CHAPTER TWO
John and Mary Watson were already present and pacing back and forth by the time that Sherlock arrived at 221B Baker St. Sherlock's movements were swift as he carried Molly up the stairs and placed her in his armchair. It was clear to John and Marry that Molly was barely conscious. John did not wait to get an explanation from Sherlock, he moved quickly to Molly's side and began examining her. Mary rushed to the kitchen, not allowing her bulging abdomen to hinder her movements. As John checked her pulse and studied her pupils Mary reentered the room with a damp dishcloth and glass of cool water. Molly's eyes quivered, but she finally seemed to be fully aware of her surroundings. Sherlock, who had been standing nervously by the fireplace, dropped to one knee and gripped Molly's arm.
"Molly. Molly are you alright?" he asked urgently. Molly shook her head slowly, taking the water that Mary offered her.
"I'm fine. Really. John…Mary…what are you doing here? When did we get here?" she looked to Sherlock for explanation. He cleared his throat and sprang up back into a standing position.
"Well. You had…fainted while we were in the bathroom. It is common for pregnant women to faint or become light-headed, but it doesn't hurt to get a doctor's opinion. Naturally, I called John." Sherlock looked to John with gratitude.
" You were at Bart's, couldn't you have taken her upstairs Sherlock?" Mary asked, ignoring the word "pregnant".
"Yeah Sherlock, I mean I know you think most doctors are incompetent but…wait. Pregnant? Molly?!" John looked baffled. He looked between Sherlock and Molly. "Wait…you didn't? It's not?"
"Mine? Don't be ridiculous John!" Sherlock almost shouted.
"Oh nicely, done Sherlock." Mary admonished, noticing Molly shifting uncomfortably in the armchair upon Sherlock's declaration. Sherlock's eyes traveled to Molly and he too noticed her expression. He sighed.
"I only meant that since Molly and I have never engaged in intercourse, it is ridiculous to think that I was the father. You've never known me to be intimate with anyone, John. At least not earnestly." Sherlock explained, hinting at his brief "relationship" with Janine.
"Oh yeah, we are still going to have words about that Sherlock," Mary said sternly. She turned to Molly, " It's Tom's, isn't it?" Molly's nod confirmed. Mary patted her arm and held the damp cloth to Molly's temple.
"It's all right really. Not as bad as people make out. Once I got past the morning sickness I was fit as a fiddle, wasn't I John?". Molly's eyes began to well up and her breathing again quickened.
" But you aren't exactly on your own are you?" Molly said sadly. She wiped away her tears. "But like you said. It won't be so bad will it? Women do it all the time." She half smiled. "Though most women don't have a murdering psychopath as an ex…" She trailed off. John's face became serious and he turned to face a troubled Sherlock.
"Sherlock, Molly is right. Moriarty will be after her. And if she is pregnant, it's only a matter of time before he figures that out. He went after the three of us last time. He won't leave Molly out of it this round." He reached for his wife's hand. "Or Mary." Sherlock's eyes quickly darted between all of his companions. His back straightened and his jaw set.
"I promise all of you, if Jim Moriarty is alive and ready to resume our game I will do everything in my power to protect you all. I made a vow to you John. And to you Mary. And to the baby. I will spend the rest of my life living up to that vow." Sherlock declared. He turned to Molly. His face relaxed markedly but his voice remained solemn.
"Now Molly Hooper. It seems there are two more lives I must add to my list." He bent his head down and kissed Molly lightly on the cheek.