Catherine stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection. She couldn't believe that she was now married to Nicky. They'd known each other for almost two years. They met when Nick moved to Las Vegas and joined the team. There had been an immediate attraction between them. Some kind of weird chemistry. Something that neither one of them had seen coming, nor had they expected.

They probably wouldn't have gotten married, except for one small detail. She put her hand on her still flat stomach. She was nearly three months pregnant. After the initial shock, it had taken Nicky that long to convince her that he loved her for her and not because she was carrying his baby. She thinks back on it and smiles softly. Remembering how insistent Nicky was...

***Flashback***

Catherine sat staring at the plastic stick in her hand. She hadn't wanted to believe that she was pregnant. She hadn't wanted to be pregnant. She and Nicky had been so careful. Well, except for that one time in the utility closet at work. It was incredible, but they'd both forgot about using any kind of protection and well...

Now she sat here staring at the pregnancy test. She wished that there was some way that it could be wrong. Any way. However, she'd known for about a month now that she was pregnant. She dreaded telling Nicky. They hadn't discussed having children. She wasn't even sure that he wanted children. She knew that she did, but...

It was then that she heard Nicky arriving home. She heard him call out, "Cath? I'm home!"

She swallowed hard and shoved the stick and the box deep into the trash. She wasn't sure if this was the time to bring it up.

She pasted a smile on her face and walked out into the hallway and said, "Hey Nicky."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just so glad to see you. I..."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He looked perplexed for a brief moment. Then he started kissing her back. With just as much passion as ever. She backed him up against the wall and kissed him harder. Nick's eyes widened and he pulled back. Cath tried to kiss him again, but he moved his head and she ended up kissing his ear. He laughed and said, "Not my idea of a romantic kiss Cath."

"Funny Nicky. If you wouldn't have moved then it would've hit the mark."

Nick sensed a tension in the room. He walked to their bedroom and started undressing. He badly needed a shower. The smell of decomp was still lingering on his clothes. He knew that it was probably in his hair too.

Cath followed him into the bedroom and sat on the bed and watched as Nick prepared to climb into the shower. She loved watching him move. He had a way of turning her on. Even when he didn't try to. Sometimes, it was all she could do at work to keep her hands to herself. If the people they worked with knew about their relationship, it wouldn't be good for either of them.

Catherine took a deep breath and said, "We need to talk."

"After I shower. I stink."

Catherine nodded and watched as he walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She could feel her heart racing and could feel the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She tried taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down. It wasn't working. She felt like she was going to hyperventilate at any second. She didn't know why she was so nervous. She knew that Nick loved her, but this was a major step in their relationship. Was she ready for it? Was he?

She didn't know, but she knew that she couldn't put off telling him about the baby. She'd tell him. Just as soon as he was out of the shower. Wanting to take a quick nap, Cath closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Nick walked out of the bathroom. He wore a towel around his waist and was drying his hair with another one. He saw Catherine asleep and smiled. She looked absolutely beautiful. He'd never loved anyone the way that he loved her.

He pulled on a pair of boxers and smiled as he climbed into bed with her. He kissed her on the lips and she snuggled closer to him. She sighed contentedly and they both drifted off to sleep.

Catherine awoke sometime early in the morning. She hadn't realized that she was that tired. She'd only meant to take a brief nap. She'd wanted to tell Nicky about the baby before they had to be at work that night, but there wasn't time for that now. She barely managed to get dressed when she heard Nicky say, "Let's go Cath! We're going to be late!"

"Why didn't you wake me up before now? I mean really Nick."

"I tried Cath. About five times. You kept saying, "Just five more minutes."

"And you listened to me?"

"Fine, next time I'll keep trying. Let's go Cath!"

"Fine!"

"Why are you so upset at me for?"

Cath gave him a look that seemed to silence him. He seemed to take the hint that she wasn't in the mood for further discussion.

They arrived at the station with minutes to spare. They had no sooner arrived and Grissom was barking orders at them. Catherine smiled and said, "Hello to you to Gil."

"Catherine. Nick."

Nick laughed and said, "Grissom."

Warrick walked in behind them and laughed at the scene. They had a never ending stream of cases that night. A murder and an attempted robbery.

Catherine and Nick were paired up. Nick drove and Catherine closed her eyes. Nick was wondering why she was so tired lately. He looked over at her and asked, "What's wrong Cath?"

"Who says anythings wrong?"

"Your not usually this tired. You..."

"I just haven't been sleeping well. Is that a crime?"

"Nooooooo...."

"Okay, can we just drop it please? I don't want to talk about it right now. I..."

"Talk about what? You haven't told me that there's anything to talk about. So, I'm not talking about anything because I don't know what your talking about!"

"Now your the one not making any sense."

"Fine. I'm shutting up now."

"Fine."

They drove the rest of the way in silence. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of the tires on the asphalt.

They finally arrived at the crime scene. Catherine snapped at Nick more than once that night. Finally, he'd had enough. He pulled her to the side and asked, "What on earth is wrong with you? Your acting like you hate me!!"

"What's wrong? You really want to know what's wrong!!? I'll tell you what's wrong!! What's wrong is that I'm pregnant with your baby and I don't know if you even want kids!! There, that's what's wrong! Now can we please go back to work!!?"

Nick simply nodded and watched as Catherine went back to finish processing the scene.

It was a few hours later and they were driving back to headquarters. Nick and Catherine hadn't said a non-work related thing to each other since Catherine exploded at him.

They arrived at the station and processed the evidence. Then they were on their way home. Silence was never so loud. Finally Nick pulled into the driveway and got out of the Denali. Catherine sat in the passengers seat and stared at Nick's retreating figure. She hadn't meant to tell him like she did. Any other way would have been better. Telling a man that he's going to be a father should be a magical moment. She knew that the way she did it was wrong.

Nick felt like he'd been hit with a ton of bricks. He hadn't been prepared for the news that Catherine gave him. He thought that they'd been careful. He always made sure to use protection. Except that one time in the utility closet. He wasn't even sure that he wanted kids. Sure, he loved his neices and nephews, but having a baby of his own, that was something that he wasn't sure that he was ready for.

Catherine finally came in behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his back. He shrugged her hug off and said, "I need to be alone Catherine."

Catherine nodded and said, "Fine. I'm going to bed."

"Fine."

She walked into their bedroom and for the first time in the year and a half that they'd lived together, she cried herself to sleep in a bed that seemed so very empty for her alone......

Nick laid in bed for the longest time. He couldn't believe what Catherine had told him. Hadn't she assured him that she was using protection? He didn't want kids right now and wasn't sure that he ever would. Yeah, he loved Catherine, but a baby.. He wasn't sure. He just knew that he needed time to think.

Catherine sat up in their bed and sighed heavily. She felt like her heart was broken. She would cry, but the tears wouldn't come. She felt numb inside. It was like someone had paid a cruel trick on her. She was completely in love with Nicky and she already loved the baby growing inside her. Nick's attitude puzzled her. She knew that he loved his neices and nephews. She also knew that he would make a wonderful father. She just hoped that he realized it before it was too late.

Morning came quickly and soon they were starting their day. Grocery shopping and laundry. Then it was time to get ready for work. Usually, they would steal kisses as they got ready. There was none of that today. The house was nearly quiet except for the normal sounds of getther ready for work.

Catherine looked at Nick and asked, "Are you going to ride with me to work tonight?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I figured that you'd want to be alone. I know that you can't stand the thought of being with me. Especially since I'm carrying your baby."

"Cath, don't start. Please?"

"What? I can't state the obvious? You can't stand looking at me. I..."

Catherine started crying and Nick looked uncomfortable. Finally, she grabbed her keys off of the table and said, "I'll drive myself to work. I really don't want to be around you right now. I'll see you at work."

With that, Catherine walked out of the house and climbed into her Denali. She started the vehicle and was out of the driveway before Nick could even lock up the house. He stood on their driveway with his mouth wide open. What was happening to their lives?

Catherine had to control her tears while she drove. When she stopped at the lights, she would wipe the tears from her eyes. She loved Nick, but hated him at the same time. She put her hand on her still flat stomach. She loved this baby and was going to have it. With or without Nick's help. She hoped that he would eventually come around, but if he didn't, she was prepared to do it on her own.

Nick showed up at work about twenty minutes after she did. They didn't say much to each other. They simply got ready for their shift. Catherine slammed her locker and went to meet the rest of the team in the break room to get their assignments. Nick put his hand on her shoulder and asked, "How long are you going to give me the silent treatment Cath?"

"I don't know. I keep hoping that maybe you could find some way to love me and the baby."

"Cath, I..."

"I guess it's too much to ask. Just remember one thing Nicky."

"What?"

"I might not be here when you finally make up your mind."

With that, Catherine turned around and walked away. Leaving Nick stunned and wondering what she was talking about.

The night was a busy one. Then, Nicky got a call that would change his life forever. It would also make him realize what he stood to lose.

Grissom was looking for the rest of the team. They had just found out that Catherine had been kidnapped. When Grissom told him, Nick had thought that he'd heard him wrong. He looked at him and asked, "What did you say?"

"I said that Catherine's been kidnapped."

"Your kidding?"

"I wouldn't kid about something like that. Let's go."

Nick was frozen in place for a second. Until Grissom turned around to look at him. Then he sprang into action. He felt as if he were in the middle of some weird dream. First Catherine told him that she's pregnant and now she's missing.

Catherine hadn't really been kidnapped. She was being held hostage by a mad man. He hadn't hurt her. Not yet. He was threatening her. She simply treid to remain calm. She thought about the baby she carried and she thought about Nick. She thought about how much she loved him. About how she couldn't wait to tell him that she loved him. She wanted to talk to him about the baby. It was a surprise, but she knew they would make wonderful parents.

"Do you have children Ms. Flynn?"

Catherine's hand drifted to her stomach. Then she whispered, "Not yet."

"Then you wouldn't understand how I feel."

"I do understand. I understand that you are afraid that you won't have your daughter to tuck in at night. I understand what it's like to feel like your world is collapsing, but kidnapping me isn't going to solve anything."

"No, but it's too late to go back now. They aren't going to take me alive. If I have to kill you, I won't be taken to jail."

For the first time in her life, Catherine was scared. Would she live so that her baby would have a chance to be born? Or would it's life end along with hers? She could only hope that Nick would find her in time to save her....

Nick went home that night totally defeated. They hadn't managed to find Catherine. He went home and sat in front of the fire. He thought about what an idiot he was. He missed Catherine more than he'd ever thought possible. Their house seemed empty without her. He missed her laughter. He missed her simply sitting beside him and holding his hand while they watched tv. The silence was unbearable. So, he walked out onto the balcony and stood watching the waves of the lake. He felt the tears running down his face. He sits down in one of the chairs and closes his eyes.

Nick's cell phone rings and he answers it on the first ring. He hears Grissom say, "Nicky. We need you at the station."

"Did they find her?"

"They found her."

"Is she okay?"

"Just get here Nicky. Okay?"

"What's wrong Grissom?"

"They found her body. She was strangled and..."

Nick couldn't listen anymore. He felt the tears flowing down his cheeks. Catherine was gone. Why? What did she do to the person that kidnapped her? She wouldn't have done anything to knowingly put herself in danger.

Nick drove to the station on auto pilot. He saw the terribly sad faces of the people they worked with. Everyone looked as if they'd lost someone important to them and they had. Catherine was an incredible woman. Everyone that came into contact with her loved her. There were times that she could be overbearing and frighten people, but for the most part she was a wonderful person.

He walked into autopsy and Doc Robbins had tears in his eyes. He had to ask the dayshift coroner to take over for him. He couldn't bear to perform the autopsy. Nick looked down at Catherine's still form and lost it. He dropped onto the floor and wept with everything that he had. The sobs wracked his body. He felt as if they would rip him in two. He knew that people were staring at him, but he didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore. Catherine was gone. His baby was gone and nothing would ever make him whole again.

The days that followed were one long nightmare. Nick functioned on auto pilot. He only ate when absolutely necessary. He'd sealed himself off to everyone and everything. He became a hermit. The day of the funeral arrived. It was a bright and sunny day. Nick felt as if he was going to die himself. He wished that he could take her place in the casket.

Finally everyone left and it was just him at the graveside. He didn't know how long he stared at the headstone. He dropped to his knees weeping and whispered, "I'm sorry Cath. I'm soooo very sorry. For everything. For not being a better man. For not stepping up to the plate when you told me about the baby. I'll never forgive myself. I wish I could take your place. That way, the baby and you would still be alive."

Nick felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw something that he'd known was imposible. There stood Catherine. She whispered softly, "It's not your fault Nicky. None of it. It was the man that kidnapped me. He had issues that were to big to overcome. The baby and I are safe and free from pain and suffering. Don't blame yourself Nicky. I will always love you. Find someone special to build a life and a family with."

"I can't Cath. I found that with you. It's a once in a lifetime love. I don't want to live without you. I'd rather be dead. I feel like I'm dead anyway."

Catherine reached out her hand and rubbed Nick's face softly. Nick knew that he was going crazy. She whispered, "I love you Nicky. Never forget that, but you need someone special."

"You were my someone special Cath. No one can ever replace you."

"You'll find a woman to heal your broken heart. Please promise me that you'll find someone to make you happy. To give you everything that you deserve. You deserve everything your heart wants. Please?"

Nick shook his head and whispered, "I can't do that Catherine. You were everything I ever wanted and..."

Nick heard the ringing of his cell phone. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see that he was back at the house. On the deck. Was it all a dream? Or had he passed out and someone brought him here?

He picked up the phone and said, "Hello?"

"Nicky. We found her."

"Is she okay?"

"She's a bit shaken up, but otherwise, she's okay."

"Thank goodness. I'm coming to the station."

Nick hopped into his Denali and headed down to the station. He knew what he needed to do and he couldn't wait any longer. He had to make things right with Catherine before it was too late.

He arrived at the station in record time. He practically flew up the steps to the station. He ran around the corner and saw Brass and the others waiting in the hallway. They all had smiles on their faces and Nick asked, "Where is she?"

"She's in room one."

"Is she okay?"

"She's doing fine. She's asking for you Nick."

"She is?"

"Well, I'll go see her."

Catherine was sitting at a table and smiled softly when she saw Nick come in the room. She knew that she had to be careful. She looked at him and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too. I need to ask you something."

"I don't think this is the place for anything personal."

Nick smiled and whispered, "I don't care. Marry me?"

"What?"

"Marry me Cath. I finally realized that I can't live without you in my life and I don't want to try. I'm sorry about the way I acted about the baby. I was shocked and scared. Taken by surprise. I..."

"Let's talk about this later."

"Are you saying no?"

"No Nick. I want a proper proposal."

Nick laughed and watched as Grissom and Brass walked into the room. Her soft smile still remained on her lips and he even had a smile on his face too......