Protect Her

Chapter 10

Only the two ladies remained in the hospital room Mary- whose adrenalin had gone down- was now feeling the strain of giving birth. She sent John and Sherlock to fetch a nurse for her. Rachel was sound asleep on Molly's lap.

"I can't take it. She's so cute!" Molly whispered from the arm chair in the corner.

"Yeah, we're going to have our hands full with her."

"At least we know no one will mess with her. Your mum knows how to take care of people like that," Molly joked playfully to Rachel.

Mary giggled a bit awkwardly. "Plus her father will surely raise hell. And God knows what Sherlock would do," she then joked.

"It'd be like when that man attacked Mrs. Hudson, and he threw him out the window."

"Multiple times!" Mary added. The two laughed recalling the story of the protective sociopath.

Molly was glad she had a friend like Mary who understood Sherlock as she did. If she hadn't been able to read Sherlock's emotions and had the courage to question him about them, he may have never asked Molly out. Molly admired how strong Mary was. And what she was willing to do for her family.

Likewise, Mary felt the same high regard for Molly. She loved how the sweet girl was always willing to help others, while still being so independent. She thought the pathologist was superbly clever and astounding in all aspects.

Mary smiled as she watched Molly nurture Rachel. "Speaking of Sherlock," she said after a moment, "I saw the pictures of you two in the paper."

"Gosh, that's so embarrassing," Molly said shaking her head.

"Oh you looked so adorable! And it's good for Sherlock. You can tell he's been much happier."

"I am too," Molly replied looking up at Mary.

"That's great, Molly!" Mary encouraged her. She had known before that it would give Molly some peace knowing Sherlock wasn't using her. To put an end to the flirting between them and make something of it. Mary continued, "So, John and I wanted to know if you would be Rachel's godmother."

"Really? Me?" Mary nodded seeing Molly's exhilaration. "Of course! Yes, I would!" Molly exclaimed. She was overcome with joy. She felt honored that the Watsons had thought of her so closely; that she was welcomed into their family.

"We didn't see anyone else fit. Especially now since you and Sherlock are together," Mary explained.

Molly had wondered if the Watson's were going to be giving their child a godparent. She assumed if they did Sherlock would be it, but she never thought it was her place to ask. Evidently she was wrong. John and Mary wanted her to play a part in their child's life. "John's asking him now then?"

"Yes, they've been out there awhile though," Mary replied looking towards the door anxiously awaiting her husband's return.

"I'm sure they are fine." Molly felt the girl in her arms stir. Molly got up once Rachel was awake. "Good morning, little girl. I'll give you to your mummy."

Mary took Rachel from Molly. She kissed all over her daughter's face. Rachel squirmed as her mother blew raspberries on her cheek. Mary giggled when Rachel squeezed her pinky-finger tightly in her hand. Her grip was strong and refused to release her mother's finger.

Shortly after John came in the room with a cheerful face. "How's my baby girl?" he asked quickly making his way to the chair next to Mary's bed.

"She's been so good. She hasn't cried the whole time," Mary replied kissing her husband.

John turned his attention to Molly, "So I suppose she told you. What do you think?"

"I'm delighted. I love this little girl. Thank you!" Molly told him.

"And what's the word on Sherlock?" Mary asked.

"Yes, well. You know how he was when I asked him to be my best man? It was worse."

The girls shared a laugh. "Oh the poor thing," Mary said. "But he agreed, right?"

"Oh, yeah. He eventually came around and said yes." John assured them. "He just needed a moment."

"Well, I'll let you two have time with your baby," Molly said getting up. She gave Mary another hug and kissed Rachel on the forehead. John got up and hugged Molly. He thanked her for being such a great friend. "I'll go talk to Sherlock." With that Molly left the new parents to go check on her boyfriend.