Disclaimers: I don't own these characters. I think we've beat that dead
dog enough.
AN: Thanks to Angie for her encouragement and feedback. You are the best! You really are. The song is 'I Miss My Friend' and is by Darryl Worley. I can't think of anything else. I know I will later, but I'll just shut up and let you read now. Oh and this is dedicated to all those moms out there. You know who you are. I believe we all need a break every now and then.
Life According To The Grissom's: Give Me A Break!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine walked quickly through the halls of CSI headquarters, holding Andrew in her arms, intent on handing him off to the first friendly face she saw. 'Yes, Nicky and Sara,' she thought, spying the couple in the lounge.
Nick saw her approaching and opened the door for her. "Uh-oh. HMA."
"HMA?" Sara asked.
"Harried Mom Alert," Nick answered. He turned to Catherine and Andrew. "Hey Cath. Hey Big Guy." He reached for the baby and Catherine gladly handed him over. "Whatcha doin'?" He asked Andrew as he smiled and made goofy faces at the baby. Andrew smiled and cooed in response to the attention.
"That figures," Catherine muttered, running her fingers through her normally impeccably groomed hair. She knew she didn't look her best, but contrary to what some people thought about her, her appearance wasn't of utmost importance to her. Especially right now.
"What figures?" Sara asked, captivated by Andrew's smiles that were being generously disposed on her and Nick.
"Child wouldn't stop crying until the second I stepped through those front doors."
"Sounds like he's got his Daddy in him," Nick said, continuing with his play.
"You have no idea," Catherine said.
"Come on, Nicky, let me hold him," Sara cajoled. "I haven't seen him in days." Her arms reached for Andrew. " Didn't your mother teach you to share? You always hog him. "
"I am not hogging him," Nick said, his voice light and playful. "He just likes me better, that's all." He grinned at Sara. Who Andrew liked better was a running fight between all of his 'aunts' and 'uncles'.
Catherine smiled at them. "Well I'm gonna let you two fight it out while I find my husband. Is he in his office?"
Sara and Nick barely glanced at Catherine; they were too captivated by the smiling infant. "Last time I saw him, he was," Sara answered.
Catherine rolled her eyes and left the lounge, heading to Gil's office. She peeked her head in and saw him sitting at his desk, paperwork in hand and a huge scowl on his face. She walked in and shut the door behind her.
"Since when have I become invisible?" she asked without preamble.
Gil looked up at her, confusion on his face. "Invisible? You've never been invisible." He glanced at his watch. "What are you doing here? It's almost midnight." He stood up quickly and walked around his desk. "Is everyone okay? Where's Andrew? And Lindsey?"
Catherine held out her hand to him. "Stop! One question at a time please." She sighed. "Can I have a hug before I answer your inquisition?"
"Of course," Gil answered, pulling her into his arms.
Catherine buried her face in his neck, relishing the feel of his arms around her. After a few minutes she stepped back. "Do you realize this is the longest we've been alone together outside of our house since your son was born. Anyway, answers. Everyone is fine. Well as fine as we can be when your son has spent the entire night crying. Lindsey escaped to her friend's house at nine, impromptu sleepover. Right now he's in the lounge, charming the socks off of Sara and Nick."
"Is he sick?"
"No, he's not sick," Catherine answered, exasperated. "He's not sick, he's not hungry, he didn't want to be held, and he didn't want to be put down. He just wanted to cry."
"Did you try the washing machine on spin?" At her look, he fell silent.
"Yes, two loads, no dice. I finally decided to take a drive and wound up here, and you know that stinker stopped crying as soon as I walked into the building?"
Gil suppressed his grin and pulled her into his arms again. "I'm sorry. I really am." He held her close and felt her tears wet his neck. "Hey, it's okay, Cath." He kissed her hair and pulled back.
"I just feel like a failure. I can't get my own son to stop crying. But he instantly stopped for Nick and Sara."
"Catherine, you are a wonderful mother. The best. He probably just needed a change of scenery. And you do too. Other than the few days you've been back to work or running Lindsey all over Vegas, you haven't been out of the house."
Catherine nodded and allowed him to lead her to his chair. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. She was exhausted, emotionally and physically. 'Why did I think this was going to be as easy as it was with Lindsey?'
"It wasn't that easy with Lindsey," he spoke softly, uncannily reading her thoughts. "I remember you feeling the same way with her. And now you have a socially active pre-teen and a baby. Not to mention a job and a husband. A husband who has been slacking on his job and not taking you out enough."
"You are being perfect. I'm just tired." They sat there for a few minutes and then Catherine asked, "Aren't you going to see Andrew?"
"Yes, I will. But he doesn't need me right now, you do."
"See, you're being perfect." Catherine kissed him. "Absolutely perfect." She kissed him again, taking her time, immersing herself in him and the way his lips felt on hers, the feel of his hands on her back and hip, pulling her closer.
The door to his office opened and Nicky walked in, Andrew in his arms. "Hey, Cath? Oh, sorry!" Came his voice as he saw the two of them.
Catherine turned to Nick, one arm around Gil's neck. "Don't worry about it, Nicky. What's up?"
"I need the diaper bag." He spotted it on the desk and picked it up.
"I'll do it, Nick. Is he wet?"
"No, he's muddy," Nick replied, wrinkling his nose. "I can get it. Trust me with all my nieces and nephews, I've had plenty of practice." He winked at her. "You just carry on."
"Thank you, Nick. We will." Gil assured him.
Catherine watched Nick carry her son out and then turned to Gil. "There's a man who needs a wife and kids."
"What makes you say that?" Gil asked her, tucking some hair behind her ear.
Catherine turned to him. "He just volunteered to change a poopy diaper. He's definitely ready for fatherhood."
"You may be right, but right now I'm not interested in Nick and his personal life. I'm interested in you. What do you say to a night out tomorrow? Jim's been begging for a chance to see Drew and since he's on vacation, now would be perfect."
"Yes it would be. Of all the people here, I never would have guessed it would be Jim who would go nuts over a baby," Catherine said, smiling. Brass was absolutely insane over Andrew, showering him with attention whenever he saw him.
"I know," Gil agreed. "We couldn't have picked a better godfather for him. So what do you want to do? We could go to dinner, see a show. Whatever you want."
"Hmm, dinner sounds nice and so does a show. But what I'd really like would be a motel room somewhere. Where we can be totally alone, just the two of us, no interruptions. Is that ok?"
Gil grinned slyly at her. " I was hoping you would suggest that. I have just the one in mind."
"Really?" Catherine kissed him quickly. "Planning ahead are you?"
"Always," Gil answered, pulling her closer for another longer kiss. This time his pager interrupted them. "Damn! 419 out in Henderson." He stood up, Catherine sliding from his lap gracefully.
"That's okay. Maybe Andrew will be tired and actually go to sleep." She smiled and tilted her head. "Could I be so lucky?"
"I'll talk to him," Gil promised her as they walked to the lounge.
"Gil," she said, stopping and placing a hand on his upper arm. "You are going to 'talk' to your 9 week old son and get him to go to sleep?" Disbelief was written all over her face. "And he's supposed to understand you?"
"Yes, I am. And yes, he will."
"What are you going to say?"
He started toward the lounge again. "I'll think of something."
"Ok, if you say so." Catherine followed him, shaking her head.
"Andrew!" Gil exclaimed when he saw his son in Sara's arms. He walked over to Andrew's line of vision. "What are you doing up so late?" Andrew's legs kicked excitedly when he saw his dad. He wriggled and smiled in delight as Gil picked him up. "I hear you were giving your mom some trouble tonight." Andrew cooed and gurgled in response. "Really? Well, we'll just have a little talk about that."
He looked over his shoulder to Catherine. "He says that all he wanted was come to work and see me. He'll go right to sleep now."
Catherine had one arm across her chest and the other hand was on her chin, an amused smile on her face. "That's what he said? I never knew you could speak baby coo."
"Yes and I'm supposed to tell you that next time if you just bring him here, you'll save yourself the hassle."
Nick and Sara guffawed at this. Gil with a baby was sometimes just so hilarious; they couldn't help it. He was fearless as a CSI, but put his baby in his arms and he turned into a big pile of 'mush', as Sara said not that long after Andrew's birth and the name stuck. Gil had no idea that his coworkers called him 'Mushie' behind his back. And everyone, including Catherine, made sure he would never find out.
"Nick, could you and Sara round up Warrick and meet at the Tahoe in 5 minutes? We have a scene out in Henderson." Nick nodded and he drug Sara to find Warrick.
"Ok, Drew, time to go home." Catherine said, picked up the diaper bag. She reached for Andrew, but Gil didn't surrender him.
"I'll walk you out." They walked in companionable silence to the car and Gil placed the now sleepy Andrew is his car seat, buckling him in firmly. Catherine watched with a loving smile as Gil went through his routine of checking the straps that held his son snugly into the seat and then the seat itself, making sure the seat belt didn't give. He kissed Andrew softly on the forehead and whispered, "I love you." He turned to Catherine and pulled her into his arms, holding her for a moment before releasing her.
"I love you. Be safe," he told her as she climbed behind the wheel. He chuckled softly.
"What?"
"Nothing, I was just remembering when you couldn't fit behind the steering wheel."
"Funny. I was huge." Catherine grimaced, remembering just how big she had gotten while pregnant.
"You were beautiful. You still are."
She leaned over and kissed him. Behind her, Andrew started crying. Catherine pulled away and sighed. "I knew it wouldn't last." She rummaged in his diaper bag and found his pacifier.
"Here," Gil said, taking it from her. "Let me." He opened the back door and sat sideways on the seat. Putting the pacifier in Drew's mouth and he stroked his forehead softly. Within 30 seconds, his son was asleep. Climbing back out of the XTerra, he looked at his wife. He could see the exhaustion in her face. "Go home, get some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."
Catherine nodded. "I just. . ."
"You put too much pressure on yourself. You're doing great." He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you. Call me when you get up with Andrew." He backed up and closed the door gently. He waved as she blew him a kiss and drove off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine sleepily reached for the ringing phone. "'Lo?"
"Is everything alright?" Gil's worried voice came over the receiver.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Catherine asked yawning.
"You were supposed to call me. It's almost 6, Cath."
Catherine sat bolt upright in bed. "Oh my God, Andrew!" She breathed and stumbled out of bed, running towards her son's room almost before her feet touched the floor. She didn't hear Gil calling her name over the telephone. Her thoughts were on her infant son. 'Please be okay. Please, God, let him be okay.'
She pushed open the door to the nursery and slowly walked over to his crib, suddenly terrified of what she might find. He'd never slept through feedings before. SIDS had always been a fear of hers, even when Lindsey was a baby. She was terrified she would wake up one morning and her baby would be dead. She had read about it in a magazine when she was 12 and it had stayed with her. She squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them slowly, looking into the crib.
He was lying on his back, and looked like he was sleeping, but she didn't see his chest rising or falling. "Andrew?" she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. He didn't stir. "Andrew?" she tried louder. Still nothing. He was so still; he wasn't even sucking on his ever-present pacifier. Suddenly, something inside Catherine kicked in and she almost shouted his name while reaching one arm to him.
Andrew started and let out a loud wail. It was music to her ears. She dropped the phone and picked her son up, cradling him to her. "It's okay, Honey. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I scared you. It's okay." Her legs felt weak and she slid down onto the floor, the tears falling down her cheeks. She suddenly remembered Gil on the phone and picked it up quickly.
"Catherine!" Gil's voice shouted into her ear and she pulled the phone away and just as quickly put it back to her ear.
"He's fine. He's fine. He just slept through his feeding and I panicked." Catherine assured him, sniffling at her tears.
"Are you sure?" Gil asked. "Jesus, Cath. You scared ten years off my life."
"I know, I'm sorry, Gil. I just panicked. I thought of SIDS and I panicked." She chuckled. "If it's any consolation, I scared him too. And myself."
"I'm just glad he's fine."
"Me too. I'm gonna go and feed him, he's hungry. And, Gil? I'm sorry for scaring you."
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you in a few hours. I love you."
"I love you too." Catherine clicked off the phone and stood. "You wanna go to mommy's bed?" she asked her young son. She quickly changed his diaper and walked with him to her room, showering him with kisses. She quickly settled herself in bed and began feeding Andrew, stroking his soft skin and thanking God that he was safe. She kissed the top of his head, noting the soft curls that were already forming, and lay back, closing her eyes and enjoying the peace and quiet before her day started.
That was how Gil found them almost three hours later. Catherine was on her side, one hand over Andrew's stomach protectively, and his son contentedly sucking his fist. He quietly picked up Andrew and carried him out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
"Why don't we let Mommy sleep?" Gil carried Andrew to the living room. "Let's see what's on the Discovery Channel." Gil sat on the couch, kicking off his shoes and grabbing the remote. "Jeff Corwin. Look, Andrew, he's got a Theraphosa blondi. That's a Goliath Birdeating Tarantula."
Gil smiled down at his son. "You don't really care, do you?" He hugged him close and lay down on the couch; Andrew snuggled against his chest. "It's ok. One day you will. And then we'll chase your mom around the house with a spider. For some strange reason, spiders give her the creeps." He closed his eyes and held Drew securely to his chest. "How about we just take a quick nap?"
Catherine rolled over and looked at the clock; 11:00. She couldn't remember when she had slept that late. She got out of bed and walked to the living room. She smiled as she saw Gil and Andrew sleeping on the couch and kissed them both softly before turning to the kitchen, intent on making some coffee. She stopped short when her gaze landed on the table.
Tulips, in every color imaginable, sat in vases interspersed with pink, yellow and white Calla Lilies were in planters covering the table. She walked over and fingered one pink flower. He'd bought her favorite flowers. Spotting a white envelope, she picked it up and opened it quickly. She blinked away tears as she read his scripted words.
'I miss my friend The one my heart and soul confided in. The one I felt the safest with. The one who knew just what to say, to make me laugh again And let the light back in. I miss my friend.'
A car will pick you up at 7:30. Black tie required. You have an appointment with Angelique at two pm for a full body massage and facial.
I love you, Gil.
Catherine reread the letter and sighed happily. She resisted the urge to wake Gil up and drag him back to their bedroom; he was going to need his strength for later. She'd let him sleep now. She went to the kitchen and brewed some coffee, wondering how he'd gotten her an appointment with Angelique. She was the most sought after masseuse in Vegas and appointments with her were made months in advance; that is if you were lucky enough to become one of her clientele. Deciding she didn't give a damn how she got in, only that she did, Catherine poured herself a cup of coffee and went to decide what she was going to wear tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again feedback is not only asked for, it's required. I have an idea lurking around in my brain for their 'date', let me know if you want me to write it or not. It could be an epilogue to ep 4, since 5 is mostly written already. Angie, I'm thinking You Can Leave Your Hat On would be GREAT for this one. Anyhoo let me know. I know these aren't totally fluffy, but hopefully they're fun.
AN: Thanks to Angie for her encouragement and feedback. You are the best! You really are. The song is 'I Miss My Friend' and is by Darryl Worley. I can't think of anything else. I know I will later, but I'll just shut up and let you read now. Oh and this is dedicated to all those moms out there. You know who you are. I believe we all need a break every now and then.
Life According To The Grissom's: Give Me A Break!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine walked quickly through the halls of CSI headquarters, holding Andrew in her arms, intent on handing him off to the first friendly face she saw. 'Yes, Nicky and Sara,' she thought, spying the couple in the lounge.
Nick saw her approaching and opened the door for her. "Uh-oh. HMA."
"HMA?" Sara asked.
"Harried Mom Alert," Nick answered. He turned to Catherine and Andrew. "Hey Cath. Hey Big Guy." He reached for the baby and Catherine gladly handed him over. "Whatcha doin'?" He asked Andrew as he smiled and made goofy faces at the baby. Andrew smiled and cooed in response to the attention.
"That figures," Catherine muttered, running her fingers through her normally impeccably groomed hair. She knew she didn't look her best, but contrary to what some people thought about her, her appearance wasn't of utmost importance to her. Especially right now.
"What figures?" Sara asked, captivated by Andrew's smiles that were being generously disposed on her and Nick.
"Child wouldn't stop crying until the second I stepped through those front doors."
"Sounds like he's got his Daddy in him," Nick said, continuing with his play.
"You have no idea," Catherine said.
"Come on, Nicky, let me hold him," Sara cajoled. "I haven't seen him in days." Her arms reached for Andrew. " Didn't your mother teach you to share? You always hog him. "
"I am not hogging him," Nick said, his voice light and playful. "He just likes me better, that's all." He grinned at Sara. Who Andrew liked better was a running fight between all of his 'aunts' and 'uncles'.
Catherine smiled at them. "Well I'm gonna let you two fight it out while I find my husband. Is he in his office?"
Sara and Nick barely glanced at Catherine; they were too captivated by the smiling infant. "Last time I saw him, he was," Sara answered.
Catherine rolled her eyes and left the lounge, heading to Gil's office. She peeked her head in and saw him sitting at his desk, paperwork in hand and a huge scowl on his face. She walked in and shut the door behind her.
"Since when have I become invisible?" she asked without preamble.
Gil looked up at her, confusion on his face. "Invisible? You've never been invisible." He glanced at his watch. "What are you doing here? It's almost midnight." He stood up quickly and walked around his desk. "Is everyone okay? Where's Andrew? And Lindsey?"
Catherine held out her hand to him. "Stop! One question at a time please." She sighed. "Can I have a hug before I answer your inquisition?"
"Of course," Gil answered, pulling her into his arms.
Catherine buried her face in his neck, relishing the feel of his arms around her. After a few minutes she stepped back. "Do you realize this is the longest we've been alone together outside of our house since your son was born. Anyway, answers. Everyone is fine. Well as fine as we can be when your son has spent the entire night crying. Lindsey escaped to her friend's house at nine, impromptu sleepover. Right now he's in the lounge, charming the socks off of Sara and Nick."
"Is he sick?"
"No, he's not sick," Catherine answered, exasperated. "He's not sick, he's not hungry, he didn't want to be held, and he didn't want to be put down. He just wanted to cry."
"Did you try the washing machine on spin?" At her look, he fell silent.
"Yes, two loads, no dice. I finally decided to take a drive and wound up here, and you know that stinker stopped crying as soon as I walked into the building?"
Gil suppressed his grin and pulled her into his arms again. "I'm sorry. I really am." He held her close and felt her tears wet his neck. "Hey, it's okay, Cath." He kissed her hair and pulled back.
"I just feel like a failure. I can't get my own son to stop crying. But he instantly stopped for Nick and Sara."
"Catherine, you are a wonderful mother. The best. He probably just needed a change of scenery. And you do too. Other than the few days you've been back to work or running Lindsey all over Vegas, you haven't been out of the house."
Catherine nodded and allowed him to lead her to his chair. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. She was exhausted, emotionally and physically. 'Why did I think this was going to be as easy as it was with Lindsey?'
"It wasn't that easy with Lindsey," he spoke softly, uncannily reading her thoughts. "I remember you feeling the same way with her. And now you have a socially active pre-teen and a baby. Not to mention a job and a husband. A husband who has been slacking on his job and not taking you out enough."
"You are being perfect. I'm just tired." They sat there for a few minutes and then Catherine asked, "Aren't you going to see Andrew?"
"Yes, I will. But he doesn't need me right now, you do."
"See, you're being perfect." Catherine kissed him. "Absolutely perfect." She kissed him again, taking her time, immersing herself in him and the way his lips felt on hers, the feel of his hands on her back and hip, pulling her closer.
The door to his office opened and Nicky walked in, Andrew in his arms. "Hey, Cath? Oh, sorry!" Came his voice as he saw the two of them.
Catherine turned to Nick, one arm around Gil's neck. "Don't worry about it, Nicky. What's up?"
"I need the diaper bag." He spotted it on the desk and picked it up.
"I'll do it, Nick. Is he wet?"
"No, he's muddy," Nick replied, wrinkling his nose. "I can get it. Trust me with all my nieces and nephews, I've had plenty of practice." He winked at her. "You just carry on."
"Thank you, Nick. We will." Gil assured him.
Catherine watched Nick carry her son out and then turned to Gil. "There's a man who needs a wife and kids."
"What makes you say that?" Gil asked her, tucking some hair behind her ear.
Catherine turned to him. "He just volunteered to change a poopy diaper. He's definitely ready for fatherhood."
"You may be right, but right now I'm not interested in Nick and his personal life. I'm interested in you. What do you say to a night out tomorrow? Jim's been begging for a chance to see Drew and since he's on vacation, now would be perfect."
"Yes it would be. Of all the people here, I never would have guessed it would be Jim who would go nuts over a baby," Catherine said, smiling. Brass was absolutely insane over Andrew, showering him with attention whenever he saw him.
"I know," Gil agreed. "We couldn't have picked a better godfather for him. So what do you want to do? We could go to dinner, see a show. Whatever you want."
"Hmm, dinner sounds nice and so does a show. But what I'd really like would be a motel room somewhere. Where we can be totally alone, just the two of us, no interruptions. Is that ok?"
Gil grinned slyly at her. " I was hoping you would suggest that. I have just the one in mind."
"Really?" Catherine kissed him quickly. "Planning ahead are you?"
"Always," Gil answered, pulling her closer for another longer kiss. This time his pager interrupted them. "Damn! 419 out in Henderson." He stood up, Catherine sliding from his lap gracefully.
"That's okay. Maybe Andrew will be tired and actually go to sleep." She smiled and tilted her head. "Could I be so lucky?"
"I'll talk to him," Gil promised her as they walked to the lounge.
"Gil," she said, stopping and placing a hand on his upper arm. "You are going to 'talk' to your 9 week old son and get him to go to sleep?" Disbelief was written all over her face. "And he's supposed to understand you?"
"Yes, I am. And yes, he will."
"What are you going to say?"
He started toward the lounge again. "I'll think of something."
"Ok, if you say so." Catherine followed him, shaking her head.
"Andrew!" Gil exclaimed when he saw his son in Sara's arms. He walked over to Andrew's line of vision. "What are you doing up so late?" Andrew's legs kicked excitedly when he saw his dad. He wriggled and smiled in delight as Gil picked him up. "I hear you were giving your mom some trouble tonight." Andrew cooed and gurgled in response. "Really? Well, we'll just have a little talk about that."
He looked over his shoulder to Catherine. "He says that all he wanted was come to work and see me. He'll go right to sleep now."
Catherine had one arm across her chest and the other hand was on her chin, an amused smile on her face. "That's what he said? I never knew you could speak baby coo."
"Yes and I'm supposed to tell you that next time if you just bring him here, you'll save yourself the hassle."
Nick and Sara guffawed at this. Gil with a baby was sometimes just so hilarious; they couldn't help it. He was fearless as a CSI, but put his baby in his arms and he turned into a big pile of 'mush', as Sara said not that long after Andrew's birth and the name stuck. Gil had no idea that his coworkers called him 'Mushie' behind his back. And everyone, including Catherine, made sure he would never find out.
"Nick, could you and Sara round up Warrick and meet at the Tahoe in 5 minutes? We have a scene out in Henderson." Nick nodded and he drug Sara to find Warrick.
"Ok, Drew, time to go home." Catherine said, picked up the diaper bag. She reached for Andrew, but Gil didn't surrender him.
"I'll walk you out." They walked in companionable silence to the car and Gil placed the now sleepy Andrew is his car seat, buckling him in firmly. Catherine watched with a loving smile as Gil went through his routine of checking the straps that held his son snugly into the seat and then the seat itself, making sure the seat belt didn't give. He kissed Andrew softly on the forehead and whispered, "I love you." He turned to Catherine and pulled her into his arms, holding her for a moment before releasing her.
"I love you. Be safe," he told her as she climbed behind the wheel. He chuckled softly.
"What?"
"Nothing, I was just remembering when you couldn't fit behind the steering wheel."
"Funny. I was huge." Catherine grimaced, remembering just how big she had gotten while pregnant.
"You were beautiful. You still are."
She leaned over and kissed him. Behind her, Andrew started crying. Catherine pulled away and sighed. "I knew it wouldn't last." She rummaged in his diaper bag and found his pacifier.
"Here," Gil said, taking it from her. "Let me." He opened the back door and sat sideways on the seat. Putting the pacifier in Drew's mouth and he stroked his forehead softly. Within 30 seconds, his son was asleep. Climbing back out of the XTerra, he looked at his wife. He could see the exhaustion in her face. "Go home, get some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."
Catherine nodded. "I just. . ."
"You put too much pressure on yourself. You're doing great." He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you. Call me when you get up with Andrew." He backed up and closed the door gently. He waved as she blew him a kiss and drove off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Catherine sleepily reached for the ringing phone. "'Lo?"
"Is everything alright?" Gil's worried voice came over the receiver.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Catherine asked yawning.
"You were supposed to call me. It's almost 6, Cath."
Catherine sat bolt upright in bed. "Oh my God, Andrew!" She breathed and stumbled out of bed, running towards her son's room almost before her feet touched the floor. She didn't hear Gil calling her name over the telephone. Her thoughts were on her infant son. 'Please be okay. Please, God, let him be okay.'
She pushed open the door to the nursery and slowly walked over to his crib, suddenly terrified of what she might find. He'd never slept through feedings before. SIDS had always been a fear of hers, even when Lindsey was a baby. She was terrified she would wake up one morning and her baby would be dead. She had read about it in a magazine when she was 12 and it had stayed with her. She squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them slowly, looking into the crib.
He was lying on his back, and looked like he was sleeping, but she didn't see his chest rising or falling. "Andrew?" she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. He didn't stir. "Andrew?" she tried louder. Still nothing. He was so still; he wasn't even sucking on his ever-present pacifier. Suddenly, something inside Catherine kicked in and she almost shouted his name while reaching one arm to him.
Andrew started and let out a loud wail. It was music to her ears. She dropped the phone and picked her son up, cradling him to her. "It's okay, Honey. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I scared you. It's okay." Her legs felt weak and she slid down onto the floor, the tears falling down her cheeks. She suddenly remembered Gil on the phone and picked it up quickly.
"Catherine!" Gil's voice shouted into her ear and she pulled the phone away and just as quickly put it back to her ear.
"He's fine. He's fine. He just slept through his feeding and I panicked." Catherine assured him, sniffling at her tears.
"Are you sure?" Gil asked. "Jesus, Cath. You scared ten years off my life."
"I know, I'm sorry, Gil. I just panicked. I thought of SIDS and I panicked." She chuckled. "If it's any consolation, I scared him too. And myself."
"I'm just glad he's fine."
"Me too. I'm gonna go and feed him, he's hungry. And, Gil? I'm sorry for scaring you."
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you in a few hours. I love you."
"I love you too." Catherine clicked off the phone and stood. "You wanna go to mommy's bed?" she asked her young son. She quickly changed his diaper and walked with him to her room, showering him with kisses. She quickly settled herself in bed and began feeding Andrew, stroking his soft skin and thanking God that he was safe. She kissed the top of his head, noting the soft curls that were already forming, and lay back, closing her eyes and enjoying the peace and quiet before her day started.
That was how Gil found them almost three hours later. Catherine was on her side, one hand over Andrew's stomach protectively, and his son contentedly sucking his fist. He quietly picked up Andrew and carried him out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
"Why don't we let Mommy sleep?" Gil carried Andrew to the living room. "Let's see what's on the Discovery Channel." Gil sat on the couch, kicking off his shoes and grabbing the remote. "Jeff Corwin. Look, Andrew, he's got a Theraphosa blondi. That's a Goliath Birdeating Tarantula."
Gil smiled down at his son. "You don't really care, do you?" He hugged him close and lay down on the couch; Andrew snuggled against his chest. "It's ok. One day you will. And then we'll chase your mom around the house with a spider. For some strange reason, spiders give her the creeps." He closed his eyes and held Drew securely to his chest. "How about we just take a quick nap?"
Catherine rolled over and looked at the clock; 11:00. She couldn't remember when she had slept that late. She got out of bed and walked to the living room. She smiled as she saw Gil and Andrew sleeping on the couch and kissed them both softly before turning to the kitchen, intent on making some coffee. She stopped short when her gaze landed on the table.
Tulips, in every color imaginable, sat in vases interspersed with pink, yellow and white Calla Lilies were in planters covering the table. She walked over and fingered one pink flower. He'd bought her favorite flowers. Spotting a white envelope, she picked it up and opened it quickly. She blinked away tears as she read his scripted words.
'I miss my friend The one my heart and soul confided in. The one I felt the safest with. The one who knew just what to say, to make me laugh again And let the light back in. I miss my friend.'
A car will pick you up at 7:30. Black tie required. You have an appointment with Angelique at two pm for a full body massage and facial.
I love you, Gil.
Catherine reread the letter and sighed happily. She resisted the urge to wake Gil up and drag him back to their bedroom; he was going to need his strength for later. She'd let him sleep now. She went to the kitchen and brewed some coffee, wondering how he'd gotten her an appointment with Angelique. She was the most sought after masseuse in Vegas and appointments with her were made months in advance; that is if you were lucky enough to become one of her clientele. Deciding she didn't give a damn how she got in, only that she did, Catherine poured herself a cup of coffee and went to decide what she was going to wear tonight.
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Again feedback is not only asked for, it's required. I have an idea lurking around in my brain for their 'date', let me know if you want me to write it or not. It could be an epilogue to ep 4, since 5 is mostly written already. Angie, I'm thinking You Can Leave Your Hat On would be GREAT for this one. Anyhoo let me know. I know these aren't totally fluffy, but hopefully they're fun.