Disclaimer: Prairie and Moochie don't own anything concerning CSI, Jerry Bruckheimer's dynastic franchises, or whatever "ginormous" entity actually owns Paramount and CBS. If we did, we'd be sitting on the beach in the Fijis or Seychelles, enjoying a couple of months escape from reality. Title borrowed from "West Side Story." Thanks to Mr. Bernstein and Mr. Sondheim.

I apologize for the tedious delay in posting. Real life search for work interfered along with the preparations for the 60th Wedding Anniversary Party for my husband's parents. Great people! Great party!

P.S. This is what I had in mind for Maria's room, just imagine the room is pink, instead of green: .com/2011/02/a-do-it-yourself-diy-baby-mural-in-a-jungle-themed-room/

"Maria. I Just Met A Girl Named Maria!"

Chapter 7

Unable to define what possessed him, Nick stood and bent over and placed a kiss on the crown of her head. She sniffled yet again and offered him the baby. "Here, it's your turn. She's going to be your daughter and she needs some loving from her Daddy."

He took the baby carefully. "Hi, sweetheart. I hope you'll be able to go home with me soon," he crooned. Maria stared up at him, mesmerized by his kind voice and dark eyes. An ache filled his heart. "What if they don't let me have her, Catherine? What if they give her to someone else?"

" No one could love this little girl more than you do, Nick," she soothed, standing and rubbing his arm gently. "You will be an incredible father. If they can't see that then there's something wrong with them."

"Money talks," he admitted softly, not taking his eyes off Maria. "You know that."

"I also know that anyone can see how much you love this little girl." Catherine rested her head against Nick's strong shoulder and the three of them stood there silently, just like a little family.

As much as Catherine wanted to remain in that position, she stirred, eventually. Clearing her throat, she semi-lectured, "Don't stay too long, Nick. You had a very long day, and night. You need to try to catch up on your rest. Maria needs a Daddy who can function."

Nodding his head, Nick assures Cat that he will head home within a half hour. Hesitating just slightly, he glances at Cat and asks, "Cath, would you do me another favor? I really need help selecting the items that are on the list we all made last Saturday. I mean… I don't know a thing about cribs, or strollers, car seats, bottles. You know, any of the "baby stuff."

Smiling widely, Catherine immediately agrees. "Let's take Lindsey and Lily with us. Lynds is at the age where she loves looking at baby things but will never admit it, and Lily will go into full "Grandma mode" and coo over every dress and bootie. But, don't forget that the team will be throwing a major baby shower party and you won't need to buy every single item on the list."

Laughing, Nick agrees. He returns Maria to her oxygen-tent crib and gently tucks her in.

Not thinking about it, he turns and takes Catherine's hand in his, not letting go as they exit Desert Palm Hospital. Nick, as a gentleman should, escorts Catherine over to her Denali.

"Um, Nick, you have to actually let go of my hand for me to get to my keys," Catherine teases him.

He lets go, but surprises Catherine by turning her into his chest, enveloping her in his arms and brings his lips down to hers. They're both amazed at how wonderful and natural their closeness feels.

Finally breaking it off, Nick speaks first. "Catherine, I don't have the slightest idea where this will go, or if you even want it to develop into anything. But I do know that I truly want to explore how we feel about each other. How about we take it very, very slowly, and learn about each other along the road?" With tears in her eyes, Catherine agrees, wholeheartedly.

The next several weeks go by in a blur of work, shopping, paper work with Mrs. Durango; meetings with Nick's attorney; the joy of having Maria leave N.I.C.U., and the sadness of knowing she's with a foster family and not yet with Nick. During the baby shower party Maria's room is painted with scenes of cartoon animals such as giraffes, monkeys, birds, etc… It's a perfect finishing touch to the precious little girl's first bedroom.

As for Nick and Cat, they did as they determined they would. They took it slowly. So slowly no one even noticed. Except for Sara, who in her heart, wished them the very best and hoped it would work out as well for them as it had for her and Grissom. They thoroughly hashed out how to handle the changes that would have to be made when they announced they were a couple. The logistics were a bit overwhelming, but they knew they'd make it work.

Finally, after months of waiting, work, and worry, the momentous day dawned. It was the day the Judge of Juvenile Court would decide if Maria became the daughter of Nick Stokes, remained in foster care, or if some other fortunate couple or individual would become Maria's parents.

Nick was so scared he was nauseous. Catherine got some Ginger Ale and crackers down him and Nick managed to dress for court. Handing Catherine the keys, he mumbles that he can't possible drive.

In the court chambers all interested parties are present. The Judge enters and the proceedings begin…

TBC

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