"But Sherlock," Molly argued, "your parents have never met me. I can't intrude on a family dinner."

Sherlock snorted. "Nonsense, Molly, you'd hardly be intruding. Besides, John is coming, and he's not family."

"But he's practically family. He's gone over there, what, how many times?"

"Molly, my family would love to meet you. Anthea is coming with Mycroft, and John is bringing his wife."

Molly chewed her lip. "Are you sure?"

Sherlock grasped her shoulders, and looked into her eyes. "I'm positive, Molly. Mum will enjoy having another person there to feed."

Molly nodded uncertainly. "Okay, I'll go. But what should I wear? I hardly have anything. I don't want to embarrass you."

"That is absolutely absurd. You will not embarrass me. For being a doctor, Molly, I would expect more common sense than you are exhibiting right now. Why don't you wear that purple dress you wore to John's birthday party? You looked gorgeous in that."

Molly blushed and looked down. "You remember that?"

"Of course I do. How could I forget?" His phone beeped, alerting him to a text. He pulled out his phone and read the text with growing excitement. "Marvelous, there's been a murder. I hope this one is interesting. Maybe a serial killer?" He wished hopefully. He shrugged. "Well, I guess I'll just have to see." He bent down and planted a kiss on Molly's cheek. "I'll be at your flat at 7:00. Try not to be late." He turned and rushed toward the door. "I do hope this is a serial killer. Hopefully Anderson hasn't ruined the scene."

Molly smiled in the way you would at a three-year-old. "Sherlock, remember not to say that in front of reporters. Not considered socially acceptable to wish for a serial killer."

Sherlock turned at the door and smiled briefly at her. "Right, I keep on forgetting. What would I do without you?" He rushed out the door before fully completing the thought.

Molly shook her head and headed back to her work. At exactly 5:30, she left the lab for her flat. She quickly showered and changed into her dress. She added some eyeshadow, but kept everything light. She glanced at the clock after she had finished her makeup. Good, she was right on schedule. She rummage through her closet before pulling out a pair of purple heels. They were a lot taller than anything she would normally wear, but they exactly matched her dress. She pulled out an elegant black clutch and her outfit was completed. Her heart pounding, she sat on her couch and waited for Sherlock. He was not long in coming. When he saw her, he stopped for a moment.

"You look very nice."

Molly smiled. That was very high praise coming from Sherlock. "Are we taking a cab?"

"No. Mycroft has a vehicle waiting for us." He led her to the waiting limousine.

When they arrived, Sherlock's parents greeted them all enthusiastically. When Mrs. Holmes got to Molly, she turned to Sherlock. "Who is this?"

Sherlock put an arm around Molly. "Mum, this is my very good friend, Molly."

Mrs. Holmes face fell momentarily. She was hoping her son had finally found a girl who would put up with all his experiments and odd habits. She quickly masked her disappointment. "Well, it's lovely to meet you. You best come and sit down before the food grows cold."

Molly followed Sherlock into the dining room. She struggled to fight back her tears. She had thought she was more to Sherlock than access to the morgue. Next to her, Mary squeezed her arm and sent her a sympathetic glance. Sherlock. of course, didn't miss this whole exchange, and looked questioningly at Molly.

"Is something wrong?" he asked. He was genuinely puzzled. His Molly was practically in tears, and Mary and John were glaring fiercely. He hated to think what would happen to him right now if Mary had her gun on her. On second thought-Sherlock moved away from Mary. He turned to Molly. "Are you on your menstruation?"

Molly grew red. "No, Sherlock. I'm not on my period. Thanks for asking," she snapped.

"Then what's wrong?" He drew her into a secluded room.

"How about the fact you just ruined the last two months of our relationship? I know you didn't specifically say we were in a relationship, but you did call me your girlfriend."

Sherlock nodded. "Of course we're in a relationship. But we are past the girlfriend/boyfriend stage. I don't know what to call you, so I said you are my very good friend. Was I not supposed to say that?"

Molly laughed gently. "No. You weren't. But I'm still your girlfriend until you propose." She blushed and grew red. She fumbled with her hands and stared at her feet.

Sherlock grinned and knelt down at her feet. He pulled out a box. "Molly Hooper, will you do me the honor of becoming my permanent pathologist?"

Molly raised her head and smiled. She bent down and hugged him fiercely. "Of course, Sherlock."

Sherlock lifted her chin with his finger and gave her a passionate kiss. They remained like this until they heard clapping behind them. Sherlock, without breaking the kiss, waved a hand to shoo them away. But Molly broke the kiss. Her face shone. Mary rushed toward her and gave her a hug.

"At last," she said.

John clapped Sherlock on the back. "Never thought you'd do it."

Sherlock drew back, indignant. "Of course I did."

Mycroft approached Molly stiffly and held out his hand. "Congratulations, Dr. Hooper. I hope you do not regret your decision." He punctuated his last sentence with a wink that was very out of character for him. Molly almost burst out laughing. She squeezed his hand.

"Thank you, Mycroft. Will you give me away?"

Mycroft blinked in surprise. "You want me to do it?"

She nodded. "Yes."

He turned away and coughed. "Excuse me." He faced her again. "It would be a very high honor."

Sherlock's parents hugged her. "Welcome to the family."

And it is finished! I hope you liked it. In the meantime-

"Thanks for coming to my parlor," said the spider to the fly
"There's a lovely review box down below, all you have to do is type."