A note from the writer

hello all! I'm back here with a update. I really hope you enjoy. I miss this beautiful pair. If you could leave a review. I really appreciate it! -S

Quite a big update enjoy!

Catherine was at her wit's end. "Don't I dare what, Gilbert? It's my baby girl and your stepdaughter that's in danger. I cannot believe you."

Gil huffed. "I'll give you time, Mrs. Grissom," he said as he stormed back on deck.

He tried to calm down but thinking about her family bloodline didn't help any. And didn't she understand that he'd given up his life for her? He couldn't lose Catherine. He just couldn't.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She knew Gil was trying to keep her safe, but she would cross the moon and stars for Lindsey and Lillian. It was times like these she wished her mother hadn't passed away.

After a few minutes, Gil returned below deck. "I'm sorry, honey. I really am …."

"No, I'm the one that's sorry. I just don't want Lindsey hurt."

"I don't want that either. You should know that by now. I want you both safe," he said.

"I know that, Gil."

"Don't you remember you were almost killed at your mother's funeral?" he reminded her.

"Don't …." She didn't want to hear it and turned away from him.

He laid his hands on her shoulders. "Honey, I can't lose you. I refuse to let anyone take you away from me. We wasted so much time not being together and now that we are, I can't let you go."

Catherine moved away from him. "Why would you bring that up?" she asked, raising her eyebrow. "Mom's funeral."

"So, you remember what we're doing here instead of still being in Vegas? Don't you understand that, Catherine?"

She turned quickly. "Oh, sure, being shot at is better than this damn boat."

He sighed. "Sorry for wanting you safe. My mistake," he said holding up his hands in defeat.

Catherine leaned against the wall. "I don't even know why I was shot at."

"It could be because of who your father is, honey."

"Was, Gil. He's dead."

"Sorry, honey. 'Was' your father. He wasn't exactly an angel."

"And now my mom is dead, too," she said. "I don't want my daughter dead as well."

"Catherine, she won't be dead. She's fine," he tried.

"You didn't sound that sure earlier today," she reminded him.

"So, what kind of trouble is Lindsey and her husband in anyway?" he asked, trying to distract her.

"I don't know because every time she calls I'm not allowed to talk to her."

"The phone can be traced, babe," he said. "I get how much you miss her and just want to be with her, but it's dangerous."

Catherine just wanted to hit him across the face. Her glare made Gil sigh.

"Okay, if you want to go back and see her fine," he acquiesced, hoping that would appease her.

"Gil, right now you won't even let me talk to her."

Yanking the phone out of his pocket, he handed it to her. "Here," he said in a surly tone. "Go for it."

Catherine felt his anger, but quickly took the phone and dialed. After two rings it was answered.

"Hello?"

Catherine closed her eyes at the sound of her daughter's voice then smiled. "Lindsey, this is mom."

"Mom! When are you coming back? I miss you a lot."

"I don't know, darling. How are you holding up?"

"As well as can be expected but I'm worried about you."

"I'm sorry but," she paused then glared at Grissom, "I can't talk for very long."

"What's going on, mom? You sound stressed and angry."

"Everything's all right," she assured her. "I just wanted to hear my baby's voice."

"I promise I'm fine, mom."

"Good. I love you," she said knowing that Gil could end this at any time.

"I love you, too, mom. I'll let you go if you need me to. I'm just glad to finally hear your voice again."

"How's Lilly? Grandma really misses her."

"She's doing well. She misses you a lot and asks when she can see you again."

"I promise I'll be home soon." She hated lying to her daughter.

"I can't wait for you to come home. I love you, mom."

Catherine gripped the phone harder as Gil stepped towards her and held out his hand.

"I love you, too, sweetie. Be safe."

Hanging up before Lindsey could reply, Catherine handed the phone to Gil and watched him head up top. She followed after him only to see him toss the phone overboard.

"Are you crazy?!" she shouted at him.

He glared at her. "No, I'm not crazy. That phone can't be traced now, honey."

The stinging slap across his face stunned him. Shocked, he cradled his cheek.

"What the hell was that for?" he exclaimed.

"Asshole!" she spat. "You know what it was for. That phone was our … ONLY link to OUR daughter!"

"OUR daughter needs to be safe, Catherine, and don't ever call me an asshole again. I'm doing this for you."

"Are you now?"

"Yes, I am!"

"It sure doesn't feel like that at all," she said angrily.

He so wanted to move as far from her as possible but there was only so much space on their small boat.

"You hate me, don't you?" he asked. "Hate me for bringing you here, for taking you from Lindsey. For everything I've done to protect you."

"Protect me?" she shouted. "By keeping me on this hellish boat? Oh, I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else." She paced across the deck. "I want to go be with our flesh and blood. I want to keep her safe. I want to start a family even if it means …."

"Means you get hurt or worse?" he asked, anger in his tone. "Or what if I get it? Is that what you want?"

"I don't want to go … into a war zone without you," she insisted.

"You don't want me there, Catherine. Just admit it," he pushed.

"Yes, I do," she answered then shook her head. "You don't understand."

Gil hated being angry with her and took her in his arms, kissing her head. "I'm sorry, Catherine. I know you want me with you."

Catherine tried to push him away but, once he held her, she just melted into him. After a few quiet moments, he started to tickle her, making her squirm.

"I love your laugh and I want to hear it. It cheers me up and I know it'll ease your anger."

TBC - please review!