Epilogue
Chapter 24
Catherine smiles as she looks in the mirror. She brushes back her long strawberry-blonde hair. She looks outside the snow was still falling outside. It had been a white Christmas and she guessed that it would be for New Years as well. Catherine grabs the small floral necklace and matching earrings. They were a wedding gift from her father.
" How are you doing ? " Calleigh questioned.
Catherine looked at Calleigh. She was wearing a simple tea-rose coloured organza gown.
" Good almost ready. I still can't believe that this day is here. "
" Well it is. Enjoy it. Everything is almost ready in the ballroom. The hotel did a wonderful job."
" Well when Sam Braun says jump people usually say how high. "
Catherine flashes back to coming back to Las Vegas just before Christmas. Warrick wanted to tell Grissom his decision himself. Warrick had accepted Horatio's job offer to work in Miami. Even though it was over with Novak Catherine enjoyed working in Miami. The MDPD had no problem with Catherine and Warrick being married they just had to be professional at work. They would be put on a probationary period and wouldn't work the same case for 2 months. Catherine and Warrick agreed. They had moved on from Novak it had taken time. Lindsey still had nightmares about what had happened at the boathouse but she was better. She was especially when she found out that Warrick was going to marry her mother.
" So you're going to marry my mom ?"
" Yeah I hope that's o.k. squirt. "
" It's better than o.k. Can I..."
" Can you what ? "
" Can I call you dad ? "
Warrick was touched beyond words when Lindsey said that to him.
" Are you sure? I know you miss your father. "
" You love mommy and you saved me..." Lindsey tried to fight the tears.
Warrick held her close.
" Hey it's going to be fine. That bad man is never going to touch you again. Do you have the medallion?"
" Yeah. "
Lindsey showed him the medallion. It was back in it's rightful place. Catherine and Warrick had talked about it but for all the bad memories there were good ones as well.
" Hey what's happening here ? "
Catherine had been listening in the kitchen and had come out. She looked at Warrick and Lindsey. Catherine was wearing simple black slacks and a blue green sweater.
" Cath hey sit down. "
" I'm fine. "
Warrick looked up at Catherine. She had been almost 6 months pregnant at the time. Catherine sat down on the couch.
" What's happening here ? "
" Dad told me that you are getting married. "
" Dad ? " Catherine looked at Warrick.
" Yeah. I wanted to give you both of your Christmas present early. " Warrick pulls an envelope out of his pocket.
" Warrick..."
" Just take a look Cath. "
Catherine looks at the document. In big black letters. " Petition To Adopt. "
" I want Lindsey to be my daughter for real. How would you like that squirt ? "
" Really ?"
" Yeah. "
" Cool. "
Lindsey hugged Warrick. Catherine looked at him and touched his face. She smiles.
" Cath hey are you o.k. ? " Sara questions bringing Catherine back to the present.
" Yeah I'm just remembering back is all. " Catherine looks down at her simple engagement ring.
" It's beautiful Cath. Warrick has great taste."
" I know. "
It had been a couple of weeks after Novak. Catherine had returned to her place with Lindsey. Lindsey had been still scared but Warrick had calmed her down. Calleigh and Horatio had invited her over for movies. Warrick thanked them. It was then that Horatio offered Warrick the job in Miami.
" I figure you would want to be close to Catherine. "
" I never want to leave her again. Look Horatio I'm sorry but I had to go get Lindsey. I hope you didn't get into too much trouble with IAB. I had no choice. "
" No it's fine. You were protecting your family. That's where your priority should have been. It's obvious how much you love Catherine."
" She's my whole world. I just should have told her sooner. "
" Well tell her every day. So we have an opening here at the crime lab. I was wondering we could use another good A/V specialist. "
" For real ? "
" Grissom says you are one of the best in the business. But if you want to return to Las Vegas I understand. "
" No my home is wherever Catherine is. She wants to stay here in Miami. "
" Good I'll get the paperwork started in the morning. Hey Lindsey. "
" Hi. " Lindsey rushed over to Horatio. He hugged her.
" Do you want to come over and watch movies with Calleigh and me ? "
" Can I ? "
" Sure. Go get your bag. "
Lindsey rushed off.
" Thanks Horatio. "
" That's fine. Take as long as you need. "
Lindsey came rushing back down stairs.
" I'm ready. "
" O.k. "
Lindsey watched Warrick as she left with Horatio.
Catherine had gone up to her room to sleep. When she came downstairs she saw the room bathed in candlelight. The room looked beautiful. Vanessa Williams " Save the best for last " was playing on the stereo.
" Cath..."
Warrick walks up and hugs Catherine. He kisses her cheek.
" How are you feeling ? "
" Better. Where's Lindsey ? " Catherine had a worried look on her face.
" She's over with Horatio and Calleigh. She's fine. Horatio came over he wants me to work here in Miami."
" Are you sure ?"
" My home is wherever you are Cath. You're my life. "
Catherine brushes away a tear.
" I love you Cath. I'm going to tell you that every day."
Warrick then pulled out a small velvet box.
" I was planning on doing this later after dessert. "
" Warrick. "
Warrick opened the box and showed her the heirloom diamond engagement ring.
" Cath I love you and our daughters. I can't imagine loving any other woman than you. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. Be my wife. "
Catherine brushed tears away. Warrick looked at her.
" Yes. "
Warrick pulled her into his arms and twirled her around. He pulled out the ring and put it on her hand. It had been magical the rest of the night.
" Are you ready Catherine ? "
Catherine got up and smoothed her long bias cut wedding gown. It had a simple lace bodice and flowed into two flowing layers of georgette fabric. It had simple spaghetti straps and come with an organza cape.
Catherine looked over at Gil.
" Yeah I'm ready. "
Catherine flashes back to them returning to Las Vegas to tell the team and her family. Sam had been shocked and excited.
" Are you happy Mugs ? "
" Yeah. I am Sam. Finally. "
" You should have told me the truth Mugs. "
" I know Sam but I needed to do this my way. "
Sam looked at his daughter.
" Warrick. "
" Sir. "
" I hope you treat my daughter like the angel that she is. "
" I will. "
" Well when are you going to make an honest woman of her ? "
Catherine had been shocked.
" On New Years sir down in Miami."
" I've got a better idea. Your family is here. Why don't you get married in the club. You can have the ballroom here at the Bellagio. Invite your friends. All of it is on me. Consider it my wedding gift. "
" Thanks Sam. "
" So when do I get to meet my grandchild ? "
" Soon. "
Warrick looked at her.
" Not too soon. "
Catherine looked at Warrick and laughed.
Catherine and Warrick looked at her.
" Sure. "
Catherine and Warrick then drove over to the lab. A couple of receptionists welcomed them in. Catherine and Warrick's showed their badges from Miami. They walked hand in hand down to the break room. They knew they would only have a bit of time before the team went to work.
Everyone was mulling around the break room. Gil was talking with Sara. Brass and Sofia were going over a warrant for a case that they were dealing with. Greg and Archie were talking about " Call of Duty 2 " and how to get past a certain obstacle.
Just then Nicky walked in. He looked so much better. The time away had helped him think. Everyone greeted him with hugs and kisses.
" It's great to be back. I hope I still have a job. "
" I told you when you left that you would Nicky. But you will have to talk with Carolina first. "
" Carolina ? "
" Carolina Davis she's the new graveyard shift supervisor."
' But I thought..."
" It was but Sara and I have some news. "
Gil placed his arm around Sara's waist.
" We're moving to...Warrick, Cath great to see you. So how's the baby ?"
" Doing good but I feel five years pregnant. I can't wait till she's here. "
" Not now in February."
" I know. "
Warrick kissed Catherine's cheek. All are stunned seeing Catherine. Sara could see that she was calmer. Catherine stood there in black maternity pants and a deep plum coloured wrap blouse and black jacket. She was 7 months pregnant.
Nick looked at them with shock on his face.
" Whoa I leave for a couple of months and you and Cath ? "
Warrick laughed. He realized that it was shock for Nick.
" Yep I realize I couldn't live without her. Good to see you bro. "
Warrick shakes Nick's hand and gives him a hug. Warrick looked at Nick. He still looked tired. There was no reason to tell him that he was the target. It would just set Nick back. It didn't' matter anyway. Novak was gone and would not hurt his family.
" I heard about Miami. I'm glad that you're o.k. So how's Lindsey ?"
" She's good. She's with her grandfather right now. "
" Sam must be having fun. "
" He is. "
Sara walked over and hugged Warrick.
" Good to see you. "
" You as well. "
" So how's Miami ? "
" Wonderful but hot but it's good. "
Grissom walks over.
" Cath you look beautiful. "
" Thanks Gil. "
" So what do you two need ? "
" Well I'm leaving for Miami. Horatio Caine has approached me for a job in Miami. My life is with Cath and my daughters. So do I give my resignation to you ? "
" No Carolina Davis. She's the new graveyard shift supervisor."
Just then a tall woman with deep blonde hair and green eyes behind tortoise shell glasses wearing a brown suit enters the break room.
" Carolina..."
" Gil."
" So nice of you to come. " Gil shakes her hand. " This is Warrick Brown and Catherine Willows soon to be Brown. He's transferring down to Miami to work with his wife. Horatio Caine approved it. Can you make it pass through Ecklie and the Sheriff."
" Sure. That's too bad I've heard you're a great CSI Mr. Brown from Gil. Ms. Willows I understand that you are one of the top investigators that deals with blood spatter. "
" One of the best. "
" Gil I've closed your files and sent them to Washington. People I know we would love to chat but there are cases that need to be solved tonight. "
" Washington ? "
Everyone stopped talking and looked at Sara and Grissom.
" I've been asked to teach a course on forensic profiling at the FBI Academy in Washington. I'll also be donating my time to the forensic entomology department at the Smithsonian. "
" Wow. "
Sara then spoke, " I've been asked to be the day supervisor for the DCPD Crime Lab. I figure it's a good move. "
Sara hugs Gil. Gil kisses her cheek.
Catherine looked at Gil, " But you hate administrative work ? "
" I know but I can make a difference. I need the change. If I want the DCPD has offered me a position in their lab if I want. "
Nick gives Sara a hug, " I always knew that you would get that promotion. "
Sara smiles at Nick. She was going to miss him.
" Nick Stokes I presume ? " Carolina extends her hand to Nick.
" Yes, ma'am."
" I've seen the reports. You're ready to return to active duty. "
" Yes ma'am."
" O.k. I've got a 419 at the Sphere hotel. I want you to take it. Gonzalez can help you. Maria. "
Maria Gonzalez walks over. She was a petite brunette.
" Greg. "
" Yes ma'am. "
" I also have a 419 for you at the Mirage. Older gentleman found in a tub. Detective Vartann will meet you over there. Crime doesn't' sleep in Las Vegas during the holidays. Sorry folks to break up the party. Mr. Brown, Ms. Willows I wish you both the best of luck. Gil I'll talk to you later."
" No that is o.k. Nick can I talk to you for a moment before you go ? "
" Sure man what do you need ? "
" Well Cath's dad offered us the ballroom at the Bellagio for New Years cause we were kind of considering getting married. "
" You do realize that is only 2 weeks away ?"
" That's why I need a best man and Cath needs some bridesmaids. You're my best friend Nick. I can't imagine asking anyone else to stand by my side. Will you ? "
" Of course just tell me the time and place. "
" Sara, Sofia I need some bridesmaids. Lindsey is going to be my matron of honour but I could use some help. "
" Of course. "
Nick and Warrick grasp hands.
" Gil I have a special request for you. "
" Sure. "
Gil walked over beside Catherine. She looked happy. He could see the smile in her eyes. He remembers the fear in her eyes when she thought she had lost Warrick. Now there was just pure joy. It had been a long time coming for her. She deserved a man that loved her completely. She had found him finally.
" Would you walk me down the aisle ? "
Gil looked at her surprised. " But Sam ? "
" I want you. You are one of my dearest friends. If you hadn't sent Warrick down to Miami."
" Hey he would have found you anyway. There was no stopping that guy. Of course I'll do it. "
Gil then did something very un-Grissom like. He smiled.
" Catherine are you ready. I think your husband is starting to get worried. "
Gil's voice brought Catherine back to the present. She looked over at him. He was wearing a simple black tuxedo.
" I'm ready. I've always been ready. "
Catherine stands up.
" You look stunning Catherine. "
" Thanks. "
Catherine could feel tears falling down her face.
" Hey..."
" I'm gonna miss you. "
" I'll come down to Miami and visit. I still have to help Lindsey with that science project. She wants an ant farm. "
Catherine looked at him and lightly slapped his shoulder. Lindsey walked in wearing a simple Lilac organza gown. She was carrying Catherine's bouquet.
" Mom you look beautiful. "
" Just like you honey. Are you ready ? "
" Yeah lets go get married. "
Catherine looked around the room and went out.