Sara was still having trouble finding a gift for Grissom. She just couldn't find one that suited her enough to purchase. She had decided on a nice silk scarf and broach for Grissom's mom, she hoped she liked it, she also decided to pick Jim and Sandra something as well. Being the hippies they were she picked them up matching tie-dyed t-shirts with peace signs insignia on them. The biggest problem was Grissom. Other than work, she didn't know of anything that he was really into except bugs, but she was certain that he had plenty of them. She was completely at a loss. She wandered aimlessly through the downtown market when she spotted it. It was amazing, a big beautiful butterfly plaque that had a place to engrave. At first glance she knew she wanted to get him that. But she had to think of what she wanted to engrave on it. She thought hard and approached the vendor, told him what she wanted on it and he busily took it away and emerged back with it in five minutes, with the saying engraved.

Grissom

To new beginnings and new demons.

Love Sara

Looking down at it she was satisfied and the vendor gift-wrapped it for her. She happily took her package and headed home. She only had three days to pack before they were heading for California. Sara didn't even know what to pack, what would they be doing, would she need formal wear, would she need warm clothes, she just decided to pack a little of everything, better be safe than sorry, right!

Grissom was battling similar problems with what to get Sara, the vision of him with a bow was looking better and better, he aimlessly wandered the streets of Vegas when he spotted something that he had to have. In the window of the store was the most gorgeous silk nightgown, it was a Chinese print with butterflies, it was coupled with a silk robe and matching panties, he thought it was perfect for her, he just hoped it wasn't too personal. He collected his gift-wrapped purchase and left the store, he decided that he had better look for something else just in case. He had an unexplained need to go to the jewellery store. He saw this small pendant in the shape of a butterfly covered with sapphires, he knew that was Sara's birthstone, he had to have it. The jeweller asked him if he wanted it engraved, he thought for a second and then told him what he wanted it to say. The Jewler left and freturned with the necklace with the saying neatly inscribed on the back:

Sara

To new Beginnings and new Demons

Love Grissom

Happy with the saying the gift was wrapped and he gave the jeweller his credit card and he headed home with his purchases.

He was nearly packed; with only having three days left before they left, he didn't want to leave everything until the last minute.

Adele Grissom's house was modest, but beautiful. It was all decorated with Christmas attire. She met them at the door and nearly ate them up. They put their things in their respective rooms and met with her in the parlour. She had a beautiful tree placed atop a table with a small village and train track around it. It was breathtaking. Sara forgot how beautiful Christmas was. There were Christmas lights everywhere and candles and the house smelled of home baking. Sara was certain that now that she was here she would never want to leave. They sat down and had a cup of tea and some fresh cookies. Sara was amazed at how easy his mom was to talk to, she had thought it would be more difficult, but it was not. Sara felt as though she had known her forever, and she knew Adele felt the same way. Grissom just sat there in awe of the bond that was growing between Sara and his mother. They were discussing the things they were going to do between now and Christmas that was in less than two days. They would be with his mother for eight days and then drive to Tamales Bay for one day and then head back to Vegas.

Sara went up to her room to put her things away and retrieve the gifts she had brought for Grissom and his mother. The room was decorated with an Elizabethan feel. Adele was into antiques and Sara could tell by the furnishings. The large mahogany four-poster bed complete with the curtains was amazing, Sara almost felt like royalty to be able to sleep here. She looked around and drunk in the ambiance before gathering up the gifts and heading back down stairs. Grissom and his mother were in mid conversation using ASL and Sara was at a loss. She sat there watching the interaction. Adele was telling Grissom how much she liked Sara and how she noticed a difference in his behavior since they arrived. It was a change for the better, she was sure of that. He seemed happy, happier than he had been in years.

They finished up their ASL and welcomed Sara back to their conversation. Adele asked them what they wanted for Dinner, Grissom brought up that Sara was a vegetarian. Adele embraced that and got up to begin dinner.

"So Griss, what were you talking to your mom bout?"

"She thinks I am happier and that you are the cause, she likes you Sara. I am not surprised, what's not to like!" He leaned in to kiss her temple but she turned her head and leaned in to kiss him on the lips. He froze at the response.

"What was that for?"

"The compliment you gave me. Hey Griss, can you show me the rest of the house?"

"Sure, follow me!"

He showed her the rest of the house, it was intricately laid out. In the living room next to the fireplace was another Christmas tree, this one had gifts under it. It was simple decorated with lights and bows. He then led her upstairs to show her the other bedrooms and the bathrooms.

"I thought you said you were poor when you were growing up?"

"I was, this is not my childhood home, mom bought this later in life. Her career was rather successful in the art business. I will take you to my childhood home before we leave for Tamales Bay."

"Ok, Griss, I would like that! Hey can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Sara!"

"Can we share a room while we are here, just to be close to each other, I would like you near me in case the nightmares come back, would that be alright?"

"If that's what you want Sara, I have no complaints." Complaints no? Reservations yes?

Grissom went through his bags to retrieve the gifts he purchased for Sara and his mother, he collected them up and headed for the down stairs tree where they could join the rest of the gifts. They then retreated to the kitchen to help Adele with Dinner.

Christmas eve was the next day and Sara was getting excited about Christmas, this was the first time in years she was giddy like a child with the anticipation of Christmas morning. She wondered what traditions they celebrated. Her father always let her open one gift on Christmas Eve, right before bed. She wondered if Grissom would allow her to do that.

"So Griss, what things do you do special for Christmas?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when I was a kid, my dad would pick one gift and let me open it on Christmas Eve right before bed, do you have any traditions like that?"

"Not really, Sara, but you are welcome to do that if you wish as long as I can pick the gift!" And pick I will, he grinned to himself.

Before bed Grissom was true to his words. He made Sara get changed and crawl into bed. He then told her to close her eyes and not to open them until he told her to. She was antsy with anticipation. He went into the bathroom and changed into the glow in the dark Santa boxers he bought and wrapped the big red bow around him and continued back out to the bedroom. Sara was wiggling with anticipation.

"Ok Sara, you can open your eyes!"

Sara opened her eyes to find Grissom standing in front of her decked out in Santa boxers and a big red bow. He had a childish grin on his face. "Didn't you tell me you wanted me with a bow for Christmas?"

"Yes, I did say that!"

"Well I am yours, do with me what you must!"

He removed the bow and crawled into bed with Sara. Sara was surprised at the gesture. "Griss, what about your mom?"

"Sara, she firstly is deaf, secondly, I am forty-eight years old, I am sure she knows I have had sex before!"

"SO, you are expecting sex are you, Dr. Grissom?"

"If that is what you want Miss Sidle, I certainly am." He leaned in and kissed her. "I think you are over dressed for the occasion," He looked down at her wearing her oversized Harvard T-shirt.

"You think do you, Dr Grissom? Why don't you take a closer look?"

Grissom squirmed over and slowly stroked his wav down her body over the outside of the nightgown. Sara was wriggling under his touch. He reached down to her thigh and felt for her panties. "Well, Miss Sidle, you don't seem to be wearing any panties, were you expecting company tonight?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I was. I was expecting this wonderful man dressed only in boxers and a bow!" Her smile nearly lit up the room.

He reached in and kissed her on the lips, the kiss was that intense that she let out a moan. She was aroused by his mere touch. He was the only person who could do that to her. All he had to do was walk into the room and she was aware of him. He lifted her t-shirt up over her head and gazed at the beautiful form before him. He began by kissing a gently path down her body, slowly retracing his steps so as to not leave anything out. Sara was enjoying herself. She had never been with someone so attentive, he was so gentle, so in tune with her body, it was like he was aware of her every crevice. He traced the path to the thighs and parted her legs and began to gently suck in her juices. He was amazed at how wet she was, at how wet he made her. It excited him even more. Sara was bordering on the edge of ecstasy. He knew she was close.

"Griss, I want you and I want you now!" He heard her mumble. He reached for his boxers and quickly shed himself of the offending clothing. He entered her quickly and within minutes she was over the edge. She kept urging him on and on until he exploded within her.

"Wow, that was …that was nothing short of amazing!" She hissed.

"Merry Christmas Sara!" was all he could choke out,