"Well, I'm glad you don't object to it," Watson said quietly. There was something a little nerve-wracking about suddenly declaring you considered yourself married to someone, even if it wasn't after a gap of three years' absence.

"And I do understand you felt you had no choice. That just... doesn't always make it easier to bear." He settled down beside Holmes, wrapping an arm around him carefully. "I would be a fool to not take my husband back again." Again, saying husband brought him a flush of pleasure and abashment, but it was lovely to say all the same. "But I did have to try to make a life without you already, remember that. I have a practice. I have been working with the Yard as a police surgeon. I have your godson and my goddaughter to dote upon. There will always be a place for you in my life, but it was painful to find this sort of peace."