Sherlock: Lover Mine [Book II]

Snowflakes and Diamonds

Susanna smiled brightly as she got into the sedan and buckled up, "Hello, Darling."

"Hello, Love." She leaned over for a kiss and he met her in the middle as the chauffeur pulled out of the car park.

"So,.. are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

"To Angelo's. Then, it being New Year's Eve and since there is snow on the forecast, you might enjoy visiting one of the parks instead of being near the crowds."

"Sounds wonderful, darling." She hummed. Luckily he had given her the forewarning to dress warmly.

"Do you have a preference of Park, Love?"

"Richmond Park, perhaps?"

"Very well," Susanna reached for his hand and squeezed it three times, thanking her lucky stars that the party she was supposed to go to had been postponed. Sherlock returned the gesture, smiling gently. He brought her hand up and set a light kiss on her knuckles, "I was able to use the lock picking kit you gave me today."

She hummed, "I knew you'd be able to make use of it."

"It was nice not to climb the fire escape or leap down from a balcony while investigating the deceased's flat."

"I bet." Susanna smiled and he held onto her hand, playing with her fingers. She noticed that he looked especially reflective that night- his eyes glazed with thought. Of course his brain was always working at something, be it a case or deducing the life expectancy of a car, she wrote off her concern. He didn't seem sad or upset, just thoughtful.

Dinner at Angelo's was wonderful. Given the Holiday, there was a live band brought in and Angelo gave the couple a spot close to the small dance floor that had been cleared. While neither of them were familiar with Italian dances, they had an amazing time learning and so they stayed long past dessert- until around ten at night- before they opted to head to Richmond Park.

The chauffeur let them off at the Park entrance and they strolled at a nice, leisurely pace. Large snowflakes, illuminated by the lamps and moonlight, had started to fall. The already accumulated snow left the impression of a jet puffed marshmallow creme blanket. The calming silence of the almost empty park was sometimes interrupted by the cacophony in central London, and they could make out the light from the large celebration taking place, but it didn't bother them or the other visitors. Most of them were out to play in the snow and take photos, or on a jaunt.

They walked about a quarter of the way around the park in relative silence. Susanna snapped a few pictures and did most of the talking. Sherlock was preparing himself; going over what he was going to say.

Eventually they reached a bench that overlooked a clearing- tucked out of the way. Susanna hummed, "Could we stop here, Sherlock?" He realized she saw opportunities for more pictures and needed to rest. So he nodded and walked her over to the bench.

"Of course, Love." She smiled and sat down. He took the space beside her, still working up the last bit of courage to ask her. If he hadn't realized it before, he understood then how daunting it was to actually propose.

Sherlock reached into his pocket for the ring box. If I don't do it now, when will I? He resolved and took a deep breath, standing up and walking a few paces before turning around to face his lover. He held the ring box behind him for the moment.

"Love?" She looked up with a light smile. Upon seeing his expression, Susanna immediately put her camera in her purse and sat up straight.

"Yes, Darling?" The brunette inhaled and exhaled deeply while his thoughts briefly recollected themselves, "Sherlock?"

"Susanna, you made a speech to me when we first confessed our love for each other. I feel that it is only appropriate to give you my own speech about why I Love You."

"Sherlock-"

"Just, hear me out, Susanna," She nodded slowly, "I fell in love with you because you are many things. You are intelligent, astute, courageous, modest, patient, realistic and forgiving. You're empathetic yet strong, passionate yet gentle, and while you're vastly independent, you can connect and work with others. You share my love for science and music, and I am almost certain that I first fell for you when when I overheard you singing to Rosie. Since we first met, I have admired your conviction, open-mindedness, and your natural leadership skills. You don't put up me when I am insensitive, cocky, rude or destructive, and have not abandoned me even when I'm being difficult. You know of my past sins, and yet you have wholly embraced me. Since we began courting you have helped me to improve myself, and for every change that you've brought into my life I am very grateful. You've made me almost human and I am a lucky man to have you as my lover."

Sherlock realized that he had begun to tremble from the emotions he was expressing. A now flushed Susanna smiled gently, eyes shining, "Oh, Sherlock..."

After a deep breath he stepped forward, dropped to one knee and revealed the violet box. Susanna's face contorted into a mixture of surprise and bliss as he cleared his throat, "You are beautiful, intelligent and gifted. I may very well not deserve you and I know that you could find another man who does. But no other man could love you as wholly as I do..," He opened the box and exhaled. Here goes nothing, "Susanna Lucille Kimberley Markwardt, will you marry me?"

Susanna nodded as tears of joy welled up, "Yes!" Sherlock felt a wave of relief crash over him as she bear hugged him, followed with an overpowering surge of pure ecstasy. He buried his face in her snow-covered curls as they embraced, and then peppered her face with kisses when they drew apart, "Sherlock!" She giggled.

"Now... may I?" He asked, presenting the ring again. She nodded and peeled off her left glove.

It was a vintage style platinum twist ring with micro pavé diamonds on the interwoven band and a low-setting princess cut diamond in the center. It glittered even in the low light. Sherlock carefully extracted it from the cushion and took Susanna's hand, gently sliding the ring onto her ring finger. Perfect fit.

Thank you for reading!!