With the two casseroles in the oven, he leaned against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, wondering whether this would be the last time he cooked a large meal in his kitchen. Looking at their real estate options earlier that day had made the reality of moving come to the surface for him. It had also shown him just how different he and Sara were. She had appreciated the lighting and bright airy feelings while he had leaned toward hardwood floors and rustic features. Her big concern was how appropriate the space was for a child and his was the privacy. But his mind could rationalize that a relationship was about finding compromises and he had every confidence they could search out the appropriate solutions.
After a glance at the clock on the microwave, he pushed off the counter and headed to the bedroom to get ready fro their guests. Looking into his closet, he perused the outfits he'd worn time and time again in the presence of the very people that were coming to dinner that evening, but saw none of them as suitable. Every day he understood something new about a relationship. Today it was why people took so long to dress for random occasions that seemed somehow different when you have someone special to share them with.
He shut the closet doors, deciding rather to find out what Sara was wearing first. As if on cue, the water in the shower turned off. He stepped into the steamy room, breathing in the soothing lavender of her shampoo and body wash, letting memories of his lips pressed against the soft skin that held that fragrance wash over him. The sound of the shower curtain being pulled aside triggered his eyes to open and take in the beauty of her still wet curves, partially hidden by the plush terry towel that fell at just the right places.
Taking the few steps needed to close the distance between them, he pulled her to his chest, simultaneously crushing his lips against hers and lifting her over the edge of the tub that separated them. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, crushing the towel between them.
With her chest still firmly pressed against his, she spoke into his lips, "Something you wanted?"
A growl escaped him as he attacked her neck with his mouth. In between wet kisses, "I've…always…fantasized…about…having…a…quickie."
After a sultry laugh, "You've never had one?"
He kicked the door shut and pressed her back against the painted wood. Swirling blue eyes met chocolate, both filled with desire, "Not yet."
Sapphire eyes deepened to navy as she pulled the towel from between them saying, "You have five minutes."
As he tucked the gray polo into his black slacks, he watched Sara's reflection in the bathroom mirror thru the half-opened bathroom door as she tinted her lashes with a hint of mascara and noticed the natural blush still on her cheeks. Moving to step behind her, he ran a hand thru his damp hair and quickly checked his reflection one last time before kissing the back of her bare neck.
"I'm going to check dinner. Everyone should be here soon."
Her eyes found his in the mirror, "Was it worth the wait?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
He listened to her laugh as he made his way to the kitchen with the mixed feelings of calm satisfaction and the excited anticipation of sharing the fact that he and Sara were in love with their closest friends.
Catherine was the first to show up, closely followed by Jim then the rest of the guys. Everyone gathered in his living room until he called them to the table, seemingly content to just be together.
It wasn't until halfway thru dinner that Nick finally asked, "Alright, Grissom, what gives? You gonna tell us why we're here or what?"
Then Greg piped in, "Yeah. Are you gonna tell us why you quit?"
He cleared his throat before responding, "Actually I am." He emptied his glass then, "I know this came rather suddenly to all of you, but I am actually leaving. Right now I am on a leave of absence, but I won't be returning. It will surprise you all, I'm sure, to know that I'm leaving for a woman."
Greg nearly choked on his drink while Catherine and Jim stifled their laughter. It was Warrick who verbalized his response, "It's about time."
Then it was Nick who finally fell in to their plan, "Speaking of love, I think Sara has some news she needs to share with you." Pretending to be interested, Grissom turned his eyes to her, "She got engaged while you've been out and she's being pretty secretive about it."
"Really? Sara?"
She turned to him, focusing on him and no on else. "Yeah, I, uh, fell in love. I'm getting married. He's perfect and I want to spend the rest of my life with him."
"When are you getting married?"
"Any day now."
"How about this weekend?"
"Really?"
"Really."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Dear."
Their lips met in a quick kiss before Nick whined, "Man, I thought you were dating Jim."
The whole room erupted into laughter then truths were set straight and stories of their relationship were told. When it got close to the gang needing to leave for work, Catherine finally asked, "So are you two really getting married this weekend?"
Without hesitation both of them replied, "Yes."
Then Sara asked, "Catherine, will you stand with me?"
A slight blush rose in her cheeks, "You know I will."
"Thanks. And since Gil already stole Jim for his best man, you three get to fight over who gets to walk me down the isle. I'm not going to choose, because I love you all and I don't want to know your decision until the second I need to start walking because I know how many times you'll change your mind."
"The other two of you can keep my mother company."
A round of congratulations came before the gang left for work, leaving the couple to clean up the mess. After the last dish was put into the dishwasher, he pulled her into his arms, "You ready for this?"
"I've been ready."
"You need a dress."
"I've got two days."
"We need to get my mother a flight."
"You do that. I'm going to call Conrad and ask for this weekend off. Should I invite him to the wedding?"
"Probably should. And the sheriff and undersheriff."
"You're being politically correct?"
"Well, I'd like them to consider accepting my early retirement rather than just my quitting; the benefits are better."
"Okay. I'll pass it on. I'll, uh, wait for you in bed."
"Mmm. I'll be there as quick as I can."
"Good. This will be the last time you get to make love to me as a single woman. I have to work the next two nights."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Thirty minutes later, after booking his mother's flight and sending her an email with the flight arrangements, he found Sara reading a textbook in bed. He leaned against the doorframe, taking in the beauty that would solely belong to him in a matter of just a couple days.
Without looking up, she murmured, "Something you want?"
"You."
"What are you waiting for?"
His tone deepened, "Undress."
She finally looked up, finding him leaning with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes swirling with passion. "Another fantasy?"
"Maybe." She arched an eyebrow. He paused before almost growling, "Yes."
She smiled before setting the textbook on the table and moving to the end of the bed to stand in his full view. His gaze nearly burned holes in her body as she removed each piece of clothing and dropped them one by one on the floor to pool at her feet. He took the few steps toward her and placed a finger to her lips, signaling for her to not speak. Then he whispered, mere inches from her ear, "Don't move."
He treasured every second like it was the last. Every touch, every kiss was memorized, permanently implanted in the secret place in his mind he kept just for these moments. He would never forget.