Chapter 1

Roger Jones was one of Gilbert Grissom's few close friends so when he asked him to be his best man there was no way he was going to say NO. Roger told him to met him in front of the math building, he was going to met Arlene there and introduce him to Sara Sidle, Arlene's maid of honor.

"She's a sweet girl," Rodger said, "One of Arlene's best friends."

Grissom was suddenly nervous. Arlene was, in his opinion, a little ditzy. Would Sara be too?

"We'll go to POPS and hash over the details of the wedding over lunch," Roger said.

"Is Arlene a math professor?" Grissom asked. He had never meant her.

Rodger laughed, "No. She is a student. A senior this year."

Now Grissom was really concerned. If Sara was one of Arlene's friends could that means that they are the same age? That would make her close to 15 years younger then him.

As he approached the math building he seen Roger standing next to a beautiful brunette. He knew it was not Arlene, she was a red head. (That was how he referred to her - "His hot red head.")

"This is Sara Sidle," Roger said, "Sara, Dr. Gilbert Grissom."

Grissom took her outstretched hand, "Gil."

Gil was stunned. He loved her eyes, her smile. Sara looked directly at him and gave him a firm handshake. What a beautiful woman he thought.

"Sara," she said.

"Arlene needs a few more minutes," Roger said, "Why don't you two head to POPS and we'll catch up?"

Gil said, "If you want to, Sara."

She smiled and nodded.

It had been a long time since Gil felt awkward and shy around a woman. As they walked and talked, he didn't know where to look and was self-conscious about where to put his hands. He decided to keep them in his pocket so as not to accidentally brush up against her.

He was impressed at how smart and articulate and mature she seemed. This was a woman he could be interested in, even if she was much younger then him.

Sara wanted to know about his career. Entomology was a part of her job, she was a CSI.

When the conversation lulled Sara caught him gazing at her, and he looked away. When he looked back, she was looking at him. They each smiled. Gil wished he knew if she was involved with anyone.

"Ever been married?" she asked.

Gil was glad she asked, at least the subject had been brought up. He happily told her NO, that he had never been serious about anybody.

"How about you?" he asked, feeling that she had opened the door.

"Only one steady boyfriend when I was a freshman in high school. He was a senior and when he graduated he moved. I haven't heard from him since."

"His loss," Gil said.

"Thanks, I think," Sara said, a little uncertain what he meant.

Gil felt bolder, "Was he blind?"

When she didn't say anything he suddenly felt foolish, "I mean some men don't know what they have."

She still didn't say anything and Gil felt like an idiot.

Knowing he must have already overstepped his boundaries he decided to threw caution to the wind, "You are a beautiful woman."

With that she smiled, "Thank you."

They reached Pops and decided to wait outside for Roger and Arlene to show up.

One of the questions he had asked while they were walking was her age, he was pleasantly surprised when she told him. They had made several jokes about the difference in their ages.

"If you don't make a big deal about my age I promise not to make one of yours," Sara said.

"Deal," he said, a smile on his lips, "You appear a lot older."

"I think I will take that as a compliment," she said.

"Please do," he said.

Sara shyly smiled. She was about to say something when Roger and Arlene showed up.

Roger made the formal introductions.

"How are you two getting along?" Arlene asked.

"Fine," Sara said.

"I so hoped you two would get along," Arlene said, smiling.

"Shall we?" Roger said, opening the door for the ladies.

Over lunch wedding planes were discussed.

"Everything is set up for next month. Nothing formal," Roger said, "Just family and a few friends. You can wear that blue suit you wore to Harvey's retirement party."

"That will work perfect," Arlene chimed in, "Sara's dress is going to be a powder blue. I'll get you a tie and vest to match it."

"Your boutonniere will be a blue rose," Roger added.

"Roger's will be white," Arlene said, "My colors are blue and white. Sara will have a corsage of blue roses and my bouquet is made of white ones."

Arlene smiled and stood, "Sara and I have to go dress shopping."

Roger stood and kissed her. Gil smiled, stood and pulled out Sara's chair for her.

"Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?"

Sara smiled, wrote something on a napkin and handed it to him.

"Would love to. Here's my address. I'll see you around 6."

"Until 6," he said, taking her left hand in his and kissing it.

"I told you that you would like him," Arlene said to Sara when they were out of earshot, "And he is so handsome."

Chapter 2

Arlene and Sara went to HELEN'S FORMAL WEAR one of the best places to get the things they needed. Arlene tried on several dresses and after what seemed like forever, settled on a floor length chiffon gown with lace covering. The veil was pure lace and hung down to the center of her back. Sara looked over several different ones before coming out of the dressing room in one that she just loved.

"It's beautiful," Arlene said.

The dress was powder blue full length, pleated chiffon. The top was sleeveless with a V neckline and backless, it had broached details at the waist with an A-line skirt.

"I love it," Sara said, "But I'm not sure I can afford it."

Irene smiled, "Roger is fitting bill."

The ladies also found a tie and vest that perfectly matched Sara's dress along with shoes before they left the store.

"You can give Grissom his vest and tie when he picks you up for dinner," Arlene said, handing Sara the bag.

Sara gathered her dress, her shoes and the bag and got out of the car.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said.

At 6 on the dot Grissom knocked on Sara's door.

"You look lovely," he said.

Sara thanked him and took the African Violet plant he handed her. Gil and Sara sat in the dinner talking and eating. The talked about everything, their childhood, families and what their plans were for the future. Gil loved the sound of her voice, he couldn't image that an angles voice would be more beautiful. It was then that he decided that he was falling in love with her.

After dinner Gil walked Sara to her door.

"OH, I have something for you," she said, unlocking the door, "Please come in."

Once inside she gave Grissom the bag that contained his vest and tie.

"This is for the wedding," she said.

After a few awkward minutes of silence Sara said, "Um, I guess it's time to call it a night."

Mustering up all his courage he tenderly kissed her, "Good night."

Sara smiled, "Good night."