Epilogue to Healing and Beginnings - Lucky Eights

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I wanted to thank each of you who have reviewed, it helped me get this far. Sad to think my first ever fan fic is over. Thanks for Rica and Megan for encouragement.

Sara rolled over covering her head with a pillow in an attempt to remain asleep. Sara and sleep were now intimate, the more sleep she got, the happier she was. Realizing what day it was, Sara woke with a start. Today was Molly's 8th birthday. She stretched and bent down to kiss Grissom, who was still peacefully snoring on the pillow next to hers.

She walked out of the room, their bedroom they had shared for the past eighteen months, and continued her way to Molly's room. She peeked in and saw Molly peacefully curled up on her bed. She's already eight years old; already a little lady, and the love of their lives.

It had been just shy of two years since the fateful time that brought The Grissom's together. After the murder that took Molly's Mother, all of their lives had changed forever. It had taken 8 days for social services to approve Sara as Molly's temporary Guardian, and another 8 months for Grissom and Sara to get married, and another 18 months for Molly to be adopted by Gil and Sara.

Sara couldn't imagine life without both Gil and Molly, the two that had brought their family together. The bond that they shared was strong. For Sara, she and Molly bonded over their similar pasts. Sara didn't want Molly to grow up hiding the memories of her abusive past, but by talking about it together, they were both getting past it. Molly shared Sara's passion on helping abused children, as she now was spending more and more time getting involved in the 'Big Sister' program. Together, they developed a peer problem where kids were helping kids. For only being on this earth 8 years, Molly's wisdom had already helped many kids who are in the same situation she had lived through.

Gil and Molly too shared a tight bond. It was Molly who in her own innocent way brought Gil to realize his life was not complete. It took Gil to fulfill Molly's life for a stable family and a strong father figure. The love the two shared was strong even if Gil wasn't her biological Father. The day he legally adopted Molly was the second best day of his life, second only to his marrying the love of his life Sara.

Not sure if it was luck, or simple fate, but happiness coincided with the Grissom's.

The family routine fell in place. Sara's training landed her a permanent job on the day shift, and Grissom remained lead on the night shift. They each had their special time alone with Molly, yet had enough time for each other. Breakfast belonged to Grissom and Molly, after which he drove her to school. He used this time to get his sleep for the day. After school Molly had soccer and dance class, and then Grissom picked her up. Dinner was always as a family.

Today would be no different for the Grissom's except that it was Molly's birthday. They wanted to make a big deal out of her birthday ever since they had learned what sorrow she remembered from her past birthdays. Sara quickly showered and headed out to the living room to go over details of the party. It was Saturday and tonight they planned a surprise party for Molly. The entire crew was coming over. It was the first time in months they all managed to be off at the same time. They had to keep it quiet for fear Ecklie or Sofia would know and try and call some of them in.

Sara was pouring herself a cup of coffee when she heard a shriek coming from Molly's room. It was common for Molly to have nightmares of what she saw. They were coming less and less frequently, but still happened from time to time. Sara quickly pulled Molly in for a hug. The two rocked back and forth.

"It's ok Molly, let it out, it's ok to cry," Sara kissed the top of her head, "Shh- I'm here."

Grissom woke at the sound of the scream. He now recognized if the scream was that of Molly's or that of Sara's. Over the past two years Grissom has learned the truth about Sara's past, and her similarity to Molly's. He stood aside her as her passionate soul got Molly out of the foster system and into a real home. Ever since gave everything he had to show both of them they are loved, and they are family, together.

Grissom ran into Molly's room and took them in his strong arms. They practically melted in his arms. Within minutes, Molly felt safe, and looked up to see the concern on Gil and Sara's faces.

"I'm ok, thanks"

Sara gave her one last hug. There was no need to talk about what happened for they all knew what the nightmares were about. Being together was the catalyst that brought healing fall all of them.

Gil looked at Molly, her hair rumpled, her eyes red with tears, "What does our lovely young lady want for breakfast on her birthday?"

Molly flashed him her hundred-dollar smile. Her smile spanned her face, and her teeth had that familiar gap in them. Despite Gil knowing it was biologically impossible, Molly was a young Sara, and at times like these it was hard to believe she wasn't biologically his either. Truth be told, there wasn't enough words on this planet to describe how Gil Grissom loved Sara and Molly, and until he could no longer physically or mentally do so, he was going to do everything in his power to make them happy forever.

Gil stood up, put his hands out, and helped them from the bed, "I'll get breakfast going, how does pancakes sound?"

Molly smiled, "Can we have the chocolate covered grasshoppers with them?"

Sara snarled, "Oh no, not you too?"

Molly grabbed Gil's hand and they walked to the kitchen to find them some chocolate covered treats.

Sara shook her head in disbelief, "As long as I don't have to witness it- bleck! I'm heading to the shower."

Later that afternoon the guests started arriving. Molly was thrilled when three of her friends from school came over. She was even happier when Greg came over, she thought he was super cute, so did her friends.

The party was fun and after the cake Molly opened her. She got fun presents including a cool I-Pod from Catherine, Warrick, Nick and Greg. Her friends were so impressed! After all her presents were opened Molly looked a bit confused.

Sara decided it was long enough and asked Molly if she wanted to open their present.

"Yes, thank you."

For all Molly has been through, her manners and demeanor was that of a young lady, amazing for what she had been through.

Gil and Sara smiled at each other, and handed her a small box. Molly opened it and inside sat a Gold heart shining up at her. Molly lifted it out of the box, and carefully opened it. It was a three way heart, with a picture of Molly, Sara and Gil inside each fold. It was engraved, "Family"

Everyone in the room was now choked up, Gil pulled Molly and Sara in for a hug and whispered, "Neither of you will be alone again, I promise."

The silence of the room was broken by Greg, "Ahh, Group hug everyone."

Everyone laughed, they needed it.

Molly turned to Gil and Sara, "Can I ask you a question?"

They both nodded yes,

"Can I- Can I call you 'Mom' and 'Dad'?"

There wasn't a dry eye in the house, Sara looked around the room at her family, and "I'd love nothing better."

Gil sunk down on one knee, took Molly's hands in his, "I'd be honored."

Molly was crying, only this time, they were happy tears. "I think I'll always remember my 8th birthday, thanks Mom and Dad."

The end!