I Cannot Believe this is Finally Happening

Chapter 6

(AN: Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews. A special note for Miss Giggles, All I can say is "oops". I was laughing hysterically when I read your review. I get a little carried away with the 'change' button on spell check, but we could just call it foreshadowing wink!. Spoilers: 'Way to Go' Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, and I cannot afford to buy it, but I would just like to play for a bit. I am borrowing some dialog from 'Way to Go'.)

They really did have every intension of telling the others about their relationship and specifically their engagement, but they never took any opportunity to do so. Sara wore her ring while off work, but she took it off before entering the lab. Truth be told, they enjoyed having a special little secret that only they knew about. The opportunity to share kept presenting itself, but they always found a reason not to tell.

They had been engaged for two months when the unthinkable happened; Jim Brass was shot in the line of duty. Grissom was the one left with the decisions about Jim's care. It tore him up to think that whether Jim lived or died was contingent on the choices he made.

Sara knew he was hurting and worried, but she didn't know what to do besides just being there for him. She couldn't make the decisions for him, and she really didn't want to. She was there to listen to Gil when he needed someone. The whole situation scared the hell out of her; Jim was a friend of hers as well and she was terrified of losing him.

They went days without spending any time together. A few phone calls here and there, mainly Sara convincing Grissom that if he believed it was the right choice it was. She was needed at the lab and he was needed at the hospital, with a few stops at the lab. When everything calmed down a little and Jim was out of the woods, they met up at home.

Sara had arrived about ten minutes ahead of Grissom. She ran through the house changing quickly and then starting some coffee and breakfast. She was still in the kitchen when she heard the door open. Turning off the stove she ran to meet him in the living room. They collapsed into each other's arms and just held one another. All of the emotions of the last few days returning with the comfort of the other.

"Oh god Sara, I've needed this for so long." Tears were threatening his eyes as he held her tightly to him.

"I know me too." She was misting up against his welcoming body.

He pulled away first, but kept his hands on her shoulders so he could look her in the eye. "Marry me," he said.

A little confused she replied, "Gil, I think you need a nap, we already did this remember?"

"I know. I don't mean marry me soon. I want to marry you now."

"What?" He must be even more sleep deprived than she realized.

He pulled her to the couch where they could both sit, "Sara, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don't want to wait any longer. If I've learned anything the last few days it is that it can all be gone in a heartbeat. I don't want any should'ves, could'ves, or would'ves when it comes to you." He held her hands in his. "Not anymore." Their eyes met. "I love you. Marry…me… today." He paused, his eyes pleading for a response.

"Gil…I…uh," she took a breath; she could tell by his expression he was serious, "Yes."

"Yes?" Had he heard right?

"Yes," she smiled as he took her into the biggest embrace she had felt in a while.

They found a simple chapel, nowhere near the strip, and made an appointment for that afternoon. Grissom wore a suite and Sara wore a simple white dress. They stopped to pick out rings on their way to the chapel. The two exchanged traditional vows and a kiss when pronounced husband and wife. Afterwards they went out to dinner. Sara sat with the biggest smile on her face as they waited for their meal.

"You alright?" He'd never seen her like this.

"I'm great." She bit at her lip a bit.

"I know. You have a rather large smile on your face." He brushed a thumb over her cheek.

"I cannot believe that we just did that." She felt a surge of power come from her usually hidden impetuous side.

"Are you having second thoughts?" His face fell slightly at the thought.

"Oh no, god no Gil, no regrets. I'm just surprised that you, that we, did something so…"

"Spontaneous?"

Her smile was back, "Yes, spontaneous."

Grissom held up his wine glass, "To spontaneity."

"To spontaneity," she repeated as they clanged glasses, and their meal arrived.

Sara picked up her fork and bit into her dinner. After swallowing the first bite she spoke, "On the way home, why don't we stop and see Jim."

"I think we could do that." The smirk on his face did not go unnoticed by Sara.

"Gil? What?" He eyed her. "He knows doesn't he?"

"It came up about a month ago. He did figure it out on his own, I just confirmed." His attention turned to his plate, worried that she'd be upset with him for telling.

She was smiling now, "So then we don't have to take off the rings, all the better!"

He reached over and kissed her ring finger.

As they pulled into the lot at the hospital he turned to his wife, "You know they are still limiting visitors to just a few minutes at a time."

"That's okay, it'll just be good to see him and know he is going to be alright." Then she quietly added, "After we can go home and celebrate the wedding night."

Her comment was greeted with a raised eyebrow.

The couple made their way down the halls and into Jim's room. He was still hooked up to tubes and wires which only served to make him look awful. He was sleeping soundly. Sara walked over to his bedside, and gently taking his hand in hers, she bent down and gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Jim slowly opened his eyes and gave a small smile, "I hope you're not an angel."

"Trust me Jim, I'm no angel," she gave his hand a little squeeze and then stepped back so Grissom could step forward.

"You look much better than the last few times I was here."

"Yeah, well sorry I don't remember those visits. Gil, what is that on your finger?"

Gil smiled and wrapped his arm around his wife, "Jim I know it has been a while, but even you should recognize a wedding ring when you see one."

"What? You two?"

They just nodded.

"Hey, congratulations." They could hear the strain that was working its way into his voice and knew he needed some rest.

"Thank you, Jim. We should get going, you need your rest." Sara bent down and gave him another kiss and added, "We will be back later."

"Take care Jim, oh and no one else knows yet." Jim knew exactly what he was referring to.

When they got home, Sara headed for the bathroom. Calling over her shoulder, "I'm going to take a quick shower." What she didn't say was that between the extra time at work and the hospital she hadn't shaved in nearly a week.

Grissom got the Champaign he had in the fridge and brought the bottle and a couple of glasses upstairs. Then he undressed and put on his robe and sat on the edge of the bed. When he heard the shower turn off, he laid back on one elbow lost in thought.

Sara stepped out of the shower and dried off. Then spread 

lotion over her freshly shaved skin. After draping her robe over her body she opened the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom to retrieve her brush. She saw Grissom sitting on the bed. "What's on your mind?"

He barely heard her words, but when he saw her looking at him his features softened. She walked back into the bathroom to brush her hair. Even without an answer she knew what was on his mind. His closest friend and the reality of what had happened was a heavy weight on him now.

She was standing in front of the mirror when he started to speak from the other room. "I don't know. Most people want to die in their sleep. I suppose and never know that it is happening. Like a crime scene. 'Surprise! You're dead!' I'd prefer to know in advance that I was going to die. I'd like to be diagnosed with cancer, actually. Have some time to prepare. Go back to the rainforest one more time, re-read Moby Dick. Possibly enter an international chess tournament. At least have enough time to say goodbye to the people I love."

Sara put down her brush and went to join her husband. She knelt down next to him, "I'm not ready to say goodbye."

He looked up at her beautiful face, and leaned in to kiss her. She gladly accepted his kiss and it easily deepened. He pulled her up on to the bed and the kiss turned into so much more, the Champaign forgotten for now.

TBC…