15

Meanwhile…

Sara was startled by the little girl's question, "Are you Sara?"

"Uh, yes, I am."

"My Mommy told me that my Daddy loved the name Sara. She told me that if I ever met him, he'd probly be married to a Sara. She said that's why my name is Sara, 'cause if my name was Sara he'd love me, too."

A tear rolled down Sara's cheek as she listened to the little girl's story. "He does love you. But we're not married."

"But he loves you, right?"

"Yes. And I love him."

"If you love somebody and they're not your mommy or daddy, you're posed to marry 'em."

"Oh. I didn't know that. You're a pretty smart little girl."

"Yeah. My mommy says I get it from my daddy."

"Your daddy is a very smart man. In fact, he's the smartest man I know."

"Sara? Barry told me my daddy would bring me a new mommy. Are you my new mommy?"

Still crying, "Sweetheart, your mommy will always be your mommy. No one can ever replace her. But, your Daddy is gonna need some help to make sure he takes care of you the best he can. So, I'll be there to help both of you. Is that okay?"

"Okay. My mommy told me I wasn't posed to call adults by their first name 'cause it's rude, but can I call you Sara?"

"Yeah, Sweetheart. That'll be fine."

"Okay."

A few minutes later, Grissom walked in to find both of them putting some stuffed animals in a backpack. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yes, Daddy."

How long would it take for him to get used to being called Daddy? "Um, Sara, we're gonna have to leave your things here for now until the police are done downstairs. I promise that I'll come back to get everything as soon as I can. Can you just be a big girl for me and leave everything you want in a pile by your door?"

"Can I at least take Gil?"

"Gil?"

She walked over and picked up a teddy bear that was on her bed. "My teddy."

"Oh. Uh, why did you name him Gil?"

"I didn't. Mommy named him for me."

Tears welled up in his eyes. Did he hurt every woman in his life? "Yes, you can take him."

"Okay." It took them a few minutes to pile all her bags near the door and then he took her hand and led her downstairs.