Disclaimer: See chapter 20.

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30

A little less than two weeks later, the graveyard shift gang gathered around a gazebo, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Nick and Greg were introducing their dates to each other while Warrick and Catherine, who had come together, talked to Jim and his wife. "So Jim, you trying to make the rest of us look bad?"

"What're talking about, Warrick?"

"Showin' up in a tux while the rest of wear suits. Pretty sneaky."

"Well, I figured, what the heck. How often do I have a reason to dress up? Besides, with this pretty lady on your arm, why should you be worried? Nobody's looking at you anyway."

"Yeah, ain't that a fact?"

Doc Robbins, his wife, David and his girlfriend joined them. After introductions, Al asked, "Where's Gil? Don't tell me he's not coming."

Catherine answered, "I haven't seen him. He told me he'd be here, though. He's probably just running late."

Greg and his girlfriend, Jane, walked over to join the group, followed by Nick and Dianna. It was Greg who asked the question that was on everyone's minds, "So, anybody got any idea who the groom is?"

Before anyone could answer, Grissom stepped up, "Can I interrupt?"

The circle of people spread as they let him step in and Warrick jabbed, "You too?"

"Me too, what?"

"You and Jim both wearing a tux, trying to make the rest of us look bad. I already gave Jim a hard time."

Before he had time to respond Nick asked, "And why am I not surprised that you didn't bring a date?"

"Uh, I think we should all sit. It's time to start." Everyone followed suit as Grissom took his seat in the front row with Jim and his wife beside him. When the Justice of the Peace stepped up and the music started to play, Grissom rose and walked to front, followed by Jim.

He turned to watch his mother walk down the isle and glanced out at his friends to see dropped jaws and a couple chuckles. But when Sara started walking towards him, all of his focus was on her. The absolute love of his life was walking towards him, and would become his wife in a matter of minutes. All of his dreams were coming true and his life was finally filled with all the love he could have hoped for.

All of his fears and reservations were gone. Her love had knocked down all the walls he'd built around his heart and together they'd found the man inside him that he'd always wanted to be. It was only with her that that man existed and he planned on being that man for the rest of his life.

After they were pronounced husband and wife and he kissed his bride, he whispered, "You ready for the question and answer session, Mrs. Grissom?"

"It'll be worth it."

"I know."

With that, they turned to face the crowd, who were all on their feet. Everyone gathered around for hugs and congratulations, but it was Anna who got their undivided attention, first.

She gathered her two children into her arms as tears fell down her cheeks. When she pulled away, she pulled a folded piece of paper from the bouquet she was holding and handed it to her son. //This is a gift for both of you. I have made some good investments and bought and sold pieces of art from the gallery I used to work at. It's not enough that you won't ever have to worry about money, but you both are wise and I know with this you can build a comfortable life for you and my grandchild. I don't want to hear any arguments from either of you. I'm seventy years old and I can't take it with me. I love you both very much. Gil, your father would be so proud of you.//

Sara turned to see tears stream down her husband's face as he unfolded the check. Her hand moved to her mouth in shock when she saw the check was written out to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Ian Grissom for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. They both gathered her into their arms again until she pushed them away, telling them to go see their friends.

They did as they were told, with tears still in their eyes and faced the onslaught of questions and playful jabs from their friends.