Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to CSI. I'm just having fun with them.

Author's Note: Thanks again to everyone who took the time to give feedback … it really inspired me to continue. I have enjoyed writing this story … I had forgotten how much I liked to write as a teenager … I hope that it is as enjoyable to read for you. The end is near – hopefully I can finish it up in the next chapter.

Grissom/Sara: The Promised Return – Chapter 4

As he pulled up to the townhouse he sighed with relief. He was weary from his travels, but excited to be home. He juggled his suitcases as he made his way to the front door. Light was visible from inside, indicating that Sara was waiting for him. He rung the doorbell and waited. Seconds later, stillness was still prevalent. He tried again. The unrelenting silence was deafening. He dug into his pocket and retrieved his keys.

Opening the door, familiar smells greeted him. How crazy was it that he could smell subtle hints of her body lotions? The lamp, on the table by the couch, softly brightened the room. "Sara? Honey, are you home?"

His inquiries were met with more silence. As he moved throughout the townhouse, he noticed a few minor changes in the décor. New pillows graced the couch. Their brightness was a contrast to the darkness of the sofa's fabric. His favorite chair was on the opposite side of the room. Other details, which could not escape the scientist in him, were cataloged.

The only room that seemed unchanged was their sanctuary … the bedroom. He dropped his suitcases by the closet and looked around. Lying in the middle of the bed were a single red rose and a piece of stationary. He bent over to collect the items.

Griss,

Welcome home! I am so glad that you are finally back. I can't tell you how much I missed you while you were gone. Every second away from you was agony, but it was worth it because I took your advice and spent our time apart thinking about what I really want from our relationship. I'm ready to share my thoughts with you, like we discussed. You promised me a night to remember when you returned and I intend to hold you to that. Knowing that you were busy during your last week at Williams, I took the initiative and made some plans for our reunion … I hope you don't mind. I know that you are probably tired from your trip, but I promise to make you forget about that as soon as I have you in my hands. Help yourself to a shower and then get ready for our special night. A car will be by to pick you up at 8PM. I'll see you soon.

Love always,

Sara

His blues sparkled at the thought of being romanced by her. How could he not love her and want to spend the rest of his life with her? Not many women would be willing to share the role of pursuer. Yet, Sara had pursued him for years and then allowed him to do the same when the tables had turned. He loved the fact that they were equals in other ways too. Yes, they were both a little unusual, but their uniqueness was what made them perfect for each other. Whistling softly, he glanced at his watch and hurried to the bathroom to prepare.


Sara was anxiously pacing in her hotel suite. If everything was on schedule, then Grissom should be arriving soon. A quick assessment of the room had her relaxing. The champagne was chilling, the room was strewn with rose petals, and soft classical music was playing. A romantic dinner for two would arrive shortly after he did. A quick glance in the mirror had her grinning wickedly … she had never been too fond of her looks, but even she had to admit that she looked fabulous. A late afternoon appointment at the hotel's spa, combined with her new dress, was a deadly combination. Grissom would be tongue-tied to say the least.

She hoped with all of her heart that she wasn't jumping the shark here. He had hinted at marriage, during a phone conversation, but nothing else had been said since. She didn't care … she and Grissom had been circling each other for years. It seemed that neither of them had been ready for more, until that moment almost two years when they had come together. A desire to protect their careers had kept the relationship from others and therefore had slowed its' progression. Considering everything they had gone through in the past year, including Grissom's near burnout and health scare, Sara finally decided that their lives would be more enriched if they had something other than their careers on which to focus. Her decision had led to tonight's big event. They had never been traditionalists … she couldn't wait to see his face when she proposed to him.


A knock on the door had Grissom examining his appearance one last time. The blue of his tie matched his eyes perfectly … or so Sara had told him when she gave it to him. Overall, he felt that he looked okay. He was always uncomfortable in a suit, but Sara loved to see him in one, so it was worth the effort.

The driver led him to a sleek, black car that was waiting at the curb. He settled into the cushy leather seats and allowed his thoughts to center on Sara as the car headed towards downtown Las Vegas. He shifted slightly and rescued the small, square box from his inner jacket pocket. He opened the top and admired the ring he had designed for Sara. It was simple, but beautiful. He knew that it would go perfectly with the various necklaces she loved to wear on a daily basis … they were one of her few feminine concessions while at work. He couldn't wait to see it on her finger every day as a symbol of their love. He prayed that she would say "yes" to his proposal. The butterflies that had plagued him throughout the day were now abating. He knew in his heart that marrying Sara was the right thing to do … and was fairly certain that she thought so too.

TBC