A/N: Congratulations to all, since School's about to begin, and tryouts for volleyball will soon take place, I present to you, an extra long chapter of Snicker goodness (at least I hope it's goodness). Hope you enjoy and please, please, please review cos I like what you think and it helps me think of what to write.
Airforceintraining
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On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful
Chapter Ten
The second day that the DC group was in Vegas, The boys took Nick out for the day so Sara, Catherine, Mia, and Sofia took the kids -Kenny, Melinda, and Lindsey- out to go shopping and to the movies.
At the Galleria Mall in Henderson, the group was sitting at a large table in the food court. The kids were talking and the adults were having their own conversation.
"So who decided that Kenny would be a cowboy?" Mia asked Sara with a grin.
Sara looked at her son who was wearing his cowboy hat on and his holster with water guns.
"Kenny Chesney," Sara smirked and they looked at her confused. "I listened to country music a lot and so Jessica decided that Kenneth would be a cute name since he's our favorite country singer who is so hot by the way."
They all chuckled.
"So he got his name that way, and when he was a baby the only way to get him to sleep was to play country music. Still can't sleep without it to this day. But he was 2 when he got a hold of the remote and turned on a station with a western movie on," Sara said. "Then he decided he wanted a hat and so on."
"He's cute," Sofia smirked.
"Can't wait till he's faced with the dress code in school where they tell him he can't wear his hat," Sara grinned.
"That would be an interesting argument," Catherine chuckled. "He talks really well for his age too. Lindsey didn't talk that good that early."
"Making up for everything else," Sara replied with a shrug.
"So, Wedding," Mia grinned. "Details on that."
Sara chuckled and they all grinned.
"How'd he do it?" Sofia asked and the story was told.
They continued talking some more and were having a good time.
"So I have to ask," Catherine smirked. "I always wanted to know and now I can. How good can Nick kiss on a scale of 1-10."
Sara got a grin on her face and was about to say something when Kenny scowled from the other end of the table.
"Don't you answer that mommy," Kenny said and they turned to him. "Cus kissin is illweasle even if it is daddy cos it's icky and no kissing."
"Illegal," The adults corrected.
"That's what I said," He replied. "No kissin."
"Sure cowboy," Sara smiled and the other girls grinned as they chuckled.
Kenny went back to eating and talking to Lindsey and Melinda.
"So?" Catherine asked Sara.
"No," Kenny cut in as Sara tried to answer.
"Later," Sara smirked and they all laughed at Kenny.
After everyone was done eating they all threw out their trash and continued shopping.
"What have you two figured out about the wedding so far?" Mia asked.
"Nothing huge," Sara answered. "We first gotta actually tell his parents, and I gotta break the news to my brother and the rest of the overprotective gang."
"You haven't told your families yet?" Catherine gaped.
"I'm not suicidal," Sara replied shaking her head. "My brother would kill me if I told him over the phone or something like that. And my step brothers would lecture me to death."
"Sounds like you're screwed," Sofia chuckled.
"Oh yeah," Sara nodded.
"Still, you all better visit though," Catherine said. "You're stealing Nicky away from us."
Sara chuckled, "That's not all I'm stealing, and apparently you all haven't been told yet."
They all stopped and looked at Sara.
"Told what?" They asked.
"Greg was talking to me the other day and said something about a blowup with Eklie," Sara said and they nodded.
"Eklie was blaming Greg for a high profile case not getting solved even though Greg had nothing to do with it," Mia replied.
"So what's the deal?" Sofia asked.
"Greg told Eklie where to put it last night," Sara answered. "And He's transferring to DC."
Jaws dropped.
"And Greggo's gonna take us out for ice cream when he gets there," Kenny grinned from Sara's arms and Melinda nodded from where she was walking with Lindsey.
"Nick and Greg are leaving?" Lindsey asked and Sara nodded. "What's DC like?"
"Lindsey," Catherine said and Lindsey shrugged.
"That'd be cool though," Lindsey replied. "White house, all those monuments and stuff. FBI? Awesome."
"I guess when you're at the wedding you'll wanna me some FBI guys then," Sara smirked and Lindsey nodded.
"Who knows though," Mia said. "If Eklie keeps going on his evil rampage against anyone who's not on his good side, DC may be getting many occupants."
Sara chuckled, "That'd be interesting."
"Well we are the number two lab in the country," Catherine grinned as they continued walking.
"Behind my lab," Sara smirked. "Cos we're so much better than you all."
"Yeah yeah, FBI lady," Mia said and they all chuckled.
In the diner where the gang used to always meet up, the boys claimed their old booth and were talking. Brass, Nick, Warrick, Greg, and Grissom were all gathered around just like old times.
"You too?" Grissom asked Greg who sighed.
"Look, Eklie was pushing it too far, and the FBI is a great offer," Greg replied.
"Yeah, Eklie is nuts lately," Brass nodded.
"So what have you and Sara decided on about the wedding?" Warrick asked Nick.
"Besides the fact that there's going to be one, nothing much," Nick replied with a sigh leaning back in his chair.
"I'm sensing something more," Brass replied.
"Sara's brother's gonna be the one to walk her down the aisle," Nick shrugged.
"Brother?" Greg asked and Nick nodded.
"Dad's out of commition thank god," Nick answered. "Maid of honor's gonna be Sara's Step-Sister who I talked to on the phone and is hillarious. Catherine, Mia, Sofia, and Sara's best friend Samantha are the bride's maids. Rather than Best man, I'm having best men and you all are taking those jobs whether you like it or not along with Jason who despite our previous encounters gave me the go ahead to propose."
"We're in," They said.
"Melinda's going to be the flower girl," Nick said then got a grin on his face. "We got her dress already and it's adorable."
They chuckled.
"Kenny's gonna be the ring bearer," Nick smiled. "And he refuses to be in the wedding wearing a suit unless his cowboy hat and holster is worn."
"My god," Warrick chuckled.
"And under no circumstances, is anyone to tell my son that there is a kiss involved in the wedding or else he'll go nuts," Nick declared and they looked at him. "Just mention me and Sara kissing or if we do in front of him and you'll see."
"Where's the wedding gonna take place at?" Grissom asked.
"Not so sure yet," Nick shrugged.
Before the conversation could progress further the girls entered the diner and gathered around the table. Kenny and Melinda sat at the end by Sara and Nick.
"How was shopping ladies?" Warrick asked.
"No room in the cars for anything else," Catherine smirked.
"Well we were just discussing the wedding," Greg said and the couple smirked.
"Really, and what has Nick told you all?" Sara asked.
"Nothing really," They shrugged.
"Well since you two haven't decided where the wedding's going to be at, where are you all thinking?" Brass asked.
"Not Vegas or DC," Sara replied getting looks. "And you told them we haven't decided?"
"Ruin the shock?" Nick smirked and Sara grinned.
"Wait so you know?" Greg asked and the couple nodded.
"Where?" Everyone asked.
"In California," Sara answered.
"In a church that's on a bluff overlooking the ocean and beach," Nick added then smirked at Sara. "Then again I don't think we really had a choice anywhere else."
"Why's that?" Catherine asked.
"There's a priest that would kill me if I thought otherwise," Sara smiled. "Knew him since I was a kid."
"Wow," Mia said. "That's cool."
"But if you talk to him, anything he says about me is something to ignore and be forgotten," Sara replied.
"I don't think so," Warrick grinned.
"So what are your two's plans after you two leave here?" Catherine asked.
"Dallas to break the news to my parents," Nick replied.
"Good luck with that," Sofia smirked.
"We'll need it," Sara and Nick said together getting grins.
Break
Well everyone said their goodbyes to Sara, Nick, and the kiddos before the 4 hopped on a plane to Dallas. During the flight, Sara had the sleeping Melinda on her lap, and Nick- a sleeping Kenny.
"So did you tell your mom that I was coming?" Sara asked.
"Nope," Nick replied.
"And that you have a son and practically a daughter when the papers are finalized in three days coming with?" Sara asked.
Nick looked down at his son who was sleeping in his arms and sighed, "Nope."
"Good," Sara smirked and Nick chuckled. "Nick this is probably the only time we can talk with the kids not listening. I know this whole this with Melinda here is happening fast and-"
"Sara," Nick cut her off. "Melinda is adorable, and I know that Jessica would want what's best for her and you're it. I'd be happy to have her as my daughter. Don't worry."
Sara sighed and looked at the girl in her arms. See, Jessica and Sara looked a lot alike. Dark brown hair, brown eyes, some joked that they were long lost sisters or something. So Melinda and Kenny looked like brother and sister. Melinda even started calling Sara mommy, but Sara made sure that Melinda didn't forget her real mother, and Melinda never did. Melinda just wanted someone to call mommy and finally she now had someone to call daddy.
"So your mom thinks it's just you coming home for Thanksgiving?" Sara asked raising an eyebrow.
"My sister Emily is picking us up, and I told her," Nick explained. "She said at least we didn't elope."
"No but we have 2 kids," Sara smirked.
"Well at least they'll see the wedding," Nick grinned and they chuckled. "Emily's the first one at our ranch. We'll be the second ones there before the rest of the siblings arrive over the next couple of days. You gonna be alright with all the people and kids?"
"Part two of my story," Sara smirked. "It may be only me and Trenton, Nick, but I have 6 Step brothers, and 4 step-sisters and all of them have at least one kid."
"Oh," Nick said surprised. "Wow."
"You'll meet them in time," Sara said. "Christmas. Then I gotta get back to work and earn some more vacation days."
"I guess we should get something for your boss," Nick proposed. "I mean, He's giving you and Jason a month to get over Jess and Mark even though you told him a couple weeks would do."
"We'll pick him up something," Sara agreed.
When the plane landed, Kenny and Melinda were still sleeping. Sara and Nick carried them off the plane and went down to the Baggage where even though it was noisy, they still slept.
"Nicky!" Someone said and Nick grinned as his sister came over.
"Hey Emily," He said, but kinda quiet seeing as Kenny's head was right by his so if he was loud he'd wake him up.
"So you must be Sara," Emily smiled.
"Nice to meet you," Sara greeted and Emily nodded.
Kenny started to wake up and lifted his head and saw Emily.
"Emily, this is my son Kenneth," Nick introduced and Emily smiled. "Kenny, this is your Aunt Emily."
"Howdy," Kenny grinned.
"Little cowboy I see," Emily smiled.
"Don't even get him started," Sara grinned.
"Let's get our bags," Nick said and they went to grab the bags.
The drive to the Stokes Ranch was filled with nice shop talk until the ranch came into sight.
"I'm gonna drop you all then head to the store so mom doesn't yell at me got it," Emily told her little brother.
"Got it," Nick nodded.
Nick shouldered his duffle bag and pulled a suitcase behind him to the front door. Kenny had a backpack with some clothes and stuff in it as he walked holding Nick's hand. Sara had another duffel bag on her shoulder and was pulling the last suitcase while Melinda also wore a backpack and held Sara's hand.
"Ready?" Nick asked and Sara smirked.
Nick rang the doorbell and his dad opened the door.
"Hey dad," Nick said.
"Nick," Bill Stokes greeted his son then saw the kids and Sara. "Well it looks as if you've brought a few people along."
"Yeah," Nick smiled.
"I'm Bill, Nick's dad," He said to Sara.
"Sara Sidle," Sara smirked then looked at Nick before turning to Bill. "Nick's fiance."
"And these two munchkins," Nick said and the two kids scowled at him making Bill grin, "are our son and daughter, Melinda and Kenneth."
The two stopped scowling at Nick and turned to Bill grinning.
"Howdy," They grinned together making Sara roll her eyes.
"Not you too Mel," Sara sighed as Melinda and Kenny grinned even brighter.
"Nice too meet you all," Bill smiled at the children. "You're lucky Nick, your mother is out right now and should be back any minute. You 4 go get your bags upstairs then we'll talk in the living room."
After the luggage was moved into Nick's large bedroom, they gathered in the living room talking while Kenny and Melinda eventually fell asleep on Sara and Nick's lap on the couch. They silenced as they heard the front door open. They saw Nick's mom, Jillian, enter and look in the living room. She stopped in the doorway not saying anything right away.
"Nicholas," She started.
"Jillian take a seat before they explain," George said and his wife sat looking at her youngest son.
"Mom, I'd like you to meet my fiance Sara Sidle, my son Kenneth, and my daughter Melinda," Nick introduced.
Jillian took one look at Kenny and Melinda before smiling, "Well it seems our family just got a little bit bigger didn't it."
Nick smiled at Sara who chuckled while looking at her sleeping son.
"If you two aren't tired from your flight, I'm about to start dinner. Any preferences?" Jillian offered.
"Anything," Nick said and then looked at Sara.
"Not a vegetatian anymore since I got pregnant so," Sara smirked.
"Being pregnant can do that to ya," Jillian smiled.
Break
The next day, Sara and Nick were sitting on the back porch talking while Kenny and Melinda played with Emily's twins who were their age. Nick was sitting on the porch swing with Sara on his lap and his hand lifted hers so he could see her engagement ring.
"Still can't believe you said yes," Nick said quietly.
"Well Jason said some things that made me think straight," Sara replied. "I'm glad I did say Yes."
"So am I," Nick smiled. "I get 2 beautiful kids out of the deal, and a beautiful wife."
"Suck up," Sara smiled and Nick chuckled putting his arms around her waist.
"Pancho!" A male voice yelled and then Nick and Sara turned to see an older looking Nick it seemed walking out on the back porch. "What's this mom's telling me about you getting yourself enga- oh hello."
He paused when he saw Nick and Sara.
"And here I thought she was lying," He smirked. "Little bro finally got himself a girl."
"Sara meet my older, annoying brother, Tobias," Nick sighed.
"Call me Toby, and how may I ask did you land yourself with that loser?" Toby asked with a smirk making Sara chuckle.
Just then Melinda and Kenny ran over to Sara and Nick.
"Daddy, Kelsey's dad said he'll take us to the stables to see the horses," Kenny said. "Can we go?"
"Yeah, can we please?" Melinda asked.
"What do you think?" Nick asked Sara who sighed.
"Please mommy," The two begged.
"Go ahead, but be careful Kenny got it," Sara said and they grinned hugging the two.
"Thanks," The kids said before taking off with Emily's kids, Kelsey and Kristian.
"That's two reasons how I landed myself engaged," Sara smirked to Toby who was shocked.
"You got yourselves kids?" Toby asked his brother shocked.
"Who got kids?" A girl asked walking out. "Whoa little bro getting with the cuddling at home, what am I missing out on?"
"Engaged and two kids," Toby told the girl.
"What!" She said.
"We gotta put up with this for every sibling you have, Nick?" Sara asked.
"Yep," Nick sighed. "My oldest sister Rachel. Rachel this is my fiance Sara."
"Uh huh, and how exactly did you two meet?" Rachel asked raising an eyebrow.
"Work," Sara answered. "We were on the same shift in Vegas at the lab until I moved to DC."
"Then how'd you two end up engaged cos I'm sure that Pancho here didn't move to DC," Toby said.
"Well I am moving there," Nick answered. "But when I realized how stupid I was, I flew out there and begged Sara here to take me back."
"And now we're engaged," Sara finished.
"With kids," Rachel said trying to comprehend this all.
"Two," Toby replied sharing the shock.
"Two?" Rachel asked.
"Kenneth and Melinda," Sara and Nick answered.
"How old?" Rachel wondered.
"Three," Sara answered.
"You two have been engaged three years?" Toby asked confused.
"That's a long story," Sara replied.
"Which won't be told now," Nick told his siblings who nodded.
"So Pancho, why'd you buzz your head?" Toby smirked and Nick sighed.
Break
Sara was upstairs with the kids while Nick was hanging out with his family downstairs. Melinda was sleeping in the kids' bed while Sara was laying down and Kenny laying next to her as she had an arm around his waist holding him close.
"Mommy?" Kenny whispered breaking the silence.
"Yeah?" Sara said her voice sounding tired.
"I can't sleep," Kenny replied.
"Why not honey?" Sara asked.
"Dunno," Kenny shrugged.
"Alright," Sara said waking up a bit more. "Close your eyes cowboy, like you're gonna sleep."
"Kay," He said and did so.
"Now relax," Sara said and Kenny took in a deep breath and let it out starting to relax.
Sara smiled at her son.
She took in a breath before she softly started singing to him, "Dragon tales and the water is wide. Pirates sail and lost boys fly. Fish bite moonbeams every night and I love you."
Sara smiled as Kenny got a small grin on his face as he started relaxing to fall asleep. Sara softly started running her fingers through her son's hair as she continued singing the lullaby.
"Godspeed little man, sweet dreams little man. My love will fly to you each night on angel's wings. Godspeed, sweet dreams. The rocket racer's all tuckered out, Superman's in oajamas on the couch. Goodnight moon will find the mouse and I love you," Sara softly sang. "Godspeed little man, sweet dreams little man. My love will fly to you each night on angel's wings. Godspeed, sweet dreams. God bless mommy and matchbox cars. God bess dad and thanks for the starts. God hears 'amen' wherever we are and I love you."
Finally Kenny fell asleep and Sara finished up the lullaby to make sure of it.
"Godspeed little man, sweet dreams little man. My love will fly to you each night on angel's wings. Godspeed, sweet dreams," Sara finished and she kissed her son's forehead before falling asleep herself.
Nick walked upstairs an hour later while everyone was still downstairs, telling them he was going to get some sleep and spend time with his fiance. He entered the room and found Sara sleeping with Kenny to one side of her, and during some time of the night, Melinda ended up on the other. Nick changed into his pajamas and then crawled into the bed pulling Melinda close to him and falling asleep next to his future, and boy was his future looking grand.