A/N: Hi, hi, back :) Usual apologies for the lateness but RL is just RL and writing is slow. So I won't bang on about it.

Let's see how Grissom gets on with the company shall we? Is it going to be a nice evening?

All my thanks to calim for the beta :)

On we go…..

Chapter 28

Claiming he needed a pee when they reached the bedroom, Sara helped as she normally did before sitting him on the bed.

"Are you okay?" she asked, holding a hand to his cheek and wanting to make sure he was before they returned to their guests.

"Yeah," he breathed softly.

"Promise?"

Letting out a long sigh, he nodded. "It's just…when we talk about the baby, I get so nervous. And with Patrick's new face I…I just needed a minute without looking like an idiot."

Sitting next to him, Sara took his hand and smiled. "No one will ever think you are an idiot." Her eyes worked in a circle. "Not sure anyone has ever thought that to be honest with you." Grissom rolled his eyes and she snorted. "Meeting Patrick was a very brave thing to do on top of everything that you're going through so stop knocking yourself."

"It's hard not to," he retaliated.

"Well, try," Sara insisted.

"Okay," he said. "At least Mom's happy. I was a little worried."

"Honestly, I don't think I am," Sara returned.

He frowned at her. "You're not?"

Sara's head shook. "Betty and I have had our ups and downs for sure but ultimately, her number one concern has always been your happiness. And just like I do, she knows you'll be an amazing father. And she probably thought you'd never have children so I'm suspecting she's pretty delighted."

"Did she tell you that?" he questioned.

"Not in so many words. Although," Sara paused then laughed.

"What?" he asked, frowning again.

"When we finally started getting along she did admit to me she was relieved you weren't gay."

Grissom's eyes widened. "Mom thought I was gay?"

Sara smirked at him, remembering how amused she'd been when Betty had first told her that. By no means was her husband now or had ever been on the other side of the fence.

"Although I think she was actually pulling my leg. How many serious relationships have you had with a woman apart from me?"

"I've had relationships," he argued.

"Who?" Sara challenged feeling slightly amused that Grissom was now blushing.

"Julia for one," he hit back.

"Ah, yes," Sara cooed, very familiar with Grissom's ex. "Julia. But that was a long time ago. Who else?"

Working his eyes in a circle, Grissom shook his head. "I think we've gone a little too off topic here, my dear. What were we even talking ab…"

As he stopped in mid-sentence, Sara's brow furrowed as he deeply frowned and then looked around the room.

"Are you okay?" she asked urgently, seeing a slightly confused look on his face now.

"Um, yeah," he said, looking at her. "I just remembered what happened yesterday."

"You mean you've just remembered what I said?" Grissom nodded. "Oh. Interesting time for that to pop up."

"Indeed," Grissom agreed.

"Well," Sara began, "at least it has and helps prove Donald's diagnosis."

"And gets us off the subject of me being gay."

Laughing, Sara leaned close and kissed him. "I don't think that's ever really been in the cards. Are you feeling okay now that your memory has come back?"

He nodded. "You looked so nervous when you told me."

She gave him another quick kiss. "I was."

Now he frowned. "You waited a while to tell me after that," he pointed out.

Sara held up a defensive hand. "Doctors recommendation I promise. I would have told you again straight away but Donald didn't want to push it until he'd seen you. You're not angry with me are you?"

His head shook. "No," he whispered then smiled.

"Thank goodness," she breathed, managing a smile back and looked towards the door. "Ready to go back in?" she asked. "Feeling a little better now?"

"Yeah," he breathed.

Smiling as she stood, Sara helped Grissom up and took his arm. "Don't forget if you need to step out just say so. If you've had enough of the company just let me know. I've always wanted to throw your mother out."

His eyes shot to her and Sara burst out laughing.

"Just kidding, Gil. Just kidding."

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Seeing Grissom and Sara returning, Betty got up and approached them.

# "Everything okay?" #

"Yes, Mom," Grissom replied.

Betty smiled and Sara pointed behind her.

"How about everyone sits at the dining table and I'll get dinner served up?" she suggested.

# "Sounds like a great idea," # Betty answered, looping her arm through her son's.

"I'll bring the drinks," Patrick said and Betty nodded her thanks, escorting Grissom into the kitchen while Sara stepped away to sort the food.

Everyone sat, including Patrick after he'd placed their drinks onto the table. Betty picked up Grissom's scotch.

# Would you like a sip? #.

After nodding, Betty edged the glass to his lips and Grissom drank.

"Thanks," he said after she placed the glass down, feeling the hot burn from the alcohol run down his throat.

"It must be really hard not being able to use your hands," Patrick said, catching Grissom's attention.

Sucking on his lip, Grissom nodded. "It is," he said flatly.

# "But you're close to starting to use them again, right? # Betty asked.

"Yeah," Grissom confirmed. "Well, moving at least. My physiotherapist has already started to loosen me up. He thinks in a few weeks…then it will be time to put me to the test again."

As Betty carefully lifted his right hand, Grissom watched her. He wasn't wearing his braces. He didn't all that much anymore so she could really see the full extent of what he was dealing with.

"Still looks pretty nasty," he whispered, feeling a lump forming in his throat.

After a few seconds of looking, Betty put his hand down. # "Scars will fade," # she encouraged. # "And it's what on the inside that counts." #

He blushed then smiled, looking up as Sara approached carrying the brace for his right hand. He swallowed, another pang of nerves hitting him. Feeding himself was still a challenge so he really hoped he didn't make a mess everywhere.

Giving him nothing but a loving smile, Sara held out her hand and he offered his allowing her to slip on his brace which already had the spoon attached he'd need to eat. Although Betty and Patrick were watching, neither asked questions as it was pretty obvious as to why it was needed.

Tenderly squeezing her husband's shoulder, Sara faced her guests.

"Dinner is served."

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Even though she was aware that Grissom was embarrassed by the way he had to eat, Sara thought dinner went okay. What she'd made was something he could easily handle without needing anyone to help him. It wouldn't do to have to cut something in front of his mother and her guest. He'd had enough of that in the hospital.

As the meal progressed, most of the conversation centered on Patrick. He seemed open and honest, happily answering questions Grissom threw at him. Most of them concerned his work. He'd been a biochemist most of his life, working 20 years in London before moving to Vegas on a permanent basis. For the past 5 years he'd been in charge of a cancer research project searching for a cure. Although that certainly heightened Grissom's interest, Patrick couldn't go much past the basics.

Grissom seemed to relax a lot more during this conversation. Although he'd learned over time not to judge a book by its cover, Patrick seemed genuine and his work was certainly up there on the respectable scale, not to mention he was probably making a great deal of money. Because of his enthusiasm for the project, it surprised Grissom when Patrick mentioned he was retiring in a year and hoped to enjoy his remaining years with someone he cared about.

Grissom's eyes flicked to Betty then away. He wanted to ask Patrick if that someone was his mother but didn't. When he was more confident he would speak to his mother about exactly how she felt even though he knew he'd never be able to stop her, especially if she was happy.

With the meal over they all made their way to the lounge for coffee. Everyone was barely seated when Betty decided now was the time to ask her son about his recovery.

# "So…" # Betty signed after putting her coffee down. # "How is your therapy going?" #

Grissom's eyes flicked to Sara and she took his hand to rest it in her lap. "Just talk about what you want to talk about," she encouraged.

Nodding, he took a breath and faced his guests. "Which one?" he asked.

# "Which ever one you'd like to tell me about. I know I get the basics but I'm happy to listen if you'd like to tell me a little more. #

"Well," he began, clearing his throat, "I see my doctors tomorrow. I'll be having the hypnotherapy first now and seeing my doctor afterwards. It makes more sense to do it that way."

Betty's eyebrows lifted. # "Both on the same day?" #

"Yes," Grissom confirmed. "I wanted it this way. At least now we can assess things quickly and, hopefully, my recovery will be faster."

# "You don't think it will be too much?" #

Exchanging another quick look with his wife, Grissom blew out a light sigh. "I don't know yet," he admitted. "I guess we'll see after my sessions."

# "And you're feeling comfortable with your sessions now?" #

Sucking on his lip, Grissom took a moment to answer that particular question. "I'm…feeling better about them. More are going well than not but sometimes…" He drifted off than and Betty smiled.

# "It's fine. I understand. Just remember that I'll always be your mother and I'm always here if you've had enough of Sara and need to talk." #

As his eyebrows soared Sara smirked.

"I'm not sure were quite at that stage just yet," she clarified and Betty returned her smirk. "So," she said, deciding it was time to change the subject for a little while, "anyone for another drink before the night is over?"

"Brandy would be good," Grissom said and Patrick sounded his agreement to that suggestion.

Sara's eye twitched as she looked at him. He'd done okay so far with the scotch and had finished it but was he pushing it now? Then again, the evening had been relatively stress free and although she wasn't about to count her chickens there shouldn't be much happening to change that.

"Okay," she said, slowly nodded. "Betty, would you like one?"

# "Sure, why not. You only live once, right?" #

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Sara waved as Betty and Patrick got into the cab waiting for them, flashing Grissom a smile as he stood by her side. As silly as that was that was an achievement. It was the first time he'd come to the door either to answer it or say goodbye to someone. No doubt there was some trepidation in his mind as to what was on the other side.

As the cab pulled away, Sara rubbed his arm. "You still okay?"

Breathing in deeply, he nodded and smiled at her. "I feel good actually."

Her eye twitched noting a slight slur to his words. He'd had one scotch and two brandies and although she did feel a little worried at his ask for a second brandy, she really didn't want to ruin the nice mood that was running through the air. It had certainly helped to relax him especially when the baby came back into the conversation. Betty was keen for more details but as they yet really hadn't discussed it much themselves, they managed to steer away from the subject without getting into too much detail. Sara knew they had to talk about it though. Properly. Because it would not be going away and they had to get organized as there was a lot that involved having a baby. She'd need doctors and hospital visits and that itself would be a challenge with Grissom.

"Good," she replied, taking his arm and leading him back inside, closing the door behind them. As they stepped inside, Buddy barked and Sara patted his neck. "Okay, come one. Pee break then bed. And you need your medication," she said to Grissom as he joined her in the kitchen.

"Can't I just have another brandy instead?" Her eyes shot to him as she took hold of his pill bottle and he smirked at her. "I'm joking, my dear."

"Glad to hear it," she said, dropping the pill on his tongue and giving him some water. "Because I'm not sure this is going to even work right now so you better make sure you stay relaxed."

He licked his lips, his slightly glassy eyes staring at her then looking her up and down. Sara immediately noticed.

"You have that look again," she accused, that familiar pang in her belly returning at his glare.

"What look may that be?" he challenged his voice slightly gravelly.

Before Sara could answer, Buddy barked again and his paw was in the air before he hurried to the back door. Quickly, Sara took Grissom's arm and urged him onto a stool. Not wanting him standing on his own knowing he was a little tipsy.

"Hold that thought and stay there till I get back."

Not arguing, Grissom simply watched as she quickly moved towards Buddy and opened the door, following him out into the garden and it was barely a minute before the dog came running back in and headed for his water bowl. Sara was right behind him, locking the door before returning to her husband.

Lifting a hand, Sara ran fingers through his hair. "Have you enjoyed your evening?"

Closing his eyes, Grissom enjoyed the attention. "Yes," he replied quietly, his eyes opening as he felt Sara's finger run across his lips and then as she replaced her finger with her own lips, they closed again.

And they kissed, Sara's lips slowly moving across his, her tongue seeking a mate and smiling into him as he moaned. As electrifying as the kiss was, when she felt his hands brush across her butt, Sara slowly pulled back, her eyes meeting her husband's seeing a lust there she hadn't seen for quite a while. Maybe it was because it had been a good day, maybe because he was doing better, maybe because of the alcohol or even what she was wearing. Whatever it was, it felt good.

"Why don't we," she began, quickly kissing his lips again and then tapping his nose, "take this somewhere a little more appropriate?"

"I don't know," he replied. "As soon as I saw you in that dress I had a lovely image of pinning you up against the kitchen counter."

Eyebrows soaring, Sara pursed her lips, the grinding in her belly growing tenfold. "Oh, yeah?" She looked over his shoulder and to the counter. "It's been a while since we've done something so adventurous. But, I must pop that on your to do list for when you're able because right now…I think that's a little too challenging."

"Promise you'll wear that dress for me?"

Sara's lips twitched and then she smiled, dropping her forehead to his. "Wouldn't you prefer me out of it?"

"Now that idea I do like," he breathed.

"Then," she said, taking his arm, "let me oblige."

She whistled to Buddy as she led Grissom towards the bedroom, snickering as he went right into the bathroom once they were inside.

"I think we have the smartest dog on the planet," she chuckled, closing the bedroom door.

"Hmmmm," Grissom mumbled when she faced him, dipping his head to kiss her again.

Sara smiled into him, relishing his confidence. It was higher than it had been thus far. Her arms rose to drop over his shoulders and she pulled him close enjoying the taste of brandy that still clung to his tongue, her fingers working through his hair. After a minute or so, their lips parted with a slurp and Sara smiled, sliding her hands across his shoulders before her fingers moved to his tie, going to work on the knot.

"I remember when you used to tie me up with these," she teased, slowly pulling the garment free from his neck.

His eyes sparkled, fixed to hers. "So do I," he whispered gravelly.

Lips pursing, Sara threw the tie over her shoulder. "One day we can try that again but for now...," she said pushing his jacket from his shoulders, "…let's see what new happy memories we can create.

A/N: Awwww. Mushy and smutty? Will they get it ooooooooooon? :P