Sorry guys, another chapter inspired by a song that made me think of Sherlock and Molly... LOL
Chapter 32
Violet wasn't kidding.
Molly stood in the floor length mirror studying her reflection. She didn't recognize herself.
Violet had offered to get her any dress she'd like. She would ensure it was worked on round the clock until finished.
Instead, Molly asked if the dress of the one who originally wore her necklace was available. Violet smiled and said it was put away and she could immediately have it cleaned. Molly was thrilled.
"Will it fit me? " Molly asked remembering that dresses that old were usually tiny. " I mean, I can't wear a corset... "
"I know. " Violet smiled. " Sherlock told me. Don't worry. My great grandmother Vivian was not a small woman. So even with a corset... "
"Really? " Molly asked her eyes widening.
"I told you, they married for love. He apparently liked curves on a woman. "
"I think she passed that down to your son. Since I have put on weight he seems to be even more... oh! Sorry... "
"More amorous? Please, I am not a wilting flower. He treats you well, though? "
"Yes. "
"Even in that department. "
Molly blushed.
"Yes. Especially there. He is very...generous. "
"Well...that is something he evidently did NOT get from his father! "
Both women laughed.
"So, this is our own version of the old ways of having that TALK before the wedding? " Molly giggled.
"Allow me this. I never had a daughter. "
"You have me. "
"Yes. I just wish I would live to know you better. I couldn't ask for a better wife for my son, Molly. "
Molly had clasped her hand to her mother in laws.
Now, here Molly stood in a century old dress that seemed to be made for her. It had a square neckline, and was flowing with lace and silk. The necklace complimented it perfectly. To keep in the feel of the dress, Molly wore her hair up, soft curls gracing the sides of her face.
"I look like I just stepped off the Titanic. " She said to herself.
"Perhaps...not the best analogy. " Mary said from behind her.
"Im so glad you are here! "
"I wouldn't miss this. But it IS a little unexpected. "
"Where is John? "
"He's below with Sherlock. "
"You've been down there, then? "
"Yes. Sherlock is doing his best to look bored. Your mother in law was brought down a few minutes ago. She seems to be getting stronger. "
"I hope so. Maybe ... " Molly didn't want to give herself false hope. The two women looked out the window to the scene below.
Violet had apparently called...everybody. It looked like any wedding that took a year to get together. It was at the back of the house. Molly could see Sherlock and John standing near the be-flowered podium set up for the minister. John was chuckling. Sherlock did not look happy. He looked damned uncomfortable. Molly spoke that thought out loud.
"Your own fault. You made him wear that. "
"He looks good in tails, doesn't he? "
"Yes. I admit it suits him. But that tie...you know Sherlock hates ties. "
"I know. But I will have fun removing it later! " Molly chuckled.
Just then, Mycroft entered the room.
"Ladies, if you please... it is time to begin. "
mmmmmmmmmm
"Any time now, mate. " John assured Sherlock.
"This is all quite ridiculous, John. Only women would think of this. Molly and I have been married for several months. "
"You are doing this for the women in your life. Get used to it. And the suit. "
Sherlock eyed his friend.
"True, Sherlock. Chances are you will have to wear one to Laura's wedding one day. "
"No. I won't. I won't allow her to marry. "
"You can't stop her. "
"I have my ways. "
John laughed, then saw Mary signal.
"Its time. "
mmmmmmmmmm
Sherlock watched his daughter as she tried so hard to look dignified. She carried a small basket of rose petals. Her hair pulled back, her tresses falling down her back. Baby's breath was woven through her curls. She looked up at him and smiled. He winked in return. Suddenly Johns hideous remark came to him again.
Sherlock hated this. He really thought it was to torture him.
Until he saw Molly.
Suddenly, he couldn't breath and his chest tightened with pride and love.
She looked amazing. Her hair looked softer than the silk that covered her small frame. Her skin, even softer. Her eyes shone as she looked at him.
Molly. HIS Molly.
Mycroft placed her hand in his and gave Molly a peck on the cheek before sitting down beside Greg.
"My beautiful Molly... " Sherlock whispered.
"You make me feel beautiful. " She responded as she saw his heart in his eyes.
The ceremony was actually pretty brief. Traditional vows exchanged. When it came time to exchange rings, it all stopped though, as Sherlock froze, unsure if he was supposed to remove Molly's ring and slide it back on or not.
"Not yet. Those rings will do for now. " Violets voice came out. Sherlock looked at his mother in question.
"You'll see. " She smiled.
mmmmmmmmmm
An hour later, the reception was in full swing. Sherlock loosened his tie and undid his tails. He looked quite content indeed. He had one arm around his wife, placing kisses at her temple. To his other side, sat his mother.
And he was holding her hand.
"Are you sure you don't want to lie down? " Sherlock looked over at her.
"Oh no. I feel wonderful. "
"You'll tell me when you need to rest, won't you? "
"Of course. Sherlock? Thank you for doing this. You made an old woman very happy. "
"I just wish..." Sherlock said, searching her eyes.
"I know. Keep the faith. Miracles do happen, Sherlock. "
Sherlock looked from his mother to the dance floor. Mycroft was dancing with Sally and actually laughing. Lestrade led Mary about... and then there was Laura. Laura's tiny feet planted on top of his best friends as they too danced. He had so many people behind him. Who loved him without question. He swallowed a lump in his throat.
"Yes. Yes they do. "
A short while later, John took is glass and tinked it with a fork.
"Attention everyone! I do believe a toast is in order! "
Everyone cheered. John raised his glass and looked at Molly and Sherlock, his face full of emotion.
"When I met my best friend Sherlock... " His voice stuttered a bit. " well, you've all met him! " He waited for the laughter died down. " Well, it took me a long time to see the human side to him. But when I did, it was something I will always aspire to become. Then came Molly. Unswerving, loving, little Molly. It may have took him a long time to get that clue, but... its one I know he shall...never delete, never swerve on... never allow anyone to take away. He gets that... from Molly. Cheers. "
Glasses raised and cheers went out. Sherlock kissed his wife and bumped his nose against hers in what she thought was an impossibly adorable move.
"Now now! Time for the dance! " John shouted, glancing over at Violet, who nodded at him. He stepped forward and helped her to her feet.
"Mother? " Sherlock looked worried.
"Im fine, stop fussing. I need to say something. "
Violet came to stand in the middle of the dance floor between Sherlock and Molly. One hand covering their entwined fingers.
" I... have been thinking back a lot on my life lately. One memory that came to me out of the blue... I was in America, well, long ago. Back when your daddy was about your age, Laura, sweetheart... " She said, looking at her granddaughter. " Anyway, I went to the cinema one night. It was late and I just needed to get away. We all know songs can stay with us. "
Molly and Sherlock glanced over his mother's head at each other. Yes, they knew that well.
"Well, this song, when it played, I thought of my dear son here. I won't say why at the time. The words were ones I wish had had been the one to impart as my own wisdom on my son. Give him hope. If I had been stronger... But I knew...that he would take a long time to love. But when he did, it would be forever. I prayed I would live to see her. The woman who earned Sherlock's love. And believe me, as you all know him, EARNED is the correct work. "
Now, after learning the story of these two, and seeing them together, I knew I was correct. I think it speaks for both of you. Those that know you best, will understand. "
Violet squeezed their hands.
" I do hope you don't mind I selected the song."
She stepped back, and John immediately gave her his arm to lead her back to her seat.
Sherlock and Molly looked at his mother blinking until Violet motioned for the musicians to start playing the song. It was just a piano and a woman at the microphone.
mmmmmmmmmm
Sherlock and Molly held close to each other, their foreheads touching, hands clasped and held over Sherlock's chest as the first notes began to play. Both listened intently as the words Violet meant for them sang softly out.
Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
An endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
And you its only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
Who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dyin'
That never learns to live.
Sherlock closed his eyes and swallowed. His grip on Molly's hands tightened. He felt Molly's hand shake and knew she was hearing the same thing he was.
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long,
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong,
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose.
mmmmmmmmmm
Everyone was speechless when the song ended. They just watched the couple still swaying together.
John looked at the older Mrs Holmes sitting beside him, considering her for a moment with renewed consideration.
"You are a crafty old bat, aren't you? " John said with wonder in his voice.
She didn't bother denying it.
"More than you could possibly know, my dear boy. " She didn't look at him, but did smirk Sherlock's smirk.
John watched her carefully, till he shook his head and laughed.
"Are you even actually dying? Cause you look uncommonly healthy to this doctor. "
Violet wouldn't meet his eyes. She merely shrugged.
"Aren't we all...doctor? "