A/N: Hi everyone. Another chapter afoot. Hopefully everyone will have a good day and nothing will spoil the celebrations. Thanks for everyone's continued support and to calim for the beta.

On we go…

Chapter 53

Present opened, Grissom smiled at the contents. A best of opera CD. "Great," he said, looking at Sara.

"I thought you'd say that," she replied. "Take a look inside the case."

With a puzzled grin, Grissom opened the CD case. On the right was the CD and on the left there was a small envelope stuck to the plastic. Carefully pulling it free, he opened the envelope to reveal an ITunes voucher.

"I thought maybe you could let me teach you some more about the joys of the internet," Sara told him. "You can download anything you want with that voucher and use it on your IPad or laptop and not have to worry about having a CD."

Right eyebrow arching, he looked back at her. "Oh, you do know how much I love the internet."

"Sarcasm will get you everything," Sara scoffed.

"I'm a very lucky boy if it does," Grissom hit back.

Laughing, Sara playfully slapped his thigh. "Don't be such a spoil sport."

"I'm not," Grissom denied. "I guess I'm just old fashioned. For me, computers are generally just for work."

Leaning close, Sara softly kissed him. "And that's why I teach you," she encouraged. "I can show you all the lovely wonders the internet can offer."

His eyes narrowed. "I have been on the internet before, dear. I have yet to come across many wonders."

"Yeah. You use it mainly for work as you've said. Looking up serial killers and bugs."

"I thought that was the good part," he teased.

"Ha ha. We can look at baby videos. It will help us prepare."

Grissom suddenly looked a little confused. "What kind of baby videos?"

"You know. How we get ready for it, birthing videos, feeding, and stuff like that."

He frowned. "You can watch someone giving birth?"

Scratching her nose, Sara tried not to grin. "Ugh huh."

Grissom looked positively stunned. "What ever happened to popcorn and black and white?"

Chuckling, Sara squeezed his knee. "We don't have to watch them but there is a lot out there that could help us get ready and prepare us for what comes after the baby is here."

"I guess I'll have to trust you in what you reveal to my innocent eyes then."

Now Sara's eyebrows soared. "Innocent?" He nodded. "That'll be the day."

Laughing himself now, Grissom handed Sara another gift. "Come on. Or we'll still be here at dinner time and no one will be getting fed."

"We wouldn't want that would we?" Sara replied.

Tearing the paper from the gift revealed a Christmas card with a glorious night sky and the star of Bethlehem. As she opened it, a piece of paper fell out. Pulling it open, she read it.

"'I owe you one romantic dinner at the restaurant of your choice, on a day and at a time of your choosing.'"

Smiling, her eyes flicked to Grissom. This small gesture meant so much. She couldn't remember the last time they had been out for a romantic dinner and they certainly hadn't been out on an evening. The fact that he was ready to take that step made her heart sing.

"I'll be sure to collect on this," she said proudly, waving the paper through the air.

"I look forward to it," he answered with gravel in his voice.

Happily sighing as they got lost in each other's eyes, Sara wished moments like this could last forever. And with his confidence growing by the day she had no doubt more moments would come. Nothing was ever going to interfere with their happiness again. If anyone tried, she would fight them to the death.

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Grissom took Buddy out into the garden and Sara headed to the kitchen to start on the veggies for dinner. She was smiling and couldn't stop. It hadn't taken them that long to open the rest of the gifts leaving behind enough chocolate and treats to last them until next Christmas along with so much music and books to keep them occupied on the darkest days.

But one thing that really made her smile was Grissom's attitude. He'd given her a promise of a romantic dinner and she'd given him tickets to a baseball game. Just like his gift, she'd given him the choice of when and where. Now, she knew a baseball game, with a large number of people in close proximity, was very different than a dinner for two where they could be in the back of a room by themselves. She hoped he wouldn't say no but would understand if he did.

But, he didn't.

He looked a bit apprehensive but who could blame him? It would be one hell of a step and, while she knew it wouldn't happen tomorrow or even within two years, she was just happy that he would consider the idea. It was on the list and would be struck off one day because no one stood in Grissom's way when it came to baseball.

Hearing the back door close, Sara felt him come up behind her and plop his chin on her shoulder. "What can I help with?"

"Hmmm," she thought out loud. "Lots of things to peel and chop but you need to be careful with your hands. Stuffing needs making, too."

"I can do a bit of peeling. See how we go."

Sara smiled as he kissed her check and she held out a peeler. "Why don't you start on the carrots or parsnips? Be a bit easier than these," she said as she held up a potato.

"Sure," he replied, taking the peeler from her.

"Don't do too much, okay?"

He nodded, picking up a carrot. "I won't."

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Just over an hour or so later, all dinner prep was ready, and the turkey was cooking nicely. Grissom was relaxing by the fire and listening to his new CD while Sara cleaned up the kitchen. Once finished, she joined her husband, dropping her hands on his shoulders and gently rubbing.

"Are your hands okay?" she asked. "Not overdone it have you?"

Grissom held up his hands. "Feeling okay. Tiny bit sore but it's a good workout."

"Do you want some medication?"

"No, I'm fine for now."

"Okay," she said, rubbing his shoulders, stopping as the doorbell rang.

Buddy shot to his feet as both Grissom and Sara looked at the clock showing 1:00pm.

"Early arrivals?" Sara suggested.

"If not, Santa has gotten lost," Grissom returned.

"Stay, Buddy," Sara ordered with a chuckle.

Watching his wife head to the door, Grissom flicked off the music. He could do without Catherine jabbing his ribs in regard to his musical taste.

Reaching the door, Sara opened it to see Catherine and Greg. "Hi," she said smiling. "Little early?"

Catherine raised her hands holding two bottles of champagne. "It's never too early at Christmas."

Laughing, Sara held out her hands to Greg who was holding a stack of gifts and seemed to be struggling. "Need a little help?"

"Thanks," Greg answered as she took a couple of gifts from the top of the pile.

"Merry Christmas," Catherine said cheerfully as she stepped inside, Greg following.

"Merry Christmas," Sara answered. "Go on through."

Closing the door, Sara followed the duo back to her husband to find Catherine already giving him a hug and Buddy banging into Greg's legs.

Putting the gifts onto the coffee table, Sara offloaded the rest from Greg and smirked as Catherine pinched Grissom's cheek.

"Are you ready to get this party started?" she asked him, giving Buddy a stroke.

Right eyebrow rising, Grissom eyes passed over the champagne she was holding. "Bit early isn't it?"

"Nah," Catherine scoffed. "It's Christmas. Let your hair down."

Glancing at his wife, Grissom earned himself a grin.

"If you want a drink then have one," she said. "I'll get some glasses."

"I'll help you," Greg added, surprising Sara when he moved close.

"O….kay," she said, frowning at his eagerness as they headed to the kitchen. "Are you okay?"

Greg nodded. "Yeah fine."

"Are you sure?" Hesitating, Greg looked around. "Come on, Greg. Spill."

He shrugged. "I dunno. Just last time we got together for an occasion I caused Grissom to have a seizure."

Sara's heart dropped a little. "That was an accident."

"Was it?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "And you need to stop blaming yourself."

He sighed. "I'll try, I guess."

"Not good enough." Greg frowned at her. "Are you planning on flashing bright light in Gil's face?"

"Noooo."

"Then let it go. If you don't it's not going to be a very fun day is it?"

"No. Thanks."

Giving him a bright smile, Sara reached into a cupboard and handed him two glasses while she took two herself. "Go on."

Smiling, they left the kitchen to rejoin the others finding Catherine and Grissom talking about something but stopped abruptly upon seeing Sara.

"What are you two whispering about?" Sara asked curiously.

"Ummm, nothing," Grissom denied.

Sara's eyes narrowed at him and Catherine reached to take the glasses from her.

"Shall I open?" Catherine asked.

"Sure," Sara replied, keeping her eyes on Grissom but all he did was flash her a cheeky smile.

The pop of the champagne cork caught Sara's attention and she let her suspicions go. "Just a tiny bit for me," she said. "Can't be getting baby drunk."

"Define tiny," Catherine asked, starting to pour the champagne.

"Catherine's tiny is a bucket," Greg teased.

Laughing, Sara took Grissom's arm. "Just a couple of mouthfuls," she said as Catherine gave Greg a death eye look.

Handing everyone a glass, Catherine held up her own. "Cheers. And Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," everyone replied.

Taking a very small sip from her glass, Sara sat, urging Grissom to join her. "Make yourselves comfortable," she said to Greg and Catherine.

"You need any help in the kitchen?" Catherine asked as Greg sat down and found himself with Buddy seeking attention.

"All under control at the moment." Sara squeezed Grissom's knee. "I had a very good helper."

Sitting down, Catherine raised her glass to Grissom. "You wanna come cook for me?"

"Sure, if you want a grilled cheese," Grissom hit back.

"Haha," Catherine laughed. "I might hold you to that."

Putting her glass down and taking her husband's free hand, Sara smiled at him. "He does better than he lets on."

Grissom's eyes found hers and they just gazed at each other until Catherine spoke again.

"So, love birds," she teased, gaining their attention. "You want to open the gifts we brought, or do you guys need a minute?"

"Funny," Grissom groaned.

Laughing, Sara got up. "We got a little something for you guys, too."

Moving to the tree, she grabbed a stash of gifts and distributed them to Greg and Catherine.

"Thanks," Greg said with a bright smile.

"I love Christmas," Catherine chuckled, tearing the paper from one of her parcels.

"Really?" Grissom questioned as Sara placed a present in his lap.

"Oh, yeah," Catherine answered. "All those dead bodies dressed as Santa. Can't beat it."

Laughing, Sara began opening one of the gifts. "Thankfully, this year is a little different."

"Very different," Greg added. "For the better, of course."

"Glad to hear it," Sara said with a smirk, revealing a tiny pair of yellow baby boots inside the paper. Picking them up, she held them between finger and thumb. "Awww how cute."

Grissom inspected the boots. "Little small for you, aren't they?"

She gave him a playful stare. "Very funny. Thank you, Catherine."

"Actually, they're from Greg," Catherine corrected.

Looking at Greg, Sara smiled. "You big softy."

He smiled bashfully, tearing the paper from his present. "Oh, cool."

"Watcha get," Catherine asked?

Greg held up his gift. "Marilyn Mason calendar."

Catherine held up the peace sign. "Rock on."

Buddy trotted over to Grissom and held up a paw. Dropping a hand to the pooches' neck, Grissom gave him a stroke.

"You wanna go out?" he asked.

"Do you want me to take him?" Greg offered.

"Sure, if you'd like."

Smiling, Greg put his gift with the others he'd yet to open and patted his leg for Buddy. Just as he did, Buttons pounced out of nowhere, dashed between the two and ran into the kitchen.

"Holy crap," Catherine exclaimed. "Where'd he come from?"

"Who knows," Sara chuckled. "He has mastered the art of scaring the heck out of you and I think he's a bit high on catnip."

"He's like that without catnip," Grissom added.

"Very true," Sara agreed.

"Be back in a sec," Greg said tapping his leg again. "Come on, boy."

"You've certainly got a houseful now," Catherine told her friends. "Dog, cat, baby on the way. Who would've thought?"

Sara pouted and Grissom gave her a smile. "The giraffe arrives next week."

"Hahaha," Catherine laughed. "By the way, I brought a couple of games we can play later."

Grissom's eye twitched. "What kind of games?"

"You'll see."

"I'll play chess with Greg," he told her.

Catherine gave him a cheeky smile. "We'll have fun. I promise."

"I'm just gonna go check the turkey then we can finish gifts when Greg gets back," Sara said getting up.

"Let me help." Catherine got up, too.

Smiling her thanks, Sara glanced down at her husband. "Do you need anything?"

Grissom glanced at the clock. "Almost time for my meds."

Sara nodded. "I'll grab them and get us something to nibble on otherwise we'll all be starving by the time dinner is ready."

"Sounds good."

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Spending the rest of the afternoon opening gifts, chatting, nibbling on snacks, watching a Christmas movie and playing with the kitten, time just flew by.

When dinnertime arrived, the food piled up on the counter. Turkey cooked to perfection along with a vegetarian roast for Sara. Veggies, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy followed. Greg proudly took on the responsibility of carving as Grissom was unable, honored he could do so.

Once all bellies were full, and the animals fed, everyone moved back to the lounge.

"Ugh, I feel like I've eaten a house," Greg groaned as he sat.

"That's what you get for having three helpings," Catherine teased.

Greg held his hands over his stomach. "Too good not to. I won't need to eat for a week."

"Glad you enjoyed it," Sara said. "You just need to make room for dessert."

"Maybe in a few weeks," Greg joked.

"Right you guys," Catherine began, reaching for something from besides her chair and pulling up a box. "While we let dinner settle, how about a game?"

"Hide and seek?" Grissom suggested. He looked at Sara, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "How about we go hide in the bedroom for an hour?"

Sara's eyebrows rose and she tried to not to smile but that teasing look in his eyes made her fail. Plus, he was a little tipsy and that always made him a bit frisky. She had to keep an eye on the alcohol he drank now. Too much could spell problems.

Catherine's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying?"

"Gil's just saying a game sounds great," Sara lied cheekily.

"I so did not," Grissom hit back.

"Don't be such a party pooper," Catherine said just about to open the box, but stopped. "Before we start, I think we all need a drink." She got up. "I'll do the honors. What does everybody want?"

"Um," Sara started. "Just a diet coke for me." She looked at Grissom with a little concern, but he just smiled at her.

"Same for me," he said.

Giving a smile back, Sara glanced at Catherine. "Need to be careful with his medication."

"I know," Catherine agreed, giving her own smile. "I'm sure Greg and I can manage a bottle between us."

Greg looked up. "Bottle of what?"

Giggling, Catherine headed off. "You'll see."

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Grissom looked totally unimpressed as he sat there with a piece of paper stuck to his forehead. Sara really tried not to laugh and hid that fact by nibbling on her thumbnail.

"Come one, Gil," Catherine encouraged. "You just need to ask us questions and then guess who you are."

"I know how the game works, Catherine," Grissom informed his friend. "But the entire population of the world, ever, is quite a broad spectrum so I'm just thinking of where I should start."

Now Sara laughed. She just couldn't help it.

"I knew I should have brought Monopoly."

Giving Catherine a raised eyebrow, Grissom looked over his shoulder when the doorbell rang. His eyes then found his wife's.

"Relax," Sara said, squeezing his knee. "It's probably just someone escaping the lab. I'll go see. Stay, boy."

Patting Buddy who was furiously wagging his tail, Sara got up.

Walking to the door, she checked the peep hole and smiled then opened the door. "Jim Brass," she greeted happily. "Merry Christmas."

"Hey yourself," he answered. "Thought I'd stop by and say hi before all the drunks come out to play."

Sara pointed over her shoulder. "Got several in here you can take downtown if you like. Come on in."

Brass laughed as he stepped inside and followed Sara to the living room. "Merry Christmas everyone," he said. "Having a good time?" His eyes settled on Grissom and he gave him an intrigued look, reading the paper on his head.

"Don't ask," Grissom told him.

Smirking, Brass gave Buddy a stroke.

"Can I get you a drink?" Sara asked.

"Catherine brought about 40 bottles of wine so we need a little help," Greg teased, holding his glass aloft.

"Not for me," Brass laughed, holding up a hand.

"Maybe a quick scotch?" Grissom suggested.

Brass tipped his head from side to side, sitting on the sofa arm. "Sure."

"Anyone else?" Sara asked.

"I think everyone is busy drowning in wine," Grissom replied, taking a glug from his glass of diet coke.

"Hey, I brought a life vest okay," Catherine laughed.

Laughing back, Sara poured Brass a drink and held it out to him.

"Thanks," he said with appreciation as Sara sat next to Grissom.

"So, come on then, Gil," Catherine encouraged. "Get guessing before next Christmas arrives."

Grissom glared at her as Sara smiled into her drink. "Mohammed Ali," he said flatly.

Catherine blinked, her mouth dropping open. "How on earth did you know? You haven't even asked any questions."

"I guess I'm just good at guessing," he said casually.

Shaking her head, Catherine glanced at Sara, the look on her face obvious she had no idea how he knew.

As he took another sip from his glass with a grin, Sara leaned into him. "Or he can see the reflection in his glass," she clued everyone in.

Grissom looked at her and wriggled his eyebrows causing her to chuckle.

"Gil!" Catherine complained. "You big fat cheat."

Everybody laughed as Grissom pulled the paper from his forehead. "The glass cheated. So, who's next?"

A/N: Awww, I like happy time. Or would you rather have Evil Hat? :P