A/N: Hey everyone :) After writing the last story, which I intended to be a one-off, I found myself thinking of several ideas for Alexa and her parents. Following a request from ElFan4, I have written this piece, which features Alexa's birthday, and a very special surprise for her and her parents. I have two other chapters planned, one which will feature a hospital visit, and the other which will involve a meeting between Sherlock, Joan and the principal. If you have any requests/comments please let me know. (I just can't seem to finish fics, can I?)
Thanks, HQ21
PS- Happy New Year! :)
Alexa walked through the kitchen in her white embroidered party dress and silver shoes with a merry spring in her step, her small silver shoulder bag knocking against her hip as the sound of the soles of her shoes upon the tiled floor broke the silence. Alexa walked cautiously up to the fridge and pulled it open with a single tug, before surveying the contents and finding what she was looking for. She closed the fridge with a satisfied smile, before skipping into the front room with the handful of lettuce that she had just liberated. Before she reached Clyde's habitat, Alexa cast a cursory glance around the room to make sure that she would not be caught by her parents, who had warned her about the dangers of over-feeding their beloved pet. Upon seeing no one around her, and believing that getting told off on the day of her seventh birthday was highly unlikely, Alexa smiled sweetly as she hand-fed the lettuce to Clyde, who inclined his little head upwards to face her and accepted the gifts gratefully. As Alexa gave him the third of four pieces of lettuce, the sound of a voice from behind her caused her to stop, her eyes widening slightly as she turned on the spot at the calling of her name.
"Alexa" called Sherlock, his tone one of mixed curiosity and interest. As his daughter turned towards him, a piece of lettuce in her hand, he tilted his head to the side and focused his attention on Clyde, before looking back towards her. Alexa held his gaze bravely, whilst preparing herself for the chiding she felt certain would follow. But there was none. Instead, Sherlock walked towards her and glanced down at Clyde, who was staring up at them both. Alexa turned too, leaning over as she watched him eat the final slither of lettuce she had placed in. Sherlock looked towards Alexa, who rose her eyes to meet his, and was surprised to find him indicating towards her hand and nodding. She smiled, dropping the lettuce before Clyde, and watching as he ate. "I suppose the occasional treat will not hurt" Sherlock stated decidedly. "After all, it is your birthday" he continued, glancing towards his daughter, who was looking up at him with a pleasant and grateful expression. "The key word being occasional, Alexa" he added. "We would like Clyde to fit in his habitat, wouldn't we?" he added lightly, earning a small smile from Alexa. Sherlock nodded, before standing tall before her. "Nadine will be here shortly, are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes" she returned simply, running her hands down the sides of her dress. As she did so, she felt her wrist contact the material of her dress, and her eyes short down to the spot.
"Alexa?" Sherlock asked quizzically.
"My bracelet" she said simply, lifting her gaze from her wrist and tilting her head to the side slightly. One of the presents from her parents had been a silver charm bracelet, that they intended to add to on celebratory occasions and milestones throughout Alexa's life. The bracelet itself currently held a bee charm, a turtle, a butterfly and a heart. And despite having received it less than twelve hours ago, Alexa already adored it. "I left it in the bathroom" she stated resolutely.
"Alright" Sherlock returned, kneeling before her. "If you collect your bracelet I will get your coat" he stated gently, running his eyes across his daughter appraisingly. He could not believe how grown up she was.
"Yes papa" she returned, before turning instantly on the spot, her dress twirling as she walked briskly towards the staircase. Sherlock pressed his hands on his thighs and pushed himself into a standing position, before watching Alexa as she made her way up the stairs. Her walk and her mannerisms were so much like her mother it was almost startling. As this thought entered his mind Sherlock glanced down at his watch, before looking back towards the stairs. Watson was taking quite a while to get ready...
As Alexa reached the top of the stairs she paused for a moment, glancing across the landing before walking slowly towards the bathroom door with a smile. As she reached the door, Alexa rose her hand towards the handle, before lowering it slightly and frowning in confusion. The door was locked. Alexa allowed her hand to fall to her side, before glancing curiously at the door and standing perfectly still upon the landing, listening out for signs of movement. Her parents were not in the habit of locking the bathroom door, nor was she. Alexa pondered the dilemma, an event so unusual that she almost considered turning on the spot and calling for her father. But this thought disappeared as soon as she heard sounds from behind the door. Alexa tilted her head to the side curiously, before taking a step closer to the door and pressing her ear to it, as her tiny fingers splayed across the cracked woodwork. Alexa's eyes widened as she identified the strange sounds that had caught her attention: it was the sound of coughing and vomiting followed by laboured breathing.
Alexa pushed herself from the door, taking a step back and looking up and down it as she clenched her hands and held them firmly by her side. She turned her head towards the staircase and considered calling to her father, before the continuation of the sounds from the bathroom drew her attention back to the door. Alexa reached for her silver bag, unzipping it and searching through its contents, until she found the item she was looking for: her purse. She unclasped the small purse and pulled out a quarter, before walking back towards the door with the coin raised in her small hand. Alexa pushed herself up onto her tiptoes as she reached for the lock, pressing the quarter into the slot and turning it, until the small sound of the retracting bolt could be heard. Alexa dropped to her heels, staring at the door before her as she continued to hold the small coin in her hand. She then dropped the coin into her bag, before reaching up for the doorknob, and slowly turning it. The door opened soundlessly, with Alexa pushing it gently forward as she peeked through the gap between the door-frame and the bathroom itself. By the time Alexa had opened the door by about ten inches, she found herself staring at an unfamiliar sight which startled her: her mother was crouching over the toilet, one hand upon her stomach and the other upon the side of the toilet, as she vomited into it. Alexa watched her for a moment, her eyes widening as the sound of her mother's vomiting and laboured breathing, which she was clearly attempting to subdue or silence, filled the room. Alexa overcame her initial fear quickly, pushing the door open further as she stepped in to the room, staring in concern at her mother's huddled figure.
"Mama?" she asked gently, staring at her mother's dark hair and inclined head. Joan stiffened slightly, the hand she had upon the toilet trembling, as she attempted to turn towards the sound of her daughter's voice. "Are you okay?" Alexa continued, as her mother faced her with tired eyes and a reassuring expression.
"Yes, sweetheart" she breathed gently. "I'm fine" she stated, attempting to sound as confident and as certain as she could. Joan pressed her hands upon the toilet and pushed herself into a standing position, flushing the toilet before she turned towards her daughter with a small and reassuring smile. Alexa stared up at her mother, whose slow movements and pale features seemed to contradict her assurance that she was alright. As Joan stood, Alexa watched as she swayed slightly, before placing one hand on the sink to steady herself, and turning her attentions back towards her daughter.
"Are you sick?" Alexa asked, running her eyes analytically across her mother's body, in a manner that reminded Joan very much of Sherlock.
"No" Joan stated resolutely, in such a manner that, if it were not for her clear signs of illness, Alexa would probably have believed her. "I'm not sick, darling, I promise" Joan stated, walking slowly towards her daughter and crouching down before her. Alexa rose her eyes to meet her mother's, who were staring at her with a tired yet certain look. Her mother was pale and shaking slightly, and she looked very tired. Alexa stared at her mother with a wary and uncertain expression, and Joan felt her heart clench as she noticed the unmistakable look of concern which was resonating from her daughter's features. She knew that her mother would not lie to her, and she seemed certain. But she was pale and sick and tired. Maybe she was too sick to realise she was sick? Maybe her illness meant that she was wrong? Alexa considered this logic for a moment, before finding herself feeling sure that it was sound. She lifted her head back towards her mother, who was watching her with a reassuring expression. But Alexa didn't quite believe it.
"I'll get papa" Alexa stated in a low and uncertain tone. Before she could turn and head towards the door, her mother's voice called her back.
"No, darling. Alexa-" she began, as Alexa turned her head back towards her mother. "Come here a sec" Joan stated gently, reaching out a hand towards her daughter. Alexa watched her uncertainly, before accepting her mother's hand and allowing her to be drawn towards her. Joan leaned back and sat on the ground, her back resting against the bathtub. She drew Alexa towards her until the young girl was sitting by her side, and looking up at her with a look of analysis and concern. One she certainly got from her father. "I didn't mean to scare you" Joan began, stroking some of her daughter's hair back behind her ears. "And I'm sorry if I made you worry" she continued simply, as Alexa met her gaze and held it with her own wide, dark eyes. "And I know that it's hard for you to understand, especially after seeing me just now, but I promise you that I am not sick" Joan stated resolutely, in such a manner that Alexa almost found herself believing her.
"But you were being sick, mama" Alexa countered, her concerned eyes narrowing slightly. "When I was being sick you said I couldn't go to school because-"
"It's a little different with grown-ups" Joan stated lightly. "Sometimes" she added, before looking back towards her daughter. "I promise you I am not sick, Alexa. I am going to be absolutely fine" she stated, placing her hand reassuringly over her daughter's, who returned the gentle squeeze. "You know what would make me feel better?" she asked, causing Alexa to look up to her with wide and concerned eyes. "Celebrating your birthday with you" Joan added, noticing how Alexa's gaze lowered slightly. "I can't wait to see the Nutcracker, can you? And dinner afterwards, at your favourite restaurant? And Nadine will be there-"
"Why don't we stay at home" Alexa countered, glancing up towards her mother. "We can watch a movie and you can get better" she added. Joan watched the expression on her daughter's face, and felt almost certain that her heart would break. It took everything Joan had not to burst in to tears.
"I'm not sick, sweetheart. I promise" she returned, squeezing her daughter's hand reassuringly. "I'm fine. And I know that it's hard to understand, but I promise, this will make sense soon" she continued, chiding herself at her inability to tell her daughter the complete truth. But today was about her, and she wanted it to remain that way. If only for one more day. Her news could wait. "So can we please go and celebrate your birthday?" she asked, running her hand through her daughter's hair. Alexa looked back up towards her mother, who, despite appearing unwell whilst claiming not to be, would not lie to her. Despite the confusion and conflict she was feeling at the moment, Alexa felt that was certain. And she looked less pale than she had done. Alexa nodded slowly, before pushing herself up from the ground and standing in front of her mother. Joan smiled warmly at her, squeezing her hand once more before letting her go. "Thank you" she whispered. Alexa nodded, before taking a few steps towards her mother and kissing her on the cheek. Joan closed her eyes at the contact, which made her forget about her nausea for a short while.
"Are you going to tell papa?" Alexa asked, looking at her mother with an uncertain gaze as she stood before her.
"Yes" Joan breathed, swallowing as she nodded. "I promise." Alexa nodded, before offering her mother a weak smile, turning and leaving the bathroom. As she closed the door behind her, the sound of the doorbell ringing could be heard in the distance. Joan closed her eyes and rested her head against her hands, guilt washing over her as her mind played through the previous scene. She rose her head from her hand and glanced upwards, breathing in several times in an effort to calm herself, before pushing herself up from the ground and standing before the mirror. He only way she could assure her daughter that she was fine, and to ensure that she had a wonderful birthday, was to act the part. Joan reached for her toothbrush and the toothpaste and began to brush her teeth, whilst collecting her make up and lining it up beneath the mirror. As she did so, she stopped brushing for a moment, as her eyes befell the silver charm bracelet that lay beside the soap dish.
Alexa walked quickly down the stairs, holding on to the bannister as she went. As she arrived at the bottom, she found herself facing Nadine and her mother, who were talking to her father. As Alexa reached the bottom of the steps Sherlock turned towards her, and Alexa's mother placed her hand upon her daughter's shoulder as she addressed Alexa.
"Happy Birthday Alexa!" she stated brightly. Alexa smiled and nodded in response, thanking her as she walked towards Nadine, who was offering her a present in a purple gift bag. Alexa smiled and thanked her, accepting the bag and tugging it open. Sherlock watched as his daughter's features lit up as she extracted the butterfly searching kit from the bag.
"Thank you" Alexa stated sincerely, glancing from Nadine to her mother.
"You're welcome" Nadine's mother stated, nodding as she spoke. "Your mum told us it's something you're passionate about." At the mention of her mother Alexa found herself feeling concerned and anxious, and her smile fell slightly, before she nodded in return. Sherlock frowned in confusion as he glanced at his daughter's expression, which recovered itself quickly. Just as Watson does when she is worried Sherlock thought, before continuing to watch his daughter. Before he could speak, the sound of heels on the staircase behind them drew his attention back, and he saw the figure of his partner in her black skirt and blouse, her wide eyes sparkling as she reached the bottom.
"Hi" she greeted Nadine and her mother warmly, attempting a smile. Alexa looked up and studied her mother's face, which looked much less pale and tired. Upon glancing at her features, Alexa realised that her mother had used make up to make herself look less sick. "You left this in the bathroom, sweetheart" Joan continued, crouching before her daughter as she held the silver bracelet to her. Alexa stared at the dainty piece of a jewellery for a moment, having completely forgotten about it after finding her mother in the bathroom. Joan looked up towards her daughter with a calm and placating expression, as Alexa extended her arm and Joan began to secure the bracelet around her wrist. Sherlock watched as Alexa stared at Joan's face with the look of conviction and complete concentration as her mother placed the bracelet upon her. Sherlock's eyes drifted from his daughter's face to Joan's, who appeared to be breathing in and out in a soothing manner, as if she were trying to calm herself.
"Well, I'd better get to work" Nadine's mother stated, turning towards her daughter and smiling.
"I'm so sorry you couldn't come" Joan soothed, rising from her kneeling position and standing beside her daughter. Joan placed her hand tenderly on the back of Alexa's head, causing her daughter to relax slightly. Alexa reached across towards her mother's hand, which she held securely, before looking up at her. Joan looked down at her daughter's face and offered her a reassuring smile. "Are you ready, sweetheart?" she asked, as Nadine's mother left the building, bidding farewell as she left. Alexa nodded slowly, squeezing her mother's hand tightly before releasing her hold, and walking towards Nadine. Sherlock watched this with interest as his daughter and her friend walked out of the brownstone and down the stairs to the waiting cab. As soon as they had got half way down the steps Sherlock turned towards Joan, who was picking up her bag from the side. Sherlock reached for her coat and eased her into it, the scent of her perfume swimming in the air. She brushed her hair from the back of her coat and turned towards him, offering him the same smile he had seen her giving Alexa.
"Are you quite alright, Watson?" he asked gently, his tone echoing Alexa's. Joan's eyes widened slightly, before her features softened and she returned a more genuine smile in her partner's direction.
"Yes" she stated with conviction. "Are you ready?"
"Of course" Sherlock stated absent-mindedly, nodding as he spoke. It was clear that she was not alright, but he knew that she would not confide in him before Alexa's celebrations had ended. She wouldn't want to draw attention off her daughter. With that thought Sherlock reached across to Joan, clasping her hand tightly in his, and giving it a reassuring squeeze. She smile in return, and they walked together down the stone steps, hand in hand.
The cab pulled up outside the theatre half an hour before the ballet was due to start, and Sherlock and Joan helped the girls out of the taxi before leading them into the building. As they reached the entrance queue, Joan was relieved to find that her daughter was laughing warmly with her friend, as they pointed to some of the posters adorning the walls. Some dancers also passed by, who Alexa watched with keen interest, as they made their way up the staircase. Sherlock had reserved a box at the top of the theatre for them, and they were led to it by a kindly gentleman in an ill-fitting suit. As they reached the box, Joan placed her bag upon the table and took up her seat at the far end, thinking that her daughter would wish to sit between her father and her friend. She often did this on trips out, as she enjoyed sharing her observations and deductions with her father and Nadine. She did with Joan, too, but found that her father was much more willing to accept the more blunt and potentially offensive things she came up with, whereas her mother would gently remind her about the importance of being careful of what she said, lest she should cause offence or upset someone. However, such incidences were few, as Alexa seemed to become much more perceptive and empathetic with each year. Joan smiled at this thought, marvelling at her wonderful daughter. But she still found it mildly surprising when, instead of sitting between her father and Nadine, Alexa walked straight past them and towards her mother, sitting herself upon her lap. Joan was surprised at first, but as she pulled her daughter gently to her she could feel the little girl relax beneath her hold. Joan lifted her head to Alexa's ear, whispering to her some words or kindness and reassurance. Sherlock watched this scene with interest, before Alexa nodded once, turned towards her mother and watched her for a moment, nodding once more before easing herself off her lap and taking up a set beside Nadine at the other end of the box. Sherlock walked slowly towards his partner, sitting in the seat beside her and holding her hand as the lights fell. Throughout the performance the little girls at the end smiled, hummed, danced and giggled, their faces alight with excitement and animation. Joan frequently turned her attention to this scene, and found herself smiling.
The ballet lasted for over two hours, and by the time the lights rose the girls seemed slightly weary. But as the curtains were drawn Alexa eased herself from her seat, exchanged some brief words with Nadine, before glancing back towards her mother. She surveyed her with an analytical expression, before smiling contently and turning back towards her friend. Joan smiled weakly, battling between feeling grateful for her daughter's compassion and guilty at having caused her to worry.
"Watson?" Sherlock called gently, placing his hand upon her lower back as he spoke. Joan turned towards him and looked at him expectantly. "Everything alright?"
"Yes" she returned instantly. "The girls looked so tired, don't they? I hope they can manage dinner" she continued, turning back towards the girls, who were putting on their coats as other patrons spilled out of the theatre.
"I'm certain they will" Sherlock stated, as his attention befell their daughter and her friend. "As soon as they step into the restaurant the smell of Renee's pasta dishes will cause them to forget that they ever ate" he continued, watching as a small smile played on Joan's lips. "Are you certain that you are alright?" he added in a low tone, concern entering his voice.
"Of course" she stated, turning to face him directly. "I'm fine, really." Sherlock watched her for a moment, giving her the same look of uncertainty and disbelief that she had witnessed on Alexa's face just a few hours earlier. Sherlock nodded, turning towards the girls and calling for them not to forget their programmes, as he led Joan from the box and through the theatre.
Thirty minutes later, Joan was relieved to find that her concerns about the girls' hunger were unnecessary. As soon as they had walked into Alexa's favourite Parisian eatery, Renee and her husband Jacques walked straight towards them, hugging the little girl tightly as they presented her with a large chocolate butterfly, which was exquisitely crafted. Alexa's eyes widened and she turned to her parents with a beaming expression, proudly holding up her gift as she considered it with intelligent and curious eyes. Joan thanked the kindly restaurant owners for their gift, as did Alexa moments later, before leading the girls towards their table. Throughout the dinner Alexa and Nadine were joined in animated discussion, smiling and laughing as Alexa made deductions on fellow guests (which, to Sherlock's pride, were incredibly accurate), constructing plans for a butterfly sanctuary on the paper and crayons provided by the restaurant, and made South American butterflies from their food. Joan smiled as she watched her daughter, who appeared to be having such a wonderful time. Her features were bright and her smile was infectious, and Joan found herself relaxing slightly at the knowledge that she had not ruined her daughter's birthday. But despite this, and often unbeknownst to Joan, little Alexa kept casting furtive glances towards her mother, running her eyes across her body curiously as she did so, but averting her gaze the moment her mother rose her head. Sherlock glanced between his partner and his daughter, considering the evidence before him and wondering about the nature of the secret they appeared to be sharing between them. They left the restaurant a couple of hours later, bidding fond farewells to the owners, who adored Alexa. Alexa thanked them for their hospitality in french, causing them to smile brightly, clasping their hands together and thanking them in their mother tongue. The family drove Nadine back to her house, and as the cab pulled up beside her home, Alexa stopped her, breaking the beautiful chocolate butterfly in half and offering her one of the two pieces before she had a chance to object. Joan's features warmed at the sight, and Nadine leaned in and hugged Alexa, before disappearing towards her porch. After her mother had received her and waved them off, they travelled home, heading through the city at Joan's request so that Alexa could see the lights of the city at night.
By the time they got back to the brownstone Alexa was exhausted, but for some strange reason she appeared to be attempting to battle this feeling. As they stepped through the doors of the brownstone, Joan helped Alexa with her coat and bag, hanging them up before crouching before her weary daughter.
"How about you go and put your pajamas on, and when you get back, I'll make us some hot chocolate?" she asked gently, before anticipating her daughter's question and stating, "with marshmallows." Alexa smiled, nodding tiredly towards her mother. "We should probably get you to bed soon. Your grandparents are coming over to see you in the morning" she stated, watching as her daughter smiled in understanding. "I hope you've been practising your Mandarin" Joan stated, causing Alexa to laugh lightly, before turning and walking quickly up the stairs. Joan smiled, pushing herself up into a standing position and walking through the foyer and into the front room. Joan turned on some of the small lights then made her way towards the fireplace, placing some of the logs and coal into the grate and lighting it. Alexa loved to sit before the fire, reading or talking or just sitting quietly beside her parents. After a few seconds, the warm glow and crackling embers illuminated the room, causing a homely and comforting feel that Joan found most calming. She was so enraptured in the sight before her, and in constructing a fire for her daughter, that she was oblivious of the tall figure of Sherlock Holmes who was standing behind her in the doorway, and had been watching her with interest for several minutes.
"It's not a physical injury" he stated musingly, in a curious tone that caused Joan to turn on the spot.
"Excuse me?" she asked, laughter present in her tone. Sherlock watched her with a kind expression, taking a few steps towards her as her eyes drifted across his body and face, before resting on his.
"Whatever it is that is causing our daughter to worry about your well-being, and which you are concealing" he replied gently, his voice kind and compassionate, and devoid of accusation or malice. Joan's eyes widened slightly before drifting away from his gaze, as she swallowed hard and felt herself begin to feel very, very hot. Sherlock waited patiently for a moment to see whether she would speak. After she didn't for a few moments, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up towards him.
"It's quite alright, Watson" he stated kindly. "I apologise if I have made you feel uncomfortable or intruded upon" he continued, in a low and genuine tone. "Please understand that the reasons for my not respecting your privacy at this moment are purely down to my concern for Alexa and for you" he stated, feeling Joan begin to tremble slightly beneath his hand. "At first I thought it was some type of injury" he stated simply, his hand travelling slowly down her arm. Joan felt her body filled with comfort and reassurance at this gesture, which was amplified when his hand reached wrist, and clasped their hands in an affectionate embrace. "I thought you may have injured yourself and attempted to conceal it so as not to detract attention from Alexa's birthday" he stated simply, before looking towards her eyes. "But after seeing your movements today, how you didn't flinch when Alexa leapt onto your lap, when walking did not appear to be an issue, and when bending before the fire seemed to cause you no discomfort" he continued, as Joan's eyes lowered slightly and she nodded. "I began to rethink that particular hypothesis" he stated in a low, gentle tone. There was silence for a few moments, as Sherlock allowed Joan some time to take in his words and concerns, before he continued to speak. "Whatever it is, Alexa found out, didn't she? Stumbled upon it?" he asked, watching as Joan inhaled shakily and turned her head up to face him. "She was in the bathroom for a very long time searching for her bracelet. Despite the fact that she is a veritable magpie when it comes to locating her own possessions." Joan laughed lightly at this, but her hand continued to feel cool and shaky in Sherlock's grasp, even as he squeezed it in reassurance. "Given how Alexa has been looking at you this evening, she must have seen something that makes her believe you are not well" he stated kindly, running his thumb along her hand as he spoke. "And then you brought the bracelet down to her" he continued, before waiting for a few moments more. "I do not wish to rush you or make you feel uncomfortable, Watson, far from it. And I certainly do not wish to intrude" he continued, his voice maintaining its low and gentle tone. "But do you feel able to discuss with me the mystery of the bathroom encounter?" Joan laughed lightly at this, lifting her head to meet his glance, as the flames from the fire behind them danced in her eyes. After a moment her laughter stopped, and her eyes adopted a glassy expression, as nervousness swept across her features.
"I'm pregnant" she mumbled into the darkness. She felt Sherlock's hand adjust itself in her own, as he stared down at her with an expression between concern and surprise.
"Are you certain?" he asked gently, shifting on the spot as he looked down upon her.
"Yes" she returned, swallowing as she spoke. "My OBGYN confirmed it last week. I didn't know how to tell you, and I didn't want to reveal it before Alexa's birthday" she explained, her voice low and her tone apologetic. "I should have told you the moment I found out, I'm sorry."
"Watson" Sherlock breathed consolingly, placing his free hand upon her cheek, which caused her to glance upwards and meet his eyes, which were watching her with a concerned yet reassuring expression. "I assure you, your apologies are quite unnecessary" he whispered, his lips curving into a small smile, before he leaned forwards and kissed her. Joan felt the tension and fear begin to seep out of her body, as she returned his kiss with passionate gratitude. After a few moments she broke away from the kiss, weary and breathless, as she looked back up at him.
"You're okay with this?" she asked, her eyes meeting his.
"Absolutely" he returned, running his fingers down her cheek and beneath her chin. "Is is what you want?"
"Yes" she returned instantly, a genuine smile breaking out upon her lips for the first time that evening. Sherlock smiled back at her, before removing his hand from hers and placing it on her lower back, pulling her closer to him as he kissed her once more.
Sherlock and Joan were so focused on comforting one another and celebrating their news with a passionate kiss, that neither of them had noticed that Alexa was standing in the doorway, watching the scene before her with a broad smile on her face.