A few weeks later…

Sara had indeed found an apartment that day. She had moved in that next week. She had also continued to see Warrick. He still did not know the whole story. They were trying to keep their relationship quiet. Only Gil knew about it. The others were getting suspicious. Warrick and Sara were both happier than anyone had seen in a long time.

They were both off one night. Warrick treated her to a home cooked meal at his home. They decided, since the weather was kind of cool and damp, to stay in and watch movies. As they lay there, they started snuggling, which led to kissing. They ended up in the bedroom still kissing. Warrick was so gentle with Sara. He did not want to scare or hurt Sara by moving too fast or too rough.

Sara was nervous about this development. He was about to find out another secret of Sara Sidle. She wasn't sure she was entirely ready for him to know. She loved Warrick with her whole heart. She was worried that the relationship would end tonight because of the secret.

It started with them removing each other shirts. Warrick knew just how to touch Sara to make her relax. They then proceeded to remove each other's pants. When he slid his hands down to her panties, she gasped softly. "Is something wrong?"

"No…I'm fine…," She said nervously. When he pulled the panties down, he saw the scars. There were multiple scars that crisscrossed just below the waistline. Warrick didn't say anything. Sara would tell him when she was ready. He continued to caress and love Sara. They got into bed and make love. They lay there in each other's embrace.

"I suppose you saw the scars and are wondering what happened."

"A little. You don't have tell me if you are not ready."

"Well, I told you that my father used to beat me. He also sexually abused me. When I was in high school, people started dating. I would hear stories about their sexual escapades. I would go home and cry because I wouldn't let anyone get close, because of what my father had done to me. I turned to cutting myself as an escape. I know now that it was not the best choice I could have made, but at the time I felt like I had no choice. Even my foster parents never caught on to what I was doing. It wasn't until I was in college did I stop. A roommate happened to see me and talked to me until I decided to go for counseling."

"Oh, Sara, come here." He scooted toward her and wrapped his strong arms around her. She started crying, somewhat surprising Warrick. "Right here and now, I want to make you a promise." Warrick paused to make sure she was listening. "As long as you'll have me, I promise that I will be here for you, no matter what."

"Warrick, do you…do you still think that I am beautiful?"

"Sara, of course I do. Nothing will ever change that."

"Can you just hold me?"

"Anything for you." Warrick held her safe in his arms. When they awoke the next morning, she surprised Warrick by saying that she wanted to tell the team.

"Is that okay with you?"

"Heck, yeah! I have wanted to tell everyone. I knew you waned to keep it secret, so I did."