Six months go by and everything has resumed normally. For Molly, life has gotten so much better since regularly seeing Carly and Meredith. Matty was happy about their little family of four as well, and was very protective of Carly, as any big brother should be. They had gotten used to going over every Sunday for a nice family dinner. She brought Sherlock, and Matty bought Mira. It was lovely. Like the type of family she had always hoped and dreamed of having when she was younger. Of course, with the happiness also came the distinct sadness that her Dad was missing it. Both of his daughters and his son together with the woman he loved more than anything in the world. The woman he had once wished so badly to be the loving mother that they deserved, and the daughter he never knew, that he would have adored as much as he had adored Molly.

She wonders what he would think of Sherlock. A smile comes to her face, thinking of how protective he would have been when she and Sherlock were not in a very good place, but she's positive that he would have come around to liking him. Especially since Sherlock has since proven himself to her, as well as her newfound family. Plus, her Dad was a forgiving man, as long as you were genuine. Boy, Sherlock could not have more genuine when he told her that he loved her. Sure, she had to nearly die from being buried alive for it to come out of him but hey, he was always the most stubborn person in the world!

They had told Meredith and Carly the story and she couldn't help but burst out laughing from the shock and fear that was in their eyes. By the time she had finished the story, complete with her happy ending with Sherlock, they were much more relieved and calmer.

Molly smiles at their happiness for her, knowing that they care, that she has the family she always wanted, and it gives her a warm fuzzy feeling. She also enjoys being a big sister to Carly. With Matt it was different because not only was she his sister, but she was practically his parent as well. This time around she can be the "fun one". Well, once she made sure her homework was done, of course. But she must admit that going on shopping sprees with her was quite fun. Sometimes you need a teen's perspective on your wardrobe. Molly had even taken a chance and bought a couple outfits that were not her usual style. They hugged her figure and complemented what curves she did had. Carly was certainly right because Sherlock had definitely enjoyed them on her.

Meanwhile, back at John's house, he and Caroline had crossed the threshold into the next step in their relationship. She had started to sleep over more often, and she was amazing with little Rosie, who adored her right back. John had been doing a lot of thinking lately, especially about Mary. This was largely due to the fact that he was very happy with Caroline and was even considering asking her to move in with him. He knows that Mary would absolutely encourage him to, as she was the type of woman who would want both John and her daughter to be very happy, however he couldn't help the tiny speck of guilt within his heart. He smiles fondly at her memory and sighs, pushing his silvery hair back and looks into the mirror. God, he had aged himself, or rather parenting had aged him, but he adores Rosie.

When he had married Mary, they had told each other that they would see what happens. After Rosie, they never really talked about how many children they wanted, but John thinks that a sibling for Rosie would be nice. He had grown up an only child, and always hated it. Especially when his parents died, and he was the only one to handle the funerals and such. Plus, when he was younger, life got lonely at times without anyone to talk to about personal stuff that would truly understand. So, he supposes that yes, he would like to give her a sibling if the opportunity presented itself. Of course he would have to discuss this with Caroline, but they were in an incredible place and he was very much in love with her. He believes she is just as in love with him as well. They weren't getting any younger, and most likely they wouldn't have much time left to bear children. Not without a lot of risk at least.

A week later, John kisses Rosie's head and peppers her cheek before placing her in her toddler bed and tucking her in. She is proudly staying there and enjoying sleeping in her big girl bed. John closes her door and goes into his room, smiling at Caroline, who is already curled up in bed.

"Hey love", she smiles sweetly at him as he crawls into bed as well. She lies her head on his chest gently and strokes his chest.

"Hey", he returns, stroking his fingers through her hair. She looks up at him and studies his face.

"John? What's wrong?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you've been a little distant today. Seems like you've been thinking a lot...so...if everything alright?"

He sighs softly and her face looks concerned. "Yeah...I have been thinking, but it's nothing bad Care."

"Okay, then what is it then?"

"Our relationship is going very well, isn't it? I-I just mean that...you think it is too, right?"

Caroline smiles softly and gently places kisses upon his face. "Of course it is. John, you make me happy. You're the first person who has made me happy since my husband died. I hope I make you happy as well. I know Mary's death took a toll on you too. I think the fact that we both lost someone precious to us only made our bond stronger. I'm very happy with you."

John smiles and kisses her lips softly. "Good...I was wondering..."

"Yesss?"

John chuckles. "I was wondering if you'd like to move in? I know it might be hasty...", he searches her face for a reaction.

Caroline blushes and chews her lip for a moment, breaking out into a big smile. "I'd love to. I have been staying here quite a lot recently anyway, and this way I can be here more often to help take care of Rosie."

"Really?"

"Yes, really", she giggles and cuddles him. John grins and kisses her head.

"Well alright then. Good."

Caroline pecks his lips again. "Hey, you know that just because we're moving on, doesn't mean we can't still think about them sometimes, right? Mary will always be a part of you, and a part of Rosie. That doesn't go away just because you're in love again. Rosie will know her mother too. I promise. And Sean will always be a part of me too. We don't forget them because we move on with our lives. He told me that he would be happy for me if I did, that he wanted the best for me. For me to find joy again when he was gone. In a way I was lucky because I had time to prepare, we knew for a year he wasn't going to overcome the cancer. I know that you weren't so lucky, but if she's as amazing as you had told me, I know she would want that for you too."

John nods and strokes her cheek. "She did, and I know. It's nice that you understand me so well. It's one of the reasons I love you so much, Care. And Rosie is so lucky to have a woman like you as a role model in her life. Plus, I think Mary would love and approve of you for both me and Rosie."

Caroline smiles lovingly and puts her forehead on his. "I think Sean would like to see me with a man who makes me happy, and a little girl I can love like my own too."

"Did you ever want children? When you were married? I know you were only married a couple years and he was sick for most of it...but did you ever think of that?"

She looks a bit sad and nods. "Yeah, actually. We both wanted a family, but the cancer took over so quickly, it felt like time just slipped away."

John nods. "Mary and I never discussed it. Rosie had colic when she was a baby, so it was a stressful time for us and then...she died. But I like to think that maybe we would have had one more, just so Rosie could have a sibling. I grew up an only child and it wasn't fun. I always wanted a sibling."

"That's understandable. I keep telling my sister to visit more often because I miss her. I still can't believe she moved to Australia. The gall of that wild girl", she laughs a bit.

"Yeah, I still want to meet her!"

"You will. Patience, darling. I'll try to convince her to come back to London for a bit."

"Maybe she'd come for a wedding", he blurts out before he realizes, then bites his lip.

She raises an eyebrow. "A wedding? Who's wedding, hmm?"

"O-Ours...?"

"Ours? I'm sorry, I didn't know we were engaged Mr. Watson."

"Mhh...well we could be if you say yes, Ms. Hampton."

"Sa yes to what? There hasn't been a question", she teases and grins.

John sits up on his elbow and looks at her shyly but beaming. "Caroline Amelia Hampton, will you marry me?"

She beams and nods. "Yes. I'd love to marry you, of course John." She leans in and kisses him as they laugh happily, their night taking a turn for the better.

Matty is riding home after a long day at work. A few months ago he had taken a job as a clerk for a law office. It's more than minimum wage and a great starter job, close to home as well. It's especially great because he and Mira have the same hours, so they come home around the same time in the early evening, with weekends off. He chews his lip in the cab, fiddling with the small box in his hand. He had custom ordered a beautiful engagement ring for Mira a couple weeks ago and it finally came. He knows that she loves him, but his stomach is still doing flips with nervousness. He taps his fingers over the box until the cab comes to a halt.

After paying the cabbie, he takes a deep breath and goes into the flat. He sees her shoes by the front door and her coat hanging on the rack.

"Mira?"..."Mira!"

"Upstairs!"

He smiles and slips his shoes off, jogging up the stairs and into their room. Mira is sitting on the bed in her pjs. "Hey love...oh. Did you get home early today?"

Mira looks up at him shyly. "Yeah, I uhh...I did get home early. I got home around three actually..."

"Three? Why?"

"Well...um..."

Matty takes off his suit jacket and then sits next to her, wrapping his arm around her gently and kissing her temple. "Mira? What's wrong? You can tell me" he cups her cheek.

She bites her lip and pecks his lips, then holds his hand gently. "I-I have to tell you something..."

He furrows his brow and looks at her. "Okay, well tell me. I'm sure it can't be so bad, lovey."

"No, it's-it' not bad. I guess it's just...unexpected I guess."

"Miraaa. Tell me."

"Okay...okay. Um, I think it's better if I show you though." She gets up and goes into her purse, gently pulling out an envelope and handing it to him.

"What's this?"

"Just open it...please."

Matty looks at her and nods slowly, opening the envelope and pulling out a long-ish roll of film. Mira chews her lip and watches his face as his jaw drops and his eyes widen.

"I-is this...are you...are we..."

She nods and tears up. "Yeah...I'm pregnant Matty." Mira scoots over and cuddles his arm, pointing to the photos. "Baby A a-and Baby B. We're having twins..."

"Oh my god! Mira! Oh my god...oh my god. We're having babies?"

She blushes and smiles softly. "Yes, we're having twins, babe."

"Oh my God. Mira..." he tears up and scoops her into his arms, spinning her around. "Oh baby, I love you so much. I love them so much." Matty peppers her in kisses then kisses her deeply.

Mira returns the kiss eagerly then pulls away gently. "I wasn't sure if you'd think it was too soon...I know it wasn't expected. Especially with one baby, let alone two."

"I'm thrilled Miranda. I adore you, and I'll adore them, and we will do this together. I'm so excited, love. Actually...I was nervous myself on the way home."

"You were? Why?"

Matty smiles shyly and kisses her hands, then kneels and slips her shirt up, kissing her stomach gently and lovingly. Mira tears up and sniffles, running her hand through his hair.

He looks up at her lovingly and pulls the small velvet box out of his pocket. "I was nervous because of this. I didn't have any idea you were pregnant. But I am so happy, Mira. You make me happy. I want you for the rest of my life if you'll have me. Miranda Hayes, will you marry me?"

Mira breaks out into tears and nods, sinking down onto her knees and wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. Once they pull away, he grins and strokes her cheek. "Hey, what about your ring? I had it custom made for you. Don't you want it?"

She giggles shyly and wipes her face, nodding. "Oh, God yeah of course. But you're the real prize Matthew Hooper."

Matty blushes and kisses her forehead, opening up the velvet box to show a gorgeously dainty custom diamond ring. She gasps and stares for a moment.

"Oh, Matty it's so gorgeous! Oh my God...it must've cost a fortune..."

"Shh. No talk about price. It's yours, love." He takes it out and gently slips it on her finger, grinning brightly. "I love you."

"I love you too so much. I can't wait to marry you. And you'll also be the best daddy in the world."

Matty tears up slightly and pecks her lips, swaying with her. "I can't wait to marry you. And you'll be the best mommy in the world." He grins and nuzzles her nose lovingly.

Molly comes home from meeting Meena for dinner. It was her day off and Meena had been in town for an important business meeting earlier. She was thrilled to see her best friend again after eight long months. Meena had moved a few years ago and it's been hard to get together due to their schedules, plus she has a family now.

Sherlock is in his chair with his hands steepled and his eyes closed. He smirks slightly when he hears her come in the door and she smiles. His eyes slowly open and meet hers.

"Hi. I assume you solved the case you were working on earlier."

He nods and keeps his eyes on her. "Yes, and I assume you had a nice dinner with Meena."

"Yeah, it was very nice. It sucks that she lives so far away now. I barely get to see her anymore. She was horrified by the story of what happened." Molly giggles softly. "And not exactly thrilled that I'm officially dating you."

"Yeah, she hated me that time she visited before. I mean, I was maybe slightly rude, but not /that/ bad."

"Oh you were bad, Sherlock", Molly snorts and hangs up her coat and purse.

"Okay fine, maybe I was."

Molly walks over and straddles his lap, smiling at him. "Mmmh...you are bad. But y'know, sometimes it's very appealing."

He blinks quickly and clears his throat. Molly giggles and runs her hands through his curls. Sherlock groans softly and leans his head back, allowing her to play with his hair. She gently leans in and teases him with soft kisses on his face, everywhere but on his lips.

Sherlock looks at her and pouts a bit and Molly can't help but laugh at his sad puppy face. "Yesss?"

"You know what I want. You're such a tease."

"Oh, /I'm/ a tease!? /I'm/ a tease, now? Hmmm, serves you right."

Sherlock laughs deeply and strokes her sides under her top. Molly blushes and looks at his lips, involuntarily nibbling her own. "Possibly, but why starve yourself of something you clearly really want?"

"Because just once I want to get back at you for teasing me all those times!"

"Mhh well what if I said I didn't want to tease anymore?"

Molly raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Sherlock?"

He blushes softly and rubs soft circles on her sides, looking up at her. "I'm ready to take the next step. I'm sick of holding us both back. I'm the curious one, I should want to be adventurous. Also, I have done lots of research about pleasuring a woman, and I think I have it down. You'll just tell have to tell me where exactly you want my...mmph."

Molly kisses him deeply and passionately, threading her fingers through his curls, and playing with his tongue, sliding it against her own with a pleasurable hum. Sherlock kisses back just as eagerly, quickly letting himself react to her instead of pulling away in fear.

Within moments they're in bed, snogging as if their life depends on it. Once Sherlock got a taste of the excitement he couldn't get enough. Of course, Molly is more than happy to show Sherlock just how amazing intimacy can be. She takes her time stripping him of his clothing, and he reciprocates, kissing every bit of exposed skin as he goes. She moans airily and pants, watching his lips on her skin.

Sherlock looks up at her from his place near her stomach where he is kissing her skin, a new kind of hunger and adventure in his eyes. "God, I love the noises you make...", he pants hard as well. They begin to snog again until they run out of air. Molly looks over his body appreciatingly and licks her lips. "Fucking breathtaking. That was obvious for years though..."

Sherlock chuckles as his eyes rake over her body as well. Molly flushes pink, self-conscious suddenly. Sherlock kisses her softly. "Stop those words from flowing into your mind", he mumbles. "I never meant them...I-I was a horrible, jealous person back then. You are gorgeous Molly. Perfect. I promise. I only want you."

Molly blushes more and smiles on his lips. "I know, you've proven yourself more times than necessary in the last few months." She strokes his lean chest, chunkier biceps, more toned stomach, and his v line. Sherlock sucks in a breath as his eyes become a hooded with arousal. "Mmm damn, Sherlock..." Molly smirks devilishly and pulls him close, kissing down his body. She's determined to show him just how unscary and absolutely blissful making love can be.

Sherlock pants and looks at her, his curls totally disheveled and slightly sweaty. Molly has a large hickey on her collarbone and her hair is a mess as well. Her chest is heaving as she comes down from her high, moaning softly. "Goddd..."

"Mmmh not quite, but close enough", Sherlock murmurs sexily. Molly giggles breathlessly and cuddles close to his chest.

"Mmm I love you. Wasn't so intimidating now, was it?"

"No, not at all. Jesus Moll...all this time I thought you were just a sweet, soft-spoken little woman. Damn...you made me /beg/. I have never begged for mercy in my life."

Molly bites her lip and kisses him lazily. "You deserved the full experience for your first time, Sherlock. I know how you like...cataloguing memories."

Sherlock groans softly and nuzzles her neck, beginning to nibble at her jaw again. Molly gasps and moans. "Sherlockkk...I should have known that you would be just as insatiable as you are impossible!"

He laughs deeply and nuzzles her cheek. "What can I say, Molly Hooper, you have opened my eyes to another side of life that I can only have with you. You've made me feel more emotion in the last ten months than I have felt in my entire life. Also, I must add that what you did to me in the last two hours has been the most incredible thing that has happened to my body in my entire life as well."

Molly grins and happily kisses his nose. "I love you very much. I'm happy that we can have this together. I'm proud of how far you've come and how much you try to balance everything for us."

He smiles and kisses her softly, holding her close. "I realized that while my work is still very important to me, I don't have to shut out everyone else. I don't have to deny myself happiness to use my gifts, as you so eloquently put it. You make my life complete, Molly."

She grins and lies her head on his chest again. A bit of small talk and many yawns later, they both doze to sleep in exhausted bliss.

The next morning Sherlock swoops into the room, his navy dressing gown trailing behind him. "Molly!"

Molly jumps a bit and squeaks, almost spilling her tea. "Jesus, Sherlock!"

"Ohh...sorry..sorry. I-I didn't mean to startle you. I just had the most amazing epiphany and...and I need to know."

"You need to know, what?", she chuckles as he climbs onto the sofa, curling up next to her as his long knees come up to his chest.

Sherlock looks hesitant and unsure, swallowing thickly, his excitement drifting away for a moment.

"Sherlock? What is it? You can tell me anything."

"It's not to tell, it's to ask."

"Alright, well...ask, then." Molly looks at him innocently and confused.

Sherlock clears his throat and takes her mug, placing it on the table, then takes her hands. "Molly I want you to marry me." Her jaw drops and he quickly corrects himself. "No! No, I did it wrong. It was supposed to be a question. Hold on. Reset", he clears his throat again. "Right, okay. Um...Molly. Molly Hooper. Margaret Louise Hooper...will-um...will you marry me?"

Molly's eyes are filled with tears and her lower lip is trembling.

"Wh-what did I do wrong, why are you crying, what did I say?"

Molly giggles through a sob and kisses him lovingly. "Yes."

"Y-yes!?"

She grins and cups is face, kissing him again. "Yes, Sherlock. Yes, I'll marry you."

Sherlock's eyes widen and he grins brightly, hugging her tightly. "Yes! Oh, thank God. I was so worried."

Molly laughs and gently tackles him back onto the sofa. He gasps and chuckles. "Worried? Sherlock Holmes, I love you, you freaking impossible man!"

He wraps his arms around her and kisses the top of her head. "Oh! I do have a ring for you by the way. I actually bought it years ago. Just...in case I needed it for a case or something. Y'know sometimes you need a fake spouse for...reasons. But I always would have asked you to be my fake spouse because for some reason when I bought it, I only thought of you. Also, I must say that Tom's ring was an absolute disgrace and did not do your dainty, yet sturdy fingers justice."

Molly laughs and kisses his cheek. "That was such a Sherlockian explanation, and it was quite funny. Also, I'm oddly flattered that you thought of me as your possible fake spouse for a case. Tom's ring admittedly, was not my style at all. But I'm even more thrilled that I get to be your real spouse. Can I see it?", she grins happily.

Sherlock smirks and takes a small blue box out of the pocket of his dressing gown. Molly blushes deeply as he opens it and smiles, asking her all over again. She gasps at the gorgeous ring that lies inside. Most /definitely/ her style.

"Oh my God, Sherlock!", she gasps again, looking at it. "It's absolutely perfect! H-How did you know...ugh, what am I saying, obviously you know my style somehow. It's so sparkly!"

Sherlock beams and nods, slipping it onto her finger gently. "It looks way better on your finger than in the box, future Dr. Molly Holmes."

Molly tears up again, happier than she has ever been, and hugs him tightly. "I love you so much Sherlock Holmes. I can't wait to be your wife."

"I love you so much, Molly Hooper. I can't wait to be your husband."

With that, they both spend the next hour quietly in each other's arms on the sofa. It was then that a thought crossed Sherlock's brilliant mind. A question that he had never been truly able to answer until now. A question that he remembered ten months ago, only to be interrupted. But now, holding his fiancée, the answer was crystal clear.

This is the definition of home for him. It's not a building, a room, a memory, or a room. It's a soulmate. The person who understands you most in the entire world. Home to Sherlock Holmes is anywhere Molly is, and it always has been. In classic fashion, it just took an absolutely drastic and dangerous situation to make his realize that he cannot live without her.

Looking down at Molly cozying up to him with the sweetest look of contentment on her face, he smiles and thinks, "Yes, this is definitely home."

~The End~