Epilogue TWO

Five years later...

I could not see her for the crowds. She had just read an extract from her new book and I'd never felt so proud. I felt a hand pull on my jacket hem and I looked down with a faux frown; my heart lifted at the interruption.

'Papa?' My three year old replica of my wife enquired with bright eyes that matched my own. She was chewing on her free hand absent-mindedly.

'Mon cheri?' I cooed as I picked her up and nestled her into my side. Her arms didn't quite reach all the way around my neck just yet. She was so much like Catherine; empathic, emotive and challenging. I cringed every time I reflected upon my doubt of being a father.

'Is Mama almost done? She must be really tired Papa.' She sighed pleasantly. Of course my beautiful daughter was right. Catherine was six months pregnant and the tour was taking it out of her completely. She felt, however, that she owed it to her fans to complete the tour. She noticed new arrivals before I did. 'Uncle John!' She wriggled slightly beneath my grip as John appeared with Cora; the young girl who eased me into my life as a parent.

'Good afternoon Rachel. How are you?' John asked; ruffling her hair.

'Better for seeing you uncle!' She giggled softly. Always polite; she managed to make people feel better than they ever could. A deafening clap alerted us to the end of her session of signing books. People parted ways as Catherine approached us at the back of the shop. Cora ran and hugged her before holding her hand and leading her toward us. Her face was glowing and her free hand clutched her bump proudly. I kissed her warm forehead while people looked on.

'Home?' She asked me with a smile.

'Actually,' John interrupted ',Lestrade is looking-'

'No! I'm having an evening with my wife.' I insisted; my interest was instantly tantalised but I also wanted nothing more than a quiet night.

'Sherlock, you married your work way before you met me. Don't turn your back on her. Go see what Lestrade wants. I have Rachel to look after me.' She took her from my arms before looking to John. 'You go with him; that way I know he can't get into too much trouble.' She winked, keeping hold of Cora's hand as John led me away. I stopped in my tracked before returning to my wife. I picked up my daughter, placed her in the hands of Cora before dipping Catherine into a romantic kiss.

'Playing the hero doesn't suit you,' She uttered.

'Shut up Mrs Holmes!' I played before righting her. 'I love you. I won't be long!' I could help but smile in excitement I turned to Rachel; 'The game, mon cheri, is on.'

I ran out into the night, hoping the adventure would not keep me from my double life for long.

A/N: Thank you for everyone who has followed this story. I really do hope you like the ending.