Chapter 36
Catherine led Sara to a large room at the Palermo. The brunettes jaw dropped as she walked through the door. Taking in the large king sized, four poster bed and the cream-coloured two-seater sofa. A glass table with metal chairs, which looked surprisingly comfortable, sat before a floor to ceiling window overlooking the Strip. Sara couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her when she saw Betty sitting on one of those chairs, Clarke opposite her.
The older woman stood as the two law enforcement officers walked through the door. Betty was beaming and Sara looked back at Catherine. The redhead just smiled.
"I text her, just before we left," she said. "Did you bring it?" Catherine asked Betty.
"Yes," Betty signed, nodding towards the bed. Sara's gaze followed the nod and she saw a clear garment bag lying on the bed. Catherine breezed past her and picked the bag up, holding it up for Sara's inspection. Inside, Sara could see a long white dress.
"How did you…" Sara started, not able to finish the question.
"A friend of mine owns a bridal shop," Catherine said with a shrug. "He owes me a favour." She unzipped the bag and took the dress out. It was an elegant crepe gown with long sleeves and rounded neckline. There was no decoration on the dress but, as Catherine turned it around, Sara did see the open back dropping to the waistline.
"The perfect Sidle fashion," Catherine said. "Simple, yet stunning."
"Cath," Sara said, her mouth still wide as she took the dress in. "This is too much."
"Forget about it," Catherine said, hanging the dress up on the bathroom room. "Besides, Betty paid for the dress."
Sara turned to her mother-in-law, brows raised. "You shouldn't have," she signed. "You didn't have to…"
Betty cut her off with a wave of the hand. "I know I didn't have to, Sara," she replied. "I wanted too."
"Come on," Catherine said, walking up to Sara and taking her jacket off. "I've only managed to get you this room for the night, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to waste it." She winked and threw Sara's jacket on the sofa. Sara blushed as Catherine shoed Clarke out of the room so the women could change.
Catherine and Betty got to work. When they were done, Sara stood before the tall mirror that hung on the wall by the bathroom. Betty had pulled her hair up, weaving the strands into an elegant bun at the nape of her neck, whilst leaving a few out to curl around her face, framing it. Catherine did her make-up, simple and understated. A hint of eyeshadow, and a touch of lipstick to enhance her features.
The dress was long, trailing a little behind her, and the soft fabric clung to her body in all the right places. She looked…
"Beautiful, Sara," Catherine said, as she brushed the dress down once more. She squeezed Sara arm, lightly. Smiling at her in the mirror. Sara turned to Betty. The older woman had tears in her eyes.
It didn't take long for Catherine and Betty to get ready, and before she knew it, they were ushering her down the hall. The three of them were met by Clarke, standing outside two large double-doors. The young man offered his arm to Betty, who took it after giving Sara a quick kiss to the check. Eyes still lined with silver.
Sara was left alone with Catherine. The room was visible through the doors as Clarke opened them. It wasn't too big, there were no chairs set out, but at the other end she could see an arch. Under which, Grissom stood, talking to Nick, Greg, Al Robbins, and Brass. They were dressed in simple black suits. Nick pinning a white rose to Grissom's jacket. Butterflies started to flutter in her stomach as she watched him talking with their friend.
Nick said something and Grissom smiled. The Texan clapped him on the shoulder before turning and catching Catherine's eye. He nodded, and before Grissom could look, Nick turned the older man around. Robbins, Greg, and Brass stepped back to their respective sides while Nick took his place under the arch.
"Nick's performing the ceremony?" Sara asked, taking in his position.
"He got his licence through this morning," Catherine said.
"How long have you guys been planning this exactly?" She couldn't understand how this had happened, how Catherine had managed to organise everything. The dress, the licence, the room.
"Please," Catherine said with a grin, flipping her hair over her now bare shoulders. "This is Vegas. Last minute weddings are kinda its thing." Sara just shook her head, her mouth still hanging open a little. "Besides, with you guys, it wasn't a question of if it would happen. It was a question of when. I've had a couple of days to get this sorted." She smirked up at Sara, handing over a small bouquet of white roses. Real, they were real. This was real.
Brown eyes wandered back across the room. Grissom stood with his back to her, shifting a little on his feet. She could see Nick saying something.
"She's here," were the words Sara read on his lips. Grissom's back straightened and he turned to face her. Awe written all over his face as he saw her for the first time, standing in her wedding dress.
"Ready?" Catherine said from beside her. Sara could only nod, not taking her eyes of the man waiting for her at the altar. Catherine walked down the aisle, taking her place beside Brass. After a few seconds, Sara followed her into the room. The doors swung shut behind her, but Sara didn't notice. Her entire focus on Grissom. Heart beating rapidly against her ribs as she drew nearer.
When she reached him, Grissom held out his hand for her. Sara placed her slim fingers within his calloused ones and electricity shot through her, making her face flush as the warmth spread from her heart.
"Wow," Grissom breathed, eyes running all over her body.
"Hey," Sara said, almost on a whisper as their eyes met once more. The love shining out of those sapphires took the breath right out of her. Nick cleared his throat and the couple turned to face him. His mouth split into a wide smile, making his eyes crinkle as he looked between them.
"Well," he said, his thick accent drawing out the word. "We are gathered here today to finally witness the marriage of Grissom and Sara." Nick grinned at them as the people around let out small a laugh. "If anyone knows of any reason why these two should not be married… please, get out." Sara didn't even bother to stop the chuckle that escaped her lips. She glanced at Grissom out of the corner of her eye, and he gave her a quick wink. His own mouth tilted up in amusement.
"Griss," Nick said. "You saved my life. You taught me, mentored me, and you made me the CSI, the man I am today. If it weren't for you, I honestly don't know where I would be. Thank you. For everything." Grissom smiled at the younger man, priding lighting his face. "Sara." Nick continued, turning to her, his face softening into a warm smile. "What can I say? You're one of the strongest people I know. You've always been there when I needed you. You kick me up the ass when I'm out of line, and you've always had my back. It's a privilege to call you my friend. I love you. Both of you.
"Shakespeare wrote, the course of true love never did run smooth. And I don't think that statement is more fitting for any other couple. You guys have been on a hell of a ride. And we, your family, could not be happier that you two are back where you belong. Together. Now, I seriously doubt that you've prepared vows. But if you have something to say, the floors yours."
Nick looked to Sara first. She flustered a little, not expecting this. She thought they would recite the usual, as they did at their first wedding, then proceed to the 'I do's'. What could she say? Words did not seem enough to convey what was in her heart. She looked at Grissom, her heart in her eyes as her mouth opened and closed. Brain working tirelessly to come up with a way to vocalise just how deeply her feelings ran.
"Gil," she started. "Before I met you, I didn't know what it was to have a family. A real family. A home. I was alone, and I thought that I was ok with that. I have been looking after myself my entire life, I didn't think I needed anyone. Then you came along. Following you to Vegas was the best decision I ever made. It hasn't been easy, and it took us a long time. But we made it. I've never been more sure of anything in my life, than I am about you. You gave me a home, a family." She gestured to the people around them, both Betty and Catherine crying silently.
"We've both made mistakes, but I promise to never give up. I love you. I always have, and I always will." Tears were pricking at her eyes and Sara blinked rapidly as to not let them fall. But Grissom just squeezed her hand.
"Grissom?" Nick said, turning to him. Grissom swallowed and took a shaking breath.
"As a scientist, I always thought the concept of 'love at first sight' to be ridiculous. Love was not something a person 'falls into'. It was a chemical reaction in the brain, the release of dopamine and serotonin which causes one to think they are 'falling'. Then one day, eighteen years ago, a young woman with a ponytail barged into my lecture. And everything thing I thought I knew, was wrong. I took me a long time to admit my feelings to you, even longer for me to confess them. I know that I've caused you pain, that I have acted in ways which might contradict what I truly feel." He took another shaking breath.
"Sara," Grissom continued. "Doubt thou the stars are fire. Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt I love." His eyes were shining. Betty was openly weeping. Tears were streaming down Catherine's face. Even Brass made a move to scratch at his eye. But all Sara saw was Grissom, and the love that was shining out of him. "I won't give up either," he promised. "You restore my faith in the human being. And I'll love you, for the rest of my life."
Sara's heart was singing. It was a slow, sweet melody raising up within her. Filling her with such joy she thought everyone must hear it, bursting from within her. Nick cleared his throat.
"Can we have the rings?" His voice was thicker than usual as he turned his attention to Greg and Catherine. Catherine had taken her ring earlier and was now handing it over to Grissom's waiting palm. "Grissom, do you take Sara to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honour and keep her? For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Grissom said, his voice strong and sure as he slipped the ring on her finger. Greg was next, handing her Grissom's ring.
"Sara, do you take Grissom to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honour and keep him? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Sara's voice was on a whisper, but no less strong than Grissoms. Her face radiated with happiness as she slid the ring home.
"By the power vested in my, by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He beamed at the two of them. "You may now kiss the bride."
Nick took a step back as Grissom gently cupped Sara's cheek. Her mouth lifted into a small smile as he closed the distance, placing his lips against hers. She expected him to pull away straight after, but Grissom just brought a hand to her back. His palm pressed against the bare skin and pulled her tighter against him.
Sara could hear the others around her, clapping, whistling, and cheering. But she paid no mind to it. Grissom smiled against her mouth and Sara brought her arms around his neck. A beat later, they broke the kiss. Resting their foreheads on one another's.
Another moment, and the crowed descended. Sara was pulled into hugs, and she lost sight of her husband as both Nick and Greg embraced her at the same time. Though there were only seven other people in the room, she felt as though hundreds were trying to claim her. Offering her congratulations, complimenting her, kissing her cheek.
Thankfully, Catherine managed to disentangle her from Betty's arms as the elder Mrs Grissom hugged her for the fourth time, and Sara found herself next to her husband once more. Grissom took her hand in his, brushing his thumb across the wedding band on her finger. Catherine pressed the room key into her palm, and Grissom tugged her away from their friends.
Once the doors were shut behind them, Grissom pulled Sara to him once more. Crashing his lips on hers. Sara moaned against his mouth and Grissom's hand slid down her back.
"Come on," she said, pulling away slightly. "Let's go upstairs." Grissom's eyes darkened as his lips pulled up in a grin. Sara laughed as she led him towards their luxurious room. More specifically, the large bed that was theirs for the whole night.