Authors Note: This is a series of one-shots about the Watson-Holmes family. Some of it may be in order, but there are no guarantees so I apologize if that bothers you. I hope you enjoy.

And Baby Makes Three:

Sherlock Holmes crept soundless down the stairs. He felt pathetic sneaking around in his own home, but he was trying to avoid his husband, John Watson. The couple had been married for two years and were currently having a spat about one of John's favorite topics, children, more specifically their children.

John longed for a child of their own, and though he knew it was best not to push Sherlock, two years had passed and Sherlock refused to even consider the possibility of a child. John wanted to discuss the possibility of a baby, but Sherlock's avoidance of the topic sent John into a rage causing Sherlock to have spent the last few nights sleeping in the spare bedroom and hiding from John.

Sherlock continued downstairs slowly, hoping John was in bed for the evening.

"Sherlock?" John called from the couch, Sherlock was out of luck.

"Good evening, John." Sherlock said, moving slowly towards the kitchen.

"We need to talk, Sherlock," John said standing up. "We can't avoid this forever."

Sherlock sighed, "What's there to talk about, John? You want a baby I do not. There we talked."

John's face turned a light shade of pink with his increasing anger. "We are married, Sherlock. For Christ's sake, we don't have to agree on everything, but we need to talk through our problems. Especially with something like this. Why won't you talk to me?"

Sherlock was speechless. How did he express his feelings on the matter when he had never been the type to share what was on his mind? He was a man of logic not of emotions and the topic of children was a topic based on emotions more so than logic.

Sherlock joined John on the couch and turned to face him. "Why is it so important to discuss children now?"

"We've been married for two years. We aren't getting any younger. We are financially stable. I don't see why you are so against starting a family with me. Please, Sherlock, explain to me why this is such a problem for you because I don't understand." John waited, but Sherlock stayed silent. "Talk to me, Sherlock, please."

Sherlock took a deep breath, "I'm scared, John. I can't be a father. I'm not cut out for that kind of thing, don't you see. It takes more than money and age to be a parent, John. It takes more than I could offer a child. I love you, John. I truly do, but I don't know if I could provide the right kind of love for a baby." Sherlock shifted awkwardly in place. He felt like he had shared too much, and the look on John's face made it clear this conversation was far from over.

"What do you mean you aren't cut out to be a parent? Sherlock, you are incredible. Sure, you may not be the stereotypical father, but we aren't exactly the stereotypical family. I love you, Sherlock, and if it's any consultation, I think you would be a brilliant parent. I'm not saying we have to have a baby right now. I just don't want to shut the door on that option forever, Sherlock, because we could do this."

Sherlock wrapped his arms around John and curled into him. "Thank you, John." He whispered, touched by the fact John believed in him. "I just don't know. What if something happens? Even if I don't mess the kid up, someone could harm them. It happened to you, John, and I don't think I could live with myself if that happened to anyone else."

"Then we catch them and kick their arse before throwing them to Lestrade. Sherlock, we could do this. We can take care of a baby and keep them safe, I swear to you. I wouldn't lie to you, especially not about this."

Sherlock paused, pondering what John had said. Despite everything John had said, Sherlock did not believe having a baby was best for him, but he didn't know what would be best for them as a couple. Maybe a baby wouldn't be so bad. He just wondered if he would be good enough for it. "Alright." Sherlock said. "Alright, let's give it a go, then. I don't promise I will be a good father, but I promise I'll try."

John was speechless. He didn't believe convincing Sherlock would be this easy. They were going to become fathers. John kissed Sherlock and hugged him tightly. He couldn't wait until they had their child in their arms, and he couldn't wait to prove Sherlock wrong. Their family would be perfect.

Seven Months Later:

John burst into 221B Baker Street early one Friday afternoon with exciting news for him and Sherlock.

"Sherlock? Sherlock? Where are you?" John called.

Sherlock ran down the stairs half-dressed and very obviously scared. "What's wrong? Why are you yelling?" He took a good look at John and then it hit him. "We're having a baby aren't we?"

"Yes. The agency called me just now. There's a young woman, sixteen, who wants a closed adoption for her baby. She chose us, Sherlock. It's happening. We are going to be parents." John threw himself into Sherlock's arms, his face lit up with joy. Sherlock however was more nervous. This was happening so fast. He didn't expect they'd find a child for them so soon. He wasn't ready yet, but there was no turning back now. John was so happy, and there was a child involved. Two children really if you count the mother who chose them.

"We were asked to come down at three to meet the mother so she can decide if we are really the right choice, but she's pretty adamant about signing the papers and having everything official. She's eight months pregnant, and her boyfriend's left her so she's ready to have everything squared away so she can't change her mind." John said.

By the time they made it to the adoption center, John had told Sherlock everything he knew about Marie Knack, the girl having their baby. She was sixteen years old, and her mum didn't want her sacrificing her future for a baby from her boyfriend, who was two years older and pretty much a loser. He was a dropout and was constantly cheating on Marie. His name was James, and as of a few weeks ago he was out of Marie's life for good. Marie's mum didn't believe her prompting the rushed adoption. John and Sherlock were the third of five couples they looked at, and they had been agreed on by Marie and her mum within a week.

John and Sherlock gripped each other's hands as they walked into their agent, Catherine Jackson's, office.

"Hello, John, Sherlock. This is Claudia and Marie Knack. Claudia, Marie, this is John Watson and his husband, Sherlock Holmes." Catherine said.

"Hello." John said as he and Sherlock shook each of their hands.

"Pleasure to meet you." Sherlock said, hiding his nerves.

"And you Mr. Holmes." Claudia said.

"So, Marie, gentlemen, today we need to discuss what each of you hopes to get out of this adoption, and then we can decide any plans for the future. Strictly speaking, I am here to help with the legalities of adoption. How and when the adoption takes place is up to the three of you. Since you already have the father's consent for an adoption, we don't have to worry about him, but, Marie, you are able to change your mind if you decide you are looking for someone else for your baby." Catherine said, causing Claudia to shoot her a nasty look and John to grip Sherlock's hand tighter. "Let's begin. Marie what are you looking for when it comes to visitation."

Marie glanced at her mother looking nearly as nervous as Sherlock felt. "I just want it to go away. I'll have the baby, but that's it. I want to forget about it. Once the baby's born, it's all yours. I won't be showing up for Christmas or birthdays. I don't want to be a mum." She was on the verge of tears, but her mother did nothing to comfort her.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you Marie," John said. "But Sherlock and I thank you so much for considering us for your baby. No matter if you change your mind before the baby is born or not I am so thrilled to think I may be able to raise this child."

Marie smiled at him. "I'm glad some good will come of this, Mr. Watson. You and Mr. Holmes will be great dads."

The rest of the meeting was brief. Marie wanted to sign her rights over right away making it official. As soon as the baby was born, it would go directly to Sherlock and John. Marie did however insist on keeping the gender a surprise until next month when it was born so it would be harder to bond with them baby. She felt it would hurt less when she left the hospital alone if she wasn't able to dream of the baby growing up with her before then. John and Sherlock had a month at the most to prepare for this. They were going to be parents, and they had little time to prepare.

Two Weeks Later:

John was prepared; at least he thought he was. He and Sherlock went out the same afternoon they found out about the baby and bought enough clothes and toys for ten children. They also got a cot, a changing table, and all the other necessities they thought they would need for the baby. Sherlock had even felt some of his nerves slip away as he was more concerned with arguing with John about the baby's gender than worrying about actually raising the baby. John believed they were having a son and bought several things in various shades of blue, green, and even yellow so it was still neutral, while Sherlock just knew they would be welcoming a daughter into their home and, with the help of Mrs. Hudson, filled the new nursery with varying shades of pink and purple.

Sherlock and John laid intertwined in bed late on the night of February 15th when the phone's shrill wail woke them.

"Hello." John said groggily. "Yes. What?" John said perking up. "We'll be right there. Sherlock wake up. It's time. Marie's having the baby."

"What?" Sherlock bolted from bed and threw on his clothes before the two ran downstairs to let their landlady know what was happening.

Mrs. Hudson gave them her blessing, and the two took a cab to the hospital. John paced the halls willing the time to pass quicker so their child would be there. Sherlock, however, fiddled with his thumbs. He still didn't know if he could do this. His child was about to be born and he still didn't know if he could do it.

He didn't have much time to dwell, however, because just after midnight a smiling young doctor came towards them.

"Are you John Watson and Sherlock Holmes." The boys nodded anxiously. "Congratulations, you have a beautiful daughter."

They rushed to the nursery where their baby was now sleeping. John got to her first. He gently lifted her up and cradled her to his chest. He couldn't believe how incredible this felt. Sherlock watched in awe. The little girl seemed to belong in John's arms and when he was offered a chance to hold his daughter he felt like he was right in saying he wasn't the fathering type.

Sherlock reluctantly took the sleeping child and looked down at her. The moment he took hold of her it felt right, like she belonged just like the way it looked for John. He couldn't believe the overwhelming surge of love he felt for this tiny person he had just met. She had a mess of dark black curls, and after studying her face, Sherlock was amazed at how much she resembled him and John even though she wasn't their blood. He loved her so much and he knew this was the right decision. Sherlock was content just staring at her, but the moment was forced to an abrupt end by the interruption of his daughter's biological grandmother.

"She's lovely. What's her name?" Claudia asked.

John and Sherlock shared a glance. This woman seemed so cold, but she was their daughter's blood. They couldn't deny her this one thing. They both answered her at the same time.

"Endora."

"Endora Grace Holmes." John added causing Sherlock's jaw to drop and his face to turn red. He was shocked John would want to baby to have his name and his name alone, but he couldn't be happier. After a brief glance at Endora, Claudia left leaving John and Sherlock to gaze at the sleeping child.

They couldn't be happier to welcome their daughter into the world, and they couldn't wait for the adventures that followed for the three of them.