Follow you, Follow Me

Author's note: I don't own CSI but I do love to play with them! It's the sincerest form of flattery!

Chapter 12

They woke early Christmas morning to a light dusting of snow on the windows.

Griss had been up for a while and had opened his laptop to begin a once-over of his very full inbox.

Sara lifted her head, at first scared to find herself alone in the big bed. But when she realized he was near by, she relaxed.

"Merry Christmas" he said to her, as he stood up from the desk and quickly got back in to bed beside her.

This felt so right.

"Did you sleep well?" he inquired.

"Best sleep I've had in years" she replied.

No wonder why.

He asked if she was ready for breakfast and she said yes. He called down to the front desk to check on the hours for breakfast and was told that there was a box breakfast coming to each room. A knock at the door moments later indicated that breakfast had arrived.

Sunni, the owner's wife, was delivering to all of the guests in the B&B and wishing them a "Happy Christmas."

Grissom wished her the same, accepting the box and the coffees from Sunni's tray, closing the door behind himself with his foot.

"Gil," she said, "I don't care if there is a steak in that box, I'm starving!"

"Well, I see someone worked up an appetite" he chuckled as he delivered the box to her.

Just as quickly as it was delivered, he disappeared into the bathroom.

She opened the box and began setting the bagels, apples and fresh yogurt on the table across from the bed. There were two small cartons of juice and a small jar of jam. She laid out the napkins and the silverware and began to spread cream cheese on her bagel.

He stepped out of the bathroom, eyes twinkling, with a smile from ear to ear.

"What on earth are you up to?" she asked curiously.

"Santa wanted to know if you were a good girl this year, and I told him yes" he said "so he left you these!" as he handed over three small gifts. The boxes were wrapped immaculately with silver paper and blue ribbon.

"Gil" she said, "This trip was my gift!"

"Well then I guess Santa will have to take these back!" he teased.

"Don't you dare!" she replied. She laughed at his shocked face when she grabbed the gifts and sat back down on the small sofa. She looked like a very content child, wondering which one she should open first. One was a small square box, one was a long rectangular box, and the third was long, slim and rectangular.

"Which one first?" she asked.

"Whichever you please," he replied.

She opened the first box. It was a long slim jewelry box, much like the one her charm bracelet had come in.

She opened it carefully and lifted the lid. She was awestruck to see a gold necklace, the same kind of pattern as her bracelet, but on the charm was a single, brilliant diamond.

"Gil, this is just too much!" she cried.

"No dear, there is nothing too much for you!" he whispered into her ear as he sat down beside her on the sofa.

"God Gil, its beautiful" she whispered in amazement.

"It pales in comparison to the woman who will wear it," he replied. She looked deeply into his eyes and took his chin in her hand. She pulled him close and kissed him with all of her heart and soul.

"Thank you Gil" she said. "I have never had anything like this and I will treasure it forever!"

He leaned over and helped her place the necklace around her neck. It was a perfect fit and the diamond did not outshine the sparkle of her eyes.

The second box held an envelope. She opened it and found a certificate for dinner for two, Christmas Day, on the London Eye. He explained that the Eye was an oversized Ferris wheel on the Thames with the best views of old London. They would have their own private car, catered and waited upon by private staff. "Oh, I forgot to mention, they have the best champagne too!" he added.

She thanked him again. It was hard to believe that this man was the same man she had worked for all these years. She had not seen this side of him. So generous. So thoughtful. She suspected that he had it in him, but he always seemed to carefully protect that private side. She had been the only one who could see over the walls he had built. But seeing over the walls was no where near as fulfilling as getting him to let the walls down completely.

She proceeded to open the third box. Curious, she thought, it seems like it was very light. She opened the lid and found in it a single key.

"To my townhouse." he explained. "You can come and go as you please."

She was shocked. While it seemed that things were moving very quickly, she realized that this was an indication that his feelings for her had been around for a while. Maybe as long as she had cared for him?

"Sara," he said calmly, "I have loved you forever."

"Gil, get out of my head!" she said as she felt his eyes flash with passion.

"This is it for me," he stated, "I want no one but you ever again in my life. You are the missing part of me."

She almost cried. Sniffing slightly she replied, "Gil, I have loved you for years. This is my dream come true! But I don't need gifts to make me happy! All I need is you!"

He held her tightly as she fingered the key that was his token of commitment to her and their relationship.

"I love you Sara Sidle," he said.

"Gil, I have never loved anyone as I love you," she said.

She stood up and put her hands out to him. He grabbed her hands and she pulled him back to the bed.

"Let me show you" she whispered into his ear as he followed her down.

A/N: Many many thanks to those who have reviewed and to the new friends I am making! Please clicky-click on that little button and let me know if you are still enjoying! I'm going to a add a little CSI adventure soon. :o)