How Painful is Care Chapter 31: This I Swear, a csi fanfic

A/N: AH! Such happiness! I don't think I can handle it. Anyways, this chapter is rated for EXCESSIVE WEDDING FLUFFINESS! So it's a bit of a break from, you know, AIDS and death and such. Yay. Usual disclaimer. Oh, the vows were stolen from some website (I googled "wedding vows"), the first song is Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast the second song is What Makes you Different by the Backstreet Boys, the third song is This I Swear by Nick Lachey, and the Bible lesson is from my mom's ancient and decrepid Revised Standard Version Bible (It's not even the NEW Revised standard version. Tells you how old it is.). Enjoy!

Chapter 31- This I Swear

Sara stood alone in the small room, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She could hardly believe that she was going through with this. Her stomach was full of butterflies, and she rested one hand on it, conscious of the thickening that indicated the growth of the baby within.

Her dress was beautiful; even she had to admit that. It was a floor-length ivory gown that fit her perfectly, emphasizing all her curves in just the right way. Her hair had been swept back and pinned up so that only one lone tendril curled next to her face. Her veil was amazing; it had been Catherine's grandmother's. The ivory lace was spun in a delicate pattern that included several golden threads that sparkled when they caught the light.

Still looking at herself, Sara spun slightly and could hardly believe that her reflection was really her; she looked so—dare she say it? —beautiful.

A knock on the door brought Sara back to reality. Catherine entered, dressed in a simple, peach-colored frock that made her look stunning without drawing attention from Sara.

"Oh my gosh, Sara," gasped Catherine. "You look so beautiful! Greg will be knocked off his feet when he sees you!"

Sara blinked once then said shakily, "Cath, I don't think I can do this."

Catherine frowned. "Don't you dare start saying that! Now, what's wrong, hm?"

Sara's eyes were wide; she honestly looked scared. "Cath, I'll break his heart. I wasn't meant for marriage. I—"

Catherine cut her off. "Sara, do you love him?" Sara nodded, mutely. "Well, I know for a fact that he loves you. You were meant for marriage, and when you look into Greg's eyes today, you'll know it, too."

Sara smiled, then asked shyly, "Do you really think I look pretty?"

"Honey, as your Matron of Honor, it is my sworn duty to tell you the truth on your wedding day."

Now Sara truly smiled and hugged Catherine. "Thanks, Cath. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Catherine shared her smile. "You're welcome…Oh, I almost forgot, here." She handed Sara a small, slim box.

Sara took it, brow furrowed in confusion, and opened it, gasping at what lay inside. It was a locket, a simple silver heart-shaped locket, but inlaid with gold in beautiful Celtic-looking patterns. "Oh, it's stunning," she breathed.

Catherine smiled. "It's from Greg. It was his mother's, apparently. He wanted you to have it. It can be your 'something old.'" Catherine took the necklace and fastened it around Sara's neck. "There," she said, stepping back. "Now your outfit's complete."

Sara touched the necklace wordlessly, and then embraced Catherine again.

Another knock broke through their embrace, and this time Nick strode into the room, looking handsome in his tux. "Hello, ladies," he said with a grin. "My, my, Sara, you clean up nice."

"The same could be said about you, Cowboy."

Nick grinned, then turned to Catherine. "Cath, you better get out there. Lindsey's freaking out a little." Catherine shared one more hug with Sara before hurrying out to calm the flower girl down.

Nick shook his head at Sara. "I can't believe you and Greg decided to use your dog as the ring bearer."

Sara shrugged, smirking. "What can I say? Some people love their pets."

Nick just shook his head again, then commented, "I see Greg gave you the necklace. It looks pretty."

"Yeah," said Sara quietly, hand automatically reaching for it.

"So, the necklace is your 'something old', the dress is 'something new', the veil's 'something borrowed', but what's blue?"

Sara grinned wickedly and turned, sweeping her veil out of the way to reveal a tattoo on her shoulder that read, in blue ink,

"Greg Sanders
And
Sara Sidle
Forever"

Nick whistled appreciatively. "When did you get that done?"

Sara grinned even wider. "I have just four words for you: Bachelorette party and Jell-O shots."

Now it was Nick's turn to grin. A sudden knock on the door sounded and Grissom poked his head in. "Nick, you're supposed to be out there!"

"Better go!" Nick gave Sara a peck on the cheek before heading out.

Grissom stepped fully into the room. "Are you ready?" he asked.

Sara nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She took his arm and they proceeded to the back of the church to wait for the procession to begin.

For her wedding march, Sara had insisted on "Beauty and the Beast" from the Disney movie of the same name. It was one of her best memories as a kid, watching the movie and telling her parents that when she got married, she was going to walk down the aisle to that song. Now, her dream had come true, and it made it feel like her parents were there with her today. Of course, Greg had been slightly offended when he figured out that he was the "beast" in the song, but Sara reminded him that the Beast turned into a handsome prince, so Greg was happy.

Lindsey went first down the aisle, wearing a dress that matched Catherine's and scattering the rose petals on the way down.

"Tale as Old as Time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly"

It was a long aisle, because it was a large church. They hadn't been planning on such a big wedding, but Ecklie had informed them that the Mayor himself was planning on attending, and majority of the Las Vegas police force as well. Sara had asked Brass why all the officers were coming, and he said it was because the Department was honoring both Greg and Sara for their "courageous work done on the force."

"Just a Little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast"

In any case, as Lindsey went down the aisle, she tugged at the leash she was holding, forcing Shadow to follow her, the pillow containing the rings securely fastened around his neck. Next came Catherine, escorted by Nick. Greg had wanted Warrick as his second Best Man, but Warrick had insisted upon videotaping. Sara could see him in the first pew now, the red light on the video camera visible.

"Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise"

Now, the music swelled and everyone stood and faced her. Tightening her grip on Grissom's arm, she began her walk down the aisle. She smiled and nodded at some of the more familiar faces, but stopped when she saw Greg standing at the front of the church, his spiky blonde hair never looking more handsome or manly. He looked absolutely stunning in his tux, the red rose boutonnière matching the roses in her bouquet.

"Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong"

Greg stared shamelessly as Sara moved toward him. She looked…amazing. Like an angel. His heart quickened, and, as she approached, letting go of Grissom's arm to take the last few steps by herself, he smiled gently at her, reaching out to take her hand.

"Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast"

They turned to face the pastor, who smiled benevolently at them. He spoke up over the noise of people taking their seats. "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, the Las Vegas Police Department, and the city of Las Vegas, to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony." He paused, then asked, "Who gives this woman to be married?"

Grissom stepped forward and squared his shoulders. "I do."

"If anyone had a valid reason why these two should not be married, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Greg held his breath. No one spoke.

"Let us take our reading from the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians."

Greg squeezed Sara's hand gently and mouthed, "I love you," as the pastor read the lesson.

"If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give my body so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

"So faith, hope, love remain; but the greatest of these is love."

Sara smiled at Greg; this was it. Unshed tears glinted in both their eyes as they turned to face each other.

The pastor smiled at them, then asked Greg, "Gregory Hojem Sanders, do you take Sara Jane Sidle to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep her, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?"

Greg looked Sara in the eyes and said, "I do."

The pastor asked Sara the same thing and she answered unflinchingly, "I do."

The pastor then turned to Greg and asked him to repeat after him. "I, Gregory Hojem Sanders…"

"I, Gregory Hojem Sanders…"

"Take Sara Jane Sidle to be my lawfully wedded wife."

"To have and to hold from this day forward,"

"For better or for worse,"

"For richer or poorer,"

In sickness and in Health"

"In sickness and in Health"

"To love and to cherish"

"Til Death do us part."

The pastor once again turned to Sara and had her repeat the same thing. She went through it, eyes never leaving Greg's, her voice only breaking slightly on the "In sickness and in health" part.

Next came the rings. The congregation laughed slightly as Nick fumbled with the pillow, trying to get it off Shadow. When he finally got it off, he handed the rings to Sara and Greg.

Greg took Sara's hand and squeezed it, repeating after the pastor, "With this ring I thee wed; all my love, I thee give," while slipping the ring on her finger.

It was fairly simple, with a plain silver band and only one diamond, cut into the shape of a heart. She smiled down at it, then took Greg's hand and slid his plain silver band on while saying, "With this ring, I thee wed; all my love, I thee give."

The minister raised his hands over them in benediction and said, "Bless, O Lord, these rings, that they who give them and wear them may abide in peace, and continue until their life's end." To Sara and Greg he said, "Inasmuch as you have pledged the other your lifelong commitment, love, and devotion, and with the power invested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife." To a grinning Greg, he said, "You may kiss the bride!"

Greg leaned in and kissed Sara gently on the lips.

The church seemed to hold its breath as they kissed, and then erupted in applause once the pastor said, "It gives me great pleasure to be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sanders."

Nick, Warrick, Grissom and Catherine cheered loudest of all, and Nick and Warrick called together, "Way to go, Greggo!"

Greg and Sara grinned at each other, then they proceeded down the aisle to the strains of "Ode to Joy," which Greg had chosen because he thought it was appropriate.

At the back of the church, Greg kissed Sara once more before they were swamped by well-wishers coming over to congratulate them.

It was almost an hour before the happy couple was able to be alone. They finally found themselves in the limo, on the way to their reception, which was being held in the Grand Ballroom at the Bellagio.

Greg smiled at Sara as they sat down, the door closing behind them, signaling that they were finally alone. He leaned over and kissed her deeply and passionately, only backing off when she playfully smacked him.

"Down, boy, there's time for that later," she panted, pushing him off her and scooting over to get the champagne that was cooling in the ice bucket.

Greg reached around her and grabbed it, popping the cork before she could protest. "Sorry," he grinned, pouring her a glass. "I've always wanted to do that." Sara just shook her head and smiled, accepting the glass he offered her. He took one as well, and held it up in a toast. "To us," he said simply.

"To us."

They clinked glasses and drank a sip before kissing again. This time it was Sara who deepened the kiss, setting her glass aside and wrapping her arms around him, pulling him closer to her. He tried to get up to put his glass away, but she pushed him back down and, straddling him quickly, began kissing him passionately and slowly.

Just as they were really getting into it, the driver said over the intercom, "Sir? Madame? We've arrived."

Greg swore loudly. "Alright, thanks." To Sara, he said, "We'll finish this later."

Nick got everyone's attention by standing and clinking his glass with his fork for silence. When everyone was quiet, he began. "So, as the best man, I was supposed to write a speech for today, but I've never been very good as writing speeches, so I decided to wing it. Thanks for coming today to see Greg and Sara get hitched." Everyone tittered. Nick grinned. "I know they appreciate it. And I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to throw in an interesting anecdote about them, but in all honesty, I don't know what I can tell you about them that y'all don't already know just by looking at them. Obviously, they love each other; even a blind man can see that!" Everyone chuckled appreciatively.

"Well, one thing I can say about the groom here is that Greggo embodies the word persistence. I mean, it only took him what? Four years to get Sara to go out with him?" Nick paused before smiling and saying, "I guess that's why he asked her to marry him on their first date…he didn't want to wait another four years!"

Everyone laughed and even Greg grinned, though he looked slightly embarrassed.

"In any case," continued Nick, throwing an arm around Greg's shoulders, "These two make me believe in love again, so, good luck, and I wish you all the happiness in the world!"

As everyone applauded and whistled, Greg stood up, holding up a hand for silence. "Right, so I realize it's not traditional for the groom to give a speech on his own wedding day, so I'll keep this short. Well, see, Nick forgot to mention a very big point, and that would be that my time here with Sara is limited."

The entire crowd fell silent as the realization of what he was saying hit them.

"But I just want you all to know that I plan to make the best of it." The crowd was still silent, so Greg grinned nervously and said, "Um…that's all I wanted to say. Well, that and I love Sara Sidle—Er, well, it's Sanders now, isn't it?—with all of my heart."

The first person to respond was Grissom, who stood and started to clap. Nick, Warrick and Catherine joined him, and then everyone else stood and applauded as well.

After the speeches, the cake was cut, and after the cake came the dancing. Greg took Sara's hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. Once there, he nodded to the DJ, who started the song.

Sara began to cry almost as soon as she heard the music. It was that stupid Backstreet Boys song, "their" song from their first date. She shook her head in reproach at Greg, who just laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist.

As they danced, so close, so slowly, he whispered the chorus in her ear, hot breath tickling her neck.

"What makes you different
Makes you beautiful
What's there inside you
Shines through to me
In your eyes I see
All the love I'll ever need
You're all I need, oh Girl
What makes you different
Makes you beautiful to me"

When the song ended, everyone applauded once more before joining them on the dance floor. Greg and Sara danced together for a few more dances, then Greg danced with Catherine, Sara danced with Warrick and Nick, and, for one memorable dance, Greg danced with Nick.

During the next song, while Sara was dancing with Grissom, Greg slipped away and headed to where the DJ sat. Grabbing a microphone, he tapped it once and said, "Alright people, now's the moment you've all been waiting for." Everyone turned and looked at him.

"Sara, could you join me up here, please?" She did, albeit warily, and sat in the chair he indicated.

"Ok, folks, I've got some things to say to this lovely lady of mine, but I'm not so good with my own words, so I've decided to borrow someone else's." He nodded to the DJ, who started the CD. As the song started playing, Greg began singing. He had a surprisingly good voice.

"You're there by my side in everyway
I know that you will not forsake me
I'd give you my life without thinking twice
Your love is all I need, believe me
I may not say it quite as much as I should
But when I say I love you, darlin', that means for good
So open up your hear and let me in

And I will love you
Til forever
Until death do us part
We'll be together
So take my hand
And hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear

I'm wondering how I ever got by
Without you in my life to guide me
Wherever I go, the one thing that's true
Is everything I do I do for you
I may not say it half as much as I should
But when I say I love you, darlin', that means for good
So open up your heart and let me in

And I will love you
Til forever
Until death do us part
We'll be together
So take my hand
And hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear

And whenever you get needy
Just reach out for me
I'll never let you down
My love

And I will love you
Til forever
Until death do us part
We'll be together
So take my hand
And hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear"

Sara was crying freely by the time he finished. He handed the microphone back to the DJ, then went to her and kissed her deeply, to thunderous applause. After kissing her, Greg turned to everyone and said loudly, "Alright, folks, if you don't mind, I'd like to head off with my bride now." Everyone laughed loudly.

Greg reached down and scooped Sara up, straightening with her in his arms. "Greg!" she squealed, still crying slightly. "Put me down, right now!"

"Nope," he said cheerfully, carrying her out of the hotel and down to the waiting limo. "You're mine forever, and I'm not letting go."

They settled into the limo with Sara lying with her head in Greg's lap. He stroked her hair gently.

"Do you want some champagne?" she asked, looking up at him. "Just because I can't have any doesn't mean you shouldn't."

"No," whispered Greg, kissing her temple. "This time, I want to remember making love to you."