There is nothing to apologize for and, quite frankly, there is nothing I hold you accountable for. Let's just move on, okay?"

"I almost lost you," he replies, taking both of my hands into his, "I can't move on from that."
"Try to," I urge, "for me, for Hamish and for our baby." Very slowly, I place his hands over my stomach. Sherlock looks down and lets out a deep sigh. His fingers run over the smooth, lilac fabric of my dress as he brings his eyes back up to lock with mine.

"I'm nervous, Fee," he confesses, "I-I don't know what to do with a baby. I wasn't there for you when you pregnant with Hamish; I missed it all so how am I supposed to handle this now? Since coming back, I've spent most of Hamish's childhood too wrapped up in my drug habit to even take note of everything and I..."
"Sherlock, Sherlock, calm down," I say, "you're going to be wonderful. I'll help you through it every step of the way."

"But I should be the one helping you," he counters, "Your going to be sick an-and in pain and then there's Hamish. He's going to be so confused and..."
"And his wonderful father will help him understand what is going on," I finish for him, placing a hand on his cheek, "Sherlock, is...is this fear coming from-I mean are you...are you afraid because you don't know what to do during these next 9 months or is it...is it because your still afraid of loosing me?"

Sherlock bites his lower lip and wraps his arms around me in a warm embrace, wordlessly answering my question. I hold him in return and place a kiss on his cheek as if to assure him that I'm going to be leaving him any time soon. Nothing is going to break us apart and I know that Sherlock will never let anything happen to me. This case has tested our relationship on so many levels and I truly believe that we've come through stronger than ever. Just like always, we're an us and nothing is going to break that bond.

"I never wanted to bring you to harm, my darling, darling girl," Sherlock whispers into my hair, "Since meeting you I-I have only felt the need to make you happy. I know that I haven't always succeeded in that, but please know that I do everything in my power to make up for my mistakes. Our children deserve a father who will protect them with every fiber of his being and I intend to do that, my darling Elfie, I honestly do."

"I know you will, Sherlock." Is all I can manage to reply, "I know you will."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Have you got everything?" Violet asks as our train pulls into the station. She has accompanied Sherlock and Hamish and I in the early hours of this Monday morning to wish us well on our journey home. Home; we are finally going home. Home to London, home to Baker Street...Home.
"Yes, Mother." Sherlock replies, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder, "Are you certain that you won't come with us?"
"Sherlock, my brave little boy," Violet says with a smile, "your place is in the city and my place is in the country. I'll be fine."

"Oh yes, of course, because of these past 6 weeks have proved anything, it is that the country is the safest place in England," Sherlock scoffs with a roll of his eyes. Violet simply laughs and cups her son's face in her hands. "Sherlock Scott Holmes, I love you so very much," she says, "and I'm...I'm so very glad to have you back in my life."
"I never left," Sherlock replies, "just lost my way from you for a bit." He smiles at her and they share a large embrace. I stand off to the side just watching them with a proud smile on my face. It's amazing that after so many years of being apart and then having to go through a rough reunion, these two have maintained their bond. Before this trip, I never knew Sherlock had a mother. Now, I can't imagine our family without Violet.

When they finally part, Hamish lets go of my hand and wraps his arms around Violet's legs: "Bye-bye Gamma," he says, "Imma miss you."

"I'll miss you too, sweetheart," she says, kneeling down to his level, "I will be up to visit you soon, alright? Don't let your Mummy and Daddy get into any more trouble and you be a good little boy."
"Oh-tay, I try." Hamish says with a nod. Violet places a kiss on his forehead then stands upright again.

"Violet, please don't be a stranger," I add in, wrapping my arms around her in a warm embrace.

"Oh, ho, I won't be," she chuckles, returning the hug, "Besides, you think I would let the two of you keep my grandchildren from me?" I laugh and embrace her a bit tighter. "Thank you for taking care of my boy," she whispers in my ear, "Never stop. Promise?"

I can feel my eyes brim with tears: "I promise," I reply.

When we part, Violet sets a hand to my cheek and smiles at me: "Now, keep me informed with this new baby, alright," she says, "I want to be there for this one."
"You will be," Sherlock says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, "Promise." Violet nods then gives us both a kiss on the cheek before giving us a small wave and walking away, her eyes filling up with tears.

I swoop Hamish up into my arms and head on board while Sherlock lingers on the platform for a few moments. He's deep in thought, taking in this place and everything that's happened. I can see it in his eyes that he is ready to go home and ready to move on, forget this place forever but at the same time remember how it has shaped him. In a way, I feel the same. I want to forget about this case, but at the same time I don't. It's changed us, that's for certain, and there is no going back from that.

"Hey," I say, breaking him from his thoughts. He turns around to face me Sherlock quickly returns the gesture and wraps his arms around me. I don't know how long we stayed like this but it really doesn't matter; it just feels right. When we part, we look one another in the eyes and smile as if there isn't a care in the world.

"Come on," Hamish whines, tugging on my pant leg, "We go now, Mum and Daddy!"

"Right you are," Sherlock replies, scooping the boy up into his arms. I hook my arm with one of his and kiss his cheek then the three of us board the train. Once we are settled into our seats, Sherlock sets Hamish down then takes something out of his coat pocket.

"Here we are, Hamish," he says, unfolding the old dragon patterned blanket and handing it over to our excited 3 year old, "a little present from your grandmother."

"Tank you," Hamish giggles, climbing up into his father's lap and wrapping the blanket around himself tight, "I love it."

"I'm very glad that you do," Sherlock replies wrapping his arms around our son, "we can put it on your bed when we get home, alright?"
"When we get home," I sigh, leaning back against my seat and placing a hand over my stomach, "I absolutely can not wait."
"I know, my darling, I know," Sherlock says, "We'll have to break the news to Mrs. Hudson. I'm sure she will be thrilled to learn of another tenant in 221b, but to be honest I don't know how much room we'll have left."

"We'll think of something," I reply, "Nine months is a long time to plan."
"What happen den? What dat mean, Daddy?" Hamish asks, before sticking his thumb in his mouth. Sherlock and I share a quick look and I just giggle. Well, better tell him now.

"Hamish," I say, turning my attention to my son, "how do you feel about being a big brother?"