A/N: Hi Guys. Here we are with another chapter. It's been a while. Apologies as always for the wait. We'll get there in the end. Time for a little family time and to see how Sara is doing.
Thanks to Calim for the beta.
On we go…
Chapter 34
Sara smiled down at Gabe as he fell asleep in her arms with the sweetest little smile. Her lungs filled with air, and she proudly let it filter through her lips. Tipping her head in Grissom's direction, she watched as he chatted away to his daughter who was being much more active than her brother.
"You're being very frisky for Daddy," Grissom said as Hope clung onto his finger, kicked out her legs and gargled. "Yes, you are."
Sara's smile grew. "She's got an energy boost from feeding while Gabe is sleeping it off."
Grissom looked at her and reached out his free hand to squeeze hers. "Let's hope he can handle his booze better."
"Hey," Sara laughed, "a little early for that don't you think?"
"Well, it depends if they won't sleep. Sometimes I give them brandy."
Sara's eyes widened at him. "Please tell me you're joking." As he wriggled his eyebrows she pulled her hand free and lightly slapped his arm. "You get our children drunk anytime soon and I swear, Mr Grissom, you are in big trouble."
Managing to lean over the chair, he hovered his lips close to hers and softly kissed her. "I haven't taken to such drastic measures," he said when pulling back. "Yet."
Her eyes narrowed at him, and he smirked. "Well, Mister 'getting my children drunk' Grissom, would you mind grabbing the bottles so I can fill them up?"
Smirking again, he pushed himself up and grabbed the bag of bottles.
"Do you want me to put him down while you do this?" he asked, placing the bag on the table next to his wife and taking a bottle from it.
Swapping Gabe into her other arm, Sara shook her head and took the bottle from him. "No, he's okay. I should be able to manage if you can just grab me the pump."
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30 minutes later
Both babies now fast asleep, one in each parent's arms, Michael sat at the table doing a jigsaw.
"This one, Daddy?" he asked, holding up a piece.
Grissom leaned in and looked at the piece. "Try it and see," he encouraged, head tipping to Sara and giving her a wink.
Giving her husband a sweet smile, her hand gently whisked over the back of Gabe's head as he shuffled a little in her arms.
"Yay!" Michael said, clapping as the puzzle piece fit perfectly into the hole.
"See, Mike, I told you," Grissom said. "We just keep on trying until we find the right piece and then it will get easier."
"Yes," Michael agreed with a nod, picking up another piece.
Sara reached for Grissom's hand, and he looked back at her. "So much truth in that statement," she told him as Grissom smiled and squeezed her hand.
"Bottles are in the fridge," Catherine announced, entering the room. "Better make sure we don't forget them." Approaching the group, she sat down next to Claire.
"Heaven forbid," Grissom answered. "I can hear the screaming already."
"Babies not scream," Michael cut in, smiling as the jigsaw piece slotted into place.
Looking at his son, Grissom held up another piece to him. "That's because you are usually asleep when that happens and an elephant coming into the room wouldn't wake you up."
Michael's head shot up. "Elephant? We get elephant?"
The three women in the room all laughed together and Grissom slowly shook his head.
"Errr, no," he said quickly. "Not quite what I meant."
"Why not?" Catherine asked. "I'm sure you could cope with one of them as well." Grissom's eyes narrowed at her and she smirked. "You'll just need to stock up on peanuts."
Rolling his eyes, Grissom held up a finger. "Elephants eating peanuts is actually a myth and please, do not give my son ideas."
"That reminds me," Claire cut in. "We saw Tony in the park. He's invited Mike to the zoo next week if that's okay. He's taking Emily for her birthday and then she's having a party at home."
"That's nice," Sara said. "How is he?"
Claire's eyes flicked to Grissom and he cleared his throat.
"Sorry, honey," he apologised. "Tony asked how you were doing and if you felt up to him visiting, but I forgot to mention it with your therapy starting."
"That's why you have me," Claire said with a smile. "I remember everything you forget."
Sara squeezed his hand again. "I forgive you," she said softly, throwing him a slight purse of her lips before glancing at Claire. "And he can come by any time he wants."
"Great," Claire replied. "I'll let him know. I assume Mike is okay for the party?"
Michael clapped. "Party!"
Grissom scratched the back of his head. "Of course. I um… I'll um…," he began but then frowned.
Eye twitching, Sara watched him as he paused. She knew what he was thinking. Should he leave her to go with Michael or stay with her and let Claire go with him or….
"Hey," Sara cut in, tugging on his hand. "Don't worry about it now, okay? We have plenty of time to work it out."
"Okay," he breathed.
Michael looked at Grissom. "Thirsty, Daddy."
Claire got up. "I'll get you some juice," she said, grabbing a bag from the back of the stroller. "Anyone else need anything?"
"I'll have a gin and tonic if you're offering," Catherine replied.
"Oh, make that two," Sara added.
Snickering, Claire sat back down, took a cup from the bag and placed it on the table in front of Michael.
"Sadly I didn't bring any gin," she said. "But I have apple or orange juice."
"No, thanks," Sara replied holding up a hand. "I'm driving." Grissom smiled at her and she smiled back and then her nose twitched. "I think we have a smelly bum," she said, lifting Gabe a little and the growing odour confirmed her thought.
"Smelly," Michael said, picking up his juice to take a drink.
"Yes, I think baby girl may be following suit," Grissom announced getting up.
"Synchronised pooping," Catherine announced. "Now life is complete."
"Hahaha," Sara laughed.
"Do you want me to take her?" Claire asked, getting up, flinging the baby bag over her shoulder and holding out her arms.
"Thanks." Grissom passed Hope over to Claire and reached down to take Gabe from Sara. "Come on, little man, before you gas out your mother."
Catherine laughed, watching as Grissom walked across the room to join to Claire.
"So," she began. "What's this about you going home?"
Picking up the glass of water from the table beside her, she smiled at Catherine before taking a sip.
"It's a possibility," she said. "But it depends on my therapy and what type of support I'll need and whether there's enough of it."
"I don't think you'll have any problems with the support," Catherine told her.
Sara's lips pursed. "I have no doubt." Her head tipped from side to side. "Well, from certain perspectives anyway."
Grabbing her purse, Catherine took out a lip balm stick and began rubbing some over her lips. "And what perspectives are you worried about?"
Taking another drink of water, Sara put the glass down. "It's not as simple as a babysitter," she admitted.
"Too old for that, huh?" Catherine teased.
"Very funny," Sara snorted. "It's not so much the kids I'm worried about. With me at home that makes their lives a little easier." Her eyes flicked to Grissom to check he was still occupied before continuing. "It's me."
Catherine frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I'm always going to need someone around. For now, anyway. Some medical care will be needed at home, too. Plus transporting me to and from the hospital and anywhere else. And Gil is already concerned about how much time he's had off work and we both know he can't be off forever."
Sara paused as Michael got up and shuffled over to Catherine who picked him up and placed him on her knee.
"Mommy's coming home soon," he said happily, looking up at Catherine.
Smiling back at him, Catherine returned her attention to Sara. "Between family, friends and the lab, there is more support than you will ever need. I promise, we'll work it out."
Feeling a happy chill run down her spine, Sara smiled back to her friend, her head tipping towards her husband as he approached.
"One nice and clean munchkin," he announced, holding out Hope to her.
Smile growing, Sara took her daughter. "Thank you, sir," she said chirpily.
Grissom glanced at Michael as he shuffled from Catherine's lap and took his hand.
"Wee wee, Daddy," he said.
Eyes flicking back to Sara, he shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I guess we may as well complete the trifecta."
"Ha," Sara returned. "Let's just hope they are just as happy to do things together when they are older."
"Come on, then," he said to Michael after throwing Sara a wink. "Then we can finish your jigsaw."
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An hour later the babies were back in their strollers, and it was time to leave. A point in the visit that Michael hated. He always did.
"Don't want to go," he complained, clinging onto the arm of the wheelchair. "Why not stay?"
With her heart feeling a little heavy, Sara reached out and softly clasped her son's cheek.
"Because you need to help Daddy with your brother and sister remember? And if you stay, then Daddy needs to stay and who would look after the babies if you are both here?"
Michael thought for a second. "Why not babies stay, too?"
Letting out a gentle sigh, Sara's eyes flicked to Grissom who was biting down on his lip. This moment was always difficult for the both of them.
"Because," Sara began, "as we've said before, this isn't the best of places to be looking after babies, honey. There are lots of germs and Hope and Gabriel are still very, very small. Plus, there are other patients here and your brother and sister can be very noisy. We wouldn't want to disturb other people."
Even though he looked a little sad, Michael nodded
Sara crooked a finger at him. "Give Mommy a kiss."
Leaning in, they shared a gentle kiss and Sara smiled. "I want you to do something for mommy, okay?"
Grissom's eyebrows soared. Oh, he knew that voice. That was her crafty voice. As Michael nodded, Sara pointed his way.
"I want you to help Daddy and Claire pick out a birthday present for Emily to take to her party. And then when I see you again, you can tell me what you chose."
Now Michael nodded enthusiastically. "Back tomorrow?"
"As long as Mommy's therapy goes okay then, yes. Gabriel needs to go for his tests, so you can help Mommy, Claire and Uncle Nick look after Hope while Daddy does that."
"Yes, yes!"
Sara laughed as Michael bounced up and down.
"Nick's going to love you getting him all excited already," Grissom chuckled, holding out his hand to his son. "Come on Mister. Go and help Aunt Catherine and Claire take the babies to the car while I say goodbye to Mommy."
"Bye, Mommy," Michael said waving as Grissom handed him off to Catherine and he took her hand.
"Cath!" Sara called as they group headed for the door. Catherine turned around and Sara flashed her a smile. "Thanks," she said sincerely.
"Always," Catherine replied, throwing a smile back before she followed Claire pushing the stroller through the door.
Still smiling as she looked at her husband, Sara held out her hand and he took it.
"You okay?" Grissom asked.
"Yeah. Always hard saying goodbye."
His head tipped towards the door. "What was that about?"
Sara frowned. "What?"
"You and Catherine."
Looking down at his hand, she ran her thumb over his. "Just a little reassurance about me going home." Her head lifted and she tugged him down so they were nose to nose. "I love you," she whispered.
He smiled as his lips edged closer to her. "Love you, too."
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One week later.
Sara was nervous. So much so she'd barely slept. Today could very well determine how quickly she could move forward with her recovery and ultimately, whether she could go home sooner rather than later.
The water therapy had been going well to a point they were now considering whether it may be time to start movement. That made every single nerve ending in Sara's body tingle. But, she knew, the sooner they tried, the sooner she would know where she was at with the chances of walking again.
Today, there would be X-rays and a thorough examination of her legs which might include attempted movement and a discussion about ramping up therapy to the next step.
Swallowing as her throat became dry at that thought, she continued to look through the window in her room, attempting to clear her mind and think positive. And in all fairness, it had been a positive week.
The days weren't dragging as much as they had. With the new therapy adding activities to her day and the prospect of going home occupying her mind, Sara felt a new wave of energy and optimism that she clung onto every second that she could. It beat being miserable and angry that's for sure.
Gabe's routine tests on his heart had revealed no new problems. Such an immense relief always hit her when the results came with good news. Nothing was worse than the thought of your children having a life-threatening issue. Yes, the risk was now minimal but there was still that risk.
Tony had stopped by to say hello. It had been very nice to see him as it had been a long while. He held a very special place in their hearts since he'd risked his own life to save theirs a few short years ago.
They'd talked about the children and the possibility of Sara going home and he'd made it clear that whatever they needed, he would see it done.
Pulling in a deep breath, she slowly let it out then smiled when she heard the footsteps. Not long afterwards, his gentle hands were on her shoulders.
"Good morning," Grissom greeted.
Smile remaining, Sara glanced over her shoulder. "Good morning," she returned."
Her eyes fluttered closed as his lips softly brushed over hers. She loved her morning kiss. Well, she loved any kiss that came from this man.
"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked when their lips parted.
Spinning herself around to face him, Sara tipped her head from side to side "Okay, I guess.… Very nervous but…." She paused on a heavy swallow then sighed.
Slipping the bag he was carrying from his shoulder, he pulled up a chair and sat beside her. As he took her hand, they gazed at each other. There were no words of 'it's going to be okay'. They'd done all that and she was glad he didn't say it. And, as much as they could they had come to except what happened, happened, and they would get through it together.
"How are my three little terrors this morning?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Mike is bouncing off the walls about the party later."
Sara chuckled. "I bet. A trip to the zoo and lots of sugar. He's going to be fun later."
Grissom snorted. "We might have to ask if he can use the pool to burn off the sugar."
Smiling again, Sara squeezed his hand. "You're not still upset you couldn't take him, are you?"
With a twitch of his nose, Grissom ran his free hand across his beard.
"A little but he understands today is a very important day for you and I'm so very proud of him for that."
"Yeah," Sara agreed. "Just typical the days clashed." Grissom nodded. "I'll tell you what."
His eye twitched. "What?"
"When I get out of medical jail, we'll take him to the zoo together and then we can all enjoy it."
Returning her smile, Grissom nodded again. "I like that idea and I know Mike will, too."
She tugged him close and kissed him. "Good."
"I have something for you," he said, reaching for the bag he'd brought.
"Oh?" she said with curiosity.
Pulling out a folder, he handed it to her and her lips pursed as she flipped it open.
Looking down she saw a drawing and a lump formed in her throat as she glanced over it. And then as a tear formed, she looked up at her husband.
Giving her the most loving smile he pointed at the picture and each person in turn.
"You, me, Mike and the babies at the zoo. Mike made it for you when I told him we will take him together when you leave the hospital."
As a tear slipped down her cheek, Sara laughed. "Are you reading my mind? I just said that."
Reaching out, he gently wiped away the tear. "I know," he said softly. "And Mike knows that we both want to be there today, but he understands why we can't. I thought it was important that you knew that."
Sniffing hard, Sara felt her heart swell. So young, yet he was already so very intelligent and understanding. Letting out a long sigh she ran her finger over the picture and then realised something.
"I'm standing in this picture."
Grissom nodded with a smile. "You sure are. Mike believes, too."
Inhaling deeply, Sara nodded. "Then I guess I better not let anyone down."
He squeezed her hand. "I'm sure you won't."
Another smile found Sara's lips and she held up the picture. "Can we get a frame for this? I'd like to make sure it doesn't get damaged."
"Sure."
"Good," Sara answered and then her eyes flicked to the doorway as Steven appeared. Feeling her tummy cramp, she looked back at Grissom. "I think it might be time to get started."
Squeezing her hand one more time he leaned close. "Let's go knock the ball out the park."
A/N: Will there be a home run or will Sara get struck out? :P
