Author Note: This is a story that was one of my babies from years ago, and I think it deserves to be polished up since I've now found my writing voice so please be patient.

I don't own any of the characters and have always had an unhealthy obsession with both CSI and the Titanic. It was only a matter of time before those crossed paths. I'm not coping any of James Cameron's Titanic, this story is my own ideas, just with 'borrowed' characters and a real life maritime disaster I do not plan to belittle.

Please do enjoy and R/R as you wish. I do at times need validation from complete strangers just as much as the rest of you.

B

Updated 03-20-19: I really love this story and I think it has great potential, so this is why I am spending some time in updating it even though it has been on here for years. I am also procrastinating a massive editing project for one of my other stories that makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

A Night to Forget

A Love to Remember

- Friday April 12th, 1912 - 8:00 AM -

Sara tossed in her bunk, her mind trapped in a lucid nightmare.

The sky was pitch black, no clouds, only stars twinkled, but seemed too distant to light up the sky. She was frozen, her body shivering as puffs of white smoke escaped her blue tinted lips with each shallow breath. People were screaming, but they sounded muffled, too far away for Sara to do anything, but listen to their calls for help. The stars started to dimmed as a loud snap echoed in her ear, jolting Sara awake.

She sat up in bed, her heart trying to leap out of her chest, body drenched in a cold, clammy sweat. Her eyes were wide, trying to focus on the room, bringing her mind back to the present, safe in her stateroom aboard the Titanic. She felt fingers graze her arm as she gasped, horrified for a moment that someone else was in the bed with her. She recognized the tousled brown hair and sideways smile of Greg, his eyes closed, not fully awake yet.

"Is something wrong?" He asked rubbing Sara's shoulder, feeling her body shiver, "Sara? Are you alright?" He asked again, this time with concern.

"Just had a bad dream, that's all." Sara whispered, rubbing the back of her neck.

Greg propped himself up on his elbow, nuzzling his nose in Sara's long brown locks, "Anything I should be concerned about?"

She cupped Greg's cheek, bringing his gaze up to her own. "Nothing at all," She replied with a quick kiss.

The feeling of Greg's lips on her's brought back memories of the night before. They were all in the General Room on D Deck after dinner, enjoying the dancing and occasional beer, Sara pacing herself after the over indulging of the previous night. Sasha was with Neleh on the dance floor, swinging around and laughing, as August stepped out to the boat deck with David for a breath of fresh air. Sara kept one eye on the girls as Greg got cozy in the corner, whispering sweet nothings in her ear as she giggled in response.

When August had returned with David, Sara asked if she wouldn't mind watching the girls for a bit. August gladly accepted as Greg pounced on the opportunity for them to be alone and led Sara out of the noisy General Room and into the quiet hall. Greg pinned Sara against the wall, giving her a trail of kisses down her neck and over her collarbone, listening to her moan in his ear. For the first time, Sara wanted to give into her desires and asked Greg to bring her to his cabin, knowing they wouldn't be disturbed.

He was gentle with her, especially after Sara confessed that this was her first time. Feeling slightly embarrassed by that confession, Greg made sure to take his time with her. He wanted to make her feel special and whole, and he succeeded, for their time together was the most intimate and glorious moment of Sara's life. When they were finished, Greg offered that she spend the night, not wanting this to end, but Sara was worried about Sasha and stated that she would be more comfortable in her own cabin. Greg agreed with a sulk and walked her back, taking the long way in order to spend as much time with her as possible.

At her cabin door they kissed once more, holding it, never wanting to let go. Greg was about to leave when Sara grabbed his hand, leading him inside to spend the night.

"Sara my love, we are not alone." Greg stated, bringing Sara back to the present, noticing she was running her nimble fingers down his bare chest, her horrid dream no longer at the forefront of her mind.

"If we're quiet they'll never know." She whispered in his ear, nipping the ear lobe, the desire strong once more.

Greg wanted to protest, but instead moaned softly as Sara's hands moved towards his trousers where he was trying his best to keep his erection at bay. He gently guided Sara onto her back, straddling his legs over her hips. He looked into her brown eyes, seeing the desire burning bright as he kissed her cheek, sending Sara into a wave of euphoria. He kept her moans at bay with kisses, his hands moving over the cotton nightgown, feeling her erect nipples, knowing she was ready for him. Without breaking his lips from her neck, Greg pulled down his pants, lifting Sara's nightgown to caress her thighs.

"Are you ready?" He asked as Sara nodded, biting her bottom lip in anticipation.

Greg smiled and pushed himself against her, moaning at how warm she was. Closing his eyes, he thrusted slowly, wanting her to feel all of him, wanting her to beg for more. Sara bit her lip to stop from screaming with passion, moving her hips under him in a familiar rhythm . She gripped the sheets to the bunk, as Greg went faster, his muscular frame towering over her on the small bunk. After what felt like seconds Sara couldn't hold it any longer. Her muscles tightened as a rush of colour danced behind her eyelids as she orgasmed, spreading warmth throughout her body. Shortly thereafter Greg succumbed to the same fate, collapsing beside Sara, shaking the bunk.

"Mama?" Sasha's sleepy voice sounded from below.

Greg bit his hand to stop from laughing as Sara quickly pulled her nightgown over her legs, tossed the covers over Greg's head to hide his snicker and jumped down, her feet hitting the cold cement floor with a satisfying slap. She knelt down beside Sasha who was sitting up in her bunk, rubbing her tired eyes.

"What was that noise?" Sasha asked, keeping the covers close to her body for warmth.

"I was having a bad dream, I'm sorry if my tossing awoken you." Sara lied nuzzling her daughter back under the covers.

Sasha smiled closing her eyes once more, "It's okay Mama." She muttered as Sara kissed the top of her head. "I'm glad Greg was here to protect you." She stated catching Sara off guard.

She was thankful Sasha had fallen back asleep so she could not see the bright red flush appear on her mother's cheeks at her astute observation.

- 9:00 AM -

Unlike the night before, Catherine had remembered to close the curtain covering her bedroom porthole before going to bed. It would have been a very hard to forget since this time, she did not return alone. If there was one thing a proper, young woman was not supposed to engage in, it was casual sex. The only thing above that, was engaging in casual sex with a man you had met only five hours prior. Gilbert was both a sorcerer in words and actions, catching Catherine under his mystique the moment she opened her stateroom door. There private dinner was delightful, a refreshing change from the stuffed Dinning Room. The intimate dinner allowed them to enjoy each others' company with minimal interruptions.

Gilbert Grissom was one interesting man. His father Richard, was a very successful American business man, something Catherine and him had in common. When Richard died he left a trust fund to his seven year old son that was stacked with enough funds to last until he finished University. His mother, Lilly, was deaf and took care of Gil along with various nannies until he turned seventeen and decided to go to Oxford in England to study bugs. He was always interested in science as a young man who was enrolled in private school, accelerating his academic career. There was one thing he did lack, which was the social skills a young man gains throughout in his teenage years. Without a father figure, since his mother never remarried, and his pure lack of interest in marriage, it became a bit of a challenge for him to court young woman. When he finally moved to England to live with his Uncle while attending school, he was getting crash courses in how to find a suitable woman to spend the rest of his life with. When Gil graduated top of his class, his mother sent word to her brother, Mr. Andrew's that she had a job lined up for Gilbert at Harvard University. As a graduation gift, his uncle provided Gil with free passage in First Class aboard his new luxury liner to get him home to his lonely mother and awaiting job at Harvard.

Catherine found herself engrossed in the life account of Gilbert, finding many parallels to her own life, and also jealously at how easy it was for a man to get freedom in this world, while she needed to fight for a moment of isolation from her overbearing mother and shadow of a body guard. She was infatuated with Gil's young, schoolboy charm, never meeting a man as eccentric, yet shy man before. Most of the socialites she was forced to befriend at parties were only after one thing she had; her money. Gil was far from interested in her wealth, he asked her questions, listened to her stories, and laughed at her jokes. Their dinner conversation was genuine, and it was that, that Catherine fell in love with before his charming good looks.

Once dinner was finished Gil offered to take her on a stroll of the boat deck before retiring to their cabins for the night. As they walked the Starboard side of the ship from bow to stern, they collected nods of appreciation and smiles of intrigue from other young couples out enjoying the evening air. The excitement Catherine felt on how this evening was progressing allowed her to forget, just for a brief moment, the horrible societal pressures young love was scrutinized for. Gilbert was charming, sophisticated, proper, and intelligent. He was the type of man Catherine always wanted to be with, a man that would make her father proud and her mother seethe with anger, more on the point that she could not take the credit for finding a man like Gil for her daughter.

After exhausting almost every polite topic of discussion, Catherine's feet began to throb in her heels as the cold North Atlantic wind had made it's way into her bones. She asked Gil to escort her back to her stateroom, looking forward to sitting next to the roaring fire in the salon. It was still early, and she knew her mother would still be at the dinning room enjoying another round of rich gossip with the women as the men retired to the smoking room from cigars and brandy. Charles would be no issue, for he was probably sent on a wild goose chase to find her after she and Gil did not show up for dinner, which meant after appeasing her mother for a short time, he retired to the stewards quarters for the evening.

As they approached her stateroom Catherine felt it was informal to let this night end at her door step. Instead she did something she knew would be a faux pas, but the desire to break the unwritten societal rules was burning inside her. She invited Gil into her quarters, who tried to protest, remaining the gentleman, but Catherine would not take no for an answer and lead him inside, closing the door softly behind them. Standing in the empty salon, they kissed, and not just a peck on the cheek or a soft one on the lips, but a deep, meaningful one.

-/-

Gil's tongue entered Catherine's parted lips, as the smell of her perfume was driving him wild, his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her in close. Catherine moaned, her cheeks flushed, breath shallow, as if the desire for more was almost too unbearable. Gil stepped back for a moment, sweeping his hand across her cheek, as she nuzzled into his palm, closing her eyes.

"Miss Willows, I am absolutely infatuated by you."

"Call me Catherine. I believe the window for formalities has been closed once I've invited you to my bed."

Gil rose his eyebrow, "Your bed? Are you sure you wish for me to stay the night?" He stated.

Catherine opened her eyes, the blue as dark as the ocean, "You've placed me under a spell Mr. Grissom, one in which I never want to awaken from." She muttered, leading him towards her bedroom door.

-\-

Gil opened his eyes, watching Catherine who lay beside him, her blonde curls piled atop the pillow and brushing her bare shoulder. He smiled, remembering how wonderful last night was, how honoured he felt to share his first sexual experience with this goddess. Everything felt like a dream, but smelling the remnants of her perfume and hearing her shallow breaths, he knew this was real.

When Catherine opened the door last night, dressed in something he had only seen on movie stars in magazines, Gil was floored. How on earth was he going to capture the heart of this beautiful creature? According to the events that transpired, he captured more than her heart last night.

Catherine stirred, opening her blue eyes to see Gil beside her, happy that what she thought happened last night really did take place. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder as the silk sheets pressed tightly against her naked body, the curve of her breasts becoming apparent beneath the sheets.

"Good morning Mr. Grissom," She breathed closing her eyes once more.

"I thought formalities were gone once I was in your bed, Miss Willows?" Gil replied as he kissed her gently.

Catherine wrapped her right arm around his neck, pulling him in, pressing his body against her's. She opened her eyes feeling his body reacting to the notion of them possibly making love once more.

"Someone has quite the memory." She mumbled across his lips, kissing the nape of his neck.

"How could I ever forget last night," He replied, feeling her chilled skin against his heated palm, "You're cold,"

"Only when I'm not in your arms."

Catherine arched her back, pulling her body closer to his as the silk sheets slipped below her chest, exposing her breasts to the chilled stateroom. Gil moved his lips down from her neck, his hands gracefully cupping her newly exposed skin, making Catherine shudder with pleasure. He continued down her body, straddling her as his erection beneath the covers pushed against her abdomen.

In less than twenty-four hours Catherine would indulge in the dark fantasy of love making once more.

- 1:00 PM -

Sara was beside herself with embarrassment. Sasha did not seem to know what exactly they were doing this morning, for every time she questioned her daughter about it, Sasha would just keep repeating the story of a nightmare. If she and Greg were to engage in any more intimate actions, they agreed they needed to be completely alone. It would only be a matter of time before Sasha discovered it was more than just bad dreams Mr. Sanders was assisting with.

"Hey, are you alright?" Greg asked.

They were sitting out on the poop deck. Greg was drawing a portrait of a young woman and child sitting on the opposite side the deck in his sketchbook. The mother was reading a ratted old book to the girl whose eyes glinted, hanging on every word even though she had heard the story countless times. Sara broke her eyes from the horizon, looking over Greg's shoulder to see the realistic portrait on the parchment.

"You do have quite the talent Mr. Sanders." She stated with a smile.

"Why thank-you. It's what got me on this ship, it's what got me to you." Greg replied looking up from his charcoal drawing and smiled. "I would love to draw you sometime, if you'd allow it." He whispered caressing her cheek as a black smudge appeared on her skin.

"I would love that." Sara breathed when she caught her daughter running up the boat deck. "To be continued." She said kissing his palm.

"Mama! Look what David gave me!" Sasha stated pulling out a chocolate bar from her inside her pocket. "Would you like some?" She asked waving the bar of creamy deliciousness in her mother's face.

Sara looked to the young man who had August wrapped around his arm and Neleh on his shoulders. "David, where did you find chocolate?" She asked, tears almost springing from her eyes at the sight of something she could not afford for years.

"I won two bars in a poker game," He explained. "Figured Sasha and you could share that one."

Sara turned back and saw Sasha sitting on the bench beside Greg, offering him a piece of the brown milk bar. He smiled, patting her on the head before popping a piece inside his mouth. It was then she wondered when her and Greg would have children of their own. He was so great to Sasha.

"Thank-you, it is a most gracious offer." Sara replied, taking a piece from her daughter, "I hope she was not too much trouble?"

"Not at all, her and Neleh had a grand time dancing up a storm." August replied nodding to Greg who was now showing both Sasha and Neleh his drawings. "I see you two are getting along quite well."

"He is quite the charmer."

"And in bed?" Her friend teased as Sara narrowed her eyes, appalled by such a personal question. "Don't worry, Sasha and Neleh are none the wiser. It's obvious you've found love aboard this ship, you have it written all over that face of yours." She gave Sara a quick peck on the cheek, "If I were you, I wouldn't let this opportunity pass you by." She stated before joining her sister on the bench.

Sara remained where she was, her mind getting lost in thoughts once more. Greg was a man who up until now, only existed in dreams. He was kind, funny, romantic, and great with children. What more could a woman want? August was right, it was not everyday a man like that falls into your lap. The papers said the Titanic was the ship of dreams, and until now Sara did not believe that was true. She wiped her tear filled eyes as Greg motioned for Sara to join them on the bench.

"Greg, can I call you daddy?" Sasha asked abruptly.

The conversations stopped as August and David looked from Sara whose face had gone instantly pale to Greg who did not seemed phased at all.

"You can call me whatever you want," Greg replied and smiled grabbing her nose in his hand. "If your mother approves of course."

"Does that mean you and Sara are going to get married once we get to America?" Neleh interrupted as August hushed her sister.

Greg laughed "I would love to marry her some day," He whispered with a smirk and a wink. "I don't believe it will be right away though, there's still so much I want to learn about her, and you too Sasha."

The girls giggled as the couple shared a quick kiss, Sara's mind leaving the past and entering their future in America.

- 2:45 PM -

With most of the day gone by, Catherine was surprised her mother was still no where to be seen. A chance to mingle without her smart mouth daughter was most likely the reason for her absence. Catherine didn't care, this allowed her and Gil to spend the day together, mostly entwined in her bed sheets. It was now almost three in the afternoon as Catherine wrapped a robe around her naked body, tying the sash tightly at her hips, heading for the lavatory. Gil reached out and grabbed her hand, startling her as she lost her footing, falling back onto the bed.

"Catherine, are you alright?" Gil asked.

"Yes, I'm just a bit lightheaded that's all," Catherine replied, pulling her hand away. She closed her eyes, feeling the room spin, "I'm sure once I eat something I'll be alright."

Gil sat up, watching her walk into the small bathroom and close the door quietly behind her. He leaned his back against the rough wooden head board, stretching his arms over his head, the hairs on his chest tickled slightly in the chilled air. For the first time since his childhood, he actually felt well rested. He was closing his eyes, feeling the movements of the ship when a loud clank followed by a thud came from behind the bathroom door.

Gil jumped out of bed, knocking quickly on the door, "Catherine?" He asked while knocking once more. After a moment of silence he pressed his ear against the wood, there was silence. "I'm coming in." He stated, gently pushing the door open.

Lying on the floor was Catherine, her robe half open, pooling around her legs in a sea of periwinkle silk. She was crying, her eyes red rimmed and cheeks blotchy. The smell of vomit was strong as he noticed a red streak slowly descending the porcelain tub. He lifted her head, seeing a slight gash on her temple that was bleeding.

"Catherine, look at me darling," Gil soothed, trying to get her to focus on him, "I think we better get you back to bed." He stated wiping her eyes with his thumbs, her skin cold and clammy.

"I-I don't know what came over me." She muttered in a daze.

Her head was pounding, the room spinning as she tried to keep her eyes open. As they made their way back into the bedroom her stomach suddenly felt like it was doing back flips. Catherine broke from Gil's hold and made an abrupt detour back to the basin, vomiting once more. There was nothing left but clear liquid and a burning sensation started in her throat.

"Once I have you back in bed, I'll go fetch the Doctor."

Catherine tried to wave Gil off, not wanting to make a scene of this. This was just from lack of food and water. If she got dressed and went for tea and a light snack before dinner everything would be fine.

"I'm fine, honestly Gil."

"You hit your head quite hard, you might need stitches. Here hold this to your forehead to stop the bleeding." Gil instructed as he poured cold water over a towel and pressed it against her cut.

Catherine swatted it away, staggering back into the bedroom. "I assure you I am fine. I just need some food and water." Catherine persisted, sitting down on her bed when she heard a knock at her bedroom door.

"Catherine, are you in there?" Charles's voice sounded from the other side before he knocked once more.

"Gil could you tell Charles he does not need to worry." She stated, falling back on her pillow, suddenly finding it difficult to keep her eyes open.

Gil was about to protest when he noticed Catherine had gone unconscious, "Catherine?" He stated slightly shaking her, "Catherine wake up darling," He stated with urgency as Charles knocked once more, trying the door handle that was locked.

Gil left Catherine's side for a moment, throwing back on his pants as he went to unlock the door. "Charles, I need you to go and fetch the Doctor." Gil stated seeing the man try to make sense of the situation. "Charles damn it! Miss Willows needs a Doctor, please, go fetch him!" He shouted, catching the man's attention.

"Yes, of course Mr. Grissom, I shall return as soon as I can." He stated and took off not bothering with more questions.

Gil closed the bedroom door once more, continuing to get dressed. He grabbed the discarded cloth from the bathroom and soaked it fresh cold water, cleaning the wound on her forehead. Clasping his hand around her cold clammy one, her found her pulse in her wrist. It was weak, but still going. As he brought her wrist to his lips for a kiss, Catherine opened her eyes once more smiling at the sight of Gil at her bed side.

"My darling Edward, how I've missed you." She muttered before her eyes rolled back, drifting back off to sleep.

Gil was perplexed as to the name Catherine had just uttered. Being a man of science he knew that mistaken identity could be a result of a minor concussion. When she feeling better, and awake long enough to carry on a conversation, he would ask her about this elusive Edward.

- 4:00 PM -

Sara and Greg, at this point, had walked the length of the ship, for as far as they were permitted, at least half a dozen times. Sasha was out with them, running ahead, expelling the endless amount of energy she seemed to have. She had her doll with her, swinging it around in circles as if they were dancing. Sara's hand was cupped tightly in Greg's, especially when they went closer to the railings.

"Are you trying to break my hand darlin'?" Greg said with a smile.

"Sorry, I have a fear of heights and well, there was an incident when we boarded in Liverpool that I just cannot shake."

"Oh, what happened?"

"Another ship was about to collide with us!" Sasha exclaimed, " A very nice rich lady saved me."

"Oh is that so?"

"It is, I was hoping to cross paths with her again on this voyage," Sara replied.

"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle, there are decent wealthy people out there."

Sasha giggled, "You're not a monkey!"

Greg then proceeded to make monkey noises which caused Sasha to laugh even more.

"I love you," Sara whispered, amazed at how forward she was. Never before had she said those words to a man.

Greg stood, brushing his faded trousers with his hands, a wide grin on his face, "I love you too Sara. Nothing at all can ever pull us two apart." He replied, "Even if the great Titanic sank, I'll always make sure we'd be together." He frowned at Sara's scowl. "There's nothing to worry about darling, this ship is unsinkable."

"My nightmare seems to be convincing me otherwise."

"Those are just dreams. I would never put you, or Sasha in harms way. You have my word."

"Promise me we'll never be separated?" Sara breathed.

"I promise my love."

Sasha tugged on her mother's dress, catching the two lovebirds mid lip lock, "Mama, can we return to the party downstairs?"

- 4:15 PM -

Catherine stirred, tossing from one side to the other, trapped in a vivid memory.

He was back, his green eyes a blaze of jealousy, his grip tighter then before. The room was black, almost as if they were floating. They were the only ones around for miles. She was on her knees, succumbing to his overbearing and submissive ways. Scared, Catherine opened her eyes, jolting herself right out of bed. The bed she shared with Gilbert mere hours ago was cold and vast. The curtains were drawn, window open as the scent of sea air was potent in the stuffy room. She looked across the room and saw Charles asleep in an arm chair.

He startled himself awake. straightening himself in the chair and rubbing his tired eyes. He noticed Catherine awake and looking confused, as if she did not know exactly where she was.

"Catherine, thank god you're alright." He stated with a sigh of relief, back to playing big brother once more.

"Where's Mr. Grissom?" Catherine asked.

"Mr. Grissom retired to his cabin to change. He said he would come check on you once you were awake." Charles explained as he sat down on the bed, tilting her head to the side to inspect her forehead, "Quite a fall you took kitten, you had us all worried."

Catherine winced as he moved his fingers close to the cut on her head and grazed the bruise on her cheek courtesy of her mother.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Almost two hours. The Doctor fixed up your head. Mr. Grissom explained to him that you were not looking well this morning and had collapsed in the bathroom. Once I told him I had the situation under control, more for your mother's sake than anything, Mr. Grissom requested I stay at your bedside until you came to."

She clasped her hand around Charles's, having him help her to her feet once more, her legs weak. She had hoped that when she awoke her beloved would be in front of her.

"Does mother know anything?"

"No, thank heavens she hasn't been back to the stateroom all afternoon. She has been quite preoccupied with Ms. Molly Brown and Mr. Andrews after last nights dinner. The news of you and his nephew eating dinner alone has made for quite the gossip aboard the ship." Charles explained with a smirk. "You're lucky she did not find out with Mr. Grissom in your bed."

Catherine scowled, knowing that Charles was secretly happy for Catherine, but also a bit jealous, wishing he would be the man she would fall for after her falling out with Edward. "I trust you will not tell mother about that,"

Charles crossed his fingers, "Scouts honour."

Catherine smiled, giving Charles a peck on the cheek, "Thank-you for watching over me. If you would be so kind to tell Mr. Grissom to meet me at my quarters in a half hour, I will be ready for dinner."

Charles put a hand on Catherine's shoulder, stopping her from getting out of bed. "I know this is not my place, but before you begin to ready for dinner, there is something you must know."

"Yes?" She stated, applying some blush to her sunken cheeks, giving her the appearance she was still alive and breathing.

"Your mother has arranged for someone else to escort you to dinner this evening. He should be arriving any minute."

Catherine sighed, wondering exactly what tricks her mother had up her sleeve now. Catherine figured her mother would have been happy that her daughter was being courted by the nephew of the designer of the ship. Catherine tied her robe around her body tighter, forgetting for a moment she was naked underneath.

Heat began to rise in her cheeks, "I thought I had chosen the one man my mother would not interfere with. I'll handle them if you please go get Mr. Grissom." She said eyeing Charles's concern. "Is there something else?"

He cleared his throat, "No, I will leave you to get dressed," He then exited the bedroom, closing the door softly behind him.

Catherine emerged minutes later, dressed in a green day dress with lace trim around the wrists and hem. It was long sleeved and warm in the cool stateroom. She had her hair down, making sure to conceal her head wound with a swooping side bang and caked on powder. As she stepped out into the salon, her mother was standing their, eyes bright with excitement.

"Mother, I thought you would already be at dinner?" Catherine asked astonished.

Lady Willows smiled, grabbing her daughters hand as she guided her to the couch. "Catherine, I was able to find someone while exploring the ship."

She looked perplexed, seeing Charles was standing by the fireplace, poking at the logs inside as the smell of cedar filled the room. His eyes were cast to the stateroom door, shaking his head no to Catherine's question. He was evidently not pleased with whom ever was standing out there. Suddenly there was a knock that made Catherine jump, her knees bouncing, hoping for it to be Gil.

"Could you get that please Charles," Lady Willows instructed.

The young man stepped into the room, dressed in a suit, his blonde hair slicked back and green eyes glinting. Catherine felt as if she was about to faint once more.

"Hello Catherine, Lady Willows."

"Edward? What on earth are you doing aboard the Titanic?" Catherine whispered and looked at her mother smiling like an idiot "Why in God's name would you bring him here!" She shouted.

"It was my idea for me to see you. I wanted to apologize for my actions back in England," Edward explained, advancing further into the room as Catherine stepped back, making sure the couch stayed as a barrier between them. "I know I made some mistakes, but please give me a chance to make it up to you."

"You've already lost me, I've found someone else, someone who actually gives a damn about me and not just my father's wealth."

"Catherine! Language!" Lady Willows gasped, "Mr. Anderson was quite the match for you back in England, can't you put aside your differences and think about your future for once."

Catherine felt a head rush and gripped the top of the arm chair beside her, Charles instantly at her side. She nodded, stating she was alright. "Mother, would you excuse us, Mr. Anderson and I have much to discuss." She seethed.

"Charles, let us go watch the sun set." Lady Willows commanded, heading for the door.

Charles squeezed Catherine's shoulder, "I can stand guard outside, if you wish." He whispered watching Edward help Lady Willows with her fur coat, "Or push him overboard."

"As tempting as it is, I will be fine." Catherine replied, "What time should I be expecting Mr. Grissom?" She asked hopeful.

"Six o'clock."

"I will be ready for him long before then. Keep my mother busy, and if you see Mr. Grissom, tell him I'm well and look forward to dining with him once more."

Charles nodded as he entwined his arm within her mother's, departing the salon. Once the door was closed Catherine sighed, noticing then that she was holding her breath. Edward poured himself a drink by the fireplace, his back to her at the moment.

"What exactly are you doing here Eddie?" Catherine asked, sitting down on the couch, keeping her eyes trained on his every move.

"Like I said Catherine, I'm here to get you back." Eddie replied. "You are mine, always have been and always will be." He threatened, his brandy glowing in the fireplace light.

Catherine stirred, her nerves beginning to take hold. She knew exactly what was meant by Eddie's words. Her father's death was the excuse she liked to use for leaving England, but Eddie was the real monster she was trying to escape from.

Narrowing her eyes, Catherine looked at the glass in his hand, "I see you are back to drinking. How idiotic of you to think you could just show up and sweep me off my feet."

Eddie took a hefty swig of the brandy before stepping closer, "I don't need to convince you, I just need to convince one Gilbert Grissom to leave you alone."

"How do you know about us?" Catherine asked cornered, but refusing to step down. "And what exactly do you plan to tell him?" She added nervously.

Eddie grabbed a hold of Catherine's wrist, squeezing it tightly, "You and him are the talk of the ship kiddo. But if you think, even for a second, that I would let the mother of my child out of my sight, you're wrong." He hissed tossing her back on the couch with a thump.

Catherine was not sure what to address first, her head, her wrist or the fact Edward knew she was pregnant. She rubbed her wrist, the skin beginning to redden as her eyes welled with tears. "How did you know?"

"I'm not as blind and naive as you think. Either you tell him Catherine, or I will." He said, downing the rest of drink. He wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket. "I've always loved you, and I'll never stop as long as I walk this earth." He said before kissing her lips forcefully, the smell of brandy nauseating as she tried to squirm away.

He got up, leaving his empty glass on the mantel and opening the stateroom door. "Either the scientist goes or your secret is out." Eddie stated and then left, slamming the door shut behind him.

- 6:00 PM -

She paced the salon nervous that Eddie had gotten to Gil before their arranged date. It was the one time she hoped he had sequestered himself to his cabin and his bugs more than anything. She had found out from the Doctor before leaving England that she was with child. Missing her time of the month twice and beginning to feel sick in the mornings was enough to warrant a visit. The only man she had ever had relations before Gil was Edward, so there was no doubt about who the father was.

Catherine had contemplated doing horrible, inexcusable things to cause a miscarriage, but she could never work up the courage to follow through. It was a stupid mistake, she was grieving the loss of her father and went to Edward for solace, which lead foolishly to sex. She was going to tell her mother, but knew that would only force an unwanted marriage and be left behind in England, raising a child with a bastard of a husband.

A knock at the stateroom startled her as she smoothed her hands against her dress. She had been so consumed by her thoughts that she had lost track of time. She pulled at her long sleeves, covering the bruise already starting to form on her wrists. They knocked again, as Catherine opened the door, praying it was Gil on the other side.

"Oh Gil!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around his shoulders, beginning to cry.

"Is everything alright?" Gil asked, stroking her hair, "Hey, shh, I'm here."

"Gil, I-I-" She could feel the lump in her throat, her stomach doing flips as they backed into the stateroom, closing the door quietly behind them.

"Would you like to sit?" He motioned to the couch as Catherine nodded. "I apologize for leaving you after the Doctor arrived. I had some things I needed to attend too."

"I had a visitor today." Catherine whispered, looking at the fireplace.

"A visitor?"

"Edward Anderson, my ex-fiancee. Unbeknownst to me, he bought passage aboard the Titanic as well."

"Ah, so that's the elusive Edward." Gil muttered.

Catherine turned to Gil perplexed, "What do you mean? I've never spoken of him until now."

"You said his name before you fell unconscious. I assumed it was your father, but now I understand it was an ex-lover name you uttered."

A blush crept up her neck, "I'm truly sorry for that. He was...is...the real reason I left England. He's a horrible man, scum in my eyes, and my late father's. I promise, I do not love him." She paused, cupping his face to make him look into her eyes, "I love you."

Gil was awestruck, he had never heard a woman say those words to him aside from his mother. Watching her blue eyes twinkle as a single tear fell from each he kissed her, pulling her in close. "I love you too Catherine." Gil breathed. "I've never fallen in love before, and I never want to again."

"There is something else," Catherine replied her hands beginning to tremble.

"Whatever it is darling, we can handle it."

"I'm pregnant."

Gil tensed their kisses halting and eyes wide. "How is-"

"I was afraid that if I told you before, you wouldn't want to be with me." Catherine confessed, sobbing once more as that lump in her throat returned.

Gil grabbed her hand, squeezing it, making her raise her chin to look at him. "It's Edwards I presume?" He asked.

Catherine just nodded while crying. Gil pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair, smelling the lavender in her curls. "I am not going anywhere, I promise."

"Oh Gil...he'll kill me if I don't do what he wants, look at what he did earlier." Catherine pushed back her sleeves to reveal darkened bruises.

"Edward did that to you?" Gil asked, anger flaring from his nostrils.

"He has a bit of a temper." She said looking at Gil, "I would never be able to forgive myself if- oh god it's too horrible to even think of."

"Calm now, it's going to be alright." Gil replied, clenching and releasing his left hand. He was never a violent man, but anyone who hit a woman deserved what was coming to them. "I must ask, has he done this to you before?"

Catherine remained silent, and that was enough of an answer for him.

"He knows I'm with child and has already threatened to ruin what we have. Maybe it's for the best...we no longer stay together."

"I'm not leaving you and you're not going back to that bastard." He stated, kissing her once more, "I love you Miss Willows, and I'm prepared to defend it."

That simple sentiment pushed Catherine over the edge. Her heart melted, hormones running wild. It was hard to tell if it was pregnancy or how vulnerable she was, but she pressed her body against Gil, playing with the buttons on his tuxedo, wanting to undress him in the salon right then and there. She was infatuated with the man, feeling his hard member press against the cotton of his trousers knowing that he wanted it to, even if he wouldn't admit it.

Stroking his chin, her bruised wrist revealed as Gil tenderly kissed it before brushing away her bangs, seeing the small stitches on the top of her head.

"Mr. Grissom, I believe I have fallen head over heels in love with you." Catherine stated with a grin.

T.B.C