A/N: Maps at Yahoo helped me find a spot of Texas that was in the same time zone as Vegas, so all times are synchronized…I wrote this between making dinner and cleaning up afterwards…no time to even reread, but you will understand why I needed to get this out tonight…these two have been pestering me all day (they are SO pushy!)…your reviews and reader support remain the true joy of sharing this work…consider this a transition chapter, but hope it pleases…and I am thinking jenstog is going to have sweet dreams tonight, and Meliara will swoon, but that Kateri Bear better grab that box of tissues just in case…remember, there are such things as happy tears…more as soon as I can…bear with any mistakes…you really are terrific!... -Kathy
--
He watched as her sleeping form pressed solidly against his chest. The steady rise and fall of her chest soothed him as his mind drifted back to that day – was it really just a few weeks ago? – when the eroding mountainside threatened to take her away from him.
His joy at escaping from that situation was tempered by the reality of Sara's injuries and narrow escape from being forced down the aisle.
Glancing at his watch, his eyes widened as he noted the time emblazoned on the clock face.
12:30 p.m.
Wonder how hard it was for Logan to break the news to the family.
He struggled to suppress the grin that threatened his deliberative state.
I'd give anything to see ole Lil's face right about now…
Not only did the bride run away…she ran away with me, Lil's favorite person…
He might have enjoyed a laugh out loud if he were alone, but he stifled his urge so as not to disturb the rest Sara so desperately needed.
Gil closed his eyes to shield the memories from overtaking his contentment at his present surrounding.
The memories kept advancing.
I almost lost her twice these last few weeks…once to that muddy landslide…and once to that—
-
He closed his eyes, forcing himself to regain control over his anger towards Nick.
How could he do something like that to Sara?
He looked down at his sleeping love.
His eyebrows raised as he moved her hair to inspect the bruising on her shoulders, evidencing the pressure of the distinct handprint that abused her delicate skin.
I'll kill him.
He closed his eyes again and took a deep breath. Confronting his raw emotions towards the man who hurt his Sara was dangerous.
The usually passive gentleman became a lion when his protective side reigned over his reason.
If he ever comes near him again, I'll kill him.
As much as it pained him to admit, Gil was now coming to grips with the fact that he actually would do it…would do anything to protect his Sara.
She stirred slightly and her head flipped to the other side of his chest, causing him to tighten his grip slightly to lull her back into a deep sleep.
After Sara's breathing became deeper, Gil looked out the small window next to his headrest and began to think again.
When we get back, the first thing I'm going to do is call Cavallo for an emergency meeting.
Either he ships Nick off to another precinct with a lab, hopefully on the East Coast, or…
Maybe we'll move.
Sara has always loved San Francisco…we had some pleasant memories there…or Boston…
I'll follow her anywhere, I'll go anywhere, I just want her to be happy…happy with me.
He glanced down and pressed a kiss lightly on the top of her disheveled mop of curly hair.
"You make me happy, Sara," he whispered and tightened his grip again, reveling in the feel of her warmth against his chest.
Gil's frown returned when he contemplated how their chance for happiness was almost ruined by Nick's subterfuge.
He shook his head, knowing that he could only press Sara just so far with his desire to nail Nick to the wall.
Sara will not press charges against him. He lied to her, hurt her physically, and still she will probably find something about him to redeem him…
Shifting her slightly to keep her head from bobbing forward as she started to wrestle with her nightmarish demons, Gil pressed a kiss to her ear and continued to whisper, "It's alright honey, you're safe with me…I have you…you're safe…"
Within moments, she settled a bit before suddenly sitting up abruptly, her leg throbbing painfully as she was beginning to hyperventilate.
Her eyes wide, she all but screamed, "No! GIL!" before beginning to strain against the arms that held her tightly.
He continued to repeat his whispered refrain, lulling her into a calmer state before she whirled her head around to see his soft smile looking down at her with great concern.
"You are okay, Sara…you're safe…I'm right here…right here," he cooed as she sank back wearily against him and closed her eyes before breathing out, "Gil…".
She bit her lip as she attempted to raise her injured leg back onto the bench seat which Brass had nested with pillows and soft blankets.
What she wouldn't give to stand up and take a stretch.
"Your leg-" he began. "Is fine," she replied.
"Your pain meds-" "Not time for them yet."
"If you're thirsty-" "I'm good for now."
"Do you need anything-""Only you."
They smiled at each other and he helped her rearranged herself before leaning back into his waiting arms, the propeller noise and medication soon pulling her back down into a restorative sleep.
Her nightmare didn't surprise him, but did worry him some.
No wonder she hasn't slept well this last week…her tremors are still slightly visible, but the shaking has gotten better, I think…
She was wrinkling her nose in her sleep, causing a huge grin to cross his features, recalling their daisy discussion at the pond.
Even that memory of creating a "bed of daisies" for her was marred by the events of the last few days.
He sighed.
Would his love be enough to help her recover from this traumatic event?
I need to help her find a way to put this whole ordeal behind her.
Maybe a counselor…she wouldn't go…maybe…maybe we could both go…together…
Hard as it was to admit, Gil was going to need some help handling this overwhelming desire to hurt Nick the way he hurt Sara.
He held her tightly to calm the residual ache inside that he had experienced when he made the difficult decision to leave…
How could I have left her that way?
He shook his head bitterly.
To leave her there…with him…
He turned to look out the window then, trying to still the festering anger that was eating at his soul.
I know now I could never bear it if something happened to take her away from me…
She's my life…
Gil was glad for the soothing sound of the droning engines. Just as they had helped Sara relax, Gil found his heartbeat slowing and his own eyes drooping.
Holding onto to Sara as if his life depended upon it, he shook his head briskly and readjusted his seat to maintain his vigil.
There'll be plenty of time to rest after I take care of Sara…
Gil caught the sheriff/pilot's eye as the man turned and smilingly shouted "Half hour to Vegas!"
Half hour to Vegas…
He kissed the top of her curls and smiled.
Half hour until we begin the rest of our life…together…
--
It was just about half past noon, as Brass and Billy pulled their car into the driveway leading to the ranchhouse.
Jim raised his eyebrows at the cars expertly parked over almost half an acre of green meadow.
The air was filled with the strains of the big band 's repertoire, and guests were milling around the terrace around the back of the house.
Looking at Billy, Jim stage whispered, "I wonder if anyone told them the wedding is off?"
Billy just smiled and said, "Well, a party is a party!"
Leaning towards Brass as he walked, he added, "And I for one, am damn glad the wedding is off!"
As they reached the ranchhouse and headed towards the kitchen door, Billy was reaching for the handle when from behind him screeched a frustrated Lillian, "BILLY!"
Brass gave no indication that he had noticed the tension in Billy's arm muscles as he slowly retracted his hand and turned to face the angry lady of the house.
"Lil," Billy nodded.
"Don't play games with me, Billy, we've known each other too long for that!"
Neither man made a move as the horse trainer was waiting for Lillian to continue.
"Where is he?"
Billy stood unmoving for a moment, then his eyebrows scrunched up and asked, "Lil, we're just getting back –"
Lillian closed the space between them and glared into his eyes before continuing almost unbelievingly, "And you don't have any idea where he is, is that it?" she waived her hand in "magic wand" motions before finishing.
Brass hadn't been a detective all these years for nothing.
Stepping in front of Billy he looked into these eyes that had brought so much frustration into play the last few days, and found himself wondering now if her agitation was not due to the wedding cancellation alone.
Jim smiled, he hoped not condescendingly, and uttered, "Who's missing, Lillian?"
Perhaps it was because Jim was still wearing his badge, which he donned to fend off any problems at the clinic or the airport.
Perhaps it was because for the first time today, someone was asking for her input instead of overloading her with their information.
Perhaps, it was because in her heart she knew that Brass watched out for all the CSI's in a fatherly capacity, she'd seen Sara's and Catherine's reactions when he spoke.
Perhaps, it was her mother's intuition that was crying out for someone to help her.
Uneasily, she answered in a voice full of false bravado, "No one seems to know what's happened to him…"then her voice broke and she gulped to regain her control.
"Lil," Brass said softly, "it's alright."
"Is it?" she asked coldly, not with a malicious intent, but rather with a spirit of broken dreams.
Jim found his hand on her arm, directing her to look at him as he asked again, "Who's missing, Lil?"
She glanced at his hand and then into his eyes, blankly replying, "Nicky."
The hairs on Jim's head stood straight and he squared his shoulders and said, "Are you sure he's not here? Perhaps he just needed some time alone…"
"No, no he's not here. We've looked everywhere-" Lil began, but was distracted by Brass' interruption.
"His car-"
"Oh, his car is still here. Oh, no…." she started to explain.
"We don't think he's gone away, off the ranch, or anything…"she added quickly.
"Did you check the horses?" Brass inquired in full investigator mode.
He glanced at Billy who was already making tracks towards the stable.
"Oh, I think Logan did, but I assured him Nicky's car was there. I'm sure he's here, but I want to find him…" Lillian added in a motherly tone.
"He must be devastated after being left like that. Can't even imagine-" she turned away as her voice broke again, and although Jim was glad Sara was safe he regretted the pain Lillian was enduring because he himself had felt that pain whenever Ellie got into trouble.
His empathy fell short, however, when Lillian turned back to him and began her tirade about that "miserable girl".
Before Brass felt the need to defend Sara on principle, even without knowing all that Logan had disclosed to him about the situation, Lillian's angry speech was stilled by the presence of her husband's loud proclamation from the kitchen doorway, "Save it for the soapbox, Lillian!"
The look she sent his way could have felled a lumberjack.
Glaring at him, she stomped away without speaking, leaving Brass sending Logan a perplexed look.
"Nick is missing?" was all Jim would say, hoping to dismiss the nagging feeling in his gut – the one, Sara would tease him, that meant they should "call out the troops".
Logan looked over his shoulder towards the empty kitchen before closing the screen door quietly and moving towards the stables, motioning Brass to follow.
When he was sure they were sufficiently out of earshot, he answered.
"The last time I saw Nick we were in his room and I broke the news about Sara being gone."
In full detective mode, Brass saw Logan's expression tighten and decided to let him continue without making a comment.
"Next thing I know, Lillian is in hysterics, guests are arriving, doorbell is ringing –"
"And Nick is missing," finished Brass.
"We've checked everywhere. His car is still parked, the horses are all here. Honestly, I know he has to be here but I wish I could find him."
"To be sure he hasn't done anything…stupid…because Sara called the wedding."
Logan was searching for words as they neared the stables, and they wound up walking through the open archway without further comment.
Billy was shaking his head, anticipating Logan's question.
"Nothing's missing. Every horse, wagon, even the bikes – all here."
Logan sighed in relief.
"At least I know she's alright for now."
Brass looked at Billy in amazement, understanding for the first time that Logan feared Nick had gone off to find Sara, and was not worried that Nick might be so morose as to injure himself intentionally as he mourned the loss of his future plans.
Logan looked at the two men with narrowed eyes.
"I don't care what you think about me…I have to concern myself with Sara right now.
Nick…god I don't even know who he is anymore…"
Moving towards them animatedly, Logan was flailing his hands in aggravation.
"It's supposed to be his wedding day, and he's spending the morning with Sofia in her room for god knows how many hours!"
At this, Brass felt the red flush of anger creeping up his neck.
"Sofia, huh? Well, don't worry…I'll take care of her-" Brass began but was cut off by Logan.
"Oh…sorry…but I had the joy of dealing with that little tramp immediately after tell the guests that there wouldn't be a wedding today…" Logan smiled, in spite of himself.
Brass grinned.
"That, my friend, will be a story to share over a bottle of scotch," and Logan smiled and nodded towards Billy.
"We'll be sure to make that bottle for three," and Billy laughed.
Matters turned serious again as Logan asked Jim, "So how do we proceed?"
Brass smiled slightly and said to both men, "Luckily for you, you are currently housing part of the best team of forensic criminalists in the state of Nevada…"
--
His watch read 12:30 p.m.
Having just crossed the border into New Mexico, Nick had stopped for gas and a to-go order before slipping behind the wheel.
His experience in driving home estimated he had about 11 hours left of a journey that in total would take about 12 hours.
Nick finished the last part of his deli sandwich and gulped the rest of his first bottled water.
He would need to remain hydrated, well nourished on small meals, and drive safely to remain under the radar of any state policemen.
He would not do anything to attract attention to himself, assured that his friend Tim would not think to tell anyone about lending Nick his car, as it was a second vehicle that his friend used mostly for highway trips as he preferred his old rebuilt Mustang for day-to-day driving.
Tim will keep quiet. He'll feel sorry for me, after dad tells everyone how Sara ditched me, Nick thought not realizing he was gripping the wheel so tightly the veins in his lower arm were bulging.
She's with Grissom. He played all his little games, and she went crawling back to him – again!
Who was there to pick up the pieces when he broke her heart? ME!
She should be with ME!
He thinks he can just smile that enigmatic smile and she will just drop everything to be with him.
Well, sorry Grissom, but it isn't going to happen this time!
What's that my mother used to say? "It's all about choices…"
Well, choices have been made!
You made your choice a long time ago, so you can just go back to your little experiments and your little fetal pig!
Sara made choices, too, and I am going to be sure she stays with them.
"Til death do us part, Sara, til death do us part…"
His obsession with Sara was overwhelming all other thought.
He wasn't sure exactly how he was going to execute his plan.
But he had 11 hours left to figure it out.
--
Having landed safely on a side tarmac used for private planes, the sheriff had radioed ahead and an ambulance was waiting outside the hangar for transport to Desert Palms.
As Sara was being helped from the plane, she noticed the EMTs and stretcher coming towards her, and shot a panicked glance towards Grissom.
"It's okay, honey. They're going to take us to see Dr. Craig. You need to have him check you over," he said in his supervisor's tone.
She began to protest but before she could speak, Gil had hoisted her from her position on the ladder and placed her on the stretcher before leaning in and cutting off her protests with a solid kiss on the lips.
The amused onlookers observed Sara's response to his actions.
"Grissom!" she began with a scowl but was silenced again in a similar manner.
"Gil!" she whined with puppy dog eyes but was silenced again in a similar manner as to the first two attempts to complain.
"Hmmph!" she muttered and surprised him by reaching up to his open collar and pulling Grissom down for a searing kiss before releasing her grip on him.
The lovers smiled into each other's eyes as Sara slumped her shoulders and said, "But please…come with me for the ride over? You know how I hate hospitals."
Gil kissed her forehead and smiled before turning to retrieve her crutches and his bag.
Sara's gurney was moving towards the waiting ambulance as Gil firmly shook the sheriff's hand.
"I'll never forget this, Charlie. Thanks for all you've done to help us."
"Pleasure's been all mine, Gil, really. Logan Stokes has been the go-to guy whenever anyone, including me, has needed a helping hand. Feels good to return the favor."
Gil moved to rush towards Sara who was nervously looking over her shoulder despite the nagging ache in her leg, but his movement was slowed by the sheriff's final message.
"And hey! Good luck to you two! See you in a few weeks, Logan said he's going to take a run up to check on you. Guess I'll see you then!"
"You will!" smiled a very happy Grissom.
And when Logan comes, we'll already be married…
That thought made him bubble over with anticipation, and Gil used that adrenaline surge to move even faster to reach Sara's side before the ambulance doors closed behind them.
As they sped away without sirens, the nearby tower clock chimed one.
--
At the same time, on this beautiful ranch outside of El Paso, the mantel clock in Logan's study was displaying 1:00 p.m.
Brass had convened a meeting with Warrick and Catherine, both of whom were very concerned about the cancellation of the ceremony as well as the absences of Gil, Sara, and Sofia.
Getting immediately to the point, Jim told them a very abbreviated version of the tale, highlighting that Sara had chosen to leave the ranch, and Gil accompanied her home to Vegas so Dr. Craig could care for her.
Brass did not elaborate about Sofia, who did not even cross Catherine's radar but conversely was zeroed in on Warrick's screen.
Skimming over the facts, Jim told them the current situation with an AWOL Nick.
Catherine didn't seem to concerned about this either, citing her feeling that he was held up somewhere on this beautiful expanse of a ranch, hiding to lick his wounds in private.
The look that passed between 'Ric and Brass determined that a private conversation would follow, but for now Catherine needed to be impressed by the need to find Nick.
Shaking her head in disagreement, Brass changed tactics.
He played the "parent" card as he explained how Lillian had been searching without success and needed to be sure her only son was alright.
That seemed to strike a chord with Catherine, who now willing agreed to join the search.
Brass split the two story home into search areas, and the three agreed to page the others if they uncovered anything.
As Catherine started up the stairs towards Sara's room, Brass motioned to Warrick to join him back in the judge's study.
The door was closing as Brass looked attentively at Warrick and said, "Now, tell me…"
--
They had been at the hospital for over an hour, Sara being sent for another round of X-rays and then being subjected to a rigorous examination and consult by the head of orthopedics.
When they found themselves finally alone, Gil sat close by Sara's agitated form as she lounged on the cot in the ER examination room.
"Gil –" she startled him by speaking after laying there without speaking for awhile.
"I need to get out of here."
He stood and was concerned about the panic attack he could see forming under the façade of her calm exterior.
"Honey, how long has it been since you took the medication at the clinic," he asked conferring with his watch and noting that it was almost three.
When she didn't immediately answer, Gil flicked his gaze without moving his head.
"Sara?"
She didn't answer.
He sighed and sat down, trying to quell his mounting frustration.
"You didn't take it, did you?"
When she didn't answer again, Gil hung his head before raising it to pin her with his stare.
He looked deep into her brown eyes – and couldn't continue.
Sara was taken aback when he reached over to grab her from behind her neck and kissed her so passionately that she felt her heart stop for a moment in sheer relief.
"You're not angry?" she asked in a small voice.
"Sara," he sighed.
"Honey, I respect how you feel about taking medication. But if you take the medication you will feel better, faster," he hoped she would agree.
Sara reached out for him and he leaned into her embrace before seeking to grind his lips into hers.
Gil was lost again in the overwhelming realization that they were now going to be able to do this whenever they wanted…forever.
He'd give her the world if she asked for it. Anything to make her happy.
Anything.
So when Dr. Craig came to discuss how her current injury had created new cracks on several bones and joints that had remained susceptible to injury due to the abuse Sara had suffered during her growing years, Gil wanted Sara to agree to stay for observation and rest after her ordeal.
Seeing her frustration at being outnumbered, and remembering that part of the scarring under Nick's emotional abuse had been inflicted by her lack of control over her fate, Gil made a difficult decision.
Anything to make her happy.
Gil found himself standing next to Sara, taking her hand in his.
She looked away, not willing to allow him to see the hurt in her eyes as she knew he was going to insist she follow doctor's orders.
Imagine her surprise when he inhaled deeply and told Dr. Craig that Sara would need to recuperate at home and that he would be personally responsible for overseeing her recuperative care.
Initially, the good physician did a double take, expecting as Sara did that he would be supportive of his treatment plan for Sara.
Looking upon Sara's complete change of disposition, however, as she whipped her head around to look adoringly- if not somewhat disbelieving – as Gil smiled down at her, Dr. Craig realized that perhaps Gil's idea would bolster Sara's recovery.
After all, physically there was nothing they could do that outpatient visits couldn't accomplish.
Emotionally, being cared for at home would obviously outweigh the benefits of her being available for impromptu exams if she were admitted to his floor.
The physician smiled as he also realized that Sara would not be out of Gil's sight, and Grissom would be even more fastidious in his observations of her condition than he could possibly be.
Yes, he could release her into such good hands.
Leaving to prepare her release papers, these two found themselves alone again.
This time, as Gil turned towards her, he noticed happy tears forming behind those long lashes as she spoke softly, "Thank you."
He leaned forward to face her directly as he responded in an equally soft tone, "I'd do anything to make you happy, Sara."
Gil kissed her softly, took a deep breath, and grabbed her hand lovingly as he spoke.
"Sara – can you do something for me?"
Here it comes, she thought, a list of Do's andDon'ts that will make me feel like a prisoner in my own home…in his home…in our home??
The thought made her grin and Gil took that as permission to continue.
"Sara, would you do something to make me happy?"
If she had been talking to any other man, she would have expected that question to be followed by a request to engage in something involving leather – or worse.
But looking at this wonderful man, she knew he rarely expressed his inmost thoughts or desires.
If he wants something that I can give him, how can he even think I might refuse?
"If it's important to you, all you need do is ask. That's what loving someone means, Gil," she replied sincerely and took his trembling hand in hers.
"Sara," Gil took another deep breath and then realized his nervousness disappeared as he looked into her expectant eyes.
"Sara, will you marry me? Today?"
There! I did it! All in one sentence! Now…will she say yes?
As his hand steadied, he realized hers were beginning to tremble.
They sat there looking like a museum statue of the two lovers…staring into each other's eyes as they waited for Sara to recover from the shock long enough to speak her answer.
But her shock of him, wanting to MARRY her, TODAY – well, it would leave any girl speechless.
Worry began to creep into his brow, and suddenly Sara stopped being zoned out long enough to realize his grip was slipping from her hands and he was sitting back into his chair slowly.
"Sara," Gil tried to recoup from the huge disappointment he felt.
I should have waited…this wasn't the right time…I've made a mess of-
Now it was Gil whose brain stopped working as his eyes were drawn to his wonderful Sara who was now sitting up from the pillows, tears streaming down her face, smiling as she nodded slowly and deliberately her decisive "Yes".
"Yes?" smiled Gil, hesitantly.
"Yes," she choked out on a breath.
Somehow, they came together in a crushing hug, Gil kissing every inch of her face as his thumbs wiped away the tracks of her tears, as Sara cried and smiled and hugged him again as she whispered in his ear an ecstatic, "Oh, Gil…"