Writing on a Blank Slate
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI.
Rating: M for content of other chapters.
A/N: As they used to say in the cartoons "that's all folks!" LOL! Actually, I do have another fic planned that will fill in a few more of the blanks between this one and 'Familiar Strangers'.
Chapter 26: Epilogue
It would be easy to say that they lived happily ever after, but real life doesn't work like that. Nick and Sara didn't reach one perfect moment, to be frozen forever like an insect in amber. Instead, they lived and were happy, and the perfect moments came, unbidden, amidst the thousands of imperfect moments that make up a life lived together.
After Canada, they ended up in Vermont, where they spent the winter working in a small hotel in a ski resort. It was there that Sara realized she was pregnant. She was nervous. Nick was thrilled.
When the ski season ended they left Vermont, turning inland when they realized that otherwise they were going to end up in New York City. And one day, quite by chance, they stopped off in a small town. The Ford's engine, which had carried them faithfully over so many miles, was once again in need of repairs, so they made up their minds to stop for a few days.
It was while Sara was exploring the town on one of her solitary walks that it hit her that this could be home. The next day, after a chance conversation with the sheriff in the local diner, Nick found himself employed as the county's newest deputy. That settled it. They stayed.
They bought the old house on the hill. It's big, with five bedrooms, but kind of run-down; perfect for a growing family and a mother who has made home renovation her project for the foreseeable future.
The others visit them. Greg was the first, cheerfully throwing himself into helping Sara with her latest plans.
Catherine brought Lindsay, who spent the first three days whining about how much she missed Las Vegas, and the rest of her stay whining about how she didn't want to go home.
Warrick brought Tina, who was lovely.
Nick's family visited too, and welcomed Sara with open arms. They've been down to Texas a couple of times, but, what with the kids and a growing menagerie of pets, they mostly stay home.
The second time Greg visited, there were shadows in his eyes that hadn't been there before and he asked Nick whether the town needed another deputy. He was only half-joking.
Grissom still hadn't visited.
It isn't all perfect, of course. Sara took up photography and started working at the local mechanics, but she also started going to counseling. Nick loves his new job and his new family, but he has trouble leaving the kids with baby-sitters. They're getting through it. They get through it every day.
Life, as they say, goes on.