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

Chapter 27

"Terri," Grissom said and felt Sara stiffen beside him. "How have you been?"

"I've been good, Gil. How about you?" the blonde stopped in front of Grissom, just a little bit too close for comfort and extended her hand.

"I've been doing very well." Grissom clasped Terri's hand, pulling back when she would have held on. He gripped Sara's elbow and urged her forward. "You remember Sara?"

Turning her attention to Sara, she gave a cool smile and said, "Of course. Ms. Sidle, how nice to see you again."

"Dr. Miller," Sara responded, "Nice to see you too."

Grissom cast a questioning glance at this wife before saying, "She hasn't been Ms. Sidle for a while now."

"Oh really?" Terri's blue eyes flashed but her voice remained aloof. "Is there something I should know?"

"We've been married for just over three years. I thought you would have heard," Grissom stated with a smile.

"Well, I had heard a rumor or two. I assumed they were just that." Terri smiled at Grissom and turned to look at Sara, "Congratulations."

Sara inclined her head and murmured, "Thank you."

"Gil, I'm happy for you. How did Sara get you to divorce your job and marry her?" The cattiness in her voice was a perfectfoil for the iciness in her eyes.

"She didn't even try." Grissom turned to look at Sara and said, "Sometimes, Terri, it isn't about doing what you think will be best for you. It's about finding what you've always dreamed of and taking a chance." Sara's head turned toward him and her mouth formed a small 'o' at Grissom's words. Seeing her obvious surprise, he leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her lips. "And when you take that chance it's better than anything else could have been."

"Well, Gil," Terri said, "I'm very happy for the both of you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to say hello to a few other people. Sara."

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"I think that blonde just got put in her place," Agent Booth said with a grin, rubbing his hands together.

"You mean Dr. Miller? I'm sure they were just saying hello," Temperance Brennan said absently.

"Bones, you don't get it, do you? The Ice Queen walked up and Sara's eyes narrowed, her back stiffened, in general she looked pissed off." He stood, hands on hips, surveying the room.

"So? Does that mean she put Terri in her place?" Her brows drew together in confusion.

"Oh no. Sara didn't do anything. It was Gil."

"Why would Gil do that?" Bones asked.

"Because, Bones, sometimes when you love a woman you let her know by fending off other women." It was said matter-of-factly, as if he had experience in that sort of thing. He completely missed the daggers shooting out of her eyes.

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"You didn't have to do that, you know?" Sara said as Terri walked away.

"Yes I did." Grissom squeezed her hand and said, "The last time we ran into a…um…someone I've dated it caused a lot of trouble. I realized, rather belatedly, that I should have been a little more up front about our status. I'm proud to call you mine and I want everyone to know it."

Awed once again Sara said, "Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

"Okay, funny guy," Sara said warningly.

"Sure. Anything you want to know." Grissom hoped he wouldn't regret those words.

Sara smiled at the hint of panic in his eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with Gil?"

Laughing at her teasing, Grissom asked, "Are you hungry?" When Sara nodded, he said, "Then let's get out of here."

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Arm in arm they meandered back toward their hotel. The sun was setting and dusk made the city even more beautiful. The air was heavy and perfumed with gardenias and jasmine. The smell of the sea lingered in the background and teased at the senses, making everything else seem sweeter. The sounds of a tourist city were all around them. People laughed and shouted. They could hear the music from a band playing at City Market a couple of blocks away. The streets were filled with cars, tour buses and horse drawn carriages. They were an oasis of silence in the midst ofthe storm.

Grissom had made reservations at 45 Bistro, an intimate, upscale restaurant located inside the Marshall House.While they were waiting to be seated, Grissom used his cell phone to call Catherine. They spent a few minutes assuring themselves that Jonathan was okay and another few talking about the lab. When their table was ready they said good-bye to Catherine and followed the hostess past the bar and into the restaurant.

Seated at a small table overlooking a lovely courtyard, Grissom and Sara took a moment to relish the cool, quiet of the room. They took a few minutes to peruse the menu, Sara deciding on a sea scallop lasagna and Grissom choosing a filet. When they had ordered and the wine was opened and poured, Grissom studied the woman by his side.

"Why so quiet?" Grissom asked, concern ringing in his voice.

Sara shrugged and shook her head. "No reason."

"Sara, does…uh…does Terri make you nervous? I don't think I've ever seen you so…um…reserved." Grissom's brows drew together in a quizzical expression.

Sara thought for a moment before saying, "Yeah. I guess she does."

"Why?" Grissom was truly amazed at her admission.

Sara gave him an incredulous look. "My God, Griss look at her. She's perfect. She's cool and poised, brilliant and beautiful. I'm not even sure she's human."

"Sara," Grissom said, bringing her hand to his lips, "I can't deny that she is all of those things. I wouldn't insult your intelligence that way. But she can't hold a candle to you."

"You didn't think that a few years ago."

Understanding dawned and Grissom leaned back in his chair. "Sara," he chided. "I went to dinner with Terri one time. Do you want to know how that ended?"

"I'm afraid to ask." Sara couldn't quite meet his eyes.

"She walked out on me." Grissom laughed at the shock on her face. "I know it's hard to believe that someone would walk out on me."

Sara laughed because he expected it. Sobering, she asked, "Why?"

"I got paged and, when I didn't answer fast enough, called. Body with bugs. I excused myself to giveinstructions on what to do until I arrived and when I came back she was gone. We never even ordered." Grissom shrugged. "That was the end of that."

"Okay," Sara said.

"Sara, at that point in my life, I thought she was what I should be interested in. We were a lot alike; same age, same career goals, same ability to distance ourselves from the victims. Then there was you. You were young and you had this fire, this passion that scared the shit out of me. I could be with Terri and not have to give too much of myself. Being with you was the equivalent of standing naked in the middle of the street. Bare-assed and trying not to get run down." Grissom smiled a self-deprecating smile and ran a finger down her cheek.

Sara tried to lighten the mood. "Now there's a mental picture."

Grissom's eyes bored into hers when he said, "I meant what I said to Terri. It's not about what you think would be the better choice. It's about having what you want. I always wanted you. I just didn't think I could handle the intensity."

"And now?" Sara asked, softly.

"Now, I can't imagine my life any other way." Grissom cupped the back of her neck and drew her in for asoft kiss.

They pulled apart when their waiter cleared his throat discretely. He placed salads in front of them and quickly disappeared. They ate in silence punctuated by loving looks and shy smiles. The salad plates were cleared and the entrees brought out. When Sara got her first taste of the lasagna she moaned in appreciation.

"You have to taste this," she declared, holding out a fork for Grissom.

He leaned over and took the proffered bite, "Mmmm. That is good. Do you want to try the steak?" His eyes gleamed with laughter.

"Sure," Sara deadpanned. After a second they both started to laugh.

They were half way through the main course when Grissom surprised Sara for the tenth time in as many hours. "Tell me about Hank," he said.