12

The next morning, Sara sat staring at their beautifully decorated tree. It was the first time in a very long time that she actually looked forward to Christmas morning. She hadn't had a tree since before college; maybe even high school. Christmas morning hadn't involved presents since before her mother murdered her father. This year would be her first official Merry Christmas in a long time.

Grissom interrupted her thoughts, "You know, after we draw names at breakfast Friday morning, we're going to have go shopping again."

"I was actually thinking of a gift certificate or something."

"Sara!"

"I know, I know. But I think it would be good depending on whom I get. I mean, if I get Catherine, she might enjoy a spa gift certificate. Nick would probably like a gift certificate to that sports store that he likes in the mall. And I was thinking if I got Warrick, I'd get him tickets to that jazz show that's coming to the Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center."

"Wow, you've actually really thought about this."

"Yes."

"Well, I do have some more shopping I need to do. Maybe Friday, after we draw names, we could each do our shopping then meet back here."

"Okay. I should probably go to my apartment here in the next couple days if we're going to be staying here until Christmas. I need to get some more clothes and I should probably just bring my plants over here."

"You know, I love that plant by your computer. You know, the vine one."

"You should. You bought it."

"What?"

"That's the plant."

"You mean the one I sent to you like three years ago?"

"Yes. The card is taped to the top of my computer screen. I can't believe you haven't read it."

"I don't believe I've ever sat at your computer. But just because the card is on your computer screen doesn't mean I'd realize that was the plant."

"Well, it is. It's my favorite also."

"Good."

"Do you mind hanging around here today? I know I have tons of laundry to do and you must have a pile, too."

"Actually I do. That would be fine. Maybe we could play a game of chess."

"Great."

"Would you like to catch a movie tonight? I'd like to take you to the drive-in over on West Carey."

"Okay. Then maybe we could swing by my place after."

"Good."

Sara spent the day doing laundry and in between they played two games of chess. She actually won the second one, but was sure he let her. Even so, she thought it was cute. They saw the new romantic comedy that was playing in the theater then gathered the things she needed from her apartment.

When they got into bed that night, Grissom pulled out a small box with a ribbon on top. "Remember the night I got hit by that car?" After a 'duh' look from Sara, he continued, "Well, I was going out that night to get this for you. Think of it as an early Christmas gift."

"Grissom!"

"Oh, it's nothing, really. Just open it."

She opened it to see a key lying in a bed of cotton. "What's this?"

"It's a key."

"Yes, I can see that. What does it unlock?"

"My front door. I thought that you should have your own key."

Just a simple key, but it was a huge step for him. It meant he was opening his life up to her. It was something he couldn't control. She could use it whenever she wanted. No matter where he was or what he was doing, she could always use it. "Thank you so much. This means the world to me."

"Good. I'm glad you like it. Sara, you know I love you right?"

"Yes. I love you, too. Why would you ask that?"

"Because…well, because this is all sort of like a dream to me. I sometimes wonder whether I'm going to wake up one morning and realize that all this was just one big fantasy. I've lost my grasp. I…think of what might happen if this were all taken away and…I just…I just…I guess I'm just scared…of losing you. Do you remember that case we worked on in conjunction with the FBI? The 'Strip Strangler'?"

"Yes."

"When you decided to be the bait for that guy, well, I know I went over the line. I know that I was…harsh…with you. When I was sitting in that van watching you walk through that grocery store, I felt like I was dying a little with every step you took. I know we were right there watching you, but I just felt like you were so far out of my control that I might lose you. If that guy would've…"

"Grissom. He didn't get me. And…I'm sorry. I just wanted to catch the guy. I should've listened to you."

"I just don't want to lose you. I lost you once, and I know that was my fault. I just want to make sure that every day I do my best to make sure you know you're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I'll do anything to make you happy."

"Grissom, you do. You make me happy. You don't have to do anything besides just be you. I love you."

"I love you, too."