I'm terribly sorry for the delay. Life's been a little crazy lately with Graduation coming up this weekend and Grad school starting next week – I haven't had a lot of time to write. But I do value your feedback and love writing this story. So please continue to review. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Chapter 15 Highest Salaried Job

The three went home soon after and once Hannah was asleep, Sara spent a few hours at her computer, quietly typing away and methodically avoiding Grissom's questions as to what was keeping her busy. His curiosity had gotten the better of him by the time she was getting ready for bed but he attempted to hide it by pretending to be completely immersed in his latest reading material. She also tried to keep up the pretense of reading.

After fighting to concentrate for an hour, she gave up and rolled onto her side, ready to give sleep a try instead. Grissom removed his glasses and set his book aside, scooting down so that they were at eye level with one another. "Sara?" Her eyes fluttered back open and she looked at him, ready to listen. "Have you thought any more about the university?"

"Gil, it's too much— I probably wouldn't even make it in."

"You already did," he informed her.

"What?"

"I faxed your resume, professional philosophy, and references to the dean two nights ago. She said you're accepted and can start during any term."

"How did you get my philosophy? And it didn't say anything about teaching," she said suspiciously.

"Your philosophy was on your computer, which you allow me to use—"

"Well, I used to. But now that I know you're snooping—"

"And you did write about teaching. In the letter you wrote in support of my nomination for tenure back at Berkley."

"You kept that?"

"It was a flattering letter. A beautiful letter. At least talk to the dean, see what it would entail."

"I will," she promised. She paused for a moment, biting her lip a bit while thinking, "Gil—"

"Hmmm?"

"I turned in my letter of resignation to the lab—"

"I know," he said easily.

"You do?"

"Eckley was too excited not to rub it in," Grissom answered honestly. "I figured you would tell me when you were ready."

"I was going to tell you. I was just scared. It's not something I ever considered before. The lab has been my life for the past five years."

"Mine too."

"This is better," she whispered, snuggling closer to him.

"Family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them," Grissom whispered, quoting one of his many literary sources. It wasn't as intellectual as his usual quips but Sara appreciated the sentiment. Snuggling closer, she whispered,

"I love you."

"And I love you." Three days later, she did set up an appointment with the chair of the physics department at LVU. Dressed in an olive colored jacket dress, she quickly gathered her things into the briefcase that had been a Christmas gift from her college advisor and then collected some of Hannah's things into a small pink book bag. The little girl looked less than thrilled as Sara explained that she would have to stay with Catherine for a little while, but at least she refrained from throwing a fit. Pulling into Catherine's drive twenty minutes later, Sara quickly pulled Hannah out of her car seat and whisked her to the front door, already quite aware that she was running late. Lindsay answered the door, headphones in her ears, and smiled weakly at Sara. She stepped aside and Sara nudged Hannah in and called out to Catherine, who eventually came out of the kitchen, carrying a dishtowel.

"Hey, Sara, Hannah. I'm glad you could come today. We're making cookies. Do you want to help?" Hannah looked up at Sara doubtfully but Sara nodded, indicating that Hannah should go with Catherine.

"Good luck," Catherine called over her shoulder to Sara. Sara felt like she would need more than luck; she had been out of the world of academia for years, she wasn't even completely sure that she wanted to go back. But a promise was a promise. So, resume in hand and stomach churning, she arrived at her appointment with the chair of the physics department.

"Ms. Sidle," the woman said with a smile as she stood and offered her hand, "it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Dean Granger, it's an honor. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to meet with me," Sara said with a smile, settling herself in the chair opposite the woman's desk.

"Nonsense, it's I who should be honored. Your work is astounding. I notice that you haven't published in a while, but you've probably been busy."

"The lab kept me on my toes," Sara agreed, flushing a bit. She was fully aware of the fact that she hadn't truly kept up with recent scholarship.

"That's to be expected. Your lab is one of the best in the country; it's understandable that your time and effort would be concentrated on your work there. I notice that you've recently resigned from your position. Are you comfortable sharing your reasons?"

"Of course," Sara answered with a timid smile. "I have been a forensic investigator for the lab for the past five years under the direction of Dr. Grissom. Recently, I was transferred to a separate shift because Dr. Grissom and I began exploring a more personal relationship."

"And you're leaving your work at the lab to more ethically pursue this relationship?"

"Not exactly," Sara answered, offering the woman a wishful smile. If only it were that simple. "Only about six weeks ago, Dr. Grissom came into guardianship of his five year old niece. She wasn't in the best of environments and needs more attention than we can give her while both working at the lab. I would certainly make my classes and my studies with the department a priority—"

"Sara," the woman said gently, stopping the younger woman mid-sentence. She turned a cherry picture frame to face the brunette and rested her left hand on top of it. "These are my children," she said gently, "fifteen years ago. And I'm thankful for every day I had to spend with them as a result of this university. Putting your family first is not something to apologize for. It's admirable." After offering a warm smile, the woman reached for a folder and slid it across the desk to Sara. "I've read your application. We want you. We've been looking for the proper link between the physics department and the forensics program. I believe you're it. Now, you'll have to complete your master's degree before teaching, but you have barely a semester remaining."

"I'm flattered," Sara said shakily. "But are you sure?"

"I'm a stickler for first impressions," the dean answered, "And I like you. So, I think this will work out beautifully. I've marked the two seminars that will finish off your graduate credits. And then you'll simply need to take department comprehensives before August. And we'll get you enrolled in the PhD program before you know it."

"What would I be teaching?"

"I'd prefer to see you start out with something light, perhaps the freshman honors core of physics. Or the intro to Criminology course also designed for the honors college. Once you obtain your PhD, you'll be able to create your own niche in the department and teach whatever you believe the program needs."

"Wow." Sara looked and felt much like a deer-in-the-headlights.

"I'd like you to observe some of the other entry-level courses while you're completing your master's degree. It will help in planning for your own courses. The timetable is in this packet, along with the forms to register for the seminars you'll need." After a few more moments of discussion, Sara found herself walking back toward her car, her head swimming with the humungous amount of possibilities that lay before her. Once inside her car, she realized that there was a message on her cell phone.

Checking it, she found that Grissom had finally left work and picked up Hannah from Catherine's. She was left with even more time to contemplate her earlier meeting when she arrived home to find that Grissom and Hannah had gone out. Luckily Sara found Gil's hastily scribbled note before she completely panicked.

She spent a little while by herself, changing into jeans and a sweater, making a quick lunch, and even checking her email before deciding that she wasn't going to sit around and wait for Grissom and Hannah. Packing a quick picnic dinner, she called Grissom's phone and then set out for the park where he had been entertaining his niece all day. When she arrived, Sara was greeted happily by an exuberant Hannah. The little girl was simply thrilled to have both Sara and Grissom with her at the same time.

After spending some time playing 'soccer' with them and swinging with Hannah on the 'big-girl' swing, Sara suggested that they stop for their picnic dinner before they started to lose daylight. Hannah was munching contently on an apple slice when she turned her inquisitive blue eyes on Sara and asked,

"When you get married, will you be my parents?" Sara looked up in surprise and her eyes fell on Grissom's confused and frazzled blue orbs.

The chapter title comes from this quote: "Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love." Mildred B. Vermont