Chapter 7: All Good Things:
A/N: This is the last chapter folks and the quickest update ever. But the muse is hot, my hubby is out playing racquetball, and my 5 year old is in the tub with Orca rescue.
Eight Months After Everyone Finds Out. One Year After Nick's Rescue.
Sara stood in the dressing room of The Episcopal Methodist Church, trying to smooth the folds of her dress and remain calm, while Catherine put the finishing touches on her hair. A year ago, Sara would not have been able to decide which statement she would have a harder time believing; that she would marry Warrick in one year, or that Catherine would be her maid-of-honor.
After Catherine apologized for causing the scene in the break room, Sara was gracious enough to accept her apology. Sara had also told Catherine that she was tired of the two of them not getting along, and that they should really do something about it. So they went to a couple's counselor, since the two of them spent more time together than some married people do, even the happily married ones. It was three months and lots of tissues, but the women made a breakthrough and began working out their issues. Three months after Warrick and Sara announced they were living together, he was ready to propose, and Catherine was the one who helped him choose the antique platinum engagement ring that would suit Sara. She also took Sara dress shopping, which was an adventure in itself. She remembered taking Sara to shop after shop and giving her elegant sheath dresses to try on, thinking that would be what Sara would want, and getting exasperated as she would shrug non-committally at each one. Finally, with more blushing than the time Grissom and Catherine caught Sara and Warrick, 'investigating' the backseat of a suspect's car, Sara admitted to Catherine that she always wanted a big, puffy meringue gown. Laughing and swatting the girl, Catherine reminded Sara that since she was the bride she could have any dress she wanted. So, Sara stood in a dress with a portrait neckline that showed off her elegant neck and collarbones with off the shoulder puffed short sleeves. The dress had beading and gold embroidery shot through the cream color of the bodice, where it tapered off to full tulle skirt. Sara wore cream colored flats shot with gold as well. Catherine smiled remembering the grin on Sara's face as she laughed and spun around in the dress. Wanting to keep with the princess theme, Catherine even found the girl a small tiara to go with the veil, which she deftly fastened into Sara's hair. Looking wonderful herself in a dress of creamy soft gold, Catherine hugged Sara and kissed her. "Cookie, you look beautiful." Sara laughed hearing Catherine address her with Brass' endearment. However, soon after Sara and Warrick announced their relationship, Catherine and Brass deepened their friendship into a tender love of their own. The two of them might have seemed an odd pair, the tough talking Jersey Cop and the sleek former stripper, but they provided a great balance for each other. Also Brass was great with Lindsay. He saw her as the second chance he never thought he would get, and Lindsay found Brass to be a calming influence. So happy were Brass and Catherine that they were planning to elope in a few weeks.
Sara heard the beginning strains of The Wedding March. She peeked out the door to see Lindsey and Greg walk down the aisle together. Sara had grown close to Lindsey as well, and made her a bridesmaid, and Greg was thrilled to be included as well. Nick, acting as best man, was at the altar with Warrick, both looking fine in their tuxes, with Warrick looking especially dapper in a vest and tails, in cream and shot with gold. There was a shadow at the door, as Brass came to claim the honor of walking Sara down the aisle. Brass kissed Catherine and then took Sara by the hand. "Cookie, you have never looked lovelier." Sara smiled and heard the soloist break out into 'Ave Maria'. Sara loved this church. After her brunch with Grams, Sara and Warrick joined the church, and they both joined the choir. Sara had also begun working with the church on a mentoring program for teens and those who graduated from the foster system. As Catherine walked down the aisle, she was followed by Francique, the foster child that Grams had took in. At ten, Francique was thrilled to be a flower girl and wear a pink dress, and throw rose petals.
Sara and Brass appeared and began their walk down the aisle. The crowd gasped at Sara's beauty and the smiles beaming from her and Brass' faces. When she reached the end of the aisle, she stood facing her love, her Warrick, who with shaking hands lifted the veil from her face. He leaned over and kissed her right then, and the minister gently admonished Warrick for jumping ahead. The service began and went smoothly. It was time for Grissom to do the homily. Grissom read from Matthew 7: about the Wise Man who Built his House on the Rock and The Foolish Man who Built his House on the Sand. "In our line of work, we see the results of people who foolishly build their relationships, their houses on the shift sands of lust, or convenience or a simple desire not to be alone. Warrick and Sara have built their house on the rock of mutual respect, and friendship that without them knowing or suspecting had grown into love. They came together out of tragedy, but built their relationship out of love. I know them, and I know that they are the embodiment of Fate, of Kismet, of things that are meant to be. I wish every blessing upon them and every happiness." With that speech, not a dry eye remained in the church.
The minister began with the vows, and Sara and Warrick repeated the traditional vows to love, honor and cherish each other. 'Obey' was not an option. After being pronounced husband and wife they kissed passionately, and the congregation broke into massive applause.
After the ceremony, the reception was held at the House of Blues, where the crowd feasted on ribs, macaroni and cheese, catfish and many southern delicacies that Sara had developed a taste for. Sara and Warrick danced all night, mostly together, although Sara was claimed for a dance with every member of the team, from Greg, to Doc Robbins, who despite his crutch, could hustle with the grace of a man half his age with both his legs. Sara also danced with Grissom, who as promised kissed the bride. Finally the reception ended and Sara and Warrick ended up at the Honeymoon Suite of the Bellagio, courtesy of Grissom.
One Year and One Day Later, Two Years and One day after Nick's Rescue:
The team sat in the waitng room, doing a poor impersonation of people calmly waiting.
"Jeez, whined Nick, "How long does it take to have a baby?" Catherine and Grams both swatted him on his head. "It takes as long as it takes Nicky." The group continued to wait and enjoy the vending machine buffet. Not soon enough, Warrick came out to the waiting room, looking exhausted and exhilarated. "It's a girl. 8 pounds 10 ounces, 21 inches long. She and Sara are doing great." Brandishing a digital camera, he grinned "Who wants a look?" The group gathered around and cooed over Sara and the baby. Warrick took Grams by the hand, and hugged and kissed her, "Grams, there is someone I would like you to meet."
Warrick and Grams walked into the delivery ward, and into Sara's room, where Sara was cradling her infant and humming 'baby mine'. Grams rushed up and Sara handed her the baby. Warrick came around and took Sara's hand. "Grams, I want you to meet, Ella Gardenia Brown. Ella, I want you to meet your Great-Grams." The tree sat there staring at the baby, a perfect trio of family love.
Soon the rest of the team filed in, breaking hospital rules, but the nurses were friendly with the crime people and decided to make an exception. Hugs and Kisses were exchanged all around, as the gang looked with love at the newest member of the Crime Lab Family. Ella simply cooed and gurgled.
The End
A/N: Well I all hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing. I know some of you will need to brush your teeth and check your blood sugar since this chapter was so sweet and fluffy.
In about a week I will have the first chapter of my next W/S story up. Working title is "Not Kidding". It will be pretty fluffy and romantic as that is what I like/