I Am Sher-locked

31. The Final Problem

There are many kinds of different reactions when a pregnancy is announced. Some men cry like little children, others are scared and react extreme. Some people shout happily and jump like rabbits. But not Sherlock. His face remained stoic and petrified. He stared at her without saying a word and she felt an irresistible desire to laugh and cry at the same time. Apparently Sherlock was experiencing an internal conflict and was talking to himself but she could not know exactly what was going on inside him. Everything remained in the realm of the hypothetical.

"Sherlock, honey, please... say something...", she mumbled while taking his face into her hands softly. 

He inhaled sharply as if waking from coma and his gaze finally fixed on her. All kinds of emotions were painted on his face, from fear and uncertainty to joy and love. He gasped as if the oxygen was not enough and his eyes welled up with tears. He chuckled, then grinned but afterwards he stared at her seriously. His reaction was truly fascinating. 

"Everything's going to be okay...", he hastened to assure her, his voice trembled from the mixed emotions. "We got this. We do."

Irene felt warmth inside and her eyes teared as well. A lovely smile spread on her lips and she nodded softly. "We're going to be parents...", she said, laughing and crying at the same time. 

Sherlock abruptly stood up, took Irene's hands in his and pulled her up as well. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, kissing every inch of her face lovingly. "This is the best news ever...", he grinned while a few tears rolled down his cheeks. He seemed so genuinely happy. 

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. Sherlock lifted her from her waist, responding to the kiss and they remained like that for a few minutes, just kissing and enjoying the moment of true happiness. 

"I love you...", Sherlock whispered against her lips, his eyes closed. "And I will love our baby as much..."

"I love you too....", she smiled and kissed him again. 

****************

Naomi's memory and what she did to Irene were lost as quickly as they came. The doctor's confirmation of Irene's pregnancy erased anything bad that had happened in the past and made the couple fall in love even more. Who would have thought that Sherlock would become so protective and caring? But he did. He never confronted Irene to avoid upsetting the baby growing inside her. His mood changed dramatically and was even evident in his work. He was no longer disappearing from the house due to a case. He made sure to always have his cell phone open when he was away and did not leave Irene alone for more than a few hours.

Irene's pregnancy had its ups and downs but in general it went smoothly. Nevertheless, there were moments that would remain forever engraved in the memory of Irene. 

Like the first kick through Irene's belly......

The couple was sitting quietly in front of the fireplace, Irene was reading a newspaper article, Sherlock was drinking his tea, immersed in his chaotic thoughts. Suddenly, while Irene was flipping through the magazine, she felt a slight pressure on her lower abdomen. Her eyes widened and the magazine slipped from her hands. She put her palms on her baby bump and smiled lovingly.

"What? What is it?", Sherlock rose from his chair and knelt in front of her. Ah, he had noticed. But of course he had. He was always on high alert. 

"I think the baby kicked", she grinned. "Quickly, give me your hand!"

Sherlock extended his hand and she quickly grabbed it and placed it on her belly. There! Another kick. She laughed softly watching at Sherlock's shocked expression. His eyes darted down to her belly and a beautiful smile spread on his lips. He leaned forward and kissed her baby bump.