Ch 28

The CSI crew and friends stopped at the deli at the bottom of the mountain for lunch. It was too wet from the rain to eat outside so everyone huddled around tables by the back wall. Everyone was deep in thought from the trip and it was really quiet. Iris hated the feeling.

"I can't believe we have to go back already." Iris said sadly.

"Don't worry Iris we have a remedy for the vacation blues." Catherine said.

"Oh?"

"Yea the first two years we'd come back and be bummed for days. Well you know you become a family in a few days. So to ease the transition we have a BBQ at my place the following night. It makes a huge difference." Brass said.

"I like that idea and it gives me time to rescue my boys from the kennel." Iris said.

"Oh me too! Next time I think I'll leave Jack at the kennel and take my babies." Olivia said.

"Ruh-roh!" Jack said like Scooby Doo.

"Let's head out everyone." Grissom said throwing his trash.

They made it back to Vegas around six that night. They were back at the lab by seven after a quick stop at In and Out Burger. Everyone made good time in unloading and switching vehicles. They made quick plans for the barbeque the following evening, said their goodbyes and within minutes everyone except Brass and Iris were gone. They stood next to Brass's Jeep holding hands.

"Are you really going to make me wait until April? I already miss you?" He whimpered.

"Yes sweetie, we don't get time off again as a team till April. You know it has to be at the cabin and they have to be there too."

He pressed his forehead to hers. "Can I wrestle you in the gym for it?"

She giggled. "As tempting as that offer is, you will have to wait. It's only nine months, eight if you don't count this one."

"Nine months? This is going to feel like labor!" He said.

"How do you think I feel? That's nine months of cold showers."

"Tell me about it! Well we can always practice." He pressed her up against the Jeep and slowly, achingly kissed her lips. She gripped his shoulders tightly.

"Oh mercy! I may lose this fight." She said.

He laughed kissing the top of her head. "What I wouldn't give to challenge that. Ok so I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes. I have to pick up my pups, do some laundry and grocery shopping. Grace and I are going swimming at two."

"You haven't had enough of the water yet?" He chuckled.

"Isn't that the truth? Actually I hate people seeing me in my bathing suit but Grace is fearless so for her I try."

"She's doing great and she and Nick are just right for each other." He said.

"Agreed."

"Ok you go first. I'll make sure you get out ok."

"Good. You'll call me at eleven?"

"Don't I always?" He said.

She grabbed the back of his head and kissed him until she couldn't breathe. He growled in her ear.

"I'm going." She moaned.

"Hey, I love you."

"I love you too handsome."

Iris got in her SUV and drove home. She tossed and turned all night. Finally she got up and decided to go for a walk. She walked down to the Java Junkie and noted from her phone that it was barely 5:30. A woman caught her eye.

"Pastor Lucy?"

"Iris! Hello darling!"

"You're up early."

"I agree and I say that to myself every morning!" She laughed. "How are you?"

"Wonderfully blessed."

"Oh good. Did you just get back from Jim's cabin?"

"Last night actually. It was so much fun. And he was a total gentleman."

She laughed. "Rule #1. I remember. We were up there last spring. We had a lovely time too. He's such an honorable man. When he got shot I was really expecting God to take him home but we kept praying night and day. Poor Nick practically lived at the hospital." Lucy said.

"They are very close. All of our team is really."

"So Nick told me about your church closing down."

"Yeah our pastors have a bigger ministry in Florida and unfortunately no one really stepped up to help them out. It's better for them to go home. It's so hard because their wonderful."

"I know sweetie. Been through it many times especially in the old days when Pastor Lucky and I were attending a church back home in Austin."

"You're from Austin?"

"Born in Dallas but yes raised in Austin. That's why Nick and I get along so well."

Iris smiled. "I'm from Dallas too!"

They spent another fifteen minutes talking about origins.

"Let me give you my number Iris. You and your friend Olivia and Grace can come to our women's meeting tomorrow if you can make it."

"What time?"

"Starts at seven."

"Great! I don't have to be to work till eleven and I'll ask the girls."

"You work at 11 at night?"

"Vampire hours I know but I love it!"

"Iris you are such a ray of sunshine. I can't wait to get to know you and your friends."

"You already know Grace."

"Nick's Grace?"

"Sunshine of his love. Yes that's her."

"Oh she's a doll. Nick used to smile before but she's really made an impact. Now he just beams. My two girls adore him. Do you think there's wedding bells?"

"Very soon although he didn't ask her on our trip because-" Iris trailed off.

"Because?"

"I better let Jim tell you. I don't want to steal his thunder."

"I understand. I tell you what, would you and Jim like to come to our house for dinner next Saturday. I'll have Pastor call him."

"I can't wait!"

"All right I'll call you on Thursday. I better get going so I don't get stuck in traffic on the way to work. I'm so glad the Lord put a buzz in my stomach for a muffin this morning."

"That explains why he woke me up at 5:00am. Talk to you later hon."

The two ladies hugged and Iris disappeared out the door. It wasn't till she was in the shower that realized Brass hadn't called at 11. She decided to call him and he answered on the second ring.

"Good morning babe." He said yawning.

"Good morning yourself."

"I know I'm grounded. Sorry I didn't call. I sat in my recliner and I was out."

"You're forgiven. I couldn't sleep. But it was good because I walked down to the Java Junkie and ran into Pastor Lucy. We had a great chat."

"Hey that's great. She's all aces in my book. Did you tell her you were getting hitched to this ole' boy?"

"No because I knew she'd tell Pastor Lucky and I figured you'd like to tell him."

"That's my lady always so considerate."

"Well I try but it wasn't easy. I had to keep my hand hidden the whole time. My ring shines brighter than the sun."

Brass laughed hard. "She probably thought something was wrong with your hand."

"She's the picture of charm and elegance."

"Much like you my love."

This made Iris blush. "Thank you although I wonder if you say that when I'm to my neck in decomp at work."

"Well after you've showered then."

"Too much you are."

"You should come over and have breakfast." He said.

"I'd love to but you know if I come over I won't get anything done."

"Sounds good to me." He teased.

"Me too but I miss my dogs and I have to meet Gracie."

"Compromise?"

"I'm listening."

"I'll come pick you up. We'll go out for breakfast and we can do our own shopping together. We'll pick up the dogs and drop them off and I'll drop you off at the gym. Then you and Grace can come over after the swim."

"Why do I have a feeling you had this as a backup plan all along?" She said.

"Actually is was the master plan. I knew you'd reject being home with me. Are you interested? I don't want to crowd you."

"You aren't. I've been a loaner so long that even if you spent every second of every day with me, it would never feel like crowding. Now get your behind over here I'm starving." She teased.

"Look out your front door." He sat in her driveway with his shades on and a big smile.

"Pretty confident in your persuasive abilities aren't you?"

"Oh yeah baby."

"I'll be right out."

When she came out ten minutes later he was admiring the Bandit.

"This car is sexy. No other way to put it."

"That's the Bandit. I used to have a Burt Reynolds infatuation."

Brass started to say something and began to laugh. It took him a few minutes to get his composure.

"Mind telling me what that was all about?"

"Sorry, I used to be over the moon for her and it suddenly occurred to me that I'm marrying a Sally Field."

"You must have proposed to someone else too. This is Las Vegas not Palestine, bigamy is illegal."

"Very funny I'm talking about you. Look, you're about the same height and build and you're hair color is about the same as it was then."

"I better call a doctor you must have hit your head!"

"Whatever! Get in!" He bellowed.

"I like your shirt and the brown jeans combo. I'm pleasantly surprised."

"Surprised?" He asked closing her door.

"Nevermind. Thinking outside my head again."

"Are you saying brown isn't my color?"

Iris bit her lip. "This combo is nice but, oh gosh, I'm trying to be nice. I'm not a fan of the brown suit."

"Really?"

"Sorry, you are so gorgeous. I love you in blue and black. I really love you in that dark green flannel shirt you used to wear to the diner. But I hate the brown one."

"Good to know. My sister thinks it's my color. I'll have to mention to her my love of other colors. You'll meet her at the wedding. Wish my brother Zeke could be there. Ok good this makes me feel better." He said.

"How so?"

"I want you to be honest with me. It's so important to me because I didn't have it in my first marriage or my other relationships. You break down communication you kill the relationship."

"I totally agree. Just be patient with me I'm still not accustomed to all this attention. In the last year I've talked more than probably my entire life."

"That's a shame. I love to watch you talk."

"Watch me?"

"Yeah you have lovely lips."

Iris giggled. "That's a first for that one." She wanted to change the subject.

"Eddie is one of the team dad's and he finished with the boys. Coach Ron Calvert takes the boys to play football. I go to the games and Ron lets me help with the plays. Then in February I start baseball with them. Duncan Ramirez helps co-manage. Nick umpires."

"Wow a full schedule."

"I have to. Watching these kids grow and have fun is awesome! It helps me when our job gets to me."

"Its admirable sweetie."

They had breakfast at the diner. Misty his usual waitress was all aflutter when she saw Iris's ring.

After breakfast they stopped at "Sal's High Class Suits and Studs."

"Hey Jimmy!" Ponch look who's here, the Comeback kid!" A short man with a receding hairline shouted.

"Hey Greggorio, Paisano how have you been?"

"Business is good. God is good to me as always. Where you been? You've been out of church for over a month. Pastor Lucky asked us to pray for you. I tried to call you."

"I know you did. There's so many calls I need to return. I won't go into specifics but I had some close calls. I'll be back Sunday."

"Bueno bueno bueno. Who is this lovely lady?"

"Iris King this is Greggorio Fortunato. Iris is my fiancée."

"Fiancee?" Ponch! Get out here now!"

A man appeared from the back. He was older and thinner but Iris recognized him as Greggorio's brother.

"Ponch, this is Iris, Jimmy's fiancée."

"You're kidding! You said never ever again!"

"And I meant it pal! God had other ideas. This is the love of my life."

The man shook her hand warmly.

"So are you here for your tuxedo?"

"Not yet. We're getting married in April. But you have the contract for me and my men. Today I need a new suit and some new pants and shirts."

"Of course. Let me get my tape. I'll be right back."

"Honey, you don't have to buy a new wardrobe." She said.

"I want to. Don't worry the department had an account for me. I haven't used it in some time. Captain's benefit you know."

"Nice bonus."

An hour later, two new suits, four new shirts, two slacks, two pairs of jeans, a new belt, and three new ties they walked out of Sal's."

"I love that tie you picked out. I love it all but that blue and green tie is smoking babe! I wish I could have that made into a suit."

"That would be snazzy."

They headed to D'Agastino's to do grocery shopping. Iris got her usual stuff and Brass bought charcoal and stuff for the barbeque. Iris bought stuff to make a big Caesar salad.

"Let me pay for some of that hon."

"Nah, I got it."

"Sweetie, you just spent all that money for the wonderful weekend we just had."

"You think I paid all that? Babe we have an account we put money into."

"Catherine said you donated that money."

"The money the department gives us we donate to the children's hospital. But we put money into the account all year long. Grissom runs it."

"I didn't put money in this time."

"Because everyone knew I was proposing. I wouldn't allow them to tell you anything until absolutely necessary."

Iris stopped the cart.

"What do you mean they all knew? All as in the team? Or all as in the team and my best friends?"

"All as in all right I'm in trouble here." He said.

"You bet you are. Confess or I'm putting you in the interrogation room." She said.

"Oh? You going to hit me again?" He teased. "You forget I still haven't gotten even for the hose bit."

"You deserved it."

"Oh did I?"

He spun Iris around toward the door of the frozen food section, yanked the door open, pulled her shirt up over her stomach and shoved her raw flesh up against the ice shelves. She squealed at the cold. When she tried to duck out, her shirt caught on a piece of the shelf and her shirt came up over her bra. Just as she went to protest she saw a face peering at her from the back of the rack.

"Ma'am are you all right?"

Brass heard it too.

"Her shirt got caught on the shelf. I think we got her loose. Thanks pal."

He released Iris who had a very red belly to match her equally red face. She was mortified.

"You really are devious. Catherine and Sara warned me."

"That was spur of the moment. I have to say freezer boy was a triple bonus."

She tried to be mad but it was impossible. She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss and then ran off down the aisle. They checked out and of course Brass used his linebacker skills to keep Iris away from the cash register. When they got into the Jeep finally Brass began laughing again.

"Did you see the look on his face? I don't know how I held it together?!" He chuckled.

"Most action he's ever seen in frozen foods."

"Man that's a story for the barbeque!" He said.

They left the grocery store and headed to the kennel.

"Hi Georgeanne!" Iris said walking in the door.

"Oh hi Iris! I was just outside running your boys around."

"I miss them!"

"They miss you too. Hold on I'll have Woody bring them up. Did you bring their collars and leashes?"

Brass silently handed the stuff to the short blonde.

"I've got him well trained." Iris teased. "This is Jim Brass my fiancée. This is Georgeanne."

They chatted amiably until they were interrupted by a chaotic canine tornado.

"Handsome kids." Brass remarked.

"They are my good boys."

"I'll load them up while you finish up in here. It was nice to meet you." He nodded.

Cyrano and Durante were so excited that Iris had to ride in the backseat to keep them calm. Brass kept making eyes at her in the mirror. They pulled up to her house and Brass helped Iris untangle the leashes.

"I'll just put them out back and grab my gym bag. Be right back."

In no time she collected her stuff and returned. Brass was lying back in the seat with his prized Ray-Ban sunglasses on. He was singing "Stay With Me" by Josh Gracin. He looked at her over the glasses when she got in the Jeep.

"Why don't you stay with me? Share all your secrets tonight. We can make believe the morning sun never will rise. Come and lay your head on this big brass bed and we'll be all right as long as you stay with me."

She watched him with a smile. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Do I have to keep it?"

"Well just don't tell my fiancée." Iris teased.

"I can do that."

"I used to dream about you when I heard this song."

"Did you now? And if it were a movie what rating would we give it?"

"Borderline PG-13."

"I like the idea. Can I tell you a secret?"

"Oh yeah."

"I have a song for you too."

"What is it?"

"Where Do The Nights Go by Ronnie Milsap."

"Hmm, was that before or after you nearly made my heart stop en route to our crime scene?"

"After, it's actually your ring tone."

"Your's is Linda Ronstadt's You're No Good."

"Wait just a minute here."

"Settle down Bulldog. Grace put it on there when you were being a bully. I just haven't had a second to have her change it."

"I-"

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come

"That would be Pastor Lucky." He unsnapped the phone from his belt.

"Hello Sir! Yeah she told me she ran into Lucy. Saturday night?" He looked at Iris who nodded vigorously. "I'll be there. Yes Sir."

Brass was still on the phone with Pastor Lucky when they pulled up to the gym. She hopped out and grabbed her bag.

"I love you." She mouthed.

"Love you too. See you tonight." He mouthed back.

Grace pulled up blaring a Trace Adkins song. "Hey you!" She shouted at Iris.

"Hey sweetie."

"Was that Brass I saw?"

"Yeah we were out running errands."

"Wow lucky girl."

"Speaking of lucky girl, did you see Nicky today?"

"Yeah we went to the movies to see New Moon."

"New Moon? The Twilight movie?"

"Yeah we planned it. We both read the books."

"Brass evidently has too. Am I the only one who hasn't read them? I mean they are teenage vampire books right?"

"Yeah but they're epic like Harry Potter. So yes you are out of the Twilight Zone. I'm not obsessed I just love Carlisle."

"Oh me."

"Let's go swim."

"Sounds good. By the way I need a ride to the barbeque."

"Sure thing."

The swim felt great. Iris and Grace challenged each other in laps and in between talked about their men. They showered and changed for the barbeque.

"I could eat a house I'm so hungry." Iris proclaimed.

"Me too but I have to be careful with my calories today."

"It's paying off Gracie. Totally noticing all your hard work."

"I'm glad you do. The scale is a bitter old man."

"Don't listen to it. Listen to us we have eyes you know."

"Thank you. Now we need to stop at the store so I can grab dessert."

"Brass threatened my life when I attempted to bring something or pay for it. Oh gosh I have to tell you what he did to me!"

They arrived at Brass's house. Grace was laughing so hard that she was hardly able to walk. Warrick came outside.

"What's with her?" He asked.

"Please don't ask."

"I'm going to call him Polar Bear." She said barely breathing.

She finally calmed to give Warrick a hug which he held long enough to allow Iris scamper inside.

"There's my lady." Brass said with a kiss. "How is my little penguin?"

"Shh don't you dare say that in front of Grace."

"Too late!" She shouted. "Aww the penguin and the polar bear."

Iris flushed red.

"Will someone please tell me what's going on?" Warrick pleaded.

"Oh I will pal but this one is a jewel and best saved till everyone gets here." Brass said.

Iris made herself busy unpacking at the counter to avoid further embarrassment. Jack and Olivia showed with Catherine in tow. People made themselves busy setting up out back.

Iris was pouring ranch into a bowl when Brass crept up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and slid his fingers beneath her shirt and across her tummy. She got instant goosebumps.

"I missed you." He whispered in her ear. He made a trail of kisses down her neck to her shoulder. She froze instantly with the ranch jar suspended in mid air.

"It-it was only two hours."

"Long enough." He said breathing deeply in her ear.

The doorbell rang causing him to grumble.

"I'm not finished. We will explore this soon." He said kissing her cheek.

He released her to answer the door. People began to arrive. Iris, Olivia and Donna worked on preparations in the kitchen. The men argued in the backyard about grilling techniques. Everyone had arrived but Nick. Greg and Warrick setup the badminton game. Soon the smell of chops, burgers, brats, steaks and veggie burgers were in full swing. Brass called Nick from the den.

"Where are you brother?"

Iris listened to the one-sided conversation.

"Are you trying to kill her? All right buddy just get over here. We'll handle the rest."

He hung up and Iris eyed him. "Nick?"

"Yup."

"You have that whole code of silence look."

"The unbreakable code of silence. But a nice long kiss might break the code." He smiled.

Iris sauntered over and laid her best Texas tongue twister on him.

"That was something that's going to make it hard to sleep tonight." He laughed and headed to the kitchen.

"Wait a minute. What happened to the secret?" Iris challenged.

"Oh you didn't have a prayer of getting it out of me but I love that you tried." He winked and laughed at Iris's dumbfounded look.

Nick finally arrived and followed Brass outside. "About time cowboy!" Grace shouted.

"Hey, I was making my famous Texas chili you can't rush it." He defended and wrapped Grace in a hug and then kiss.

"All right I forgive you at least for ten minutes." She teased.

"So what's doing guys? Half of Vegas can smell the barbeque."

"Now that you're here we can eat." Grissom said. Everyone gathered around the table and hurricane CSI overtook the food.

Greg was telling Warrick and Jack about taking Abby to the new John Travolta and Robin Williams flick.

"Dude my favorite part was when JT and Robin ended up in the penguin enclosure!"

Brass went silent and Grace started giggling uncontrollably. "You better tell them Big Dog." She said.

"Grace!" Iris said hiding her face under a dishtowel.

"Um I think my dame my break off our engagement if I do Gracie."

"Oh well then we'll coherence Iris into telling us." Olivia said.

"Anybody got a hose?" Warrick said.

"Guys you're making Iris turn all red." Grissom defended.

"Thanks Boss." Iris said.

"I recommend tying her to the chair and using a feather behind her knees." Grissom added.

"GRISSOM!" Iris bellowed. "You of all people cannot be trusted!"

"I have to sacrifice one for the greater good of the team." He smiled.

"Wow now I'm not sure if I want to know more about Brass and Iris or Grissom and Iris." Nick said nudging Warrick.

"Brass and Grissom were always the devil dogs. I say pop um both." Warrick said.

"I agree." Catherine and Sara said together.

"I have nothing to hide. I'm already married and I won't die of embarrassment." Grissom said.

Iris couldn't believe she was caught in the middle of this. "Go ahead the both of you. I can't possibly be any more embarrassed then I am from all the implications."

Grissom said. "Iris and I worked a case where a woman was tortured and died from injuries sustained in the chair she was tied to. There was a gun pointed at her head. If she kicked the switch she would be shot. We had to test kick strength which we decided was caused by reflex. The way the vic was bound indicated she was wearing shorts since duct tape was found on her thighs. I taped Iris up to the chair and put my hand here." He said demonstrating on Sara. "When I rocked back to adjust the strap I touched her right here." He grabbed the back of Sara's knee. "Iris came unglued nearly coming out of the chair with the rope and duct tape still attached."

"His hand was cold." She defended.

Brass didn't say a word but gave Jack a look. Before Iris could protest Jack had Iris pinned to the chair and Brass was rubbing the back of Iris's leg. Iris squealed so loud she surprised Catherine who spilled her iced tea. Iris tucked her knees up to her chest tightly.

"You can't hide forever." He said.

"The Lord wouldn't mind me on my knees a little more."

Everyone laughed.

"That's great! But not half as good as today's story Polar Bear." Grace teased.

Iris waved her hand forward giving Brass the floor. Brass was having a hard time maintaining his composure and by the time he finished there wasn't a dry eye at the table. Even Grissom who was typically in control was hysterical.

"Geez Brass!" Catherine said.

"I hadn't intended to hold her there but freezer boy just popped up there."

"Please I'll have to buy my groceries at Laramie's from now on." Iris said.

The barbeque went into the evening. Brass has flood lights in the backyard so it was well lit. Everyone played a little badminton and helped clean up. At seven thirty Brass lit the torches in the grass and the Chinese lanterns turning off all but one set of floodlights on the patio. They all carried their chairs to the lawn.

"Ok Jim, break out the guitars." Catherine ordered.

"Ah, did you bring Sabastian?" Brass said to Al.

""Indeed I did and your new one."

Brass jumped to his feet like a little boy. He followed the doc into the house and came out with a guitar case. Grace had her camera at the ready. He opened the case carefully.

The electric guitar was black with green shadowing on the body. A woman dressed in black pants and boots wearing a white flowing top. Across her chest was a sword. Her arms were muscular. At each side was a fierce looking dog built for battle. Above them a light shown down on them.

They all marveled at the detail. Brass ran his hand across the body. Grace whispered something to Sara who whispered it to Olivia and then to Catherine who then confirmed with Donna their suspicions were accurate. Iris was oblivious to what they all knew.

"What are you naming this one?" Iris asked.

"Daughter of Deity."

"That's magnificent sweetie. She's a real warrior."

Brass smiled. "Look closely."

"What am I missing?"

"Ladies?" He said gesturing to the women who looked about ready to explose.

"It's you!" They all shouted excitedly.

"Me?"

The warrior's hair was a bit longer and she was stronger than Iris. Iris looked at Brass but Al spoke up.

"It is you Iris, along with Cyrano and Durante."

"I was lying in my hammock the day you left my cabin. The day you left me that letter and stole my Jeep. I saw you just like this. You're a warrior and the daughter of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is what I see when I look at you. I know God must see you this way cause He gave me the vision."

Iris felt the tears sting her eyes and had to excuse herself.

"This is a job for brother Nick." Nick said leaping up and nodding to Brass.

He went in the house after Iris and returned with her ten minutes later.

"Welcome back baby. I got my girl tuned let's play some tunes." Brass said.

Al's guitar had a happy, frisky Dalmatian. He'd been designing guitars for forty two years.

"Iris meet Sabastian." He said.

"Handsome fella."

"Requests?" Brass asked.

"You know mine." Grissom said.

"Marshall Tucker Band, Fire On the Mountain." Brass said and began to strum,

He and Brass strummed and Al sang the lyrics. Soon an ensemble of tunes followed. They sang country, classic rock, and some oldies.

At 8:15 Nick's phone went off and he disappeared. He reappeared and nodded at Brass.

"Uh Gracie can you do me a huge favor? There is a cake in the fridge. Can you slice it up? Greg there's plates to the right of the microwave. You guys have to try this cake." Brass said as Greg and Grace disappeared along with Nick.

"Ok everyone, group huddle." Brass said.

Grace and Greg returned with the sliced up cake. Everyone had turned their chairs to face the patio. Greg grabbed the cake from Grace leaving her alone on the patio. Brass and Al began to play the guitar. Grace went to walk to her chair but Grissom carried her chair to the patio and gestured for her to sit. She heard noise behind her. He began to sing to her.

Well it's Saturday night

You're all dressed up in blue

I've been watching you awhile

Maybe you've been watching me too

And so somebody ran out

Left somebody's heart in a mess

But if you're looking for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest.

Nick walked over to her. The sight of him took he breath away, He was wearing a black leather vest over a white buttoned down shirt, black boots and a black Stetson cowboy hat. Even the women were drooling. He walked over to Al and Brass.

Some girls they want a handsome Dan

Or some good looking Joe

On their arms some girls want a sweet talking Romeo.

He made googlie eyes at Brass. The ladies laughed

But around here baby

I've learned you get what you can get.

So if you're ready for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

He stood behind Iris but sang to Grace. Grace didn't dare move. If she was dreaming she didn't want to wake up.

Oh your road is dark

And it's a thin thin line

But I want you to know

I'd walk it for you anytime

A minute later Grace saw Luke push the infamous Dwayne forward on the lawn. Nick walked over to Dwayne and grabbed him by the collar.

And all your other boyfriend's

They couldn't pass the test

He shoved Dwayne into the empty seat. Dwayne looked ready to run but Luke held him in place. Then Nick walked to a stunned Grace.

If you're ready for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

Nick winked at Grace and then turned backed to Dwayne as Brass and Al played on but lower.

"Dwayne, I called you here for a very important reason. In case you didn't know my name is Nick Stokes and Grace is my girlfriend. You broke this beautiful heart of hers and while I should be grateful, I can't let it go. I believe you said she couldn't ride horses and some other nonsense about her weight. I want you to take a real good look at this picture partner." He handed him the pictures of Grace smiling boldly before the camera.

"That's amazing." He said.

"What's amazing is that a shallow guy like you can't see all that she is. You missed out on her laughter, her warmth, her giving heart, everything that makes her gorgeous. Look at those stunning brown eyes and her hair that shines radiant red in the sun. She gives more of herself than Bill Gates gives to charity. And of that you missed it all. I love her and you're never going to get the change to hurt her again."

"So what are you going to do, beat me up like her mutant brother here?" He said.

Dwayne never saw the punch coming, or the second one, or the kick in the ribs. Brass handed Al his guitar and got up to help Nick. They both wrapped their arms around Grace who was still trying to get in another kick.

"Don't you talk about my family or Nick! I'll end you! You know my Uncle Lino can do it! I hate you! Why did I even care about you?!" She spat. Nick could feel the rage pulsating but Grace didn't shed a tear.

"Luke, show Mr. Manheiss to my gate and don't worry if it hits him on the way out." Brass said.

"I'm all over that." He said.

The moment Dwayne was out of sight, Grace burst into tears and literally fell into Brass. Nick crouched bear Catherine who put her arm around him. Grace and Brass were sitting in the grass and she was sobbing relentlessly. Nick was ghostly white. Finally she calmed.

"N-n-Nick." She choked.

"Gracie?" He said standing up. "I'm so sorry I-"

"No Nick it's not what you think. I needed him to see you and how we are together. I probably didn't need to mame him but-"

"Oh yes you did girl! Iris and I are only sorry we didn't get our licks in." Olivia hollered.

"Thank you Nick. I can't believe you love me that much. I didn't think I could ever face him again. I finally feel free of him."

"And he got the beating of his life, although I though Nick was going to waffle him." Greg added.

"I wanted to." He said.

"I almost got up and left but I wanted to know why he was here and with my brother who hates him."

"I don't anymore but I would've gladly gone done time for you baby girl. No one hurts my sister. Luckily working for the fire department you meet sympathetic judges." Luke said.

"Well now that you're not going to take me down Cena style can we all sit back down so I can finish my song?" Nick asked.

"It's my favorite so please continue. Can I sit by Brass though?"

"Right here." Brass said patting the seat. He and Al picked up the guitars and began playing again.

Well it ain't no secret

I've been around a time or two

Well I don't know but maybe you've been around too

He kneeled in front of Grace

Well there's another dance

(He reached out and Grace saw the ring clutched between his thumb and index finger)

All you gotta do it say yes

And if you're looking for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

And if you're ready for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

"Gracie, darling; I love you so much and I want to know if you'll marry me, have our babies and wear my hat." Nick said.

Silence ensued for a full minute.

"Slap her on the back Iris, she ain't breathing!" Olivia said loudly who did just that. Grace drew a deep breath.

"Oh Nick, I, of, well-"

"Hit her again Iris she's going into shock!

"Oh Nick I think I'm having that dream again. Yes of course I will marry you!"

Grace leapt to her feet the same time Nick did and they both crashed and landed in the grass. Nick kissed Grace like he never had before. Everyone clapped and cheered.

"Sara please tell me you got the whole Royal Rumble on film." Brass said

"Down to first punch." She whispered.

"Thank you Sara." Grace said.

"Well we knew what a picture hound you are so we put Sara in charge." Iris said.

"I want to see the ring. Nick promised to show it to me at the cabin but he got sidetracked. Typical Texan." Iris said.

"Takes one to know one!" He said

The ring was as Nick described. It was a gold band with a diamond in the center surrounded by rubies.

"That's a heartstopper!" Catherine said.

"Look deep into the stone." He said

"Hey there's a cross!" Grace said.

"Yup to remind you that we were brought together by God."

"It's so beautiful Nick! Olivia, you and I are going to see Chow Yo tomorrow and get our nails done!"

"Good, I'm long overdue."

"As is my back!" Jack chimed in.

"He loves when I scratch his back." She added.

Nick pulled Grace to him and kissed her dizzy.

"So are you guys going to have a double wedding?" Donna asked.

"No Grace has a unique idea and I'd like to see it through." Nick said.

"The amusement park?" Olivia asked.

Grace smiled big and bright. "I may be thirty but I'm like ten years old."

"30? I thought you were 35." Iris asked.

"35? Where'd you get that idea?" Olivia asked.

"She said that Devonna at church."

Olivia laughed. "Selective hearing? Grace said she looks 25, turning 30 but in her head she's 35 going on 10."

"Oh dear now why would you say that?"

"At the time I didn't have Nick and when you're seemingly in love with older guys, you think older. But Nick knows how old I am. Iris you are too cute!"

"Thank you."

With that everyone laughed again and Brass said playing "Tequila Sunrise" by The Eagles. The group sang together and passed around the cake. Nick and Grace cuddled on the grass. Grace had tears flowing from her eyes. She never believed she'd ever find the cowboy of her dreams. She grabbed his hat and stole another kiss.