==Chapter Six==
Pride and Progress
"Not all were joyful tales; we needed to acknowledge that love was not just kisses, smiles, and fulfillment, but also sacrifice, compromise, and hard work."
― Juliet Marillier, Wildwood Dancing
Next morning, Holmes was still wracking his brain for ways to help Beth feel a stronger connection in his life, when her phone went off on the night stand – a text message from Sally? Curiosity and boredom getting the better of him, he tapped the flag. Up popped a picture of Kathy in her high chair, waving a spoon and smiling.
Holmes had to smile himself; his goddaughter was adorable, and he'd missed her dreadfully while he'd been ill... Then his mouth fell open as it occured to him: Beth had only one picture of him on her phone, the same one that was on the bedroom wall... and she wasn't even in it! His poor wife had been trying so hard to remain anonymous, she must feel almost like a friendly poltergeist at times... Even her anthology of his published cases was hidden away, which he'd known about for weeks and was quietly pretending he didn't.
Weren't there any pictures at all of the two of them together? Yes, the group picture they'd sent George and Nikola for Christmas! But he had a horrible feeling that might be the only one… Well, it should be easy enough to find out! Beth had texted Sally enough times on this device that he ought to be able to copy her style:
^.^ So cute!
Hey, u got any of me and Sherlock?
Um, u mean just the two of u?
No, sorry! :(
I meant to get some at the reception, but I forgot *facepalm*
Zed :(
Well, it's gonna be Valentine's Day in a couple of weeks...
Do u think maybe...? ;D
Just don't let Sherlock know!
O.O Seriously?
STEALTH photos around SHERLOCK?
Just how good do u think I am?
Holmes had to chuckle at the compliment, but replied:
Pleeease? *puppy eyes*
XD
Ok, ok, I'll try!
The girls were taking a well-deserved break from chores and lazing on the sofa when Beth decided to raise the idea she'd been thinking about. "So... Valentine's is coming up... Have you thought at all about what you wanna do for it?"
"Oh god," Sally groaned, half-laughing, "no idea! You?"
"Actually... I was thinking that a certain mom and dad should get out of the house for a night. Dinner? Maybe something afterward?" Beth wiggled her eyebrows conspiratorially.
Sally hummed blissfully at the thought, then frowned. "That's if Mrs. Hudson's okay to babysit – I'm not asking you to look after Kathy on your first Valentine's!"
"I already checked with her, and she thought the two of you getting out of the house was a good idea. She and I can both take care of Kathy; I don't mind."
"Then... you and Sherlock aren't doing anything? No romantic night in?"
Beth grimaced tiredly. "Doing what, Sal?" The last time she and Sherlock were making out with the possibility of going further, he had started coughing and couldn't stop, which completely killed the mood. It didn't seem like it was worth it to try to do anything special yet.
Sally arched an innocent eyebrow. "I'm sure you two can work something out. Popcorn and Merlot, watch a movie?"
Beth sighed heavily. "Maybe..." The bedroom door opened then, to reveal John with Sherlock standing and leaning heavily on his arm.
"There we go," said Watson, "easy does it..."
"Hey!" Beth said at the same time, completely surprised. Sherlock hadn't made it this far out of bed before.
Watson smiled at the girls and nodded. "Ladies."
"Looking good, Sherlock!" Sally beamed, giving the detective a thumbs up.
Holmes acknowledged her with a tight smile, most of his energy invested in staying on his feet. This had seemed a much better idea before he started out!
"Are you sure you still want to make it to your chair?" Watson murmured. The distance seemed greater now than he'd thought, himself.
Beth watched anxiously, chest tight.
Holmes nodded grimly, chin held high. He'd come this far, he would not let himself be beaten by a few feet of carpet!
"All right," Watson agreed — he could stop Holmes if it truly became too much for him. "Slowly, then."
As the men passed the sofa, Beth spoke up, "You're doing great, honey." At least Sherlock was really moving around again, no matter how painful it was to watch.
Holmes didn't answer, focussed on taking those last few steps on increasingly shaky legs. He just managed to ease himself down into his chair rather than collapse into it, exhaling in relief.
Sally let out a breath of her own that she hadn't even realised she was holding. "Whoo, all right!"
Feeling shaky herself, Beth perched on the arm of Sherlock's chair, taking his hand and squeezing it very gently. "You did good, hon," she murmured, and kissed his forehead.
Her husband was too exhausted to give her more than a wan smile back. How on earth was he going to make the return journey?
Watson's proud smile belied his relief. For a moment, it had been a near thing... "Indeed he did. I think we'd best hold off on getting back to bed for at least a few minutes, however." Or as much time as it took for Holmes to recover from having come so far.
Sally brightened, mouthing 'Kathy?' at John while Sherlock wasn't looking. Was he far enough out of danger to risk a quick visit?
John hesitated, then nodded.
"Back in a minute, don't go anywhere!" Sally jumped off the couch, returning with Kathy in her arms and her cellphone tucked into her skirt waist.
Kathy squealed at the sight of her godfather and stretched out her arms. "Uh-cuh! Uh-cuh!"
Watson and Beth shared delighted, astonished looks as the detective's face lit up, sitting upright and beaming, weariness forgotten for the moment.
"I think someone's missed you, Holmes." Watson felt a fresh surge of affection for his baby girl, so young but already so loving.
"The feeling, my dear Watson," Holmes attempted to say with a semblance of dignity as Sally came forward, "is entirely mutual." Then Sally set Kathy on his lap, who made a determined grab for her godfather's hand and captured it, giggling. "Hello, little one! Yes, it's nice to see you again, too."
Meanwhile, Sally returned to the sofa, slipping her phone out of hiding. Time to test just how distracted Sherlock really was!
Beth giggled along with the baby. "Such a silly girl," she cooed, "yes, you are!" She couldn't resist running her fingers over Kathy's soft hair, even as she was tremendously enjoying the sight of her husband holding their goddaughter. It had been too long...
Watson chuckled as Kathy appeared to be trying to decide whether or not to put her godfather's fingers in her mouth.
Holmes's attempt to take his hand back was only half-hearted. "Now, now, Miss Watson – my fingers are precision instruments, not chew toys!" He chucked Kathy under the chin, her ticklish spot.
Beth laughed as Kathy giggled uncontrollably. "Even for a baby as smart as Kathy, everything is edible. That's where 'finger food' comes from."
"And speaking of food, young lady, time for your lunch." Sally came forward again to gather up her daughter. "You can visit Uncle Sherlock again later." And she would have the pleasure of texting Beth all those new pictures!
Holmes chuckled at Kathy's pout, giving her a quick hug before Sally scooped her up. "Next time, petite."
"There'll be plenty of time later to enjoy your uncle, sweetheart." Watson turned back to Holmes as his wife and daughter left. "You'll be babysitting before you're back to solving cases," he teased. "She's trying to roll over these days, so if you can keep up with her, you can run around London again."
Beth giggled again — she knew from long experience that might be trickier than Sherlock would expect!
"I'll hold you to that!" Holmes laughed, pointing a warning finger.
Watson grinned, heartened to see his friend's good humor back. "And on that note, do you think you're ready to make it back yet?"
Holmes nodded, bracing himself. "Quite ready." Taking Watson's arm again, he hesitated at Beth's expression – She needs to feel part of this, too, remember? – and reached out to her with his other hand.
Beth lit up and took his hand. It was probably going to make it more difficult to help him move with two people rather than one, but he wanted her and warmth blossomed in her chest at that thought.
"All right, easy does it..." Watson carefully raised Holmes back to his feet. "Let's take it slower this time; you're not running the Boston Marathon." He glanced heavenward as his friend started looking thoughtful, and sighed. "In your dreams, Holmes. I don't think your wife is going to help you with that one."
Beth shook her head — John was absolutely right. "Pffft, you kidding me? If I wanna half kill myself from exercise, I can think of more fun ways to do it."
"I'm open to suggestions," Holmes said innocently.
"Exploring the Grand Canyon aaaand... the Badlands." She grinned. "John, how do you feel about an all-American road trip?"
Watson couldn't hide an amused smile — it was good to see Beth in better spirits. "How 'all-American' are we talking?"
"Oh, Maine to San Diego and back, or else what's the point?" It was something she'd been wanting to do for a long time!
"Coast to coast?" Holmes's eyes narrowed suddenly. "Which century?"
Beth snorted. Among other things, Sherlock had yet to discover her need for speed, something she just couldn't get in this century. "Well, there are some places I'd like to see right now, but don't think for one second that I'm driving through Death Valley in anything other than a totally air-conditioned car."
Watson laughed. "A climate-controlled vehicle sounds like a marvellous way to explore the desert."
"Agreed." Holmes paused in the bedroom doorway for a breath, starting to feel lightheaded. Perhaps he should have waited another few minutes...
Concerned, Watson braced his friend. "Holmes?" Gently: "You don't have to finish if you're not sure you can."
"Yeah," Beth murmured. She knew as well as John that the odds of Sherlock throwing in the towel weren't good, but the offer still had to be made.
"No, no..." Holmes took a few more moments to catch his breath, grasping Beth's arm for extra support. "All right, upwards and onwards."
She smiled faintly and kissed his cheek. "Okay, then."
Slowly, carefully, Holmes traversed the last few feet to the bed, then let himself sag down onto it, legs trembling, grinning despite his exhaustion. In your face, gravity!
"You did it!" Eyes shining, Beth leaned down and took care to hug him gently, rather than give him the bear hug she wanted to.
"Well done, old man," Watson said warmly.
"I feel like one!" Holmes laughed as he hugged Beth back, then sighed – still such a long way to go...
Beth rubbed his back soothingly. "Hey, 's gonna be okay." She moved back to give him space, and noticed that John looked like he was waiting to speak further with Sherlock. But he was waiting and not giving her a dumb excuse and she appreciated that. "I should probably... go do stuff and let you two be."
Watson smiled and nodded — despite some causes for concern, he could see a real growth in her. "Thank you, Beth."
Holmes waited until Beth had closed the door behind her before asking, "Well, Doctor? What's the prognosis?"
"You did very well, Holmes," Watson said slowly, taking Holmes's pulse. His friend appeared to truly be none the worse for the endeavour, a minor miracle in itself. "You will have to be extremely careful, however, if you want to be fit in time. Overdoing things now could set you back again for weeks. I know you hate being carried, and God knows I understand, but if it came to it, I would rather have your pride hurt than your progress."
Holmes reddened, but nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Watson," he murmured. "I don't know what I deserve, causing all of you so much worry..."
"Love is never about what we deserve, Holmes—" Watson's mouth quirked wryly, belying his quiet tone — "which is good, or else we would all be in a lot of trouble."
A huff of laughter escaped the detective. "Indeed." Who should know that better than them?
Valentine's Day arrived almost before anyone knew it. The Watsons would spend their evening out, while the Holmeses would spend theirs in, looking after Kathy. Beth began babysitting early so that the parents could prepare, John in the Holmeses' bedroom and Sally in their own.
Sally was putting the finishing touches on her hair, looking soft and golden in the gaslight, and Beth, perched on the bed with the baby, felt a rush of affection for her best friend and several-times-great-grandmother. "Oh, Sally, you look so pretty." Beth looked down at Kathy, bouncing on her knee. "Doesn't Mama look pretty? Yes, she does, yes, she does!" Kathy cooed her agreement.
Sally flushed, smiling at the pair in the mirror. "Thanks." She slid in the last hairpin, pulled on her gloves, then spun slowly in place, luxuriating in the rustle and swish of satin and lace. "D'you know," she said dreamily, "I kind of feel sorry for the upper classes?"
Beth laughed. "Okay, me too, but why?"
"Well, I do like dressing up like this, but you know! – half the fun's in looking forward to a nice night out. Wearing all those gorgeous clothes and jewellery all the time..." It had to start becoming just a part of the landscape after a while. "It's like the Doctor says: you lose the wonder."
Beth nodded. "Yeah, absolutely..." She grinned at a sudden thought. "Never thought I'd hear myself say this, but thank God I grew up poor enough to appreciate fancy dresses — and my best friend looking really pretty in them. Ooo, hold still for a sec." With her free hand, she pulled out her phone to take some photos.
Sally unfurled her fan for the last picture and posed, fluttering her eyelashes alluringly.
Beth giggled. "Perfect!" She put on a bad New Yorker accent and waved dismissively at Sally. "Now get outta heyah, ya crazeh kid."
Sally laughed and headed downstairs, holding her skirts up carefully. The sight of John waiting for her on the first floor landing, dressed to the nines in white tie and tails, made her suddenly go all fluttery on the inside – she loved seeing her husband all dressed up like this, especially when it was just for her...
Watson almost forgot to breathe as his wife appeared, as radiant as the day they'd married... He came forward as she reached the last few steps and reverently took her hand. "Darling..." He shook his head ruefully. "I cannot think of a single line of poetry that could do justice to how lovely you are."
She blushed again, stopped on the last step and kissed him lingeringly. "Mmm, I like this..." For once, she didn't have to lean up to reach him!
He chuckled. "I'm afraid I can't help you there, sweetheart." He lifted her carefully and twirled her around and into his arms, a glint of mischief in his eye. She had no idea how enchanting she was... "And as tempting as it is to continue... we only just dressed."
"Aww." Sally wrinkled her nose, a gleam in her own eye promising good things for later, and stole another kiss before he set her down. "Is everything set?"
Watson nodded, smiling — he was looking forward to this evening in its entirety. "Very much so." He hoped the Holmeses would have a wonderful evening, themselves — heaven knew they badly needed it! "Are you ready yourself, then?"
"Absolutely," she grinned, taking his arm.
Before they could start down together, Beth hurried down with the baby, who seemed to be fretting rather urgently. "Halt!" Beth called. "Cease and desist! Her Royal Highness wishes to say farewell!"
Watson had to laugh, bending and kissing his daughter's forehead. "Goodbye, wee lass. We'll be back before you know it."
Sally gave the baby a quick cuddle, though she had to make herself let go. "Night-night, darling. Have fun!" She'll be fine, you know she'll be fine, Mrs. Hudson's got this...
Kathy pouted, looking put-out but at least not about to start bawling, which Watson counted as progress. Holmes's bedroom door was cracked open, so Watson pushed it just a bit further. "We're off now. Have a good evening, old man."
"And you, Watson!"
"G'night, you two!" Sally called cheerfully, and they left.
Beth opened the bedroom door, leaning on the doorjamb. "Hey, sweetie," she smiled at the baby, "say 'hi' to Uncle Sherlock!"
Kathy smiled at her godfather and cooed.
Standing before the washbasin, Holmes smiled distractedly at the pair in the mirror, but kept combing his hair. He'd also progressed from nightshirt to actual clothes since his first excursion to the sitting room, though the trousers were taking some getting used to again.
"Huh. You know, I hadn't realized until just now how long your hair is getting." Beth's smile was appreciative. "Kinda like it."
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Well, make the most of it..." Putting down the comb, he came over, steps careful but steady. "Because the minute Watson lets me out of the house again, I shall be heading straight to the nearest barber!"
Beth tried to pout but couldn't help smiling at how well he was walking. "Spoilsport." The just-overlong and shaggy look was surprisingly good on him.
Kathy, meantime, cooed again and reached out to him.
"Bonsoir, petite." Holmes ruffled Kathy's curls tenderly. If only he were strong enough yet to carry her properly!
Ting-a-ling-a-ling!
Ah! The detective tsked, trying to look annoyed rather than pleased. "Now, who could that be?"
Beth's eyes narrowed — that was hardly convincing, he was up to something! She heard Mrs. Hudson answer the door, a man's voice, and then Mrs. Hudson saying to come in. "Sherlock," Beth murmured, "what's going on?"
"A delivery, I do believe," was Holmes's innocent response. "Shall we see what the post has brought?" He steered her past the closed sitting room door to the landing. Below, a pair of men were carefully negotiating the stairs with a large flat box.
Mrs. Hudson looked up from directing the pair, smiling mysteriously. "Ah, hello, you two. Almost there, gentlemen—here we are. Right in here, please."
Bewildered, Beth followed the delivery men into the sitting room, Sherlock behind her. What she saw inside made her heart stutter: the table was set for dinner for two with Mrs. Hudson's best china, silver, and glassware, gleaming in the light of a tall white candle.
The men quickly unpacked the box, setting a series of covered dishes on the table and sideboard, and two bottles of wine, white and red.
A fancy dinner. A romantic, fancy dinner... Kathy leaned out of Beth's arms to get a better look, snapping Beth out of her shock to correct her hold.
"Allow me, dear." Mrs. Hudson came forward to take Kathy. "This is your night off, too, you know."
Beth's head whirled as her arms were suddenly empty. "But..." She hadn't... hadn't meant to stick Mrs. Hudson with the baby all night!
"Thank you, Mrs. Hudson. And thank you, gentlemen." Holmes tipped the pair generously. "A very good evening to you."
"Much obliged, sir!" The men left with the empty crate, nodding to Beth on their way out. "Evening, ma'am."
Even at a loss, Beth's manners to customer service workers surfaced, and she nodded back. "Have a good evening." Heart sinking, she turned to her husband — her lovely, neglected husband, who'd done this for her. "...Sherlock?"
"Beth, what's the matter?" She didn't seem at all pleased, had he done something wrong?
She looked away, anywhere but at him, her chest tight. "You did this? And I didn't... I was so focused on getting Sally and John a nice night out together that I didn't... I didn't do anything for you... I mean, I made you a valentine but it was really dumb and I threw it away and I didn't even know if you'd care about Valentine's..."
She'd made him a gift?! And hadn't thought it was good enough... "Oh, sweetheart..." He put his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I should have told you what was going on, shouldn't I?" Four people keeping secrets on a day like this clearly made for too much confusion!
She shook her head and looked down, cheeks turning warm. "It's okay, it's okay... I'm sorry, I'm being silly." She didn't want to make him feel bad for doing something so very sweet!
Holmes kissed her forehead tenderly. "Dearest, you have already given so much to everyone else of late, especially me." Just how many times had she saved his life now? "I would like very much to spoil you for once."
It was so nice just to be held by him... she had been beginning to forget what that felt like. And his smile, the one that was just for her, that still gave her butterflies... "Okay." It would be nice to be spoiled, just a little bit.
"Then shall we sit down?"
She nodded, turned in the direction of the table, and gave a rueful laugh. "That's a lot of food, hon."
"Which Mrs. Hudson didn't have to cook, for a change." Holmes pulled out Beth's chair for her. "And I have it on good authority that a generous portion of dessert will serve very well as babysitting tax." He lifted the cover of the entrée platter, revealing two plates of smoked salmon fillet with Caesar salad.
She laughed. "That's fair!" Looking down at the platter, she oohed appreciatively. "Salmon, my favorite!"
Smiling at her delight, he set the plates down and gestured at the bottles. "White wine or red? You'll have to open, I'm afraid."
She grinned sympathetically. "This I can do. Let's see... isn't white supposed to pair with fish? I think it is."
"Quite right."
Beth took the Sauvignon blanc and the conveniently-placed corkscrew and started to work on it. Good thing she'd had some experience with corkscrews before!
Holmes raised his filled wine glass to hers. "Happy Valentine's, cherie." And to many more...
Beth's heart lifted at hearing her favorite pet name again, at the affection in his eyes, luminous in the candlelight. And he'd schemed and created this date for them — it was beyond sweet. Her insides had calmed, and she was determined now to relax and enjoy this evening with her husband. "Happy Valentine's, honey."
Sky: Omigosh, a new chapter, and our favorite couples' first Valentine's Day, no less! (Look, I don't blame Beth for wondering what Sherlock thought of Valentine's — his romantic side is certainly something the two of them are discovering together. She should definitely, though, have actually asked him. All this lack of communication is going to end in tears... *whistles innocently*) Thank goodness Sherlock is finally getting back on his feet, though!
