Disclaimer: See Chapter 20.
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22
When she got to her locker that night to hang up her purse, she found a tiny box on the top shelf. After looking around to make sure no one was watching, she took it out and opened it. Inside she found a note that read:
"'There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.' George Sand. Just in case you decided not to wear the ring, I thought you might like this addition to your anklet. Even if you did, keep this as token of my infinite happiness and excitement of becoming your husband."
Under the note was a small charm in the shape of an engagement ring. With a smile, she added it to her collection then headed for the break room to wait for her assignment.
When he walked in, his eyes immediately met hers and she mouthed the words 'thank you.' Glad to see that she was happy, but annoyed because her hands were folded under the table, he greeted his team, "All right, I hope everybody is ready to work tonight, because it's gonna be a long night."
Nick responded first, "So what's new?"
Warrick agreed, "Yeah."
Then Catherine started with her curiosity, "Since we're gonna be busy later, how was your trip Gil?"
"It was great. My mother is well."
"Sara, you had the weekend off, too didn't you?"
"Yeah, Cath, I did."
"What did you do?"
Grissom was floored with her response, "I got engaged."
Catherine spit out some of the coffee she was drinking, "What?"
Sara pulled her hand from underneath the table to reveal her ring, "I got engaged."
Taking her hand, "Christ! What is this, three karats? Who the hell is this guy? Rolling in money, obviously."
"I have no idea how many karats it is. All I know is that it's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen and it's mine. Money doesn't matter; we love each other."
It was Warrick who questioned now, "I didn't even know you were dating anyone this serious. Anyone we know?"
She didn't want to lie, "I'd say pretty much everybody knows him."
Nick pushed on, "So, who is it?"
"Look, I'm still letting this whole thing sink in myself, so let me just say that he is a man who thinks that I am his perfect gift in life. He loves me and I love him more than life itself."
Warrick eased her tension, "Well, that's good enough for me. Congrats, Girl."
"Yeah, me too, Sara."
Only Catherine egged on, "Well, it's not good enough for me! I want to know who this guy is and if he has a brother!"
Grissom thankfully interrupted, "Well, after that shocking bit of information, I think we should all get to work. We're all working together on a double homicide in Laughlin. We leave in fifteen minutes. Congratulations, Sara. I hope you have found eternal happiness." And he meant it.
Catherine had almost forced Sara into the Denali to ride with her and pushed the guys towards the other and he wondered how much badgering she'd gotten while on the way to the crime scene. They were there for most of the night, and all stayed quite busy. He hadn't had a moment alone with Sara the whole night, but figured the car ride must not have been so bad since she seemed to be in a good mood.
After returning to the lab, with the same riding arrangements, processing the evidence took them well into their second shift. It wasn't until his eyes started burning that he realized he was in desperate need of sleep. With that thought, he went on the hunt for Sara, who he knew he would have to force to leave. When he walked into the break room, he found everyone but her.
"Hey, why don't you guys all head home? We'll hit all this with fresh eyes tomorrow." After a quick agreement form everyone, "Anyone seen Sara?"
It was Catherine who answered, "Yeah, she went running out of here a minute ago with her hand over her mouth when Nicky took his burrito out of the microwave. She looked really green."
He rushed to the women's bathroom with the intention of just walking in, but was met by Sara coming out. "Hey, Cath just told me you ran out the break room and looked sick. Did you throw up again?"
"Yeah. The smell of Nick's burrito sent me over the edge! I must be coming down with something."
"Maybe I should take you to the doctor's later today."
"I'll be fine."
'Here we go with the fine thing again,' he thought. "We'll see. I sent everyone home. I've got to stop by the grocery store on the way home. Do you want me to pick anything up for you?"
"Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It's a must in my household."
Chuckling, "Okay. We can go grocery shopping together some other time. Why don't you go home and rest? Unpack if you want. I left empty drawers open in my dresser and made space in the closet. I'll be there in a little bit. I left a key for you in the outside pocket of your purse in your locker."
"Okay. See you in a bit."