A/N: I reposted this because everything got all bunched up and didn't really make sense. Thanks to everyone for the reviews! Keep 'em coming...
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI. That's why I work for a living.
Chapter 12
Grissom chuckled at Sara's deep sigh. "What is it honey?" he asked as they lay spooned together drifting in the space between awake and asleep.
"Why would anyone knowingly do this to themselves?" Sara responded.
"Do what?" Grissom questioned. "Try to sleep?"
Sara huffed out a laugh. "Get married. Why would anybody want to have a wedding?"
"It's only three weeks away. Console yourself with the knowledge that it will be over soon." Grissom tried unsuccessfully to hide the laughter in his voice.
"Thank God!" she all but shouted. "I will be so glad when this is over."
"Sara, you're starting to give me a complex," Grissom said with hurt in his voice. Sara couldn't see the smile playing around his mouth.
Wriggling around until she could see his face, Sara playfully punched his shoulder. "Stop. You know what I mean. Tell me you don't feel the same way."
"No. I want to stand up in front of people and declare my undying love for you. That's why I can't believe you are not excited about this," Grissom deadpanned before laughing.
"That's it bug man. Now you pay." Sara growled as she started tickling him. They rolled over the bed laughing and struggling for dominance. Sara was never sure how she ended up pinned beneath him but suddenly it didn't matter. Panting she said, "I don't think you're playing fair."
"How's that?" he asked as he bent his head to run his tongue up the side of her neck.
Gasping, she teased, "You're bigger than me. I can't win." Sara wrapped her legs around his waist and pushed her pelvis against his.
"Now who's not playing fair?" Grissom asked. "You might not want to do that." He scattered kisses across her chest, dipping his tongue under her tank to lick the tops of her breasts.
"Oh yeah? Why not?" Sara was laughing as she tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling his face up so she could look into his eyes.
"It could lead to fornication." Grissom joked as he ground against her. Propping on one arm he tried to work his other hand under her shirt.
Sara burst out laughing. "Maybe we shouldn't."
"Okay." Grissom mumbled against her neck as his hand reached its target.
"Grissom, I'm serious," Sara said.
He raised his head up and said, "What?" His blue eyes were confused. "What are you talking about?"
"I think we should…um…abstain until after the wedding." Sara said.
"You're kidding, right?" Grissom asked incredulously. As soon as the words left his mouth he knew he was in trouble. "Uh…I didn't mean it like it sounded."
"Know what? I think this is sounding better and better." Sara was giving him the evil eye and Grissom knew it was going to be a long three weeks.
"Okay," he said slowly. "Is there a reason for this self-imposed exile?"
"Yeah, actually there is." Sara said. Her voice was quiet as she continued, "We've never done anything in the traditional manner. I mean, I know it's a little late to save ourselves for marriage, but…" Her voice trailed off and she gave Grissom a helpless look.
"You're serious aren't you?" At Sara's nod, Grissom continued, "Okay. If that's what you want then that's what we'll do."
Sara's eyes searched his face and she said, "Thank you."
Grissom dipped his head and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. With a gleam in his eye he said, "Could we start tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is a good day," Sara said in a throaty voice before pulling his lips down to hers.
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Sara stopped in the doorway to Grissom's office and leaned against the jamb. "Hey bug man. Got a minute?"
He raised his head and smiled. "For you, I might have a couple."
Sara sauntered over and took a seat. "I've been thinking about something and I wanted your opinion."
"Okay shoot." Grissom leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers under his chin.
"I was thinking of going back to see my mother," Sara said.
Grissom's poker days served him well. He kept his features smooth while he waited for her to continue.
"I've been thinking about things and I think it's time for me to let it go." Sara closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. "As much as you can ever let something like this go."
"Sara," Grissom said, "I think you need to do whatever will bring you peace."
"Griss, I need to start our life together with a clean slate. I want to tell her that I've found you and that we aren't like them. It hurt to hear her say she killed him to protect me. I just needed time to adjust." Sara's voice was soft but strong. Her eyes were clear of the pain and anger usually associated with any mention of her past.
"When do you want to go? I'll have to do some arranging but it shouldn't be too difficult." Grissom was trying, without success, to think of a way he could arrange to have a day off between now and the wedding.
"I want to go alone." Sara's voice was strong and she held his gaze.
"I don't think that's a good idea," he said.
"Griss, this is something I have to do. Last time I didn't know what it would feel like. Now I do. I'll be fine." Sara gave a half smile and said, "Trust me."
"When are you planning on going?" Grissom's voice was calm but his stomach was churning at the thought of Sara's reaction the last time they had visited Laura Sidle.
"I'm off this weekend. I could fly out Saturday morning and be back Saturday night. That means I wouldn't be gone over night." Sara was quiet for a moment and then added, "I really need to do this before the wedding."
"How about you get tickets for both of us? I'll sleep in the car while you're visiting and on the plane home," Grissom said.
"You don't have to do that. You have to work." Sara said while letting a smile creep across her features. Even though she was prepared to go alone the thought that he would go to that much trouble for her brought a smile to her heart.
"Sara, I want to be there if you need me." Grissom returned her smile. "Go book the tickets."
Sara stood and walked out the door. After a second she stuck her head back in his office and said, "I love you Gil," before disappearing.
