Disclaimer: Moochiecat and Prairie do not own CSI.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Prairie is grieving the loss of her boxer, Grissom.
"Maria. I Just Met A Girl Named Maria"
The group started to wind things down, when Jim Brass spoke his piece.
"Nick, it seems that one major obstacle has been completely overlooked. Even though you've asked an attorney to start the adoption process, no one has sat down with Nate and his Dad to discuss this. Have they? And I'll bet you a year's worth of breakfasts at Frank's that Mr. Culver is going to fight you tooth and nail. And, as of right now, he has the absolute legal right to place Maria for adoption with anyone he selects. If you're lucky, he won't place her the second he gets wind of your intentions. You also have to get pass a Judge's preference for placing a newborn with a stable couple, so the baby has a Mother. Are you ready for that, Nick? Are you emotionally prepared if you DON'T win custody of Maria?"
Everyone stared at Jim ("Well that was a major 'downer," was uppermost in everyone's thoughts.) No one could bring themselves to make eye contact with Nick, who stood there with a truly stricken look on his face, while Catherine's heart ached for her friend and colleague…
Chapter 4
Nick stuffed his hands into his pockets and cleared his throat, hating that he was so emotional. His coworkers began leaving one-by-one, giving him a quick squeeze or a pat on the back. Soon it was just Nick and Catherine left standing in his living room.
"Nicky," she began, "we'll take this one step at a time."
He sighed and blinked against the moisture that was building in his eyes. "Cat, I already love this little girl. I can't imagine her belonging to anyone else but me."
"Then we're going to fight for her," she replied with confidence, moving to his side and placing a hand on his arm. "Call your lawyer Monday morning. Get him to schedule a meeting with Nate and Mr. Culver to get things started on the right track."
Nick nodded. "You're right. That's what I'll do." He could feel the heat of Catherine's touch seeping through the thin material of his shirt and a shiver raced down his spine. His brown eyes darted to her face, seeking her blue gaze to see if she'd had the same reaction, but her expression was carefully guarded. Catherine Willows was a strong woman who had become adept at hiding her feelings. Nick bit his bottom lip, his mind reeling with the thought that he could have feelings for Catherine.
They'd worked together for years and had become good friends. The death of Warrick had brought them closer together along with Grissom's departure. Catherine relied on him a lot at the lab. Nick swallowed and cleared his throat. "You're welcome to stay awhile if you want."
"You just want someone to help you with the clean-up," she quipped with a grin, already moving towards the kitchen.
Nick followed her and joined her at the sink. "You've got me pegged," he retorted. She rinsed the dishes and handed them to him so he could load the dishwasher. They worked in companionable silence for a few moments before Catherine spoke. "Nicky, you will be an amazing father."
"Do you really think so?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"I know so," she replied. "That little girl will be lucky to have you."
"If my lawyer can schedule a meeting with Nate and his dad, would you consider going with me?"
Catherine's eyes snapped up to study his face, surprised that he had asked. "Well, sure, Nick. I'd be honored to go with you."
Nick grinned, his face lighting up. "Great. Thanks, Cat!"
"You are very welcome," she replied, drying off her hands after passing him the last plate. "I'll be happy to help you when it's time to go shopping for baby supplies," she said as well, her mind already planning a baby shower for Nick at the lab.
He nodded and led the way to the living room. "I was thinking of heading up to the hospital to see Maria. Want to go with me?"
"I'd love to!" Catherine enthused happily, eager to once again see the tiny baby girl she was coming to regard as Nick's daughter.
Nick drove them to the hospital and they walked side by side into the maternity ward, Catherine's eyes studying the babies. "It seems like not so long ago that Lindsey was this tiny. Think of all you have to look forward to, Nick – first steps, first words, birthday parties, first dance, first broken heart, her wedding." Nick had paled by the time Catherine finished her list, and she had to stifle a grin.
He had reached Maria's bedside unaware of the flirtatious grins of the nurses as they called out greetings to him. "Hey, sweet girl," he crooned, stroking the tiny baby's fist with a gentle finger. Maria blinked owlishly at him as she worked her little rosebud mouth.
"Nicky, she's a beautiful baby," Catherine breathed, reaching out to run a gentle hand over the girl's fuzzy hair. She found herself falling in love with the infant.
Maria screwed up her face and began to fuss. The head nurse gave Nick a reassuring nod, and he gently scooped the baby into his arms and held her against his chest, humming a soft lullaby.
Catherine watched, mesmerized, as Nick soothed the infant, his large hand splayed over the tiny back. Emotions exploded in her chest and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. Nick looked so right holding that baby with a tender expression on his face. It was all Catherine could do to keep herself from drawing closer to his side and leaning against him. She realized the baby had quieted with Nick's ministrations.
He looked up and gave her a gentle smile. "Want to hold her, Cat?"
Her arms automatically reached for the tiny bundle. The baby felt so small and warm and had the smell that all babies seem to have. Catherine kissed Maria's round, rosy cheek. "Hi, sweetheart," she murmured softly.
Nick gestured to the rocking chair. "She likes to be rocked," he said.
Carefully, Catherine sat down and cradled Maria in her arms. The baby's eyes drooped as the CSI began to rock and sing to her. It didn't take long until she was sound asleep. Catherine continued to hold her, not quite ready to give up the welcome weight of the baby in her arms.
Nick watched the pair quietly. Catherine was a beautiful woman; she looked completely at ease with tiny Maria cradled in her arms. The two girls seemed to belong together.
One of the nurses approached and gave Catherine a hard look, obviously envious that Nick had brought another woman with him. "Visiting hours are over," she said in a soft voice as she boldly placed a hand on Nick's forearm.
Catherine felt a twinge of jealousy that surprised her. She'd never been jealous of Nicky before, but now the sight of the young woman obviously flirting with him set her teeth on edge.
Nick, for his part, didn't even seem to notice the extra attention the woman was bestowing on him. "Okay, Gloria. I'll see you tomorrow."
Catherine stood and gently returned the baby to her bed. She kissed Maria's forehead. "Goodnight and sweet dreams, Maria."
Then Nick rubbed a hand over the baby's hair and bent to kiss her also. "Night-night, sweet girl. I love you."
The CSIs were quiet as they walked outside to Nick's truck. When they climbed inside, Nick glanced over at Catherine and asked, "Do you want me to pick you up if my attorney can schedule a meeting with the Culvers for Monday?"
"Sure, then if the meeting runs late we can go straight to work."
Thankfully, Nick's attorney, Martin Decker, was able to arrange for a two o'clock meeting on Monday afternoon. It was a nervous and agitated Nick that arrived at Catherine's house at one thirty. He was dressed in nice slacks and a button down shirt with a tie.
Catherine answered the door and whistled, feeling her heart skip a beat. "Wow, Nicky! Very handsome."
He rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants. "I thought I should look professional."
Catherine nodded. "Probably a good idea." She, too, was dressed a little more formally than usual in a flowing skirt that fell to her knees and a light blue top. "I'm ready; let's hit the road."
Nick was pacing like a caged animal in the attorney's office a short while later as they waited for Nate Culver, his father, and their attorney to arrive.
"Sit down, Nick," Catherine urged him softly.
He turned to her, anxiety written all over his face. "I can't, Catherine. I can't sit still."
"Sure you can," she replied, taking his hand and leading him over to a loveseat where she sat and tugged him down beside her.
Nick shifted against the couch with a sigh before crossing his legs and jiggling one foot up and down.
"Nick," Catherine growled just as the Culvers and a suave looking attorney breezed through the front door.
Nate gave Nick a small smile and introduced his father's lawyer, Ryan Fleming.
"Right this way, folks," Martin Decker called, leading the way to a small conference room where everyone settled at the long rectangular table.
Nick's stomach twisted nervously and he rubbed his sweaty hands over his thighs under the edge of the table. He felt Catherine reach over and clasp his fingers, their joined hands resting against his leg. His stomach bunched into even tighter knots at her touch as the meeting began.
To Be Continued…..