Disclaimer: Since it's Christmas, I'll let all my reviewers have Greg, Nick, Grissom, Warrick, Catherine, or Sara to do with as you want for an hour…If only I owned them. Which I don't.

A/N: Oh my gosh- time and time again, I am shocked by how well this story is doing! I can't believe that I'm up to 442 reviews! And it's thanks to y'all. Anyways, I'm glad you like the last chapter, and I hope you'll like this one as much- maybe enough to review so that I can get up to 500? Author looks hopefully at everyone Maybe? Hee hee. Oh, a couple of people asked me what my favorite pairings are. Honestly, I like, and have read, everything. Sara/Greg is one of my favs, as is Catherine/Grissom. I'm also a big fan of Warrick/Sara. As for Grissom/Sara, I don't really believe it's plausible at all. He had his chance, and blew it, and I don't think he's really that good for Sara, but I still like to read them. I've also read odd pairings like Hodges/Nick, Sara/Brass and Greg/Gil, and I like some of those I've read too. Nick/Sara and Warrick/Catherine are always good too. So there you have it, I like practically everything. Again, as long as it's well written. Also, how do I get my story nominated for an award? Just curious- cause I want one! An award that is, lol! So now without further blah-ing, the chappie!

A Marriage of Convenience

Chapter Seventeen

"Okay, are you sure that everything's ready, because they should be here any minute," Sara asked Greg, rushing around frantically to make sure everything was in order.

"Who cares?" Was his flippant reply as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, capturing her lips in a kiss, effectively silencing her.

"A kiss is a lovely task designed by nature for when words become superfluous," Sara quoted with a sigh, pulling back. "Okay, I'll chill."

"Good. Have I told you that you look radiant and magnificent and angelic tonight?"

"Yes, but it never hurts to hear it again," she laughed, but it was cut off by the doorbell ringing.

Her hands flew up to check her hair before going to her pants to smooth out invisible wrinkles. The party tonight was a formal dinner party, at Catherine and Sara's request. Both were suckers for seeing the guys dressed up. Greg had once again pulled out his tuxedo, which was a bit over the top as it was only formal, and not black-tie, but that's Greg for you. Sara had decided on something a little different from a dress or skirt. She was wearing a pair of loose black silk pants, with flowing overlays that swirled around her legs as she walked. As for her top, she had on a Thai silk blouse in a striking shade of dark purple. The long sleeved blouse had a wrap-over design, tying on the left, and flattered her figure quite nicely.

"Archie!" Greg shouted gleefully as he pulled open the door and pulled him inside with a quick hug.

"Hey Greggo, Mrs. Greggo," Archie teased. "I pity you, I really do."

"Yeah, me too. Hey, tell you what, we'll throw a pity party for everyone who had to deal with Greg," Sara laughed.

"Oh no, don't even start!" Greg stomped his foot like a little child. "You and my sister ganged up on me over Christmas, and I'm not going to let you corrupt my friends."

"Hate to break it to you, but we're already corrupted, even if we're not your friends" Hodges interjected, coming inside through the door that had been left open. "For you Sara, as hostess."

"Thanks Hodges," Sara gave him a hesitant smile as she took the flowers and went to put them in a vase. He had been invited because they didn't want to leave anyone out, but she hadn't really thought he'd come. Needless to say, she was a little surprised to see him, and with a proper hostess gift no less. Most people forgot the societal niceties.

"So what is this, a free for all?" Catherine knocked on the frame before strutting in. "Leaving the door open like that, you're asking for trouble to walk right in. And speak of the devil."

"Happy New Year!" Grissom greeted as he walked in with Brass, followed closely by David and his wife Ashley, who was looking very pregnant at seven months.

"Hey guys, welcome," Greg waved happily. "Drinks are in the TV room."

"And there's plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks there too!" Sara called after them as she closed the door, only to have to re-open in a few minutes later to let Warrick and Mia in, with Jacqui and Bobby not far behind.

"All right, the gang's all here," Archie smiled brightly looking around. "Well except Nick. But he's always late."

"I guess it's a good thing I told him to be here at seven instead of seven thirty then, isn't it?" Sara laughed. "He should be here within the next five minutes hopefully."

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, bringing a round of laughter from everyone as Sara went to get the door for the last time. Doc Robbins and his wife had declined the invitation, as had the other couple of lab techs she and Greg had invited. Opening the door, Sara stared in surprise. In front of her was Nick, but he wasn't alone. Standing next to him proudly, if a bit nervous looking, was who Sara assumed to be Layla Mackenzie. She was rather pretty- her dark coppery brown hair clipped back from her face, highlighting her eyes. She was wearing a simple dark blue spaghetti strap dress that came to her knees, paired with some low heels.

"Hey Sara, are you going to just stand there all night or can we come in?" Nick joked.

"Oh yeah, of course, sorry," she leaned in and pecked him on the cheek and smiled at Layla.

"Hi, I'm Sara Sanders, it's nice to meet you," she held her hand out.

"Layla Mackenzie," Layla replied, a soft Texas twang coming through.

"My fiancé," Nick announced softly, but with obvious love and pride.

"Oh wow, congratulations," Sara managed after a minute, than gave Nick a look that clearly said he had some explaining to do.

"Thank you, and I hope it's no problem for me to just show up like this, since I'm not technically invited," Layla apologised, drawing Sara's attention away from her silent conversation with Nick.

"Oh really, it's no problem," she was quick to assure her with a smile. "Now why don't you come on into the living room and meet everyone else?"

"Hey Nick!" Greg called out as the three of them entered the room. "Who's the lovely lady?"

"Everyone," Nick called out, capturing their attention. "I would like to introduce you to Layla Mackenzie, my fiancé. I took a leaf out of Sara and Greg's book and proposed on Christmas Eve. It seemed silly to wait when I knew I loved her, and probably always had."

A flurry of congratulations was yelled out as everyone began coming over to greet the newly engaged couple. Sara caught Greg's eye and moved towards him, weaving through the group. Reaching him, she allowed herself to be wrapped up in his arms and pulled onto his lap in the arm chair he was sitting on. Happily accepting a kiss, she turned to watch everyone.

"He's happy, isn't he?" she sighed with contentment, settling back against him, her head resting against his.

"I would say so," he replied, moving a hand up to run his fingers through her hair. "They look a lot like us I think."

"Happy and in love? Yeah, I agree. Just so long as she isn't pregnant," Sara gave a quiet laugh. "I don't think Mama and Papa Stokes would be too happy with their baby boy."

"No, definitely not," Greg replied, also laughing quietly.

"I love you," Sara whispered, resting her forehead against his as he interlaced his hand with hers, holding them close to his heart.

"I know. That's the most incredible part. I know you do. And I love you too," he whispered back, and leaned his head in to kiss her.

Just as he kissed her, a bright flash went off, causing them to pull back, embarrassed.

"Sorry, but you two are just so cute," Catherine smirked, holding her digital camera.

"I think we can find it in our hearts to forgive you, just as long as you print a copy for us," Sara said, standing up. "Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I'm hungry, so let's eat!"

Everyone laughed and chimed in their agreement, and moved to sit down at the table. Well, actually two tables pushed together, but it served the same purpose. Dinner went well, and quickly, with lots of great conversation. Hodges surprised everyone by being almost friendly and talkative. After dinner they moved down into the TV room to play some games. Trivial Pursuit was the first one to be played, in teams, and Grissom and Catherine won that hands down. The second game they played, funnily enough, was clue, again in teams. Hodges and Jacqui won that, which caused all the lab techs to do an impromptu group-victory dance.

"All right everyone, it's a minute to midnight, so grab someone for a kiss," Catherine yelled out. "If you don't end up with a partner, you'll still get a kiss on the cheek from one of us lovely ladies, so have no fear!"

"Oh great, just what I wanted," Hodges muttered to Greg. "A kiss on the cheek from an inebriated Catherine."

"Hey, I'm sure there're plenty of guys who would," Greg laughed before pulling Sara close to his side. "Ready?"

"Of course you goof," she laughed, then joined in with the countdown.

"5…4…3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEARS!" Everyone yelled out.

Sara gave Greg a quick kiss before pulling back, wanting to see who all kiss who. Some of them were obvious; Nick and Layla, Warrick and Mia, and David and Ashley. Sara watched with a bit of surprise as Catherine pulled Grissom to her and planted one on him, which he didn't seem at all opposed to. Jacqui was blushing and standing next to a smiling Bobby. Sara laughed as she watched Catherine move to Brass and kiss him too, but on the cheek only. Noticing Archie and Hodges standing nearby, she walked over.

"Happy New Year guys," Sara gave them a smile before leaning in and giving them both a kiss on the cheek.

"You too," Archie looked shocked, then a grin spread across his face. "HA, beat that everyone! Sara kissed me!"

"Yeah well, she married me, so there," Greg stuck his tongue out at Archie, but ruined the childish effect by tripping over his feet and falling to the floor.

Of course, everyone burst out laughing, and at first Greg looked put out, but he soon joined in. The next hour passed with more drinking and talking, and sharing New Year's resolutions. A little after one, David and Ashley left, and over the next hour, everyone else headed home till only Nick and Layla were left. Currently, Greg and Layla were competing to see who was the ultimate racer in some video game. Sara was watching from her seat on the steps, Nick next to her.

"When are you planning on getting married?"

"You know, I really have no idea," Nick chuckled. "I think we're going to wait a while, maybe the fall. I kinda rushed into the whole engagement thing."

"Maybe a little, though I'm really not one to talk."

"True, true. But yeah, seriously. We're going to wait a while. We've got a lot to settle. She has her apartment back home to sell in time, and I have mine to sell too. We want a big family, so we need to find a decent house to live in, and she also needs to find a job, and just everything. How did you two manage to do it all?"

"Like you said earlier, I really have no idea," she sighed happily, leaning against him. "We really just kinda have dealt with that as we've gone. I mean, of course it was a little easier since we both had our jobs here and everything. And Greg had the townhouse while I had an apartment, so that wasn't too hard to figure out. It was also lucky for me that my lease renewal was coming up about a week after we got married. So I just moved everything out and over here."

"Lucky."

"Yeah, I am. I've got a great guy," she looked over at Greg, a soft smile on her face.

"I hope this new Sara sticks around. Love looks good on you."

"Just like it does on you. Layla's a great girl."

"She is, isn't she? Though I'm probably a little partial," Nick looked over where Greg had just thrown his hands up in a gesture of victory.

"I lost, can you believe it!" Layla shouted over, letting Greg pull her to her feet.

"Well, I bet I can find a nice consolation prize," Nick said, leaning in to kiss her. He looked confused when she held up her hand to stop him.

"Sor-sor-sorry," she got out through a yawn. "I think the alcohol's kicking in. I'm feeling sleepy all of a sudden."

"Well I guess that's our cue to walk you all to the door," Greg nodded, leading the way upstairs and into the front hall.

"This was a lot of fun, and your cooking was excellent Sara," Nick complimented, embracing her and kissing her on the cheek.

"Yeah, thanks a lot for just being so welcoming, especially since I'm new," Layla smiled.

"Hey, you're with Nick, so you're automatically part of the family, though that's not necessarily a good thing," Sara laughed, hugging the smaller woman.

"Thanks for coming," Greg yelled out the door, waving them off as they climbed into their car.

"Well, as much fun as that was, I think it'll be our last for a while," Sara said with a yawn as she turned to survey the mess. Not a lot, but still some tidying up to do.

"Yup. With the baby coming, I don't want you to be stressed about anything," Greg came over and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Now to bed, for all three of us."

"But-"

"Cleaning will wait till morning, I promise," Greg interrupted, and began pushing her upstairs and into the bedroom to sleep without another word of protest.

OooOooOooO

A/N: Okie dokie, that's it for the chappie. It's all party! Fun, fun, fun. I like Hodges. Once I finish this story, I'll probably work on posting a Hodges story. Hope you liked this chappie. I thought it was just kinda fun to see some of the interactions between them all. And Nick's engaged! You can all thank Mrs. Rhett Butler for the character Layla- isn't she cool? Perfect for Nicky. Anyways, get your tissues ready, cause I have some sad news- the next chapter is the last one. It will wrap up with the babies and a few other fun little details. And no, I'm sorry, but there won't be a sequel. So that's it, and review if you like- I wanna see how many reviews I can wind up with! Final chappie up within two weeks.