Would you like to spend Christmas with me Sara? I would like you to meet someone very dear to me."
"Christmas, egh, where would we be spending Christmas at?"
"I thought that maybe we could go to California, so that you could meet my mom."
"I will on one condition!"
"What's that?"
"If we could swing by a little B & B in Tamales Bay for a day, would that be alright?"
"I think it would be perfect, we will fill out the paperwork tonight, if you are feeling up to going in."
"I feel much better now, thank you." She leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Me too!"
As the days till Christmas got closer, Sara got more and more nervous. She was spending Christmas with Grissom, going to meet his mom, she didn't know ASL, it was all just coming at her, and to top it all off, this was the first Christmas she was excited about in nearly thirty years. The Christmas's after her dad died were lacking to say the least. Sara was lucky if she got a gift, let alone more than one. She would always find something in the house to wrap up and give to Andy, he appreciated the sentimate, but Sara had always told her teachers she didn't celebrate Christmas, it was easier that way, less questions. After Andy died Sara rarely even thought about Christmas it was just another day on the calendar that is why she always volunteered to work it so that the people that appreciated the holiday could celebrate. She always participated in the Staff functions, more out of necessity rather than want, but this year she was genuinely excited that she was celebrating Christmas. The next problem was a gift, what was she going to buy Grissom, what about his mother, a knot formed in her stomach, She had received an Entomology textbook as a gift from Grissom once, but she was sure he didn't need anymore than he had. She had a big project on her hands and only a mere two weeks to get prepared for said project.
Grissom was getting excited about taking Sara to California. He hadn't really celebrated Christmas since he lost her. He couldn't bring himself to be happy over Christmas; it was Christmas Eve when she died. She loved Christmas and insisted on getting married on Christmas Eve. He chose to forget about Christmas all together. He always worked, consumed himself with the lab. He didn't really participate in the gestures. He did the secret Santa thing, only to take the spotlight off of him; the only other gift he ever bought was for Sara, and Entomology textbook that he had given her for Christmas one year. Oh God, Sara, What was he going to get her for Christmas? He made a mental note to tell Sara about Christmas Eve's significance the next time they talked. He looked at his watch and realized it was time to go home and get ready before shift started.
"Sara, I really should be going!"
"Not so fast, Mister! I made dessert to go with dinner lastnight and you are going to eat it before you take off, I'm gonna make us some coffee and we are gonna sit down and have us some dessert."
"How can I refuse an offer like that!"
Sara went busily about the kitchen and returned in no time with two coffee mugs and two plates of dessert.
"Wow! This looks good!" Grissom noted as he looked down at the delicate creation upon his plate. It was some type of cheesecake smothered in fruit sauce. It tasted far better than it looked. "Oh my God, Sara, this is amazing! What do you call this and where can I get the recipe?"
"It is my own special recipe, and it really doesn't have a name, I guess you are gonna have to rely on me to make it for you!"
"Well, can I make special requests?"
"For you? Always!" She shot him her proud Sara Sidle smile and left it at that.
She got up and gathered up the dishes and put them into the sink, "Griss, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, what is it you want to know?"
"What can I get you for Christmas, what about your mom? I don't really know her!"
"What ever you get I am sure will be amazing, I trust your judgement! Sara?" He stopped.
"Yes, Griss?"
"What about you? What do you want for Christmas?"
"Look in the mirror, that is what I want for Christmas!" The words shot out of her mouth before she even realized it, did I just say that? She silently thought to herself. "I am sorry I didn't mean to so presumptuous."
Grissom was grinning ear to ear as he pictured himself in Christmas boxers and a big red bow. "Sara, there is something else I want to tell you, I can either tell you know, or tomorrow after work, which do you prefer?"
"Now you can't tell me that and leave me hanging, dish, Griss!"
"I told you about my wedding day, right!" Sara nodded, "Did I tell you what day we were to be married on?"
"No"
"Christmas Eve, it was her favorite Holiday!"
"Oh Griss, I am so sorry, what was her name? You didn't tell me that either!"
"Her name was Holly, she loved Christmas, I pretty much swore off Christmas until this year, until now!" He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on her temple.
"Is that why the whole Holly Gribbs incident bothered you so much?"
"Yes, it made those memories I has repressed so long ago resurface, and then after Holly died, I stopped thinking about it completely."
There was an awkward silence when Grissom's phone began to ring, "Grissom!"
"Hey Cath, yes I'm coming in tonight and so is Sara, I just have to go home and get cleaned up and change and then I will be in and I would assume Sara will not be too far behind me." Grissom hung up the phone, leaned in and kissed her temple again and headed for the door.