Chapter 31
Geniuses of countless nations
Have told their love for generations
Till all their memorable phrases
Are common as goldenrod or daisies.
Their girls have glimmered like the moon,
Or shimmered like a summer moon,
Stood like a lily, fled like a fawn,
Now the sunset, now the dawn,
Here the princess in the tower
There the sweet forbidden flower.
Darling, when I look at you
Every aged phrase is new,
And there are moments when it seems
I've married one of Shakespeare's dreams.
- Ogden Nash
You are cordially invited to attend the exchange of vows between
Sara M. Sidle
and
Gilbert B. Grissom
Sunday December 31st, 2006
11:00 a.m.
Orr Community Center Park
Reception to follow:
12:00 p.m.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
3900 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Sunday December 31st, 2006
11:15 a.m.
Orr Community Center Park
Sunday dawned bright and clear, a bit on the cooler side considering it was Vegas, but nothing compared to the temperatures in the rest of the nation. Gathered under a small set of trees in the Park were the members of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, some of Vegas' finest, Eleanor Grissom, the Sidles, the members of the M.A., Albina and Belle Sabatino de Riso, and of course the immediate group that formed the Night Shift.
Even though this wasn't an official wedding, everyone was dressed up, Sara back in her wedding dress; looking every bit the angel she had been a week earlier. Jessica as well was back in her dress, but minus the wrap, and the guys were back in their suits. Even Sahidi was dressed with his top hat, but no ring pillow this time. Jack had walked Sara to where Grissom was waiting, and with another glare, this one entirely in jest, he'd handed his daughter off to him once more. Now the couple was about to exchange vows, these different than their firsts. Instead this time they were taking a poem by Dorothy R. Colgan and using it.
"I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give," Sara began.
"I promise to respect you as your own person and to realize that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own."
"I promise to share with you my time and my attention and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship."
"I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams," Grissom smiled
"I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting."
"I promise to love you in good times and bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how."
"Completely and forever," They finished together, as the guests began to clap.
After the vows, the 'ceremony' had been closing to an end and an hour later found everyone at the restaurant using their banquet room. A small part of the room had been turned into a dancing area, while the rest of the room was decorated and set up with tables. The cake was over against one wall, and a sound system over by another. Laura, Jack, and the rest of the Sidles had decorated the room earlier that morning.
Off and on during the meal, people would rise to make little speeches, Jim having a good time with his. As everyone was finishing their entrees, sadly the majority of those present were enjoying the steaks and had Sara rolling her eyes at the thought of all those poor cows, she carefully rose, gathering everyone's attention.
"Hi," Sara began with a smile. "Everyone is having fun with all these little sentiments, I thought I'd get a few of my own out of the way," she continued before glancing down at Gil and winking. Turning her attention to his mother next to him she smiled before starting to speak and sign at the same time.
"You are the mother I received, the day I wed your son. And I just want to thank you, Mom...for all the things that you've done. You've given me a gracious man within whom I share my life. You are his loving mother, and I his lucky wife," she began, pausing as laughter drifted through the room. "Well I am," she continued to the room at large.
Eleanor laughed along with the others before Sara continued with a smile. "You used to pat his little head, and now I hold his hand. You raised in love a little boy and gave to me a man."
"Oh Sara," Eleanor smiled as she rose and they hugged in front and sort of over Gil who ducked to let them. "Thank you," she continued stepping back. "And since you gave me such a lovely opening, it's my turn," she continued with a smile. "Many of you probably don't know this, but my family is actually Irish," she explained to the group before looking back at her son and new daughter-in-law as Sara had retaken her seat. "So, I have a blessing for both of you." she continued with a smile.
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand."
"May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward."
"May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near."
"May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you," she finished before raising her glass in a toast that everyone followed.
For a while everyone simply enjoyed lunch, and then desert came. Everyone got a kick out watching the various people who had fruit flambé, or the Bananas Foster like Gil and Sara split, watch as their deserts were lit next to their table to be served nice and warm.
As everyone was finishing lunch, Janey rose and made her way over to Chris, exchanging a few words and he smiled before nodding and heading over to the keyboard as Jane took the microphone.
"Hello everyone! I'm Jane, a member of the M.A. Some of you may not have heard about us…well trust us, you're never going to forget us." She paused and winked as the other members of the M.A., minus Sara, rose and went to join her. "We're here because of Holi. Sara's nickname in our circle. See, about a year and a half ago now, all of us started courses to become Midwives, and there we met a woman named Alicia. Quite the interesting person she was. Imagine our surprise when we later found out that her name wasn't really Alicia," she continued with a smile towards Gil and Sara. "Happily we discovered that Alicia really didn't change or forget us, although a few of our members think that she would have gladly run for the hills given the chance to avoid us. They seem to think I'm a bit quirky... go figure."
"You are quirky!" Wick spoke up.
"This from the nutcase," Jane shook her head. "But anyway, we figured someone needs to get this party started. And Holi owes us, because you see...a year ago, our class came to Vegas for the annual conference, and on the night we had intended to go to a karaoke bar, she ditched us at the last minute. Now of course, this all led to good things seeing as we are here today...but revenge is ours just the same."
"Oh no," Sara groaned.
"Oh yes," Jane answered with a smile. "You can't run; we're coming for you after all. But we'll give you a break and not drag you in right away. Give you time to worry about when we're coming for you," she winked before nodding to Chris who started to play the keyboard as the other guests laughed at the look of absolute terror on Sara's face, and the smiles gracing the faces of the members of the M.A. as Wick started to line dance.
"This is what a woman wants..." Jane began with a smile before she started to sing.
"Any man of mine better be proud of me
Even when I'm ugly he still better love me
And I can be late for a date that's fine
But he better be on time"
Next was Jackie, as Wick grabbed Jane and pulled her into dancing.
"Any man of mine'll say it fits just right
When last year's dress is just a little too tight
And anything I do or say better be okay
When I have a bad hair day"
Rachel grabbed the mic as it went up in the air when Jane reached out and pulled Jackie into the dance, the other three women backing away from the three who were now dancing, laughter drifting through the room at the antics of the seven.
"And if I change my mind
A million times
I wanna hear him say
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way"
Joining in, Michelle, Rain, and June sang with the first three singers as they split up as Jane came after one of them to dance.
Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin 'pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine"
Wick snatched the mic and continued with a wink to the girls as they all split and went after the three who were trying to get out of dancing.
"Well any man of mine better disagree
When I say another woman's lookin' better than me
And when I cook him dinner and I burn it black
He better say, mmmm, I like it like that yeah"
Finally catching June they pulled her into the dance as she got passed the microphone and shook her head before singing. Michelle and Rain were headed towards the bridal party table to hide out there.
"And if I change my mind
A million times
I wanna hear him say
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way"
Realizing that they had a chance to drag Sara out, the two grinned at each other as they approached Sara from behind, who was shaking her head from the description everyone was giving of what was going on, not to mention hearing Wick singing about the men in his life. As the chorus began, Michelle and Rain joined in from directly behind Sara, the other woman looking up before groaning.
"Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin 'pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine"
"Come on Holi, if we're getting dragged into dancing, you're coming with us," Michelle told her as they helped her up and brought her with them as Jane took over once more.
"Let me here you say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way."
Sighing Sara shook her head before starting to sing along with the two as she got pulled into the group as the chorus started once more, before June grabbed the mic and continued telling them how to dance and Sara, Michelle, and Rain made a break for it to get out of dancing.
"Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin 'pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine
"You gotta shimmy, shake
Make the earth quake
Kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump
Heel to toe, Do Si Do
'Til your boots wanna break
'Til your feet and your back ache
Keep it movin' 'til you just can't take anymore
Come on everybody on the floor
A-one two, a-three four
Hup two, hup
If you wanna be a man of mine, that's right
This is what a woman wants... "
Breathing sighs of relief as the song was finished, all three let their guard down, a second too soon as the other four decided to go for a group hug as their big finish.
"Bride can't breathe!" Sara spoke as she and the other two fought their way out through the back, Michelle and Rain staying on her sides so she didn't get too messed up as they fought. Once free they sunk against the wall before laughing as the four backed up a step looking for them.
"Hey! Where'd they go?" Jane asked before spotting them.
"I think this would be a good time to ask for a dance," Gil spoke with a smile as he appeared next to the three as the other four moved towards them, everyone laughing at the insane actions of the seven from Florida.
"I gladly accept," Sara grinned as she took his hand. "Run girls, run," she continued to the other two before they did just that, the four chasing after them and the entire room erupted in laughter once more.
As everyone watched the seven, Chris slipped on the song Gil had requested he play as their first song and smiled as Gil pulled Sara close.
If I told you it was all meant to be,
Would you believe me
Would you agree
It's almost that feeling that we met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Everything changes but beauty remains
Something so tender
I can't explain
Well I may be dreaming but till I awake
Can we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
"I love you," Sara smiled up at him.
"For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow," he answered with a smile of his own.
"Rosemonde Gerard," Sara countered with a grin. "I love it when you tell quotes that have to do with love."
"Ah, then I have another, Acushla."
"You do?" she asked looking up at him.
"Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this"
"O, never say that I was false of heart, Though absence seem'd my flame to qualify. As easy might I from myself depart, As from my soul, which in thy breast doth lie: That is my home of love: if I have ranged, Like him that travels I return again, Just to the time, not with the time exchanged, So that myself bring water for my stain. Never believe, though in my nature reign'd, All frailties that besiege all kinds of blood, That it could so preposterously be stain'd, To leave for nothing all thy sum of good; For nothing this wide universe I call, Save thou, my rose; in it thou art my all."
"Shakespeare?" she guessed.
"The one-hundredth and ninth Sonnet," he answered. "I rather like the beginning though. Although after the part about my home of love is nice as well," he continued with a smile.
"I think I like the beginning too," Sara smiled as she thought over it as a new song began.
When I lost faith, you believed in me.
When I stumbled, you were right there.
For every act of love you've done, I owe you one.
There were hard times.
I know I survived just because you stayed by my side
With all I have, with all I am, I promise you all my life.
"I think they've discovered the wedding favors," she continued a few moments later as the musical tinkling of bells sounded. Instead of normal wedding favors they had gone with these small cards that had a heart cut on the left side, and tied inside the heart were little silver bells. With a saying on the side that said:
Today, as we gather together,
Wish us a love to last forever.
If you would like us to share
A wedded kiss.
Ring the bell for lifelong bliss.
"It would appear that way," he agreed before leaning down to capture her lips. Hearing them only ring more she smiled against his lips. "I think they're overeager."
"Ah, well who are we to disappoint," he countered before she giggled, then they continued to appease their guests.
Whenever the road is too long,
whenever the wind is too strong,
wherever this journey may lead to,
I will be there for you.
Oh yes, I will be there for you.
I'll always be there
Hours later, the cake was cut, and final toasts had been made. The bouquet was tossed, only to have Mia catch it, and when the garter was tossed, the men gathered collectively stepped back so Greg was left to catch it, although he had an added push from Nick to make sure he caught it. Soon only family members and the immediate gang was left, the M.A. having retreated to get enough coffee into Jane that they wouldn't have to worry about her chasing any cute guys from their hotel in her completely trashed state. Amazing how quickly that woman could get drunk on Chocolate Martinis.
The majority of the couples were enjoying one last dance, Jim and Eleanor dancing, as Chris danced with Lindsey, and Abby and Bertie were sound asleep. Sara and Gil were off the dance floor, his arms wrapped around her waist with his chin on her shoulder as they watched the others.
"Not dancing one last dance?" Jessica asked with a smile as she joined them, offering them both one last glass of champagne courteously of Alicia. Besides Las Nubes Champagne, Jessica had provided Merlot and Chardonnay from her own vineyards for the occasion.
"Nope, because it is far from the last dance," Sara answered with a smile as she took her glass. "Thank you," she continued a moment later.
"For the drink?" Jessica asked confused.
"Nope, for being you. For being here…for being my sister," she gave a one-shouldered shrug; the shoulder Gil's chin wasn't on. Jessica remained silent and Sara smiled. "No need to answer sis," she continued with a smile. "So, what cake charm did you get by the way?" she asked after a moment.
When they had cut the cake, they had explained that there were six ribbons coming out of the cake. Each member of the wedding party was allowed to pull one, the official members. Chris and Jessica, Catherine and Warrick, Mia and Greg. They had wanted to have Nick be in the party too, but had run out of female counterparts. And they didn't want to stick him with Jane…Sara already knew the answer to the question, having already talked with the other five and found out what charms they got….Catherine got the anchor, for hope and adventure. Greg the horse shoe for good luck, Chris the flower for blossoming love, a hope that he'd finally find the right girl for him who could survive there insane family, and Warrick got the Key for a happy home. Last but not least, Mia had the ring for a blissful marriage, another sign in their opinions. Now for Greg to pop the question after all the signs that were given that night. She just hadn't had the chance to talk to Jessica and explain the meaning behind her charm….
"The heart," replied Jessica holding up the ribbon and charm as Nick walked up to join them.
"Ah, well since I finally got you, I can tell you what it means," Sara smiled.
"Isn't it rather obvious Acushla?" Gil asked with a smile.
"Not to me it isn't," admitted Nick.
"See?" Sara smiled. "Besides there is more than one kind of true love, after all." she continued.
"Now I'm totally confused," admitted Nick with a shake of his head.
Sara giggled. "The heart represents True Love."
"Okay," replied Jessica, still not quite sure what Sara was getting
"Well, Gil here seemed to figure it's obvious that it means love. But I like to think that it can mean anything, seeing as there are various types of true love. There's the true love between a couple, and then there's the type of true love between a parent and child. Then there's love between friends and siblings."
"I think you've had a little bit too much to drink, Acushla. You're getting philosophical," Gil teased lightly.
"This is definitely a side to Sara, I've never seen before," mused Nick.
"Sara what are you trying to say...exactly?" pressed Jessica
"I have no idea," Sara admitted. "But I've got this quote stuck in my head and it seems to be influencing everything I'm thinking."
"What quote is that?" Gil asked curious.
"Sounds like Griss is wearing off on you. He's the one that normally has quotes in his head." Greg mused as he and Mia joined them.
"Yes well... let's see you live with him and not pick it up," Sara giggled.
"Okay, no more daiquiris for you," Gil shook his head.
"But Champagne is okay?" she asked holding up her glass.
"That explains the giggles. She's mixed her alcohol," Laura laughed as the others joined them, the song finished.
"Exactly. But Sara was explaining a quote that's stuck in her head," Nick spoke up, bringing the conversation back.
"Yup, well I've been thinking. And realized this quote describes our group to a 'T'." Sara explained as Gil signed for his mother from where his hands still rested near Sara's waist.
"And what is this all-knowing, all-fitting quote?" Chris asked.
"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same," Sara repeated.
"Ah, Flavia Weedn," Gil nodded knowingly. "I think I know where you got the quote from."
"You do?"
"Mmm hmmm. You probably heard me figuring out what I was going to say in my little speech before we left the house this morning."
"Really? I don't remember that," Sara mused before shrugging. "Oh well. But it does fit our group when you think about it."
"True, all of our lives have been changed by meeting each other," Mia agreed.
"Especially since you all met Scorpio," Sara giggled.
"Hey!" Chris spoke up.
"Although not necessarily in a good way..." Jessica agreed with a smirk before she and Sara laughed.
"Hey!" Chris cried once more. "I'm not that bad!"
"Says who? Oh Mister I can't get a steady girlfriend?"
Sara nearly snorted her champagne out her nose after Jessica's comment, before coughing a few times to clear her windpipe, then finally being able to laugh. "Steady girlfriend? I haven't even heard about a date in forever," she pointed out with a smile.
"Laura..." Chris whined. "They're being mean and picking on me," he continued with a pout.
"And I'm supposed to do something about it?" Laura asked with a smile. "You're nearly forty Scorpio; I think you can defend yourself against the world."
"They aren't the world, they're sisters," he countered.
"You're point being?" asked Jessica.
"You're mean," Chris answered with another pout.
"Glad to know we're a class unto ourselves and the world can't compete with us," Sara laughed.
"Come on, I think they would like to kick all of us out and get ready for another party or something eventually," Gil spoke with a smile. "And someone needs to rescue Scor from himself," he added with a wink.
"I'll get the cake," Laura began. "Everyone else, fan out and get those presents. Gil and Sara have to see the manager after all."
"Yes ma'am!" Greg answered before heading towards a set of boxes.
"Did he just salute me? And call me ma'am?" Laura asked with the same shock Sara had the day before, staring after the boy, and causing Sara, Jessica, and Nick to start laughing.
"Something tells me we don't even want to ask," Chris shook his head before he and the others went to help gather things as Gil led Sara from the room, her laughter drifting back to mingle with Jessica and Nick's.
Friday May 25th, 2007
10:42 a.m.
Desert Palms Hospital
The next few months just flew by. Greg proposed to Mia on Valentine's Day, following the example of his boss a year earlier. But in his own unique way. Mia went to work that night and among the papers of DNA she had to analyze, there was one that spelt "Mia, will you marry me?" After Mia chewed him out for wasting work expense and all that, she finally gave him an answer, and the answering yell Greg gave had everyone in the lab knowing what happened, and talking about it, for weeks.
Everyone had left Vegas, returning home and life got back to normal after the wedding. Except for the two very pregnant women that were part of night shift. And the weekly phone calls and speculation about when Gil and Sara were going to join the baby train as night shift had been nicknamed. But so far nothing on their front in that department, other then Sara keeping Jessica company while she was home on maternity leave, until Catherine joined the three of them when she reached her seventh month a week before and was put on early maternity leave by her doctors. To avoid complications considering it wasn't good on the body to have so many children so close together.
Then the night before, during a Richard Gere marathon on Catherine's night off, all hell broke loose. Was insanely interesting seeing a seven-month pregnant woman drive a woman in labor to the hospital as the blind member of their group was in the back seat going through breathing exercises, and thanking God she was a certified Mid-wife, while calling Nick to tell him to not panic but get to the hospital.
The poor Emergency Room nurse never saw it coming when they arrived, being told medical information about Jessica's contractions and such by the blind woman and having two pregnant women there…
And so…many hours later, the night shift had gotten off and joined Catherine and Sara at the waiting room, Catherine having run back to Jessica and Nick's to get the kids who Lindsey was left in charge of while they got Jessica to the hospital. Until Nick had arrived, Sara had remained with Jessica, coming out and taking a seat as Catherine returned, and the long wait started. And was still going…
"Hey guys," Nick greeted as he walked out to meet everyone, removing his protective scrubs in the process. "They're moving Jess back to her room now."
Everyone looked up at him, blinking at him for a moment. "And?" Sara and Catherine demanded in chorus.
"Mother and baby are doing fine," commented the doctor as he stepped up beside Nick, patting him on the shoulder.
"AND?" they repeated.
"Sara's beautiful," Nick replied with a huge grin.
"Well of course she is," Greg frowned.
"She is?" Sara asked with a smile.
"Okay, confused pregnant woman here..." Catherine spoke up.
"She is," replied Nick. "Would you like to see your goddaughter and namesake?" he asked Sara.
"You have to ask!" Sara countered with a shake of her head. "You've forgotten a few minor details though," she continued as she stood.
"What might those be?" asked Nick with a laugh, enjoying the confusion of the others.
"Weight, length, hair, eyes... all those little important details," Sara countered. "And her full name for the rest of the poor confused members of our family," she laughed.
"Sara Victoria Charlotte Stokes is a healthy six-and-half pounds and seventeen inches. Her hair is currently dark blonde but the doctor here thinks it will probably darken closer to either mine or Jessica's color and as for her eyes, they are an amazing shade of blue, not that dissimilar to Jessica's," explained Nick, the smile still on his face.
"Ah, you named her after Sara," Greg nodded. "Makes sense now
"She's named after the three most important women in our lives Greg," Nick told him. "Sara's the reason we're together in the first place and then the other two names belong to our mothers."
"That's cool," Lindsey smiled.
"So shall we go see your new goddaughter Sara?" asked Nick
"Why do you think I'm standing? Turn, lead, walk!" Sara continued with a smile as he took her arm. "Be back later," she called over her shoulder with a wave.
"Don't take forever!" Catherine answered with a smile. "I don't want to have to pretend to go into labor to see Jess and the baby!"
Nick chuckled at Catherine's antics as he led Sara towards Jessica's room. "Jess?" he called quietly when they entered.
"Nick?" asked Jessica tiredly.
"Someone's here to see you," he said kissing her forehead.
"Hi Jyn girl," Sara smiled. "Congratulations."
"Hey sis," greeted Jessica tiredly. "Thanks."
"Your welcome. I won't stay long. I know you're exhausted," Sara continued. "How are you feeling though? Besides tired and happy?"
"Tired and happy about sums it up. I can't really put into words what I'm feeling," replied Jessica. "Would you do me a favor and let Jack and Laura know about the most recent addition to the family? Oh, we should probably let Alicia know as well."
"Of course," Sara agreed. "Do you guys want me to call your parents too Nick and tell them you'll call later after Jess has gotten some rest?" she offered.
"That would be great Sara, thanks," replied Nick
"Your welcome," Sara smiled. "I'll run though, get those calls made and let the others pop in to say hi. Cath is joking about going into labor so she can see you."
"Better make sure she's the next one in here then," laughed Jessica
"Will do," Sara agreed before giving Jessica a quick hug. "I'll see you and the little one later," she continued softly.
"Okay, bye," Jessica said around a yawn.
"Bye Jyn," Sara smiled before Nick led her back to the waiting room and Catherine took her place as Sara started on the phone calls.
Tuesday July 17th, 2007
3:21 p.m.
Desert Palms Hospital
"You know, I just realized something," Greg mused.
"What's that?" Sara asked as she shifted the sleeping Gilbert. Catherine had been in labor for the past ten hours, and she was as tired as Catherine and Warrick's son.
And of course, the three women had been together when Catherine had gone into labor...Nick was joking that they would have to start keeping Sara and the two together as soon as they found out Sara was pregnant, to which Jessica had been nice enough to tap him on the back of his head for Sara, before taking her two-month-old daughter from him.
Mia had little Abby, who like her brother was sound asleep, while Lindsey worked on work for her summer classes.
"Well, this is the first time Catherine has had a child and we've all been together to be here."
"It has, hasn't it," Sara agreed. "God, can you believe all we've been through since Catherine got pregnant the first time?"
"A lot," Gil agreed softly as he took his namesake from Sara.
"Really, none of us ever thought we'd see you two married and yet here we are," Jim grinned.
Sara giggled as she leaned her head on Gil's shoulder. "How's Vicki?" she asked glancing towards Jessica.
"Sleeping," replied Jessica with a soft smile as she looked down at her baby girl
"Good to hear," Sara smiled before yawning. "I'm thinking I'm going to join her."
"You and me both," Mia agreed.
"Tired?" Warrick asked drawing their attention to where he stood with a grin.
"Mom okay?" Lindsey asked immediately.
"She's fine. Already arranging for my appointment, but she's good," Warrick answered with a smile. "Mari Lynn," he continued with another smile. "She looks just like you and your mom."
"When can we see them?" Lindsey asked with a grin.
"For you? Right now," Warrick smiled before asking a nurse to take her back. After Lindsey was gone, he turned back to the others. "Catherine has declared there is no way this side of heaven or hell she's having any more children," he began with a shake of his head.
"Didn't we already know that?" Greg asked with a smirk.
"Well yes," Warrick laughed. "But Mari weighed 12 pounds and is 21 inches."
"Yikes," commented Jessica. "I'm glad this one here wasn't anywhere near that big."
"Greg, we have a child that big, I'll castrate you myself."
"I'll do my best," Greg nodded before looking at the others over Mia's shoulder. "How do I control that?" he mouthed.
"Good luck," Nick laughed.
"Well, I am going to go check on the girls. Abby and Bertie are sleeping...I'll let Cath know, then you guys can see her," Warrick spoke before sighing. "I need to go find out when I'm getting snip snipped."
"Ouch," every man in the room shuddered hearing that term and Warrick smiled.
"See you guys later."
"Poor big men, terrified of a little pair of scissors," Mia teased lightly and they all gave another involuntary shudder.
"Evil woman...eeeeeevil," Nick answered before shaking his head.
Saturday September 15th, 2008
3:15 p.m.
Princess Wedding Chapel
Wise men say only fools rush in
but I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay
would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
for I can't help falling in love with you
As Elvis finished singing, Mia finished the short walk from the back of the chapel to where Greg stood, next to Elvis. Luckily they had gotten a 'young' Elvis who was very cute, as Lindsey had pointed out, and could sing amazingly like the real King.
Proving once more, that Greg was one of a kind, he and Mia had decided to get married by Elvis. And in their search for just the right chapel, they had discovered the Aloha in Las Vegas wedding at the Princess Wedding Chapel. Which led to them being there on the third Saturday in September. Along with the members of night shift, Greg and Mia's families were there.
Greg looked particularly shocking, yet handsome, in a tuxedo; they never even knew he owned one...but Mia was the queen of the ball, as she should be. Her white chiffon empire A-line dress had a split front with beaded lace trim and a sweep train. She looked a bit like she stepped out of the Renaissance, but lovely just the same. As part of the wedding package, she carried a Stargazer Lily and Draping Dendrobium Orchid bouquet, and her hair was up in a bun with a silk veil just covering her hair and flowing down her back.
Besides Mia as her wedding party, she had Sara, Jessica, and Catherine. None really designated as a Maid of Honor. And with Greg stood Gil, Nick, and Warrick. The girls were dressed in simple pale green dresses, and had Stargazer Lily bouquets, while the men had Dendrobium Orchid boutonnieres.
Elvis welcomed everyone, having already sung a song as the guests took their seats, Blue Hawaii, and jumped right into the wedding ceremony. When it came time for vows, he stepped back and sung softly in the background.
I'm falling in love, tonight
Somehow, I know
The beautiful world tonight
Is sharing, it's glow
When love let me down before
I said I was through
But I'm falling in love tonight
With you
"What have I to give you, Mia?" Greg began with a smile. "The promise to take you as my only love from this day forward, to stand by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own," he continued as Gil slipped him the ring. "Take this ring, and be my wife," he continued before slipping it on her finger.
'till you walked by
I laughed and played the game
One last kiss, then goodbye
And out went the flame
"As freely, Greg, as God has given me life, I join my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go; whatever you face, I will face. For good or ill, in happiness or sadness, come riches or poverty, I take you as my husband, and will give myself to no other," Mia promised as she slipped his ring on his hand.
But somehow, you've changed me dear
This time, it's true
I'm falling in love tonight
With you
"By the power invested in my, by the state of Nevada and the beautiful city of Las Vegas. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," Elvis announced a few minutes later and the couple did as told, before the King was joined by two hula dancers as he sang.
This is the moment
I've waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
love sweet Aloha
I will love you longer than foreve
Promise me that you will leave me never
Here I am now dear,
You're my love,
I know dear
Promise me that you will leave me never
I will love you longer than forever
Now that we are one
Clouds won't hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii will smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my heart
Everyone clapped as Elvis and the girls finished, the hula dancers performing a beautiful telling of the song. And following the newlyweds, and their attendants, the group made their way over to where a cake and champagne reception was waiting, with coffee service and fruit punch as well.
Tuesday November 13th, 2007
5:15 p.m.
Grissom Residence
"Now you guys are going to be good for your Aunt Sara right?" Warrick asked as Catherine came back up the walk from grabbing the mail for Sara and Gil.
"Of course dad," Lindsey answered rolling her eyes.
"Be good," Abby agreed before Sara laughed.
"Don't worry, they're always good," Sara assured the two. Since Catherine had returned to work, Sara had been watching the kids at night while everyone worked. Jessica and Nick had stopped by earlier and dropped off Vicki, who was sound asleep in one of the many cribs that had taken over what had once upon a time been Gil's bug room. They'd been kicked down to the basement.
"You have mail," Catherine announced as she came in.
"Well, that's a given considering it is a day mail is delivered," Sara teased as Gil came out from getting ready.
"Hey, you have a card from Nick and Sara," Catherine began as she was sorting their mail for them.
"We do?" Sara asked looking up from Abby.
"Interesting...it looks like an announcement would," Catherine mused as she handed the envelope to Gil, who quickly flipped it over and opened it, before pulling the card out. Then he laughed.
"Acushla, you're going to kill Jess."
"I am?" Sara asked even more confused
"Oh, you are," Warrick agreed as Gil flipped the card around for them to see, before he started to read.
"An answered prayer he is to me; My greatest blessing she'll always be. And so this day we'll pledge our love In front of friends and God above. Honor us with your presence at our wedding on Thursday February 14th, 2008, ten-thirty at Las Nubes Vineyards. Jessica Lynn Harrison and Nicholas Evan Stokes."
"She is so dead," Sara shook her head before laughing. "She did say six months...we got the invite just shy of Vicki's six-month birthday."
"That we did," Catherine agreed with a smile.
"So what does it look like?" Sara asked as she stood with Abby on her hip. "Before I go to sing this one to sleep seeing as everyone else is already out."
"Lilac writing, with a simple set of lilac entwined hearts at the top center."
"Simple, elegant...Jessica," Sara nodded. "Okay, put us down for two on the response card, and slip it into their mail when you get to work. Revenge," Sara smiled evilly before turning and heading back to the nursery
"I think they got off easy," Warrick mused.
"With Sara," Catherine countered with a wink. "Come on boys, we have work to do. Linds, have a good night. And Gil, tell her goodnight for us," she continued as he made his way after his wife to tell her goodnight, finding her in the rocking chair with one of their many godchildren. Giving her a kiss he made his way back out where he joined Catherine and Warrick in their Tahoe, his permanently at the lab thanks to the babysitting arrangement. And just shook his head as Catherine threw around ways to get her own revenge.
Thursday February 14th, 2008
10:30 a.m.
Las Nubes Vineyard
The day had dawned sunny and bright, the temperature warmer than was typical for Northern California in February. And this day found people from many families and many different places gathering in the small private chapel on the grounds of the Las Nubes Vineyard. Alicia and Alejandro Aragon were there with their extended family. Even Roberto showed up with his own special lady, there to honor his friend on this special day of hers. The night shift of the Las Vegas Crime lab was there on the condition that they would be back at work in time for the start of shift that night and thanks to the Harrison jet they would be. The Sidles were there of course as was the entire Stokes family. All of Nick's sisters and their husbands were there as was his brother Stephen. Even Julia showed up and was keeping her opinions about everything to herself.
All the small chit-chat that was going on in the chapel stopped when Nick and the priest entered, taking their spots in front of the alter as soft music began playing thanks to the string quartet seated in the corner. Nick was wearing a single button cut away black tuxedo with a silver grey vest and ascot tie on over a white shirt. Shortly after Nick entered and the music began, Warrick, wearing a tuxedo similar to Nick's, appeared with Sara on his arm in a lilac satin ball gown that was sleeveless. It was gathered on the right side so that it had a bit of an over skirt on the front and embroidery along the bust.
Warrick led Sara down the aisle, helping her into her place next to the priest, opposite Nick before taking his own spot beside the groom moments before Jessica and Jack appeared at the end of the aisle and the wedding march began. Jack was also wearing a tuxedo similar to the one that Nick and Warrick were wearing and he was beaming with pride as he led his surrogate daughter down the aisle. He knew he could never take the place of her real father but he was honored that she asked him to step in, in Sebastian's place. He could almost feel Sebastian and Victoria there with them watching as their daughter married the young man before them. Jessica herself was glowing as she walked down the aisle towards Nick. She was dressed in a white satin a-line gown. The bodice was made of Venice lace with delicate cap sleeves. The grand cathedral train trailing out behind her. Her hair was tied up into gentle curls under a three-tier cathedral veil with pencil edges and rhinestones. In her hair was a lattice and diamond tiara that her mother had worn on her own wedding day.
When they reached the altar, Jack gave Jessica a kiss on both cheeks before handing her over to Nick, giving him the same warning glare he'd given to Gil when he'd married Sara before taking his seat, allowing the priest to begin the ceremony.
"Nicholas and Jessica have decided to write their own vows to each other," Father Charles informed the gathered family.
"You're there by my side in every way and I know that you would not forsake me. Without thinking twice I give you my life for your love is all I need. I'm wondering how I ever got by without you in my life to guide me. Wherever I go there is one thing that's true and it's everything that I do, I do for you. Just reach out for me, for I will never let you down, my Love, I will love you forever, until death do us part, I promise we'll be together. You've opened up your heart and let me in and for that I will love you forever. Take my hand and hold on tight and we'll get to forever together, this I swear to you," Nick began. "Jessica, our love is unconditional; we've known this from the start. I can see it in your eyes and you can feel it in my heart. From here on after let's stay the way we are right now and share all the love and laughter that a lifetime will allow. You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete and as long as there is still breath in me I'll make your life just as sweet. As we look towards the future it's as far was can see, so let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be. Jessica, I cross my heart and promise to give you all that I've got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world you will never find a love as true as mine. If along the way we find a day that it starts to pour, you've got the promise of my love to keep you warm," Nick finished slipping the ring on Jessica's finger before gently wiping away her tears.
"Oh Nick," sniffled Jessica. "I don't know what to say. I had the words in my head but after hearing what you just said, everything I wanted to say is gone," she said with a small laugh and a smile. "I never knew what was missing from my life before I met you. We've had our ups and downs, our fights and our make-ups but I would not trade one minute of our time together for anything. With your help I have faced the demons of my past and am no longer haunted by them. When you look at me you see the girl, not the name and for that I couldn't love you more than I do at this instant. You are my world, Nick. You are my sun, my moon and my stars. Without you, I am nothing. Kiss me too fiercely and hold me too tight. I need help believing that you're with me here tonight. Even my wildest dreams could not foresee me lying beside you with you wanting me. Just for this moment, as long as you're mine, I've lost all my resistance and crossed some borderline. If it turns out that it's over too fast, I'm going to make every last moment last, as long as you're mine. Maybe I'm brainless or maybe I'm wise but you've got me seeing through different eyes and somehow I've fallen under your spell. Every moment as long as you're mine, I'll wake up my body and make up for lost time. Even if there is no future for us as a pair, I don't care because just for this moment, as long as you're mine, come be how you want to be and see how bright we shine. Borrow the moonlight until this is through and I know I'll be here holding you as long as you're mine," Jessica finished as she slipped the ring on Nick's finger.
"And now for a special exchange between the bride and groom," Father Charles said as he handed Nick and Jessica a single red rose each. "Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings, which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You now have what remains the most honorable title, which may exist between a man and a woman, the title of 'husband' and 'wife'. For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose. In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing, it meant the words 'I love you'. So, it is appropriate that for your first gift, as husband and wife, that gift would be a single rose."
"Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. In some ways, it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose, and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life, one I hope you always remember, the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage."
"Nicholas and Jessica, I would ask that wherever you make your home in the future, whether it be a large and elegant home, or a small and graceful one, that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot, both as a recommitment to your marriage and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love."
"In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to find the words to say "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected, for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words. That rose says the words: 'I still love you'. The other should accept this rose for the words which can not be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today."
"Nicholas and Jessica, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure. You may kiss your bride," Father Charles finished as Nick leaned down and kissed Jessica to the cheers of the guests, many of who had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Hours later, the party had begun to wind down, and Phillip had left with those from Vegas for the hour-and-fifteen-minute flight to get them home. After he returned, the newlyweds would be leaving for their honeymoon in London, leaving little Vicki with her godmother. Sara was going to be staying at Heaven's Paradise until the weekend when Gil came up to get the two them, and until then she would be spending time with Laura and Jack, letting them spoil their surrogate grandchild as much as possible.
At the moment, Sara was sitting talking with her mother, as Nick and Jessica enjoyed one more dance. Hearing the music change she glanced over at her mother. "Are they coming off the dance floor?"
Laura looked up and nodded. "Yes, they are Sunshine; want me to take the dew-drop?"
"I'm terrified of what nicknames you might come up for my children you know?" Sara teased as Laura took Vicki.
"Ah, well, be frightened all you want. I see five grandchildren in my future, and am already planning their nicknames."
"Five?" Sara asked with a shake of her head. "Scor, you better get busy and find a significant other, Laura sees five grandchildren, and Gil and I only plan to have one. And I doubt Jyn and Nick would survive three more pregnancies...I don't thinkI'd survive her having three more pregnancies...I was a worried wreak this time."
"Wasn't that because Catherine was pregnant too?" Chris countered.
"Oh shush," Sara shot back with a wink as she rose. "Now, you get to be my escort oh know-it-all annoying brother."
"How do I get myself into these things?" Chris sighed dramatically as he took her arm and they made their way to where Nick and Jessica were talking with Roberto and his girl.
"Ah, hello again, Sara," Roberto greeted as they joined them. "Well, we need to be getting home," he continued as he glanced at his companion.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all,." she spoke with a smile.
"A pleasure meeting you as well," agreed Jessica as Roberto led his lady from the room, leaving Jessica and Nick alone with Sara and Scor
"Well, I did my duty and delivered the big bad sister, I'm off to go see if I can get the number of that girl Thomas brought," Chris announced before slipping away as Sara and Jessica just shook their heads.
"Oh well," Sara laughed. "Maybe she'll be 'the one' and then he can get married and get to helping provide Laura those three other grandchildren out of the five she has seen."
"Five?" asked Jessica in shock.
"Mm hmm, she informed me just a few moments ago that she has seen five grandchildren in her future and is already working on nicknames for them to rival little dew-drop," Sara smiled. "I told Scor he's got to find a significant other to help you out, I can't imagine sticking you with providing those other three that she's expecting."
"I am not going through 3 more pregnancies so Laura can just forget it," commented Jessica. "Nick and I have agreed on one more child and that's more than enough for us."
"Damn, then Scor has to find a significant other, cause Gil and I agreed on just the one..." Sara laughed. "Who's going to inform him he needs to provide two Sidle grandchildren?"
"I'll tell him," Thomas spoke up as he walked by. "At the very least it will get him away from my girl," Thomas winked at the three before heading over to tell the elder Sidle the news.
"Three...two...one," Sara counted before they heard the curse on cue from Chris. "God, he's predictable."
"That he is," agreed Jessica as she and Nick started laughing
"Anyway, so London?"
"Yep," agreed Nick as he wrapped his arms around Jessica's waist, his head over her shoulder.
"So jealous. We're thinking we might actually get a honeymoon for our fifth anniversary...not sure though," Sara shrugged. "But I have a wedding gift for you two," she continued with a smile as she opened the small purse that was on her wrist.
"Sara, you didn't have to get us anything," chided Jessica lightly.
"Well technically I'm not," Sara countered as she handed them an envelope.
"Okay, I'm confused," admitted Jessica as she looked down at the envelope in her hand.
"Well, what does it say," Sara countered.
"That we're invited to a birthday party in mid-august but there are no names or even a specific date on it," commented Jessica.
"Well that's because there's no specific date just yet. Even Laura's not that good at predicting exactly when her grandchildren are going to come into this world," Sara smiled.
"Oh my God, Sara!" cried Jessica as she grabbed Sara and pulled her into a hug
"Congratulations Sara," commented Nick
"Thank you," Sara smiled as she glanced over at Nick. "And we have a question for you two," she continued as she stepped back from Jessica's hug.
"A question? A question about what?" asked Jessica as she stepped back next to Nick
"Well, would you guys be his or her godparents?" Sar asked softly.
"Of course," agreed Jessica and Nick together
Sara laughed softly. "Well, I do think my announcements are over for the year," she smiled. "Now to go let Laura know that you know so she can be free to tell the world. I swear, she called me a week ago and said "Sunshine, get your butt to the doctor, you're pregnant..."
"Why can I so see Laura doing that," laughed Jessica as she and Nick led Sara back over to where Laura was seated playing with her granddaughter, Jessica taking her baby in her arms.
"You can see me doing what? Laura asked
"Making the call telling me that I was pregnant."
"I only told you what you already suspected," Laura countered. "Anyway, I'm stealing Sunshine so I can go tell Alicia. And you two," she continued to Nick and Jessica. "Have fun tonight. I've already started the countdown for my first little boy child..." she winked as Sara looked between her mother and back at them a few times before shaking her head.
"Joint baby shower, Jyn?" Sara asked with a smile before Laura promptly began to lead her along to Alicia. "We'll discuss that later," she promised over her shoulder.
"Do I even want to know what that was about?" asked Nick as he watched Laura lead Sara away.
"Probably not," replied Jessica.
"Thought so," commented Nick before leaning down and kissing Jessica lightly causing baby Sara to giggle.
"Excuse me Ms. Jessica," interrupted Stefan. "Matthew has just returned and is waiting for you out front."
"Thank you Stefan," replied Jessica with a nod dismissing the butler before turning back to Nick. "Looks like our ride is here. You ready?"
"Definitely," agreed Nick. "Let's go give little Sara to her godmother and escape from this party."
"Let's do that," agreed Jessica with a smile as they made their way over to where Sara and Laura were talking with Alicia. "Excuse me ladies but our ride is here and so it's time to leave the little one in the care of her godmother and grandmother."
"Oh, give her here," Sara smiled. "You two have fun. And we'll see you in a few weeks."
"We will," agreed Jessica with a smile as she handed her daughter over to her best friend. "See you guys...later," she finished after her initial shriek of shock when Nick suddenly swung her up into his arms. "Bye!" she called out as Nick carried her from the room.
"Bye!" everyone called after them before laughing. Only Nick...