Disclaimer: I don't own CSI. That's why I work for a living.

Chapter 9

The party was a success. Everyone was having a good time, talking and laughing together. It was a different atmosphere and they were all much more relaxed. The alcohol helped to loosen up the ones who didn't have to work later.

Catherine had arrived first. Nick and Greg arrived at the same time but not in the same car. Doc Robbins brought his wife along and Warrick brought Tina. David, Hodges, Bobby and Archie also made an appearance. Bringing up the rear were Brass and Sofia. This raised quite a few eyebrows because they did actually come together.

Sara showed everyone around while Grissom poured drinks and worked the front door. They all commented on how lovely the house was. They ate and drank and tried to pretend they weren't studying Grissom and Sara like some sort of strange science experiment. They all gushed over Grissom's mother until she was thoroughly flustered and half in love with Brass.

Everyone brought gifts. After all, what's a housewarming without gifts? Catherine brought candles, lots of scented candles because she knew that Sara loved them. Warrick and Tina brought a very nice bottle of wine that they instructed the pair to save for a very special occasion. Doc Robbins had brought a beautiful plant that would sit in a place of honor beside Grissom's gift to Sara. The boys, along with Brass and Sofia, had all chipped in for a gift certificate to an upscale home décor store.

As is most often the case when law enforcement people are gathered, talk turned to the job. They talked about strange cases and the things they had seen. They laughed as Catherine and Grissom related the story of the furry convention and Grissom told the story of the gay man and fat lady. Greg's affection for showgirl head gear was the topic of much discussion. Brass told about the swingers who washed sex toys in the dishwasher. Laughter filled the room and reminded them all that they were more than lucky to be together.

When Nick started looking at his watch and making noises about leaving for work, Sara caught Grissom's eye and gave him a small smile. He raised his eyebrow in response. Sara moved to stand next to him and cleared her throat. "Before anyone has to leave, we wanted to thank everyone for coming. I have enjoyed having you in our home. I'm sure Gris has too, despite his scowl. Maybe, between the two of us, we can learn to be more social." Her last comment drew a laugh from everyone. "There is one other thing that we wanted you all to know," Sara paused and cleared her throat. "I hope I get this right," she mumbled turning to face Olivia. She signed along with her words, "We are engaged."

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. For a breathless few seconds no one even moved. Suddenly, Olivia Grissom jumped up from her seat on the couch and rushed over to embrace Sara. Releasing her future daughter-in-law she turned to her son. "I am so happy for you. She is a beautiful woman and she loves you. I was beginning to think you would never find a woman who could put up with you." Her hands flew and her eyes were filled with unshed tears. She was smiling when she hugged Grissom to her. Olivia's reaction served as a catalyst for everyone else. Doc Robbins stood and raised his glass in a toast to the happiness of the two geekiest geeks he knew. Everyone started talking at once.

Greg approached Sara and stood in front of her with a pitiful look on his face. "I thought you were going to wait for me. What does Grissom have that I don't?"

"Besides me?" Sara said with a laugh. "You'll always be my favorite student Greggo."

Always theatrical, Greg covered his heart with both hands and said, "Oh, you wound me. Seriously, Sara, I'm happy for you. It's about time." He threw his arms around Sara in a friendly hug before moving over to congratulate Grissom.

Brass hugged Sara and whispered his congratulations. He moved over to shake Grissom's hand. "Gil, I'm happy for you. Although I didn't think you had it in you."

Grissom smiled and said, "Thank you. But it was never about what was in me. It was about what I would let out"
David and the lab techs congratulated them both. Sofia was a little more restrained. She held out her hand to Sara and said, "Congratulations, Sara. I hope you'll be very happy."

"Thank you, Sofia," Sara said. "No hard feelings?"

Sofia gave a tight smile and shook her head before moving over to congratulate Grissom. "Gil, congratulations." Much to Grissom's embarrassment she reached up a placed a kiss on his cheek before moving to take a seat by Brass.

Warrick hugged Sara and said, "I am glad he finally got it together. He has always loved you, you know. Congratulations." He moved over to talk to Grissom

"I can't believe you guys have kept this a secret." Nick smiled at Sara. "Are you happy?" When she nodded he said, "Then I'm happy for you." He hugged Sara tightly and kissed her cheek. Pulling back he noticed the tears swimming in her eyes and shook his head slightly. "Happy girls don't cry."

He moved over and shook Grissom's hand. "You do know how lucky you are, right?'

"Yes, Nick, I do," Grissom said quietly.

"Just love her the way she deserves." Nick smiled and moved away.

Catherine hung back until everyone else was done. She walked up to Sara and said, "Let me see." Smiling she held Sara's extended hand and studied the ring. "It's beautiful Sara. Even better than I remembered."

"Remembered?" Sara asked.

"You don't think Gil knew where to go to buy a ring do you? I only took him to the right place. He did the rest himself." Catherine hugged Sara and said, "Congratulations. Keep him happy, okay?" She then hugged Grissom and congratulated him.

After Nick, Greg, David and all the lab techs had departed the others lingered. They talked and laughed, telling more stories and regaling Olivia with their exploits. Grissom took his share of good natured ribbing over his hissing cockroaches. The story of Sara's plant earned him more. After a while Olivia stood up and excused herself, stating that she was exhausted from the travel and excitement. The others took that as their cue to leave and soon Sara and Grissom were alone.

When the door had closed behind the last of their guests Grissom pulled Sara into his arms and said, "Did you have a good time?"

"Yeah, I did. And you?" Sara asked with a smile.

"Actually, I enjoyed it. Not sure I'd want them here all the time but it was nice." Grissom returned her smile and pressed his lips to her hair. "Let's get this cleaned up. Maybe we can have 'made a big announcement sex'."

"Never heard of it. Is it anything like 'paid the phone bill sex'?" Sara asked with a wicked grin.

"You are catching on Ms. Sidle. You are catching on." Grissom said with laughter in his voice. "Come on. Let's hurry."