Epilogue
[Bare with me. I've little, if no, knowledge as to how the following is properly done, so just read and take it with a pinch of salt. Thanks.]
Jake got life imprisonment for kidnapping, assault, and several broken border laws between Nevada and California. Not to mention brake and entering, theft, possession of deadly weapons and attempted murder. He didn't need any more convictions added to those, he had already broken his parole and landed himself back in prison with no chance of another parole.
Gavin was jailed for assault, break and entering, theft and aiding a criminal. All of which were dropped and given a pardon on grounds of aiding the police and keeping the hostages alive. Community service was high, but accepted. Nothing was going to stop him from living his life now. He had given up on Jake and turned to his own life, which wasn't doing so well before Jake got out. He needed to patch things up before his life was back to normal, but he was willing to work towards it.
~*^*^*~
"Griss!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming, hold on!" Grissom shouted. "Where are my keys?"
"Where you left them!"
Grissom stopped his rummaging and looked over at his nightstand. "Oh yeah." He breathed, grabbing the keys and rushing out the door to stop in the living room where half the team were standing. "Let's go."
Tom, and Garrett climbed into one of the black SUV's whilst Nick and Grissom took the other. They were only running late by a minute, but Grissom wasn't happy. He needed to get there before Sara sent out the search party.
4 months had gone by and it was the big day.
"Stop panicking. We'll get there on time." Nick told him as both SUV's turned onto I-15.
Grissom sighed and checked his watched again. "I'm already in the dog house Nicky, can you put your foot down?"
Nick shook his head and pressed his foot down on the accelerator. "You're not in the dog house, Griss." He looked at his friend and saw the frown. "Come on, it's not like she's going to ignore you today."
"She's ignored me for 4 months, Nick. I'm sure she can keep it up some more."
~*^*^*~
Kate looked up as two black SUV's pulled into the parking lot. "They're here." She told her mother.
"Ok, you find Robin and I'll meet you back here in ten." She watched Kate walk away before turning her attention to the four men walking towards her. "Hey guys." She smiled and kissed them on the cheek before she got to Grissom. "Hey."
Grissom looked her up and down and smiled. "You look, beautiful." He reached for her hand and wrapped his arms around her. "You ready?"
Sara held him tighter. "Ready to get married? To you?" She questioned, looking up at him. "Hell yeah."
"Good." He whispered, leaning in to kiss her.
The boys coughed and turned away. "Let's find the others." Nick suggested, moving off.
Sara stepped back and grasped Grissom's hand to lead him towards the small gathering. "Nothing like a hot sunny day."
"I'd marry you in a falling down chapel."
Turning her head with her mouth hanging open in mock surprise, she said. "How romantic."
Grissom shrugged and smirked. "I thought so." Walking over to the small gathering, Grissom scanned the crowd. "Where's Kate?"
Sara stopped and looked around. "She'll be here."
"How is she?" He asked, still looking.
Stepping closer to him, she cupped his face in her hands to get him to look at her. "Don't worry."
"Can we talk about this later?" He whined, dropping his head.
Smiling, she nodded. "Yeah. Come on."
~*^*^*~
The service was short, just like they wanted. Both had agreed that a big wedding would make them even more nervous and had settled on something just between friends and family. The team and Sara's parents had stood as the priest started the ceremony. Kate waited with Catherine and Robin as she watched her parents exchange their vowels for the very first time.
Warrick had made a guest appearance and turned up to the ceremony in the middle, gaining attention from everyone as he shut his car door. He sheepishly joined them and waited with Nick, Garrett and Tom.
~*^*^*~
"Do you Gil, take Sara, to be your wife, to love her, to care for her, in sickness and in health, always."
Grissom smiled. "I do."
"Do you Sara, take Gil, to be your husband, to love him, to care for him, in sickness and in health, always."
Sara smiled into Grissom's eyes and squeezed his hands. "I do."
"By the power invested in me, I now declare you husband and wife." The priest announced.
Cheers and whistles were drowned out as they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed. "I love you." Sara whispered.
Grissom brushed her hair back. His arm tightened around her as he kissed her cheek and her lips. "I love you." He finally said into her ear.
"Break it up guys." Nick called. "It's party time."
~*^*^*~
They had chosen a secluded part of Charleston Mountain to get married on. It was romantic and it was just how they both pictured it. They had family and friends and their children, playing and dancing, eating and talking. Just like a normal wedding, but out in the sunshine and local desert air.
"What's it feel like to be married?" Warrick asked from behind.
Grissom turned and chuckled. "I don't think it feels any different than it has been for the last 15 years-"
"It feels definite and whole." Warrick finished, shaking his old friend's hand and hugging him. "Good to see you Griss."
"You too War. Where have you been?"
They both started walking back towards the food tables and groups of chattering people. "I've been good, thanks. Travelling around a bit, helping out here and there."
"Catherine tells me you're stopping in Atlanta for a while. Anywhere we know?" Grissom smirked, raising a single brow in mock question.
Warrick laughed and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "Yeah. I'm staying with her for a while. Lindsey's back at home for a while, so I figured I'd pay a long visit."
"They missed you."
"We all did." Sara stepped up to them and wrapped her arms around Warrick.
"I know. I should have kept in touch some more, but I'm here now. When's the honeymoon?" Warrick asked, deflecting any more questions towards him.
Sara smiled and turned. "Yeah, when is the honeymoon?"
Grissom checked his watch and sighed. "Few hours away."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise." He evaded. Hearing children's laughter, he turned to find a familiar face. "Where's Kate?"
Sara looked towards the group of children. "She's with Robin."
"Oh."
Warrick hugged Sara and shook Grissom's hand before walking away to find Catherine and Nick. "Catch you guys later."
Grissom sighed and stuffed his hands into his suit pockets. "She's avoiding me, isn't she?"
"Maybe a little, but it's nothing. She's just excited." Sara assured him, taking his hands from his pockets and wrapping them around her as she leaned against him.
"She's been doing this for months. I don't know what else to do." He held her close and dropped several kisses in her hair.
Sighing against his white shirt, she closed her eyes. "Try talking to her again."
"Didn't work last time. She skipped out before I got to, 'honey, we need to talk'. I've left it alone for months and I'm not sure she's ever going to forgive me."
"She love's you. Don't doubt that, but she's struggling to come to terms that you're not her biological father. It hit her hard, Gil and I know you're hurting to, so am I. I don't want to see you two like this anymore than you do." Sara pulled back and kissed his lips, looking into his eyes. "Try again. Wait until she's alone, or perhaps when we get home..."
"I wanted to talk to her before we leave." He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning his head forwards to rest against hers.
~*^*^*~
"It's time." Grissom whispered into Sara's ear.
Nick looked up and grabbed Robin's hand. "Come on."
Sara stood and everyone followed them out to the car. Kate came charging towards them with Shannon behind her. "Mom." She called, "Wait for me."
Grissom opened the door and let Kate jump in first. Before he turned, he looked at her as she buckled up. "Got everything?" When she nodded silently and looked out the other window, he sighed and turned to his wife. "I take it, it's the toss up." He teased as he saw Catherine shove a bouquet into Sara's hands.
"Need to find out who the next luck lady will be." She smiled and joined the others. "Ready girls!?"
Standing with his hand on the roof of the car, he watched as she turned away from the crowd of females and looked at him. He gave her a wink and smiled as she threw the flowers over her head to land in the centre of the feisty women.
Nick and Robin appeared beside him and poked their elbows into his sides. "Have fun Griss." They both said, walking back to the others to wave the happy couple off.
Sara returned to the car and kissed her husband. "We can go now."
Grissom smirked and went to climb into the car, when he noticed items tied to the bumper. Jerking his head back in a laugh, he looked over at Nick and Robin, who were raising glasses of champagne in a silent toast.
~*^*^*~
"You do realise we have latex gloves and evidence tape stuck to the back, don't you?" Sara asked, looking back at the man standing in the drive with a suitcase in each hand.
"Of course. Thank Nicky and Robin." He chuckled and placed the suitcases in the back. Once the car was loaded, he removed the 'just married' sign and the items attached to string that was dangling behind the car. The plane wasn't leaving for another two hours, this gave him enough time to talk to Kate before they left. Sara was changing out of her dress whilst Kate packed her bag and collected up Darwin's toys and basket.
"You all packed munchkin?" He asked gently, leaning against the doorframe to her room. "I can help you pack your stuff, if you want?" He offered, waiting for her reply. Getting none, he sighed. "Kate, please."
"I can do it, thanks." She grabbed her bag and struggled to zip it up.
Grissom moved into her room and sat on the bed, absently helping her zip up the heavy bag. "Can we talk for a minute?"
Kate nodded and turned away to search for her jacket in her closet. "Sure."
Watching her silently for a few minutes, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "Sit down." He pulled until she was sitting beside him and she held her jacket firmly in her hand. "Let me, just say this, and I'll leave you alone." He said softly. Taking a deep breath before starting, he took her jacket and placed it behind them.
"I'm not sure exactly where to start, but an apology would be good. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied. I thought I was doing what was best and in doing so, I lied and hurt you, all unintentionally." He added firmly, but gently. "I would never have kept things from you if I knew it was going to come back and harm you, but it did and I'm truly sorry for that. I thought I was doing good by taking you in and for years, I never even thought you'd see me as anything other than your, dad."
Pausing, he looked closely at her face, but couldn't see anything in her eyes as she avoided contact. "I was afraid that you'd never want me after you found out. I didn't want to tell you, that's the truth, but I was scared I'd lose you. I was even scared your mother would leave me and I know that it would brake my heart if that ever happened."
"You two are my life and I'd never change that for anything. I protected you and I loved you, just like he was supposed to." Breaking off, he breathed in suddenly and caught the sob that was standing in the wings. "I'm sorry. You'll always be my daughter and I love you and your mother with all my heart and soul and I'd do anything to keep you."
When Kate made no move, he stood, pushing away from the bed to leave. As he reached the door, he turned back, leaning his hand against the frame of the door. "We can talk some more when we get back, if you'd like?"
~*^*^*~
Catherine had pushed through the front door and found Sara in the kitchen with tears rolling down her face. "Hey, what's wrong?" She asked worriedly.
Sara smiled through her tears and shook her head, waving a tissue in the direction of the living room. "He's talking to Kate."
"Oh, how's it going?" Catherine asked, pulling out another tissue and handing it to her friend.
"Not too good. She's lost and confused." Sara looked up as Grissom left Kate's room and walked towards them. "So?"
Grissom shook his head sadly and wrapped his arms around her as she got closer to him. "I don't think she-"
"Ssh, it's not going to happen straight away." Sara whispered into his ear, holding him tightly. "We need to go." She pulled back and wiped her eyes before reaching up and wiping his slightly damp cheeks.
~*^*^*~
Standing by the car, Grissom hugged Catherine. "I'm sure you've got everything under control, but if you need anything, call the hotel."
Catherine grinned. "I know, I know. I have the number, but don't worry. She'll be fine and you'll be fine. Meet you at the airport two weeks from today and have fun. "She gave him another big hug. "You've both earned this, enjoy it."
Grissom smiled and nodded. "Thanks."
Sara walked down the path with her bag and coat in one arm and Kate under the other. "Cath's got the number and you can call us whenever you want, ok?" She hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek, brushing her lip-gloss from her skin afterwards.
"Ok." Kate smiled, waiting beside Catherine as Grissom held Sara's door open for her. "Dad." She called timidly as he rounded the car bonnet.
Grissom stopped and turned, staring at her in apprehension. "Yes sweetheart?"
Walking slowly towards him, she looked up at him with watery eyes. "Will you call later?" She asked, stopping in front of him.
"Of course I will." He smiled, hesitantly pushing some stray brown hair behind her ear.
Kate stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you too daddy." She whispered, kissing his chin.
Grissom's smile widened as he pulled her tightly against him and kissed her hair. "We can get though this, munchkin." He told her. "Hang in there for me, ok?"
"Ok." She smiled, moving back towards Catherine. "Bye mom!" She waved.
"Bye honey." Sara waved back as the car backed down the drive.
~*^*^*~
Sara took the flight tickets and linked her arm through his as they walked towards their gate. "I've never been to Japan."
Grissom chuckled. "I know. I remember you telling me once that you'd probably go one day, alone." He turned his head and placed a kiss in her hair.
"Yeah, well, I said a lot of things." She sighed happily, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I told you she would understand." Sara murmured as they reached their gate.
"Enough of the past." He told her with a scowl. "Think only of the future my lovely wife." He teased, taking the tickets to hand them to the woman standing behind the departure gate desk. "Thank you." He told her kindly.
"Have a great flight Mr. and Mrs. Grissom and congratulations."
"Thank you." Sara smiled warmly, following her husband towards the ramp.
THE END, for good... ...
[Ah, the final end... no beating around the bush, I've got other stories to finish and many to begin, so tell me what you think. :-) Thank you for being patient with me and for all of you for reading my longest ever CSI story. Your support and words of encouragement have been welcomed warmly and helped me finish this before I was ready to give up. Thanks again.]
[Bare with me. I've little, if no, knowledge as to how the following is properly done, so just read and take it with a pinch of salt. Thanks.]
Jake got life imprisonment for kidnapping, assault, and several broken border laws between Nevada and California. Not to mention brake and entering, theft, possession of deadly weapons and attempted murder. He didn't need any more convictions added to those, he had already broken his parole and landed himself back in prison with no chance of another parole.
Gavin was jailed for assault, break and entering, theft and aiding a criminal. All of which were dropped and given a pardon on grounds of aiding the police and keeping the hostages alive. Community service was high, but accepted. Nothing was going to stop him from living his life now. He had given up on Jake and turned to his own life, which wasn't doing so well before Jake got out. He needed to patch things up before his life was back to normal, but he was willing to work towards it.
~*^*^*~
"Griss!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming, hold on!" Grissom shouted. "Where are my keys?"
"Where you left them!"
Grissom stopped his rummaging and looked over at his nightstand. "Oh yeah." He breathed, grabbing the keys and rushing out the door to stop in the living room where half the team were standing. "Let's go."
Tom, and Garrett climbed into one of the black SUV's whilst Nick and Grissom took the other. They were only running late by a minute, but Grissom wasn't happy. He needed to get there before Sara sent out the search party.
4 months had gone by and it was the big day.
"Stop panicking. We'll get there on time." Nick told him as both SUV's turned onto I-15.
Grissom sighed and checked his watched again. "I'm already in the dog house Nicky, can you put your foot down?"
Nick shook his head and pressed his foot down on the accelerator. "You're not in the dog house, Griss." He looked at his friend and saw the frown. "Come on, it's not like she's going to ignore you today."
"She's ignored me for 4 months, Nick. I'm sure she can keep it up some more."
~*^*^*~
Kate looked up as two black SUV's pulled into the parking lot. "They're here." She told her mother.
"Ok, you find Robin and I'll meet you back here in ten." She watched Kate walk away before turning her attention to the four men walking towards her. "Hey guys." She smiled and kissed them on the cheek before she got to Grissom. "Hey."
Grissom looked her up and down and smiled. "You look, beautiful." He reached for her hand and wrapped his arms around her. "You ready?"
Sara held him tighter. "Ready to get married? To you?" She questioned, looking up at him. "Hell yeah."
"Good." He whispered, leaning in to kiss her.
The boys coughed and turned away. "Let's find the others." Nick suggested, moving off.
Sara stepped back and grasped Grissom's hand to lead him towards the small gathering. "Nothing like a hot sunny day."
"I'd marry you in a falling down chapel."
Turning her head with her mouth hanging open in mock surprise, she said. "How romantic."
Grissom shrugged and smirked. "I thought so." Walking over to the small gathering, Grissom scanned the crowd. "Where's Kate?"
Sara stopped and looked around. "She'll be here."
"How is she?" He asked, still looking.
Stepping closer to him, she cupped his face in her hands to get him to look at her. "Don't worry."
"Can we talk about this later?" He whined, dropping his head.
Smiling, she nodded. "Yeah. Come on."
~*^*^*~
The service was short, just like they wanted. Both had agreed that a big wedding would make them even more nervous and had settled on something just between friends and family. The team and Sara's parents had stood as the priest started the ceremony. Kate waited with Catherine and Robin as she watched her parents exchange their vowels for the very first time.
Warrick had made a guest appearance and turned up to the ceremony in the middle, gaining attention from everyone as he shut his car door. He sheepishly joined them and waited with Nick, Garrett and Tom.
~*^*^*~
"Do you Gil, take Sara, to be your wife, to love her, to care for her, in sickness and in health, always."
Grissom smiled. "I do."
"Do you Sara, take Gil, to be your husband, to love him, to care for him, in sickness and in health, always."
Sara smiled into Grissom's eyes and squeezed his hands. "I do."
"By the power invested in me, I now declare you husband and wife." The priest announced.
Cheers and whistles were drowned out as they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed. "I love you." Sara whispered.
Grissom brushed her hair back. His arm tightened around her as he kissed her cheek and her lips. "I love you." He finally said into her ear.
"Break it up guys." Nick called. "It's party time."
~*^*^*~
They had chosen a secluded part of Charleston Mountain to get married on. It was romantic and it was just how they both pictured it. They had family and friends and their children, playing and dancing, eating and talking. Just like a normal wedding, but out in the sunshine and local desert air.
"What's it feel like to be married?" Warrick asked from behind.
Grissom turned and chuckled. "I don't think it feels any different than it has been for the last 15 years-"
"It feels definite and whole." Warrick finished, shaking his old friend's hand and hugging him. "Good to see you Griss."
"You too War. Where have you been?"
They both started walking back towards the food tables and groups of chattering people. "I've been good, thanks. Travelling around a bit, helping out here and there."
"Catherine tells me you're stopping in Atlanta for a while. Anywhere we know?" Grissom smirked, raising a single brow in mock question.
Warrick laughed and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "Yeah. I'm staying with her for a while. Lindsey's back at home for a while, so I figured I'd pay a long visit."
"They missed you."
"We all did." Sara stepped up to them and wrapped her arms around Warrick.
"I know. I should have kept in touch some more, but I'm here now. When's the honeymoon?" Warrick asked, deflecting any more questions towards him.
Sara smiled and turned. "Yeah, when is the honeymoon?"
Grissom checked his watch and sighed. "Few hours away."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise." He evaded. Hearing children's laughter, he turned to find a familiar face. "Where's Kate?"
Sara looked towards the group of children. "She's with Robin."
"Oh."
Warrick hugged Sara and shook Grissom's hand before walking away to find Catherine and Nick. "Catch you guys later."
Grissom sighed and stuffed his hands into his suit pockets. "She's avoiding me, isn't she?"
"Maybe a little, but it's nothing. She's just excited." Sara assured him, taking his hands from his pockets and wrapping them around her as she leaned against him.
"She's been doing this for months. I don't know what else to do." He held her close and dropped several kisses in her hair.
Sighing against his white shirt, she closed her eyes. "Try talking to her again."
"Didn't work last time. She skipped out before I got to, 'honey, we need to talk'. I've left it alone for months and I'm not sure she's ever going to forgive me."
"She love's you. Don't doubt that, but she's struggling to come to terms that you're not her biological father. It hit her hard, Gil and I know you're hurting to, so am I. I don't want to see you two like this anymore than you do." Sara pulled back and kissed his lips, looking into his eyes. "Try again. Wait until she's alone, or perhaps when we get home..."
"I wanted to talk to her before we leave." He sighed, closing his eyes and leaning his head forwards to rest against hers.
~*^*^*~
"It's time." Grissom whispered into Sara's ear.
Nick looked up and grabbed Robin's hand. "Come on."
Sara stood and everyone followed them out to the car. Kate came charging towards them with Shannon behind her. "Mom." She called, "Wait for me."
Grissom opened the door and let Kate jump in first. Before he turned, he looked at her as she buckled up. "Got everything?" When she nodded silently and looked out the other window, he sighed and turned to his wife. "I take it, it's the toss up." He teased as he saw Catherine shove a bouquet into Sara's hands.
"Need to find out who the next luck lady will be." She smiled and joined the others. "Ready girls!?"
Standing with his hand on the roof of the car, he watched as she turned away from the crowd of females and looked at him. He gave her a wink and smiled as she threw the flowers over her head to land in the centre of the feisty women.
Nick and Robin appeared beside him and poked their elbows into his sides. "Have fun Griss." They both said, walking back to the others to wave the happy couple off.
Sara returned to the car and kissed her husband. "We can go now."
Grissom smirked and went to climb into the car, when he noticed items tied to the bumper. Jerking his head back in a laugh, he looked over at Nick and Robin, who were raising glasses of champagne in a silent toast.
~*^*^*~
"You do realise we have latex gloves and evidence tape stuck to the back, don't you?" Sara asked, looking back at the man standing in the drive with a suitcase in each hand.
"Of course. Thank Nicky and Robin." He chuckled and placed the suitcases in the back. Once the car was loaded, he removed the 'just married' sign and the items attached to string that was dangling behind the car. The plane wasn't leaving for another two hours, this gave him enough time to talk to Kate before they left. Sara was changing out of her dress whilst Kate packed her bag and collected up Darwin's toys and basket.
"You all packed munchkin?" He asked gently, leaning against the doorframe to her room. "I can help you pack your stuff, if you want?" He offered, waiting for her reply. Getting none, he sighed. "Kate, please."
"I can do it, thanks." She grabbed her bag and struggled to zip it up.
Grissom moved into her room and sat on the bed, absently helping her zip up the heavy bag. "Can we talk for a minute?"
Kate nodded and turned away to search for her jacket in her closet. "Sure."
Watching her silently for a few minutes, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "Sit down." He pulled until she was sitting beside him and she held her jacket firmly in her hand. "Let me, just say this, and I'll leave you alone." He said softly. Taking a deep breath before starting, he took her jacket and placed it behind them.
"I'm not sure exactly where to start, but an apology would be good. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied. I thought I was doing what was best and in doing so, I lied and hurt you, all unintentionally." He added firmly, but gently. "I would never have kept things from you if I knew it was going to come back and harm you, but it did and I'm truly sorry for that. I thought I was doing good by taking you in and for years, I never even thought you'd see me as anything other than your, dad."
Pausing, he looked closely at her face, but couldn't see anything in her eyes as she avoided contact. "I was afraid that you'd never want me after you found out. I didn't want to tell you, that's the truth, but I was scared I'd lose you. I was even scared your mother would leave me and I know that it would brake my heart if that ever happened."
"You two are my life and I'd never change that for anything. I protected you and I loved you, just like he was supposed to." Breaking off, he breathed in suddenly and caught the sob that was standing in the wings. "I'm sorry. You'll always be my daughter and I love you and your mother with all my heart and soul and I'd do anything to keep you."
When Kate made no move, he stood, pushing away from the bed to leave. As he reached the door, he turned back, leaning his hand against the frame of the door. "We can talk some more when we get back, if you'd like?"
~*^*^*~
Catherine had pushed through the front door and found Sara in the kitchen with tears rolling down her face. "Hey, what's wrong?" She asked worriedly.
Sara smiled through her tears and shook her head, waving a tissue in the direction of the living room. "He's talking to Kate."
"Oh, how's it going?" Catherine asked, pulling out another tissue and handing it to her friend.
"Not too good. She's lost and confused." Sara looked up as Grissom left Kate's room and walked towards them. "So?"
Grissom shook his head sadly and wrapped his arms around her as she got closer to him. "I don't think she-"
"Ssh, it's not going to happen straight away." Sara whispered into his ear, holding him tightly. "We need to go." She pulled back and wiped her eyes before reaching up and wiping his slightly damp cheeks.
~*^*^*~
Standing by the car, Grissom hugged Catherine. "I'm sure you've got everything under control, but if you need anything, call the hotel."
Catherine grinned. "I know, I know. I have the number, but don't worry. She'll be fine and you'll be fine. Meet you at the airport two weeks from today and have fun. "She gave him another big hug. "You've both earned this, enjoy it."
Grissom smiled and nodded. "Thanks."
Sara walked down the path with her bag and coat in one arm and Kate under the other. "Cath's got the number and you can call us whenever you want, ok?" She hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek, brushing her lip-gloss from her skin afterwards.
"Ok." Kate smiled, waiting beside Catherine as Grissom held Sara's door open for her. "Dad." She called timidly as he rounded the car bonnet.
Grissom stopped and turned, staring at her in apprehension. "Yes sweetheart?"
Walking slowly towards him, she looked up at him with watery eyes. "Will you call later?" She asked, stopping in front of him.
"Of course I will." He smiled, hesitantly pushing some stray brown hair behind her ear.
Kate stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you too daddy." She whispered, kissing his chin.
Grissom's smile widened as he pulled her tightly against him and kissed her hair. "We can get though this, munchkin." He told her. "Hang in there for me, ok?"
"Ok." She smiled, moving back towards Catherine. "Bye mom!" She waved.
"Bye honey." Sara waved back as the car backed down the drive.
~*^*^*~
Sara took the flight tickets and linked her arm through his as they walked towards their gate. "I've never been to Japan."
Grissom chuckled. "I know. I remember you telling me once that you'd probably go one day, alone." He turned his head and placed a kiss in her hair.
"Yeah, well, I said a lot of things." She sighed happily, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I told you she would understand." Sara murmured as they reached their gate.
"Enough of the past." He told her with a scowl. "Think only of the future my lovely wife." He teased, taking the tickets to hand them to the woman standing behind the departure gate desk. "Thank you." He told her kindly.
"Have a great flight Mr. and Mrs. Grissom and congratulations."
"Thank you." Sara smiled warmly, following her husband towards the ramp.
THE END, for good... ...
[Ah, the final end... no beating around the bush, I've got other stories to finish and many to begin, so tell me what you think. :-) Thank you for being patient with me and for all of you for reading my longest ever CSI story. Your support and words of encouragement have been welcomed warmly and helped me finish this before I was ready to give up. Thanks again.]