A Picture says it All (Benedict Cumberbatch FanFiction)

Chapter 31

A/N: I have been struggling with this chapter, please let me know if you think I rushed this,

Congratulations to Benedict and Sophie on their engagement, we wish you all the best for the future.

Thank you all for reading, I know I wasn’t on time with updates but I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you to all of those who always left a reassuring comment, you all know who you are, and it means the world to me that you supported me in this way

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Benedict stared out of the floor to ceiling windows, looking out over the Eastern Free State Sandstone Mountains bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. He tuned out the murmuring from behind him, trying to take deep breaths to calm his nerves. He ran shaking fingers through his short auburn curls, grimacing at the length but they had to be this way for a while for Sherlock. A reassuring hand rested on his shoulder, “Deep breaths mate, it’s not the end of the world.” James Rhodes fixed the bright green Gerbera Daisy that was pinned to his lapel, straightening the flower for the hundredth time since it was first fastened. Benedict pulled his waist coat down puffing out his chest. “Stop fussing son.” His father whispered from his seat in the front row.

There was a sudden hush around the room, turning around he saw his mother walk arm in arm with Lisa’s mother. Both mothers were glowing, holding onto each other. He could see Sophia had tears in her eyes, fighting hard to keep them under control. She gave Benedict a wavering smile, he stepped down the little platform, and reaching the two women he gave each a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you.” Wanda whispered in his ear as she took her seat next to Timothy. Sophia pulled him into a bone crunching hug, “I promise I will take care of her.” Sophia placed her hand against his cheek, rubbing his cheek reassuringly. “I know you will.” She smiled up at him, before taking her place next to his parents.

James and Tom Hiddleston stepped down from the platform, pulling him back to his designated spot. “Come along, you are keeping the whole party you idiot.” Martin whispered from behind the other men. Benedict looked back at them. His three best friends all gathered at the same place, making time in their busy schedules for his big day.

The priest cleared his throat, raising his arms to indicate their families and closest friends should stand for the bride. A sweet melody filled the small church; Benedict grabbed James’ hand giving it a tight squeeze. “Thanks mate.” He whispered before focussing on the doors at the back of the church. Through the door came a young girl, dressed in a mint green lace dress that hung mid calf, she smiled at the captivated audience, waving shyly at him when she reached the platform. Amanda followed the girl, looking stunning in her version of the mint green lace dress; he sneaked a glance at Martin seeing his smile spread as he watched his partner. When Benedict looked back Karen was bounding down the small aisle, her smile was dazzling, and when she reached the platform she gave him a sneaky wink, before turning her attention to the back of the church.

Benedict could feel his heart racing when Lisa finally stepped into view; her hair was swept into a curly side-do. An old fashioned lace veil rested on her head, the her dress was form fitting with a lace overlay, and around her waist a mint green sash was tied, she held a bouquet of Gerbera daisies, which matched the one on his lapel, and around her wrist was the delicate diamond bracelet he had his mother deliver to her this morning. He looked back up at her, meeting her eyes and he could see she was truly happy, next to her stood her father, Benedict chuckled when he noticed how he kept pulling her back, trying to curb her enthusiasm.