AN: Thanks for the support, here is the next chapter. Warning: Implied/Suggestive adult behavior.
Chapter 32: Past collides with present
7 years later
July, 2000
Chicago
While their son, Billy, who was now 8 years old, was with Stephanie for the night, Sara and Grissom had a date night, and instead of going out, they stayed in, where they watched a movie before Grissom cooked them a meal then watched a second movie before they continued their night in the bedroom.
Now they were currently in bed, him above her, both kissing each other passionately, hands moving up and down their bodies, and when he felt her fingers reaching for the waistband of his boxers, the last item of clothing that was separating them, he pulled his lips from hers and moved them to her neck to kiss it lightly before whispering in her ear. "Just a second, honey."
He then started to move from her so he could open his top night stand drawer, but didn't get very far because she had wrapped her legs around his waist to stop his movement and spoke while she was caching her breath. "You don't have to."
Knowing what she was implying, he looked down at her in surprise as his heart was racing, more than it had been since they've walked into this room. "You sure?"
Ever since their surprise pregnancy with Billy, they took every precaution that they could so it didn't happen again, not that a second child was never thought about or discussed, they just weren't ready for another one with so much on their plates at the time.
But now that Billy was older, Grissom's schooling was completed and they felt more comfortable about their income, the timing felt a whole lot better for a second child, and while she didn't plan that going in tonight, the thought of it just felt right as their night progressed, which maybe she should have told him before they got to this point, but the minute they stepped into their room and started kissing, she didn't want to stop.
With her heart racing, she nodded with a smile. "I'm sure. I'm ready, if you are ready."
There was no hesitation on his part as he nodded with a smile of his own. "I'm ready too."
She smiled wider as she cupped his cheek. "Yeah?"
He nodded with tears in his eyes. "I want to be a daddy again."
"Then let's see if we can make that happen."
He smiled wider as he lowered himself back down towards her. "I love you, Mrs. Grissom."
"And I love you, Dr. Grissom."
A pleasant shiver went down both of their bodies at hearing their 'titles', and while one of them may be years older than the other one, they were both very proud of them.
Next Morning
In a t-shirt and sweatpants, Grissom was in the kitchen mixing up the pancake batter when he felt his wife's arms wrap around his waist and felt a kiss on his neck before she whispered. "Good morning."
He smiled as he turned around once she lessened her hold on him, then cupped her cheek as his eyes sparkled. "Yes it is."
She smiled a little wider before they go for a proper kiss, and after pulling back, she took a breath before speaking. "Griss, I'm sorry about last night, for springing that on you like that."
He shook his head. "I'm not, it was a nice surprise." She then smiled shyly before he ran his thumb up and down her cheek. "And what I said wasn't because of the heat of the moment, I meant it, I want to be a dad again."
An unexpected tear went down Sara's cheek as she placed her hand on her stomach. "And I want to be a mom again."
He wiped her tear away and placed his free hand on top of hers that was on her stomach, and after a moment, he spoke again. "But just because we..."
She cuts him off with a nod. "I know, there is no guarantee it actually happened last night."
He then smiled again. "Which if that's the case, it just means we'll have to keep trying until it does."
She chuckled as she moved her arms so she could wrap them around his neck. "And I bet that would just disappoint you."
He chuckled in return before they share a few pecks on the lips as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and when they pulled back a few moments later, he gets more serious, knowing how important they both felt about this. "I will try everything in my power to make this happen for you, for us."
She nodded, seeing the seriousness in his eyes. "I know, and I will too."
After one more peck on the lips, they release one another while she bit her lip, which caught Grissom's attention so he asked. "What's wrong?"
"What do you think Billy will say to a sibling? I think we should talk to him about this before it becomes a reality, I don't want to blindside him."
"I don't either."
"So, what do you think, tonight?"
"Yeah, the sooner we talk to him the better."
As Sara nodded again there was a knock on the apartment door, so she walked out of the kitchen while Grissom continued his task at making breakfast, then when she got to the door and opened it, she smiled instantly as she was greeted by her son. "Mommy!"
Sara kneeled down as she wrapped her arms around him and sighed in content, happy he was back home.
Their lives may have changed a lot sooner than they had wanted or planned, but they wouldn't trade the journey they've had with him for anything in this world, even at times when things felt overwhelming and they were wondering if they could really do it. But they did, and not only did they get even more stronger as a couple, but as a family as well.
They pull back a second later, and she cups his cheek with tears in her eyes as she just looked at her little man, who looks like Grissom almost to a T, there was enough resemblance for everyone to know who his mother was, especially was when they were near one another, but he was definitely Grissom.
Billy look concerned. "Mommy?"
Sara shook off her son's concern before clearing her throat and speaking in a reassuring tone. "It's ok, mommy's just having a moment. Why don't you tell your father how many pancakes you want and take your things to your room."
He nodded with a smile. "OK."
They hug one another, and after taking his backpack from Stephanie, he thanked her with a hug before running inside while Sara stood up and smiled at the 29 year old. "Thank you, Steph."
Stephanie waived it off with a smile of her own. "It's no problem."
Once Stephanie settled here with them, using their couch for several months, she found a waitress job at one of the most expensive/romantic restaurants in town, and now, after 7 years, she not only has a nice apartment herself, but she had moved up the ranks and was now a manager there.
"You want to come in for breakfast?"
"Sorry, I don't have time, I have go in early."
Sara nodded in understanding. "Ok, I'll walk you out."
After Stephanie nodded, Sara slipped on her sandals and walked out of the apartment, shutting the door behind her, and as they walked down the hall, towards the elevator, Stephanie asked. "So, successful date?"
Sara gets a bright smile on her face that told Stephanie everything she needed to know before she even said anything. "In one way most definitely." There was a pause before she continued. "And in another way, we'll see."
Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
They stopped in the middle of the hall when one of the other apartment doors opened and a man with his one year old son in his arms walked out, and after they politely greeted one another, the man walked away with Sara's attention to the son, causing a special look in her eyes, and with Stephanie knowing Sara better than anybody, outside of Grissom of course, she knew what certain looks look like, so she gasped. "Oh my god, you two are trying for another baby?" Sara looked at Stephanie and bit her lip with a smile, causing Stephanie to smile in return while bringing her in her arms. "Wow, congratulations."
As Sara hugged her back, she shook her head. "Well, it hasn't happened yet."
While they pulled back, Stephanie spoke with confidence. "Eventually it will, I am sure of it."
"Thank you, and can you keep this to yourself right now, we still have to talk to Billy about it."
"Of course."
When they started walking again, Sara spoke again. "Steph..."
Stephanie cuts her off before she got started as they stopped at the elevator. "I think I know what you're about say, and I think you're right."
"Really?"
She nodded with a smile. "I've been thinking about this for awhile now, and I believe I am ready."
Sara smiled with a nod. "I'm happy for you." Then she cleared her throat and continued. "But aren't you missing an important part of the equation for that to happen?"
Stephanie chuckled before replying. "Well, not necessarily, there are plenty of donors out there."
Not that Sara was against it, there were a lot of women out there, for what ever reason, who chooses to take that route, but to see Stephanie go through the process of having a baby alone, sent a small pang in her heart.
"Steph, are you sure that's the route you want to take, alone?"
Stephanie couldn't help but smirk a little. "Well, I was kind of hoping you would be around."
Sara shook her head and took her hand. "Of course I will, no question about that, but you know what I mean."
"Yeah, I do, and it's a situation I never thought I would be in. But, what other choice do I have? My last few relationships have been complete duds, and I feel at this rate, by the time I do find 'Mr. right' I won't even have the energy to raise a baby."
It took Stephanie awhile to feel completely ready for another relationship, but once she was, things haven't exactly gone right in that department, with her longest only lasting a few months, which deep down she already knew why that was, why she didn't have that special feeling towards any man she dated in the last few years, she just couldn't think of him or say his name without feeling emotional about it.
Which Sara knew that as well, so she couldn't help but bring it up. "And we both know who Mr. right is for you, and always will be."
Stephanie shook his her head. "Which he's not an option."
Sara wasn't backing down. "And why not? You're still in love with him, so what's holding you back?"
Stephanie then sighed. "A guy like him wouldn't be single for 11 years, he just wouldn't." Sara was about to speak, but Stephanie continued as she stepped into the elevator. "Please Sara, just do us both a favor and let that dream of him and I go."
Sara really wanted to, honestly she did, but something deep inside still felt that Stephanie and Nick were meant to be, and once she has a feeling like that, it was nearly impossible to change her mind, even with everything telling her that she shouldn't hold on anymore. But then again that trait of hers made her one of the most successful CSI's in the lab. When it came to her cases she was like a dog with a bone, and the only way to get her to stop pursing something, if it didn't feel right, was if every available option was exhausted, so until she saw her best friend/sister move on completely without any doubts, that will be the day she finally lets it go.
Sara sighed this time, knowing this trait of hers could be irritating, and possible hurtful at times. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to hurt you."
Stephanie stopped the elevator doors from closing with a small smile and nod. "I know you mean will, and want me to end up with the same type of happiness you and Grissom have, but maybe I am destined to have a different kind of happiness, one where I raise a child on my own."
Sara walked the short distance and brings Stephanie in a hug before whispering. "And if that's truly the case, then I support you 1,000% because at the end of the day if you're happy then I'm happy."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." As they pulled back, Sara asked. "So, lunch later?"
While lunch together didn't happen everyday between them, they still tried to have it a few times a week, especially if there weren't plans for a family dinner or their dinner plans got canceled because of work. They just refuse to let work and other responsibilities keep them from spending time together.
"Let's play it by ear today, I'll call either way."
"Alright, talk to you later, and thanks again for watching Billy last night."
"Anytime, you know that."
They smiled and waved at one another as the elevator doors closed, and once it did, Sara turned and headed back to the apartment.
When she made it back inside, she could hear her son talking to her husband from the kitchen.
"Daddy, can I do it?"
"Ok, buddy, but be careful, it's hot."
After she closed the door, she headed for the kitchen doorway and stopped to see Billy standing on a step-stool in front of the stove with Grissom behind him so he couldn't fall back and to have a good angle at helping him if he needed it, and after a moment, Sara smiled as she heard how excited Billy was. "I did it daddy!"
She could just imagine her husband's smile as he replied. "I know, and I'm so proud of you."
As he kissed the top of his head, Sara let her presence be known. "What did my little man do?"
Grissom turned around and moved off to the side as Billy turned around and smiled at his mother. "I flipped a pancake."
She walked up to her boys with a smile on her face. "Wow, good job."
His face lit up. "Thank you, mommy." He then looked up at his father with bright, excited, blue eyes. "Can I do another one, please?"
He nodded with a smile and moved so he was behind his son again. "You got it."
By the time the batter was in the pan, Sara was standing next to her boys, and Grissom looked over at her and asked. "Everything ok?"
Sara nodded with a smile as she placed her hand on the small of his back. "In this moment, everything is just perfect."
Later that evening
After she arrived home from work, she greets her husband, who also works at the lab but part time at the moment until a permanent spot opens up, and their son, who went to his room soon after, before she sat down on the couch.
Grissom came back into the room with some ice water and handed it to her, she took the glass with appreciation. "Thank you."
He nodded while she took a sip, then as she was setting it down on the end table, he asked how work was, and once she was dong talking about her closed case, she continued. "Also, before I forget, the team was informed today that there is a three day CSI conference here next weekend, and while Nate (Their supervisor), said it was optional to go, the tone of his voice said otherwise." She then smiled while asking. "So, would you like to be my date?"
Grissom smiled as he took her left hand and lifted it up to kiss it before replying with his eyes sparkling. "A date with the most beautiful woman in any room she walks in? Count me in."
She chuckled and rolled her eyes while pushing at his shoulder, and he just smiled as he leaned toward her to give her a kiss on her lips.
When they pulled back, he asks. "Should we talk to Billy now, or wait till after dinner?"
Sara think about it for a moment before answering. "How about now."
"OK."
They share one more kiss before he gets up and heads towards his son's room, asking him if they could talk to him, so the little boy nodded and followed his father back into the living room, sitting next to his mother on the couch.
A moment passed before Sara started the conversation while taking her son's hand. "Honey, your father and I need to talk to you about something important."
While Billy was calm on the outside, a storm was brewing inside from hearing the serious tone from his mother, and when he heard his mother's next words, something broke inside of him and he couldn't hold it in.
"Now before we tell you, we want to reassure you that whatever happens in this family, we love you very much..."
Sara stopped and became alarmed, like her husband, at seeing their son with tears going down his cheeks, so Sara asked as she moved to cup his cheek. "Baby what's wrong, why are you crying?"
He sniffled while replying. "I don't want you two to get a divorce."
They both now looked shocked, and Grissom moved to kneel down in front of his son, asking softly. "What makes you think we are getting a divorce?"
After another sniffle, while his mother tried to wipe his tears away, he spoke again. "A friend at school told me that his parents are getting a divorce, and the speech they gave him sounded almost like that."
They both looked at their son with sympathy, then Sara shook her head while asking him to come sit on her lap, and when he did, Sara wrapped her arms around her son and kissed his head before using her reassuring tone. "I promise you baby, divorce is nowhere near the radar."
Grissom gets in the discussion as he placed his hand on Sara's knee with a smile towards his son. "Your mother's right, and as far as we are concerned, it's going to stay that way. Ok?"
Feeling the reassurance, he nodded with a sniffle before asking while his father was wiping the remaining tears off his cheeks. "But why does it happen?"
They both sighed before Sara spoke while she moved him more to the side of her so she could have eye contact with him. "I wish we had a better answer than it just happens sometimes. You see there is a lot of different things that go into having a successful relationship, and if one of those things, for whatever reason, aren't there or not working, it can just fall apart."
Before Sara could continue, Billy asked after soaking in what his mother said. "Like a cake? If you don't have the ingredients just right it could fall apart and not taste good."
They chuckled lightly at the cringed look he gave them, then Grissom nodded with a smile. "Exactly." Then he gets more serious. "And we promise you, we are going to continue to work on our relationship to ensure that we don't fall apart, because there is nothing more important to me than you and your mother."
Sara chimed in as she moved her free hand to her husband's that was still on her knee. "I feel the same towards you and your father."
Seeing their hand holding, and looking into their eyes, he didn't sense any doubt in them, so he took a breath before looking down. "I'm sorry."
They smiled and Sara kissed her son's temple before whispering. "You have nothing to be sorry about, we encourage you to ask questions, and we'll try and give you the best answer we got, Ok?"
After another nod, they took a moment to clear their minds from this subject, before Billy spoke again, getting them back on track. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Sara and Grissom looked at one another, and he nodded, then they look at their son before Sara spoke after clearing her throat. "Well, you see, your father and I are talking about having a baby and we wanted to know how you'll feel about it."
It became quiet as they let Billy process what Sara had said, then he asked. "A baby? That means I'll be a big brother."
They both nodded again, this time with smiles as Grissom spoke. "And Buddy, we want you to know that our love for you will never be taken away, we just have so much of it that we want to share it with another member of the family, you understand?"
The little boy nodded, still processing this information, then he frowned. "But I don't know how to be an older brother, what if I mess up?"
It was Sara's turn again with a smile on her face. "Then you'll learn, like we had learn to be parents when you came into our lives." Her smile grew wider as she tickled his side, causing him to chuckle and squirm. "Which for the record, was the best day of our lives." Then once she stopped tickling him and he had calmed down, she moved her forehead so it was against the side of her son's head as she whispered with emotion. "And every day after that, has been a gift. I love you so much, and we can wait a little longer if you need it."
Billy shook his head as Sara moved her head back. "No, it's ok, I can have a sibling now."
They chuckled before Grissom spoke again. "Well, you won't get one now, it will take time. But are you sure?"
No hesitation, the little boy nodded, feeling a little excited now. "Yeah, I want to try and be a big brother."
Seeing their son's excitement in his eyes, made them feel a little more excited on having another child.
Grissom then cupped his son's cheek. "And your brother or sister will have the best big brother they could ask for."
Billy looked shy now. "I hope so."
After a reassuring hug from his mother then father, and kisses to his cheek and head, Billy was ready to go back to his room, but after walking a few steps, he stopped and turned around before asking. "How do I get a brother or sister?"
Sara just about chocked on her water, while Grissom spoke with a smile. "Now that discussion will be for another day, ok?"
Billy just nodded and shrugged before now running to his room, and when it was just Sara and Grissom, which he was now sitting next to her again, they chuckled before Grissom commented. "You did encourage him to ask questions."
She nodded with a smirk. "True, but I don't think that would have mattered either way, he does love his questions."
While they knew asking questions was a typical thing for a young kid to do, Grissom still liked to tease Sara that their son got that trait from her since she was known to always have her hand raised in school, either for asking questions or answering them.
"Well, he did get that trait from his mother, so I'm not surprised."
She lightly hits him on the arm as they get into another chuckling fit, and once they calmed down while cuddling close to one another, he moved his hand to her stomach and kissed her head before whispering. "It looks like we officially have a green light."
She took a breath as she placed her hand on top of his. "Yes it does, and now I can't wait."
He kissed her head again. "But let's try and not put too much pressure on this."
She nodded in agreement. "I know."
One week later
During Sara's lunch break, she went to the usual diner, and since today was a lot busier, which she wouldn't doubt that it would be that way for the rest of the weekend with the CSI conference in town, she had to get a chair at the counter that was a few seats away from the register, and since she was waiting for Stephanie, she just ordered drinks for right now.
Once the large plastic cup was in front of her, she picked it up and moved it to take a sip, and just as the cup reached her lips, she stopped immediately when she heard a voice ordering a meal to go at the cash register. Now, with a lot of chatter around and silverware making noise on the customers plates, it wasn't 100% clear, but there was something about it that she recognized, she just couldn't put her finger on it for some reason.
Then it happened a second later after hearing the name of the person who was ordering, causing her to gasp before she practically slammed her cup down on the counter and stood up from her chair before turning towards his direction and spoke loud enough for him to hear, causing everybody else to be quiet. "Nick! Nick Stokes!"
Nick turned his head towards the voice that said his name, being equally shocked the moment their eyes met, then a moment later, the diner door opened and Stephanie had only taken a few steps in before she saw him too, causing her to stop instantly with a short gasp.
From the corner of Sara's eyes, something caught her attention, so she turned her head to see Stephanie standing there in shock, and after Nick followed Sara's line of sight, both hearts just about leapt out of their chests when their eyes connected for the first time in 11 years, and while their eyes were connected, every feeling she ever felt for him, every moment she ever spent with him all came rushing back to her like a tidal wave, causing her to feel overwhelmed and needing air, so she turned around and walked out of the diner.
AN: Thanks for reading, please review. Stay safe. Find out what happens next.