Title: Faith of the Heart
Author: Cindy Ryan
Paring: Sara/Grissom
Summary: Sequel to Barely Existing. Grissom takes Sara to NYC to meet the team that saved her.
Ten minutes into their carriage ride Grissom's hand closed around the jewelry box in his left jacket pocket. He'd intended to ask her over dinner but looking down at her content face now Grissom decided it might be time for a change of plans.
Grissom pulled back slightly and brushed a stray hair away from her left cheek.
Sara smiled and took his hand in hers. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."Grissom replied returning her smile. "Cold?"
Sara shook her head. "Nope."
"Good."
After a moment of silence Grissom took the jewelry box out of his pocket and pressed it into her hand.
Sara looked down at the velvet box and then back at Gil. "What's this?"
Grissom swallowed hard suddenly not sure how to proceed. "A present I hope will last us a life time."
Sara sat up and opened the lid of the box. She gasped at the simple diamond ring nestled inside.
"Is this?"Sara asked once her voice returned to full strength.
Grissom nodded. "Yes."
Sara stared down at the box not quite believing what she was seeing. She'd almost given up that she'd find somebody to care about her, to love her. Especially those dark days that she was waiting for a rescue.
Waiting for any sign of hope.
"Gil,"Sara began quietly. "You know my feelings on marriage. My family history is hardly stable."
Grissom turned to face Sara and grasped both her hands in his. "I know. I've hardly been a fan of the institution either. But I think that's our strength. We know the bad points. We can survive them."
Sara met his questioning gaze tears in her eyes. "Do you really think we have a chance at happiness?"
Grissom squeezed her hands. "Yes. I love you, Sara. When you disappeared I saw with cold clarity what my life would be like without you and I never want to experience that emptiness again."
"Gil..."
"I'd get down on my knee but there's not much room in here to do that."Grissom began as he took the box from her and removed the ring. He held it up his gaze locked on hers. "But I am asking...Sara Sidle will you agree to become my wife?"
Tears streamed unchecked down Sara's cheeks as she nodded. She jumped into Grissom's arms and laced her arms around his neck.
Grissom quickly closed his hand around the ring before he dropped it.
"Yes, Gil."Sara whispered into his neck. "Yes, I'll marry you."
His own eyes red rimmed Grissom pushed Sara back and took her right hand and placed the ring on her third finger.
"I love you."Grissom said quietly. "And I promise we'll find a way to make this work."
"I love you."Sara replied as their lips met and the carriage continued it's way through Central Park.