"Are you sure we haven't forgotten anyone, John?"
"I don't believe we have, darling, neither of us has any immediate family so it's not an overly long list."
My fiancée looked up as she folded our wedding guest list with an air of finality, her blue eyes dancing as they looked at me, the gaze enough to make my heart melt further than it already had.
Mary glanced at the closed bedroom door.
"Did he agree to –"
"Yes," I said with a smile, "I doubt that he'll take the best man's privilege and kiss the bride, however – don't expect it."
My wife-to-be laughed lightly as she stood to leave. I rose reluctantly, and we paused by the sitting room door.
"See you for dinner tomorrow?"
"I shall be there," I replied, leaning down as she raised her face to mine in a kiss. For an enchanted moment we held that position…
"Watson, have you seen the Drake forgery file anywhere, I – ergh!"
Holmes's voice broke off suddenly in a combination yelp and gasp. I heard a muttered "Pardon me" before he scuttled hastily back into his bedroom and slammed the door once more.
I could not restrain my laughter, and Mary joined me as we both glanced at the closed door.
I grinned, leaning down once again.
"Eternal bachelorhood."