Come What May

Chapter 11

By the time mid January rolled around, things were beginning to feel more real for both Mary and Bert. It was Mary's fifth month of pregnancy and her due date was becoming closer and closer, they both had moments where they found anticipation tingling in their chests – the perfect mixture of excitement and worry. But few things kept them from wearing smiles. They had gone for a check up not too long after the New Year and the doctor had nothing but good news for them; much like before, Mary was told that she was living her life well and that baby seemed perfectly healthy. They couldn't have asked for anything more. However, the doctor had once again inquired about Mary's employment and had insinuated that she should think about cutting back on her work load or stop altogether – but Mary was not prepared to do that, at least not yet. Her workload was still considerably small and it was not causing her any problem -despite her growing stomach - Bert had made her promise to request that her duties be cut if she needed it – but she didn't think she would. She intended with stay with the Banks family until at least the end of February…if she could.

Even though things seemed to be going so well, Mary often found herself with some rather intrusive thoughts – all of which made her think negatively about her life. During her quiet moments she would often find herself contemplating the day of the baby's birth – it often caused a shudder to run down her spine or a tightness to spread through her chest. Her fears where just as strong as before, but Mary had to admit that she had gotten a lot better at ignoring them throughout the day; but there were a few sleepless nights where all she could do was stupidly think about the endless arsenal of outcomes that the birth could bring. She could feel the nervousness travel through her veins, but years of remaining composed meant that the fear rarely manifested upon her features – her face often looked calm. But that wasn't always the case, Bert had once or twice inquired about her pale and distant expression – but she brushed it off as nothing every time. She thought maybe she should've said something to him, after all, things always worked better between them when they communicated, but Mary was confident that her fears would disappear soon enough – like they did with other mothers she had known over the years. Besides, she didn't want to worry Bert either.

Thankfully, Mary's pondering was interrupted when Bert came through the door with a steaming paper bag in his hand and the luscious smell of gingerbread filled the room. Mary found herself smiling once again.

"Fear not, your loving 'usband 'as returned!" he joked cheerfully, they shared a delicate kiss, "And 'e brings gifts"

"So I can see"

"Can you guess what it is?" he smirked.

"Well, there's quite a strong smell of gingerbread coming from that bag you're holding…"

"Good, good"

"…So, I'm going to guess that you may have paid a visit to Mrs Corry's shop…"

"Indeed I did!"

"…And this wondrous gift you speak of is a bag of gingerbread biscuits?" she smirked at her husband and raised her eyebrow.

"I 'ad no idea that I was married to Sherlock 'olmes!" he teased as he set the bag down on the table.

The spiced aroma filled the air with a delicate force and it seemed to transport them both into a world that was somewhere else. It made them relax. Mary took a biscuit from the bag and took the most poised and timid bite Bert had ever seen – how was this woman able to make something as simple as eating look beautiful?! Her rouged lips moved in an almost doll like motion as she chewed the treat – she really was practically perfect. He could see her expression cloud over with pleasure as she savoured every single morsel; her lips curled into a gentle smile.