A/N: An advanced thank you for continue to read this story. It's been almost a year!

Gil Grissom's Romance

CHAPTER 30

"Expect Saint Martin's summer, halcyon days, since I have entered into these wars. Shakespeare in Henry VI, written in 1592. By then everyone had forgotten the myth about Alcyone being turned into a bird with the ability to calm the seas while nesting," Grissom said after Sara had given him a questioning look. Glancing at Sara, propped on pillows with the dog at her feet, he smiled. "I'll find it in the book."

The thick Shakespeare book stayed near the bed; both found reading from it was a way of separating from the horrors of their work. And, often the answer to a crossword clue could be found in its pages.

"I believe you," Sara laughed as she filled in the squares of her puzzle with the correct word.

Nodding toward the dog, he said, "Explain to me again how Hank managed to decide this bed was also his?"

Sara grinned, folding the puzzle and tossing it to toward the bedside table, as she scooted across the bed. She said, "Dear Hank loves being with us." She managed to tuck her toes against the dog's back and snuggle her shoulder into the curve of Grissom's arm. "Besides, he doesn't sleep with us—he enjoys being around us—likes your voice—like I do."

Later, Grissom would recall these days as their halcyon days; the calm before an unforeseen storm changed everything.

But he knew nothing of what was to come as he said, "I'll take him out to pee." Leaning to kiss her, he added, "Stay right here."

As soon as he left bedroom, Sara was out of bed and in the shower. By the time he returned, she was drying her hair. The sight of her, completely unaware of his presence, simply took his breath. Watching her, he knew his life had changed. Most of his life, he had considered himself to be a logical, solitary person but the passion this woman brought to him, for him, made him feel like no other person ever had.

He knew their shared interest in science, in their work, had brought them together yet it was also a need. He used his work as a means of holding life at bay—and so had Sara—a way to fill up empty places in their lives, a purpose and a passion. But no longer; while he loved his work, he loved Sara in a way that was incomprehensible. And unscientific. At times, he was mystified by his feelings. At times, as now, there was no mystery—the woman before him was not only beautiful; she was sexy and she filled a part of his life that he had never known was missing. Wearing a black silk robe he had given her, long slim legs showing beneath it, the emotions he felt were very real.

At that moment, she noticed him.

She said, "You're back!" As she turned to him, he looked into her dark eyes, brightened with flashes of gold, and saw nothing but love. His eyes traveled downward where he noticed the red mark along her chest; his beard had rubbed her skin raw.

He wasted no more time reflecting on the past but pulled her into his arms and crushed her mouth beneath his own. What followed took several minutes to accomplish—kissing her, he always took his time—and he made a decision.

A while later, he pulled out the shaving kit Sara had given him as a gift. Smiling as he remembered how they had used it the first time, he lathered his beard.

"You're going to shave? Why?"

He grinned, saying, "You've got a rash that has to hurt—and no, I'm not shaving—you are."

Sara, picking up the razor and turning to face him, said, "You trust me?"

"Intimately."

Gently, her hand touched his ear as she brought the razor to his face.

A week later:

The deaths of six young women affected Sara yet what brought her to tears was regret at providing 'comfort' to the killer. Grissom wrapped an arm around her as they left the lab.

"Let's get dinner," he said as he opened the vehicle door for her. When her eyes met his, he added, "At the club. It will be quiet." And safe, he thought. No members would question his guest nor be overly interested in who she was.

The privacy afforded by a private club and dining on food prepared by an excellent chef improved mental states of both. They left with appetites sated and thoughts of work pushed back for a while.

Once home, Grissom retrieved several small packages from the back seat of his vehicle. As Sara watched, he unwrapped small tools and several books.

She asked, "What is this?"

With a slight grin, Grissom held up one of the books. "I know the killer is out there—so I thought if I got into the hobbyist groups—dozens of groups online—I might," he shrugged. "I might find something, someone who could help find whoever built those in my office."

Sara picked up a small pair of scissors. "What are you going to make—build?"

Grissom picked up a tiny plastic bag. He said, "My office," shaking the contents into his palm. "I found these lab specimens."

In his hand were miniature containers, several appeared to have small preserved specimens inside.

Sara was astonished, saying, "Where did you find these?"

Spreading the items on the counter, he said, "It's an amazing world—you can find anything online. And people to make it for you." He sighed. "Somewhere out there someone made—those—those miniature models. And he isn't finished."

A/N: We have decided to make this story "Part 1" and "Part 2"-you know where the break will come. So now you have advanced notice of our plan. As always, we appreciate hearing from you.