It's Not Real

Chapter Twenty Two

They finally left the confines of the bridal room and walked down the corridor until they came across Mycroft Holmes, umbrella free, pacing outside large double doors. He looked anxious, but offered his best attempt of a sincere calm smile. "Are you sure you want to be part of my family permanently? It's an awful lot of work." He was teasing, which was weird enough in itself.

"Absolutely sure." She took the offered elbow from the taller man.

"Not too late to back out. I'll have a car here for you in seconds."

Evelyn saw the confused look on Marys face, and couldn't help how hard it was to suppress the bubble of laughter trying to break from her chest.

"No, thank you."

"He's a terror to live with."

"I'm aware. Excellent in bed though."

Mycroft seemed to startle at that, coughing. "Very well. Always good to check these things."

"You know he's everything to me."

"And you are the very thing that allows him to breathe," he looked down at her, a warm glint in his eyes. "It is my greatest honour to give you away to my brother."

Mary shook her head. "I was getting ready to punch you, Mycroft Holmes."

"Hm. Jesting hasn't always been my forte."

Eve released a breathy laugh. "We'll work on it. Really will be my brother-in-law now."

"I do believe I already was," he smiled softly, patting her hand. "After you, Mrs Watson."

The doors opened and for a moment Evelyn felt herself stop breathing. Music began to play, and she knew immediately it was a recording of the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

As Mary walked all Evelyn had eyes for was Sherlock, and it seemed he felt the same for her. His smile was so huge, eyes crinkling at the corners with it. He was in a new more tailored suit, and, to her surprise, he was wearing a matching black tie.

Thinking back to everything they'd managed to get done today with the help of their family, especially Mycroft, it was a bit insane.

She looked down towards Sherlock's leg to find Rosie Watson in a little mauve dress clinging to her uncle's finger while trying to get a good look at her aunt. Her father was stood next to them both, but she was only interested in her godfather. It made her heart do somersaults in her chest. Rosie was pulling herself up against any and everything at the moment, and right now it seemed she wanted to be in on all the action.

It wasn't until they were already half way down the aisle that Evelyn realised she'd been walking, clinging to Mycroft's suit sleeve. Evelyn pointedly looked up, hoping Sherlock understood what she was trying to convey about the music. He gave a timid smile and shrug.

Silly sentimental man.

"Here we are," Mycroft let go of her arm and Sherlock was eager to receive it. The older brother stepped back, joining Mary as she took the bouquet from her friend. Out the corner of her eye she saw John scooping his daughter up so Sherlock could have his other hand back, and Eve noticed his hands were shaking ever so slightly, she squeezed them.

"Hi." She whispered.

He was oozing with happiness as he held her gaze, but John was right, he looked terribly nervous. "Hi." He was also very obviously fighting the urge to kiss her. "You're so beautiful."

She brushed his tie with her fingertips. "Don't scrub up too badly yourself."

That lopsided smile she adored so much was back. "I try."