A/N: Yay, back. I seem to have made a big boop posting the chapter last time so this is a repost. For those who saw it you got to see how much my beta helps! Seems to be something wrong with the format so this is a bit more spaced than usual. :P

I am foreseeing grumpy Sara :( Can't say I blame her though. Tough road ahead. Thank you so much for the reviews and as always to calim for the great beta :)

On we go…

Chapter 24

2 weeks later – Michael's birthday

An empty chair.

What an odd feeling that sight provoked in Sara. That was where her husband would normally be sitting.

She sighed.

Looking down, she cast her eyes toward Hope lying against her chest. Whisking her fingers gently through her daughter's disheveled jet-black hair, she smiled. She'd never seen so much hair on a baby let alone a premature one. A total contrast to her brother who was as blond as the sun on a summer's day, just like Michael.

Hope was different. Sara liked different.

This was the first time she'd sat in with the twins without Grissom and, although she tried not to think about it, she missed him being there.

The last two weeks had been a mixture of a lot of different things, but there was one certain thing – Sara had been pissy. And she'd seemed to develop a routine of pissy. She'd wake up cranky in the morning – pain in her legs, left knee and ankle – which would make her want to punch something. Usually, that had been Grissom or the first nurse into the room who took the brunt of her anger. Medication would be given and, after about an hour, she'd manage to relax, apologizing to her husband then spend the next 4-6 hours feeling okay. Then bedtime would start that behavior all over again.

Thank God for drugs. Without them she would either lose her mind or kill someone.

Her left leg had been fully casted six days ago once the swelling had finally gone down enough. Her right leg had received a below the knee cast three days before. That didn't help her annoyance. The casts were heavy and irritating and, yes, while she wasn't strolling around with them on, it was more uncomfortable to sit or lie down and they were damn itchy! She hated the way she looked and felt like a human experiment gone wrong. While losing weight was good after a pregnancy, she'd lost more than normal due to her lack of appetite leaving her feeling tired and lethargic.

She was depressed.

There were a couple of good things though. The cast on her arm had been removed and replaced with a sturdy wrist brace. Sara was grateful for the relief along with the fact that, even though painful, she could now hold her babies properly, feed herself without issue and scratch if she had an itch. And while her legs would be casted for at least six weeks, once her wrist was strong enough she'd be able to get herself out of bed using a pulley handle without help.

There'd even been discussion about whether or not Sara could go home now that her legs were secure which perked her up. But, sadly, it wasn't that simple. The doctors were concerned because her breaks weren't about fall over and chipping a bone but they were life changing injuries so their house would need adapting. She would also need 24/7 on-site care and transport to and from the hospital on a regular basis. All of that had sent her into a bigger depressive phase.

For now a decision had not been made and the doctors needed to seriously consider whether it would be possible even if the Grissom's made the necessary amendments to their home.

Sara wanted to go home but she knew, even though he wanted her home, it scared Grissom. It wasn't only taking care of her but the twins as well along with going back to work. He couldn't be off forever and he had to financially support his family as well as physically. She could see it in his eyes. It was certainly getting on top of him.

Sighing again, Sara looked over to Gabriel's crib. She'd already held him for half an hour and considered swapping again with Hope but then her thoughts swung to Michael. She'd made Grissom spend the night at home so he could be there for when their son woke and enjoy his birthday with him the way it should be enjoyed. She didn't know what the plan was, she didn't want to know because it would just upset her. All she'd asked was that Michael would visit once his party was over and not before. It was just easier that way for the both of them. Hopefully, then he would be happy and he could tell her all about it.

"Feel like taking a walk outside?" Christine asked after getting out of her chair and stepping up to Sara.

Hearing the voice, Sara blinked at her, her brain juggling around the numerous sarcastic comments she could throw back at that one.

"I'll get my ruby slippers and be right with you," she retorted, glancing back at Hope.

Yes, that will do.

The comment didn't deter the nurse though. "You can't sit in here all day," she said softly.

"Why?" Sara grumbled. "It's not like I have anything else to do or anywhere else to be is it?" She sighed, closing her eyes. "I'm sorry."

Dropping a hand to Sara's shoulder, Christine smiled as Sara opened her eyes and looked at her. "If you want to be pissy, honey, you go right ahead. You have as much right as anyone."

Just as she said that, Jane came in with several colleagues and Sara frowned as they began surrounding Gabriel's crib.

"What's going on?" she asked urgently not realizing her hold on Hope tightened a little.

"Nothing to worry about," Jane said immediately to keep Sara calm as her face showed instant concern. "We're just going to run a few tests."

Sara's eyes worked in a circle as some form of monitor was pulled across the room. "What kind of tests?"

Jane smiled. "The good kind," she reassured, "We need to make sure your little ones are healthy enough to leave remember? Testing will increase over the next week just to ensure we have no issues going on."

"Ohhhh…okay."

"Yes," Jane snickered. "But if you don't mind, we need room so, I will come and update you once we have the results, okay?"

"A good time for me to take you outside," Christine suggested. "Let you get some fresh air."

Looking at the nurse, Sara conceded. "Fine."

Nodding, Christine moved behind her and took hold of the wheelchair. Jane leaned in to take Hope from Sara who kissed her on the forehead before releasing.

"Promise you will update me soon?" she asked before they moved.

"You can count on it," Jane replied.

Sara nodded and felt the wheelchair begin to move. Although she hated the wheelchair it had become her lifeline in recent weeks and meant she didn't have to spend every single minute of her day in that damned bed. It was more uncomfortable and harder to maneuver now with her left leg stuck up on a calf footplate but it wasn't like she could sit properly with the damn brick on her leg. But, it was better than staring at the same four walls day in day out so she'd deal with it.

For now.

Or until she got angry with the world again which probably wouldn't be too long.

As they left the twin's room, Sara stared dead ahead and tried to tune out whatever Christine was saying to her. She really didn't care nor was she in the mood for chit chat. At that point she'd be happy with a batch of huge painkillers that could just knock her out for most of the day. Sleeping held so much more appeal at that time than sitting with an over chatty nurse and getting her ear chewed off.

After a minute or so, Sara's vision focused and she looked around with a frown. This wasn't right.

"Where are we going?" she asked. "This isn't the right way."

"A little maintenance going on in the east wing," Christine replied. "So we're going over to the west wing."

"Oh," Sara mumbled not thinking much of it. "Do we pass a shop?"

"Sure. Did you want something?"

Sara then realized she hadn't brought any money. Grissom was normally with her and she hadn't even thought about it. "Never mind," she sighed. "It doesn't matter."

"Are you sure?" Christine asked.

Sara just nodded and went back to staring into nothing.

It took them a few minutes to reach their destination and Christine nodded her thanks to someone who opened the door to the outside for her. Sara did find this all a little odd. For one, why did the door say private on it and two, why was there someone waiting here?

"Are you sure we're in the right place?" she asked as they headed into a small external concrete corridor.

"Oh, I'm sure," Christine reassured.

Sara smelled a rat. She hadn't spent all those years as a CSI to not know when something wasn't right. But, as they rounded a corner, she heard a child's laugh and a shiver shot down her spine. She'd know that laugh anywhere.

As they kept moving, suddenly Sara found they were in an area that looked like a private garden and her jaw hit the floor.

There were balloons everywhere, Happy Birthday signs, food, drinks and there was her husband and Michael and Claire, some of their neighbors with their children and Michael's friends, Catherine with Lindsey, Nick, Greg and several others from the lab and… Was that a clown? She did a double take, no, a triple take and felt like pinching herself.

Grissom looked in her direction and, after a second, he smiled before taking Michael's shoulders, turning him to face his mother and pointing towards her.

"Mommy!" Michael shouted and before Grissom could react he was dashing towards her so he quickly followed.

Sara gaped at Michael when he stopped beside her with a huge smile on his face and took her hand. Although he was obviously quite giddy, he waited patiently as her eyes flicked to Grissom approaching.

"Come to join the party Mommy?" Grissom asked although his voice did hold a little nervousness.

Shaking her head, Sara looked around again. "How did you do this?"

"Mike," Grissom said, earning his son's attention. "Would you like to tell Mommy who helped us with your party?"

Michael pointed to Christine and giggled. "Nice nurse help," he said.

Slowly, Sara looked over her shoulder as Christine moved around the chair to make it easier for her to have a conversation.

"You did this?"

Christine shrugged. "I helped. Gil organized everything. We just provided the space."

Sara's eyes worked in a circle and she was still pretty much in shock.

"Gil really wanted you to be a part of Michael's big day and when he told me he didn't know what to do I thought of this place. We usually use it for our charity events. It's not normally open otherwise."

"I…," Sara paused, her eyes finding Michael and then Grissom again. "I don't know what to say," she whimpered, her eyes becoming a little glassy just before bursting into tears.

Swiftly, Grissom did his best to crouch near her and cupped her cheeks. "Honey, don't cry," he pled.

Acting quickly, Christine took Michael's hand. "Why don't we go and play for a minute and your Daddy can bring your Mommy over in a second?"

Michael hesitated. "Mommy sad?"

"No, I think she's just happy," Christine implored, tugging his hand. "Come on. I promise she will only be a minute."

Grissom looked at Michael and nodded so he did as he was told although looked over his shoulder a few times as they walked away.

"Come on, honey," Grissom urged.

Without warning, Sara flung her arms around him and pulled him closer. Grissom grimaced a little at the pressure on his knees but dealt with it.

"Hey it's okay," he whispered, holding her as she sobbed into him. "And please be careful with your wrist and back."

"Don't care," she blubbered. "Can't believe you did this. And you've had to put up with me being such a miserable bitch as well. I can't believe you managed to not tell me."

Pulling back, very conscious of the strain the position would have on both their bodies, he cupped her face again, smiling as his thumbs rubbed across the tears on her cheeks.

"Do you really think I would let you miss out on your son's birthday?"

Snorting, Sara ran her hand across her runny nose. "Not even after the vengeance and abuse I threw at you?"

His smile grew. "Not even after that. Now take a breath and relax."

As she nodded, Grissom straightened out, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her. "Blow your nose."

"Yeah," she breathed, taking the gesture, dabbing away her tears and doing just that. A short moment passed as Sara composed herself and then she crooked a finger at him. "Can you…come closer again?"

Frowning, he wasn't quite sure why but did as she wanted and leaned back in. Before he knew it her hands plastered against his cheeks and she pulled him into a kiss that quite literally would have blown his socks off if he hadn't been wearing shoes. His eyebrows hit the skyline and if the kiss hadn't been so full on he was sure he might have laughed. Finally needing air, Sara pulled back and flashed him the most alluring look.

"Dear, please not in front of the children," he threw at her quite breathlessly.

Now she smiled, so very brightly and licked her lips. "Later then," she challenged only for his eyebrows to go skywards again.

Clearing his throat, Grissom tried to push away the pang beginning in his pants and straightened up again. "Okay now?" he asked.

"Yeah," she sighed contentedly. "Thank you."

"Not needed," he said softly. "Ready to join the party?"

She nodded and he smiled, moving behind her to take the handles of the chair and they set off towards the group.

"I'm looking forward to my wrist getting stronger," she said.

"Oh?" he asked.

"Yeah. Then I can start wheeling myself around."

"Am I that bad a driver?" he teased.

She laughed. "No, you're doing just fine."

"Glad to hear it," he said happily.

Michael, who was being entertained by the clown and a little balloon modelling, heard them approaching and stepped away. Catherine and Claire stood closely behind him.

"Mommy okay?" he asked as they stopped by him.

"Yes, baby," Sara replied, reaching to run fingers through his hair. "I was just very happy to see you and that you were having a good time. People don't always cry because they're sad."

"So, happy?" he asked, needing confirmation.

"Yes," Sara said firmly. "Very happy."

The smile Michael threw at them made both Grissom and Sara feel so good.

"Are you having a good time?"

Michael nodded furiously. "Yes. The clown is funny."

Sara's eyes flicked to the clown and she tried not to shudder. She'd never really been a fan but, hey, if her son was happy she'd deal with it.

"Did you like your presents?" Sara asked, knowing he would have opened them at home.

Again, Michael nodded and then he clapped. "New trike," he said proudly. "A blue one. I play with it more tomorrow. Stay with you today." Sara blinked but didn't have chance to say anything as her son continued. "And new toys for sandbox, fire engine and a cuddly elephant. I like elephant. And chocolate and candy and…"

"Okay…okay…," Grissom said, holding up a hand. "You can tell Mommy later all about your presents because Mr. Clown can only stay for an hour so why don't you go back and finish your balloon. Mommy will be right here, she'll be watching."

"But I stay after, right?" Michael said unsurely. "You promised."

Grissom ran his hand through Michael's hair. "I know I promised and, yes, we will both stay here tonight. Now go and play."

"Yay!" Michael shouted jumping in the air before running back towards the clown, Claire hot on his heels as he almost bumped into Greg on the way who reached down and picked him up before throwing him into the air.

Smiling, Sara took Grissom's hand. "Staying here tonight, huh?"

"That all right?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said sweetly, her eyes glued to his before floating to Catherine as she interrupted their moment.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hi," Sara replied.

"I see you were a little surprised," Catherine said.

Sara nodded. "Yeah. You could say that. Never knew my husband was so good with children's parties."

Holding his hand to his heart Grissom looked hurt by the statement. "Me? The guy who has solved some of the country's biggest murder cases not good at organizing a children's party?" Catherine snickered and Sara smirked. "But alas," Grissom continued, looking at Catherine, "I will admit this one did help me out a little as well as Claire."

Sliding an arm around Grissom's waist, Catherine beamed him a smile. "Just a little?" she teased, earning herself a roll of Grissom's eyes.

"Fine," he conceded. "A lot."

"I know the best clowns," Catherine said slyly.

Sara truly laughed. "I bet you do."

Laughing back, Catherine pointed over her shoulder. "Can I get you a drink?"

Sara looked at the table filled with food and refreshments. "Got any vodka?" Grissom's eyes narrowed and she smirked.

"Got some in my bag," Catherine whispered back.

"Catherine!" Grissom almost choked. "It's a children's party."

She shrugged. "They can have some, too."

Looking positively astounded, Catherine laughed at him. "Lighten up, I'm only joking."

"Haha," Sara laughed again.

Grissom was so glad to hear it. It had been a while since he'd heard that sound or seen her so happy.

"Do we have any lemonade? No, iced tea? I haven't had one of those in forever."

"One iced tea coming up," Catherine replied brightly, heading towards the table.

Grabbing Grissom's arm, Sara pulled him down towards her and kissed him again. "I love you," she said so sincerely, he blushed.

"I love you, too."

A/N: Awwww. Am I being too nice? :P