03/06/18
My darling wife,
It feels wonderful to call you that. Molly, you looked so beautiful in your dress with your small bump accentuated by the new tailoring. You were absolutely glowing. We hadn't even gotten to our handwritten vows before I started to tear up at just the sight of you smiling at me. All I could think was 'this gorgeous, intelligent, kind woman loves me and I am so lucky she wants me for a husband.' We quite literally sealed our marriage with a kiss, one of great passion, may I add. It is odd seeing a wedding band on my finger but I love it. I love you, Molly Holmes.
My sweet husband,
Sorry to interrupt your letter, but I couldn't resist reading ahead of time. May I just tell you how happy you make me? I know you were eager to consummate our marriage (the pinches given to my bum were surefire clues), but you still danced with me most of the night anyways. Our vows are love letters in themselves; written in our hand and kept in the lovely keepsake box your mum gave us. Your words written so far in this letter made me cry tears of joy (sorry about the tear stain oops). It is amazing how after all this time, you can still make me blush. I love you too, Sherlock Holmes.
16/06/18
I must advise you, Mrs. Holmes, that peeking before I am finished is not a wise thing to do. I may have to do something drastic now, like distract you with kisses before tickling you until you tell me to have mercy. Your laughter is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. The only time I will be happier than I am right now is when our beautiful baby girl is born. That was one more deduction than I expected. I really hope I'm not sleeping on the sofa for this tonight. I apologise. Please forgive me for ruining the surprise, sweetheart, I didn't mean to.
You silly man! I'm not upset with you, though I am a bit curious as to how you knew. The way I'm carrying, perhaps? Either way, I'm not making you sleep on the sofa over that. So, that means we at least have the names narrowed down now. I know you've absolutely dying for someone to be named after you, so how about Charlotte or Shelby as a female variation of Sherlock? I do know I want Mary to be one of her middle names. Yes, one of…she's going to take after her daddy and have two. Let me know what you think! Xxx
27/06/18
Those are lovely variations, darling. I think your full first name could suffice as her second middle name; Mary Margaret has a nice ring to it, I believe. Charlotte Mary Margaret Holmes or Shelby Mary Margaret Holmes? We have time to decide. Both are good names. All I can envision is a miniature version of you running around; well, more miniature than you already are. I'm teasing, of course. I love how petite you are. You were craving pickles and popcorn at three in the morning, and so, naturally, I made sure you had it. Not the weirdest combination you've craved, but it was interesting to say the least. This has been quite the curious journey so far. I have kept track of your progress (except for your weight, as you have banished me from that aspect, though I don't know why; you are beautiful no matter what). I love you, honeybee. And I love our little baby bee too. Xxx
We'll take our time to decide. And how do you figure it'll be a miniature version of me? Maybe she'll take after you more? Maybe it will be an equal distribution, like your curls and my eyes. Oh, but I'd love for her to have your eyes as well. Yes, I know brown is dominant, but rarities happen. We began on the nursery today in John's old room. It had been freshly painted last week; a pretty mint green colour. We built our daughter's cot together today…that was an Olympic event in itself haha! I couldn't stop laughing at your confusion over the instructions. It's nice to know there is something Sherlock Holmes isn't quite proficient at. I love you my bumbling bumblebee! P.S. you're such a good husband! xxx
08/07/18
I had so much fun with you tonight, darling. We danced half the evening in the sitting room to our old favourites. I love singing along with you in between kisses and twirls. The other half was spent eating takeaway from Angelo's (in which he insisted on delivering himself), and watching your choice of film (The Princess Bride which ended up being quite enjoyable) whilst I helped you paint your toes, as you can no longer reach over the lovely swell of your belly. Already five months in and it feels like it's going by so fast. We'll meet our baby bee in no time. I completed her lullaby and intend to play it for you tomorrow after work. I'm going to crawl into bed beside you now and hold you. You're already fast asleep. Sweet dreams, my Molly. Xxx
Ugh, my day has been so bloody frustrating! Sorry for the outburst. I can't do autopsies anymore now that Mike walked in on me sobbing over a corpse. I forgot several things throughout the day that I would normally remember, aka, pregnancy brain IS real. I cried again when I observed you for a moment in the lab. I don't know why; it's just that I kept thinking about how we first met and everything that's happened since and you look so lovely sitting there, I just *smudge*…sorry, started crying again. You stopped everything you were doing to calm me down and you are just the best husband I could ever ask for. I think I need a nap; I can't even concentrate enough to write anymore. I love you so much, my sweet William. Xxx p.s. the lullaby is so beautiful! Another sob fest for me ha! Mwah!
31/07/18
Sweetheart, I am sorry you have been having a difficult time at work. Now, don't get upset, but maybe you should consider taking maternity leave a bit earlier, say, next month, possibly now? You need your rest and you've been working yourself too hard, staying after hours to try and complete the paperwork you're having a tough time concentrating on. Just think about it, alright? I'm just worried about you is all. I don't want you to stress yourself out too much. I cooked dinner for tonight using your recipe for Shepherd's pie. I hope it turned out well. It looks appetizing at least, so there's that. Meena dropped something off for you. She warned me not to peek, so I didn't, though I admit my curiosity is piqued. It's in the bedroom. I love you, sweetheart. Xxx
Oh, Sherlock, dinner was perfect, thank you! It was so sweet of you to offer to massage my feet. They've been aching all day. I had to remove my rings since my fingers are swelling a bit too much for them to fit now. It feels strange to not wear them; I'll definitely be happy when I can have them on my finger again. For now, I'll loop them onto this silver necklace I have from my mum and wear them that way. I'm not upset with your suggestion, just frustrated that I can't be as efficient as I used to be right now. I don't want such an early maternity leave. Also, who else is going to help you with cases? You can't stand the other pathologists. Anyways, I'm happy you liked the nightie set I purchased and had Meena drop off. I've been aching for you so much, Sherlock. Really, so much that it's been a bit overwhelming. I love you, bumblebee. Xxx
11/08/18
Mm, you are so sexy, Mrs. Holmes. This is quite an enjoyable part of your pregnancy, I must say. I know you're upset about taking maternity leave early, but look at the bright side, sweetheart. I'll be at your beckon call to get you whatever you crave or when you need some comfort, you can sleep whenever you feel like it, watch whatever you want, have me whenever you're aching for me; you can practically do everything you want. It won't be so bad, I promise. We'll go take walks in the park if you'd like so you can get out for a bit each day. Maybe Rosie would like to come along. You should enjoy yourself as much as possible despite the awful effects of pregnancy. I'm going to lessen my caseload soon so that I can be available for you more often. And before you try to convince me otherwise, I'm perfectly okay with taking a break; happy, even. After all, I'm married to you, not the work. You need me more right now. I love you, Molly Holmes, more than you know. Xxx
Sherlock, you are just so good to me. Those are all very good points you made. I don't think it'll be as bad as I assumed it would be. Just please make sure that you're okay with taking a break from work. I don't want you to resent me for any reason because of it. I know I'm probably just overthinking and getting over emotional about all of this. I'd like to go out with you and Rosie for ice cream sometime. I think that would be fun. She so loves our company and her little cousin who is actively kicking me right now. I remember the look on your face when she first started kicking. You were resting your head on my tummy when she kicked your head! It was so funny! You were afraid at first, wondering if something was going wrong but relaxed when you realized it was just our daughter having a laugh at your expense. She's going to be a handful, I can see it now. Well, she is a Holmes after all. I think I need a relaxing bath right now. And yes, I want you to join me as long as it's not uncomfortable for you. Love you, my sweet husband! Xxx p.s. you, Mister Holmes, are also incredibly sexy ;)
29/08/18
I would never resent you, Molly! This is my choice. I want to do this. I am a husband and father first. I want to take care of my girls. I love you both very much. You're approaching seven months soon and our darling girl is growing so fast. We went out for ice cream with Rosie today and she had asked when she could meet her baby cousin. Like John said, I think it'll be nice for her to have someone closer to her age to play with. I did not realize how wide a child's eyes could get until I saw her react to feeling the kicks to your belly. It is quite a similar amazement to that of my own, though I suppose I've always been a bit of a child. Okay, I have been called a man child plenty of times, but I do hope I have grown enough to be a good husband and father. I have said this before, but I'll say it again: thank you for carrying our child, Molly. You're doing so well, sweetheart. I know it's been difficult lately but I am trying my best to make it as easy for you as possible. You can do this, darling. I know you can. You are so strong and fierce and beautiful. I am so in love with you. Xxx
I was reading your letter whilst having tea with Mrs. Hudson in her flat and I just broke down crying. She had asked me what was wrong and all I said was that I have the most wonderful husband. I do. You are taking such good care of me and our little baby bee. There's nothing wrong with acting childish now and then; adults have to have fun too! We'll get plenty of time to be immature when we play with our daughter haha! Your words of encouragement are so helpful. I know they don't seem like much to you, but they brighten my day. My belly button has finally popped. It felt strange, I'm not gonna lie. I feel gigantic right now. Probably TMI but I've never had to pee so much in my life. It's all that water I've been drinking, plus the fact she is practically sitting on my bladder. Sleeping has been a bit more difficult but you've been so accommodating to my weird sleep positions. Thank you for letting me wrap around you as much as I possibly can. It's usually the other way around (you, wrapped around me), but I find it more comforting this way. All this talk of sleep makes me want to take a nap. I look forward to your next letter, bumblebee. Mwah! Love you! xxx
18/09/18
I am so proud of you, Molly. You are carrying beautifully. I could not ask for a more amazing wife. In less than two months, we'll be meeting our daughter. I can't wait to hold her. You have expressed your fears of the childbirth going wrong, but there is nothing to worry about my darling. The doctors have assured you that this is one of the healthiest pregnancies they've ever seen and there is nothing that could cause any complications. You're going to be okay and so will our daughter. And that's not TMI; it's only natural. There's nothing to be embarrassed of. This is me you're talking to; your best friend, remember? You can tell me anything. You look so peacefully asleep right now on the sofa. I hope it's comfortable enough to accommodate you. It doesn't look like it would be, but what do I know? You are my beautiful angel and I am thankful every day for you. I love you. Xxx p.s. I finished the nursery, and yes, I'd be happy to help you up the stairs to show you.
The nursery looks beautiful, Sherlock! Thank you for finishing it! I love the little bear wearing a deerstalker that's in her cot…it's so adorable. I know I'm just worrying over nothing. I'll be eight months next month. Time has flown so quickly. I'm a total of nine stones and twelve pounds right now. The veins on my breasts are more prominent and they've been really sore lately. Maybe you could massage them for me? I know you wouldn't mind. I had my first false contraction today and it scared me half to death because you weren't home at the time. Mrs. Hudson was here looking after me, so not to worry. The chamomile tea she made me helped to ease the pain. I am definitely going to pass out soon. For some reason, writing makes me even more tired. I love you, my William. You're doing so well. Thank you for all that you've done. Xxx
16/10/18
Well, darling, it seems that Charlotte couldn't wait to meet us. She is a bit early by two weeks but she is also very healthy. I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that she's here and we made that tiny miracle together. She is the product of how much we love each other. I watched as you held her in your arms and fed her for the first time. You both looked so at peace. You delivered her so well, Molly. I'm really proud of you. I can't get over how beautiful you both are. She's sleeping in your arms as you sleep too. Mummy, father and Mycroft are coming round tomorrow to visit the newest edition to the Holmes family. Between the three of them, she's going to be properly spoiled. John and Rosie will be by later today if you're feeling up to it. I've just noticed that Charlotte has your little upturned nose. I think she may take after her lovely mummy. Only time will tell. I feel absolutely elated right now. I am most definitely the luckiest man in the world. The two of you are my everything and I will always be there for the both of you. Charlotte has just grabbed my finger as I was sliding it over her dimpled knuckles. I love you both so very much. This is the start of our wonderful family. xxx
Author's Note: Thank y'all so much for reading! This was a long, beautiful journey and I'm so happy I got to share it with you!
