Title: In the 'Nick' of Time

Summary: Sequel to Strength of a Woman. Nick and Sam are moving forward their family. Will someone stop it, or will they be caught in the 'nick' of time?
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the CSI characters. I do own Samantha, Nick & Sam's child, and Jackson Weaver.

A/N: I do not have all of the chapters already written up for this story, so I really don't know when or how often I will be updating this. You don't have to read Strength of a Woman to understand this, but it really is recommended. I hope you all enjoy. Please remember to read & review!

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"Nicole Joan?"

"No."

"Grace Lynn?"

"No."

Nick flips the page, trying to find a name we both agreed on for our baby. I'm about eight months along now, and we still haven't picked out a name. It's hard to believe that it's been seven months since the whole kidnapping incident. Nick wakes up every morning, and after telling the baby good morning, tells me how glad he is that he didn't lose us that day. It's like he whole mess made him think about how lucky he is and how much there was to lose.

"Sam, didn't we find out the sex of the baby so we could pick out a name?"

"Yes, Nicky, but I'm not sure about any of those. I'm a procrastinator. This is what I do best."

"Sam,"

Nick says, as if he's a five year old whining to get what he wants.

"Nicholas Stokes, you're worse than a child."

The cell phone on the table rings.

"Don't answer it, Nick. It's probably work."

"Exactly."

He answers the phone, as I sigh, showing my contempt at Nick going to work on his day off.

"Griss, this is my first day off in like a month and a half. No….of course I understand my duties. I just wanted to spend the day with my wife. No….fine. Fine, I'll be there in ten."

Nick flips the cell phone shut and slides it into his jeans pocket.

"I have to…"

"Yeah, I know the drill. You have to go to work; do I want to go with you? Yes, I do."

I reach my arms out as Nick helps pull me off the sofa. I grab my purse, while Nick puts his coat on. About ten minutes later, our 2006 black Tahoe pulls up into the crime lab parking lot. Nick goes ahead to get his assignment while I stop and get my temporary visitors badge. I give the secretary a kind smile, and then continue. Cath walks up to me giving me a big hug.

"Sweetie, you look great! I remember when I was eight months pregnant with Lindsey. I didn't look half as good as you, nor could I be as active."

"I just couldn't stand being at home any more. I'm longing for some human contact."
"Come on, then. Come talk to Sara and Greg, and everybody."

I follow Catherine down the hall into the lounge, finding items covered by a sheet.

"Mrs. Samantha Stokes,"

"Look at Greg, trying to be all professional."

"The Las Vegas Police Department crime lab would like to present you these gifts."

Greg and Warrick pull the sheets off of the items, revealing a changing table and crib, filled to the top with items.

"Oh, guys,"

I say, tears threatening to fall over the edge.

"Jim, Warrick, Nick, and Greg built the changing table, and put together the crib, while Sara, Sofia, and I all bought your baby lots of goodies."

"That's why Nick wasn't letting you buy any diapers or anything. We wanted to help you guys with everything."

"Thank you. Seriously, this helps get rid of some of our financial worries."

Warrick, who was like a brother to both Nick and I, hugged me.

"Come on, don't cry. Nick and Tine would both kick my ass for letting a pregnant woman cry."

We must've sat together and talked for hours. We all turn and look at the door as Grissom comes running in.

"Samantha, can I talk to you in the hall for a minute?"

"Sure."
I follow a very scared looking Gil into the hall.

"Griss, what's going on?"

"It's about Nick. Sam, Nick's missing."