Chapter 31
The Holy Cross Baptist Church was not air conditioned, but the lights had been kept low and the doors closed against the humidity. It was brutal to be wearing a full suit on such a scorching day and Grissom was grateful for the small drop in temperature as he entered.
Standing in the back he allowed his eyes to adjust from the glare outside and caught site of the others seated in a pew only a few rows back from the pulpit. His lips twitched when he noticed Sara sandwiched between Greg and Warrick. Even the back of her head was a welcome sight these days.
Resisting the urge to genuflect (old habits and all that) he slid in next to Catherine, who looked none too pleased about losing her aisle seat.
Nick grinned at his supervisor. He looked ready to bust with nerves and happiness. There was a hot pink Gerbera pinned to the lapel of his black tux. His brother's tux sported an orange flower of the same variety.
As the wedding march played everyone stood and turned to face the back of the church. Most seated on the left side of the aisle turned to the right. Grissom turned to his left and caught Sara's smile and small fingered wave in his direction before finishing his rotation and focusing on Nick's bride.
Luna's dress was simple and elegant. The ceremony itself was traditional. The family of the groom was in full attendance, looking regal and distinguished. The family of the bride also turned out, looking as though they were ready for a party.
Sara thought about how the two families together seemed to fit perfectly to symbolize Nick's personality and hoped that this marriage was going to be the beginning of the party phase of a life that had seen too many days that required a stiff upper lip.
As the church emptied Catherine hooked her arm into Warrick's. "My sister borrowed my car, dropped me off here, think I could ride to the reception with you?"
"Sure, the more the merrier. Sara and Greg came with me, why not make it a foursome?"
Not what Catherine wanted to hear, but she reasoned it was still better than going alone.
Grissom did make the short drive to the reception at Wellington place on his own. He had considered inviting Sara to ride with him but couldn't come up with a reasonable excuse. The drive gave him time to consider how the freckles that crossed her nose and cheeks had flourished from her daytime fieldwork. He caught himself smiling at the thought as he pulled into the lot behind Warrick.
Happy for the cover provided by his sunglasses he watched as Sara's long legs emerged from Warrick's back seat. She looked light and lovely in an ice blue dress, her hair in loose curls framing her radiant face.
Murmuring to himself as he approached his little group, "Thus, then, was Beauty sent from heaven, The lovely mistress of Truth and Good In this dark world: for Truth and Good are one; And Beauty dwells in them, and they in her, With like participation."
Cat turned on her widest smile, "Thanks Grissom!" and lead the charge inside. He raised his eyebrows in Sara's direction and they shared a silent smile.
He held her chair as they sat in their assigned place, the invited lab staff had a table all their own, close to the family. Greg began immediately with the post mortem of the ceremony; Catherine regaled anyone who would listen with stories of her own wedding day. Grissom drank scotch and Sara drank wine.
"For the first time anywhere, Mr. And Mrs. Nick Stokes!"
Thankfully they had opted NOT to do a reception line but to go directly to the best man's toast. Nick's brother spoke emotionally about growing up with his best friend and wanting the newlyweds to be as happy as he was with his beautiful family.
Nick's dad made a short speech, Luna's mom stood and wished the couple many years of amazing sex and hearty laughter. When the call came for anyone else who might have something to say Grissom stood.
"I'm, uh, Gil Grissom, Nick's supervisor. Nick, you've always been someone I knew I could count on. In the past few years you've matured into a competent CSI and a man I'm honored to call my friend." Nick beamed, his eyes red. Grissom stuttered a moment but continued, "I'm so proud of you for being willing, after all of the things we've seen and been through, for being willing to have the hope that marriage symbolizes. The vulnerability of giving yourself to another person is a rare gift. I hope I can learn from your courage. I wish you all the luck in the world."
He barely noticed that he had rested his hand on Sara's naked shoulder as he spoke.
Sara noticed, in fact, she was finding it hard to concentrate on much of anything else.