Holidays at the Stokes Place

Pairing: Nick and Sara (Of course! I would have it any other way!)

Cynthia takes Nick and Sara shopping. There is a Christmas Eve Feast with the Stokes family.

Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Sara, Nick or any other mentioned character on CSI. If I did own Sara and Nick, they would have been hooked up and hitched already! (Writers of the show: take notice!) However, I do own Nick's family.

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Christmas Eve with the Family

Sara woke up, gently pushed Nick's arm away and went to the shower. She forgot to bring her hair towel with her. She went to the suitcase, quietly opened it up and found the towel. She returned to the shower, removed her bathrobe and placed hair towel on the rack. She turned on the water and showered. After she dried herself and wrapped her wet hair in the towel, she put on her robe. She left the bathroom and found Nick was still sleeping. She dressed up and did her hair while debating whether to wake him up or allow him to sleep a little longer.

"Good morning, Sara," Nick said as slowly woke up. "I see that you have showered and dressed up already. How did you sleep?"

"Really well, despite the fact I fell asleep in the middle of the famous Dead Parrot sketch," Sara said. "How did you sleep, Mr. Sleepyhead?"

"I fell asleep towards the end of that sketch," Nick said as he got up from the bed. "I sleep like a baby. I woke up after realizing there was an empty space next to me. I knew you were in the shower and I went back to sleep for a few more minutes."

"Now, that you are up," Sara said. "It's your turn to take a shower."

"I'll go if you kiss me," Nick said.

"Why is that?" Sara asked.

"Just shut up and kiss me, Sara Margaret Stokes!" Nick said.

"Okay, my Texas Cowboy, if it makes you happy," she said and they kissed with great passion.

"That was very minty," Nick said while Sara gave him a stern look. "Okay, I will head out to the shower."

Once Nick went to the shower, Sara went downstairs to look for Cynthia. She needed to ask her mother-in-law a question about when the family was having the dinner. It didn't take her long to find her.

"Good morning, Sara," Cynthia said. "How did you and Nicholas sleep last night?"

"After sleeping in the plane yesterday on the way here," Sara said. "We slept really well and comfortably."

"That's great," she said.

"Cynthia, since I have you here," Sara said. "I need to ask you a question."

"Go right ahead and ask me," Cynthia said.

"Is the big family dinner going to be tonight or tomorrow night?" Sara asked.

"It's tonight," she replied. "Everyone is staying over and in the morning, we open up our presents. Why do you ask?"

"I wasn't sure if Nick said it would be Christmas Eve or Christmas Day," Sara said.

"Sara, after brunch, I am going to the mall for some last minute shopping," Cynthia said. "Would you like to come with me?"

"Sure, I would love to join you," Sara said. "I am sure I could drag Nick along with me."

"Good luck with that," Cynthia chuckled. "Still, we could use a man around."

"I got to get back to my room," Sara said.

When she returned to the room, Nick still didn't get back from his shower. She waited until he finally emerged wrapped in his towel and wearing a grin on his face.

"I see that I am well worth the wait," Nick said and he kissed her.

"You definitely are worth it," Sara said. "Now get dressed so we can eat! I am very hungry!"

"I am hungry, too!" Nick said. "I can smell something cooking downstairs."

"Hurry up!" Sara said.

Nick finally got dressed and joined Sara in the kitchen. His father came in just a few moments later.

"Nick, Sara, it's great you crazy kids finally are finally up," Thomas said.

"Dad, you called my wife and I kids," Nick whined, a tone that Sara rarely heard him speak. "We are both 33 years old, for Pete's sake!"

"Nicholas Anthony Stokes, stop protesting about what I call you and your wife," Thomas said. "You are my youngest son and Sara is my youngest daughter-in-law. That's why I called you kids."

"Guys, stop bickering," Cynthia said. "Brunch is ready. Sara, I made your favorite omelet with mushrooms, spinach and goat cheese. Nick, I know that you love yours with turkey, olives and mushrooms. Thomas, since you had your omelet yesterday, I am giving you a bowl of oatmeal with pure maple syrup and a splash of whole milk. I am having the leftover chocolate chip pancakes I made for Marissa's kids last week."

The four of them ate, drank coffee and talked about tonight's dinner and all the family coming over. Nick missed his nieces and nephews on Thanksgiving and so did Sara. At least tonight all 23 will enjoy their uncle's antics that were deprived of them courtesy of Sara's family. Once brunch was finished, Thomas and Nick left the kitchen. Cynthia and Sara put a plan to get Nick to come with them to the mall. They agreed that the motive would be that someone has to 'stop them from doing too much shopping'.

"Nick, your mom and I are going to the mall in about fifteen minutes," Sara said after she found him helping his father arrange a large room for 39 people. "We were wondering if you would like to join us for some last minute shopping."

"Sara, I am helping my dad setting up this room for tonight's dinner," Nick said while bringing two folding chairs to a table. "I don't think I have the time to go with you and mom shopping."

"Somebody has to stop us from too much shopping," Sara said cutely.

"Son, why don't you join the ladies," Thomas said. "I can handle the rest."

A few minutes later, Nick and Sara were in the car with Cynthia on the way to the mall. He wasn't really thrilled about going to the mall even if his mother and five sisters dragged him to it. However, it was Sara who invited him and that gave him good cause to see his wife's shopping habits. As he recalled, Sara would only set foot in a mall once a month. She was nothing like his teenage and college-aged nieces.

"Sara, what are you planning on getting at the mall?" Nick asked quietly. "Is there something for me that is on your list?"

"It's a surprise!" she replied in a whisper.

When they arrived at the mall, the first store they went to was The Body Shop. As soon as they started to explore the store, a very familiar young woman approached them.

"Grandma!" the girl said. "Uncle Nick! Aunt Sara!"

"Hey Madison, what's up!" Nick said. "What are you doing here in this store?"

"I work here," she said. "Mom didn't tell you anything about my getting a part time job here."

"I guess my sister left out that detail when I last spoke to her," Nick said.

"Is there anything I could help the three of you with?" Madison asked.

"I think you can help me," Cynthia said leaving the lovebirds alone.

"Madison is Wendy's oldest daughter," Nick said. "I know that it is still confusing to distinguish who is who in our large family. I am sure you will learn."

"Don't worry," Sara replied. "I am a quick study!"

"Uncle Nick, Aunt Sara, is there anything I can help you with?" Madison asked.

"Yeah, I think you can," Sara said. "I am running low on the White Musk shower gel. Do you still have the Dewberry shower gel?"

"I am sorry, Aunt Sara," Madison said. "They discontinued Dewberry."

"Damn!" Sara said.

"If I had known that it was one of your favorite scents, I would have bought a dozen out of my paycheck and sent them to you," Madison said. "I know that The Body Shop has at least one store in the Vegas area, but I am your niece and I would have done it a heartbeat. However, something tells me that you also want to get something for your lovely husband. Don't worry about it, we will be discreet about it."

Sara got her favorite shower gel and decided to try Oceanus. She also picked out some men's products for Nick. Madison and Sara agreed to say that the gift was for Sara's brother to lessen any suspicion. Originally, Sara wanted to say it was for Grissom, Brass, Dr. Robbins, Archie, Greg or Warrick. Madison immediately shot down that idea since it would really raise red flags. Once they finished with picking out the items, Madison took Sara to the cashier. Madison assembled the products for Nick in a gift bag. Sara paid for the items and thanked her niece. Sara went to meet her mother-in-law outside the store.

Nick was looking at the perfume oil display went he nearly jumped after someone touched him.

"Damn, Madison, you scared the shit out of me," Nick said.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, Uncle Nick," she said apologetically. "Do you want to get something for your wife?"

"Yes, I noticed those fragrances in the beautiful bottles," he said. "I would like to get for her the gift collection."

"That would be a perfect gift for Sara," Madison smiled. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"That will be all," Nick said as they completed the transaction. "Thank you for helping your grandmother, Aunt Sara and me."

"Aw, Uncle Nick, that's what I am here for," Madison said while Nick lightly chuckled. "You just have a great day and I will see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins tonight at the 'Stokes Manor'."

"Thank you," Nick said. "Enjoy yours and I am looking forward to seeing you and your parents, brother and two sisters!"

Nick joined Sara and Cynthia and they exchanged smiles. They proceeded to do more shopping. It wasn't until Sara spotted a Ben and Jerry's that she wanted them to take a break.

"Sara, I thought you wanted to go to Starbucks," Nick said.

"I saw B and J first and I want some ice cream," Sara said. "I also want get coffee, but I thought you might want some ice cream."

"Mom, do you want Ben and Jerry's or Starbucks?" Nick asked. "We could also have ice cream and coffee."

"I thought I wanted more coffee," Cynthia said. "However, Sara somehow talked me into having some ice cream. B and J's, as you young people would say, it is!"

"Nick, we are only going to have just one scoop each," Sara gently reminded him. "I know you tend to have the appetite of your favorite cartoon character, the Tasmanian Devil, but we just had a big brunch and I am sure we are going to have a Texas sized dinner tonight. Please, exercise control!"

"Sara, I am still slightly full from the brunch," Nick said. "I only want one scoop. However, I may want to take a little spoonful of yours."

"Knock it off, lovebirds," Cynthia said. "Let's check out the flavors they have and make a decision."

After looking at the list of flavors offered, they made a decision. Cynthia had plain chocolate. Nick decided on chocolate chip cookie dough. After a brief debate within herself, Sara decided to try the Dublin mudslide. They found a table and some temporary relief from carrying a lot of shopping bags.

"Sara, let me try that flavor you got," Nick said.

"Okay, but let me try yours," she replied.

"You've had this flavor many times before," he said. "However, fair is fair. You let me have some of yours and I'll let you have some of mine."

"You two are too much!" Cynthia laughed. "Nick, I thought you would refuse to give your wife a tiny piece your ice cream. When you would a little boy, I had to force you to share a small amount with your brother and sisters."

"Mom, times have changed," Nick replied with a soft chuckle. "Besides, they chased me around the house with their spoons."

"My baby boy has grown up," she said.

"Nick here is a little bit of my Dublin mudslide," Sara said giving him a spoonful of her ice cream."

"Wow, this is good," Nick said after savoring the ice cream. "Here, have a little of mine. I know that you have this many times before. I made sure that you get a nice piece of the cookie dough."

"Thank you, Nicky," she said and they kissed.

After they finished with their ice cream, they threw away the cups, spoons and napkins. They spent the next two hours doing more shopping. Nick had to make at least three trips to and from the car to put shopping bags into the trunk. He met with his wife and mother for the last trip. They were tired and wanted get back home to make tonight's big feast.

An hour after they returned from the mall, Cynthia, Nick and Sara put the gifts in the area of the tree. They were exhausted from shopping and lugging bags of goods. Cynthia went to her room and took a brief nap. Nick and Sara went to their room and watched some television – cartoons. Sara gave Nick a massage on his shoulders and back. He smiled and sighed with relief. He bore most of the brunt of carrying a lot of shopping bags.

"I am looking forward to seeing you in that cocktail dress tonight," Nick said.

"I would like to see you in that suit," Sara said.

Nick pulled Sara close to him, they kissed and they fell asleep. Sometime later, Nick woke up to a loud conversation taking place just outside his room. It wasn't fighting, but the volume was loud enough to wake the dead. Sara joined him almost immediately.

"Sara, Nick, we need your help making dinner," Cynthia said. "There are 39 people coming to dinner and we can't do it ourselves."

"I guess we have to get up and go to the kitchen," Nick said getting up from bed.

Sara stretched and sat up on the bed. Nick helped her off the bed and they followed the elder Mr. and Mrs. Stokes to the kitchen. The moment Nick and Sara entered the kitchen, his parents put them to work immediately. Nick and Thomas prepared the meat, shrimp and chicken while Cynthia made baked ziti and penne with wild mushrooms and Sara made salad and a vegetable medley. Cynthia and Sara made a few batches of sugar cookie dough for the kids and kids at heart to make and decorate their own cookies. Nick helped his mom prepare chocolate truffles. She would usually give him a light slap in the hand if he dipped his finger into the cooling ganache for a sample. Luckily, he was good about and she didn't have to discipline him. Cynthia kept the pastas, the shrimp and the vegetable medley warm in the oven. The salad, cookie dough and truffles were kept in the refrigerator. The meat was taking a little longer to cook, but it would be ready in time for the rest of the Stokes family to arrive. Dinner was going be buffet style and there was enough food to feed an army.

Nick and Sara went outside for a brief walk. They were holding hands and grinning at each other. Suddenly, they stopped.

"I can't believe we did so much in so little time," Nick said pretending to be out of breath.

"We shopped and help your parents with the cooking," Sara replied.

There was a brief moment of silence.

"Sara, tomorrow, Catherine, Grissom or Lindsey will call us with possible good news from Vegas," Nick said changing the subject. "I am not sure if they will call my parents' number, your cell phone or mine. If they call either you or me on our cell phones, we have to charge our phones."

"I agree," she replied. "I don't know if Grissom has your parents' number."

"He does," Nick said. "It's the emergency contact number I put just in case something happens."

"I don't think he will look into my files for their number," Nick said with a chuckle. "He knows our cell phone numbers by heart."

"Nick, he knows our numbers because he saved them in his cell phone's phone book," Sara said.

"Let's get inside," Nick said. "I need to change into my suit and you need to change into that dress of yours. My siblings and their families should be here in about an hour."

When they were in their room, Sara took out the garment bag and Nick helped her open it. She inspected the dress and suit to see if there were any damages done due to their travel. Thankfully, the clothes looked perfect. She hung the dress and suit in the closet to for a few minutes to smooth them out. She put the garment bag in the closet. Nick turned on the television since they weren't going to change for a while. He sat on top of the bed and pulled Sara onto the bed.

"Nick, I think it is time that we get changed," Sara said. "Your mother will have a major hissy fit if your brother, sisters and their families arrive and we aren't dressed."

"We only have half an hour to get dressed," Nick said looking at the clock. "Don't you also have to do your hair a makeup?"

"Nick, you have known me for a few years," Sara said. "I don't wear much makeup and my hairdo will be simple and elegant."

Nick first changed into his suit while Sara put on a little makeup. After she removed her street clothes, she unzipped the back of her dress and carefully went into. She put her hair up in a bun. Nick zipped up her dress. Sara put on a pair of pantyhose with caution as to not to spark a potentially embarrassing run. They put on their shoes.

"I love that dress on you, Sara," Nick said. "You are so gorgeous!"

"That suit is definitely you, Nick," she said. "You are my handsome Texas Cowboy!"

With five minutes to spare they heard they doorbell and the door opening. It was followed by several screaming kids running about the foyer.

"Sabrina, Matt, you are early!" Cynthia said. "Now where are those boys?"

"Grandma, we are here," they said.

"Oh shit, Sabrina, Matt and their sons have arrived!" Nick said. "Sara, we have to go downstairs now or she will have those boys after us."

"Nick, my CSI husband is afraid of being chased by three little boys!" Sara said faking astonishment. "I am in shock!"

"Shut up, Sara," he said. "Let's go downstairs now!"

They went down and Nick was almost tackled by the oldest of Sabrina's sons.

"Jeffery, watch the suit!" Nick shouted. "I don't have another one!"

"Nicky, when did you and Sara arrive in Dallas?" Sabrina asked.

"Since yesterday," Nick said.

"Wow, Sara, that dress looks good on you!" Sabrina said. "That is definitely your color!"

"Thanks, Sabrina," Sara replied.

Kathleen, Nick's oldest sibling, and her family arrived and wasted no time greeting the family that was there. Almost immediately, the rest of the family showed up. The last to arrive was Tom and his family. When he entered, he gave Nick and Sara some strange look.

"Haven't I seen the two of you somewhere before?" Tom asked.

"You are such a comedian, Tom," Nick said.

"I try," Tom said.

It would be another hour before everyone was settled in for dinner. They helped themselves to the food. The conversations going on included Marissa expecting her fourth child and second daughter, some of Nick and Sara's interest and dinner conversation friendly cases, Nick's oldest niece Sierra giving advice to her college bound brother and cousins and what is going on in Texas, New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Nick, Sara and the kids went to the kitchen after the main course was finished. They were decorating the cookies. Sara, Nick and the older kids handled the cookie cutting and baking and helped the younger ones with decorating. When the cookies were done, it was time for everyone to have dessert. Nick brought the decorated cookies in a tray to accompany the other desserts on the buffet table. Nick's sisters and brother were ogling over the cookies and complimenting their children. One of his nieces told her mother that Uncle Nick and Aunt Sara also deserve the compliments for their help.

Everyone was tired, especially the younger kids. Some of them were screaming and crying. Cynthia and Thomas wanted to have everyone open their presents after midnight, but most of their family was exhausted so they opted for Christmas morning to open them. Tom and his family stayed at the guest house while Marissa's stayed at her parents' house. Kathleen, who lived two doors down, took in Sabrina and her family while Heather's stayed with Wendy's who lived across from their parents.

Nick and Sara were in their room and exhaustion set in. Nick unzipped Sara's dress and he started to take off his shoes. He started to remove his suit when he heard Sara groaning.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked.

"If I wear these heels for another hour," Sara said. "My feet will fall off my body!"

"Well, let's get out of these clothes and into something comfortable," Nick said. "I will massage your feet."

Nick took out the garment bag, placed his suit on the hanger and put in the bag. He took Sara's dress, put it on another hanger and placed in the bag before closing it and putting it in the closet. He went to bed and massaged Sara's feet as promised. She let out a moan of delight.

"Merry Christmas, Nick," Sara said after seeing it was after midnight.

"Merry Christmas, Sara," he said and they kissed.

They watched a little bit of television before Sara fell asleep. Nick turned off the TV and fell asleep.

TBC