The Growth of a Family

It's Christmas Day and all the Stokes converge at Kathleen's home. Her oldest daughter has a special announcement she wants to make.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nick, Sara or any character in CSI. If I did own CSI, Jorja would have stayed on the show permanently, Nick and Sara would be hooked hitched and have a few kids, Grissom would be with Lady Heather and, of course, Ecklie would be fired. I only own my original characters.

Nicholas' First Christmas – Part IV

"Abigail, help Grandma carry something to your Aunt Kathleen's place," Cynthia said. "Would you like to carry the round tin of cookies?"

"Grandma, I would love to carry it!" Abigail said as she handled it as if it was fragile package.

"Mom, I can take the bigger tin if you want me to," Nick said.

"Nick, I can handle it," Cynthia said. "Help your father with the presents. Hey, where are Sara and Nicholas?"

"Sara had to change Nicholas' diaper," Nick explained. "The baby decided that he needed a last minute diaper change. She told me to tell you to wait for them."

As if on cue, Sara holding Nicholas in one arm and a diaper bag with the other went to meet her husband, daughter and in-laws. Nick placed the bag of presents into the back of the SUV. He took Nicholas off of Sara and placed the infant in the baby seat.

"I don't understand why we have to take the car," Sara suddenly spoke. "Kathleen's place is up the road from here. We could have walked."

"Honey, we have a ton of things to bring to my sister's house," Nick sighed. "We cannot lug all this stuff."

"Okay," Sara capitulated.

It wasn't even fifteen minutes later when Nick, Sara, Abigail, Nicholas, Cynthia and Thomas arrived at the McMullen Ranch. Kathleen immediately opened the door after Sara rang the doorbell twice.

"Merry Christmas!" Kathleen said. "Mom and Dad, you have brought the stuff I requested for the dinner! Sara, Nicky, I can't believe Abigail is becoming a big girl. Now, where is my new nephew?"

"And a Merry Christmas to you too, sis" Nick protested. "Sara has him. Where are our siblings and their families?"

"You are the first ones here besides Peter, the kids and their significant others. Nicky, don't worry your head off about that. They will come soon."

"I want them to meet Nicholas," Nick smiled.

"I know and they shall."

Nick helped his father and brother-in-law place the gifts around the Christmas tree. They put each gift in a random area below the tree.

After an hour of waiting, the rest of the Stokes arrived. They all saw baby Nicholas and told Nick and Sara that he is such a cute baby. He cooed at their facial expressions as well as smiled at his aunts, uncles and cousins. They also remarked that Abigail was becoming a big girl or little lady and she giggled at them in response.

"Dinner's ready!" Kathleen announced. "Just so you know, it is buffet style and there is plenty of food. Help yourselves to the food. Don't worry if you are a vegetarian or vegan, there are a few options that you can enjoy."

Everyone helped themselves to the food. There was a green salad made with romaine and baby lettuce, grape tomatoes, chopped onions, carrots and celery with two choices of dressing. There were three kinds of bread, meat lasagna, sautéed vegetable medley, pasta primavera and polenta with mushrooms. On the dessert table, there was chocolate cake, New York style cheesecake, tiramisu and an array of fresh fruit. Dinner was filled with compliments, conversation and laughter.

"Sierra, what is that on your ring finger?" Nick whispered the question to his oldest niece since he was sitting next to her.

"I'll make an announcement about that when we open the presents," Sierra whispered in response. "Uncle Nick, you are so observant, almost nothing escapes your trained eyes."

"That's why I am a good CSI," he countered with another whisper.

Once everyone finished dinner, the older children helped the adults with the clean up. The younger kids were out of the way sitting in the living room and staring at the Christmas tree. It would barely an hour until the clean up was completed. Peter mysteriously disappeared from the kitchen, only Kathleen knew what her husband was up to and didn't tell anyone. Three generations of the Stokes family gathered nearby the tree. Peter reemerged as Santa Claus and distributed the presents to everyone. Some of the children tore up the wrapping, while the other kids took an example from the teenagers and grownups by being dainty with the wrapping. There was a chorus of thank yous being uttered. Sierra stood up and loudly cleared her throat.

"Sierra, do you have a sore throat all of a sudden?" Kathleen asked her daughter.

"Mom, my throat is fine," Sierra replied. "I just have an announcement to make."

"Well, tell us," Kathleen smirked. "Don't keep us in suspense!"

"Okay, I am getting married!" Sierra shouted and flashed her ring. "Brandon popped the question and I said I would marry him!"

Sierra's announcement was followed by a lot of congratulations to both her and Brandon. Some members of the family hugged and kissed the newly engaged couple.

"I can't believe my oldest grandchild is getting married," Cynthia said. "It seemed like yesterday that you were a tiny newborn."

"Grandma, I am not getting married tomorrow," Sierra chuckled. "We have yet to set a date for the wedding."

"I am so happy for you!"

As soon as the enthusiasm subsided, they sang Christmas carols. Cynthia and Kathleen went to the kitchen to make coffee, hot chocolate and heat up some water for tea. After the caroling ended, everyone helped themselves to the assortment of cookies (both store bought and homemade) and hot beverage of their choice.

By ten o'clock, the younger kids were already asleep on the couches. Their parents gently woke them up, bid everyone good night and left the McMullen house. Cynthia, Thomas, Sara, Nick, Abigail and Nicholas were the last to leave. Nick carried a sleeping Abigail while his wife carried Nicholas to Stokes Manor. Once they arrived at the house, everyone went to bed and went to sleep.

TBC