Disclaimer: CSI is trademarked product. I am borrowing the characters for my temporary and non-profitmaking pleasure.

Title: Last Chance, chapter 23.

Author: hazeleyes57

Rating: R

A/N: The end at last! I apologise for the delay but depression tends to alter your priorities and outlook. Thank you to all of you who have reviewed and taken the time to contact me personally with your comments about the fic. You are what made it worthwhile getting up and getting on with it when I really didn't have the heart. Peace be with you.

Last Chance, chapter 23

"But you can't, the car's a rental!"

Grissom didn't need Sara's glare to point out the stupidity of his comment. He had been so disconcerted that he had spoken without thought. Now he looked at her while his brain scrambled to catch up. She was still trying to scowl, but some of her concern and residual pain was bleeding through it.

"It's not like I did it deliberately. I didn't know that it was going to happen. At least, not now, that is."

Her voice was subdued, but Grissom's was not.

"What precisely do you mean by, 'not now'? You know as well as I do that to get to this stage -"

Grissom looked at her with dawning suspicion.

"Just exactly how long have you been having contractions?"

Sara looked at him with sheepish apology.

"Erm, I didn't realise that they were contractions. I thought they were just the practise ones, the Braxton's. It's not as if I've been through this before, I have no frame of reference. It's only been a little while since it occurred to me that they have been getting worse."

Grissom's voice was a model of steely patience.

"How long, Sara?"

"Possibly since…last night."

Sara's barely audible mumble was followed by a long moment of silence. Grissom's expression was as close to aghast as Sara had ever seen.

"What?"

Sara opened her door and put a foot out to get ready to manoeuvre her way out of the car. She looked back at Grissom, terse exasperation replacing her sheepishness.

"Get over it. It's happening and I can't change it. Help me get my bag, I need some things out of it."

Grissom didn't respond quickly enough; by the time he had thought of a suitably pithy response he would have been saying it to Sara's butt as she clambered out of the car. His lips compressed to a thin line as he got out of his side of the vehicle and went around to the trunk.

Ten minutes later, Sara was in fresh maternity pants and much more comfortable. At least, as much as she could be for someone who had recently discovered that she was in labour. In the time it had taken her to get changed, she had had another contraction. Grissom said nothing, just held her until it passed, but she could see the concern on his face as he then helped her keep her balance while she stepped into the pants.

Grissom took Sara's hand towel from her case and used it to cover her car seat, before helping her back into the car. Once they were both inside he turned to Sara, his left arm resting on the steering wheel.

"We know from the classes that once the waters have broken, the baby must be delivered within forty-five minutes because of the risk of infection."

Sara nodded in agreement, letting him continue.

"We're only ten miles from Rachel, we can get there soon enough. You okay until then?"

"Yes. What about you? Okay to drive?"

Grissom's eyebrows went up in surprise and he tipped his head to one side, looking full of curiosity.

"And if I'm not…?"

Sara's expression was familiar to Grissom. It was her 'I can do it if I have to' look. Despite their present circumstances his mouth twitched with amusement.

"It's okay, I think I can manage."

Sara didn't doubt him for a moment. She looked at her watch and smiled brightly.

"Show me whatcha got. 'Cos what I got is a bet that you can't do it in under a half hour."

Grissom looked sceptical as he turned the key in the ignition. He could hear the stress in Sara's voice.

"What you 'got' is another contraction."

Sara tried to look confident as she gently rubbed her tightening belly. The pain was a little unpleasant, but she was determined to play the whole thing down.

"Yeah, well, that too."

Grissom tone was resigned as he sighed.

"Sara. Sara."

He checked the road behind him before pulling out. Within a few minutes they were up to sixty miles an hour and covering some serious ground.

As he drove Grissom was trying to recall the contents of the chapter 'what to do when you go into labour' in the baby book that they were using as their pregnancy bible. Unfortunately, much of it was a blur. Watching Sara from time to time, he kept to himself the suspicion that Rachel was hardly big enough to qualify as a town so the chances of a doctor living there could be slim to none.

Right on cue he heard a quiet moan from her. He risked a very quick glance at her before looking forward again. He reached out and held her arm for a moment.

"Sara? Honey?"

Sara grinned through her discomfort.

"Now I know you're panicking, you called me 'honey' and it's still daylight."

Grissom managed a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He was concerned that this contraction was so close on the last one.

"I call you honey lots of times. In and out of bed. Do you remember the first time?"

Sara didn't answer for several seconds. She finally breathed a sigh of relief as her contraction faded.

"What? The first 'honey' or the first 'time'?"

"Very funny. The first 'honey'. If you've forgotten the first 'time' I'd be very disappointed."

"Me too, but I certainly wasn't. As to the first 'honey', that would have to be – do you know, I didn't realise it for some time after the explosion? Even then I thought I'd dreamed it. Weird, huh?"

Grissom tipped his head slightly as he gave it some thought.

"No, not really. I didn't notice that I'd said it at the time. It just escaped in the heat of the moment."

Sara gave him her cheeky one-sided Sidle smile.

"Hey, Gris had a 'heat of the moment' thing. Cool."

Grissom's lips twitched despite himself.

"You, Madam, have been the cause of many. As well you know."

Sara was unrepentant. She felt like a child who repeatedly wanted the same bedtime story.

"Yay me. But I don't tire of hearing about the moments that we connected before we 'connected'."

Grissom looked wry.

"Something to tell the grandchildren."

Sara huffed with quiet mirth.

"Well, the abridged version, at least." She suddenly shot Grissom a sharp look. "Are you trying to distract me?"

Grissom glanced quickly at her before looking away to the front.

"Is it working?"

"I'll let you know in about two minutes when the next – oh!"

Sara inhaled sharply and clutched at her belly with both hands. She turned to Grissom, her eyes wide in shocked surprise.

"It's early! It wasn't supposed to come for another two minutes! Not supposed to – ggrahh."

She couldn't finish her sentence; she just held on to herself and rode out the pain. Grissom knew that one of them needed to remain calm and it looked to him as if there was only one volunteer.

"Sara, try to relax, come on, remember your breathing."

The car started to slow down as Grissom's attention was diverted and Sara shook her head frantically. Her voice was high pitched when she did finally speak.

"Jeezus! Don't stop, we need to go faster not slower!"

Grissom managed to override his instinctive urge to bridle at Sara's peremptory command. It was a pity that his instinct for self-survival wasn't more finely tuned.

"Come on Sara, try to relax and breathe through the contraction like we've been taught."

As soon as she could speak again a furious Sara rounded on Grissom.

"What's this 'we' crap! I'm the one in agony here. Don't tell me to damn well relax!"

Grissom gave Sara a double take at the unexpected outburst, then put his foot down. The car sped up while he tried to keep his attention in two places. He made the tone of voice positive and reassuring. Only he knew that he was sweating underneath.

"I'm not telling you to relax, I'm suggesting it as a method of coping with the pain, as it recommends in the books. You've done your homework, you know what to do."

As he was speaking Grissom was relieved to see the two-mile marker for Rachel ahead. Sara was hugging her belly with one hand and holding the door handle with the other. Her feet were braced in the footwell.

"You know as well as I do that the breathing doesn't do squat. It's supposed to give us something else to think about instead of the pain. But please don't tell me that it helps because I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!"

Grissom's mouth closed with a snap. He had seen Sara happy, sad, upset, angry and ecstatic before today, but he could not recall her ever being this furious before. Her anger was usually of the icy cold variety, making her unemotional and distant. This hot fury was new to him.

"Only a couple of miles to go. We're nearly there."

"Can't you go any faster? Jeez you drive like a woman! Pretend you're Warrick for the rest of the journey and drive like there's no tomorrow. Put your foot down!"

Grissom did not spare a glance for the speeding scenery outside of the car. He knew that he was driving as fast as he could and so did Sara. It was just her pain and fear talking, so he ignored the insult.

A minute later the one-mile marker for Rachel passed by. Sara was openly moaning now as she rubbed her belly through her clothing. To Grissom the interval between the contractions seemed to have vanished.

"Sara, everything is going to be fine, we're nearly there. Not much further. Think about the baby, how much you're looking forward to seeing him. Or her. This is what you've been waiting for."

Sara looked at Grissom, her eyes conveying her confusion. She was in pain, but she was also feeling vulnerable and the smallest bit insecure.

"Not just me…? You want this baby too, don't you?"

Grissom looked at her in surprise. Did she really think that there was any doubt? In a series of quick flashes his mind summed up the last year in seconds.

His horrified embarrassment at being asked to be the donor by a drunk Sara, vying with the wish that if she had to have a child that it be his. His dismay for her when their first few attempts didn't work. Finally admitting that he loved her up at the cabin and the terrible time he put her through when he lost his memory. Standing alone in his newly painted former study, realising that his child would soon, God willing, be occupying the crib. A son or daughter, someone who he could share so much with, purely because his or her mother had taught him how to love and be loved. He glanced back at the road and smoothly corrected the car's slight drift before looking back to Sara. He managed a smile.

"Yes. Yes, I do."

Even through her pain, Sara could tell from Grissom's voice was sincere, but he wasn't finished yet.

"I'm sorry that you were ever in any doubt. I never imagined having a family, and I can honestly say that I would never have contemplated it at all but for you, and would not have considered it with anyone but you."

Grissom reached out and squeezed Sara's hand reassuringly. He was taken aback by the pressure of her grip. He shot her another look, this one full of concern.

"Sara?"

Sara looked at him with wide eyes. Her voice was tight.

"It's horrible, Gil."

"I know, I know. We're nearly -"

Grissom tried to soothe her, but she cut in.

"No, no, you don't know. It's not you going through this…this…o-o-oh!"

Sara bent forward, huddling over the pain. She did not let go of Grissom's hand and he leaned over, tugged halfway across the vehicle. He looked alarmed as the car swerved slightly and he hurriedly compensated. He pulled on his hand, torn between comforting his wife and controlling the vehicle.

"Sara, you have to let go, I need my hand back or we're going to have an accident. Sara!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kaley Tamm contemplated the array of fruit pie portions in the chiller cabinet. She had just finished refilling the shelves, ready for the lunchtime customers. She looked around the place, checking that all was in order. She smiled in private satisfaction; she was good to go. Some folks thought that it was too quiet living here, away from the bigger towns, but she and her husband liked it just fine. Being listed as a 'UFO hotspot' made them busy enough to run a financially successful eatery, but quiet enough to give individual service with a friendly atmosphere. She grinned suddenly. She sure got to meet some interesting folks.

An attractive brunette in her late twenties, Kaley had an unquenchable optimism that 'things' would work out right. She had a job she loved and a husband she adored. She didn't waste time worrying about what she couldn't change. She only had two rules that she lived by: one, don't sweat the small stuff, and two, everything was small stuff.

So she was quite unperturbed when the door to her establishment opened suddenly, revealing a man who did not look like he was here for the excellent pie. She smiled anyway, knowing that her husband was in the kitchen having his midday meal, only a shout away.

"Hi, can I help you?"

The man did not come right into the large room, but looked around quickly as if searching for something.

"Yes, I need directions - to find a doctor, or a hospital if you have one nearby."

Kaley automatically stepped from behind the counter, wiping her hands on a small towel as she hurried forward.

"Is someone hurt?"

The man, late forties, maybe early fifties, but still attractive even in his distressed state, gestured over to the open door behind him.

"It's my wife; we're - she's having a baby."

Kaley's face cleared and she smiled again.

"Congratulations! That's wonderful. You must be -"

She was going to say 'thrilled', but stopped when it occurred to her that he looked more like a man barely keeping his anxiety under control than a happy papa-to–be.

"No, you don't understand. She's having it now, I need to find a doctor and quickly!"

Kaley's smile unexpectedly widened. She was close enough to pat the man's forearm in reassurance.

"No problem. Where is she?"

The man looked puzzled.

"Who? The doctor?"

"No, your wife."

"Outside. Where is the doct - "

The man interrupted himself as Kaley turned her head away and gave a surprisingly loud holler.

"Simon!"

She hurried back around the counter and almost bumped into her husband as he came out from the kitchen, still wiping his mouth with a paper napkin.

"What's up, honey?"

Kaley indicated their only 'customer'.

"Man needs a doctor."

Simon looked fondly at his wife before looking at the stranger, who didn't appear to be in medical need himself.

"How can I help?"

The man looked at him, not in surprise, as he would have expected, but merely in swift assessment.

"And you are…?"

"The town's doctor."

The older man's face relaxed in relief for a fleeting moment as he nodded once.

"It's my wife who needs you, she's out in the car."

Kaley interjected in excitement.

"They're having a baby and soon."

Simon's expression had an 'aha' moment. He turned to the stranger.

" You lead the way, let's go see how your wife is doing."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sara was very grateful to see Grissom coming back. He had a couple of people with him, but she had barely taken the fact in before she was bent again in agony. It was much worse than she had ever imagined it to be and she was having trouble distancing herself from the pain. It was so difficult to concentrate on what she was supposed to be doing, breathing-wise.

Grissom let the young doctor take the lead. He was a firm believer in letting the experts do their job. The doctor opened the passenger door and crouched low beside Sara.

"Hi, my name is Simon, I'm a doctor. What's your name?"

His voice was calm and pleasant and it gave Sara something else to focus on.

"Sara. Sara Grissom."

The doctor smiled reassuringly while his professional gaze took in the situation.

"Nice name. Now, how are you doing?"

Sara bit back the urge to snarl something sarcastic and managed a brief 'okay'.

"How many weeks are you?"

Sara puffed and her face went red. Her chin came down as she emitted a low growl. Grissom supplied the answer for her.

"Nearly thirty nine weeks."

The doctor looked briefly back at Grissom as if to say 'and you're out driving around for what?' but Grissom's returned look made Simon realise that their presence here was not a mutual choice. He hid a smile as he turned back to Sara.

"That's good, the baby's ready, all we need is to get you somewhere a little more comfortable before he arrives. Do you think you can get out of the car?"

Sara nodded, less red now that the contraction was easing. She allowed Grissom and the doctor to assist her, and managed to be on her feet beside the car before the next contraction arrived. As they started to walk towards the building, Simon looked over Sara's head to Grissom.

"Do you have the hospital baby bag with you? The one packed ready?"

"Yes, it's in the back. I'll get it."

Sara grabbed at Grissom's arm.

"No, don't go!"

Kaley – who had been hovering out of the way – stepped up and looked at Grissom.

"I'll get it, you go with your wife."

Grissom nodded gratefully and went with Sara. He barely noticed that the pie shop now had waiting customers in the time it had taken to get inside. The three of them made their way through the shop into the kitchen. Grissom wondered where they were headed until Simon opened a door on the other side of the room and they found themselves in a fully equipped doctor's surgery. At Grissom's surprised look, Simon smiled.

"Work from home. Free pie."

Grissom would have smiled but Sara groaned and his attention was suddenly diverted. Between the two of them they managed to get Sara out of her clothes and into an examination gown in an attempt to afford her some modesty, although by this time she was past caring.

Sara was racked with pain, desperately wanted the bathroom and just wanted it all to be over. She was mad to be having a baby. She had no idea how to go about anything, she couldn't even cope with labour, how was she going to raise a child?

Her brain rambled on with its internal dialogue, while outside she moaned in pain as she leaned on Grissom.

"I've changed my mind, give me something for the pain!"

Grissom stood holding her while also trying to encourage her to climb up on to the couch. She managed to swing her legs up with difficulty just as Simon returned from washing his hands and donning some latex gloves. Grissom took Sara's left hand in his.

"You said that you didn't want anything, you were worried abou - "

Sara's right hand smacked onto Grissom's mouth while she tugged on his hand with her left and dragged him close. His astonished eyes above her fingers might have comical had she not been so mad.

"Give me drugs NOW!"

Her snarl was shocking and Grissom was stunned until he suddenly realised what her fury meant. He hardly noticed the pain in his hand. His mouth was suddenly freed when Sara needed her hand back to clutch at her belly.

"AAArgh! This is all your fault! God! Why does it have to hurt so fucking much!"

Grissom had no answer. He looked at the doctor.

Simon didn't make any move to examine Sara. It was obvious to him from her behaviour that she was already in transition and the baby was coming now, fully dilated or not. He answered for Grissom.

"Just nature doing her job Sara, helping your baby into the world. You're doing fine. Not much longer now."

The waves of pain rolled over Sara in a continuous wave, without respite. Their quality had changed and she felt the overwhelming urge to push. She came almost upright into a half sitting position in order to get her weight behind her efforts.

Behind Grissom the door opened again and Kaley set the baby case down on a table by the window. A friend was taking care of her customers, although most of them had realised what was going on and were content to wait anyway. One of the nicer things about living in such a small community.

Kaley looked at her husband, raising her eyebrows in silent enquiry. He nodded and she smiled.

Grissom felt helpless. There was nothing he could do to help Sara save hold her, and that he did to his best ability. He had an arm around her back to help her stay up as she appeared to want, and his other hand was still being squashed in hers. He looked at Sara and wished that he could take her pain away. Part of him felt exhilarated. They were about to see their baby for the first time and he didn't care if it was a boy or a girl, so long as it was okay.

Sara cried out.

"I want to push! I can't stop it!"

"It's okay Sara, just work with the contractions, don't fight them. Push when they do."

Simon's voice was a calm contrast against the tension in Sara and Grissom.

"Grriiiisssommm!"

"I'm here honey, I'm here."

Grissom was looking at Simon's gloved hands as he patiently held absorbent cotton against Sara, mopping up the leaking amniotic fluid as it was pushed passed the baby. Sara cried out again and Grissom winced at the pain in his fingers.

"It's burning!"

Simon looked up to Sara's face.

"The baby's crowning, not long now."

Sara forced her eyes open, she wasn't going to miss this for anything. She couldn't help growling aloud, but she watched as her baby's head emerged, followed by one shoulder, then the other. The rest of the baby followed in a sudden slithery rush into Simon's waiting hands. The physical relief was profound but Sara didn't breathe until she heard her baby's indignant squawk. She laughed with relief, hugging Grissom and being squeezed tightly back while Simon checked the dark-haired infant over before partially wrapping the baby in a birth sheet.

"Well, Sara, you have a fine healthy baby here, more than eager to meet Mom and Dad."

Mindful of the still-attached cord, Simon handed the baby up to Sara, who took hold of the infant as if it were the most important and fragile of specimens. She looked at Grissom who was looking at the baby with awe. He looked back to Sara's glowing face and leaned forward to kiss her forehead, too full to speak.

Kaley couldn't restrain herself any longer.

"What is it?"

All three of them looked at her, Simon with wry acceptance of his wife's impatience.

Sara and Grissom looked at each other in shocked amusement. Sara moved the sheet a little. She grinned up at her husband.

"Pity the poor boys that will have to get past you to date our daughter."

The overwhelming mixture of pride and protectiveness that went through him profoundly moved Grissom. He reached out to touch his daughter for the first time, putting one of his fingers under her tiny hand. She was so small and delicate and perfect. His voice was gruff.

"She won't be dating until she's at least thirty."

Sara's smile was tremulous with extreme emotion. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

"We'll see. She's a mixture of both of us, so she won't be short of her own opinions."

Grissom nodded slowly. He didn't doubt it for a minute.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Less than an hour later Sara was resting comfortably in the Tamm's spare bedroom. Simon had said that they could be on their way home in the morning if there were no problems over the next eight hours. Sara was exhausted and sore but happy. She was still smiling over the expression on Grissom's face when Simon had let him cut the umbilical cord. Grissom could face a bloated corpse without flinching, but his daughter's former lifeline to her mother was another matter. He managed not to disgrace himself in front of the doctor, but he hadn't fooled Sara as he cut between the two tied off sections.

Sara looked in the crib, surprised at the strength of the desire to pick her daughter up and hold her close.

"You can pick her up you know. She won't break."

Sara looked up at Kaley, standing in the doorway with a tray. She smiled as the younger woman crossed to the bed.

"I know, but I don't want to disturb her, she looks so peaceful."

The bedroom door opened again and Grissom came in with a glass of milk. He looked at the two women and then the crib. He handed Sara the milk and she thanked him. He turned to leave, thinking that the two women were bound to want to 'talk'.

Kaley placed the tray on the table beside the bed. There was a plate of sandwiches and a slice of pie.

"Vegetarian cheese and salad, and some of my best cherry pie. Eat first, then you can pick up this darling little one."

Sara's mouth was watering already as she reached for the sandwiches. Kaley turned to include Grissom in her enquiry.

"Have you got a name for her?"

Grissom looked to Sara and their eyes met. They had no trouble settling on a boy's name, but had been undecided on a girl's.

Sara looked back to their daughter in the crib, then back at Grissom.

"What do you think of 'Rachel'?"

Grissom thought about it. He tried it aloud.

"Rachel Grissom."

Kaley clasped her hands together with quiet glee and nodded, waiting for his decision.

Sara smirked up at Grissom.

"Well?"

Grissom smiled as he gently touched his daughter's head. He looked sideways at Sara.

"I think it's perfect."

At his pronouncement, Kaley let out a tiny squeak of excitement and rushed off to tell Simon.

After she had left the room, Grissom sat on the bed beside Sara's knees. He rested one hand on the blanket over her legs in a 'we're not alone so this is all I can touch you' gesture.

"For a moment there I thought we were going to be taking Rachel Kaley Simone Grissom home with us."

Sara, her mouth full of sandwich, nodded enthusiastically.

"Betsmyboat."

Grissom looked blank, unable to decipher the sandwich-speak.

"What?"

Sara swallowed and grinned.

"I said 'gets my vote'."

Grissom looked surprised and hesitant. He hadn't really planned on his – their – daughter having several names. But if it was what Sara wanted -

"You should see your face." She took a sip of the milk. " I'm kidding Gil, Rachel Grissom is fine."

Grissom's face cleared and he half-smiled in ironic appreciation.

"Very good. However, I did think that one middle name might be in order."

Sara looked at him, eyebrows up in enquiry as she bit into the sandwich again.

Grissom smirked and leaned forward to whisper in Sara's ear.

Sara nearly choked on her food. She quickly looked at him, her eyes wide.

"You wouldn't! How would you explain it to her if she asked?"

Grissom shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "I'd tell her to ask her mom."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning Simon and Kaley stood at the side of the road and waved as the Grissom family pulled away on the last leg of their journey home. Kaley and Sara had become good friends in a very short space of time and details had been exchanged with a view to further contact, although Grissom was unsure whether or not it would happen. Bonds forged under duress or trauma of some kind didn't always last. As the community of Rachel fell away behind them and the 375 stretched ahead, Grissom hoped for her sake that they did, because he had never seen Sara take to someone that quickly before.

Back in Rachel, Kaley and Simon wandered back into the house, arm in arm. Kaley looked up at her husband.

"Sure was nice having a baby in the house. Got some use out of my old crib at least." She gave him a hug, then ran her hand over his back with affection. " Zoe did well with the customers yesterday, said she enjoyed herself, you know, giving me a hand."

Simon smiled. He was very familiar with the roundabout way his wife's brain worked.

"I thought you liked being on your own at the shop."

"I did, I do. But I can fit in other stuff too."

Simon sounded quite innocent as he enquired.

"Other stuff?"

Kaley looked even more innocent.

"Mmmn."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The telephone on Grissom's desk rang and Catherine Willows let it until she had signed off the report she was dealing with. They were currently very busy, especially with Sara and Gil absent. She wondered briefly how they were doing as she picked up the call.

"Willows."

She heard the office door open and looked up to see Warrick enter. She waved him over.

"Hey, Gill! Think of the devil. How's it going? Is Sara okay, where are you?"

She laughed, partly with relief. She held the receiver so that Warrick could listen in. She didn't want to risk being overheard on speakerphone.

"No, no. We're fine here, it's okay. Yeah, we're busy, but that's not unusual. How's Sara?"

Catherine was quiet for a moment, but her face was expressive. Warrick could tell it was good news and he smiled. Way to go Gil.

"She's okay? They're okay? She's had the baby? What…?"

Catherine smiled and looked at Warrick.

"Okay, I'll let them know. Yeah, you too. Have fun; give my best to Sara. Congratulations, Dad."

She hung up the telephone and made a note on her 'post it' pad. She smiled at Warrick.

"They got back this morning. Sara's had a girl, eight pounds exactly, going to call her Rachel, 'cause that's where she decided to turn up."

Warrick was pleased for Grissom and Sara. Sara a Mom, and with Gil of all people, who would have guessed? His grin widened.

"Let's go tell the others. Find out who won the bets."

Catherine looked both exasperated and amused.

"Warrick!"

"Don't tell me you didn't have something down, at least on the sex?"

Catherine got up from the chair and walked around the desk. She did not link arms with Warrick, but wanted to. She smirked.

"I might have. I might not. Let's go."

They left Grissom's office to go and pass on the good news.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Grissom walked along the corridor on the way to his office. So much had happened since he left Conrad Ecklie's lecture and walked out of this building, that he felt as if he had been absent for weeks. But it had been less than three weeks since Brass had passed on the fateful message from Mrs. Weston. He and Sara were now parents. He had a daughter. Just thinking of Rachel made him smile inwardly. He didn't know if it was a factor of being an older father, or if it was because he never thought he would have a family, but it had surprised him how much he had enjoyed being with Sara and Rachel this last few weeks. For one of the few times that he could recall, he had actually wanted to stay at home today, especially as his mother was visiting as well.

Instead he had forced himself to come in early. Catherine had asked him to set aside some time for a hand-over so that he could review all the running cases and he had suggested this time. Grissom frowned thoughtfully as he entered his office and walked past a small pile of storage boxes that hadn't been there before his break. He crossed to his desk. Its surface was quite tidy, if a little crowded. He wondered why Catherine had insisted on coming in an hour early for this, when it was obvious that she had already got it well organised. He sat down, pulled over the topmost file and started to read.

Five minutes later, Grissom's beeper went off. Deep in the report, he looked blank for a split second, then plucked the pager out of his pocket.

'Come to break rm. need coffee'

It was from Catherine. Grissom didn't sigh, although he felt like it. He was deeply suspicious of the summons. He had warned them in the past that he didn't 'do' cake in the breakroom, and he would be prepared to bet that this call had something to do with his marriage. He stood up. Better to get it over with.

It was a matter of minutes before he got to the communal tea and refreshment area, but he was surprised to find it deserted. He looked around.

"Catherine?"

His pager buzzed.

'Sorry, delayd. B abt 10 mins. Do coff pot, CW'

Now Grissom did sigh. He crossed to the coffee-pot and a few minutes later he had fresh coffee brewing. He checked his watch again and decided that he had time to collect the file he had been reading and finish it off before Catherine's arrival. He left the breakroom for his office, head down, mildly irritated.

Grissom stopped in the corridor, near the LVPD wall of shields and looked around. Was it his imagination, or could he smell Sara's fragrance? Nearby day shift staff still looked busy, their heads down. There were a couple of women; probably someone was wearing the same perfume as Sara. He turned back and resumed the course to his office. He stopped again and frowned.

Odd, he didn't recall closing his office blinds. He stepped forward into the darkened office.

"SURPRISE!"

Grissom didn't exactly jump out of his skin, but it was close. He stood frozen in the doorway to his office as the lights came on and – it seemed to him – people came out of the woodwork. Catherine, Nick, Warrick, Brass, Greg, Bobby, other members of staff, even Hodges, were crowded into his office. Catherine came forward, a paper cup in her hand, which she held out to the still shocked Supervisor. Grissom took it without thinking.

"C'mon, tell the truth, we got you, didn't we?"

Grissom tried for a stony-faced look, but Catherine was still smiling, so he would have to work on it. Sometimes it was a pity that she knew him so well. Some of 'this' was obviously what had been hidden in those storage boxes.

"I will admit that I was expecting trouble in the breakroom."

Catherine laughed delightedly.

"I have another surprise too."

Behind her, their co-workers parted to reveal Sara, seated in the most comfortable of Grissom's office chairs. Her grin was wide and mischievous.

"Hey, Boss."

Grissom shook his head, a smile threatening to break out. He felt a momentary panic about Rachel's whereabouts, until he realised that Sara wouldn't have let the baby out of her sight unless she trusted that she would be safe. He crossed to Sara's chair, but didn't bend to kiss her, not in front of everyone else. Her grin widened even more, aware of his discomfort.

Catherine was still smiling as she shushed everyone after the general hubbub of greetings were over.

"I'd like to propose a couple of toasts, even if it is in orange juice."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. Catherine turned back to Sara and Grissom.

"To Sara and her beautiful new daughter, who she assures me she will bring in to meet us."

Again the laughter was heard before everyone held their cups aloft and hailed 'Sara and her daughter'.

"And a toast to our beloved Supervisor - "

There was much mocking and catcalling in the laughter this time, but it was done with good grace.

"Who has finally jumped into the matrimonial pool!"

Grissom suffered the round of applause and whistling with some grace. He was not comfortable with this situation and it was only Sara's presence that had prevented him from simply turning around and walking away.

Before Catherine could complete the toast she heard Hodges' voice from the back.

"Who would be mad enough to take him on?"

A year ago the tone would have been snidey, but Hodges had mellowed a little, and when he wasn't being unreasonable he could almost be funny. Grissom just looked at him without comment. There could have been an awkward moment, but it never had chance to develop. Sara raised her hand.

"Ah, that would be me?"

Some knew and some had guessed, but Hodges had not been one of them. That meant that the baby was…he gaped first at Grissom then Sara, thoroughly disconcerted.

"You?"

Sara smiled as she stared Hodges out, daring him to comment. He looked nonplussed, but recovered quickly and managed to sound quite sincere.

"Well then, congratulations. On both counts."

Hodges looked around the others to see if anyone was as surprised as he was. There were no takers. Catherine diverted attention by raising her cup again.

"To Gil and Sara. Happiness always."

Everyone echoed the toast and Catherine guided the reluctant pair over to Grissom's desk, which had been cleared double quick time to house a large rectangular cardboard box. It was lifted clear to reveal a frosted cake with 'congratulations' diagonally across it. It was further decorated with silver and gold rice paper bells, little strollers, and much to Sara's amusement, little golden handcuffs. Grissom was still surprised that Catherine had managed to achieve so much in such a short time, but Sara was not at all surprised to see what had been completed. Catherine was a formidable woman.

Cake was cut and distributed, photographs were taken – courtesy of Warrick – and the proverbial good time was had by almost all. The time flew for everyone except Grissom, and before long it was time to start the shift. When the last of the celebrants was ushered out of his office, Grissom turned to Sara.

"Just how long have you been keeping secrets from me?"

Sara pretended to think deeply, then looked at her wristwatch.

"Mmm, about three hours. Catherine sent me a text before you left for work. Your Mom and I were in cahoots. And Rachel, of course."

Grissom's face cleared.

"Of course. Three generations of women ganging up on me. I didn't stand a chance."

Sara smirked as she moved in for a discrete hug, sliding her hands under her husband's tee shirt. She was still enjoying the ability to hold him without the bump between them.

"No, you did not. But a gracious loser is always appreciated, and usually rewarded."

Sara leaned in towards Grissom and his interest was peaked but he reminded himself that they had both agreed that there should be no inappropriate behaviour at work. To Sara's regret he stepped back slightly, but tempered his withdrawal with a smile.

"Hold that thought, I'd like to discuss it with you later."

Sara understood and didn't try to change his mind. With touching reluctance she too withdrew slightly, but then smirked.

"There's quite a bit we could discuss, even with another four weeks embargo."

Grissom nodded once, his mouth hiked at one side in amusement.

"I shall look forward to it."

They were physically separate now, not touching at all, but Grissom felt her touch as surely as a promise. Sara smiled a private smile, just for him.

"There could be rolls."

Grissom's eyebrows shot upwards in polite enquiry, but Sara was not fooled. His eyes glittered.

"Cinnamon?"

"You have to ask?"

Grissom raised his eyebrows and shook his head once.

"Do you think that's wise? Bearing in mind what happened last time?"

Sara moved to the door of Grissom's office and looked back at her husband. Her smirk was wide.

"You're right. Best not to risk it. You can wait a month, can't you?"

"Sara."

Grissom's warning growl merely made Sara's smile even wider. She waggled the fingers of one hand at him in farewell.

"See you later, honey. Have a good night. See you in the morning."

Grissom looked at the floor of his office and sighed. In an almost indifferent movement he beckoned Sara back into the room. He moved behind one of his shelves of specimen jars and exhibits.

"Before you go, would you mind dropping this in to Trace on your way out? I forgot to give it to Greg."

Sara looked faintly surprised, but never gave it a thought before responding to his request. She walked around the shelving unit, wondering what 'this' was.

In a totally unexpected move, Grissom grabbed Sara, pinning her arms to her sides. She looked shocked at first, but then bent her arms to wrap them around his waist. Each had a hold of the other. For a long beat they just looked at each other, daring the other to move. Grissom broke first and dipped his head to kiss Sara. She kissed him back with fervour, her tongue mating with his in a snatched and frantic dance.

Grissom knew that it was madness and that it had to stop. He was going to stop in just a minute. Just a few more sweet seconds. Just a…

The rattling crash of Sara backing into the metal shelving unit brought them both to their senses. They parted abruptly, both swollen-lipped and flushed with arousal. Sara held on to Grissom's waist to keep herself upright and was perfectly aware of the effect that she had on him. She forced her whisper to be steady.

"Well, there's no way in hell I'm giving that to Greg."

Grissom huffed in grim admiration.

"I should hope not."

They looked into each other's eyes. Sara released Grissom from her hold.

"I'd better go. Someone will come in looking for you before long."

Grissom brought both of his hands up to gently cup her face.

"Maybe I don't care."

Sara smiled.

"Yes, you do, and so do I. I'll see you back home later."

Grissom nodded and Sara backed away, then turned to leave. Before Grissom had chance to move, her head popped back around the unit.

"Bye the way? Don't forget to bring your monkey home. I reckon it needs a good spank."

She vanished again and he heard her laughter over his outraged 'Sara!'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ten months earlier at the cabin in the mountains.

Sara wandered into the kitchen, sniffing appreciatively as she stretched. Grissom straightened up from the oven, a baking tray held in his protected hand. He slid the tray on to the top of the stove as he looked at Sara. In deference to the early morning chill she was wearing her short silk robe, loosely belted around her slim waist. Her hair was fluffed up and her cheeks rosy. Grissom's heart hitched in his chest. She looked so beautiful.

Sara moved towards the stove, her eyes lighting up.

"What is that fantastic smell?"

Grissom saw an opportunity for amusement.

"Do you like it? It's a new cologne I'm trying out."

Sara rolled her eyes in droll appreciation.

"You don't wear cologne, it messes with your senses. And it smells just like cinnamon rolls, which is an odd choice for a signature scent, don't you think?"

Grissom watched her as she eyed up the freshly baked rolls. One of her hands rested on the sleeve of his robe, either in greeting or restraint, presumably depending on whether or not she intended 'liberating' one of the rolls.

"Odd, but not unheard of." He slid his free arm around Sara's waist, feeling the silk slide under his fingers. "I was hoping that you would have a lie-in this morning. You look a little peaked."

Sara looked up at his face. Her expression said 'whose fault is that?' but she just smirked.

"I'll try to get some rest later. Right now, the cinnamon is calling me; 'please Sara, take me, take me, it is my mission to be eaten by you right now' and who am I to resist?"

Grissom stepped toward Sara as her hand snaked out, the move making them both step further away from the still-hot rolls and prevented Sara from snagging one.

"It could equally be argued that that was what I was thinking, but now I guess we'll never know. The rolls are for later. They need to cool down first, they're too hot."

Sara eyed him, trying to judge how serious he was about the rolls. As to his comment about taking him instead of the rolls…mmm…difficult choice. On the other hand, he was around all day, but the rolls would be cold later. She leaned into Grissom's chest, hugging him with her right arm, while trying to slide her left hand unnoticed along the work surface.

Sara's body against his admittedly distracted Grissom, but he did not fail to see Sara's antics. He put both of his arms around her and lifted her up, holding her solidly against him as he stepped away from the work surface. He smirked.

"You'll have to do better than that. Amateur."

Grissom wasn't the only one distracted by bodily contact. Sara was wearing nothing under her silk robe, and she knew that he had nothing on under his. She wriggled in a half-hearted attempt to get free, but she couldn't honestly say that she minded being 'stuck' in his arms. Although having said that, she couldn't let him get away unchallenged.

"Bully."

Grissom frowned at her in fake puzzlement.

"Pardon me?"

Sara grinned innocently.

"You heard."

Grissom frowned and his eyes narrowed.

"Mmn, but I had hoped that I'd heard wrong."

Sara recognised the look in his eye. It was pure Gil at his devilish best. She attempted to take a pace back, but could not. She put a hand out in feeble defence as she felt her laughter bubble up. About four seconds later she was cursing the fact that he now knew all of her most ticklish places.

"No, Gill! Hey, that's not fair!"

Grissom held Sara in close and ran his fingers down her ribs with his right hand. She shrieked and wriggled furiously, but to no avail. When she tried to stomp on his bare foot with hers, he picked her up, plonked her on the kitchen table, and stood between her knees, preventing her from escaping. He frowned fiercely, but Sara could see the telltale humour in his eyes. He leaned in against her, his breath warm on her cheek as he directed his words towards her ear.

"Fair? Trying to stand on my foot is fair, then?"

Sara shrugged, delighting in the horseplay, but hiding it.

"Absolutely. Totally fair. In fact, I would say -"

What she would say was not discovered because Grissom took advantage of her distraction to cover her mouth with his. Her parted lips enabled him to deepen the kiss before Sara could refuse him – not that it had actually crossed her mind.

Grissom's higher brain function was dealing with all the incoming signals while his body was running on instinct. Despite being awake half the night, he wanted Sara just as much now as he had the other day out in the rain. He could feel the moment that Sara's surprise and token resistance softened and faded away to be replaced by her willing co-operation. He hadn't intended to do this even five minutes ago, but Sara's proximity, their state of undress, even the sweet woodsy smell of the cinnamon made him forget about breakfast in bed. Grissom's breath became choppy, as he was unable to prevent his response to her nearness. He felt himself stir as he kissed her and pulled her into his arms. His heartbeat picked up, pumping blood into places that really didn't need any more.

Sara leaned a little more heavily into Grissom and he groaned. He felt a hand in his hair and one pulling at his lapel, tugging him closer to her body. In his mind he could see how this looked from across the kitchen. His Sara was sitting on the edge of the sturdy table, one of her legs snagged around one of his, ensuring that he wasn't going to leave.

Grissom's mouth was hot and damp, he pulled at her tongue to suck on it, then gave her his, stroking over her teeth, teasing and enticing. He nipped at her bottom lip, then soothed it, slanting his head for better access. His eyes closed but he could see it all in his head. Somewhere between one moment and the next, the lazy arousal became hotter and more intense. They broke off for air, both breathing heavily as they looked at each other. Not in hesitation, just simple appreciation.

They didn't speak, no words were needed. Still pressing each to the other, they pulled at each other's robe, parting the material to remove what little barrier there was between them. Grissom's mouth devoured Sara's for long moments as he took pleasure from the vibrating little moans issuing from her lips.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Censored for – available on the adult version

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sara was racked with sensation. Each time she thought that Grissom had made her feel as good as it was possible to feel, he came up with something that took her even further. Her arms trembled as they tried to support her as she leaned back on them. His fingers were magical; they teased and aroused, giving her so much but not enough. She wanted him to plunge them into her, stroking her hard, taking her over the edge as he had done so many times this last few days. Instead, he was racking up the tension, making her mad with desire. She could feel her leg muscles taut as she tried to push herself on to Grissom's hand, but he kept up the maddening massage. She didn't know how much more she could take.

Grissom ached. At the back of his mind he had hoped that taking care of Sara would distract himself sufficiently to ease his own arousal, but her sighs and sexy little moans were adding more wood to the fire. He didn't need to look down to see that 'wood' was the last thing he needed more of. She was just so sensual that she everything he did for her came back to heat him too. The look of her, the scent of her, the touch of her, but most of all the taste of her. Dear God, the taste of her was ambrosia. He couldn't wait, he leaned forward and dipped his tongue, her flavour bursting on him like champagne.

Sara's reaction was instantaneous. Her arms crashed to her elbows and her head was flung back as she cried out. Her thighs came up as her body tensed against Grissom's mouth, anxious to keep him just where he was and continue the exquisite joy.

Sara's world had focused to this room and this moment. Her eyes were squeezed shut as her body crashed to the table and she never even felt her head hitting the table or the jar of spice fall over, spilling out its contents. She felt herself teetering on the brink of orgasm, so close but just on the edge. Her hands gripped the sides of the table as her pelvis strained up to her lover's mouth. Sara's head rolled from side to side as she strived towards completion. Her hands squeezed her breasts and her hips rocked. Just a little more…just a little…

Sara's whole body clenched as the most exhilarating rush spread through her arms and legs. The tingling buzz ran from her fingers and toes up though her limbs and torso, all heading towards the juncture of her legs. A white heat enveloped her and she felt like she was flying. It was a staggering sensation, the most incredible come of her life and Sara was breathless with it, but coupled with it was astonishment that it was going on and on. It had never lasted long enough for her to be consciously aware of time passing before.

Grissom watched Sara convulse on the table under his hands. It was one of the most amazing sights he had ever seen. To be able to give her such pleasure, to make her feel like that made him feel ten feet tall. He waited until she had calmed before stroking her gently and she shivered with reaction, her eyes opening and searching him out. He smiled at her, and waited for her to focus before he bent down to kiss her.

Sara couldn't have moved if the table had been on fire. Her whole body was limp, draped over the kitchen table in a completely sated state. Grissom had wrung every last drop from her. She felt him remove his fingers and then touch her again. The electric 'after tingle' made her shudder and she opened her eyes to find him. It took a moment to focus, but she smiled just as he swooped down and kissed her, giving her a taste of herself on his lips. Her smile was languid.

"What on Earth did you do to me...?"

Grissom smirk was almost smug.

"I would hazard a guess and say that we found your G spot."

Sara smiled lazily, her eyes closing again.

"Cool."

Grissom wished for a moment that he had his camera with him, but knew that it was best that he had not. He didn't think that he would ever forget this morning, and would probably think of Sara lying here, her robe open and her skin flushed, every time he smelled cinnamon. His own arousal had subsided slightly now, but it felt selfish to disturb Sara's relaxation for his own satisfaction. He straightened up and started to fasten his robe and Sara's eyes popped open.

"Where do you think you are going?"

Grissom stilled, his hands still on the tie-belt. His cock twitched optimistically.

"Nowhere. Why?"

Sara gave him her 'you're not that innocent' look and indicated that he should come and stand at the left of her. He moved around the table as she turned onto her left side. Before Grissom had even stopped moving Sara had her hand delving through the gap in his robe and firmly grasped him. Grissom sucked in air and leaned forward to brace himself against the table.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sorry, another chunk missing, not my fault

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Grissom saw Sara move and distantly realised what she was doing. He felt her hold on him tighten even further, the grip on him firm and the friction perfect. The pressure was building higher and he saw no reason to hold himself back now. He allowed himself to fall headlong into the rushing wave of sensation as it shot through him, concentrating low in his spine until it suddenly exploded into dizzying brilliance.

Sara heard Grissom's cry and felt him shudder as he emptied himself inside her just as her own orgasm crashed over her, making her pulse around him.

When Grissom came to his senses and could see again, he found himself lying over Sara's warm body, still deep inside her, with his head resting on her breasts. He straightened up onto his elbows and looked down to Sara's smiling face. He was convinced that if she had been a cat she would have been purring.

Sara felt fantastic: languid but not sleepy, enervated but relaxed. She still didn't want to move, but it wasn't practical to remain where they were. The smell of cinnamon was everywhere; the powder was in her hair, on their robes and on the floor. She looked into Grissom's eyes and found she couldn't look away. He was right; it was so much better with the one you love. Something about their lovemaking today had seemed different, even more profound than before. Sara knew in that moment that whatever life threw at them, regardless of whether they stayed together or not, she would always love him.

Grissom felt himself start to slip from Sara as they both began to relax. He leaned forward and gave Sara a last kiss before they parted. It was a slow and affectionate salute to the woman he had loved, unknowing, for years. He tried to convey all that she meant to him, all that she had ever meant to him, and all that he had been unable to tell her over the years. It was a lot to ask of any kiss, but Sara seemed to get the message.

"I love you."

They both grinned at their simultaneous comment and Grissom was still smiling as he backed up to help Sara stand. She looked around at the mess and then turned to him.

"I guess the rolls are cool enough now, huh?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Present day, Las Vegas

Sara emerged from the bathroom, towel rubbing her hair to prevent the drips from going down her back. She automatically looked at her watch to see how much time she had before Rachel would wake for a feed, then remembered that her daughter was sleeping over at her Aunt Catherine's tonight. She and Gil were going out for a meal to celebrate the fact that her six-week postnatal check up had been passed with flying colours. Sara was of a mind to tell her husband that she would rather send the time at home and naked, but he seemed to be keen to go out.

She paused in her hair rubbing as she looked at the bed. A rectangular box was lying on it, the lid decorated with a beautiful and elaborate bow. Sara crossed the room and noticed a small card tucked under the ribbon. She picked it up and read the two words on the front, smiling in wry recognition.

'From Grissom'

She turned the card over and read the other side.

'Please dress for dinner, ring bell when ready'

Sara dropped the card and opened the box. Inside she found a small hand bell wrapped in tissue, and to her surprise, not a dress, as she was expecting, but a stunning shantung style robe in red silk with matching slippers. It was beautiful and obviously very expensive. She lifted it carefully from the box and held it up to her body in front of the mirror. It was perfect. Still not back down to her pre-pregnancy weight yet, this was an ideal compromise that would fit her both now and when she had lost her baby weight. Sara quickly set the robe down and finished drying her hair. She did her make up with care and a light hand, then dressed in the robe and slid her feet into the slippers. She looked in the mirror again and was pleased with the reflection. She picked up the bell, rang it and waited.

Moments later, Grissom entered the bedroom. His eyes lit with satisfaction and pride when he saw Sara.

"You like?"

She smiled.

"I love."

He nodded, pleased. He brought his hand up and Sara noticed the silk scarf in his hand for the first time. He crossed to Sara and gave her a soft kiss.

"You look good enough to eat. But first I have a surprise for you. Turn around."

Sara's breath hitched. Silk and Grissom in a room together. Always thrilling. She turned around slowly and felt Grissom slide the soft material in place over her eyes before tying it up at the back of her head.

"Okay?"

Sara nodded, smiling, her trust in him total. Grissom took her hand and guided her out to the main room of the townhouse. She felt him stop, so she halted too. Although she couldn't see, she was aware of him moving behind her. She felt the silk being loosened, then her husband's breath on the back of her neck.

"You can look now."

The silk fell from Sara's eyes and she opened them to a sight she didn't quite believe.

Candles.

Lots of them, at various levels, wherever there was a secure flat surface. Different colours sizes and shapes. Short fat ones, tall and thin ones, even one shaped like a ball. Candlelight flickered all around the room and Sara didn't know where to look first to try to take it all in.

Grissom didn't say anything, he just watched Sara's expression and the way the light played over her face, creating interesting planes and hollows. As far as he could tell she was pleased with what she could see.

The dining table was laid out formally; a crisp white damask tablecloth played host to Grissom's best china flatware, while a tall clear vase held a single red rose.

Sara still hadn't moved when Grissom stepped up to one of the dining chairs and pulled it out.

"If Madam would care to be seated?"

Sara couldn't say a thing. She took the proffered seat and leaned back when Grissom shook out the linen napkin before placing it on her lap. The smile she sent him was bright and he smiled back. He poured a pale clear liquid into each of the two wineglasses, and handed Sara one of them. She looked at him a little doubtfully.

"Wine?"

He shook his head.

"Apple juice. I thought you'd prefer it until you stop feeding Rachel. No grapes."

Sara smiled, relieved that he had remembered. She held up the glass.

"A toast?"

Grissom looked at her dark eyes and felt lost in their depths. He wanted to cast aside his hard work and preparations, carry Sara off to bed and keep her there until they were sated.

"Gil?"

Sara wondered at his silence until she looked him in the face. Grissom looked solemn, but the heat in his eyes was answer enough. She relaxed, waiting for him to be ready.

"To you, my sweet wild fire."

Sara looked at Grissom over the rim of her glass as they sipped for the toast. Sweet wild fire. She could certainly do with some of that, and soon. It was going to be difficult working with him when she turned to lustful mush whenever she looked at him for more than a moment. Such beautiful blue eyes.

"This is all fabulous, and I love it, but please tell me there are not that many courses?"

Grissom's smile appeared briefly before he took her free hand in his. He was confident that Sara was not unhappy with his surprise, so he was presuming that – like him – she wanted to get to dessert.

"As many or as few as you would like, but there are three carefully planned courses, all of which are part of this celebration."

Sara smirked, her head to one side.

"In that case, let's get started. Anticipation is as good an aphrodisiac as anything I can think of."

Grissom brought Sara's hand up to his lips and kissed her palm.

"The only aphrodisiac I need is sitting opposite me, but I concede your point."

With a final gentle squeeze of her fingers, Grissom let go of Sara's hand and went to the kitchen area for the first course. He came back with two plates containing a selection of fanned melon slices drizzled with fruit coulis.

Sara looked at the display on her plate and then across to Grissom.

"You do this?"

"Can't you tell?"

Sara shook her head as she picked up her fork.

"It looks too beautiful to eat."

Grissom smiled a little ruefully, knowing that a chef would have made a better display.

"I'll get better with practise."

Sara put down her fork. True, a top restaurant may have made it look more professional, but this had been made at home and with love in every wobbly line.

" ' Beauty is no quality in things themselves: It exists merely in the mind which contemplates them; and each mind perceives a different beauty'. This is beautiful."

Grissom looked up from his plate without surprise. He smiled and shook his head.

"David Hume. Well done, and thank you. Now you can show me the beauty of an empty plate, so I can serve you the next course."

"Cool."

They took their time over the meal despite their earlier desire to hurry. Both had a new appreciation of quiet mealtimes and uninterrupted conversation. They enjoyed each other's company and the delicious food, until the candles burned low and it was time for the last course.

Grissom brought two shallow bowls to the table. Each held a portion of apple pie, obviously home-made, with plenty of real fruit, not a mashed puree, and a golden crust of pastry. But what made Sara sigh with happy anticipation was the pale ball of ice cream just starting to melt over the hot pie.

"Please tell me that the ice cream is the same flavour as the one up at the cabin?"

Grissom just smiled and gave Sara her spoon. She scooped up a small scrape from the top of the ball and put it in her mouth. Her eyes closed in blissful appreciation.

"Oh, yeah, that's the stuff."

Sara looked at Grissom as she tucked into the pie and ice cream with gusto, to his amusement.

"What made you think of putting cinnamon spice in vanilla ice cream, anyway?"

Grissom shrugged, starting his own pie.

"Had it in an Italian restaurant once. Couldn't easily find any in the shops."

Sara paused in her eating. She reached out for Grissom's hand.

"This is the best evening I've had since we were up at the cabin, I can't think of anything that could have made it any better."

Grissom squeezed her hand gently as he responded. He looked unusually serious.

"I'd like to say that the best is yet to come, but I don't want to tempt fate."

Sara looked at him, trying to see if he was teasing her or was really concerned about the rest of the evening. If she didn't know any better, she would think that he was anxious about something. She looked again and amended her assessment from 'anxiety' to 'anxious anticipation'. Her tone was light.

"What's the matter? Worried about later? I promised I'll be gentle with you."

Grissom looked startled then amused. He shook his head.

"No, I have no concerns about later, I'm looking forward to the rest of the evening. The sooner we finish the sooner we can start."

Sara abruptly dropped her spoon into her full bowl and pushed it forward from her place setting. She smirked widely across the table.

"I'm done."

Grissom raised one eyebrow as he looked from the bowl to Sara.

"But, as you can see, I am not."

Sara stood up, pulling at her husband's hand.

"Shouldn't work out on a full stomach."

"Now I am worried."

Sara laughed as Grissom got to his feet with a show of reluctance. They moved around the room blowing out the candles one by one until only four remained. Sara moved towards their bedroom, but Grissom halted her.

"You stay here for a minute, I'll just move the candles."

Sara agreed, keeping two of the candles with her while Grissom took the other pair. He was gone for a few minutes before he returned for the second pair. He left the bedroom door open and the gentle glow of candlelight felt very romantic to Sara. She had never regarded herself as a romantic, but she was seeing a new side to herself as well as her husband in the time they had shared together. It no longer seemed a weakness to admit the pleasure they shared in the appreciation of romance.

Grissom returned to the darkened room. He took Sara's hand in his and pulled her to her feet before picking her up in his arms. Sara linked her arms around his neck as he straightened. She looked over his face, then stared deep into his eyes.

"Thank you for the meal, thank you for Rachel, thank you for being you. I love you so much."

Grissom held her gaze for a long moment, savouring the feel of her in his arms, the heady anticipation of what was to come. He leaned in for a kiss, meeting her mouth on its way to his. He started to walk towards the bedroom, his arms beginning to feel the strain of holding Sara. He didn't want his gesture ruined by an unmanly collapse.

Sara was so busy looking at Grissom she didn't notice the room at first. He nodded towards the bed as they crossed the room. She looked and her eyes widened.

"Oh my God I don't believe it!"

The bed was turned down and dozens of red rose petals were thrown over the pale sheets. In the centre of the bed was a simple white box, about five inches square. A couple of petals rested on the lid. Instead of feeling cynicism or a sense of how corny it was, Sara was truly touched. Grissom moved to place her on the bed and then sat down beside her legs. He picked up the box and looked at Sara.

"Ours has never been an orthodox relationship, and I don't suppose it ever will be, because we are not. Although this relationship happened to us in an unusual order, I have never wanted you to miss out because of it. I don't want you to accept this because you ought to have it, or because it's expected. I want you to have this because I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't look into your eyes without feeling that longing that you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can't talk to you without wanting to tell you how much I love you. This is for all the things that I can't do and say when I want to. This is for you."

"Oh, honey…"

Sara's voice choked, unable to continue. Her fingers trembled like the tears on her lashes as she accepted the gift. She opened the lid and lifted out the iridescent shredding around a smaller white leather lidded box. She took out the smaller box and put aside the empty one. She looked at Grissom before she opened the lid. His previous anxiety was gone, replaced by a calm certainty that delighted her. She opened the lid and any concern that she had about liking its contents vanished. It was one of the most beautiful and striking engagement rings that she had ever seen. Her smile was even more beautiful. She handed him the box with her right hand and held out her left.

"Thank you. It's lovely, just what I would have chosen myself."

Grissom took the ring out of the box and placed it on the finger that held Sara's wedding band. It was a perfect fit. He saw the diamonds flash as she moved to put her arms around him and pull him down for a kiss. Just before their lips met, Grissom pulled back.

"I take it that's a 'yes' then?"

Sara pretended to consider it for a moment.

"I guess so. Of course, you'll have tell me that you love me, need me, couldn't live without me and ravish me regularly."

Grissom sighed happily as he lowered Sara back onto the petals and followed her down.

"Work, work, work."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

EPILOGUE

Three months later

The small church was not full to capacity, but there were sufficient numbers to prevent the voices of the congregation from echoing badly. Catherine and Warrick were already seated, Lindsey sitting quietly beside her mother, awed into respectful behaviour by the atmosphere. Greg, Nick and Doc Robbins were in the row behind. Other friends from the crime lab were dotted around in the next few rows, but Jim Brass was sitting in the other front row with Mary Grissom, having been charged by her son with looking after her should she need anything. Jim was actually quite enjoying her company and his usually slightly dour expression was not in evidence as he smiled at another one of her anecdotes.

Outside the church, waiting for the last of their friends to arrive, Sara looked down into her daughter's face. The baby's dark expressive eyes watched Sara with a look familiar to anyone who had seen Sara at work.

"Sara?"

She looked up at her husband. Just her name, but behind it a wealth of meaning. Was she okay, was there anything she needed, did Rachel need anything?

"We're okay, thanks, honey."

Grissom smiled.

"Five minutes left, shall we go in?"

Just as they were about to go in, one last car arrived. Doors quickly slammed and both of them turned to see who had arrived.

Grissom was very glad to see the young couple that walked quickly over to them. The woman looked pale and tired, but was clearly not letting it get her down. Her smile was dazzling.

"Gil, Sara! You both look lovely, God you're so slim Sara, how do you do it. Ohmigod, this must be Rachel, heavens I hardly recognised her, she's got so big, isn't she adorable, oh, she looks like you Gil."

Sara smiled, so pleased to see Kaley again as she cooed enthusiastically over Rachel.

The two men shook hands, both smiling at the fast flowing rush of words.

"Simon. Good to see you."

"Gil. Glad to be here. Sorry we're late, we had to stop."

Grissom nodded in understanding.

"No problem finding the place, I hope?"

Simon looked at his wife.

"No, just need to use the facilities."

Kaley looked up from her conversation with Sara, her smile wide.

"He's just being polite. I'm ten weeks pregnant and sick as a dog."

Grissom offered sincere congratulations to the couple, which were happily accepted as both women hugged around Rachel. After Sara and Kaley hurried into the church, Grissom and Simon followed at a slower pace. Grissom turned to the younger man.

"Life as you know it will never be the same."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Reverend held the baby securely in the crook of his left arm. This was the part that nearly always made the babies cry, although that was supposed to be a good sign. He dipped his finger in the font water and placed the sign of the cross on the baby's forehead. She screwed up her nose and tried to move her head away from him, then squawked in annoyance when she could not. Grissom could see Sara's involuntary step to take Rachel back, but she subsided and left the Reverend to his task. Grissom took one of her hands in his. She squeezed his hand but didn't take her eyes off Rachel.

"I name this child Rachel Cinnamon Grissom…"

Catherine and Warrick – both Godparents – looked surprised. Warrick leaned closer to Catherine and whispered surreptitiously out of the corner of his mouth.

"Cinnamon?"

Catherine shrugged minutely and whispered back.

"Don't know. Maybe you could ask them later."

Warrick looked at Grissom.

Grissom and Sara successfully hid their smiles, but couldn't resist a glance at each other. What Warrick saw in the look made him lean to Catherine again.

"Or not."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As Grissom watched Sara strap Rachel in to her car seat, he thought back to earlier in the day when he had been outside the church and he had told Simon that life would never be the same again.

Simon had looked at him.

"I guess not. Would you go back to the way it was before?"

Grissom had looked to the doorway that Sara had disappeared through

Go back to life before the baby? Back before he and Sara were together? It had been a hard path in places, but anything worth having was worth fighting for. He had smiled as he turned to Simon.

"Never."

The End, at last.

Thank you for your patience, I hope that you enjoyed the fic. I apologise for the censored bits, but I don't write the rules. Full version available on the adult fan fiction site.

I know that the fertility issues raised here are not so easily resolved in real life and while some women will have a happy outcome, many will not. My best to you all, wherever you are.