I Do Not Own CSI

"Well, don't you look handsome! Daddy did a good job," Sara said as she slowly bent down to Eli's level as he came running out of his room. Gil followed minutes later with a small pair of shoes.

"Don't like," Eli informed her, trying to pull his shirt out of his dress pants.

"I know you don't but as soon as we leave the courthouse you can take your shirt out, okay," Sara told him, taking the shoes from Gil.

Getting Eli to sit down against the wall, Sara pointed to a little foot, Eli lifting it so Sara could put his shoe on.

"You get to see Jillian and Bill today," Sara said.

"Ride horsey?"

"Not today, buddy. But we're going to a restaurant and eat with them."

"'Donald's?" Eli asked as Gil bent down beside Sara.

"Not McDonalds"

"Want fries"

"I'm sure we can get you some French Fires," Gil said, laughing as he helped Eli stand. He and Sara watched as Eli ran in search of Hank.

"You are so good with him," Gil said, helping Sara stand up.

"You're not so bad yourself. You know soon I'm not going to be able to bend this much and you're going to have to put on mine and Eli's shoes."

"I'll just invest in a good pair of slip-ons for you," Gil joked as Sara smacked his chest lightly.

"Funny"

"Sara?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you nervous at all about today?"

"Honestly," Sara sighed, wrapping her arms around her husband's neck.

"I'm petrified."

"Me, too."

"What if the judge denies us the petition to start the adoption?" Sara asked.

"We just have to stay positive, and hope that the judge realizes that Eli has bonded with us and should stay with us." Gil sighed as he hugged Sara close. They both heard a bang come from the next room.

"Eli?" Sara and Gil both jumped, quickly going into the next room. There they found a slightly guilty looking Eli, looking down at his shirt as Hank sat licking up the spilled juice on the floor.

"Eli?" Sara asked.

"Orry"

"What happened, bud?" Gil asked, trying not to laugh as Eli's bottom lip slowly started to pout and tremble.

"Fell and juice spill," Eli said as giant elephant tears started to form.

"Hey, no crying, it's okay. How about we let Daddy and Hank clean up the floor and I'll clean you up," Sara said, wiping away the few tears from the boy's eyes before grabbing his hand and leading him back to his room to change into a new shirt.

"See, all better," Sara said, smiling as she put Eli's new shirt on. "Now let's go see if Daddy is finished, too."

"Danks, Mommy," Eli said as Sara helped him off the bed. It still melted Sara's heart when he said 'Mommy'.

"What are you guys all doing here?" Gil asked as he held Sara and Eli's hands as they walked into the courthouse. The whole team, Jim, and Bill and Jillian Stokes were there.

"We're here for support you. Although we all know what the judge is going to say," Catherine said as she bent down to Eli's level.

"Hi, Eli," Catherine said as he grabbed hold of Sara's leg, trying to hide.

"Hey, bud. You remember Catherine. She was at dinner last night," Sara told him, trying to pull Eli from out behind her.

"He's a little shy this morning."

"It's okay. He still doesn't know us that well yet."

"Well, thank you all for coming, I guess," Sara said as she finally managed to get Eli from out behind her, picking the boy up Sara smiled. "Are you ready, little man?"

"Ready!" Eli giggled as he patted Sara on the face. He finally looked around and saw Bill, Jillian and Nick.

"Illy!" Eli yelled, squirming wanting to be let down.

"Hey baby! Are you being a good boy?"

"Yep! Horse ride."

"You turned him into a little cowboy," Gil said as he watched Eli run to Jillian and Bill.

"Not today, bud." Bill tickled the child as a court authorized person came outside of the courtroom.

"Is there a Sara and Gil Grissom here?"

"That's us," Gil said, grabbing Sara's hand.

"The judge wanted to have a slight change in venue. You're going to be meeting in her chambers today. Also, your lawyer is here, as well as Child Services. So if you would follow me, please."

"Um, we have a few extra people," Sara said.

"I'm sorry ma'am, only the specified people are allowed in chambers."

"Sorry, guys."

"It's okay, we'll wait. Just bring us back good news," Jim told them.

"Keep your fingers crossed!" Sara smiled as she, Gil, Eli, Bill and Jillian all walked back to the judge's chambers.

"We don't need to, you have this in the bag," Greg yelled as they disappeared around the corner.

"I hope everything goes well," Catherine mumbled.

"Stay positive, Catherine," Nick said as they all sat down to wait for good news.

"The judge will be with you shortly. Please be seated," the bailiff told to Sara, Gil, Bill and Jillian as they all entered the judge's chambers. The all smiled and nodded their hello's to the Child Services representative.

"Gil, Sara," Linda, their lawyer said. She came to sit beside them as Eli sat somewhat contently on Gil's lap, a truck in his hand.

"Hi, Linda. How come we're meeting in chambers?"

"The judge thought it would be better for Eli. It's not as daunting as a big court room."

"Do you think the judge is going to okay the adoption process?"

"I do, and Child Services is backing us up as well. Once all the evidence in Eli's case is reviewed; no biological family left, what happened with McKeen, and the fact that he has taken to you both so well, I think you're chances look very good."

"Plus they have another judge and DA backing them up," Bill joked as the judge stepped into her chambers. Everyone started to stand.

"Please sit, we're not in the courtroom," the judge said, looking at Sara; her pregnant belly showing .

"Ok, how is everyone today? Eli, how are you?" The judge asked, smiling as she looked at the small boy who again was playing shy.

"It's okay, Eli," Gil assured him. "You can talk to the judge," Gil told him as Eli shook his head, not wanting to look at the judge.

"It's okay, I know how a two year old can be, I've had a couple myself. Now, before we get right into it, I have a few questions to ask you, Gil and Sara."

"Sure" Sara replied, taking a deep breath.

"Don't be nervous. I was looking over the case file including what happened with Jeff McKeen, and from what I understand he's responsible for the death of Warrick and Tina Brown, along with Tina's parents."

"Yes, Your Honor. And as about three weeks ago all three men involved have been charged with murder and more. They now are just waiting for their court date," Gil informed her.

"You, your wife and Eli originally went to California after this started?" The judge asked.

"We did, and once our lives were put in danger there, we left for Texas, where we lived peacefully for about four months," Sara added.

"Until you were found again?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Mr. and Mrs. Stokes, how well did Eli do out in Texas?"

"At first, he was shy; new people, new surroundings. But within a week we had him giggling and playing just like any other two year old. He rode horses, we swam in the creek, went to the carnival. He blossomed," Jillian said, smiling as Eli looked at her, showing his teeth as he smiled.

"Sara and Gil also started teaching him. They went over his ABC's and numbers, making sure he had a head start on his education," Jillian added with a smile on her face.

"Mary." The judge turned to the Social Services woman.

"Your Honor?"

"Does Child Services have any objections to Gil and Sara Grissom filing for adoption?"

"No, Your Honor. In fact, we're encouraging it. Eli is already almost three years old, people wanting to adopt are looking for babies. Not to mention that he had an actual hit put on his head. Gil and Sara Grissom have not only taken this child in and welcomed and protected him like he was their own, they have a large extended family all wanting to help. Additionally, they all knew Eli's deceased father and mother. They will be able to one day to explain to Eli where he came from."

"Okay, I just have a couple more questions for you two," the judge said, turning her attention back to Gil and Sara.

"You both work nightshift, is that correct?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"How do you plan on raising a three year old while working that shift?"

"May I," Gill asked, looking at Sara who smiled and nodded.

"As you can see, Sara is pregnant at the moment. Pregnant women at CSI are not allowed to go into the field. So when we do go back to work I will be going full time but Sara will be going only part time. The days she does work, we are looking into getting hired help to stay for the night, but that will only be for a short while." Gil grabbed Sara's hand before continuing.

"I was offered a job at UNLV teaching a forensics course and come February, I will be leaving CSI to teach full time."

"That's good to hear, and I have one final question for the both of you. Are you both committed to what you are about to do? There is no turning back after this."

"We are. We want Eli to stay with us, forever," Sara said as she watched Eli sitting on the ground, rolling his trucks around.

"Well then, let the adoption process begin."

TBC

You didn't actually think I would have the judge take Eli away did you! The joy and fluff will continue on for a few more chapters, enjoy it!

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews everyone! It still boggles my mind how many you have left! Please keep them coming, They all put a smile on my face!

Katie