Disclaimer: ALL characters belong to CBS. No infringement is intended, as this story is written for fun only. Any additional characters will be mine or I may borrow a few from some of my fellow fanfic writers.

Summary: This story details Conrad Ecklie's plan to destroy Dr. Gil Grissom's life. He secures the services of Ms. Sophia Curtis to systematically destroy Dr. Grissom, beginning of course with his relationship with CSI3 Sara Sidle (I gave our Sweet Sara a promotion).

Author: Christiangirl (AKA Sharon)

Spoilers: Mea Culpa (Sort of), Unbearable and a little Let the Seller Beware

Rating: PG-13/AU Story

A/N: I really apologize for taking so long a time to post this chapter. It seems that Real Life happens and we must take care of it. Please forgive me for dragging my feet with this fanfic. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanx so very much for your reviews. Please note that Grissom is quite confused, hence his dating someone he doesn't care too much for Sophia Curtis.

Chapter Seven—Putting the Brakes On?

After Sara's surprising news, Grissom stood stock still in his hospital bed. Even though the news of Sara's pregnancy was a shock, he should have known that would be the consequence of his and Sara's last wild romp in his townhouse.

"How far along are you, Sara?" Grissom asked, finally finding his voice.

"About 2 months or so," Sara began. She would have continued, but Grissom gently interrupted her.

"That's about the time that I gave myself to you totally." Grissom smiled sadly as he remembered the exact day of conception. "I felt differently that time, I think that's when we conceived this baby." Grissom touched Sara's stomach gently.

"Yeah, I thought as much." Sara replied. She would have continued her thought, but Grissom interrupted her

"So, where we go from here, Sara?" Grissom asked, as he moved to attack Sara's lips. "I don't know about you, but I'd like to take this to a different level."

"Griss, don't you think we're rushing this a bit?" Sara asked with concern.

"Sara, I think it's a little too late for that, don't you think?" Grissom asked in confusion. "We've got a baby on the way, and I do want to give our baby my last name."

"Look, Griss," Sara began, "I understand all of that, but we've just got back to tolerating each other only two short weeks ago."

"Okay, Sara," a dejected Gil Grissom, Jr. began, "have it your way. I guess I'm not good enough for you or our baby, huh?" With that, Grissom turned away from Sara. At that precise moment, a very cheerful Dr. Lance Cromwell came to Grissom's room to give him and Sara great news. He was releasing them both this morning. He gave them the appropriate paperwork for their release from the hospital.

"Good morning, Gil and Sara," Dr. Cromwell began, "I am releasing you both this morning. Here is all of the paperwork for you to sign. I'll be back shortly to sign your release papers. Sara, you'll need to set up a follow-up appointment Dr. Mary Dillon-Scott. She's the head of our OBGYN Department. Here's her card. Be sure to call her this week to set up your appointment."

"Okay, Dr. Cromwell," Sara began, "but I should be going back to Vegas some time next week. I think I'll set up something there." With that Grissom started to get dressed and pack up his belongings. He called his father to inform him that he and Sara were being released from the hospital. Sara left to go back to her hospital room to gather up her belongings as well.

Later That Day

Gil Jr. and Sara were back in Santa Monica, California at the Grissom home. Sara called the lab and informed them that Gil was doing better and that he was back home recuperating. Sara however neglected to tell them of her pregnancy.

"Gil," Vera signed and spoke, "We got a call from Felecia and Matthew." Vera would have continued, but her son interrupted her.

"Why didn't they come to he hospital to see me? Grissom asked in a childlike manner.

"They just got back from an expedition in Africa." Vera replied. "Lucille spoke with Felecia and told her everything. Felecia, Matthew and Frances will be here sometime today. Your brother, Wesley and his wife Hazel will be flying in tomorrow night. They were at a wilderness retreat. That means no cell phones and no kind of communication."

"Who are Felecia, Matthew and Frances?" Sara asked, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Who are Wesley and Hazel?"

"Felecia is my older sister," Grissom began offering a small smile, "Matthew is my nephew and Frances is his wife. Wesley is "

"Wow, Griss," a shocked Sara began, "I never knew you had an older brother and sister. You never mentioned them. Wow, what a surprise."

"Well, yeah," Grissom began, "I like to keep my private life private. "Felecia and Wesley are from my father's previous relationship."

"His sister was very instrumental in getting our Gilly interested in science," Lucille began proudly. "She bought him his first chemistry set. He nearly blew the house up."

"Yeah, Grissom mentioned that a few years ago." Sara replied.

"Okay kids," Dr. Cromwell began glancing happily at Grissom and Sara. "It's check out time. Dr. Grissom, here are your pain pills. I also put in an extra prescription, just in case you need it." With that, both Grissom and Sara signed the appropriate forms to facilitate their release.

"I'll go get the car," Gil Sr. began, "I'll meet you guys in the parking garage."

"Oh, Dr. Grissom," Dr. Cromwell began, "you are NOT to go back to work for one month, under no circumstances."

"But, Dr, Cromwell," Grissom began whining like a young child. He would have continued, but Dr. Cromwell firmly cut him off.

"No work for one month under no circumstances," Dr. Cromwell began, "is that understood young man?"

"Yes sir," Grissom replied stubbornly.

"You'll have to excuse my Gilly," Mrs. Vera Grissom began, "my 'Baby Boy', he's quite the stubborn one. According to his father, Gil Jr. takes after his Grandfather, Virgil Grissom." With that, Vera, Gil Jr. and Sara left the hospital and headed for the Grissom home.

Back at the Vegas Lab

Catherine wore a big smile on her face as she thought about the phone call that she received from Sara concerning Grissom's condition. And though she was very happy that Grissom was doing much better, Catherine couldn't help feeling that Sara was holding back on her, but she decided not to call her on it. Catherine figured that Sara would tell her sooner of later. An even bigger smile spread across Catherine's pretty features as she thought about how she and Sara were able to put their past differences behind them. She was very pleased that Sara confided in her when Sara wanted to change her fashion image. Catherine started feeling more like Sara's 'big sister' than her coworker, which she really liked. As she sat at the table sipping her coffee, Warrick Brown stood in the doorway admiring the beautiful view. Nick walked up beside his best friend and spoke in his ear.

"It's so not polite to stare, Rick," Nick said smiling. "Besides, we all know you have a thing for 'Big Red', so why not go for it, Dude?"

"Who's to say I didn't already go for it, Dude?" Warrick asked, shooting Nick a mock glare.

"Hey, Cath," Nick began, "how's everything going?"

"Oh hey, Nicky, Rick," Catherine began, "I have some great news to share with you guys. No, it's excellent news, actually."

"What's the news?" Greg asked as he entered the break room. Greg was working overtime for Catherine.

"Sara called and said that Grissom is doing great and is getting released from the hospital." Catherine replied, and then continued on. "She also mentioned that Grissom will be out of work for at least a month, Doctor's orders."

"Hey that's the best news I've heard in a while," Warrick began, "but Griss missing work for a month, that's gonna be hard on him."

"Yeah, and don't I know it," Catherine began, remembering a time before Sara moved to Vegas. It was when Gil Grissom was put on forced medical leave for one week. It seemed as though Grissom called her whining every hour on the hour. She was so very glad that Grissom had a girlfriend that he could bug.

"I remember the time he was out on medical leave for only one week," Catherine began, grimacing at the thought. "He must have called me at least 20 times a day, complaining about something. I'm so glad Sara's in his life, maybe he'll bug her." With that, they all laughed, as they remembered how exasperated Catherine was every time her phone rang, knowing all too well that it was a frustrated Gil Grissom.

Back in Sunny Santa Monica, California

Grissom and Sara were sitting on the porch enjoying his Mom's homemade Oatmeal cookies. As they sat on the porch swing, Grissom smiled too himself as he pulled out a small box. He got down on one knee in front of Sara. Was he rushing things? Yes, perhaps he was, but he didn't want to lose Sara ever again to another man.

"Sara," a nervous Gil Grissom Jr. began, "will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Sara couldn't believe her ears, or her eyes. She was so shocked. Tears began welling up within her eyes.

"Grissom," Sara began, "don't you think we're rushing things a bit?" Sara would have continued, as she wanted to explain her reasoning, but Grissom abruptly interrupted her.

"I guess I'm the only one in love, huh?" Grissom asked barely able to keep his emotions in check.

"No, Grissom, I…" Sara began and would have continued, but once again Grissom cut her off.

"Okay, who is he?" Grissom asked barely able to keep his anger subdued.

"Who is who, Grissom?" Sara asked in confusion.

"The man to whom I owe my misfortune?" Grissom asked. "The man who stepped on MY territory."

"Grissom, there is no other guy," Sara began sadly, "I would never do that to you, you have to believe me."

"I don't know what to believe anymore, Sara." Grissom replied sadly. With that, Grissom got up and walked away from Sara.

"Grissom," Sara began touching Grissom's arm, only to have him jerk it away from her. "Where are you going?"

"For a walk," Grissom began. And when he noticed that Sara was attempting to go with him he said: "ALONE."

"Do you want the ring back?" Sara asked sadly.

"No, you keep it, it's yours." Grissom replied, barely able to keep his stormy emotions under control. With that, Grissom left Sara on the porch.

"Hi, Sara. Where's Gil?" Vera Grissom asked looking for her son.

"He went for a walk." Sara began, but then started to cry.

"Sara, Honey, what's wrong?" Vera asked in concern.

"Gil asked me to marry him," Sara began, tears now streaming down her face. "I asked him if we were rushing things, and the he got upset with me. I tried to explain my reasons, but he just kept interrupting and I didn't get the chance to explain it to him. I love him and I want to marry him."

"Well, Sara," Mrs. Grissom began, "we'll straighten everything out." With that, Vera left Sara to her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Grissom came to a log on the beach and sat on it. It was still quite early in the morning, so the beach was practically vacant. Grissom lost control of his emotions and sobbed uncontrollably. The emotions he so carefully tried to keep at bay suddenly came crashing to the surface as the ocean crashed against the rock formations by the beach.

As he continued sobbing, he thought about all of the times he pushed Sara away, telling her there was no future for them. He remembered the time when Sara asked him out to dinner and he turned her down flat, stating that he didn't know what to do about 'this'. He also remembered the moment Sara informed him that she heard is confession to the murderous Dr. Lurie, that he couldn't risk his career for her, how he asked Sophia Curtis out on a dinner date, but he couldn't risk his job for Sara. Sara really laid into him. He could still feel the emotion of that confrontation.

Past Hurts

"GRISSOM!" Sara shouted angrily at Dr. Gil Grissom. "We need to talk."

"Not now, Sara," Grissom began in exasperation. "I'm quite busy. I'm backlogged on paperwork and Ecklie's on the warpath."

"Well, Grissom when can we talk?" Sara asked in angry exasperation. "It's really very important.

"Look, I'm busy," Grissom began hastily, "can't it wait?" Just then, Sophia appeared at Grissom's side, smiling smugly at Sara.

"Okay, Gil, are we ready to go?" Sophia asked in Sara's presence, causing Grissom's face to turn crimson red.

"Oh, it's Gil, is it?" Sara responded nastily. "Well, goodbye Gil Grissom. I hope you have fun with your paperwork!" With that, Sara left a stunned Gil Grissom and a very happy Sophia Curtis in the corridor of the lab.

Just then, Gil left an angry Sophia Curtis in the corridor to run after the true love of his life, hoping to catch her before she left the parking lot.

"SARA!" Grissom shouted in an attempt to get Sara's attention.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Sara asked in anger.

"Sara, please let me explain…" Grissom began, but was interrupted by an angry Sara.

"Explain what, Gil?" Sara asked angrily. "Explain why you lied to me, saying you had to catch up on some paperwork, when you were planning on taking your new girlfriend out to dinner."

"You know," Grissom began angrily, "I really don't owe you an explanation. It's not like we were dating or anything. Yeah, me and Sophia are going on a date, and if we have sex, so be it!"

"I HATE YOU, GIL GRISSOM!" Sara replied in such anger and coldness, it sent a cold chill down Grissom's spine.

"Sara," Grissom began swallowing the lump that found his throat and lightly touching her arm, "Baby, I'm sorry…" Grissom would have continued, but Sara interrupted him.

"Don't you ever touch me again!" Sara replied angrily. "Well, two can play that game! You want to date other people, well fine. I guess I'll just call my young hotshot detective friend and see if he wants to go out to dinner with me." With that Sara whipped out her cell phone to dial a very sexy Detective Blake Covington. As she waited for him to answer, an angry Gil Grissom slapped Sara's phone out of her hand, causing it to shatter. A stunned Sara looked at Grissom in total shock. She couldn't figure out what Grissom's problem was.

"Sara," Grissom replied shaking furiously, "I…I…I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"Forget it, I'm out of here." Sara replied and then practically ran from Grissom's presence, obviously frightened by Grissom's uncharacteristic behavior.

"What have I done?" Grissom asked himself, sobbing slightly. Just then he remembered that he left Sophia in the corridor of the lab.

'Maybe she left,' a hopeful Gil Grissom thought to himself. As Grissom rounded the corner, all hope was lost, as Sophia was in the same spot he left her in. He slipped into the men's room and splashed some water on his face to hide the tears he shed for Sara and the loss of their close friendship. He managed to get himself together.

As Grissom sat lost in his thoughts, an elderly lady shouted at her Golden Retriever. Upon hearing the woman's shrill voice, Grissom looked up to see what the commotion was.

"Young man," the elderly woman began, "would you kindly help me catch my wayward dog? I'm way too old to run after Ladybug."

"Yes, ma'am," Grissom began attempting to pull himself together. "Did you say Ladybug?"

"Yeah, well that's her name and it's a nice name," the woman began defending her choice of name for her pooch.

"It's a nice name, ma'am," Grissom began, holding his hands up in surrender. "I really like the name."

"You must be an odd-ball like me," the woman began smiling at Grissom. "Why would a nice young man like a name like Ladybug for a dog?"

"Well, I'm actually an entomologist," Grissom began smiling and extending his hand towards the woman in introduction. "Dr. Gil Grissom."

As the older woman heard Grissom's name, realization finally dawned on her.

"Wait, wait, wait," she began, "you can't be little Gilly Grissom, can you?"

"The one and only," Grissom replied offering her a small smile.

"I'm Penelope Goldberger," the older woman began, "I lived down the street from your family for years."

"Nice to meet you again, Mrs. Goldberger." Grissom replied. "Let see about getting your Ladybug back to you." With that Grissom and Mrs. Goldberger set about the task of getting her dog back to her. Within only a matter of minutes Grissom was able to get the pooch back to her owner. Mrs. Goldberg looked deep into Grissom's sad eyes.

"Young man, you look like you just lost the love of your life." Mrs. Goldberger began. "I'd have to say you're very much in love."

"I have to go now, Mrs. Goldberger," Grissom replied tightly, "it was nice talking to you."

"Oh, yeah, yeah," Mrs. Goldberger began, totally oblivious to fact that Grissom was speaking in a terse tone to her. "Oh, and thanks for getting my dog back to me."

"Your welcome, Mrs. Goldberger." Grissom replied.

"By the way, young man," Mrs. Goldberger began, "great things are going to come your way, you can be sure of that."

"Yeah, if you say so," Grissom replied totally unconvinced of what the elderly woman was saying to him. With that, they went their separate ways.

Grissom sat on the beach again, his thoughts going back to the past once again.

Dr. Gil Grissom and the Green-eyed Monster

As Grissom sat in the break room waiting for his team to arrive, there was a floral arrangement on one of the tables. As he tried to find out whom the beautiful flowers were for, Sara walked through the door.

"A love gift for your new girlfriend?" Sara asked sarcastically.

"No, Sara," an exasperated Gil Grissom sighed his reply. Just then, an excited Catherine Willows entered the break room.

"Sara, did you see the lovely floral arrangement?" Catherine asked, smiling, as she thought that Gil was the one who sent Sara the beautiful flowers.

"Yeah…" Sara began.

"They're for you, Sara," Catherine began. "Yeah, for you."

"You know this because?" Gil Grissom asked.

"I was the one who signed for them, Gil." Catherine replied testily as she realized Grissom wasn't the person responsible for attempting to brighten Sara's day.

As Sara read the attached card, a smile spread across her face.

"Hmmm…that's so sweet of him," Sara began, thinking she was speaking low enough so that no one would be able to hear. Unfortunately for Sara, Dr. Gil Grissom, jealousy connoisseur heard her.

"One of your many male admirers?" Grissom asked in stark sarcasm.

"Why, yes. Dr. Grissom," Sara replied, and with that, she turned on her heel and stalked out of the break room, floral arrangement and all.

Catherine, who had be watching the exchange between Grissom and Sara, just had to comment on Grissom's behavior when Sara was out of earshot.

"What the heck was all that about, Gil?" Catherine asked in exasperation.

"What was all what about, Cath?" Grissom asked, feigning innocence.

"Don't 'Cath' me," Catherine began angrily, "and don't give me that innocent act. Who do you think you're fooling, Gil?"

"What are you cackling about, Cath?" Grissom began getting annoyed with Catherine's meddling ways.

"You and Sara, that's what," Catherine began. "This song and dance you two play. Well you, not Sara."

"I repeat, what are you talking about, Catherine?" Grissom asked in annoyance.

"Your feelings for Sara, Gil, that's what!" Catherine replied.

"I don't have feelings for Sara," Grissom began trying to hide his feelings for Sara from Catherine, "where ever did you get that idea from?"

"Well, for starters, Gil," Catherine began smugly "from the grapevine."

"And you're gonna tell me that you'll believe anything that comes from the good ole rumor mill?" Grissom asked nervously which Catherine didn't catch.

"Gil, why don't you let me finish, and then you can state defense." Catherine replied.

"Okay, this I gotta hear." Grissom replied in an attempt to sound nonchalant. "I wonder what wonderful things the national intruders have to say."

"Normally, Gil, I would side with you regarding the intrusion issue, but that isn't the case this time, Buddy." Catherine stated in a firm but amused voice.

"Okay, then, spill it," Grissom began tersely, seeing that Catherine was getting perverse pleasure out of torturing him with a bunch of nothing.

"Well, Grissom, about a few nights ago, one of the lab techs from dayshift worked overtime for the night shift," Catherine began. "He said he saw you, Sara and Sophia in the corridor. He said that he left, thinking nothing of it." Catherine would have continued, but a slightly angry Grissom interrupted her.

"So, he saw me, Sara and Sophia together in the hall. What's the big deal?" Grissom asked trying to downplay the events of that night, that were forever etched in his memory.

"Well, as he went to his car, he noticed that Sara came out followed shortly thereafter by you."

"So, what's the big deal with that?" Grissom asked.

"I'm getting to that," Catherine began testily. "if you'd let me finish the story."

"Alright," Grissom began, throwing up his hands in disgust, "would you finish this story already! I do have lots of work to do and assignments to hand out."

Catherine realized she was getting nowhere fast with Grissom, so she decided to use another tactic on the ever oblivious to everything, Gil Grissom.

"Hey, Gil," Catherine began, "how does Sara like her new cell phone?" Judging from the look of shock and abject shame on Gil's face made Catherine realized that she touched a sore spot.

"H…h…h…how did you know about that?" Grissom stammered over his words. He had absolutely no idea that anyone had witnessed his rage, as he utterly destroyed Sara's cell when he knocked it out of her hand.

"Grissom, the lab tech told Warrick about it," Catherine began, "Warrick then told me about it. I went to the lab tech and he said he wouldn't tell anyone else about it. He only told Warrick because he knew that Warrick worked with you at one time."

"What else did he say, Catherine?" a totally dejected Gil Grissom asked.

"Nothing much, just that you need lots of help with that jealousy of yours." Catherine replied.

"He doesn't know me!" Grissom spat out angrily. "What gives him the right to pass any judgement upon me?"

"Gil, this guy was really frightened for Sara," Catherine began, attempting to calm Grissom down. "He's new to our lab. He just transferred from the Boston Crime Lab. For all he knew, you could have been an abusive ex-husband or something. By the way he described what he saw, who can blame him?"

"Look, Catherine," Grissom began, but Catherine interrupted him.

"NO, you look, Gil," Catherine began, "you need to confront your feelings for Sara. You can't just keep on pushing her away. And for God's sake, stop seeing that bimbo, Sophia!

"I'm not seeing her actually," Grissom began angrily, "but, if I were, who's business is it anyway? Not Sara's and definitely not yours."

"You know what, Grissom," Catherine began nearing the end of her patience, "you're absolutely right. So, when another guy comes and sweeps 'your' Sara way from you, don't call me, because if you do, I'll let my voicemail pick up. I won't even give you the satisfaction of returning your calls." With that, Catherine turned on her heels and stalked down the hall to her office, leaving a nervous Dr. Gil Grissom in her wake.

"Now what have I done?" Grissom asked himself. "I lost my girl and I'm about to lose one of my best friends. I'd better call Catherine and apologize. I'll need Catherine's help to get my 'Baby Girl' back." With that, a sheepish Gil Grissom swallowed his pride and called Catherine to apologize for his terse behavior.

Later That Day/Back to the Present

Grissom made plans to head back to Las Vegas in two weeks. He and Sara were driving back together. He planned to drive all the way, as Sara drove to Santa Monica by herself. He didn't want her to drive again.

Two Weeks Later—Back in Las Vegas

Sara was back at work in the Las Vegas Crime lab. Everyone was glad to see her, except for one Sophia Curtis. Never the less, Sara spoke to Sophia in a professional tone.

Catherine, Warrick, Nick, Greg, Hodges and David greeted Sara by giving her hugs.

"Welcome back, Girl!" Catherine shouted happily. "I was beginning to think that you were gonna trade us in for Sunny Southern California. Look at you, nicely tanned and looking refreshed. I'm jealous, Girl."

Sara laughed slightly, as she was still saddened by Grissom accusing her of seeing another man. When Sara continued to sit in silence, Catherine became concerned.

"Sara, what's wrong?" Catherine asked. "It's not like you to stay silent this long. What gives?"

"Oh, nothing, just tired I guess," Sara began, "I haven't been sleeping too well lately."

"Well, the fact that you were away from work for about a month or more, that would do it." Catherine replied. "How's Grissom doing?"

"He's fine, I guess." Sara replied.

"What do you mean, you guess?" Catherine asked.

"Well, you know how Griss gets," Sara lied, not wanting Catherine to know that Grissom had been avoiding her since he dropped her off at her apartment. "He likes his privacy and doesn't want to share his feelings with anyone." With that, Sara excused herself and went into the ladies' room and pulled a small box from her purse.

"Since he gave it to me, I might as well wear it." Sara said to herself as she slipped the beautiful engagement ring on her left ring finer. The large diamond was as beautiful as it was flawless.

"Grissom must have paid a fortune for this ring," Sara continued in conversation with herself. "I'll wear his ring." Sara smiled as it finally dawned on her that Gil Grissom gave her an engagement ring.

Later that Evening

Catherine and Sara were finishing up gathering evidence for an apparent murder suicide. As Sara was dusting the bedroom for prints, Catherine noticed a ring with a gigantic rock.

"Sara?" Catherine spoke the younger woman's name in askance.

Sara following Catherine's eyes to the beautiful ring on her left ring finger spoke up.

"It's an engagement ring," Sara began in explanation. "Grissom asked me to marry him and I accepted."

"Well, congratulations are in store," Catherine began. She would have continued, but Sara interrupted her gently.

"Hey, Cath," Sara began, "if you don't mind, I'd like to keep it to ourselves for a while."

"Well, okay," Catherine began, "I don't know, but if I had a rock that looked like that, everyone and their grandmother would know that I was engaged.

In Grissom's Townhouse

As Grissom sat on his couch, he remembered that he had to a file that was important for a case that Warrick was due in court tomorrow to testify for the prosecution. Grissom knew he still had two more weeks of paid sick leave.

Grissom decided to go to the lab to get this important file into Warrick's hand for his court date tomorrow

With that, Grissom hopped in his Mercedes and headed for the lab.

The Las Vegas Lab

As Catherine and Sara sat in the locker room and Catherine continued to examine the beautiful diamond engagement ring on Sara's finger, a stunned Dr. Gil Grissom approached the two ladies. Gil couldn't believe that Sara had decided to wear the ring after all. He was elated, but didn't want to get his hopes up. He thought that perhaps Sara was using the ring as a deterrent to keep some of Las Vegas' finest at bay, as she had lots of trouble with men coming on to her many times, much to his dismay.

Catherine looked up at Gil and smiled.

"Hey, Gil," Catherine began, "what brings you here?"

"Grissom, you're not going against Doctor's orders, are you?" Sara asked with much concern in her voice.

"No, just dropping off a file for Warrick." Grissom replied smiling at Sara. "He's gonna need it for his court case tomorrow, so I thought I'd better get it to him tonight."

"I'll make sure he gets it, Gil." Catherine replied. "I'm heading down to trace. Sara, I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, Cath, later." Sara replied.

"By the way, Gil, congratulations on your engagement to Sara."

"Yeah, thanks, Cath." Grissom replied, but then a thought struck him. He took the ring from off Sara's finger. He then turned to Catherine and said: "It wasn't done properly. Cath, do you mind staying here and witnessing the proper way to propose to a beautiful young woman?"

"No, it would be my pleasure," a gushing Catherine Willows replied.

Grissom got on one knee and took Sara's left hand in his larger right hand and began his proposal, the tears flowing freely down his cheeks. Sara, upon watching Grissom freely let his emotions flow, began sobbing tears of joy and happiness.

"Sara," Grissom choked through his tears, "will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"Yes, Grissom! YES! YES! YES!" Sara responded happily.

"Okay, you still have one major problem, but we can fix that." Grissom laughed.

"I don't have problems, I'm perfect." Sara replied through tears of happiness.

"Yes you have this one problem," Grissom sighed a sigh of mock exasperation.

"Okay, I'll bite." Sara began, "so, my dear man, what pray-tell is my so-called problem?"

"You have the horrible habit of calling me Grissom!" Grissom mock exclaimed. "My first name is Gilbert or Gil, Madame."

"Okay, Gil, you got me." Sara replied, causing Grissom to smile a very big smile, upon hearing Sara call him by his first name. He truly loved when she called him Gil.

"Okay kids, it's time for us to get back for us to get back to work." Catherine replied joking with Grissom and Sara. "But Sara, if you'd like to take the rest of the night off and celebrate with Gil, you're more than welcome. I don't want anyone saying I don't have a romantic bone in my body."

With that, Grissom and Sara left the Las Vegas Crime lab and headed back to his townhouse. They stopped by the local Chinese restaurant and picked up vegetarian Chinese cuisine.

Sara Clears up Grissom's Misunderstanding

Grissom was curious to know what caused Sara's change of heart, as he was certain that she wanted to put the brakes on their budding romance.

"Sara, Honey, why the sudden change of heart?" Grissom asked anxiously, hoping that this wasn't a dream. "I mean, I thought you wanted to put the brakes on our romance. At least that's the conclusion I came up with when we were in California."

"Grissom, Grissom, Grissom," Sara began. She would have continued, but Grissom teasingly interrupted her.

"You do mean, Gil, Gil, Gil, don't you, Sara dear?" Grissom asked, as he attacked Sara's porcelain neck.

"Yes, you are absolutely right, Gil, Baby." Sara replied with a moan of contentment as Grissom attacked her neck hungrily.

"Okay, Sara," Grissom beckoned with his hand, "you may proceed."

"Gil, I never said I didn't want to marry you, nor did I ever say that I wanted to put the brakes on our romance," Sara began smiling affectionately at Grissom. "I only wanted you to court me, and court me you will."

"Court you?" Grissom asked genuinely confused, a state that Sara always found so adorable in him.

"Yeah, you know, like date?" Sara asked. "I want to go out to dinner, movies and amusement parks with extremely large roller coasters!"

With that, Grissom lifted Sara from off her feet and swung her around happily.

"I'm sorry for all of the times I hurt you," Grissom began sobbing out loud, "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"That's all right, Gil," Sara began, "we're going to get past that. We're bigger than our troubles and our pasts."

"No, Sara," Grissom began, "I actually thought that you were leaving me for Ecklie."

"What?" Sara began, having a hard time controlling the bubbles of laughter threatening to choke her. "Where did you ever get that idea from?"

"Well, Sophia called my cell phone and told me that Ecklie was seeing you," Grissom began in deep sadness, sad that he believed Sophia. "I called your cell phone and Ecklie picked up. I called around 1:30am." Grissom then replayed to Sara what transpired that night. It was after hearing Ecklie's voice on Sara's cell phone that pushed him over the edge, prompting him to attempt to end his life.

"Grissom," Grissom replied into the receiver. His voice was one of emptiness.

"Gil," Sophia began, feigning concern, "how are you?"

"Hello, Ms. Curtis. Goodbye, Ms. Curtis," Grissom began curtly. "It's Dr. Grissom to you." From the tone in his voice, Sophia could tell that Grissom was getting ready to hang up on her, so she spoke quickly, in an attempt to pique his interest.

"Well, Dr. Grissom it is," Sophia began trying to hide her anger at being treated in such an evil manner. "I just wanted to let you know that Sara has moved on." Sophia stopped there on purpose, letting Grissom digest the words she spoke concerning his Precious Princess Sara.

"YOU'RE LYING YOU WITCH!" Grissom began in hot anger, "look, Sophia, I don't have time for your evil games." Grissom had to keep his temper in check, or else his aunt would tell his mother and she would be up there in a flash.

"Well, Dr. Grissom, if you don't believe me, why don't you try her cell phone?" Sophia asked, feigning concern for the sad forensic entomologist. "It's 1am in the morning, Sara should be home, right?"

"I WON'T DO IT!" Grissom yelled into the receiver. With that, Grissom abruptly slammed the phone against the wall, without so much as a goodbye to Sophia.

As Grissom began sobbing from the pain he felt that night, Sara cradled him in her arms, speaking soothing words of love to him in his ear. As she continued to hold Grissom in her arms, realization dawned on her.

"NASA, we have a problem," Sara broke the loving silence between her and Grissom.

"What do you mean?" Grissom asked, still sobbing lightly.

"Gil, you said that Sophia called you and told you that me and Ecklie were having a thing going on, right?" Sara asked.

"Yeah, so?" Grissom asked, confusion crossing his handsome face.

"Well, Gil," Sara began, "how in the world would Sophia know that Ecklie would pick up my phone? That means that she had to be the one that switched our phones in order to exact her revenge on you, me and Ecklie."

"How was Ecklie affected?" Grissom asked incredulously. "I know that I was affected, and in turn you were affected too."

"Well, for your information, Smarty Pants," Sara began in an attempt to lighten the mood, which she managed to do, by impersonating one of her professors at Harvard University. Grissom couldn't help but laugh, as he remembered the older professor, as she absolutely got on his nerves. Her voice was as irritating as chafing on one's inner thighs. "Ecklie was trying to woo back his ex-wife. She called one day and she got me. And boy was she steamed, but I took care of everything."

"What did you do?" Grissom was almost afraid to ask, because he knew that Sara and Ecklie had their differences, and Ecklie was trying to get Sara fired because of the incident with him and Catherine.

"I told Mrs. Ecklie that our phones were changed," Sara began smiling, "I then told Mrs. Ecklie that I was surprised the nut forgot to tell her. I then told her men, go figure."

"What did she say after that?" Grissom was curious to know what was happening with Ecklie's marriage.

"She didn't say anything, Gil," Sara began, laughing, "she started crying and saying that she had to call Conrad and apologize. So I just gave her my phone number. And the rest as they say, is history."

"I'm impressed, Weed Hopper." Grissom replied doing a terrible impression of Master Po, young Kwai Chang Caine of Kung Fu's mentor. "What did Conrad have to say about things.

"He's like a kid in a candy store," Sara began laughing, "I've never seen Conrad this happy. To say that he truly appreciated what I've done for him, would be the understatement of the year."

"I'm glad to hear that you two have ironed out your differences." Grissom replied. "You mentioned that Sophia switched yours and Ecklie's cell phones. I can understand why she wanted revenge against me and you, but what I don't understand is why get revenge on Ecklie?"

"Because she felt that he didn't do his part in separating us, Gil." Sara replied feeling sorry for Sophia. "She hated the fact that you cared for me, Gil. She couldn't take being rejected by you. So, she felt that Ecklie needed to be taught a lesson. I guess I should call Conrad and give him a heads up."

"Sara, Baby Doll," Grissom began, "don't you think you should get proof before calling Conrad?"

"Don't you think I know how to do my job, Sir," Sara began, sending Grissom a mock glare. "I'll have you know that I'm dayshift's top CSI."

"Ha, ha, ha, Sara," Grissom began, "you humor leaves me utterly speechless."

With that, Sara phoned Ecklie and informed him of her suspicions concerning one Sophia Curtis and the switched cell phone caper. After assuring Sara that Sophia would be reprimanded, they disconnected their call.

"Sara, I'm gonna call Mom and let her know that we're engaged," Grissom began. "Well, I'll let Dad or Lucille relay the message to Mom."

"Mrs. Grissom will be happy to hear that," Sara began, "with all of the drama we brought them the last two weeks were with them."

"Yeah," Grissom began, sadly remembering his actions.

Sara, catching the sadness cross his handsome features, immediately spoke up.

"Gil, that's all behind us now," Sara began sighing dreamily, "there's nothing but happiness in front of us."

"You know, Sara, you're absolutely right!" Grissom exclaimed happily. "I'm gonna live for our right now and for our future. I've wasted far too much time on the past and past hurts. It's time for me and us to move forward. Sara, you showed me how to move forward, it's just that it took me a little longer to get your message. Thanks a lot, Sara." With that, Grissom dialed his parents' number and told his father that he and Sara were engaged.

"Hey, Gil," Sara began, "are we going to tell the gang about my pregnancy? They deserve to know, don't you think?" Sara gestured to her stomach area that was slowly but surely starting to bulge a little.

"We'll tell them in due time, Honey," Grissom began, placing his strong hands over Sara's smaller hand on her stomach area. "I just want to concentrate on you, Baby, and our wedding."

With that, Grissom and Sara made plans for their wedding, as they didn't feel the need to prolong the inevitable. Grissom and Sara also decided to go to the lab and announce their engagement and their pending wedding. Sara would have Catherine help her with her make-up and also would have her as the Maid of Honor. She already knew who the flower girls were going to be. Sara secured Lindsey as one flower girl and Sara's neighbor had a granddaughter that would be perfect for the second flower girl.

"Hey, Gil," Sara began, "Mrs. Grissom mentioned that you have a nephew that you wanted to have as your best man?"

"Yeah, Sara," Grissom began smiling, "Sara, it's no longer Mrs. Grissom, but Mom to you from now on. Matthew only asks that we contact him at least a month before we get married, so that he would be able to adjust his schedule. His wife, Frances is the head medical examiner for LA County Coroner's office."

"Wow," Sara began, "Did you tell me that she was working at Cedar Sinai Medical Center?"

"She worked previously as a medical doctor, but she decided to change specialties, and now she's the medical examiner for LA County Coroner's Office." Grissom replied. "She's also a forensic consultant for the LAPD as well. By the way Sara, you're gonna have to stop calling my mother, Mrs. Grissom and start calling her Mom."

"Yes, Gil," Sara began smiling affectionately at 'her' Gil. "I'll have to remember that." With that, Gil and Sara started to put into motion their plans for they're pending wedding.