A/N: Yay, here is another chapter of my little baby. Hat is pouting because he thinks I'm getting soft. Lol. Well, we have to get Grissom better, don't we? Do you guys want a wedding? A honeymoon? Better shout up if you do otherwise Hat might take over again…

Mucho thanks to Calim. You rule! Great beta, additions and advice. It really is a pleasure having you on board.

Again, as always, thank you so very much for your reviews. They do keep me going. If no one is interested, then why continue? Please keep them coming. The more, the better.

So, I'll shut up and let you read :D Enjoy.

Chapter 116

Sara paced back and forth by the window, chewing down hard on her thumb nail as her fiancé moaned over and over again in his sick bed. David was scrambling around the rancher, constantly refreshing the dampened cloths upon his body. They'd got as far as covering Grissom's entire chest with a wet towel now as his temperature had soared beyond anyone would think possible. His face glowed red and perspiration oozed from him so much, fear for his hydration levels grew by the second. Sara took a moment and looked out of the window. It had stopped snowing now and the Grove was a sheet of glistening white.

She cringed then as Grissom cried out, trying to coil his knees to his chest before they would fall back to the sheets through sheer exhaustion. His pain tore through her like a hot knife through butter. Not long after his stitches had been replaced he woke in a delirious state. Well, kind of woke. He was muttering and crying out in incoherent spurts but his eyes remained closed. Now she wished his state of total unconscious had remained, it was easier to bare.

Laura hurried in with Rana who was carrying a fresh bowl of cold water. The servant placed it on the bedside table next to David and the doctor looked up. "This isn't working very well anymore," he sighed, removing the cloth from Grissom's forehead. "The infection is ripping through him and if we don't cool him down…I fear the worst."

Sara spun around hearing that and glared at the doctor. "Then try something else," she pleaded. "There has to be a way to cool him down…"

Running his tongue across his bottom lip, David straightened himself out and seemed to look right through her. Sara frowned, not quite sure why he was looking at her that way but suddenly, he moved, approaching her to look through the window.

"Of course…" he mumbled.

She shook her head. "What?"

He smiled, pointing to the glass. "Snow. We can cool him down with the snow. As long as we use the top layer and don't dig too deep. Bacteria will lurk near the ground but freshly fallen should be okay as long as it's untouched."

Sara gave him a knowing glance and her attention moved quickly to her mother.

Laura nodded, understanding. I'll get a large tub brought in and get some boys right on it," she said, hurriedly turning and leaving the room, Rana just a few steps behind her.

"We'll need water too," David shouted after the lady of the house.

"Yes, Sir," Rana called back.

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Sara sat by Grissom's side, watching on as a bath tub was brought into the room. Her cousins along with her father and several workers helped bring in snow, bucket after bucket. They threw it into the metal container, topping up the cold water which had already been placed in the bottom.

It took just over twenty minutes before David announced the tub was full enough and they could move on. Now came the hard part. Actually getting Grissom into the freezing pool that awaited him.

The servants left the room but family remained, ready to help as much as they could.

"He's more than likely going to freak out when we put him in there," David warned the group as they formed a circle around the bed. The temperature is going to be a severe shock to his system and considering his current delirium, I'd expect him to lash out."

"Oh good…" the captain mumbled, working a hand over his jaw, remembering exactly what happened the last time Grissom lashed out.

David gave him half a smile. "But…he should calm quickly. I doubt he has enough energy to battle with us for long."

Sara blew out a strong breath and laid her head on her mother's shoulder. "Will he be in there for long?" she asked.

Moving around the bed, David removed all the towels and clothes from Grissom's body. "No. Five to ten minutes will be ample. Too long and we'll end up sending him into a cold shock. We don't want that. We just need to try and lower his temperature, so the quicker we get him in and out, the better." He looked to the three men around him. "Are we ready gentlemen?"

The captain, Nicolas and Gregory all announced they were ready to proceed.

"Laura?" David then asked.

Laura nodded. "We have dry, fresh towels and clean clothing ready for when he's out of the tub."

"Good," David continued. "We'll need to dry him off as soon as we can and get him straight back into bed. It's the safest place for him."

Sara and Laura stepped back as the men got ready to lift Grissom from the bed. "The captain and I will take his arms and upper body," David directed. "You two boys get his legs and thighs. Be slow and be careful. We need to keep him as straight as we can."

"You got it," Nick said, directing his cousin towards Grissom's lower half.

The four men got into position and Grissom moaned again, feeling hands encasing him. "Too hot for a fire…" he mumbled.

The captain's lips formed a grin. "We'll be dousing that fire very shortly, my son," he whispered.

"Are we ready?" David asked, sliding his arms under Grissom and getting a firm grip.

"Yeah," everyone said together.

David gave a nod. "Then on three. One…two…three…." His voice surged as he lifted and everybody followed suit, hoisting the rancher from the bed.

"Hummmmmmmmmm….." Grissom muttered as the comfort of the bed disappeared. "Flying…."

"Nice and easy," David advised as they moved together the few short meters towards the tub.

The look on Gregory's face was pure concentration as he held on firmly to Grissom's right thigh. "He's a lot heavier than he looks," he gasped, his cheeks reddening.

"Almost there," Laura said, watching the men, helping any way she could.

Nicolas's feet clipped the tub as he backed into it and he manoeuvred around so they were holding Grissom directly over the icy water.

"Lower him in," David said. "Gently…" he grunted as his knees bended so they could get Grissom into the tub.

The second Grissom's backside, donned only in a pair of sweat saturated long johns hit the freezing water, he gasped. But they didn't stop and continued to slide him deeper.

"Aghhhh…." Grissom bawled once he was totally submerged and he panicked, his arms flailing off in all directions.

"Grab his arms," David directed the captain and the older man did so, kneeling by the tub to grab the rancher's swinging limbs.

Sara watched on as David also knelt, dipping his hands into the cold water to hold Grissom's legs down.

The rancher's eyes shot open, raw and bloodshot. "Gah!" he hollered, fighting to pull his arms free.

"Calm down, lad," the captain pleaded. "We're just trying to cool you off…"

"Cold!" Grissom shouted. "Let me goooooo! It hurts!" No doubt the freezing temperature would eat into his wound but eventually it would be good for numbing his pain. As long as he could stand it long enough.

"His going to hurt himself if he carries on," Sara said and shifted with speed to the tub. She stood behind her man, knelt and grabbed his forehead between two hands. "Stop, Gil, please…" she pleaded. "This is to help you, I promise."

Grissom gritted his teeth and then a huge cough shot from his lungs before his head fell back. Good job Sara was there because she managed to catch him. If she hadn't, his head would no doubt have cracked upon the metal.

"Just calm down," she soothed, massaging her fingers through his hair. "Just a few minutes, that's all and then you can sleep some more. Okay? I'll stay right here. Just, relax…for me…"

He shivered in her hold but his body relaxed. Sara looked over to her father and he gave her a smile.

The rancher's legs kicked a touch in the icy water but he didn't fight much more. His teeth chattered as Sara carefully reached into the water, scooping some up in her free hand and trickling it through his hair. "He's cooling down already," she said with a smile. "I can feel it."

David stood. Folding his arms he watched on, keeping a very watchful eye on Grissom, his body color and temperament. He moved close again, placing his hand flat against Grissom's forehead and then his cheeks. The rancher flinched and pulled back and it startled David, who stepped back swiftly.

Sara gave the doctor another look of concern but he was quick to reassure her. "It's okay. He's bound to be very edgy given his position. Right now, he's fixed on you, which is good. Anyone else, he doesn't want to entertain. Keep doing what you're doing. His body is reacting to the temperature and he's definitely cooler, so just a few more minutes before we pull him out."

Nodding, Sara returned her full attention to her man, constantly soothing him and whispering words of support and encouragement. Grissom seemed to be listening and accepting his treatment. So for now, they were going in the right direction…

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The clock above the fireplace strummed a chime, alerting the occupants in the room to the fact it was mid-day.

Sara looked over to the clock from her seat by the bed and breathed a light sigh. Her grip tightened on her fiancés hand and returned her attention to him. He looked a little better than he had in the early hours of the morning. Sara was thankful his ice cold bath had gone well and he hadn't kicked up much fuss when he was removed from the water. He'd allowed his helpers to dry and re-clothe him without incident and fell back into slumber very shortly after being placed back into the bed.

David was much happier with his condition and had left just before eleven to check on his wife. He would be returning that evening in the hope he could remove Grissom's stiches in order to allow the wound to breathe and treat the infection better.

No matter how much she wanted to deny it, Sara felt exhausted. She yawned and closed her eyes for a second. Well, she thought it was a second. Feeling a tug on her hand, her eyes shot open and she was greeted by Grissom looking back at her. Looking over her shoulder she noticed it was now past 1pm. She'd fallen asleep.

She looked back to him and gave him a gentle smile. "Hey…" she whispered, leaning in close to place a tender kiss upon his forehead. She noted he was still very warm, but nowhere near as hot as he was. Pulling back, she ran her hand through his messy curls.

He just stared at her through glazy eyes.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, hoping for a reply but all she got was a blink, his eyes notably becoming heavy again. She sighed but then perked up when she actually got an answer.

"Thirsty…" he all but whispered.

Her smile returned. "Okay…" She stood, moving behind her to a dresser and where a jug of water sat. She quickly poured a glass and hurried back to him. Carefully, she positioned herself on the edge of the bed, being cautious not to sit on him and slipped her free hand between his head and the pillow. "Let's just lift you up a little so you don't choke…" Slowly, she pulled her arm towards her and lifted his head just enough so his airway would be clear enough to consume the liquid. "That's it…" she encouraged as she held the glass to his lips and tilted it. "Just small sips, Gil. Don't be over facing yourself."

Grissom accepted the water as quickly as Sara would allow it to trickle into his mouth and it didn't take too long for him to finish the entire glass. Sara looked a little astonished that he actually had but then she remembered how much fluid he was losing through his fight with the infection and his constant sweating.

"Would you like some more?" she asked.

The rancher closed his eyes and allowed his head to fall back onto Sara's hand. She gently lowered him back to the pillow and pulled away, watching him. "No…" he mumbled.

"Okay…" Sara responded, leaning to place the empty glass on the bedside table. She ran her hand gently across his cheek but he didn't as much as flinch. "Gil?"

Nothing.

"Gil?" she tried again, a little louder this time.

But no reply came, he'd gone back to sleep.

Sara smiled sadly, just hoping for a little more communication from him but she knew it was still very early in his recovery to expect much. At least he was being responsive and he was taking in liquid. That eased her worry, just a little.

Reaching to the bowl by the bed, she took the cloth, wet it and placed it on his forehead, just as she had done so many times before. And, would continue to do so for as long as necessary. He still had a temperature and they would do all they could to keep it down.

Laura returned, carrying a small box and Sara stood.

"Hey sweetheart," Laura greeted her daughter. "How's he doing?"

Sara clicked her lips together. "He just woke and drank some water."

Laura's brow rose as she stopped by the bed, her eyes passing over her future son in law. "He did?"

"Yeah…" Sara replied with a smile. "He managed one glass and spoke a couple of words. He didn't say much before he went back to sleep but…it's something. Right?"

Now Laura smiled. "Absolutely. It's a very good sign and we must keep his fluid levels up. The more he can drink, the better. So, every time he wakes we need to try and get him to drink. Okay?"

"Okay," Sara replied keenly. "I'm sure I can managed that." She held her hand to her mouth and yawned. "Sorry," she apologized.

Laura's eyes narrowed, evident concern for her daughter upon her face. "You should get some rest."

"I'm fine," Sara argued. "I just had a little nap."

"I mean some proper rest," Laura insisted. "You can't sit by him twenty four hours a day, Sara. You will be no use at all if you exhaust yourself."

Running her hand over the back of her neck, Sara sighed. "I know," she admitted. "What's in the box?"

"Hmmm…" Laura mumbled, knowing her daughter was trying to avoid the subject. She placed the box on the table by the bed. "Supplies David sent over. We should change his dressing at least three times a day so we need to do it before David returns later."

Sara nodded. "Well, we can do it together. I need to know how to treat him as well as you do. Because, you can't care for him twenty four hours a day either."

Laura sniggered, placing a hand upon her daughters shoulder. "You are so much like me it's scary."

Sara smiled.

"Okay," Laura surrendered. "But on two conditions."

"What?"

"Firstly…" Laura began, "…you go to the kitchen and get Roberta to prepare you something to eat and secondly, you get some rest. Even if just a couple of hours. I'll watch Gil for a while.

Nervously, Sara curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I really don't want to leave him…"

Placing her arm around her daughter's waist, Laura moved them towards the door. "I know you don't but you need to be strong. Eat and sleep. If you don't you will be no good to Gil or to anyone. Have a rest, then we can change his dressing. Maybe you could read to him for a while? I know Gil loves his reading…"

Sara puckered up a little at her mother's suggestion. "I think he'd like that," she admitted.

Laura gave her daughter a broad smile now. "I do too."

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Darkness began to fall. It did all too quickly in the winter. Once noon came along the sun disappeared and the heavens closed for another day.

Sara had taken her mother's advice, eaten and managed a few hours rest. She then returned to Grissom's bedside to aid the changing of his dressing. However, it wasn't as easy as she'd anticipated.

The wound had already grown an odour which made her feel ill the second it caught her nostrils and the growing pus was almost more than her stomach could handle. But, she sucked a deep breath and continued. The infection had to be treated and his wound had to be cleaned.

Grissom had grumbled when they started the dressing change, so Sara had given him a small amount of the medical mixture to send him back to sleep. That was the easiest solution she could think of. He took the offering easily and was back sleeping before they continued.

Now she was alone again and finally had enough motivation about her to bring Grissom's book from her room.

Sitting beside him, she read -

"I give the promise," said the Doctor, "without any condition. I believe your object to be, purely and truthfully, as you have stated it. I believe your intention is to perpetuate, and not to weaken, the ties between me and my other and far dearer self. If she should ever tell me that you are essential to her perfect happiness, I will give her to you. If there were- Charles Darnay, if there were-"

The young man had taken his hand gratefully; their bands were joined as the Doctor spoke:

-any fancies, any reasons, any apprehensions, anything whatsoever, new or old, against the man she really loved- the direct responsibility thereof not lying on his head- they should all be obliterated for her sake. She is everything to me; more to me than suffering, more to me than wrong, more to me- Well! This is idle talk.

So strange was the way in which he faded into silence, and so strange his fixed look when he had ceased to speak, that Darnay felt his own hand turn cold in the hand that slowly released and dropped it." ***

The clearing of a throat broke Sara's concentration and she looked over her shoulder to see David standing in the doorway. He looked mightily cold and shuddered as he entered the room.

"Good evening," he said.

Sara closed the book and placed it on the table. "Good evening, David," she returned, pushing herself from the chair.

He placed his bag on the floor and rubbed his hands together before removing his scarf and coat. "It sure is cold out there."

"Would you like a hot drink?" Sara asked. "Maybe it will warm you up a little."

Dropping his clothing onto the back of a free chair, he picked up his bag and approached the bed. "I don't want to be any trouble…"

Just as he spoke, the captain and Laura entered with Rana who was carrying a tray.

"I thought you could use a little refreshment after your cold journey," Laura said, moving towards the doctor. "Some nice hot tea and a little brandy if you desire."

Rana placed the tray on the dresser and left the group to their business.

David smiled. "It seems Sara must be sending thoughts through the house. Thank you."

Sara smiled at him.

"And just the tea will be fine for now. At least until after I've tended to our patient." He gave Grissom a quick look over with his eyes. "How has he been?" He stepped close, placing his bag on the bed and holding his hand to the rancher's head as routine had dictated.

The captain approached his daughter and pulled her against his side.

"Better," Sara replied, her smile remaining. "He spoke and even managed some water."

David nodded, feeling Grissom's throat. "Good…."

"His…" Sara wrapped her arms around herself, "…wound is pungent though. We noticed when we changed his dressing earlier.

The doctor nodded again, rounding the bed so he could be close to the wound area. "That's expected with infection. Has he been sleeping heavily all day?"

"Pretty much," Laura replied.

"I gave him some more medicine when we were changing his dressing," Sara admitted. "That might be why he's still pretty out of it."

David smiled reaching for his bag. "That's okay. It may be a more ideal situation if I'm going to remove his stiches."

Sara felt herself tense. "Are you going to do that?"

The doctor looked to the group. "It would be best considering the infection. The wound needs air, it needs to breath otherwise we are just letting the bacteria fester under the thread. It will eat into him. This will be the best thing for him, I promise."

Taking a breath, Sara tried a positive nod although she knew the removal of the stiches could very well cause Grissom to have yet another painful attack. "I guess you know best..."

*** He did not begin, but, in his indecision, met her glance. The young forehead lifted itself into that singular expression- but it was pretty and characteristic, besides being singular- and she raised her hand, as if with an involuntary action she caught at, or stayed some passing shadow. ***

*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A/N: I just want to give Grissom a big ole hug. It makes me wonder how people used to survive in this era with such injuries. I guess, often, they didn't. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks :)