Disclaimer: See chapter 20.

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28

A couple days later, Sara took the first step in their plan. Everyone gathered in the break room, waiting for Grissom to hand out assignments, but Sara interrupted before he could start, "Hey, guys, before we get our assignments, I, uh, have something to give everyone." She passed a wedding invitation out to everyone, including Grissom and waited for a response.

It was Nick who spoke up first, "You're getting married in less than two weeks?"

Catherine asked another question before Sara could answer, "I have a better question. Why is there no groom's name on this invitation?"

Suppressing her desire to laugh, "Yes, I am getting married in less than two weeks. And there's no name because I'd like it to be a surprise. I'd like everyone to be able to come, that's why I chose to have the wedding at noon. No one needs to buy gifts or RSVP and everyone is welcome to bring a date. Any other questions?"

After a moment of silence and stunned looks, Grissom handed out assignments as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

The next afternoon, after Anna arrived and unpacked her suitcases, she asked Sara to join her in the guest room. When she walked in, she found a wedding dress lying on the bed. //You don't have to wear it, if you don't like it, or if it doesn't fit. But you look about the same size as I was when I got married.//

"Anna, it's gorgeous. But I can't accept this."

//Why not? Gil is my only child. I've saved my wedding dress for years, hoping he'd marry a woman I'd want to give it to. You're the best thing that's ever happened to him, Sara. I want you to have it. Try it on. I'll be right back. I have something I need to give Gil.//

"Okay." After a quick hug, Anna walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Anna found Gil lounging on the couch, //Gil, I have something for you.//

//Okay.// She handed him a small red velvet box. He opened it to find a man's wedding band that he recognized as his father's. //I didn't know you still had this.//

//I've been saving it for you. I thought you might want it.//

//Thanks, Mom, this means a lot to me.//

//Does this mean you'll use this as your wedding band?//

//Yes, as long as it's okay with Sara.//

//Then you'll be needing this.// She slowly removed the tiny band from her left ring finger and kissed it before handing it to him. //I've waited for years to watch you put this ring on a woman's finger and now that time is here. She's perfect, Gil, and you two will make wonderful parents.//

With a shocked look, //She told you?//

//That she's pregnant? No, I just assumed there was a good reason why you were rushing the wedding. And I also know my son. You would not bring a child into this world without being married first.//

He smiled, loving the relationship he had with his mother, //Does she know you figured it out?//

//No, but I'll go tell her now. She should have the dress on by now.//

//Dress?//

//Yes. I gave her my wedding dress.//

//Have I told you how much I love you?//

//Yes, but I don't mind hearing it again.//

//I love you, Mom. And you'll never know how important it is to me that you and Sara get along so well.//

//I know, Son. I love you, too.//

When Anna knocked on the guest room door, Sara told her to come in, never taking her eyes from the mirror. In the reflection, she saw Anna take a deep breath and raise her hands to her face. "I love it, Anna."

As tears formed in her eyes, //You're beautiful. Will you wear it?//

"Of course."

//Not only do you make a beautiful bride, but you'll also make a gorgeous mother. And, no, before you ask, he didn't tell me. I guessed.//

"That doesn't surprise me. You're very perceptive, and you know your son very well."

//I know that he loves you, and that you're going to have a wonderful life together. I'm very proud to call you my daughter.//