Bringing Home Babies

'HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D And i really hope that 2010 is lucky for all of you! :) I apologise profusely for the lack of updates on my end and especially for this story. To be honest i've kinda lost all inspiration for it. I think it has something to do with my wavering faith in the actual show but i'm trying to get over it :( PLEASE enjoy and review at the end cause although you may all be mad at me right no....we both know that you love me really! :D lol Enjoy!'

The Brown Residence

Warrick Brown groaned loudly as the piercing screams of a distressed newborn assaulted his senses. He glanced at the clock and groaned again. 2:00 am! Warrick rolled onto his right side, fully intending to pass this shift onto his beautiful wife, muttering; "Cath, it's your turn…." But as his palm came down on her cold, empty side of the bed he remembered. Warrick closed his eyes for a brief second before throwing off the comforter and pushing himself out of bed. He trailed down the hall to the bedroom where his two youngest children slept, or were supposed to be sleeping.

"Hey there buddy." Warrick cooed as he leaned over his 3 day old son's crib, "C'mere….there you go." he sighed as he rested Samuel's small head on his left shoulder and rubbed his back in soothing motions until he settled down. When Warrick was sure that Samuel was once again sleeping soundly, he placed him back in his crib gently. Just as Warrick turned to leave he heard soft stirring whimpers from his daughter. Warrick sighed again and walked over to her just as she began to cry. Little Maya was never as loud as her big brother, no matter how hard she tried and for that Warrick was eternally grateful.

"C'mere sweetheart." He whispered softly as he lifted her tiny form into his arms. He rocked her and cooed at her, holding the little girl close to him but she wouldn't stop. Warrick exhaled loudly and dropped his head.

"Tired hon?" a gentle voice whispered as familiar arms snaked their way around his waist. Warrick nodded in reply, eyes closed sleepily. A soft chuckle tickled his bare arm, "Hand her over….it's my turn anyway." And the small bundle was lifted from his embrace cautiously and the crying, to Warricks relief, ceased instantly.

Warrick chuckled shaking his head, "Guess she just wanted her mom." He stated as he leaned down and placed a light kiss to his daughter's soft dark hair.

"Oh she's still a daddy's girl Rick….don't you worry."

"Yeah…." Warrick whispered stroking Maya's caramel cheek, "Love you princess." He told the sleeping child in her mother's arms.

"You too….sexy mama." He added with a smirk and kissed his wife deeply, "Don't stay on your feet too long." He warned and she nodded her eyes never leaving her peaceful daughters face.

Warrick smiled not sure if she had even heard what he said then glanced at his happily dreaming son before heading to the door. Once he reached the doorway Warrick looked back into the room and watched the most important person in his world as she placed their daughter safely in her crib and tucked her in before moving over to their son. Warrick shuddered at how close he had come to losing that person. It caused an ache in his heart, unlike any other, just at the thought. Life without his Catherine would not be living, only existing and he thanked the Lord every day that his life had not become that. She was here. They were happy. His world was still intact.

Catherine pulled her dressing gown tighter around her body as she moved slowly down the stairs, one hand gripping the banister tightly and she felt her heart swell as her eyes fell on her gorgeous husband and beautiful eldest daughter laughing and joking at the kitchen counter.

"Morning sweet girl." She greeted placing a soft kiss to Lindsey's hair. "Moring handsome." She added placing a chaste kiss to her husband's lips, only to have him crash his lips on hers the second she pulled away.

"Okay….uh can you say 'ew'?" Lindsey piped up from behind her parents, "As much as I love you both and as cute as that is….you are my parents and I'm trying to eat." She muttered shooting them a stern glare.

"Sorry honey." Catherine apologized pushing Warrick away from her body and moving to sit down next to her eldest child.

"How're the twins this morning?" Warrick asked as he plated their waffles.

Catherine smiled and her eyes sparkled at the thought of her precious babies upstairs, "They're good. Changed, fed, cuddled, contented." She assured taking a bite of her breakfast then frowned, concern shinning in her electric blue eyes.

"Something wrong?" Warrick asked, his tone making it more of a statement than a question.

Catherine looked up at him, flicked a subtle glance at Lindsey before shaking her head, "No. Nothing's wrong." and smiling widely.

Warrick remained silent but shot her a knowing look before sitting down and eating his own breakfast.

"CATH?" Warrick called through the strangely quiet house. With new born twins and a teenager it was rarely quiet in the Brown Household.

"NURSERY!" she called back and he could hear the underlining concern in her voice and that worried him.

Taking the stairs two at a time he made it to the nursery in under thirty seconds. Walking into the room he saw Catherine standing over their daughters crib, staring at the tiny baby intently with arms folded across her chest.

"Hey." He whispered kissing her cheek and looping his arms around her waist.

Catherine smiled slightly and lent back into him, "Lindsey get off to school okay?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, it was fine. She's good." Warrick could feel the stiffness of her body and see the deep frown painted across her face. "What's wrong?" he asked holding onto her tighter.

Catherine sighed laying her head back against his chest, "I….I don't know." She answered with a sigh, shaking her head slowly, "Something just….doesn't feel right."

Warrick suppressed the deep chuckle rising in his throat and kissed her head, "You worry too much Cat."

Catherine jabbed him lightly in the side with her elbow, "Yeah well, I'm a mother." She replied simply.

"It's your job to worry." Warrick finished for her nodding his head and rolling his eyes, "Yeah, yeah I know."

This time Catherine turned in his arms and slapped him hard on the chest.

"Ow!" Warrick yelped taking a step back, "That hurt." He whined.

Catherine glared, "It was supposed to." She stated tersely then smirked.

Warrick opened his mouth armed with a smart ass reply but Catherine stood her ground face on, arms folded, eyebrow raised, smirk firmly in place just daring him with her eyes to try it. Warrick continued to stand his own ground for several minutes, holding eye contact unwaveringly before backing down and shifting his gaze to the sleeping baby boy on her right. He flicked his eyes back to his wife just in time to see her smirk widen considerably and hear her contented sigh clearly very pleased with herself. Catherine likes to win, especially when it comes to a battle of the wills with her husband. She turned back to Maya's crib that frown making a reappearance, "Something is wrong Warrick….I can feel it." She insisted strongly.

'Knock! Knock!' "Catherine?" Sara Sidle-Grissom called as she walked through the front door of her best friend's home, "CATHERINE!" she called again, louder when she received no reply.

"SARA?" Catherine's voice called back, flowing from somewhere in the seemingly deserted house, that Sara couldn't quite locate.

"YEAH!" Sara answered spinning in a slow circle a perplexed look on her face, "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?" she cried throwing her hands up in frustration.

"Right here." Catherine replied sweetly from directly behind.

Sara jumped a mile yelping in surprise as she spun around to face the smaller blonde woman who was ginning widely, "Jesus Catherine!" Sara hissed placing a hand on her chest, over her now pounding heart.

Catherine's grin only grew, "Hello to you too Sara." She answered even sweeter than before as she turned and headed for the kitchen.

Sara secretly scowled at Catherine's back, "Forgive me for not greeting someone who just tried to give me a heart attack!" she cried still trying to calm her racing pulse.

Catherine laughed lightly, "Oh come on Sar, it was kinda funny. Admit it." She replied throwing her friend an amused smile.

Sara glared at her as she took a seat at the kitchen counter, "Thank you." she huffed accepting the steaming cup of chamomile tea being offered.

Catherine smiled warmly at her and took up her seat next to Sara, "Sorry I can't give you anything else." She said apologetically then nodded towards her cup, "Chamomile and Herbal is all I got, well….that's not exactly true, there's coffee in the cupboard but that's off limits to us." She explained dryly, "So not fair." She huffed taking a sip from her cup and grimacing, "Ew!"

"Uh-huh!" Sara agreed placing the cup back down and pushing it away as if it were diseased, "That stuff is fowl."

Catherine chuckled, "How you doin'?" she asked looking Sara over, her eyes resting on her small bump.

Sara smiled brightly, "I'm good, really good!" she replied nodding her head, "I feel good, I'm healthy and so is he." She smiled rubbing her stomach lovingly.

Catherine smiled, "He kicked yet?" she asked and Sara shook her head 'no' "I'm sure he will soon."

"Yeah I hope so." Sara took another sip of her tea and grimaced, "Oh ew! I forgot that was chamomile."

Catherine laughed and she wordlessly finished her own, "Thank god you came over I'm going crazy here." She whined.

"Yeah I bet." Sara nodded in understanding, "I don't know how I'm gonna cope with the maternity leave."

Catherine smiled softly, "It's not so bad when the baby isn't asleep. When the twins are down I get so bored!"

Sara squinted her eyes at Catherine, "How are you doing?" she asked in concern, "After….everything? That was really close there, too close. You almost didn't…." she trailed off knowing she didn't need to continue.

"Yeah I know." Catherine cut in looking down at her hands, "I'm not surprised it happened though. Did with Lindsey so my chances were increased considerably and the fact I was having multiples only increased the risks even more." When Catherine turned back to face Sara she frowned, "Hey!" Catherine called gently, placing her hand over Sara's, "That's not going to happen to you Sara." She told her firmly, "This is your first pregnancy, your healthy, there's been no complications so far." She smiled warmly at her and squeezed her hand, "Everything's fine and it's gonna stay that way….okay?"

Sara nodded slightly and smiled gratefully at Catherine, "Thank you."

"You're welcome!" Catherine grinned widely but frowned when she noticed Sara staring at her intently, "What?"

Sara narrowed her eyes, "You're in pain." She stated plainly, "Aren't you?" her eyes demanded confirmation.

Catherine grimaced, "Yeah but it's manageable. I can't take anything for it cause I'm breast feeding." She explained.

Sara's eyebrows hit her hairline, "You are?" she asked surprised, "With twins?"

Catherine chuckled, "I'm giving them bottles but using my breast milk."

Sara laughed, "Oh! Yeah, that makes sense."

"It was the easiest way to do it. This way Warrick can help when he's here, it's not just on me….urgh!" Catherine sighed heavily as shrill cries echoed throughout the house, "Sammy's up….and so is Maya." Catherine shook her head tiredly, "She is such a daddy's girl." She mused as she pushed herself slowly up off her seat, "Can you?" she asked gesturing upstairs.

Sara followed her gaze and nodded enthusiastically, "I'd love too and I could use the practice."

"Thanks…." Catherine smiled then looked her up and down with a raised eyebrow, "….and your gonna need it."

Sara scowled, "Ha! Ha! Where is your husband anyway?" she asked just realizing that Warrick was not actually there.

"Work." Catherine breathed, "Getting some extra overtime, not that he wants to leave them and we don't exactly need the money but his case load is huge and the stress is not good for him."

Sara nodded, "Gil's exactly the same."

Catherine rolled her eyes shaking her head, "Men."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Las Vegas Nevada Crime Lab HQ

Warrick was sitting at the break room table, surrounded by crime scene photos and witness statements along with his own notes, when Nick came strolling through the door.

"Hey man!" He greeted with a smile as he made his way to their treasured coffee machine, hoping to god that he found Greg's Blue Hawaiian in the pot waiting for him.

"Hey." Warrick replied with a sigh.

Nick gave his best friend the once over, the same tired and frustrated yet determined look gracing his own features. Nick turned back to the coffee machine and poured another cup, "Here, you look like you could use one." He observed with an understanding and sympathetic smile.

Warrick looked up and smiled gratefully, "Thanks bro."

Nick nodded once, "How long you been here?" he gestured around them.

Warrick glanced at his watch and sighed, "Almost two hours." He replied grimly.

Nick made a face then gestured at the mess on the table in front of them, "How long you been at that?"

Warrick closed his eyes and sighed tiredly, "Almost two hours." He repeated and Nick laughed. Warrick chuckled too then groaned, "Aw man! Cath is gonna kill me." He cursed irritantly.

Nick nodded, "She sure is dude." He sipped his coffee, laughing at his best friends expense, "How's she doin' by the way?" he asked curiously.

Warrick shrugged, "She's alive." He answered cryptically.

Nick frowned deeply, showing his dislike towards the answer he had been given.

"She's sore and uncomfortable." Warrick elaborated, "Doctor can't give her anythin' cause we're using breast milk so…." He shrugged again, "Basically she ain't sleepin' at all. She can't get comfortable, in too much pain to do so but she ain't complaining." He concluded and smiled in admiration.

Nick smiled too, "Yeah, she's one tough lady."

Warrick nodded his agreement as he stared back down at the photos.

Nick nudged him with his foot, "Wanna talk it through with me?" he asked pointing to the case notes.

Warrick looked up, "You don't mind?" he asked not wanting to put Nick out.

Nick shook his head, "No way man. We've done it hundreds of times before." He reminded him, "Just another hour though." He advised raising an eyebrow, "Then we better get our sorry backsides' back home."

Warrick nodded with a chuckle, "Yeah, thanks Nick."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Brown Residence

Catherine and Sara were sat in the nursery both in rocking chairs. Sara held Samuel in her arms while Catherine held Maya; both infants were suckling on a bottle contently.

"Thank you Sara." Catherine said softly as she gazed down at her baby girl intently.

Sara smiled, "Oh it's my pleasure." She replied not taking her eyes off of the little boy in her arms.

Catherine looked over at her and smiled. She watched Sara silently for a few minutes before speaking again, "You're going to be a wonderful mother Sara." She informed her confidently.

Sara looked up at her, "You think so?" she asked looking back down at Samuel.

"I know so." Catherine grinned.

Sara smiled thankfully at her, "Well, here's hoping." She muttered quietly.

Catherine narrowed her eyes at her best friend, "Sara?" she called with an air of excitement to her tone.

Sara never looked up, simply replied with a, "Hmmm?"

Catherine took a deep breath, "How would you feel about being Samuel's godmother?" she asked quickly.

Sara froze mid-movement; the baby in question's tiny foot halfway up to her lips. She slowly turned her head to Catherine, "You want me to be his godmother?" she asked completely dumbfounded. Catherine nodded eagerly. Sara frowned, "Why?"

Catherine gave her a pointed look, "Because I love you and you love him and I know that you'll take great care of him if, god forbid, anything should ever happen to Warrick and I." Catherine explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Sara stared at her open mouthed and wide eyed, completely and utterly gob smacked.

Catherine looked Sara dead in the eyes, "I trust you and I know Samuel would be safe with you." she told her simply.

Sara stared a moment longer then broke out into the widest smile Catherine had ever seen on her best friends face, "I'd be honored." She whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.

Catherine smiled widely, "Yay!" she celebrated, eyes sparkling, "I was hoping you'd say 'yes'"

Sara laughed, "How could I not?" she questioned seriously, "Who's his godfather?" she asked curiously.

Catherine grinned, "Greggo." She replied happily.

Sara smiled, "Brilliant! But what about that one?" she gestured towards the beautiful baby girl on Catherine's lap.

Catherine grinned again, "Nick and Sofia." She answered excitedly.

Sara grinned too, "Perfect. Who picked who?" she asked out of curiosity.

Catherine frowned in thought, "Uh….we each picked one for each baby um….I chose Sofia and you and Warrick chose Nick and Greg." She explained, hesitated then nodded, "Yeah that's right. We would've asked Gil but he's already Lindsey's godfather so…." She shrugged and Sara nodded.

Sara looked down at the now sleeping baby boy in her arms and squealed quietly, "This is so exciting!"

Catherine laughed overjoyed that her friend was so delighted to be asked of something this important.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Las Vegas Nevada Crime Lab HQ

"Hey Nick." Warrick called as he poured another cup of coffee for them both.

"Yeah?" Nick asked keeping his eyes on the photos.

Warrick walked back over to the table and sat Nick's cup mug down in front of him, "Cath and I were wonderin' if you'd be Maya's godfather?" he asked his friend casually then taking a gulp of his coffee.

Nick froze, coffee cup mid-way to his mouth, "What?" he asked completely taken aback.

Warrick smiled and repeated slowly, "Will. You. Be. Maya's. Godfather."

Nick broke out into his infamous Texan grin, "Hell yeah man!" he exclaimed shaking Warricks hand.

"Yeah?" Warrick echoed shaking back.

Nick nodded, "Rick I'd be honored."

Warrick nodded with a smile and gulped down his coffee.

"Hey Rick?" Nick called looking up with interest, "Who's her godmother?"

Warrick grinned, "Your wife." He answered then added, "Hopefully, Catherine's gonna ask her this afternoon."

Nick smiled happily, "What about Sam?"

"Uh…." Warrick laughed "….Sara and Greg."

Nick laughed too, "No way! Greg?"

Warrick nodded, "Yeah, I picked him. Greg's a good man, he's grown up a lot over the years and he's done a lot of brave, all be it stupid, things." He chuckled, "But I trust him and I'm proud of him and I know I'm not the only one." He raised his eyebrows.

Nick nodded slowly, "You asked Greg yet?"

"Asked Greg what?" Greg's voiced flowed in the room as he appeared at the doorway.

Warrick looked over and opened his mouth to answer when his cell phone began to vibrate on his hip before it chirped loudly.

"Brown." He answered out of habit holding one finger up to Greg then frowned deeply at the voice on the other end, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Cath slow down I can't….Cath!" Warrick said firmly the fear he was hearing in his wife's voice making his blood run cold.

Nick placed his coffee cup down and focused his attention on Warrick who was growing more and more concerned. Greg walked into the room and over to them.

"Cat I can't under…..Catherine!" Warrick called sternly and shook his head, "Cath! CATHERINE!" he yelled down the phone startling his friends and getting the unwanted attention from others in the lab. "I don't understand what you're…..what!?" Warrick visibly paled and he felt his hands start to tremble uncontrollably, "Where are you?" he almost whispered then nodded, "On my way." He replied tensely before snapping his cell phone closed, racing to the locker room and snatching his keys from inside then running wordlessly down the hall and out the door. Nick and Greg followed him, jumping into Nick's car and peeling out of the car park after a speeding Warrick Brown.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Brown Residence

"What's wrong?" Sara asked knowingly as she placed little Samuel in his Moses Basket carefully.

Catherine looked up at her and frowned, "What do you mean 'what's wrong'?" she asked keeping her eyes on Sara for mere seconds before they flicked back to baby Maya.

"That!" Sara exclaimed pointing her finger at Catherine, "You can't—or won't— keep your eyes off Maya for more than a couple seconds." She pointed out, her gaze scrutinizing, "And it's not just because you're a new mother who is completely in love with her new baby, it's more than that….." Sara narrowed her eyes at her best friend, "….your worried." She announced confidently.

Catherine pursed her lips together tightly, as she gingerly placed Maya in her own Moses Basket which was laced with pink ribbon.

"I….I just have a bad feeling that's all." She replied with a shake of her head. Catherine gazed down at her squirming daughter, "Something feels a little….off with her I, I can't really explain it." She looked up at Sara frowning at her silence, "I'm not being paranoid Sara." She insisted sternly.

Sara nodded her head quickly, "Oh no, I know that. I've learned never to doubt your instincts Cath." She agreed quickly as to not anger her friend, "If your gut tells you that something's not right then….it's probably not right."

Catherine bit her lip nervously watching Maya again, "I just wish I knew what it was." She muttered her tone frustrated.

Sara smiled sympathetically at her, placing a comforting hand on Catherine's knee, "Want some tea?" she asked kindly.

Catherine shook her head 'no' still gazing at her daughter, sometimes flicking her attention to her son.

"You sure?" Sara persisted with narrowing eyes and a titled head, "Might calm some of those nerves of yours."

Catherine smiled at her, "Thanks." She said quietly as Sara walked away.

Sara entered the kitchen knowing exactly where to find what she was looking for. She flicked on the kettle and lifted down two mugs from the cupboard sneaking a glance at Catherine every now and again. Sara couldn't help but frown when she saw the concerned look that was gracing Catherine's features. 'She really does believe that something's wrong!' Sara thought to herself then observed the baby girl causing all this worry. Sara smiled; she looked perfectly fine, like any other new bon: normal. Sara sighed shaking her head lightly. She hoped to God that Catherine was only being paranoid but Sara had a sinking feeling that something horrible was about to happen it's like they always say; a mother just knows.

Sara lifted the cups from the counter top and headed back into the sitting room, "Listen Cat, if you're that worried then maybe you should just…." Sara let the rest die in her throat as she watched Catherine's face drain of all color until she was so white she was almost transparent, "Catherine?" she called walking slowly towards her friend, "Are you alright?" she asked growing increasingly agitated by Catherine's silence. Sara came to a stop beside Catherine who was staring blankly down at her daughter.

"Catherine honey what's…" Sara choked on her words as she too looked down at the baby girl. The two cups slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor and shattering loudly, sending shards of china in every direction.

"Oh god." Sara whispered, one hand over her mouth, as the shock wore off and her rational thinking kicked in Sara shook her head, clearing her mind, "Oh god!" she cried louder whirling around and snatching up the house phone as Catherine continued to stare down, unblinking and motionless, at her baby girl.

"911 operator. How may I direct your call?" the soft female voice asked from down the line.

Sara opened her mouth to reply but the words were lost before they reached her lips. She took a deep calming breath before she tried again, "Uh….yes I need, I need an ambulance please. Now!" Sara all but yelled down the phone as Samuels startled screams filled the dead silence of the now cold room.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Desert Palm Hospital

Warrick Brown rushed down the corridor of the 6th floor children's ward with numerous scenarios racing through his mind, each one more terrifying than the last. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest that it hurt, his mouth was dry and his breathing heavy.

"CATHERINE!" He yelled spotting his wife up ahead, although this did nothing to calm is nerves as she looked worse than he felt.

Catherine spun on her heels upon hearing her name and sighed in relief at the sight of her husband, "Warrick." she whimpered throwing herself into his arms and he, of course, caught her easily.

"Catherine." He breathed holding her close to him, their contact a much needed comfort, "What's going on?" he questioned warily, "You call me in hysterics, telling me to meet you at Desert Palm children's' ward and I…." he shook his head, "Is it Lindsey?" he asked swallowing the lump in his throat just at the thought of it.

Catherine pulled back shaking her head, "No." she replied quietly, "And we're on the wrong floor, I thought it would be this one but…." She rambled shaking her head sharply at her mistake then looked up at him, "We need to go up to maternity." She stated simply then turned in the direction of the elevators without another word.

Warrick stared at her quizzically then shook himself from his stupor, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back to him, "What the hell are you talkin' about Cat?" he demanded growing impatient in his panic, "You're not makin' sense!"

Catherine stared at him blankly, flicking from his face to his hand around her wrist before she answered, "NICU." her voice steady and void of any kind of emotion. Catherine contemplated her answer for a moment before she nodded once and headed back to the elevator, Warrick's grasp on her loosening.

Warricks frown deepened as his confusion regarding the situation increased ten-fold, "What the….?" He whispered to himself.

"Neonatal Intensive Care Unit." Sara said calmly, placing a comforting hand on Warricks back, "Remember? They went there after they were born." She prodded.

"Yeah." Warrick nodded slowly, "Yeah, I remember uh…." He looked over at her, "….which one?" he asked, his voice catching at the end, referring to his two new babies.

Sara pursed her lips together in a thin line and squeezed his hand then side stepped. Warrick stared at his beautiful, happy and very obviously healthy baby boy who was squirming around in his mosses basket, his face portraying no emotion.

"Maya." He whispered a petrified look crossing his features.

Sara jerked her head in the direction of the elevator where Catherine's was currently having an increasingly frustrating battle with it, "Go." she ordered her voice soft and kind, "I'll watch him." She assured then gave Warrick a promising look, "He's fine. Go."

Warrick nodded, gazing at his son for the longest time, before reluctantly tearing himself away to join Catherine in the elevator.

Sara sighed heavily and closed her eyes. Samuel released a sharp cry for attention which Sara gladly offered to him, delaying her trip to the NICU section for as long as possible. "Hey there, little boy." She cooed gently tickling his cheek, "How you doin' huh?" she asked and he whimpered, his tiny hand curling around her finger. "I know." Sara nodded a pained smile gracing her saddened features as she carefully lifted him into her arms, "I'm worried too but your sister's gonna be okay." She said determinedly, "The doctors are going to make her all better and she'll be back home with you before you know it." She assured the small infant then laughed at herself, "I feel silly." She told him with a lopsided grin, "You don't understand a word I'm saying do you?" she asked and Samuel stayed quiet, gazing up at her intently. Sara wrinkled her nose, "I didn't think so."

"Sara?" Nick's voice called out to her as he and Greg approached her looking tense and confused.

"What the hell is going on?" Greg asked with a deep frown, "Warricks end of the conversation made no sense. We just followed him here." He explained hurriedly, "Almost died doin' so." He complained quietly.

"Lucky we didn't lose him, at the speed he was goin'." Nick added looking less than impressed.

Sara stared somberly at them, "Maya's sick." She said bluntly and both men froze.

"What?" Nick questioned, "Sick how?"

Sara shrugged, "I have no idea." She admitted looking grim, "One minute she was fine and the next….she wasn't breathing."

"What!?" Greg spun on his heels to face her, "She stopped….?"

Sara nodded, "Rick and Cath are up in the NICU ward as we speak but I'm…." Sara laughed bitterly feeling slightly ashamed, "I'm too afraid to go up." She looked at them with tears in her eyes, silently cursing the pregnancy hormones for turning her into a blubbering wreck compared the normally calm and composed façade she put on.

Nick sighed and sat beside her, "C'mere." He pulled her into his arms making sure he didn't crush the baby boy resting against her chest, although Sara refused to let her tears fall. "We need to." Nick pointed out calmly, "They're gonna need us if….." he trailed off looking at Greg who nodded.

"I'll call Grissom and Brass." He told them moving back out towards the doors, "I'm sure they'll let the girls know and I'm gonna go wait at the entrance." He said walking away then turned back sharply, "NICU is up in Maternity right?"

Nick and Sara both nodded and watched him walk away before Sara looked up at Nick and asked, "Can we wait here for the others?" she asked with a hint of pleading in her voice, "Before we go up…."

Nick clenched his jaw and nodded, "Sure." then looked down at his nephew who was now snoozing soundly in Sara's arms.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Desert Palm Hospital - NICU Ward

"Warrick please sit down." Catherine asked calmly from her seat across from the doors that held the room in which her baby girl was being treated in.

Warrick shook his head and continued to pace up and down the corridor, "Can't." he replied shortly then went silent again.

Catherine sighed heavily and dropped her head, picking at her cuticles nervously. She sneaked a sideways glance at Warrick, clenched her fists irritantly and shot him a dirty look, "Will you please sit down." She repeated through gritted teeth looking straight ahead.

Warrick turned to face his wife and saw her clenched fists and set jaw, he knew she was irritated by his pacing but didn't really care and continued on as if she hadn't said a word, this of course would shift her irritation into anger but Warrick didn't care about that either.

Catherine clenched her fists tighter and took a calming deep breath as Warrick continued with his irritating pacing and tried to ignore him the way he was so obviously ignoring her. That fact made Catherine even angrier. 'He's mad at me!' Catherine thought to herself and she had no idea why he would be but she knew that he was. Warrick never looked her in the eyes when he was angry with her and he hadn't since they left the elevator, 'In fact, he hasn't looked at me at all!' Catherine's anger continued to build with every step he took as they seemed to be getting louder and louder.

"What the hell is taking them so long!?" Warrick snapped suddenly jolting Catherine from her thoughts.

"They're trying to help Maya, Warrick." Catherine replied swallowing the new wave of anger that coursed through her at the sound of his voice.

Warrick spun, "I know that Catherine." He replied tersely, looking past her not at her, "You would think they'd send someone out to explain to the parents what the hell is going on!" he stated voice rising with each word.

"Yelling about it is not going to change anything Warrick!" Catherine snapped back, some of her well contained anger seeping through. "Just sit down already!"

Warricks features hardened, jaw set and muscles tense as a thought occurred to him, "What happened Catherine?" he commanded darkly.

Catherine shivered involuntarily at the tone of his voice, "What do you mean 'what happened'?" she answered his question with one of her own first, "One minute she was fine, the next she stopped breathing, I've told you this already."

Warrick continued to stare past her head, "Were you watching her?" he asked coolly.

Catherine's mouth dropped and she slowly turned her head in his direction, "What the hell do you mean by that Warrick?"

Anger flashed in Warricks eyes as he answered, "Babies don't just 'stop' breathing Catherine." He replied simply but his tone held nothing but accusation.

Catherine scoffed and rose from her seat, slowly making her way over to stand in front of him. Her eyes hardened, growing darker and more guarded. She looked up at his now cold eyes and forced him to meet her stony gaze, "Are you blaming me for this?" she questioned incredulously yet her voice remained dangerously low.

Warrick held her gaze strong and steady, "You were the only one with her Catherine." He replied his voice just as cold as his eyes.

Catherine eyes narrowed instantly and she glared at him hard, if looks could kill Warrick would have dropped dead at her feet, "How. Dare. You." she growled an unbelievable anger overtaking her, "How dare you put this on me!" she exclaimed the anger slowly giving way to the hurt, the remainder of her pregnancy hormones making it near impossible to hold onto any form of anger for very long.

Warrick looked unfazed, "What the hell else am I supposed to think Catherine?" he asked her, anger dripping from his voice as that seemed to be his only emotion as of now.

Catherine inhaled sharply and felt tears spring to her eyes, "You really…..have that little faith in me?" she asked him quietly, the sheer amount on hurt in her voice immeasurable. Warrick remained silent and Catherine choked back a sob, determined not to let him see her cry, see that he had made her cry. "You son of a bitch." She snarled glaring at him with a shocking amount of hate, "YOU SON OF A BITCH!" she yelled this time taking a huge step forward so she invaded his personal space and was pressed up against him, "I am a good mother! How dare you try to make me think otherwise!" she cried pointing a finger at him accusingly, "You have no right to accuse me of hurting our child and that is EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE DOING!" she screamed before he could deny it slamming her hands against his solid chest as she did. "You better stay the hell away from me do you hear? I will not stand by and let you disrespect me like that. I am your wife! Not some suspect to interrogate and accuse." She seethed, her voice shaking with anger.

Warrick stared at his wife in astonishment which quickly moved onto fury, "How dare you speak to me that way!" he reprimanded loudly, his voice full of authority.

Catherine stared at him in disbelief, "Seriously? SERIOUSLY!" she exclaimed, "How dare I speak to you….." she trailed off laughing bitterly looking around her then drawing her gaze back to his saying, her voice venomous, "You have got to be kidding me."

Warrick took a deep breath and folded his arms across his chest defensively, "You should have been watching her." He insisted firmly, "If you had been, you would have noticed that something was wrong and she wouldn't be in there FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE!"

Catherine jumped back slightly at his volume. Her hands were shaking and her heart broke at the cold and callous look in her once loving husband's eyes. 'He really blames me for this!' she thought brokenly and the thought shattered her heart, knowing now that her own husband didn't trust her, for whatever reason, with their children just about destroyed her.

Catherine looked into his eyes, her own filled with unshed tears ready to overflow, "You really don't trust me with them….do you?"

Warrick remained silent, but his stance wavered when he looked into her eyes and saw the hurt and tears within them, both of which he had caused. Warricks heart constricted as he realized the gravity of his accusations and the pain his words had inflicted upon the best thing that had ever happened to him. He knew he hadn't meant a single word: he was just scared, the fear causing him to lash out at the one he loved the most. "Catherine." He almost whispered, his voice suddenly hoarse and shaky.

Catherine shook her head and took a step back, hands held up in front of her with a look of complete and utter despair.

The damaged couple stared at each other, both reeling from the previous events and hurtful words said between them, both so consumed by their own thoughts and feelings that neither one noticed their family members approaching from behind Warrick, neither of them hearing their names being called. All they could hear were the words the other had spoken and all they could do was stare.

Warrick stepped towards Catherine who immediately stepped back, he reached out to touch her and she shook her head.

"Don't touch me." She ordered, her voice cracking. Warrick could see that she was shaking and her eyes were wide in fear, fear of him. He tried again but this time didn't give her a chance to resist. He grabbed her left arm, pulling her closer to him and opened his mouth to speak but she got there first.

"I told you not to touch me." Catherine growled as she struggled to free herself from his grasp, "Let go." but he didn't. Catherine jerked her arm but he was considerably stronger than she was, "Get your hands off me. Warrick…..let go!" Catherine hadn't even realized she had raised her hand until it connected with his face, making the most painful sounding smack she had ever heard.

Warrick froze as Catherine's right hand made contact with the left side of his face but it wasn't until he looked at her horror stricken face that he realized she had slapped him….and hard. Catherine was rigid in his hold and her breath had caught in her throat, where she let it stay, her right hand now covering her mouth in shock at her own actions. Warrick clenched his jaw against the searing pain that had engulfed the left side of his face.

Sara, Grissom, Nick, Greg, Sofia and Brass stared at the couple in stunned silence as they tried to swallow what had just played out in front of them. They continued to stare as Catherine stumbled out of Warricks hold and backed away from him, as Warrick himself brought a hand up to his burning cheek that was visibly red now, their eyes locked on one another, the silence deafening.

Sofia leaned closer to Sara and asked, "What the hell was that?!" her voice hushed.

Sara shook her head slowly, still staring in disbelief at the couple now standing feet apart, backs turned to each other.

"What in the world was that about?" Grissom asked, voice demanding as he switched his gaze from one to the other.

Warrick remained silent, staring at the door and making no attempt at explaining himself.

Catherine on the other hand was much more verbal, "Oh that?" she questioned, voice dripping with sarcasm and false cheer as the anger resurfaced, "That was nothing, Warrick was just ever so kindly putting me in my place." She answered cattily, "He decided that now, while we're waiting to find out if our baby is dead, was the time to let me know exactly how he really feels about me." She turned to face her long-time friend with a fake smile, "Don't worry about it." Catherine muttered walking towards Sara and taking her son, smiling gratefully at her best friend, "Thank you Sara." She said quietly but the sincerity was evident in her eyes.

Sara smiled back, "It was my pleasure. That boy is an angel."

Catherine forced a small chuckle, "Let's just hope he stays that way."

Sara decided to test the waters, "Well, if he's anything like his father…." She stopped mid-speech as Catherine's whole body visibly tensed just at the mention of Warrick and Sara hadn't even said his name.

Sara and Sofia traded worried glances before Sofia cleared her throat purposefully, "What the hell happened between the two of

you?!" she asked bluntly looking Catherine in the eye.

Catherine shrugged and Sofia could see the tears threatening to overflow as she whispered, "I really don't know."

Sofia frowned in concern and wrapped her arms around Catherine's shoulders tightly, Catherine instantly leaning into her and resting her head against Sofia's while Sara reached out and squeezed her arm.

"Rick?" Nick called gently patting his best friend on the shoulder lightly. Warrick turned to him slightly. "You alright?"

Warrick shook his head dejectedly, looking ashamed. "I really messed up Nick." He admitted quietly.

Nick frowned, "What you do Rick?"

Warrick looked over at Catherine, Nick followed his gaze, and sighed heavily, "I don't know what came over me man." Warrick continued, "It was like I, I lost control of myself or somethin'." He sighed again with a shake of his head, "I hurt her bad Nick." He told him looking up to meet Nick's curious gaze, "I hurt her and I don't know if I can fix it."

Nick studied his friend closely noticing the despair that washed over him and the pain and regret in his eyes. Nick placed a hand on his shoulder, "You never know until you try." He told him encouragingly.

Warrick nodded but remained unconvinced. His eyes travelled to his wife and felt a stab of pain in his heart. Warrick took a deep breath, steeling himself then walked towards her. He cleared his throat and Catherine's eyes snapped open, meeting his with a hard look. Warrick exhaled sharply, feeling his own anger resurface, "How is he?" he forced out and Catherine smiled against her will.

"He's perfect." She replied, her voice soft and gentle as she gazed down at her baby boy. Warrick smiled too and stroked his cheek. Catherine looked up at her husband inconspicuously and felt an overwhelming need to be wrapped in his arms. "Here." She said quietly passing her gargling son to his father.

Warrick smiled at her, "Thank you." he searched for her eyes again but she refused to look at him, instead kept her eyes fixed on their son. Warrick sighed and looked down at his beautiful boy, a sad smile gracing his features. He looked at Catherine, her features the same and he knew they were both thinking about the same thing: Maya.

"Mr. and Mrs. Brown?" a kind female voice asked from behind them.

Warrick and Catherine turned slowly to face it, "Yes." Warrick answered warily.

The woman, in dark blue scrubs with deep red hair twisted up into a bun, smiled pleasantly at them, "Hi. My name is Dr. Ronston." She stuck out her hand, which Catherine shook politely, "I'm treating your daughter."

Catherine forced a smile but she was sure it came out as more of a grimace, "Hi. I'm Catherine and this is my husband Warrick." she indicated to him and he nodded as a greeting.

Dr. Ronston smiled again, "Nice to meet you. I'm happy to say that we have managed to stabilize your daughter for the moment." She told them happily and both Warrick and Catherine released a breath both were fully aware they had been holding.

"What's wrong with her?" Warrick asked, seeing the question in his wife's eyes.

Dr. Ronston's lips formed a tight line and she paused, "Well, when you're daughter was born she had difficulty breathing on her own correct?" she asked and they both nodded, "That was because she had a very mild case of Respiratory Distress Syndrome or RDS. Your doctor at the time was, luckily, able to stimulate her lungs enough for her to breathe sufficiently on her own until they transferred her to the NICU where they treated her for a short period of time." Dr. Ronston explained slowly so they would understand.

Catherine shook her head, "I'm, I'm not sure I understand uh….are you telling us that Maya has this….RDS thing again?" she asked.

Dr. Ronston nodded, "Yes, only a more severe case than it was before." She informed them neutrally.

Warrick and Catherine's hearts sank. Warrick clutched it son tighter and unconsciously wrapped a supportive arm around his wife's waist, who in turn lent into him as close as she could, taking her son's tiny hand into her own.

"We are currently running various test to determine the real severity of her condition and are assisting your daughter through supplemental oxygen until, the results come back." Dr. Ronston paused to observe the parents in front of her. She could clearly see the fear written all over their faces, "Maya is doing her very best to breathe without any assistance but her lungs just aren't strong enough to withstand such a demanding activity as of right now." She explained further hoping to quash at least some of their fears by letting them know how hard their baby was fighting.

Warrick cleared his throat looking up from the baby boy in his arms, "Is this condition…..can it, can it be fatal?" he forced himself to asked the lingering question, the most terrifying. Catherine gripped his hand that rested on her hip tightly, digging her nails in.

Dr. Ronston looked at them both sympathetically, "Yes, I'm afraid it can." She answered honestly and Catherine whimpered, closing her eyes tightly. Warrick's eyes too slipped closed and his throat went painfully dry. Dr. Ronston saw these reactions and immediately offered some much needed reassurance, "That is only in extreme cases, which I do not believe that your daughter is." she told them confidently, "If she had been more pre-mature than I would be advising you to prepare for that particular outcome but she was not, so her chances of survival drastically increase. I am confident that she will recover fully from this with the right course of treatment but…" she paused to make sure they had absorbed that information, "….again, I cannot be certain until her results are back."

"When, when will that be?" Grissom asked stepping forward as his friends seemed to be frozen in unimaginable fear.

Dr. Ronston sighed quietly, "As soon as possible." She answered vaguely.

Anticipating this answer, Grissom nodded and smiled at her gratefully.

"I should get back now." Dr. Ronston signaled behind her, "I will inform you of the results as soon as I know them myself and we will discuss the best course of treatment for little Maya from there." She added with a kind smile.

Warrick nodded and she turned back in the direction of the unit until Catherine stopped her. "Can we see her?" she pleaded.

Dr. Ronston sent her a regretful smile, "I'm sorry." She replied shaking her head, "Not yet….for right now, all you can do is sit tight and hope for the best." She advised them gently, "I'm sorry."

"Thank you doctor." Grissom spoke up again, shaking her hand before she retreated back behind the double doors.

Catherine sighed heavily and looked down at her and Warrick's entwined hands resting on her waist. She stared at them for several long seconds before she pulled herself from him and walked several feet away, arms folded tightly across her chest.

Warrick sighed, his shoulders sagging and his head dropping to his chest, he had never felt so distanced from Catherine in all the years he had known her, well maybe when she discovered his marriage to Tina could rival this but that didn't matter right then, what did matter was that it was all his fault.

"How long has it been?" Catherine asked Nick for the hundredth time.

"An hour." He replied with a kind smile, "Ya know, if you pace any longer your gonna fall through the floor." He told her lightly.

Catherine stopped, turned to him and laughed loudly, "Thank you Nicky." She said laughing still, "I don't really know why I'm laughing though. I mean, this isn't really the sort of situation that calls for laughter of any kind…" she trailed off laughing harder than before.

Nick watched her in concern, giving her the strangest look Catherine had ever received from him, which of course made her laugh even harder. Nick turned to Warrick who was watching his wife with furrowed eyebrows. Warrick stood slowly, recognizing that specific laugh and walked towards her. Catherine watched him come closer and tried to stop so she could remain angry at him but the closer he got the harder that became. Warrick came to a stop in front of her and just stood there, waiting. Catherine looked him in the eyes until her laughter eventually turned into fitful sobs. Warrick closed his eyes, and having anticipated this reached out and pulled her into his chest. Catherine clung to him tightly, their previous fight temporarily forgotten in the face of possible tragedy. Warrick stroked her hair in a soothing motion and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm sorry baby." He whispered against her head and Catherine cried harder, "I am so sorry. I was a jerk, worse than a jerk I was a total ass and I didn't mean a single word." He assured her firmly, "I'm scared, as much as I hate to admit it, and for some reason that fear made me lash out at you. I, I can't explain it and I don't know why but….but what I do know is that I love you honey, so much and you are not to blame here. I can't stand fighting with you, this distance I….I need you. Please forgive me?" he begged, his own tears building behind his eyelids.

Catherine nodded her head against his chest, pushed herself back, placed her hands on either side of his face and brought his mouth down to hers desperately for a long kiss. "You hurt me Warrick." she whispered against his lips, tears still falling, "You really hurt me." She repeated her voice breaking at the end.

Warrick nodded this time, "I know." He whispered back, "It hurt me too." He told her quietly.

Catherine kissed him again, "I love you too." She told him shakily, "But if you ever do that to me again….." she trailed off letting the threat hand in the air heavily.

Warrick shook his head, "I won't" he promised then pulled her back into his arms, holding her close and tight.

Sara smiled from her seat beside Grissom. He drew her closer and kissed the side of her head. Sara leaned into him and sighed.

"I can't even begin to imagine what they're going through." She whispered, hands resting protectively across her stomach.

Grissom said nothing, merely kissed her head again and placed his own hands on her stomach, "She'll be fine. You heard the doctor."

Sara nodded once, "Yes but that doesn't make the suffocating fear go away Gil. Can you imagine if that was our son in there?"

Gil chuckled despite himself, "Well, considering we haven't met him yet, no I cannot."

Sara whacked his arm, "This is no time for jokes Gil!" she scolded in disappointment.

Grissom swallowed another chuckled, "I know, I'm sorry." He apologized quickly searching her eyes for forgiveness. Sara watched him closely, nodded once and rested her head on his shoulder. Grissom smiled, his eyes travelling to the distraught face of his best friend. Grissom sighed, he wanted to comfort Catherine but he wasn't really sure how to do that, he was never the best when it came to dealing with emotions, recognizing them? Yes but not acting on them, Catherine had always teased him about that but he could tell that she really hated that specific character flaw of his at certain times…..times like these.

Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around her husband's waist and laid her head against his chest. She closed his eyes and breathed in his scent contently. The voice in the back of her mind whispering quietly, reminding her of the words he had said out of anger and the ones she had fired right back. Catherine squeezed her eyes tight at the memory, banishing it from her mind. They hardly ever fought with one another, the odd disagreement every now and again, an argument here and there but they were always about the stupidest of

things but this…..this one was huge, it was painful and it was damaging. Scares were definitely left in its wake, that couldn't be denied.

"Warrick?" Catherine called quietly, not lifting her head from its current position.

"Yeah?" he answered voice husky and deep and she felt it judder through his chest.

Catherine hesitated, listening to his heart beat loudly in her ear, in time with her own. She bit her lip and took a breath, "What if…..what if she….?" She shook her head against him unable to say the words aloud, thinking them proving painful enough.

Warrick shook his head, knowing where this was headed, "She won't." he told her firmly, his arms tightening unconsciously around her.

Catherine frowned trying to pull back but his hold was too strong and his arms tightened further, rendering her immobile, "But she might Warrick." she insisted, tears welling in her eyes, her heart aching at the thought of losing her baby girl so soon. Catherine sighed shaking her head slowly, "It's not fair Warrick." she whispered.

Warrick closed her eyes and kissed her forehead, "No, it's really not." His eyes snapped open as a sudden thought came to him, "This isn't our fault Catherine." He said calmly loosening his hold in order to look into her eyes, what he found there enough to spark the need to enforce it. "Hey?" Warrick called taking her face in his hands, "This is not your fault Catherine." He said firmly, "You understand me? This is not your fault." He repeated his voice stern and full of conviction. "Do not blame yourself."

Catherine avoided his eyes as the tears fell and bit down on her lip to keep the sobs at bay. She drew in a shuddering breath before even attempting to reply, "Then, then why do I feel so guilty?" she choked out looking over at the doors keeping her daughter from her.

"Oh baby." Warrick breathed, his hand snaking around the back of her neck and pulling her against him as heart wrenching sobs shook her small frame. "I don't know why you feel guilty honey but I do know that it's misplaced guilt." He explained to her slowly, his voice holding a certain quiver as he spoke, "You did not cause this. You did everything right. This is just….well, it's just bad luck." He said helplessly as she cried into his shirt, "Ssshh. It's gonna be okay. Maya's gonna be okay. Ssshh…."

Catherine and Warrick were seated together on the highly uncomfortable plastic chairs along with the remainder of the family. Sara had left and gone home to rest as she needed to take care of herself and her own baby. Sara, of course, had objected loudly to the idea after her husband had suggested it but had been ordered sternly by her best friend to go home and get some sleep. Sara, being as stubborn as she is, had entered into a staring competition with Catherine, who was in no mood to lose, and had eventually caved under her friends steely glare. Catherine promised to call as soon as they had any news. The men, minus Warrick, had been forced to leave in order to start their shifts at PD and the Lab, Ronnie going to fill in for an extremely grateful Warrick. The remaining congregation consisted of: Warrick, Catherine, Lily, Lindsey, Sofia, Wendy and of course baby Samuel. Lindsey was currently lying across several chairs, her head on Wendy's lap, while Sofia sat close to a clearly troubled Lily and Warrick and Catherine sat lost in their own thoughts, allowing the panic and fear to render them both mute.

Lily looked over at her sleeping granddaughter then down at her slumbering grandson, "Maybe I should take them home?" Lily questioned turning to Sofia for her opinion. Sofia jerked slightly at the sound of the older woman's voice, her eyes darted between the two in question before she nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah, that might be a good idea."

Lily nodded once and opened her mouth to speak when the doctor from earlier came into sight and she froze. Sofia turned her head and sucked in a sharp breath.

"Mr. and Mrs. Brown?" Dr. Ronston called for their attention as she walked down the corridor towards them. Warrick and Catherine instantly shot out of their seats, striding forwards to meet her. Wendy gently and slowly attempted to rouse Lindsey from her sleep as Lily and Sofia, who had hoisted a slumbering Samuel onto her shoulder, followed Warrick and Catherine hesitantly.

"Is she okay?" Catherine asked desperately as soon as the doctor was within earshot, "Is my baby okay?" she asked again and Warrick would have been slightly troubled by her use of the word 'my' if it weren't for the hand that clung to his painfully tight.

Warrick gave it a gentle squeeze signaling to Catherine that she should back off and allow the doctor to speak. Catherine sucked in a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly then looked back at the doctor, eyes pleading for answers: good or bad.

Dr. Ronston smiled gratefully at Warrick but her eyes held nothing but understanding, "I have your daughters test results." She informed them getting straight to the point, "They show that Maya has an insufficient amount of surfactant in her lungs. Surfactant is the substance that coats the air sacs in the lungs, preventing them from becoming stiff." She paused to make sure that all

persons present were following what she was saying and was pleased to find that they were, even the young girl looked as if she understood somewhat. Dr. Ronston turned her attention to Catherine.

Warrick glanced down at his wife and found her gazing up at him with increasing concern etched into her features, something he was certain was mirrored on his own. He tugged on her hand, pulling her closer and kissed the top of her head as they waited for the doctor to continue.

"Catherine…." Dr. Ronston continued and Catherine jumped slightly at the sound of her name, "….from your medical history I can see that your OBGYN administered a dose of corticosteroid in an attempt to speed up Maya's production of surfactant while she was still in the womb." She looked at Catherine for an answer.

Catherine blinked and shook her head sharply, "I don't, I don't really remember I was, in a lot of pain so I…." She trailed off and the other woman nodded her understanding.

"Well, she did and it worked a little just not enough which is why your daughter was unable to breathe on her own upon exiting the womb. Maya's blood work also shows a very low level of oxygen in the blood stream and her chest x-rays were abnormal, which are consistent symptoms of her condition, it also explains the blue tinge to her skin." She informed them clearly.

"So….what does that mean?" Sofia asked from behind Catherine before either of her friends could get the words out.

"Yeah um….how, how do you treat this?" Wendy joined in from her spot next to Sofia, one arm wrapped around Lindsey's shoulders, the young girl chewing on her bottom lip nervously.

Warrick frowned and his heart faltered as an unwanted possibility entered his mind, "You are able to do something right?" he asked cautiously, Catherine's hand tightening further around his at the question. "It's not too late to….save her is it?" Warrick forced out.

Dr. Ronston shook her head, "No, no it's not too late." She assured them with a pleased smile.

Wendy sighed in relief and squeezed Warricks arm comfortingly then wrapped her arms around Lindsey as the young girl buried her head in her Aunt's chest, crying softly out of happiness and exhaustion.

Sofia smiled brightly and rubbed a comforting hand down Catherine's back and planted a kiss to Samuels head before throwing one arm around an extremely relieved Lily.

Warrick and Catherine merely continued to stare intently at the doctor, hanging onto her every word.

"We have started a course of treatments: a direct line of surfactant into her windpipe is being administered, which will replace what surfactant she is missing and she has also been placed on a ventilator to feed oxygen to her lungs while they recover. The discoloration to the skin is decreasing rapidly already." Dr. Ronston explained slowly and carefully. She smiled at the parents and concluded with a promise, "I do believe that within a day or two at the least little Maya will be as good as new and you can take her home again."

Warrick looked to the floor as he released a long and shaky breath, his lips turning up at the corners, relief washing over him slowly.

Catherine exhaled sharply, her head falling forwards, hands on her hips as she bit her lip in an attempt to stop the tears while she shook her head slowly. Warrick scrubbed a hand over his face then shot a forced smile at the doctor while he shook her hand, "Thank you, thank you so much." his voice dripping with gratitude and thanks.

Dr. Ronston smiled pleasantly at him as she returned the gesture, "It was my pleasure Mr. Brown. I'll send a nurse for you as soon as you are able to see her." She promised, nodded at the remaining women and squeezed Catherine's arm before she strode off in the direction that she came from.

Warrick closed his eyes and dropped his head back to the ceiling with a heavy sigh. He took a calming breath as he fought against the tyrant of emotions coursing through his veins at that moment in time ranging from relief to pure exhaustion. He forced his eyes open and looked down at his wife whose eyes were clamped tightly shut, head still down and moving from side to side and Warrick was slightly concerned that she might draw blood from how hard she was biting down on her lip. He opened his mouth to call her name but his voice failed him so instead he rubbed his hand across her back up to her neck and twisted her body into his, holding her.

Catherine squeezed her eyes shut fighting against the avalanche of emotions that threatened to bury her as she listened to Warrick thank the doctor. She knew that she probably should too but just couldn't bring herself to move, to even breathe so she just stood there shaking her head and biting her lip so hard she was certain she could taste the metallic tang of blood. Catherine felt Warrick's eyes on her, then his strong touch stretch across her back to her neck and the next thing she was pulled flush against his chest. Catherine's faced collided with his solid muscles and she pushed herself into him further, attempting to escape. His hand stayed at her neck while his other moved over her lower back to wrap around her waist and hold her firm. When she felt completely secure in his embrace the sobs that had been building in her chest exploded out and engulfed her already sore and exhausted body as she gripped onto him tightly.

Warrick closed his eyes and buried his face in his wife's hair when her small and fragile frame began to shake violently in his arms, her own arms tightening around his waist as she cried into his chest, he allowed his own tears to fall slowly, hidden in her golden locks.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Months Later

Catherine Willows-Brown groaned loudly as the she was pulled from a peaceful sleep by the violent chirp of their house phone. She nudged Warrick who merely grunted and rolled over muttering something unintelligible. Catherine sighed, elbowed her husband sharply, then rolled over and snatched the phone from its cradle.

"Hello?" she greeted, voice heavy and hoarse from sleep. Catherine yawned quietly as she attempted to focus on the voice on the other line and frowned when she was unable to make out a single word. Catherine squinted her eyes as she enhanced her level of concentration, "Gil?" she questioned after several seconds, "Gil is that you I….I don't understand what you're…." Catherine fell silent as her friend took a breath and started all over again. "She's what?!" Catherine exclaimed a little too loudly, eyes bulging, "Oh, okay….Yes that—GIL!" she hissed, "You need to calm down!" she ordered slowly, "Take a deep breath, grab her bag from the top shelf of your closet, get Sara to the car and take her to the hospital okay?" she asked and received silence in return, "Gil are you nodding?" she questioned as Warrick stirred beside her, propping himself up on his elbows and looking at her with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. Catherine bit back a chuckle, "Okay….No I, I don't mind….Gil it's fine, now stop talking to me and get your wife to the hospita before she gives birth right there in your living room…..Yes I'll meet you there….I already said I don't mind…..Yeah, see you soon…." Catherine rolled her eyes and laughed, "You're welcome Gil." She responded then hung up.

Warrick rubbed his face to clear the cobwebs and ran his other hand up and down Catherine's back, "What's goin' on babe?"

Catherine sighed, threw off the covers and pushed herself out of bed, "Sara's in labor." She replied before disappearing into the on suite, leaving a smiling Warrick behind her.

"Finally." He cried, flopping back down onto the bed, "What is she now? 10 days overdue?" he asked uncertain.

Catherine nodded her head, "Yup. Poor thing." She replied from inside the bathroom, "Any longer and she would have lost her mind." Catherine poked her head out the door, a sly smirk plastered across her face, "You…." She pointed at him, "…..owe me 50 bucks."

Warrick chuckled, shaking his head, "Yeah." He agreed begrudgingly, "Damn."

"Damn right." Catherine chuckled as she sauntered back into their bedroom in her bra and panties. She threw open the closet and pulled out her comfiest pair of hip-hugging jeans and a white tank top. Pulling on her jeans she glanced at her husband who was watching her intently from the bed. Catherine smirked as she pulled on the top and walked back over to him. "He asked me to meet them there since I don't gotta work." She informed him, "Can you handle the kids?" she asked and he nodded his head, "Alright." She smiled and leaned down, planting a soft yet lingering kiss to his lips, "I love you and I promise to keep you well informed."

Warrick nodded, "Tell Sara good luck, Gris too," he added with an amused yet sympathetic smile and kissed her again.

"Will do." Catherine promised as she slipped out of the room and quietly down the stairs, grabbing her cell phone, purse, jacket, keys, and slipped quietly out the door.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Desert Palm Hospital

'Knock! Knock!' The door to room 118 opened slowly and Catherine entered as quietly as she could, "Hi!" she grinned over at the smiling couple sitting on the bed.

"Hi" Sara whispered back as she cradled a bundle of blue in her arms, "Come in. Come in."

Catherine slipped in the rest of the way and closed the door gently behind her, "Hi. Is this him?" she asked walking towards the bed, her eyes on the blue bundle. Sara nodded slowly as she passed it over to her best friend. Catherine gasped at the sight, "Oh my god. He's, he's beautiful." She cooed smiling down at the sleeping baby in her arms, "How much?" she asked looking up at the proud parents.

Grissom smiled, "A healthy 8 pounds and 4 ounces." He proclaimed and Sara groaned.

Catherine smiled sympathetically at her, "Aw, you poor thing sweetie but….." she gleamed at her friend knowingly, "….it was totally worth it right?" she asked nodding down at the beautiful baby boy in her arms.

Sara followed her gaze and nodded, "Oh yeah." She answered with a contented sigh.

Catherine jerked her head in the direction of the door, "Everyone is waiting outside." She informed the glowing couple, "They respected your privacy by staying outside and by 'they' I mean the men but they are now officially fed-up." She chuckled, "They wanna meet him."

Sara sighed tiredly but still smiling and nodded her head, "Let 'em in."

Catherine smiled passing her baby boy back to her and Sara swore she heard Catherine squeal with excitement before dashing out of the room, kissing Gil's cheek as she passed.

Sara leaned back against her husband, who etched closer to her on the bed and stroked his sons' cheek in awe. Sara allowed her head to fall back against his chest and giggled, "Look what we did." She whispered gazing at her son with such love and fascination that it warmed Grissom's heart, "We made him." Sara continued, her smile widening.

Grissom nodded, "Yes we did."

Sara cocked her head to look at him, "We did good." She boasted proudly.

Grissom laughed and kissed her lips, "Yes we did." He repeated then kissed her again.

"Where is he?" an extremely excited and hyper sounding Lindsey cried as soon as she was in the door, "Oh my god!" she gasped as she caught sight of her new baby cousin snoozing in her Aunt's arms. "Oh." Lindsey smiled as she approached the bed her voice dropping several octaves as she reached them. "He is so cute!" she cooed, "Can I hold him?" she asked eagerly and Sara nodded as Grissom left the bed and she shifted slightly on it. Lindsey jumped up beside her and held out her hands. Sara placed her baby carefully in her niece's arms, "Mind his head." She warned reflexively.

Lindsey beamed down at him and giggled, "I love him already!" she cried happily and all adults present laughed, "Hi." She whispered when he blinked his eyes open and stared at her.

"Does he have a name yet?" Lily asked gazing down at what she considered to be her grandson.

Grissom and Sara nodded, "Alexander Frances Grissom." Grissom announced with a proud glimmer in his eyes, "After my father and grandfather." He elaborated while Catherine nodding knowingly.

"Okay! My turn." Wendy demanded impatiently and Lindsey rolled her eyes.

"Jeeze." She muttered looking back down at her baby cousin, "Aunt Wendy's impatience is kinda annoying sometimes Alex." She informed him, presenting him with a nickname already then passed him over to his Aunt.

Wendy grinned down at the small boy in her arms, "I'm your Aunt Wendy." She told him quietly.

"Me now." Ronnie demanded after several minutes, "Hey baby boy." She cooed giddily.

Grissom and Sara watched silently as their family met the new addition, patiently awaiting his return to them. Lily was the last to receive him and she smiled down at the baby in her arms, "Oh, you are much bigger than your cousins were." She told him with a chuckle which turned into a frown, "And much heavier too." She grunted shifting him in her arms and inciting laughter from all. Lily turned to the parents, "Does this one have a grandma?" she asked them knowingly.

Both parents shook their heads, "Not one that he'll ever meet." Sara replied sadly.

Lily nodded, "Any chance you'd mind if I filled in?" she asked quietly not taking her eyes off the baby in her arms.

Grissom smiled gratefully while Sara gawked, "You really mean that?" she asked quietly.

Lily nodded, "Well, of course dear. Every child should have a grandmother." She told them matter-of-factly.

Grissom and Sara chuckled, "We would be honored." Grissom replied, "Couldn't ask for a better one."

"Warrick?" Sara called his name and he looked up from his son's sleeping face.

"Yeah?" he replied with a smile.

Sara bit her lip nervously unsure of whether she should wait until they were alone, "How would you feel about….." she glanced at her husband who nodded encouragingly, "….about being Alexander's godfather?" she asked sheepishly.

Warrick's mouth fell open in surprise which slowly made way for pride, "I would be honored." He grinned at them and Sara sighed in relief.

"Yes. Thank you." She said sincerely just as a nurse popped her head in the door.

"Hi there." She smiled at them all.

"Hi, Tracey." Sara greeted, "What can we do for you?"

"Have you done the meet and greet yet?" Tracey asked looking at the baby in his mothers' arm. Sara nodded. "Good, cause baby G has gotta go back to the nursery now." She said regretfully, "I know it sucks but visiting hours are over and Mamma needs her rest."

Sara sighed but kissed her sons cheek, then held him out for Grissom to kiss his head before she reluctantly passed him over to the nurse who placed him in his little portable cot and headed for the door.

"Bye Alex." Lindsey called after him.

Sara turned to her husband and put her hand on his chest, "Go with him." She instructed pleadingly. Grissom looked puzzled. "Please Gil, just go with him. Make sure he gets there okay then come back." She begged.

Grissom chuckled and kissed her head, "Of course dear." He relented then made his way to the door, "Catherine?" he turned and called her name.

Catherine looked up, surprised by the sound of her name, "Yes Gil?" she asked and he gestured to the door. Catherine frowned narrowing her eyes at him curiously, "Alright." She said a little warily passing her baby girl to her godmother, kissing her husband on the lips then quickly following her best friend out of the door, closing it gently behind her.

Grissom and Catherine walked side by side behind the newest addition to their slightly unorthodox and unconventional family in a comfortable and familiar silence. The two friends watched as the small baby was placed carefully back into his cot amongst the other newborns and went quickly off to sleep.

Catherine smiled at the sleeping boy, sneaking a sideways glance at her friend to find him gazing down at his new son, the most genuine smile she had ever witnessed gracing his features and the most intense look of love in his eyes.

"You did good Gil." She praised quietly, a smirk firmly in place.

Grissom turned to his friend, not failing to notice the teasing glint in her sparkling blue eyes, "Oh really?" he asked almost warily.

Catherine nodded, "Yeah...." she asserted slowly her smirk widening as she said, "…..but mine are cuter."

Grissom laughed, shaking his head, "Of course they are." He agreed humoring her biased opinion.

Catherine laughed with him, "Naturally." She added cocking her head to the right grinning. She stared at the baby for a moment before saying, "He is so beautiful Gil." She cooed smiling softly at the infant.

Grissom nodded his head, "Yes he is."

"He's got your eyes." Catherine pointed out, nudging her friends shoulder.

Grissom shrugged, "Most babies are born with blue eyes." He informed her and she rolled her eyes at his factual nature, "They'll most likely turn brown, like Sara's."

Catherine shook her head, "Nu-uh, no way. That boys eyes are blue and they're staying blue." She countered firmly.

Grissom turned to her fully with a frown, "What makes you so sure of that Catherine?"

Catherine turned to him fully with a sincere smile, "Because his eyes are exactly the same shade of blue as yours." She told him softly, "And your eyes are beautiful…..why wouldn't he want the same?" she asked with a one shouldered shrug.

Grissom blinked in surprise at her less than subtle compliment, never one to give or receive such things well, "Thank you." He replied after several moments of silence.

Catherine smirked again, "Your welcome." and winked.

Grissom chuckled, "You know….I always get scared when I see that smirk." He informed her randomly.

Catherine raised her eyebrows as they turned back to the baby, "Oh really?" she asked and he nodded, "Why's that?"

Grissom smirked himself turning ever so slightly in her direction, "Troubles never too far behind."

Catherine laughed as he pulled her into a one armed hug, "I resent that." She exclaimed pointing a finger, "But your safe…..for now." She added with another wink and silence fell once again.

Grissom took a breath and called her name calmly, "Catherine?" unconsciously tightening his hold on her, betraying his calm façade.

Catherine blinked once looking down at his arm then back up into his eyes through his reflection in the glass window in front of them.

"Will you be—" He began but was cut off by her quick and sharp answer.

"Yes." Catherine answered immediately, grinning to herself when he smirked at her.

"You didn't even let me finish." He pointed out, "How do you know what I was going to say?" he asked turned to her intently.

Catherine smirked at him, "You were about to ask me to be Alexander's godmother, correct?" she asked smugly and Grissom blinked in surprise. Catherine chuckled, "Marriage of the minds remember." She said gesturing between them both.

Grissom chuckled with her pulling her closer and kissed her on the head in a very open act of affection.

Catherine smiled and leaned into him as silence fell once again. Catherine looked up at her best friend after several minutes, "Are you happy Gil?" she asked suddenly, the conversation taking a very serious turn.

Grissom looked down into her eyes, "Extremely." He assured her without hesitation.

Catherine smiled, "Good." She replied with a knowing glint.

"Are you happy, Catherine?" Grissom asked never breaking eye contact.

Catherine nodded once, "Extremely." She assured him then laughed.

Grissom chuckled nodding once, "Good."

'Well, was it any good? Worth the wait? Probably not lol But please review anyway, it might give me some motivation…..I hope :S

As always, your all rock stars! ;)

Rachel xo