A/N: Here we go guys, here's the next chapter. Thanks as always to mingsmommy for the beta and encouragement. I would also like to thank elm22 for the support as I'm getting to a point which makes me nervous (you can probably guess what that is). Enjoy! And let me know your thoughts :)
Chapter 32
Dawn had broken and Grissom emerged from the barn. He decided to wait until sun up before pottering about, even though he had barely slept a wink all night long. He'd returned to barn around 3am. Sara had watched him for a long time before he observed the faint orange glow in the distance disappear.
Casually strolling towards the house he saw Sara was already up and sitting on the porch, donned as she usually would be during the day, in her riding attire.
"Good morning," he announced as he walked up the steps.
Smiling softly, "Good morning," she returned.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"About as well as you did," she responded, her lips forming an almost invisible grin but he saw it.
Knowing she was watching him the previous night, he wasn't quite sure what to say next. "Breakfast?" he eventually asked, wishing to avoid, if possible, bringing up his nightly ride and her surveillance.
Ruffling her nose she stood and leaned over the rail, looking out over the estate. "I'm not all that hungry just yet to be honest."
"Oh…" he hesitated. "…no matter, me either."
"So…" she began, turning to face him, softly folding her arms. "What is the plan for today?"
"Well, I really should check around the place. It's a lot for Hodges to handle alone, so I'd just like to make sure all is well with everything. I should probably help mucking the stables out, its hard work for one man." He leaned against the door frame. "I also need to start packing a few things together to take back. Plus, we have the party this evening."
"Hmmmm…" she mumbled, frowning, "…the party. Look, I don't think I will be going."
Now Grissom frowned and took a step towards her. "Why?"
"I…" She shrugged her shoulders, "…don't feel comfortable. I don't know anyone and I just don't think I will fit in. You are Teri's friend; plus I'm not really a party person."
"Fine, then we won't go," he replied calmly.
A startled look appeared on her face. "No, no. You still go. You have friends and Teri and…" She trailed off as Grissom stepped closer.
"I am not leaving you here alone, Sara," he said softly. "If you don't want to go then we will simply stay home."
The young heiress thought for a moment. "Fine, I'll go," she said on a sigh.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" Confusion milled in his words as he asked the question.
"Because, even if you won't admit it, I am certain you are looking forward to seeing your friends and this time you have the opportunity to say goodbye." She reached out and placed a warm hand on his arm. "I don't want to take that away from you."
"But, if you're not comfortable…"
"I'll be fine," she cut in. "Forget what I said."
His forehead creased in uncertainty as she removed her hand. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Her response was quick and firm.
"Alright," he said with an indecisive nod. "I'll do what I have to do here and then…"
He didn't have a chance to finish before Sara cut in. "I'll help you."
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The day went by quickly. Sara aided her teacher as he checked over his land, horses and estate. The couple, together, even mucked out the stables to give Hodges a break from doing so. Instead he went off to do some repairs that were needed around the estate.
As the sun began to descend upon them Grissom decided they had done all they could for the day and they should probably get changed and ready for the party. He washed first and while Sara sat on the porch he went inside and changed.
It didn't take him long, it never really did. Ten minutes was more than enough time for him to prepare for most occasions. He knew the party would more than likely be a formal affair so he pulled out one of his best suits even though he hated wearing it.
When he emerged from the house and joined his house guest outside she immediately took in the sight of him, from head to toe, a pert grin curling the right side of her mouth.
"Well, don't you just look…" she stopped for a moment as their eyes met, "…handsome. You suit a suit very well, if you'll pardon the pun."
The rancher fiddled with his tie and pulled at his collar as her eyes once again scanned over him. A suit did befit him more than it would a lot of men but he had never really cared for them, no matter if he looked handsome, or not. But, it was just one evening, just like it was back at the estate and he would cope with the itchy material as much as any other man would.
"Stop fiddling," Sara commanded and pushed up from her chair. She playfully slapped his hand away from his tie and took it between her fingers, straightening it. "There," she said with a smile, "Perfect. Now leave it alone."
"Yes, Mother," he mocked and earned a glare from his guest.
He grinned broadly and she fought to keep a straight face, finally her stern look collapsed and she scoffed loudly. "Just leave it alone," she chuckled.
"Fine," he sighed before pulling his watch from his jacket pocket.
"Eager, are we?" she asked as she stepped towards the door.
"No," he almost whined, slipping his watch back into his pocket. "I just don't like being late."
"It's a party, Grissom, relax. We don't have to be there dead on seven." She smirked at him before walking into the house. "I won't be too long," she called back as the door closed behind her.
Rolling his eyes, he slipped into one of the chairs and tapped his fingers on the table top. For some reason he felt nervous. Why did he feel nervous? He couldn't quite put his finger on it but no doubt it had something to do with Sara's presence. She was more than having an effect on his logic.
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Some thirty minutes later Sara poked her head out of the door and smiled. "Um, I appear to have the same issue I had last night. Could you possibly…" She trailed off as she slipped back inside but Grissom knew exactly what she wanted and swallowed hard as he stood.
Just like the previous night, as he entered the house her back faced him and her dress hung open. Tonight she wore a sky blue, long dress which flowed downwards like the falling of a waterfall. The sleeves were short and puffy and a pair of long white gloves covered her hands and arms. He could see her corset through the open space and he shivered. Even from the back she looked magnificent and he craved to slip his fingers inside to touch her soft, tender skin. Pushing the thought far from his mind, he quickly fastened the dress. This time it was drawn together with ribbon and not clips and he tied each one into a neat little bow.
Once the final bow was tied he stepped back and sucked in a silent breath. "Done," he announced.
"Thank you," she responded, turning to face him with a grateful smile. "You are a natural at helping a lady dress."
A bashful smile passed over his lips and he blushed, well and truly blushed. "Well," he cleared his throat, "shall we?" As he offered his arm to Sara, she didn't hesitate in slipping her own arm through his.
"Ready when you are," came her proclamation and arm in arm, they advanced towards the door.
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It was about a thirty minute walk to the Miller estate. The small plantation lay at the west end of town and the rancher and his student arrived around a quarter after seven. They were greeted at the front door and escorted through the house. On their way up the drive they could hear music, the unmistakable sound of brass instruments but now it was much clearer, no doubt the evening's entertainment. Grissom knew upon hearing the composition that this was by no means going to be a small affair.
Following their guide, they were led back outside and into the back garden. The rancher's eyes scanned the area. A large gazebo was set up in the centre of the glorious garden, the small brass band housed within. Just off to the right, a burning fire and a spit roast was being turned slowly by a servant. Several other workers patrolled the areas carrying trays of food and drinks and the sound of light chat mingled with the current tune being played. There must have already been some twenty guests there, some Grissom knew and others that were strangers to him but the atmosphere, at least for the time being, seemed pleasant, so he tried to relax.
"Gil!" An excited voice sounded. "You made it."
The couple turned to see Teri approaching. Grissom smiled. Sara seemed a little unsure and her expression remained blank.
"Thank you, Richard," Teri nodded to her greeter and the worker nodded his respect before returning into the house.
"Nice to see you, Teri," Grissom smiled as he leaned in and kissed his friend lightly on the right cheek. "And I thank you for the invitation, it looks like…" his glance floated over the garden again, "…a big party."
"Nonsense," she snorted. "It's just father, being father. He throws these silly parties now and again, lord knows why. He just likes to have a good time, I guess. After mother passed away, I just think he gets a little lonely." Suddenly, her eyes flicked to Sara. "Glad you could come, Sara."
The younger woman's eyes narrowed as Teri slipped her arm through Grissom's and leant casually against him. She opened her mouth and was about to say something but she never got the opportunity…
"Gil!" A deep voice cut into their conversation and a rather large, tall, finely dressed man rushed in their direction with open arms.
Before Grissom could react the older man pulled him into a fierce bear hug. "I'm so happy to see you, my boy," he almost shouted.
The rancher, although struggling for breath in the tight embrace couldn't help but grin. "It's good to see you also, Mr Miller."
Pulling back, the man of the house placed his hands firmly on Grissom's shoulders. "How many times have I told you to call me Taylor?"
"I know," the rancher responded with a quaint smile, "I keep forgetting."
"Well, its Taylor, and…" the older man continued, "Rumor had it that you'd left town."
"The rumors were true, I just came back to collect some things," Grissom added.
"Oh…well…I guess we have to make the most of the time we have then and…" His eyes floated to Sara. "…may I ask the identity of this beautiful lady?"
Looking to Sara, Grissom smiled. "Of course," he began. "Sara, this is Taylor Miller. Taylor, this is Sara Sidle."
"It's…" Taylor started as he stepped forward to take Sara's hand. "…a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Sidle." As he softly kissed Sara's gloved hand, she smiled graciously. "I presume you are the daughter of Thomas Sidle?"
"That's right," she responded.
"It thought so," he said stepping back. "Gil has told me a lot about the great man who gave him a chance at life; it's a pleasure to meet a family member."
"Thank you," she whispered her bashful response. "It's a pleasure to meet you also and…" she looked around the garden, "…you have a wonderful place here."
"It took a lot of hard work but we got there in the end," he replied on a content sigh. "And a lot of that hard work came from this man." He slipped his arm over Grissom's shoulder and pulled him close.
The younger man rolled his eyes at the praise but offered a smile to his former boss. "I was simply doing my job."
"True, but not every man puts his heart and soul into his work like you do."
Grissom wasn't entirely sure how to respond to that. He wasn't a man who thrived on flattery. He'd always worked hard and it was just second nature to him, he didn't require the praise.
"Oh…" Taylor suddenly said. "…I have to show you the new stables; they are something, my boy. I may have made you proud."
Snorting at his former boss's comment, the rancher shook his head. "You don't have to justify yourself to me."
"I know," Taylor chuckled, "but still, come on, I have to show you." The ranch owner stepped away but stopped when Grissom didn't follow. Instead, the younger mans eyes fell to his companion who was just staring at him.
"Don't worry, Gil," Teri cut in, "I can look after Sara until you get back. I'm sure we can find plenty to talk about."
Flicking his eyes between the two women he found his stomach clench when he witnessed Sara's eyes widening at the suggestion. It was clear she didn't want to be left with Teri.
"Well, I…" he hesitated. He would love to see the stables but if it meant upsetting Sara then he would pass on the offer. But then, her face seemed to lighten and a small sigh passed through her lips.
"Go, Grissom. I'll be fine." Although her words seemed firm enough, he sensed a little uncertainty with them.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure," she replied, the ball of her right foot nervously twisting in the grass beneath her feet. "Enjoy yourself; I'll be here when you get back."
A child like grin appeared on his face. "Alright, I won't be long."
She offered him a weak smile as he turned around and quick as a flash, the two men disappeared around the back of a house.
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"They are like boys with toys when it comes to horses," Teri commented with a snigger as the two women faced each other.
Sara remained silent and once again her eyes drifted around the sounding area.
"Look, Sara," the older woman began, taking a step forwards. "I think we got off the wrong foot and…" she squirmed a little, "…I feel that is more than likely my fault. I was a little discourteous yesterday and more than likely childish. For that, I apologize. I would like us to be friends. It is obvious Gil thinks a great deal of you so, any friend of his is a friend of mine."
Again, Sara felt her eyes narrowing. She wasn't quite sure whether to believe what was coming out of Teri's mouth or not. But, she had apologized for her crude comments the day before and was attempting to make amends, so considering that, the young heiress decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Apology accepted," she replied quietly.
Sighing in relief, the older woman smiled broadly. "Good. So how about I show you around and we get a little something to eat? I can introduce you to a few people and maybe we can even have a dance with some of these fine gentlemen."
"Oh…well…" Sara stuttered as Teri took her arm and led her into the crowd, "...I'm not so sure about the dancing."
"Nonsense, Sara," she laughed. "It's a party, enjoy yourself. Here…" As a servant worked through the group with a tray, Teri grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to her guest. "Cheers…" The older woman held up her glass.
Now Sara smiled and shrugged her shoulders. It was a party after all, so why not enjoy herself? "Cheers," she replied and took a satisfying drink from her glass as her eyes once more had a good look around. It didn't take her long to realize that several men were looking in their direction and she quickly averted her gaze. Teri noticed and chuckled.
"One thing you will find here, Sara, is that if there is a beautiful woman in the vicinity, she is very quickly noticed."
Blushing, Sara took another swig from her glass, finishing the entire contents very quickly.
"Well, you certainly don't hang around do you," Teri laughed as she eyed Sara's now empty glass. "Come on, let's get another."
Before Sara could even protest, the older woman was urging her towards the buffet and the array of food and drinks that awaited them.
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Grissom was gone for over an hour before he realized what time it was. He'd lost track while admiring the newly built stable and the dozen amazing studs it housed. He just couldn't resist riding a few.
When he pulled out his watch and realized it was almost nine o'clock he felt his heart rate quicken. He looked to his friend as he slipped the horse back into the stall. "Taylor, I think I must get back to the party, we've been gone some time and I should ensure Sara is alright."
"Sure thing," the older man agreed. "You go ahead, I'll be along shortly."
With a quick nod, the rancher rushed from the stable and with speed in his step, hurried back to the garden. Once he reached the now larger group of people assembled in and around the gazebo, he didn't expect what he saw. He more than anticipated Sara to be seated in a corner somewhere with a sullen look on her face but no, when he finally found her she was doing just the opposite. At the front of the gazebo, many people were dancing and she was one of them.
Stepping back out of her eye line he found a table, sat down and watched. He just couldn't take his eyes from her, the way she moved was sheer perfection but he found a pang of jealousy hit his gut as every so often a gentleman would cut in and ask if he could lead her around the dancing area. She obliged to each and everyone and there was just something he didn't like about so many strange hands touching her.
After several long minutes, Sara excused herself, possibly in need of refreshment or a rest and she slipped through the crowd to sit at a table at the far side of the gazebo. It didn't take long though before another fine gentleman approached her, offered her a drink and sat next to her. They began to chat and when she smiled so happily at something he said Grissom felt his jealousy blossoming further.
As a servant passed by the rancher called to him and took a large glass of bourbon from the tray. He downed the drink in one, never taking his eyes from across the way before almost slamming the glass onto the table. Why did he feel like this? He was the one who urged Sara to come to the party. He was the one who wanted her to enjoy herself and he was the one who had gone off and left her.
He was such a fool.
"You really like her, don't you?"
The question snapped Grissom from his glare and his eyes floated to Teri, who had appeared beside him.
"I…" He cleared his throat, "…don't know what you mean."
"Oh, please, Gil. I'm no fool." She smiled and sat next to him. "For one, that look in your eye is one I have never seen before and two; you haven't taken your eyes from her since you got back."
Shuffling uncomfortably in his seat he placed his hands on the table and fiddled with his glass. "Whether I like her or not is irrelevant."
"Why?" she asked, "Because you are a stubborn fool who refuses to do anything about his feelings?"
He glared at her.
"Don't look at me like that," she half reprimanded, "I know you, Gil Grissom, don't forget that and you never let anyone in. For once in your life, let go and allow someone to make you happy for a change."
He offered nothing but a sigh in reply and looked down at the empty glass.
"Look," Teri began, standing, "If I were you I would consider asking Sara to dance because if you don't…" she opened her arms out, "…there are plenty of other men that will. It's your decision."
With that said, she slipped away, back into a small crowd of people and left Grissom with his thoughts. Sighing again, he took another drink as a servant passed by and as he gulped down the contents his eyes drifted across to Sara again. This time she didn't look all that happy though as she tried to pull her hand away from the man sitting with her. He didn't seem too eager to let it go. Finishing his drink the rancher did thump his glass to the table this time. Teri was right, the decision, was his…
A/N: Ooooh, is he going to do something about 'this'? Is he? Lol. The next chapter is ready to go by the way but I guess it all depends how much you want it! Hehehehhe, let me know :)