The following week had both Greg and Sara on a search for something suitable to wear to the CSI Christmas party. He had a fair share of dress shirts and pants in his closet but nothing that he considered to be black tie. Sara, on the other hand, didn't own a single dress, casual or otherwise. She wondered why this year's party was so formal, whereas the ones in years past she could have gotten away with a dressy shirt and slacks. Upon learning this, Catherine had dragged her on a shopping spree. To her surprise, she realized she liked being pampered like this, although she wasn't about to make a habit of it anytime soon.
The dress that Catherine had convinced her to buy was a black satin strapless gown that hugged every curve. Hiking up her skirt so as not to trip over it as she walked into the bathroom, she asked, "Greg, can you zip me up please?"
Sara knew but never understood why it took him so much longer to get ready to go anywhere. Today was no exception. He was still primping himself, fussing over his hair, no doubt. Then again, she wouldn't change anything about him for the world. Only when he turned around to help her did they really notice each other.
Greg was rendered speechless. He'd never seen Sara in any dress. He'd be willing to bet that no one else had either. He loved what he saw and the fact that he was the first to lay eyes on her like this.
She, in turn, blinked in horror or disbelief. She wasn't sure which but figured that either would apply. His spiked hair with or without the bleach blonde didn't faze her in the least. But this took the cake. Standing in front of her, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist was someone who looked like her boyfriend but she wasn't completely sure. This doppleganger had blue hair with what appeared to be silver glitter.
"What? If you're gonna be a Grinch, I bet Hodges would love to have you as his date." He stole a quick kiss from her before she could retort. "Turn around."
As soon as he had her dress zipped and she had stepped into her black satin strappy heels, she finished up getting herself ready. She applied lipstick and fastened her necklace. Greg, meanwhile, had finally gotten dressed and looked stunning in a tux, with a black shirt instead of the typical white.
An hour later, with the sun setting over the mountains, days and nightshift CSIs gathered in the foyer of the paddlewheel ship, enjoying pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers.
Brass chuckled, "You're certainly looking festive tonight, Greg. How did the future Mrs. let you out of the house looking like that?"
"Yeah, well, I have my ways."
"Poor Sara," Nick commented. "So...nervous?"
"Don't insult me. Nervous is for people who don't know what they're doing."
"He's nervous," Nick and Brass both laughed.
When dinner was announced, the group found their seats on the upper deck which was set up as the dining area. Greg did his best to hide his nerves. Wiping his hands on his pants, he swore they were clammy. His tie felt like it was strangling him. And was it just him or did the temperature rise past the boiling point all of a sudden? Why wouldn't anyone point out the beads of sweat on his forehead? He didn't miss their supportive grins however.
Stop it, Sanders. You can do this.
He chatted with Archie and Nick, seated to his left. Glancing over occasionally, he gave Grissom a timid smile.
Who are you kidding? Grissom is the last person on the planet, ok the next to the last person, who is going to be able to make any of this run smoother. Just breathe. In, out, in, out... I probably should take her someplace private and do this but I already gave the ring to the waitress so I can't take it back from her without causing a scene, which is the last thing I need.
Taking a large swig of beer, Greg became aware of his surroundings again as a dessert plate was set in front of him. His attention wasn't focused on the slice of red velvet-peppermint cake with a side of peppermint ice cream in front of him. He turned to Sara and noticed her confused look, as her dessert plate was much larger than everyone else's and also had a small wrapped box resting on one edge.
Breathe. What's the worst she can say? Too late now to be nervous.
He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Open the gift first, darling."
She raised a brow but complied with his request, as all eyes at the table were fixed on her. Sara was never one to rip off packaging in a mad rush, partly due to the fact that she had been forced to go without such pleasantries when she was younger. And as an adult, it only made sense to savor the moment.
She glanced at him questioningly when she saw the black velvet box. Slowly lifting the lid, she caught her breath as she saw what lay inside. Was this a dream? Was it real? It certainly felt real.
"Sara?"
Her lips twitched as she looked over at him. He took the box from her hand and pulled out the ring, placing it on her finger.
"Will you..."
His words were cut off as she held his face in her hands, kissing him hungrily.
"That looks like a yes," Archie grinned, as he applauded for the lovers who were lost in their own world. It didn't take long at all until the entire crimelab had joined in with him.
When they came up for air, she whispered, "Thank you, Greg. And you even provided the moonlight I wanted."
He smiled and nodded. Then her eyes widened in realization.
"This is why Brass said we needed to dress up."
"Not very observant for a CSI, are you?" he teased, and the others joined in laughing with him.
Her lips pursed into a grin.
Only Grissom had noticed that Catherine left the table and made her way to the disc jockey who had been providing Christmas music during dinner and had allowed her to make the announcement.
"This song is for our lovebirds Greg and Sara. May you have many happy years together. No one is more deserving of each other than you two."
Greg shrugged his shoulders at Sara, implying that he had no part in Catherine's scheme. But he stood and held out his hand for her to join him. She wrapped her arms tight around him as they danced to the music, again immersing themselves in their own world. Tonight she wanted the universe to see how much she adored this crazy CSI.
When you said yesterday that it's nearly Christmas
What did I want
And I thought just love me
That's what I want for Christmas
When I walk through a room, let them see you need me
Walk through a room, let them see you love me
That's what I want for Christmas
Anyone can wish for all the trinkets in the window
Some can even buy the things they see
But the presents that I want you'll never find in any window
Bring me love and bring it just for me
When you come home at night
Take me in your arms and say you love me
Kiss me and say you love me
That's what I want for Christmas
Kissing his lips softly, she whispered, "I love you."
"So, Mrs. Sanders...can I call you that now?" She smirked. "What are you doing New Year's Eve?"
"What do you have in mind, Mr. Sanders?"
"Well, we have a wedding to plan, don't we? Seems like a perfect time to do it."
She murmured her approval as she kissed him. This was indeed the best Christmas she'd had thus far. Christmas Day wasn't for another week, but she couldn't imagine anything better than this.
A/N: Don't worry, I'm not done with the story yet. The song belongs to Shedaisy. And I still don't own anything.