Hey!
I wanted to say thank you to the people who have given helpful hints, this chapter is to you with love.

Last night, Lindsey came home, and she helped Gil and I come up with a plan of action. We've decided to wait to tell everyone at work until the ring gets noticed, but considering that the people we work with are paid to notice things, that will take ten minutes max. Now, as I walk into work, I'm consumed by fear. What if everyone hates our plans?

"Hey Cath!"

"Oh, hey Warrick," I shove my hands into my pockets as I speak.

I can't do this.

"You feelin' better? Grissom said you really weren't well. I just can't believe that he took all that time off to take care of you. Did he say anything interesting?"

"Oh… A few things, and before you ask, no, I won't tell."

He just smiles and walks away, shaking his head.

Maybe this won't be so hard after all. But then, I had to go and underestimate the god of chaos. Sara looks like she could spit venom, and it would land all over me.

"Hey Sara," I jog to catch up to her, I really don't want her pissed when we tell her about our… engagement, "Thanks for letting Linds stay with you, I know she really enjoyed it."

"Fuck off."

"Sara, what's wrong?"

"You know I'm still not over him. Why not get whoever gave you that rock your trying to hide to take care of you!"

Before I can stop it I say, "He was."

When she finally registers what I said, she reeled away as though I had slapped her. As she stalks away she snarls, "Fuck you bitch. Go, and go far, far away."

I can feel my heart sink all the way to my feet, and I go. I go right to Gil's office.

Shutting the door behind me, I turn to my lover with tears spilling down my face, "Oh god Gil! I can't do this! She knows!"

His arms wrap protectively around me, "Who knows?"

"Sara," and just her name makes his entire body tense.

"Cath, we should tell them… Now."

"Now is…" I stop myself from saying something awful, "Good… Now is good."

One arm around me he lifts the phone and works his magical mouth… Bad train of thought for work. The message on every phone is the same, "Food. Our place. Be there in ten."

He helps me pull myself together, and we walk silently to his truck.

"Listen Cath. I know this might be a bit difficult for you, but remember, these are our friends. They might not love the idea, but they'll stand by us no matter what."

When we arrive at our place, I climb out of the car, my mind focused someplace it definitely shouldn't be.

"Ready?"

I nod, take a deep breath, and walk inside. Everyone is at our usual table, and they must have ordered for us because our plates are the only two not touched.

"Hey Cath! Hey Boss!"

"Hi Greg," we both say it in unison, and I look to Gil with an amused smile.

"So Boss," Greg continues, " What's the meeting all about?"

From the chair I just pulled up, I look at Gil. Very subtly he twists his left index finger around his right ring finger. I get the hint and place my neatly folded hands on the table. No one really notices the ring, but Greg turns to take a drink. The noise he makes is indicative of someone choking, and everyone turns to look at him.

"Greggo, what the hell?"

He points directly at my hands, and they all stare in amazement.

Warrick is the first one to say something, "I can't believe it! You're getting married? Who's the lucky bastard?

Gil clears his throat and says, "Ah, that would be me."

The cheers that erupt at our table could bust out windows, and cause buildings to fall. I can finally release the breath I've been holding, our friends are happy for us!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The only person we haven't heard a peep from is Sara, not really a surprise of course. My daughter's voice snaps me out of that train thought.

"So does this mean that I can tell my friends now?"

"Yes, You can tell your friends now."

"Cool!…… Mom?"

"Hmmm."

"Do you, like, love Uncle Gil, er, Dad?"

"Of course. I'm certainly marrying him for the money, and I wouldn't marry someone if I didn't love them."

"Have you and he… uh… you know?"

I have to smirk at this, "No I don't know. Picked out my dress? Discussed a date?"

"Picked out your dress," is uttered extremely quick, "Like what color is it?"

"Stop like-ing. No I haven't picked out my dress yet. I was going to call Sara, but she needs some time before I ask her to be involved."

"Does she still love Dad?"

I smile as she refers to Gil as Dad, "Yes."

"That sucks."

"Mouth."

"Sorry, That stinks. Maybe she should start dating again, Nick likes her ya know."

"I do know. And I do believe he would be good for her, but she needs to give him a chance. Now, enough. Children under the age of 18 need to be in bed by ten thirty, go get going."

"M'kay. Night Mom."

"Night Punkin."

"When dad gets home, tell him I said good night."

"Okay," As she moves into her room, I look down at the ring on my finger. I just can't believe I'm getting married.

I hear a car door slam, and my front door opening. I softly call, "Hey honey!"

And to my surprise a female voice says, "Who you callin' honey?"

Please RR! I need someplace to go next chapter!