A/N Thanks for all the great reviews. Tonight's Super Bowl gave me time to write, but these two wanted one more happy chapter before things heated up. Please remember to leave a review, it helps shape the story. Look for the next update later next weekend. Thanks for your support of this sequel. –Kathy

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During the next 24 hours, Gil was sure Sara had plenty of sleep and plenty to eat. He decided the best approach to helping her gain back her strength was to ply her with a multitude of small meals. Each time she awoke, there was a small fruit salad, a protein shake, or a bowl of macadamia nuts for her to snack on.

She smiled more than he remembered seeing in all the time he knew her. Perhaps that was because he did not leave her side when she was awake, and had accompanied her to their Better Place during several of her rest periods.

He loved taking care of her, seeing her respond to his efforts to help her regain her strength, both physically and emotionally. She seems happy, he smiled softly as he gazed at her prone figure stretched out on the divan.

When a butterfly softly landed on her open palm, he saw her eyes flutter open for a moment, listened to her sigh contentedly, then watched her eyes close again as she returned to her dreams with a smile on her face.

She seems…he paused as he caught his own reflection in the side mirrors of the entryway where he stood. … I seem happy…he smiled…love will do that to you….

He placed the tray of nibbles on the small end table next to where she slept. Gil leaned over to kiss her softly before joining her on the divan. He cuddled up close, scooping her in his arms to turn her towards him in a gentle embrace. He sighed. I feel like we are both…finally…home.

Gil had relished these 24 hours alone. He wanted to rest, but his run-ins with Doc continue to replay in his mind. I want to stay here forever…just us…what if?…what if I were to retire? I have enough contacts, I could work parttime as a consultant, and we would have all the time in the world to just be together…just loving each other…just enjoying being…home…together…

He knew he was being selfish. He had established himself in his career – Sara was just beginning hers. He wondered if she would consider not working anymore. It wasn't that they needed the money.

I've wasted so much time. She has sacrificed so much of her life waiting for me. I don't want her to give up anymore for me. It is time for me to sacrifice what I want for what will make her happy. From now on, it is all about Sara…

He watched her chest rise and fall slowly, enjoying the feel of having her next to him. He found his eyes closing slowly, anxious to join her in their Better Place, when he found himself drawn to a persistent tapping.

No…knocking.

Someone was at the door. Apparently, they had been there for a while, as their action belied their impatience.

He rose so as not to awaken her and headed for the front door.

This had better be important.

He was only mildly surprised to see Doc Robbins standing in the now-opened doorway.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, eyes locked and jaws set. Finally, the coroner broke the silence.

"Well?…MAY I come in?", he queried somewhat sarcastically.

Gil's first reaction was to say no, but his overriding concern for Sara dictated that he move aside and let the doctor in.

"I assume Sara is with you here, Gil. I couldn't sleep last night, thinking about her. How is she?"

She's okay, she's happy, she's HOME…he wanted to shout, but held himself back.

When no reply was immediately forthcoming, he sighed and tried again.

"Gil…really, how is she?"

The unmistakably tender concern carried by that inquiry brought Grissom back to reality.

"She has been sleeping almost nonstop, and having small meals of high calorie nutrition," Gil responded, leading the way to the newly decorated den.

"Wise choice, the small meals…will help her system readjust to the normal diet," the doctor said approvingly.

As they stood in the doorway, Gil took pleasure in seeing the reaction of Doc as he entered their airy retreat.

"This…is…" shaking his head as if to clear it, Doc Robbins' eyebrows shot up as he grinned widely, his amazement evident, "…just what the doctor ordered!"

Pride was swelling within Grissom as most of the previous days' events were set aside.

"Welcome to our home!" he said smugly, offering Doc a seat.

"OUR home?" queried the doctor, wanting to be sure there was no misunderstanding that statement.

"OUR home," Grissom smiled, moving his gaze from Doc to his sleeping love.

"How has she been?" asked the doctor, moving over to perform a visual inspection of her bruises which he noted were healing nicely.

Gil thought for a moment. Just as Doc was going to repeat the question, he replied quietly,

"Happy…"

There was more to say, but the words would not come.

Doc laughed quietly as the two-toned blue butterfly continued to circle widely over Sara's head.

"Like something out of a fairy tale…Snow White…" he mused, chuckling softly, as not to wake her.

"Has she taken any pain meds at all?" He needed to get back down to business, but he was being distracted by his enjoyment of the pleasing sight.

"None," Grissom replied, almost proudly. He knew that her happiness with his decision to create a home together was totally responsible for that.

"Al," Grissom continued, "can I offer you something?"

"No, thanks, Gil. I want to wait, if it's okay, until she wakes. I want to check her vitals and inspect that rib area again."

As if on cue, Sara stirred. They watched entranced as she slowly lifted her eyelids. As if on cue, her guardian butterfly once again fluttered into her hand, welcoming her again to her new home.

Al watched as Gil immediately moved towards her. Amazement flooded his being as Doc watched her face the minute Gil was in her sight. He had never seen such a look of adoring love as was on those sleepy eyes.

"Hey, beautiful," Gil cooed softly. "Doc is here to see you."

It saddened the doctor a bit to see the sudden darkness overtake her earlier joy.

"Relax, Sara…you're not going anywhere. He is just worried about you."

Doc felt a bit better at Sara's more relaxed posture as she searched the room, her eyes finally settling on his. "Hi, Doc."

He moved slowly towards her, settling his crutch against the end table before settling himself on the edge of the divan.

"I understand congratulations are in order, young lady, on your beautiful new home."

This comment made her smile widely, as she unexpectedly took his hand.

"Thank you, Doc…that means a lot…coming from you…"

As if the ramifications of someone knowing about their involvement suddenly came crashing down into her conscious mind, Sara whipped her head worriedly in Gil's direction.

As usual, their unspoken thoughts were easily read by the other.

"Relax, honey. I'm sure Doc knows how to keep a secret…until we're ready to tell the world…"

Whether it was the relief of believing Doc would keep a confidence, or the unspoken promise of their really having a tomorrow, Sara relaxed fully into the cushioned comfort and smiled lovingly in his direction.

"Sara, would you let me examine you? Just to put my mind at ease?"

Sara gave Grissom a pained look, but he stood firm, having moved to the front of the divan.
"I'm right here, my dear."

She shut her eyes. Upon opening them, the mask of indifference had taken residence in her gaze as she looked deep into Doc's eyes. "I'm ready."

He understood that she had rebuilt some of the defenses that had helped her deal with all the hurt from her previous experiences. To maintain her trust, the doctor spoke to her each time he prepared to examine another part of her bruised body.

Doc continued to speak softly as he gently poked and prodded. At one point, he unwillingly brought tears to her eyes at moving her sore ribs a certain way. She had kept them supported while she slept, but his fingers had found the bruising and the pressure was painful.

Gil was at her side in a heartbeat. He glared at the doctor, but gritted his teeth and said nothing so as not to upset her further.

Finally, Doc Robbins spoke in his best authoritative tone.

"Apparently…" he waited until he had garnered Gil's attention off her worried face to continue.

"Apparently, this place is just what the doctor ordered."

Grissom simply closed his eyes for a moment, unnoticed by Sara who was smiling widely.

"Blood pressure is much better, your color is improved, your sleep seems restorative, and your eyes shine – all telling me you are resting and healing."

She smiled at Gil, and squeezed his hand softly. I love you – she said without words.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead, speaking aloud, "I love you…" much to the shock of both Sara and Doc.

"What?" he asked smugly. " I DO!"

At this, Sara laughed happily. It was music to Doc Robbins' ears.

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Jim Brass pulled his car in front of Grissom's townhouse. He knew his friend had taken a few days vacation, but this was something he didn't think could wait.

This is going to change everything, he sighed as he trudged up to Gil's door, knocking loudly.

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The trio were surprised at the knocking, but only Gil moved to answer the front door.

"Hey, Jim," Gil asked, casting a quick glance over his shoulder.

"Yeah, sorry to intrude, but this really couldn't wait," Brass said quickly, already understanding Gil was not alone.

After only a moment's hesitation, Gil stood aside and invited his friend to enter.

Moving into the den, Brass was shocked to see Doc sitting and chatting with a bruised, but happy Sara, lounging on Grissom's couch?

Gil laughed at Brass' attempts to appear nonchalant at the obviously perplexing scene.

"Jim, you know Doc Robbins," he said all-too-formally, having some fun at his friend's expense.

"And I don't believe you've met my new housemate, Sara Sidle", he said proudly.

Sara just rolled her eyes before another round of laughter began. "Gil Grissom!"

Gil motioned for Jim to sit, while he resumed his position at her side.

Brass had not been aware of the extent of Sara's bruises, only that she had been injured and was taking a week's sick leave.

If this is what she looks like days after, I wonder how bad she looked before…"

But, as with Doc Robbins before him, Brass was soon overcome by Sara's contagious good humor and laughter.

I have never seen her so…happy…she loves him…and finally, he has pulled his head out of that microscope…if the rest of the team could see them now…

His thoughts led him back to the real reason for the visit.

"Gil," he said pointedly, receiving a raised eyebrow from his friend, "I need to see you about that important lab paperwork. Is there somewhere…???"

He hoped his tone was casual enough to not alert Sara to the seriousness of the matter. Still zoned into her happy state, she did not seem to notice the glances that were exchanged between Gil and Brass. However, they were not lost on Doc Robbins.

Al was determined to shield Sara from what was obviously a personal matter that eventually would have ramifications for her. He wanted her to enjoy this happy time a bit longer, if he had any say about it.

"You two go ahead," he said as he took Sara's hand in his. "I'll keep Sara company while she shows me the correct technique needed to tame a butterfly."

As he said this, her guardian butterfly reappeared as if on cue, alighting on her open palm.

Gil leaned over to kiss her hair. "I won't be long."

She gave him a light wave, so as not to dislodge her two-winged friend.

Gil closed the door to the den before wielding around to face Brass.

"I'm on vacation this week, Jim. This had better be good."

Brass sighed. "Good? I'm afraid it's anything but good."

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Two hours later, they were alone again in their den retreat. Gil had been preoccupied since Brass left and Sara had noticed the change.

Perhaps Brass reminded him that this is not such a good idea.

Perhaps he has changed his mind and doesn't know how to tell me.

Perhaps this really was too good to be true.

Sara suddenly felt the need to flee.

She tried to unwrap herself from his embrace, but he held onto her tighter leaning over her as if he understood her attempt to leave him.

"Sara?"

She wouldn't look at him.

"Sara? What is it, sweetheart? What do you need?"

This was her downfall. She lay back, her movements stilled. He patiently waited for her reply.

After composing herself, she turned to stare deep into his eyes. It was as if his soul was laid bare before her.

He loves me.

He doesn't want me to leave.

What is wrong, then?

But instead of asking him, Sara simply replied to his query,

"You. You, Gil Grissom. You are all I need."

He embraced her, closing his eyes against the pain he knew would attack her when she learned about the shakeup in the lab. But that is for another time…now is the time to simply love her…"

She pulled back and continued to stare into his eyes.

There is something there.

He'll tell me when he's ready.

I love him so much.

"Please, Gil…" she began, but he silenced her with a gentle kiss.

"Sara," he began. Good, he's going to tell me what's bothering him.

"You know," he hesitated, not sure how to bring up the subject.

"You know, when we were in our beachside retreat, I made love to you in the thicket."

She sighed. "I remember. I was there."

They both laughed.

"But," he hesitated again. Please, Gil, don't say it was a mistake…

"But…Sara…we have never…uh…well, I mean…here, in our bed…we…uh…" he stammered.

She locked her arms slowly around his neck, playing with his curls as she pulled him closer.

"Love me, Gil. Please…love me."

So with the string quartet performing softly, the soft breeze from the overhead fans providing a gentle movement of the silky window coverings, and the butterflies happily gliding overhead, Gil and Sara christened their new home in a perfect expression of the depth of their mutual love.