Title: Chapter 10

Rating: M to be safe.

Authors note: Thanks for the brilliant reviews, so glad you are all enjoying it and keep the support coming. Its lovely motivation. Just want to note, I am moving house, so this will be the last chapter for a while - I need to get settled and get internet back. So I'll be taking a little haitus. Now...all will be revealed, but who is going to be disappointed?

Summary: "You can have it all. Just not all at once." ― Oprah Winfrey

Thursday, November 21st 2013.

My office was in pitch darkness as I tried to calm my swirling vision. I returned to work almost immediately - both myself and Finn had convinced D.B. that the whole fainting thing was nothing to be concerned about and that I would be fine to work. In the three days since I had discovered my little one, not another soul had been told. The only other person that knew was Finn, and I intended to keep it that way. At least until the father knew. After calling him a few days ago, I didn't have the nerve to tell him over the phone. Instead, I insisted that he flew to Vegas so we could talk in person which I honestly thought would be the more appropriate way to tell him. But I could tell from the tremor in his voice that he was a little worried. Regardless, he resisted in pressing me for more information.

Settling into my chair, I sipped at some cold water while my vision gradually cleared. My hand grazed my stomach as I considered the very real possibility of being a single parent. I had felt sorry for Catherine when I began working here. Watching her rush around, trying to further her career and raise Lindsey at the same time. It was not uncommon for her to complain of her tiredness, the lack of a social circle outside of the lab as well as a love life. "Never had loads of friends out of here anyway" I chuckled softly. Money was not an issue. I am barely home anyway, so most of it stays in my bank account. Of course, I would have to move house to somewhere more suited for a child. Hopefully to a more suburban area in Vegas with a lower crime rate. A home that was open and warm, with a lush green garden. I smiled as I fantasized.

The creaking of the opening door disrupted me. I frowned as I sought to see my visitor, but relaxed upon seeing that I was Finn. Although she had been at court earlier in the day, her clothes were now very casual in comparison. It had been a hit and run that had graced the TV screens, as well as newspapers, for quite some time. The victim was a thirteen year old boy who had been walking home from school. The defendant, a seventeen year old, had been joyriding with a couple friends. The younger boy had been ran over because the driver succumbed to a 'double dare'. Fortunately, the boy survived the event with no lasting injuries and only had to spend a few days in ICU before being moved to a more relaxed area of the hospital. The remorseless attackers were now behind bars – thanks to Finn and Greg. The successful woman stood before the heavy wooden desk. "Sara, how you doing? Thought I'd come see you."

"Slow night huh?" I leaned forward in my desk as she walked further into the room, hitting the light on the way. The office became illuminated immediately. Books, samples and spare pens became newly visible to the naked eye.

"That's an understatement if I ever heard one." She made her way to the chair beside the desk, making herself comfortable. "I mean jeez. I almost want someone to drop." The blonde seemed weary. I laughed at her state of boredom.

"What? Have you come looking for gossip or something? 'Cause you're not going to find it here. Go see the lab rats for that"

"No, they are all going on about Hodges and Morgan still...I know it all"

"That's because you spread it all.."

"Hey!" Finn gawked at me, flinging her arm out in a mock attempt of getting back at me. "They are a cute couple though."

"Yeah, very cute. I'll give them that." I agreed happily. "So what did you come for?"

"Boredom. Let's talk about something fun?"

"Not in the mood to discuss Nick's ass right now" I chuckled, referencing back to one of the many drunken conversations between the two of us. Finn momentarily blushed madly at my accusation but soon recovered and tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"You know..we never did discuss what happened in 'Cisco". I groaned as the topic came up.

"Fine, you really want to know?" At this, Finn's eyes grew ablaze with excitement.

"Yes! I mean..only if you want me too."

"You better get a mug of tea and get comfortable then, its a long tale."

After a thirty-five minute explanation, I concluded my account of events in the week I was away. "And then, I just left. I had to, Morgan and Ellie were in trouble." I reasoned, trying to defend my actions. Finn sat back in astonishment at the account of events. I told her everything, from the moment I finished with Lyle Brinks to the time spent with both Gil and Doug and even that passionate night – including the lustful morning – spent in the hotel with the father of my child.

"You could write a novel with that crap" She murmured when I had finished. "God Sara, that's an intense vacation"

"It is for your emotional well-being, yes" I wrapped my hands around my lukewarm tea. I had only taken a couple sips in the time I had spent talking. Finn had finished hers just moments beforehand. "You can't tell anyone, please Finn" I pleaded as I set the mug aside. Finns hazel eyes met mine.

"You have my word."

"You sure as hell don't have mine, I'm going to kill him!" Nick stormed into my office, startling both Finn and myself.

"Nick?"

"Nick, what the hell!" I screeched unhappily. "Have you been listening to us?"

"Well I walked past and heard you say something about a steamy night. Thought you were discussing something good. Then I realised you were pregnant and he's not here? That's out of order Sara!"

"Nick keep your voice down!" Finn had jumped from her seat and approached the angry Texan with waving arms. Her voice in hushed tones, she attempted to appeal to him.

"It's not like that Nick. Sit down!" My voice wasn't as hushed as I commanded him.

"No, tell me what's going on." He growled. I swear I could see his lips actually curling back to bare his teeth.

"You heard most of it right?"

He shrugged a little before relaying what he had heard before. He clearly had a partial view. "Does he know?"

"No! No he doesn't. I haven't told him yet. He is coming here on Sunday, I'm going to tell him then." I breathed, tired from the sudden drama. Nick's shoulders sagged as he realised his actions were in vain. Finn exchanged looks with the CSI.

"Sorry Sar. I just got all pent up..thought you had told him and he had bailed or something." He scratched his head as he spoke. The tension in the room was slowly lifting as we realised the source of Nick's outrage; just a result of miscommunication.

"No, not at all. Well, at least not yet anyway." I added sadly as reality set in once more. Finn settled back into her seat. "Close the door please Nick." He did so without speaking, then approached the desk once more. A wide smile dominated his clean shaven face.

"Hey, come here" He stood with his arms held out. I smiled, standing to join him. "Congratulations Sara" He grinned as he enveloped me into a bear hug. "You told Greg and the rest of the team yet?"

"No, not yet. I want to keep it that way too..so I guess I'm not going to discuss this at the lab any more"

"Yeah, that's not working out for you" Finn scoffed, her amusement at the turn of events showing. She stood from her seat, looked around and patted herself down before turning back to us. "I'm going to check with D.B, see if any cases have become available in the past hour. See you later?" Halfway through the sentence she had began making her way towards the door, only half turning her body to speak to us.

"I'll see you" I waved her off.

"Check you later" Nick called as she left. "For once, I'm not the last to know." He beamed as he took a seat in Finn's place. Leaning back into it, he offered a relaxed offence. His dark eyes scanned the room for a few moments. "On a serious note though, I need to talk to you..about this." The chocolate orbs linked back to me again – now overflowing with sincerity.

"Oh?" I leaned forward once more. I sat quietly, waiting for him to continue. Nick glanced about the room as he looked for the correct wording. "You okay there champ?" I smiled, hoping to hide my nerves. The twisting sensation in my stomach was becoming more and more familiar. For a few moments Nick said nothing while he focussed, his brow stitching together indefinitely.

"Listen..Sara. You're like a sister to me, you know that right?" He waited for me to nod before going on. His torso tilted towards the desk as he leaned towards me. "I don't want you to feel like you need to go through this alone. I want you to know that I'm here for you. Money, time..even a roof over your head. I'm here for you...both of you."

"Wh..what exactly do you mean?" My head tilted unconsciously. When news of my separation broke in the lab, Nick had been amazingly supportive. Along with Greg, a lot of effort was made to ensure that I wasn't alone, that I was coping okay. They had taken me out a couple of times for a friendly dinner or to the movies to see the latest horror flick. While Nick often turned green at the sight of such films, Greg and I were wildly humoured at the fake gore. The time spent with them had reminded me of the older days, before Warrick had passed and Natalie had set in motion my relationships demise. I mentally kicked myself back into the present conversation with Nick, my head still tilted to the right while he spoke quietly.

"I mean...if he doesn't want anything to do with you and the baby..you can come live with me." He gestured towards himself. "Not as a couple of course, but like we'd share a house for the child so it has stability. I mean, you saw what Catherine was like when Lindsey was a little girl? Never had childcare, always working on a lack of sleep and everything else. I figure this way, one of us is always at home and you don't lose out on too much sleep. They always go on about a child need a consistency and financial support...you know..it's a possibility anyway.." He ended by mumbling. "I mean, only if you want to of course. I'd love to have you" The corners of his eyes crinkled while he widened his smile. A rose tint flushed his face while he spoke.

Genuinely touched by his gallant gesture I remained speechless for a few moments. The fact that my life would change so much in the next year overwhelmed me. While I was happy to make sacrifices, I loved the idea of having a dear friend to help me at all times, especially a friend who was experience with children. I opened my mouth to speak but instead my throat swelled with joy. I breathing became laboured as tears pricked my eyes. Nick rushed to my side, wrapping his arms around my rocking frame. "Sorry..I'm sorry. Hormones." I gave a wet smile as I struggled to get back to usual. The lump in my throat remained relentlessly. "Thanks Nick, I don't know what I'd do without someone like you."

Sunday, November 24th 2013.

The sodden towels were removed from the freshly made bed, folded and placed on the radiator to dry. Glancing around the room to make sure a thing was not out of place, I wondered if my anxiety was evident to others. The bedside clock read 3:05. The visitor I was so eagerly awaiting had landed at approximately 2:30. "Not long.." I muttered while I rushed to the mirror at the end of the room. The woman in my reflection definitely reflected the amount of anxiety that coursed through my veins. The attire was comfortable but looked like it took effort. Hair and make up – simple. No jewellery. It was the body language that exuded the lack of confidence.

"When is he due again?" Nick's heavy Texan drawl sounded from the living room. He had insisted that he stay with me and keep me company while I waited. Although I had told him that I would be fine, he stated that I needed him 'to keep me sane'.

"Not long. I'm the one talking to him remember, not you" I smiled at my reflection but it didn't seem to make a large improvement. The woman in the mirror followed suit and turned to the side as I did. My mind wandered to the leaflets I had read a few dozen times; the wording on how my body would change came to mind. Apparently the bathroom would become my best friend soon, this awful sickness would continue but improve when I reached the second trimester. I tilted my head as I realised that my breasts would begin to swell. "Can't be half bad" I giggled.

"You say something Sara?"

"Erm, nope.." I moved away from the mirror to find the owner of the distinctive voice. I found Nick slouched on the couch, remote in one hand and glass of soda in the other. "Just make yourself at home Nicky, you look like you're having a hard day." I smiled at my long time friend. He chuckled as he moved over to make room for myself. "I'm going to make a pot of tea..you best get going soon. He won't be long." I jammed my thumb in direction of the front door. Nick pulled his arm around to view, pulling back his sleeve to reveal his watch.

"Supposed to be here at about 3:15 right?"

"Yeah, what time is it now?"

"Exactly 3:07. Let me finish my soda and I'll keep you company a bit longer." He smiled convincingly, but I knew his motive. Shaking my head, I walked across the room to sit beside him.

"Listen Nick. I really appreciate what you are doing, but you can't be here when he arrives. I need alone time with him." Nicks head dropped.

"Sorry Sar. I just...I'm angry with him..why didn't he chase you to Vegas after your night together?"

"Because he probably thought the same thing that I did...that it was a mistake and wouldn't happen again.." My eyes moved from Nicks face to my lap while a hot flush filled my face. "I can't fully explain it, because I don't fully understand it myself. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to go soon." Nick lifted my face to meet his. He smiled broadly before twisting his body away to pick up his soda. He tilted his head back while he emptied the contents of the glass into his mouth. When he was done he passed the glass to me.

"I understand. I hope it all goes okay" He muttered while moving to stand. I walked away from him to place the glass in the adjoining kitchen. Upon my return, he was by the doorway. He stood on one foot, balancing the other against the wall as he pulled on his shoe. "You tell me if you need me...I can take him out" He stood straight and pulled his finger across his throat but beamed happily. I laughed at his antics as I gained proximity o him.

"You know I'm trained in weapon less defence. I can kill a man with his own finger.."

"Not sure if that's something to brag about sweetie" Nick chuckled as he pulled me into a hug. "I'll see you at work. I wish you luck."

"Thanks" I mumbled. He pulled away and, with one last look at myself, was out of the door. Not knowing exactly what to do with myself, I quickly checked the wall clock. 3:14. I wrung my hands nervously as I made my way to the bay window. He would be here soon and I still had no idea what to say to him. I leaned against the wall as I watched the world from behind the glass barrier. The leaves of the trees moved with the invisible wind. The greying clouds overheard clapped violently as a defiant bolt of lightening split the sky. I worried about Nick's journey home as I watched the trees, skies and lightening dance and sing in natures harsh orchestra. Pushing myself away from the scene, I made my way to the couch and rested in the area that Nick sat in only moments previously. The plush pillows greeted my suddenly weary body. I slid my eyes closed allowing anything other than the current situation to dominate my thoughts.

"Sara...God Sara" he grunted into my shoulder as we came down from our highs. "I've missed you so". He pulled loose hair from my sticky forehead as he scanned my face. "It's been a while...hasn't it.."
"Not that long since I last saw you" I laughed softly, the motion causing his member to bump and jostle inside me sightly - my laughter turning into a happy moan. He grinned at my reaction, leaning down to plant a kiss on my forehead.

"What I meant was.." he spoke in between facial kisses "..its been a while since we have done..this". He gave a single nod to gesture to the two of us. He was still positioned both above me and between my legs, a snug feeling had set between us. An enjoyable moment shared.

"Yes. It has." I stated simply. Arching from the bed to reach him, I nibbled his ears once more. He groaned appreciatively as I gently scratched his bare back. "Let's not waste our time." I whispered. He growled in response while he grew steadily. Moving swiftly, I straightened my legs, pushed him onto his back and straddled him. A sweet look of admiration crossed his face, but it was short lived as I began to move atop of him. I turned myself around then resumed my place, giving him a show of my back and ass.

"Tasty view" He remarked. A large hand grazed my spine evoking delicious shudders. I shot my head back to him to catch a glimpse of his smirk. I began moving on top of him, swaying and bouncing my hips to a silent rhythm. He set his hands on my hips, guiding me towards his pelvis over and over. We groaned delightfully as I increased speed, the intensity of-

A loud bang shook me from my memory. My eyes flung open at the intrusive noise. Sighing, I lifted my body from the couch and made my way to the door. Nerves tore at my insides. My eye lined up with the keyhole, I spotted the man I had spoken to on the phone. The rain had caused his hair to flatten against his head in the short journey from his rental car to the front door. I ran my hands over my clothes once more and adjusted my hair quickly. "Lets do this". My hand curled over the cold steel of the door handle. Pulling it back, my attention turned to the man on my doorstep. "Hey.." Quickly eyeing him, I noticed most of his clothing was dry. Most of the moisture had been gathered atop his shoulders.

"Hi Sara. How have you been?" The wariness in his voice almost matched mine.

"Fine...why don't you come in?" I moved aside to let him into the house. He nodded before stepping in. "I'm going to go make a pot of tea..make yourself comfortable. I won't be long." He only smiled slightly in response, then toed his shoes off. I registered his silence as his response to his confusion at being called here. In the kitchen, I spent more time than necessary making the said pot of tea. As the water boiled I crossed my arms over my stomach defensively. "It will be okay" I spoke out loud to my tiny nineteen millimetre child. I smiled as I thought of the time in the future when I would be able to caress my bump and even feel my child moving.

"You need help?" My head turned towards my visitor. I shook my head no, then turned back to the tea. After filling the modest sized pot, I placed it on a tray alongside two mugs and made my way towards the living space. My visitor was now stood by the bookcase having a look at my book collection. Upon noticing that I had come back, he moved towards the couch but didn't sit. "What did you want to talk about?" He enquired as he eyed the tea. He looked as though he needed the refreshment. I sighed as I sat down then patted the seat next to me.

"You better sit down Gil."

Yes, its the result many of you wanted. But where do we go from here? Already written the next chapter, but predictions would be interesting. Anyone disappointed?

Also, just a reminder: I won't be updating for a couple weeks.

TBC.