A/N: This is the final chapter, with an epilogue to follow. It has been an amazing journey, and I'm sorry it's coming to an end. Thank you to all my amazing readers for you support. I am now officially addicted to reading and writing in this Fandom, and am looking for a Sherlock Fanfiction Anonymous support group to help me deal with it;)

Mycroft had decided to take the scenic route on the way. The fifteen minutes walk from the Diogenes Club to the Bon Soir would allow him to collect his thoughts. Uncharacteristically, the British Government found his usually organized and precise mind in a tizzy, no doubt influenced by all the emotions he was trying so hard not to feel, to no avail.

In the detective decade and a half of his acquaintance with the erstwhile Lady Smallwood, they had gone through several different stages in their relationship. They were co-workers of sorts, with Mycroft working in several departments behind the scenes, while Alicia climbed the ladder of government leadership. They established a relationship of mutual respect despite their differences. Over the years, the nature of their work necessarily lead to knowing some of each other's deepest, darkest secrets.

Lady Smallwood was one of the few who knew about Eurus and Sherrinford. Likewise, Mycroft was aware of the complicated family issues that lead the Lady to abandon her career as an athlete and marry Lord Smallwood, which consequently lead to her involvement in politics. Needless to say, the Lady was quite familiar with the whirlwind of trouble that Mycroft had the privilege of calling his little brother.

Years of working together, assisting one another, sharing secrets that could not be shared anywhere else. At some undefined point, Lady Smallwood had become something to Mycroft that he would never admit to having: a friend. There relationship remained mostly professional, but the care and concern for each other's wellbeing ran deeper.

It was a testament to his unusual circumstances, Mycroft mused, that Alicia was one of the few who was aware of his medical history. She was the second one to visit him after he suffered from a mild heart attack three years ago, after Anthea, who had stayed with him throughout. The Holmes family were unaware of that incident, just as they were unaware of all the times he was wounded in his early years doing "legwork", and several other times he had landed in the hospital since then. Mycroft hadn't wanted his parents to worry, nor was he eager for their fussing. It was anyone's guess what Sherlock would have done, if anything at all, and Mycroft didn't see the point in involving him.

Their friendship, unspoken as it were, was deeply tried when Mycroft removed Lady Smallwood's security clearance and interrogated her. He was shocked when she not only was willing to forgive him, but sought to move their relationship into new territory. As cautious as he was, he saw no reason to refuse a casual drink, convinced that nothing more would come of it. It surprised and terrified him to realize what how their relationship was developing, and he saw no way out without hurting her once more.

Sherlock was indeed the Virgin, but Mycroft had never let himself go too far with his previous romantic relationships. He was averse to entering a relationship of enduring commitment and unending sentimentality. He couldn't let himself get too involved, he couldn't let himself care. Sentimentality was a weakness, and weakness was not something he could afford. He had so many to protect. Sherlock, Eurus, his parents, all the citizens of the United Kingdom. Could he now let some of his barriers down, he wondered, and still stay strong?

He remembered his words to Sherlock, not all that long ago. "Caring is an advantage... You have people to hold your hand as you ride out the waves. Don't make the same mistakes I made, little brother." Could he follow his own advice?

Mycroft arrived at the entrance of his destination, and closed his eyes for a brief moment. He allowed himself to imagine what he had once thought impossible. Alicia, greeting him with that special smile on her pretty face, a twinkle in her eye. Both of them sharing their day over dinner, and then retiring to watch romantic comedies, giggling like teenagers. A soft touch on his arm after a hard day. Holding her in his arms when she was looking for comfort. Domestic bliss, ordinary, dull, and a dream come true. He took a deep breath and entered.

"Why, oh why couldn't you have gotten a picture of that?" Sherlock whined for what seemed to be the millionth time. "You have to at least get Mycroft to dress up again."

"He did look marvelous," Alicia laughed. "With that getup, I just couldn't say no."

"Mycroft," Greg called. "Any tips on a Victorian era ensemble? I hear it's really hot now with the girls."

Mycroft scowled. "You really, really should have kept this quiet," he complained to his fiancée.

"Come on, Mycroft, it's not that bad. Maybe you'll even bring frock coats and top hats back into style, not to mention silver tipped canes," his fiancee teased.

Mycroft sniffed imperiously, and rejoined, "Don't we have a wedding to plan, or something? And, no, we're not doing a Victorian theme."

The newly engaged couple was sitting in the elder Holmes's living room, with friends and family members sitting and sprawling all about the room. It was an official Wedding Planning Event, but there didn't seem much planning going on.

Mildred Holmes kept herself busy serving tea and accompanying delectables, urging everyone to partake. John was bouncing a thoroughly overstimulated Rosie on one knee while listening to Sherlock alternating between mocking everyone around him and whining that he was bored. "Bedtime for all the kids," John announced firmly. "Come on now, Sherlock, it's for your own good." Before Sherlock could reply, the William Holmes had scooped up Watson Junior and offered to do the honors. "Come, Rosie, Uncle William will read you question bedtime story," he wheedled. The little girl happily let herself be led away.

"Alright, Mycroft, you can put me down as best man. Boy do I have some great stories to share!" Sherlock exclaimed eagerly.

"If you behave, I might consider you for ring bearer. If it isn't past your bedtime, that is," the older brother retorted.

"Who else would fill that position?" The consulting detective wondered.

"How about you, Greg?" the prospective bridegroom inquired.

"I'm flattered, really," the DI replied, looking up from his scotch. "But I have a different task to fulfill. Someone needs to keep an eye on that one," he nodded towards Sherlock.

"Of course. And I thank you for volunteering for that. You do have a rather impressive track record in that area," Mycroft said thoughtfully, while his little brother scowled. "I would be honored if you and John can act as groomsmen, at least."

"It would be my privilege. What about you, John?" Greg turned to the doctor.

"I can assist Sherlock with his best man's speech, if that would help," John answered.

"I would get really worried in that case," Mycroft interjected.

"No worries, I'll make sure he only tells the truth," John retorted.

"And there's the problem," the British Government sighed.

"Boys, boys, do try to get along now," Alicia called out. She was seated next to Mrs. Holmes, looking through fashion magazines and planning the wardrobe of the wedding party. Mycroft smiled at them both, glad that they seemed to be getting along fine with his family. Mildred and William Holmes were thrilled with the new addition to the family, and Alicia had warmed up to them pretty quickly. They developed an easy friendship, unmarred by the complications that still underscored Mycroft's relationship with his parents.

Ironically, of all of Mycroft's acquaintances that he had introduced Alicia to, she had taken the most to Mrs. Hudson. They found they had a lot in common. They had both been quite athletic in their youth, and had spent years trying to look after a Holmes brother. They were both strong, independent women, and quite formidable when a loved one was threatened. They both liked baking as a hobby, and Alicia quite admired Mrs. Hudson's Aston Martin. Both women had remained childless, yet had strong maternal predilections. They both agreed that Rosie Watson was the most adorable toddler in England. Mrs. Hudson was sure to be an honored guest at their wedding.

Meanwhile, Sherlock had decided on a new tactic to annoy the hell out of Mycroft. He sat down next to the prospective bride and flashed her his most charming grin. "It's still not too late to change your mind, you know," he informed her.

"No, I think I'll stick with chartreuse for the bridesmaids," she said absently.

"I meant, that you could still have someone younger, more handsome, and more fit."

"Oh?" she looked up, raising her eyebrows.

"Indeed. Why would you settle for my older, fatter, slower brother, when you could have me?"

Alicia rolled her eyes heavenwards. "If you're looking for someone, just say so. How about your brother's PA? She's a nice girl."

"Who never forgave her mother for naming her Agnes, and never forgave Mycroft for refusing to let her go by Agent A. Not for me," he shrugged.

"Is my little brother pestering you, my dearest?" Mycroft approached them. "If you'll look the other way around moment, I can take care of it."

"No, sweetheart, you don't really want to strangle your brother with your tie. We do need a best man," she responded calmly, turning back to her magazine.

"Ha, the bridegroom is jealous!" Sherock mocked.

Mycroft rolled his eyes in despair and went over to talk with Greg. "How's the family?" he inquired.

"Doing alright. David will be graduating now, and starting a degree in architecture in the fall."

"And how are Katy and Jane?"

Greg wasn't surprised that the British Government remembered his kids' names, even though it took his brother years to remember Greg's own name. He smiled fondly as he thought about his children. "Jane is pretty happy in school, and Katy is finishing up her first degree now. Her dream is to become a veterinarian."

"A fulfilling career, with great opportunities," Mycroft nodded in approval. "What program is she planning to apply for?"

Greg mentioned her most preferred option and then sighed. "I'm afraid that it's a far shot, though. Her grades were not up to par in the beginning, what with the family and personal issues she suffered. Truthfully, I feel guilty about that. I hope I didn't ruin her career."

"I happen to know the dean of that program. He's an old friend of mine."

Greg snorted. "Why am I not surprised?"

"I happen to be due for a chat with him," Mycroft mentioned nonchalantly.

"Mycroft, no, you don't have to..." Greg protested.

"I don't have to what?" Mycroft asked in pretend puzzlement. "I sometimes recommend a student who I feel has potential, and the dean is glad for it. If your daughter is anything like you, she'll be going places."

"Thank you either way, Mycroft. Now, how about we settle down and plan a wedding, eh?"

"With a proper glass of scotch, I just might manage it."

Alicia watched the scene in front of her out of the corner of her eye, while pretending to be engrossed in her magazine. Sherlock and John were laughing at something William had said, while Mildred had joined Greg and Mycroft for a drink.

She observed her fiance chuckling along with his mother and his friend, when he suddenly looked up at her and winked. She felt something warm spread in her chest. Not long ago, her world had crumbled around her when she lost her late husband. The woman who was surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the world had felt very alone. She had few friends, and no family.

Mycroft Holmes had let her into his life, and into his heart (the existence of which many doubted, but never did she.) Through him, she was now gaining something she had lost, and hadn't thought she'd ever find again. As weird as they were wonderful, as annoying as they were amazing, as creative as they were crazy, this was the family she would now have.