Disclaimer: Erma Bombeck once said, "It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." This is very true. To share you vision is no easy task, but I encourage each of you to dream your own dream, as I have in this fic, and share with the rest of us. Again, I own nothing but the dream.

Thanks: Thanks to everyone for reading and the reviews are great! Everyone's reactions are very inspiring, so please, review on!!!!

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14

After checking his image in the mirror one last time before leaving the bathroom, he admitted to himself that he'd changed. He laughed more, there was a bounce in his step and he'd actually caught himself humming a couple of times while doing paperwork in his office. Even his reflection was different than it was two weeks ago. The dark pools of his eyes now sparkled, the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep were no longer there and his smile seemed to be a permanent part of his overall look. The crow's feet at his eyes and the gray that was taking over his hair's natural shade usually bothered him, but tonight even those looked good to him. He'd chosen to wear his favorite black suit, a sparkling white dress shirt and, for Sara, a purple tie that turned various shades of gray and purple depending on the way he looked at it. Although she'd never actually said, he assumed purple was her favorite color. It was her color of choice for decorating her entire apartment and he also remembered in college that she carried a purple backpack and a purple coffee mug that she brought to every one of his lectures.

It amused him that he remembered so many little things about her and the development of their relationship now that they'd taken this next step. It was if he'd granted his mind and heart permission to reminisce. He remembered all the laughter they shared while she was in college, all the emails and midnight phone calls, how butterflies scrambled in his stomach the day he called to ask her to come to Vegas and how he'd held his breath when he asked her to stay. But his good memories were also mixed with bad. He remembered how hurt he was when she posed as bait for a murderer in a case the first year she'd come to Vegas, how terrified he was when she was hurt when the lab blew up and how helpless he felt when she'd told him she woke up at night to the sound of a victim's cries. But all these memories made him feel alive again and full of feelings he hadn't felt in years.

She was so good for him. Until now, he hadn't realized how unhappy he'd been all these years, pouring himself into a career that he thought would be enough for him. Every day of his life had been centered on his work and he'd never imagined anything taking over that part of who he was. What he didn't realize was that he didn't have to choose between work and love. There was one woman who shared his passion for work and loved him, too.

Sara loved him. He hadn't really thought about that until the last couple days. She actually loved him, and though the word lingered in his mind, it hadn't slipped off his tongue. Every step he'd made towards her so far had been well thought out and taken with extreme caution. This next step scared him the most. To him, it was the point of no return. He could feel the love for her in his heart, but actually saying it would push him to a place where there would be no turning back. No turning back meant losing what they had built, and he wasn't sure he was ready to risk losing the one thing he'd found that made him truly happy. It had taken him years to risk his career for her, and he wasn't sure how long it would take him to make this next step. With a deep breath and the decision of his lifetime lingering on his mind, he headed out for what was sure to be the most romantic night of his life.

When he arrived at her apartment, present in hand, he looked at his watch to make sure he was on time then knocked lightly on the door to his future. He wasn't sure what he was expecting to see when she opened the door, but what he did know was that it was nothing anywhere near what he got. She absolutely took his breath away. Her long gorgeous legs clad with silky stockings were visible from the strapped, black-heeled shoes to her mid-thigh where his eyes were met with the perfect little black dress. Long sleeves covered her slender arms and a scoop neck dipped dangerously near the curve of her breasts. From her chest to her thighs, the fabric clung like a second skin and when she made a turn for him he saw that her beautiful back was only covered by two slim black straps that made a cross from one side of the dress to the other. She'd curled her hair and pulled it back so that the curls pooled at the back of her head and neck. Simple diamond stud earrings, a matching necklace and light makeup made up her stunning look.

"You're breathtaking." She smiled her thank you and he leaned forward to kiss her cheek only to realize that it wasn't just her looks that would tantalize him tonight, but also her intoxicating scent. When he pulled back, he handed her the box and card that he carried, "This is for you."

They took a few steps inside and he leaned against the breakfast bar while he watched her open her gift. After reading the card, "Where did you find this?"

"Hallmark. Like it?"

"It's amazing. You must have looked forever."

"Well, I'd like to regale you with a tale of how I went from store to store trying to find the perfect card, but I figure the truth is always best. It was actually the very first card I picked up. I never looked at another one." It really was the perfect card. He couldn't believe it himself when he'd read it. One the outside of the card were two purple butterflies and the words 'Love is like a butterfly…' and on the inside, '…it goes where it pleases, and pleases where it goes.' Underneath those words, he'd written, 'And I am very pleased. Love, Grissom.' "Open your gift."

With tears threatening her eyes, she opened the box. His heart skipped a beat as he watched her hand go to her mouth and a tear slip down her cheek. Inside the tiny box was a gold anklet with two charms, a butterfly and a heart. "It's beautiful, Grissom."

"I'm glad you like it. Would you like to wear it?"

"Of course."

He fumbled at first. Being this close to her delicate ankles made him nervous and his hands weren't made to work tiny latches, but it finally went together. While still staring at her ankle, "I wanted to give you something that you could always wear, no matter what."

She took his hand to pull him up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "It's perfect. And whenever you want to see it, it will always be on my ankle."

He smiled and tilted his head to the side. After slipping his arms around her tiny waist, he pulled her body against his in a tight embrace and captured her lips with his. He was sure he heard a symphony in the background as their tongues danced together. It was a moment of magic that would never be replaced in his mind. When he pulled back and looked into her eyes, he saw his very bright future, filled with happiness, excitement and love.

"Your chariot awaits, Miss Sidle. Are you ready for your evening?"

"I most certainly am, Mr. Grissom."