Chapter 15
They spent a week in San Francisco with the vastness of the ocean, long walks on the beach and visits to the places they remembered from ten years earlier. They held hands as they walked the familiar streets. They rode cable cars and toured Alcatraz, because they couldn't not do it. Grissom introduced Sara to the opera. They took a couple of hours to visit the crime lab since both Sara and Grissom had friends there. They rented a car and drove along the coast to eat lunch at a little seafood place they both loved. They toured China Town. Best of all they made love morning, noon or night. There was no schedule, no time clock. It was a glorious time where the job didn't matter. Nothing mattered except being together. By the time they headed back to Vegas, and reality, they were relaxed and ready to get back to work.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
The honeymoon was behind them by a month. Grissom and Sara were back at work. They had settled back into the routine reluctantly. They could vaguely remember what it was like to be relaxed, to walk hand in hand with no particular destination in mind. Sara sat at the table in the break room eating lunch. Grissom was out with Nick. Warrick was off and Greg was checking on their DNA results. When her phone rang she checked the display and a smile spread over her face.
"Hey bugman. How's it going?"
"Hey. It's going slow. Just wanted to check on you and Greg. How's your case?" Grissom could hear the smile in her voice and walked away from where Nick was working. "I miss you."
"The case is fine. We're back in the lab." Sara paused and then said, "I miss you too. When will you be back?"
"I hope we can wrap this up by the end of shift. I was hoping to catch a little time with my wife before I have to get some sleep."
Sara was still a little awestruck when he called her his wife. She felt a smile spread across her face. She didn't notice Greg walk into the room. "You think she'll be cooperative? 'Cause, if not, maybe I could work you into my schedule."
"How can a man turn down an offer like that?" Grissom smiled. "I'll see you soon. Love you."
"Love you too." Sara closed the phone and, glancing up, caught sight of Greg. She blushed and ducked her head.
Greg grinned at her discomfort. "You don't have to be embarrassed. You are married after all." When she scowled at him he laughed and ducked behind the door frame.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Nick had caught sight of his boss out of the corner of his eye and shook his head. The guy had it bad. When Grissom hung up, Nick asked, "How's Sara?"
"Are you almost done here, Nick? I'd like to get this cleared up before I get too much older." Grissom returned Nick's grin with one of his own.
"Anxious to get home for some reason?" Nick asked his amusement evident.
Grissom merely smiled enigmatically and went back to work.
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Grissom pulled his car into the garage next to Sara's and gathered his things. He went through the back door, dropped his briefcase and jacket on the kitchen table, and went in search of Sara. He found her in the living room, curled up under a blanket, watching television.
"Hey honey," Grissom said as he walked over and bent to give her a kiss.
Sara gave a tired smile. "Hey. Did you eat?" When Grissom shook his head she sat up and said, "I'll fix you something."
"No, don't get up. I'll do it." He turned and headed back to the kitchen, calling out, "You can keep me company if you want."
Sara got up and padded over to sit at the breakfast bar. She watched Grissom setting out things for an omelet. She loved to watch him cook. His routine was funny for its routine-ness. He went at it like he did everything else. Single minded in his intensity. Grissom was never half-hearted about anything. A grin lifted the corners of her mouth as she studied him. She felt a warm glow settle over her, melting her from the inside out. My God, I love him so much. What would I do if I ever lost him? She shook her head at the strange turn her thoughts had taken. Her eyes continued to roam over his body. The man has a seriously nice ass. She tingled at the thought of his hands on her as she watched him chop vegetables. She watched the muscles in his forearms as he whipped eggs. Inexplicably, she was incredibly aroused from watching him cook. She stood and walked over to wrap her arms around him from behind, snuggling into his back while he checked the readiness of the pan. She ran her hands up over his chest and stopped to feel his heart beating. She heard the sizzle of the pan as he began to sauté the mushrooms and onions he had cut up. She was starting to slide her hands in a southerly direction, causing his body to tense in anticipation, when she was assaulted by the smell of cooking onions. Her stomach did a slow flip and she pressed her nose into Grissom's back to block the scent. The odor wafting from the pan became stronger and Sara's discomfort increased until she dropped her hands from Grissom's body and hurried into the other room.
"Sara?" Grissom called. When he didn't get an answer he turned off the burner and went after her. She wasn't in the living room but he noticed the French doors to the deck were open. When he stuck his head out, she was leaning against the railing sucking in air like a drowning man. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just felt a little queasy. Had to get some air." Sara said with a shrug. "I'm not sure where that came from. I think it was something I ate for lunch."
He walked out and, holding her chin, studied her face. Satisfied that she didn't look sick, he kissed her lightly on the lips. "I don't have to make an omelet. I can just eat scrambled eggs."
"Come on, Griss. I'll be fine. But, if you don't mind, I think I'll go to bed." Sara smiled at the concern in his eyes. "Seriously, I'm okay."
"I'll just finish up and I'll be in soon." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her into the house. "Go on in and get some rest."
Sara reached up and placed a kiss on his lips, letting hers linger there for a sweet moment. "Don't be long."
When Sara entered the bedroom she was still feeling a little sick. What did I eat for lunch? As often happened, she ate without really remembering what it was. Oh yeah, egg salad sandwich. Probably what did it. She was brushing her teeth when she started to gag. The sudden clenching of her stomach and the feeling in her throat were on her before she could begin to make it to the toilet. She retched into the sink, holding her hair back with one hand and clutching her toothbrush in the other. Thankfully, there was nothing in her. After a minute she carefully finished her teeth, washed her face with cool water and climbed between the sheets.
Grissom finished his omelet and cleaned up the kitchen. Concern for Sara flitted against the back of his mind. She's not one to get sick. Never has been. Maybe the stress of being back at workis taking its toll. She always pushes herself too hard. If this continues she'llhave tosee a doctor. He chuckled as he contemplated her response to his insisting that she do something. Oh well, that's what make up sex was for. Thoughts of make up sex were fueled by the sight of his beautiful wife sprawled naked across their bed on her stomach. He stood for a time, studying her. She is spectacular. Long, lean and absolutely the sexiest woman he had ever met. Not blatantly sexy like some. Hers was a quiet sensuality that he had only expected existed until she unleashed it on him. Sara loved to touch and be touched. She was constantly touching his arm, grabbing his hand, pressing her hand on his knee. And in bed, dear lord, he was still amazed by her. She gave of herself one hundred percent. She held nothing back. He could kick himself for every day of the ten years he wasted. Smiling, he went to take a shower.
Sara woke first. She smiled at the man sleeping peacefully next to her. Her eyes took in the lines that spread out from the corners of his eyes. Years of squinting in the Vegas sun had put them there. The gray in his hair and beard, that she found so sexy, gave him a distinguished look. His face was relaxed, even peaceful. His lips, have mercy, were slightly parted. She wanted to run her tongue over his bottom lip. She settled for a finger. Grissom shifted a little and then settled down again. Sara found tears standing in her eyes as she watched him. They were tears of happiness. She had never thought she would feel this much for anyone. It was one thing to think you loved someone. It was another to share that kind of love with that person. Gently, she eased from the bed. After stopping in the bathroom, she went in search of coffee. While it was brewing she downed a huge glass of ice water.I amcrazy thirsty this morning. Shrugging, she set her glass in the sink. When she heard Grissom in the living room she set out two cups for their coffee.
"Morning," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Morning," she replied.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yep. I had egg salad for lunch. That was probably the culprit." Sara leaned back against his chest as he nuzzled her neck.
"Most women would have just faked a headache." Grissom's lips had burrowed under her hair to lay soft kisses on the nape of her neck.
"I'm not most women." Sara smiled when his laugh blew warm breath on her neck.
"Come back to bed? The coffee can wait." His hips bumped forward and Sara felt his arousal against her behind.
She pushed back in response and said, "Let me brush my teeth. You don't want to kiss my morning breath."
"Same here," he said.
Grissom took her by the hand and led her back through the bedroom. They stood side by side brushing their teeth and trying to grin around the toothpaste. Suddenly, Sara bent over and retched into the sink. Just like the night before, she really didn't know it was coming until it was too late. And just like the night before, as soon as she vomited she was fine. Grissom on the other hand was not fine.
"I thought you said you felt better." His concern was written all over his face.
"I do feel better. I don't know why I keep doing this." Sara smiled at him and continued. "I don't even feel sick. One second I'm brushing my teeth, the next I'm yakking in the sink. Kind of gross, don't you think?"
"What do you mean 'keep doing this'? How long have you been throwing up?" Grissom demanded.
Sara knew that she had screwed up. As soon as the words had left her mouth she wanted to take them back. "I threw up last night when I was brushing my teeth. It was only the one time."
Fire flared in Grissom's eyes. "I want you to see a doctor."
"Why? I feel fine. I'm sure it was something I ate." Sara gave a half smile and resumed brushing her teeth.
Grissom stood there studying the stubborn woman with a mouth full of toothpaste. His fear that something could be wrong fueled his irritation. "What if it were me?" he snapped. Sara looked at him, her eyebrow quirked. "Wouldn't you want me to see a doctor if I threw up for no apparent reason?"
Slowly, Sara spat into the sink and rinsed her mouth. After wiping her mouth she turned to look at Grissom. "Okay."
"Okay?" Grissom's surprise was evident.
"Yeah. You're right. If I thought you were sick I'd want you to see a doctor." Sara smiled and shrugged.
"Well, okay then." Grissom didn't even know how to respond to a compliant Sara.
Sara laughed at his obvious confusion. "Don't look so surprised. I can admit when I'm wrong." Walking over to lay a hand on his chest, she said, "Since I imagine your ardor has faded, how about a cup of coffee?"
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Work was work. Grissom had handed out assignments and paired himself with Sara. She knew he had done it so he could keep an eye on her and, strangely enough, she was okay with that. The night was fairly uneventful. Around 6:30 Catherine called and asked if they wanted to meet her for breakfast at the diner after she dropped Lindsay off at school. They agreed to meet her there at 7:30. Sara arrived before Grissom to find Catherine already at their usual table.
"Hey," she greeted Catherine as she slid into the booth opposite her.
"Hey. Where's Gil?" Catherine smiled at the younger woman.
"He got caught up in some administrative stuff. You know how his boss is." Smiling, Sara said, "He should be here in about fifteen minutes."
The waitress came over and they placed their order. Sara felt like she was going to starve. Without thinking, she ordered a vegetarian omelet with toast and fruit. The two women chatted while they waited for their food. Catherine noticed that marriage seemed to be agreeing with Sara. She was relaxed and happy. Her skin had a glow that no amount of makeup could imitate.
A couple came in and sat in the booth directly behind Sara. After a minute she wrinkled her nose. "Do you smell that?" she whispered to Catherine across the table.
"Smell what?" Catherine started sniffing trying to catch a whiff of something out of place.
"Cigarettes. Somebody back there reeks." She kept her voice quiet but clamped her hand over her nose to block out the smell.
Catherine watched this odd reaction. Sara worked around worse things than a little cigarette smoke everyday. Catherine couldn't remember ever seeing her bothered by anything other than the worst decomps. Like the investigator she was, Catherine logged this in some little file in her mind. The waitress brought their orders just as Grissom came through the door. As soon as Sara smelled cooked onions her stomach churned. Catherine watched as the color leached from her face.
"Sara, are you okay?" Catherine asked.
Sara stood quickly. "No, I'm not." She headed to the bathroom.
Grissom hurried over and asked, "What happened?"
Catherine saw the fear in his eyes and smiled. "Gil, she's fine."
"She's sick. That's not fine. This is the third time in twenty-four hours she gotten sick for no apparent reason."
"I'll go check on her. Sit down." Catherine got up and went in search of Sara.
Entering the restroom, Catherine found Sara splashing cold water on her face. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah. Sorry about that. I don't know why I keep yakking." Sara's eyes were troubled but her color was almost back to normal.
"Sara, when was your last period?" Catherine tried not to laugh at the look of abject terror on her face.
"I'm not pregnant. I can't be pregnant. I haven't forgotten my patch. Are you kidding me? You are, aren't you?" Sara's words came out in a rush.
"No. I'm serious." Catherine watched Sara carefully.
With her mind working in overdrive, Sara thought about the answer to Catherine's question. Catherine saw realization slowly come over her friend. "The last one I can remember was a couple of weeks before the wedding. Oh shit, Cath. I can't believe this." She leaned against the sink and covered her mouth. "How could this happen?"
"Well…." Catherine smiled when Sara shot her an evil glare. "It happens to the best of us, girl. Maybe you should stop at the drug store on the way home."
"Probably a good idea. Good grief what will Grissom think? We haven't even discussed children." She smiled crookedly and said, "Okay. I can't worry about that until I know for sure."
"Right now I think it would be a relief." When Sara looked puzzled, Catherine continued, "He came in just in time to see you running for the bathroom."
"Oh, no," Sara said. "He already wants me to see a doctor. He's probably freaking out. As much as he ever 'freaks' out," she added at Catherine's amused expression.
"Come on. Let's go eat. You'll probably be fine now that you've gotten it out of your system." Catherine held the door and waited for Sara to precede her.
Grissom was sitting at the table wearing his worried expression. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." When she saw the skepticism in his blue eyes, she said, "I'll make the appointment today." She looked around and said, "Where's my food. I'm starving." She shot Catherine a withering look when the woman burst out laughing.
Grissom glanced back and forth between the two before shrugging. "I asked the waitress to keep it warm. I didn't know how long you'd be."
When they were leaving the diner, Sara told Grissom that she had to stop and pick up some things at the drug store. With a nod and a quick kiss he said he'd see her at home.
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Sara stuck her head into their home office and said hey to her husband. "I'm going to shower. I'll call the doctor when I get done. Okay?" Her voice was a little brittle but Grissom didn't seem to notice.
Grissom had looked up when Sara came in. "Okay. I've got a few more things to finish up. I'll be right here."
Sara took her bag and went into the bathroom. She opened the box and pulled out the directions. Her hands were shaking as she read over them. Sara, ever the scientist, followed the instructions to the letter. She took a shower while waiting for the test to finish. She stepped out and dried off, wrapping the towel around her, before checking the results. When she saw the little plus sign she sank down to sit on the floor with her back pressed against the vanity.
When Sara hadn't returned, Grissom went looking for her. He found her in the bathroom, sitting on the floor, with tears streaming down her face. Rushing over, he knelt down beside her, "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
Sara lifted her tear filled eyes to his and slowly raised her hand. When Grissom realized what she was holding his breath left his body in a rush.
