She smiles, remembering that moment echoed in his response. She had already been fond of him in that moment, but she couldn't have imagined how deeply she would come to love him, how deeply they would love each other.

She kisses him back, her eyes closed lifting a hand to brush lightly against his cheek. When their lips part she sighs happily and opens her eyes. "I love you," she murmurs.

The door opens and Sherlock enters, carrying the stepladder. He sees the two of them kissing and turns to the side, averting his eyes, fidgeting restlessly.