"Mmmm… woman, you're doing things to me," he said in a whisper as he stared intently in her eyes.
"The feeling's mutual. Actually I think the scales are tipped more my way… Unlike a certain someone who had a honeymoon not long ago, it's been quite a while since I've had… uh, this much fun," she uttered in a sultry whisper as she undressed him with her eyes.
"Hey, I thought you never looked back," he scolded at Catherine's comparison.
"Anyway, you're in NO condition to have the kind of fun I think you're implying, Ms. Thing," he said seductively with a wink.
"Honey, it's basically a shoulder shot. Besides, any man who can kiss me like that while I'm in a hospital bed –I think it's well worth a try," she shot back as she raked her fingers from his back to his lateral abs.
The sensation and Catherine's playfulness made Warrick laugh quietly. He slid his hands down and held her hands firmly, yet tenderly, in place. He looked over at Lindsey and confirmed she was still sleeping soundly.
"Any man would be lucky if you let them kiss you, no matter what the location. I woulda been happy in the sewer. –Damn that Streets & Sanitation worker! But all in due time I guess," he chuckled as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
There was a knock on the door, but the visitors didn't wait for a response before entering. However, the knock was sufficient warning for the happy new couple. Warrick smiled adoringly at Catherine as he left her bedside and slumped into the recliner.
In entered Brass and Sophia. Not much more time passed before others visited. If Catherine ever doubted the effect she had on people, her fears were subsided by all the adoration she received in visits, gifts and flowers.
Archie and Greg came back with gifts they promised for Lindsey, all which deeply touched Cath.
Nick and Sara returned with flowers and glowing countenances: They wouldn't allude to anything but something was obvious between the two.
Grissom arrived with Lily in tow and a stuffed piggy to compliment the carcass he had once given her.
Sam Braun returned and Lily managed to behave civilly which was the best gift Cath could've asked for.
Catherine had once wanted Sam Braun permanently out of her life but after recent events, she decided everyone needed a second chance. Cath told Sam she'd take things slow but would work on reestablishing their relationship.
Lindsey awoke and enjoyed all the attention being lavished on herself and her mother.
One year later…
As horrendous as the ordeal was, it provided Warrick, Catherine and Lindsey a much needed wake up call. And though Catherine had always swore she'd never look back, Warrick convinced her to host a gathering celebrating their survival and second chance.
The team had long disbanded with the new romances that ensued that fateful night, but they worked at remaining the family they always were.
Shortly after returning to work, Catherine received the much coveted role of day shift supervisor… Ecklie's replacement (when he had been appointed director) had left for personal reasons: he personally couldn't deal with working for Ecklie. As for Catherine, Ecklie's micromanagement afforded her much time with Lindsey so she took it in stride. The switch in shifts limited her time with Warrick but they made it work.
Warrick had moved in. His stay started innocently: He had promised to stay as long as Lindsey needed him to –Lindsey's fears subsided relatively soon but it was apparent that she still needed him there, as did Catherine. Then one morning during Cath's recovery, Warrick didn't make it back out to the living room sofa before Lindsey awoke. Catherine convinced him that her daughter was well aware that he wasn't sleeping on the sofa and told him the right nightstand was his. He brought his things over the same day.
Lindsey was overjoyed: Warrick was home in the afternoons when she arrived from school and Catherine returned from work a few hours before Warrick had to leave. Lindsey would go over homework and discuss her day with Warrick. The two usually would also make dinner. Lindsey then would fill Catherine in as they cleaned up after Warrick's departure or if pertinent enough, during dinner itself.
Dinners more than made up for the change in breakfast: It was seldom that Lindsey had her mom's famous cheese omelets. She giggled at how busy the grownups bedroom sometimes sounded in the early mornings. Lindsey contently devoured her instant breakfasts and made silent hasty escapes to school.
Nicky became Catherine's senior CSI to avoid any other impropriety on the grave yard shift. Greg had the hardest time with the adjustment until he had an admirer of his own: The new DNA tech, Wendy. But after 8 months of dating, to everyone's surprise, Nick and Sara broke it off.
Grissom's team now consisted of Warrick as his senior CSI, then Sara, Greg and Sophia rounding out the team. Sophia disliked the law enforcement side, and the changes within the team provided her an opportunity to return to CSI. Her past work and work on Lindsey's case smoothed over the trouble waters she thought she had with the team.
So many changes took place. Rightfully so, after the life altering events they had all endured. Yet there were still occasions that required them to work on the same cases but they also worked on staying close outside of work as well, which was the only real reason Catherine gave into Warrick's request of a 'memorial gathering'.
It sounded like a reasonable enough request. Catherine never suspected that it was a set up for a marriage proposal. Warrick did, however, fill in the rest of the team and Lindsey. He had talked to Sam and Lily before working on Cath to set up the day. To his surprise, he had both of their blessings. The decision wasn't difficult for Sam or Lily; it was obvious how happy Warrick made Catherine and Lindsey.
What proved to be difficult was the gathering with everyone together. Warrick had to orchestrate the lab to where everyone could meet, if just for a few hours; And without Catherine suspecting. Warrick was a man on a mission, and for the most part, had the backing of everyone at the lab so he succeeded. The gathering would have the original team and include Brass, Sophia, Greg, Archie, Doc Robbins and wife for all or at least part of the evening.
It did cross her mind once, to question how Warrick got everyone together, but Catherine had become used to his determination and resourcefulness so she dismissed the thought as such.
The gathering was a potluck which turned out terrifically, everyone enjoying at least the one dish they had brought themselves, or more. They assembled in the kitchen and adjoining dining area. Some stood while some sat; the gathering was anything but formal. After all, they were family.
Warrick and Lindsey had made a variety of cupcakes; each guest was to receive one special to them. Catherine found nothing unusual about their culinary adventure; it was almost a daily occurrence between the two. But before everyone could dig into dessert, Lindsey shot up.
"Warrick's gonna play something on his guitar for us first," the young girl spoke excitedly.
Everyone looked around with a smirk, unnoticed by Catherine. She was too busy trying to clean up the plates. She called to Lindsey as she moved between guests.
"Lindsey, I don't think it would take long for everyone to eat their cupcakes, Sweetheart."
"Oh let her have her song Cath, it sounds like fun," Lily chimed in.
"Yeah, let her have her song," Sam sounded off.
"Fine, fine. As long as you all want to wait on your cupcakes," Cath gave in.
Everyone agreed. Lindsey dragged out his guitar. The scene was not unusual for Catherine to witness. Yet, even though the sight was familiar, it always brought a smile to her lips. Cath couldn't help but revel in the glory of the wonderful relationship that Warrick and her daughter had.
Warrick took his guitar from Lindsey, looking at everyone slightly embarrassed.
"Let's go out to the living room," he said as he slipped the strap over his shoulder and walked into the living room.
He began to strum something as he waited for everyone to filter in from the kitchen and dining area.
"I'ma pass out the cupcakes while Warrick plays," Lindsey shot in and announced.
"Oh no Honey, cupcakes are messy," Catherine called at her daughter.
"Oh seriously Catherine, as if the living room were spotless," chided Lily as she strolled out of the dining area.
Cath rolled her eyes as she walked past her mother.
"We'll be on our best behavior," Sam said with a pat on the back as he followed closely behind.
Catherine was starting to become suspicious with how agreeable Sam and Lily suddenly were.
"Warrick and I bought little plates for them Ma," Lindsey called from the kitchen.
Catherine furrowed her brow and carried a smirk in disapproval but gave in.
Doc Robbins and his wife sat on the loveseat with Greg and Archie resting on the arms of each side. Lily, Sam and Sophia sat on the sofa with Nick and Sara on each armrest and Brass standing behind. Grissom took the recliner and Cath stood off to the side, leaning on the armrest of the recliner with her arms crossed.
"Linds, I'm gonna dedicate this one to your mom. She's lookin kinda sour about this whole thing," Warrick called to Lindsey with a broad smile.
He teased Catherine with a wink, still smiling. Lindsey came in with the paper plates and nodded happily at him. Catherine rolled her eyes but couldn't help the grin that appeared on her face. Everyone watched with loving smiles. Warrick stood against the living room wall.
"Come here woman. After all, this song's for you," he said playfully as he motioned Catherine to come over with a nod.
"Get up there," Greg and Nick called out.
Grissom being closest to Cath, pushed her along gently. She finally gave and swaggered over, trying hard to keep her annoyed look. However, her joy completely took over and she beamed as she stood in front of Warrick. She loved to hear him sing. She gave him a quick kiss and stood next to his strumming side, watching him intently.
"This is a little something I've been working on for you Cath. Listen closely," Warrick said as he began to strum a melody.
Lindsey came out with the tray of cupcakes and began passing them out. Warrick gazed lovingly in Catherine's eyes as he began to sing.
We been together for a while now… We're growin' stronger everyday now…It feels so good and there is no doubt…I will stay with you
As each morning brings the sunlight… And the flowers bloom in springtime…On my lovin' you can rely… And I'll stay with you
Oh, I will stay with you… Through the ups and the downs…Oh, I will stay with you… When no one else is around…When the dark clouds arrive… I will stay by your side… And I know we'll be alright… I will stay with you
Ooooh… Ooooh
Though relationships can get old… And have a tendency to grow cold…We have something like a miracle…Yeah, and I'll stay with you
Oh, I will stay with you…Through the ups and the downs… Yes, I will stay with you… When no one else is around…And when the dark clouds arrive… I will stay by your side…I know we'll be alright…
I will stay with you
And there'll be heartaches and pain…Yes there will… Through it all we will remain …Hey ayyy… In this life…We all know…Friends may come…And they may go…But through the years I know…I will stay
And in the end I know that we'll find…Love so beautiful and divine…And we'll be lovers for a lifetime… And I'll stay with you
Whoa, I will stay with you…Through the ups and the downs… Yes, I will stay with you… When no one else is around…When the dark clouds arrive…I will stay by your side…And I know we'll be alright…And I will stay with you
Everything will be fine… And I'll stay with you…Through the end of all time…I will stay with you
Lindsey brought the last cupcake to Catherine. It held a diamond ring on top. Cath's mouth opened in shock when she saw it. Lindsey giggled and beamed at her mother as she shuffled back and forth on her tip toes. Everyone uttered 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs'.
Warrick slipped off the guitar and placed it on the wall. His hands shook as he tried to grab the ring off the dessert. Lindsey lightly held his hand, steadying him, and kissed his cheek as Warrick came down on one knee. He smiled affectionately and mouthed a thank you.
As if it were at all possible, Catherine's smile widened. Her heart felt as if it were going to fly out of her chest. She couldn't believe the sight in front of her. The two people she loved most in the world in cahoots with her other loved ones in this elaborate scheme.
"I can't imagine my life without you and Lindsey. You're my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you Catherine. Will you marry me?" he asked her timidly.
Warrick had no idea how he got the words out of his mouth. He meant every word yet his stomach was tied in knots. Catherine's eyes welled with tears and he wasn't sure if they were tears of joy or something else.
"Of course," she finally got out.
Everyone cheered and clapped. Lindsey jumped up and down. Warrick shot up and grabbed Cath in his arms. Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and whispered 'I love you.'
"Kiss him already!" Lily shouted.
They met in unison and kissed tenderly.
"Put the ring on!" Sara shouted.
"Get a room!" Greg teased.
Warrick chuckled and put Cath down. He had the ring balled in his hand. He opened his hand and slipped the ring on her finger. Everyone clapped again. Warrick held his arms out to Lindsey who came running to them both. Catherine kissed the top of her head then gave Warrick another quick peck as she brushed another tear that streamed down her face.
Grissom stood up and came over to congratulate them. Everyone followed. Catherine admonished them all playfully for being in on the whole thing. They lightheartedly discussed when the wedding would take place. Those who had been married shared their wedding memories: It was no surprise that Doc Robbins and his wife had the best story.
There was some more music and a round of Pictionary played. Brass, Sophia, Sara and Archie had to leave for their shifts. Once they were gone, Grissom convinced Lindsey that Scrabble was a much better game and what was left of the group started a round with the exception of Warrick and Nick, who stepped outside.
Warrick could sense something wasn't right with Nick. Planning the proposal had tied Warrick up around the time things ended between Nick and Sara. Warrick tried to reach out to Sara but she couldn't very well open up to Nick's best friend. Their opposite shifts made it next to impossible to catch up with Nick. He was glad he could get away, even if it was for a second.
"Hey Man, what's going on with you?" he asked Nick as he sat down on the front stairs.
"Nothing," Nick replied simply, giving Warrick a questioning look as he sat by him.
"C'mon man, I know you. Something's up. You never really told me what happened between you and Sara. Why don't you start with that if you really want to go with nothing as your answer," Warrick pressed.
Nick laughed and exhaled deeply. It was a sign of defeat.
"I don't really know what went wrong. Sara's so hard to read sometimes. I –I loved how she accepted me for who I am. –Faults and all. It was so easy with Sara. Then again it was so hard. She'd never ask for anything. She'd be happy with any little thing," Nick said in a frustrated voice as he looked to the ground.
Warrick gave him an understanding nod.
"Sara's a hard nut to crack, but I know she really cared about you. She's been pretty solemn at work and she avoided you like the plague tonight… Aint she staying with Sophia? Has she moved completely out yet?" Warrick asked gently.
"She's got a few things left…. It's hard with our shifts… I got complacent Man. I took her for granted thinking that she'd always be there –that's when things went south. The way we passed each other cuz of work. And the fact that she doesn't ask for much."
Nicky groaned as he covered his face with his hands momentarily before continuing.
"I didn't fight her, when she said things weren't working out and she thought it was best for her to move out, I didn't fight her. I don't know why, I figured she knew better than I did. I've been wondering if I should talk to her. And after this, with you and Cath… Rick man, I miss her," Nick said remorsefully before sighing deeply.
"Sounds like you love her too… Man, I hardly know Sara but I know her well enough to know that she's needy. She needs that constant affirmation but she'll never admit it AND she'll never ask for it. You better recognize that if you want her back. You need to own up Bro. Might even have to beg. Don't let her go without a fight. You'll always regret it Nicky," Warrick said emphatically.
Nick held a deflated look then broke with a soft laugh when he saw Warrick's smile.
"Mr. Romantic has spoken," Nick mocked.
"Damn skippy! Take notes Kid," Warrick ribbed.
"Warrick!" Catherine called from inside.
The guys looked behind them at the front door. Only the screen door was closed. Catherine stood on the other side, smiling.
"Hey, what are you guys up to?" she asked affectionately.
"Nothin. Just catchin up. What's up Love?" he replied.
"I need you guys. Grissom was killing us with technicalities in Scrabble so we're trying charades now cuz he sucks at it. It's bad enough he stuck me with my mother and Greg. I want you on my team. –You and Nicky. He doesn't argue with you as much as he does with me," she pleaded lightly.
Warrick and Nick laughed.
"We'll be right there," Warrick responded.
"Ok. Don't make me wait too long Babe," she said seductively and kissed the air at him before heading off.
"Mmmm," Warrick nodded his head and moaned loudly at her.
"Save it for the honeymoon!" Nick yelled playfully.
Warrick turned to Nick.
"So you gonna get straight with Sara?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nick stood up and smirked at Warrick.
"I'm gonna try. I think she hurt my ego when she broke things off. I'm the one to break things off, not the other way around," Nick tried to boast.
"Yeah well get on it quickly. I don't want a depressed best man," Warrick said as he stood up.
Nick beamed.
"Really?" he asked Warrick.
"Of course Man. I don't want you stealing my thunder that day," Warrick pulled Nick's leg further, knowing that what he really questioned was about being the best man.
"Nah, even if she wont take me back, I'll be too happy sharin' the spotlight with you and Cath. Cuz I look GOOD in a tux," he ribbed Warrick.
They bantered a little more as they headed inside. The 'family' had a grand old time. And this was the way at the wedding and for the many gatherings that came through the years.
The End