Blindsided

Epilogue

"Wow! Sara, you can hardly see them!" Greg exclaimed as he bounced into the Trace Lab.

Sara looked up from the blood spattered clothing she'd been studying for the last several hours and offered Greg a genuine smile. "Yeah, they say these babies are the Rolls Royce of hearing aids."

"Bet they cost a fortune."

"Wouldn't know. Seems my health insurance covers them." She shook her head. "Two years and they still think I'm going to sue the County."

Two years had indeed passed since the explosion at the steakhouse. The incident had uniquely touched the entire overnight crew and bound them together in an incredible circle of friendship and love.

Greg, now a CSI Level I in training, spent most of his time in the field but never hesitated to slip back into the lab to personally see evidence processed. In his opinion, he had the best of both worlds. Brass, Nick, Catherine and Warrick worked hard as ever and Sara seriously suspected some hanky panky between the latter two. Sara smiled at the thought as she slid off of the stool to stretch. The group spent the majority of their time together in and outside of work. It was the best dysfunctional family anyone could ask for.

Sara, had regained ninety three percent hearing in one ear but only forty seven percent in the other. Thankfully, the aids helped Sara with equilibrium and allowed her to hear words she never thought that she would. Like Grissom saying "I love you." The gang still signed but mainly to stay in practice and to irritate outsiders.

As for Grissom, though no longer her direct supervisor, Sara ran into him constantly and frequently got the opportunity to work with him under her role as Crime Scene Analyzer.

She never really understood what the lateral move meant. Sara was teamed and assigned cases along with the rest of the crew. Actually it was the same duties as a CSI, once she was cleared for field duty, with the exception that Sara did not handle evidence until after it had been collected and logged. She could live with that. Nothing had changed except that she and Grissom were now free to pursue a relationship and pursue Grissom did.

Sara enjoyed her time with Grissom immensely. She glanced at the simple band that encircled her left ring finger. Their relationship was everything she'd ever hoped for and more than she could have possibly imagined. Oh, and Grissom kept his promise and made sure they had plenty of sex! Speaking of which, Sara had a surprise to share with him after shift.

"Hey Girl." Warrick peeked into to the doorway.

"Hey, War. What's up?"

"I'm a man on a mission." He signed and spoke.

"Really?" Sara cocked her head curiously.

"Grissom wants you in the break room, ASAP."

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."

"No can do. Not permitted to return without you."

"All right. Let's go." Sara gave in and secured the evidence. "My husband, the slave driver."

"Don't I know it!" Warrick teased.

Sara groaned as they rounded the corner and realized what was awaiting her through the glass encased break room.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday!" Everyone yelled in unison, tossing confetti.

"Grissom, I thought we agreed no party!" Sara chided as she snuggled into Grissom's arms, secretly pleased.

"That agreement was made under duress." Grissom feigned hurt.

"Under something…but certainly not duress." She grinned wickedly. "I've got a surprise for you too later at home."

"Then eat cake, open some presents and let's get there already!"

Her response was lost in a kiss that held a promise for more.

Yes, life was good.

THE END

A/N: Thanks for sticking with it this story. Thanks again for all of the reviews and suggestions.