Mycroft was beyond agitated. Due to the seriousness of the situation, investigating the death of Oliver Hastings would require legwork. The eldest Holmes despised anything that forced him to leave the security of his office. That is why he found himself at New Scotland Yard in search of his little brother. Upon finding him in Greg Lestrade's office, Mycroft set out to pull him aside—that is, until Anderson stopped him.

"Mister Holmes, could I have a quick word with you?" Anderson asked him.

"I do not have time for my brother's little fan club today," Mycroft sighed. "But what is it?"

"I would just like to suggest that if Sherlock needs to go undercover for this case, he should have a partner…in crime solving, of course!" Anderson noted that the elder Holmes was getting annoyed. "What I mean is that Molly Hooper would be a great candidate to consider for undercover work with your brother, seeing as John has a daughter to take care of."

Just for a moment, Mycroft's face softened. He knew how hard it had been for Sherlock, coming to terms with the fact that he had, indeed, fallen in love with Miss Hooper. Molly appeared to be having a difficult time as well, too afraid to step over the edge that would allow herself to fall completely. It seemed that Philip Anderson was attempting to play matchmaker. And rightly so, he thought.

"I'll consider it." With that, Mycroft stormed right into Greg's office.

Sherlock turned to face his brother, knowing full-well the reason for his being there. "Let me guess? I'm to go undercover at some dinner party where I will have to bring a plus one and you are going to suggest I take Molly, correct?"

Mycroft had to admit, his brother was quite good. "Well…yes, but how did you figure Miss Hooper into the equation?"

"Saw you talking to Anderson," he replied. "He's been trying to help, I suppose, but it is getting rather tedious." Sherlock had secretly developed a sort of soft spot for Anderson, but he would never admit it—not even on his death bed would he dare to. "When is this dinner party?"

"In three days," Mycroft answered. "You and Miss Hooper will be on the list as William and Lyla Lexington."

"Nice alliteration," Sherlock remarked.

Mycroft made a face as if to tell him to allow him to finish. "Married for three years, no children—yet, and are patrons of the fine arts."

"Will there be dancing?" Sherlock asked.

Mycroft nodded. Oh yes, this would be delightful.

"Will you marry me?"

Those were the first words she heard upon entering the lab the next morning.

"Pardon?" Molly thought he had definitely lost it this time.

Sherlock chuckled, hopping off his usual lab table. "We need to be married for an undercover operation. Are you in?"

Her stomach did flips as her heart pounded furiously in her chest. "I don't know, Sherlock…"

He sighed dejectedly. "Come now, Molly, it's only for a case. Just allow a couple of well-timed snogs, and we'll be right as rain."

"I just don't think it's a good idea; I'm still sorting through all this mess." Molly was afraid she wouldn't allow herself time to heal if she had the chance to kiss him. There would be no going back, and the last thing she wanted was to give herself to him with a battered heart.

"I understand," he told her. "I suppose the rumour mill will have a field day with this." Sherlock noticed he had piqued Molly's curiosity. "John could make a lovely wife I suppose."

Molly snorted, unable to get the image out of her head.

"We could just dab on a bit of makeup, maybe see if they make gowns for his build," Sherlock continued.

"Okay, okay!" Molly laughed. "I'll go…just…stop giving me these visuals!"

Sherlock beamed. "That's my girl!" He kissed her cheek so quickly she didn't have time to react. "I'll have your gown sent to you this afternoon, and I will pick you up tomorrow night."

As he swept out the door, his coat billowing behind him, Molly could only shake her head in disbelief. What in the world was she going to do with that man?

Anderson, having overheard the exchange by accident for once, was overjoyed. He was glad that he brought up Molly in consideration for undercover work. He could only theorise, but Anderson believed that Mycroft wanted to see them end up together just as badly, if not more. He had to update Greg on the progress of Operation Sherlolly. Things were going much more smoothly than before. It was a shame he'd never get into that dinner party…unless…

Author's Note: Y'all know Anderson is gonna try to crash that dinner party haha! This chapter is shorter than the last three, but I think I'll need to spend almost a whole chapter on the dinner party, so I'm saving that for chapter 5! I probably won't post again until after Christmas, so I hope you have a Merry Christmas, y'all! Or Happy Hanukkah! Just...Happy Holidays!