I hold no rights to anything CSI except to look upon them lovingly each Thursday night.

I have to give thanks to Peggy who keeps my writing on the up and up. She's my proofreader, my editor, and my friend.

A/N OK, this is my slightly twisted idea of how to get myself on the show. Yes, sadly, I'm an actor, as well as a writer, but a dreamer most of all. I would play Gwen.

Family, Like It or Not

Chapter 7

This time it was Jim Brass who was pacing in his tuxedo shirt, socks, and boxers, waiting for his tuxedo pants. "Honey, did you fix it yet?"

"Almost Jim, just start tying your tie and I'll have them finished in a minute." Gwen was not yet in her dress. She was waiting until Jim left for Gil and Sara's. She was busy sewing the button back on Jim's tux pants. Something the dry cleaners forgot to do. "Sammy, why don't you go and see if you can help Daddy stay calm?"

"'K Mommy." He left his mother in her fluffy robe sewing.

"Daddy," Sammy said as he entered his parent's room. "Mommy says I'm 'pose to keep ya calm."

"Good luck, Pal." Jim said to Sammy's reflection in the mirror as he tried to tie his tie. "Daddy's pretty nervous."

"Why Daddy? It's jus' a wedding like when Uncle Pa and Aunt Sara got married."

"Well, Pal, that was a little different. See, I didn't have to say anything. I have to talk and answer questions this time." That satisfied Sammy, and he remained silent watching Jim attempt to tie his bow tie.

"Here Jim, all finished." Gwen said as she brought Jim his pants.

"Thanks, Honey, can you help?" Jim said as he held out his still untied bow tie.

"Put your pants on, and then I'll tie your tie." Jim did as he was told.

As Gwen started tying his tie, they heard a knock at the front door.

Sara called out, "Jim why in the hell aren't you at my house yet? I need to get this woman dressed!" Sara finished just as she stepped into the bedroom.

"We had a little problem with Jim's pants," Gwen answered.

Sara said, "I don't think I want to know"

"Daddy popped a button!"

"Hey, Pal, the dry cleaners forgot to tighten that button. Your daddy hasn't gained a pound in ten years," Brass added.

"Ok, all done. Put your jacket on and head to Gil's," Gwen said as she checked Sammy's tux and kissed his head. "Go with Daddy to Uncle Pa's, and be good."

"Ok, Mommy, I will."

"Ok, I guess I'm ready. I'll see you at the chapel. Right?" Jim asked as he kissed her lightly.

"Yes, Jim, I'll be the one in white. Well, off-white," Gwen said with a grin.

As Jim stepped just outside of their bedroom, he paused and turned. "Hey," getting Gwen's attention he continued, "I love you."

"I love you, too." With that he took Sammy's hand, and they left.


The car arrived at the Little White Chapel with time to spare. Sara and Gwen got out and entered the chapel where they were met by Gil and Sammy. The guests were there and seated so it was just about time to start.

"How is Jim holding up? He seemed pretty nervous back at the house," Sara whispered quietly to Gil while Gwen rechecked Sammy's tuxedo.

"He's fine; I've never seen him so happy. I think he was afraid Gwen would change her mind."

"Not likely. Gwen's practically bursting at the seams to marry Jim. Did he ever hear back from Ellie?"

"No. It's probably better that way. Jim's starting a new life. He's got a second chance. Maybe he'll finally be able to put the guilt behind him. Well, I'd better take my place. You're beautiful, by the way, Mrs. Grissom."

"Thank you, Dr. Grissom. You're not too bad yourself. Now go!"

Gil joined Jim at the front of the church. Sara, Gwen and Sammy took their places in the back. As the music began, Sara started down the aisle. When she reached the front, she took her place to the left. The bridal march started, and everyone stood as Sammy escorted his mother down the aisle. When they reached the front Gwen bent down so Sammy could kiss her. Then Sammy 'gave Gwen's hand' to Jim and took his place next to Gil.

The minister began. "Friends, we have gathered here today to witness the joy and happiness as Jim and Gwen combine their lives in marriage. They have come here together to share with you their love for one another. Gwen."

"I, Gwendolyn Elizabeth Grissom, take you James Michael Brass to be my husband. I promise to love you and cherish you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, keeping myself only unto you, all the rest of my life." Gwen's eyes never left Jim's.

"Jim."

Releasing a breath Jim started, "I, James Michael Brass, take you Gwendolyn Elizabeth Grissom to be my wife. I promise to love you and cherish you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, keeping myself only unto you, all the rest of my life." A quirky smile spread across Gwen's face, and it was greeted with a matching smile from Jim.

The minister added, "I understand that for the exchanging of the rings Gwen and Jim have written their own vows." Gil handed the rings to the minister.

Catherine leaned toward Warrick and whispered, "This should be good."

"Just wait and see. You may be surprised."

"Twenty says Jim stutters," Nicky whispered to Greg.

"You're on."

Warrick whispered to Catherine, "100 bucks says Jim makes you cry."

"Add that loser cooks the winner dinner, and you've got a bet."

"Deal."

Gwen started as the minister handed her Jim's ring. "Jim," she slid the ring on his finger, "I give you this ring as a symbol of our unending love. Let it remind you to call if you'll be late, that I have not become the ball and chain, and that although you have a Reuben at home I understand you will still admire art. Let it also remind you that I will always be there for you, to be Mrs. Captain Brass, to sew on your buttons, tie up your tie, rub away the stiffness in your shoulders, and help you to forget the things you see everyday. I am yours, you are mine, and we are one. I love you."

"Gwen," he slipped the ring on her finger, "I give you this ring as a symbol of our unending love. Let it remind you that I will probably forget to call when I'll be late, that you are what keeps me going, not what holds me back, and that you are the only art I'll ever need. Let it also remind you that I will always be there for you, to be just plain Jim, to grill your steaks, to teach our son to pee standing up, to rub your aching back, and to let you in to help me forget what I see everyday. I am yours, you are mine and we are one. I love you."

"Wow," was all Catherine could say through her tears.

"See Cath, I told you. You owe me dinner, and 100 bucks."

"Now with the exchanging of vows and the giving of rings you have declared your love for each other. By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Clark County and the great State of Nevada, I pronounce you man and wife. What here has been joined together let no one separate. You may kiss your bride." Jim kissed Gwen, Sammy hugged his parents, and the gathered family and friends broke into applause.

"Can we eat now, Daddy?"