A/N: Yay, I'm baaaack :) Sorry for the delay updating. Lot's to do and not enough time. Hopefully, it was worth the wait. As long as you want Fluff Hat, you should enjoy, heheehhe.

Thank you for the reviews, keep them coming please. Humble thanks to Calim for yet another great beta and I thank you for not punching me with the amount of stuff I send to you :-P

It's almost Christmas and the wedding is getting close. Can our couple enjoy their special time in peace and harmony? Let's find out…

Chapter 127

It was going to be a busy day. The snow had finally stopped falling overnight and the roads had thawed so the captain decided on a trip to town to gather what final provisions they would need over the Christmas period. And that meant gift shopping so everyone in the family would be going along. It may very well be there last opportunity if the snow started again.

But, as the Sidle convoy of wagons, horses and workers got ready for the excursion, Grissom and Sara headed to the cabin to retrieve their kitten before they left. Pushing open the door to the wooden shack they were greeted by the woody smell of a crackling fire.

"Well, at least your cousin was considerate enough to give the cat some warmth," the rancher said.

Sara gave a smile as she closed the door behind them. "He can be thoughtful when he wants to be," she answered. "Now where is the little tyke?"

Looking around Grissom gave a light whistle.

"Sadly, I don't think he's going to be as obedient as your horse," Sara snickered.

"Pity," Grissom mumbled, stepping further into the room.

"Dickens!" Sara called, bending to take a look under the bed but finding nothing. Grissom checked the kitchen to have the same amount of luck. "Where is he?" she questioned. "It's not like there are many places to hide in here."

Sucking his bottom lip, Grissom took another thoughtful glance around the room then, all of a sudden, his eyes shot back towards the door and he swore one of his spare boots moved. With his eyes narrowing he advanced upon the footwear and, low and behold, the top of the boot moved again. Smiling, he leaned over the boot and, after a few seconds, two tiny paws emerged followed by a head.

"Found him!" Grissom called to his fiancé as the kitten tumbled from the boot to land upon the floor. "Come here cat…" He swiped his hand and scooped up the little fluff ball. Dickens gave a light 'mew' before jumping from the rancher's hand to clamber up his jacket and sit on his shoulder. Grissom chuckled as he attacked a loose piece of thread on his collar.

Sara approached with a smile.

"I think we need to watch this one," Grissom said pulling Dickens from his shoulder to pet him. "He's already looking for his first kill…"

Rolling onto his back in the palm of Grissom's hand the kitten lapped up the belly tickling, giving a little fight back against the rancher's fingers with his pack paws.

"He's still so small," Sara noted, holding out her hands. "May I?"

Grissom's smile grew as he tipped Dickens into Sara's waiting palm. She tickled behind his ears and earned another grateful 'mew' for her effort.

"He really is cute," she laughed.

"You won't be saying that when he starts bringing you gifts," he laughed back.

Now she frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Cats are natural predators, Sara. As soon as he's able he'll be grabbing anything that moves. Rats…mice, birds and he'll be proud of his kills so he'll make sure you know about it."

"Nice, Gil," she complained. "Let's hope we can avoid that…" He gave shrug and a grin. "Well, did you want to get anything? We need to hurry up because father will be leaving for town soon."

Grissom shook his head. "No, it's okay. My things can wait until we have more time. I have as much as I need at the house right now anyway."

Sara laughed as Dickens gripped her finger and decided he wanted a chew. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," he replied with a contented sigh.

"Okay then, let's get back."

He gave a nod, retaking Dickens from her to pop the kitten inside his jacket to keep him warm. "I want to stop by and get Dante so he can walk with us then we'll drop the fur ball into the house before we go."

She smiled at him, watching as the kitten popped his head out of the top of his coat. "Sounds like a good plan to me…"

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They entered the stables to collect Dante and an immediate snort informed them the horse knew they were there. Grissom opened the stall door and he was greeted with a cheerful neigh.

"Hey, boy," Grissom said with a smile, running his hand over Dante's neck. "Feel like a walk?"

Dante bobbed his head, but kicked the next stall in the process.

"I think he wants Pandora to come, too," Sara informed him with a grin.

"Is that right?" the rancher asked, looking his horse in the eye.

However, before Dante could offer a response, Dickens poked his head out from Grissom's jacket and kitten and horse were now eye to eye. Neither knew what to make of the other but the kitten's curiosity got the better of him. Grissom was too slow to react as Dickens jumped from his coat onto Dante and clambered up his nose to perch on his head.

Sara squealed a laugh as Dante's eyes shifted from left to right, up and down, trying to work out what had just happened. Dickens did a few circles, pawing at the horse's head before plunking himself down.

"Well, that's a first," Grissom sniggered. "Are you getting soft, my boy?"

Dante snorted, attempting to get a look at the animal on his head but he was less than successful.

"Looks like they like each other," Sara chuckled as she slipped her arm through her fiancé's

"Well…" Grissom rubbed his chin, "…the fur ball looks happy. Dante just looks confused." He reached out to grab Dickens. "Come here before he throws you across the stall…"

The horse shook his head the second the cat was removed.

"You see," Sara said. "Dante wouldn't hurt him. He just said so."

Grissom handed Dickens to Sara and gave Dante a pat. "You've got a new friend, huh?" Dante nodded. "Cute," Grissom retorted.

"Yeah," Sara agreed. "We'll need to make a kitty saddle." Grissom's eyes widened and she laughed again. "I'm joking."

"Come on…" He led Dante from the stall and grabbed his halter. "Let's get you sorted then we can get Pandora out…"

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The couple arrived back at the house with Dante and Pandora in tow. The convoy of four wagons and one coach was just about ready to leave so Sara hurried inside to put Dickens in her room then rejoined the group.

Laura got into the coach while Nicolas and Gregory pulled themselves up onto the first wagon.

"Are you two ready?" the captain asked, tucking his scarf a little tighter into his jacket.

Sara leaned into her fiancé, her head dropping onto his shoulder. "Yep."

"Great," the captain replied with a smile. "Why don't you two ride inside with me and your mother? It will be much more comfortable for you."

"Sounds good," Grissom responded, taking Sara's hand and helping her into the coach.

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Despite the freezing temperatures, the town was very busy when the Sidle group arrived and given the sights and smells, it already felt like Christmas. The smell of roasting chestnuts and hog roast from the street vendors hung in the air, carolers standing on street corners and violins playing could be heard all around. Food and gift stalls in the marketplace turned over a healthy profit as people whisked up their desired purchases.

Sara smiled as she exited the coach loving the Christmas feeling. Nicolas and Gregory jumped down from their wagon, eyeing the cider stand with a grin. The captain pointed down the main street towards an old demolished building.

"That's where the new hotel is going to be," he said. Everyone followed his direction with curiosity.

"The one you're investing in?" Laura asked.

"That's right," he confirmed.

"Looks like a dump," Gregory laughed earning a glare from his unncle.

"It's not built yet you fool," the captain snapped. "We can't start until winter is over."

"Oh…" Gregory blushed, feeling embarrassed. "Sorry…"

The captain rolled his eyes while everyone else gave a snicker.

"So…" Sara clapped her hands together, "…how are we going to do this? It's going to be hard getting gifts for each other if we're together."

Grissom tapped his cane upon the icy ground, taking a look around. This was the first time he'd ventured from the estate since getting shot. He wondered what kind of reception he'd get should someone notice him. He wasn't overly confident about wandering around alone though.

"We're quite happy to do our own thing," Nicolas said looking at his brother, feeling thirstier by the second and his uncle gave him a suspicious glance.

"I'll bet you are," the captain retorted but then he sighed. "Fine," he conceded. "Off you go but do not spend all your money on alcohol or I'll tan both your hides. You got me? And if you want lunch meet us at the corner restaurant at 1pm, no later. If not, be back here by 2pm. We must get home before dark. You're not here, you'll find yourselves walking."

"Yes, sir," the two said before giggling and hurrying away.

Shaking his head, the captain couldn't help a laugh. "I'd wager a buck they come back drunk and probably lacking in gifts."

Sara gave a smile knowing her cousins all too well. She just hoped they got some priorities right for once.

"Right…" the captain continued, "…Sara, how about you go with your mother and Rana and take half the workers with you. I'll go with Gil and we'll take the others. I need to go to the butcher first, my lad, but then we can go wherever you wish."

Grissom shrugged, looking to Sara. "That's sounds okay with me."

"We can meet back up for lunch before we head home," the captain finished.

"I think that's a grand idea," Laura said taking her daughter's arm. "The boys and the girls each on their own private gift hunt."

Sara's lips pouted, her eyes remaining on Grissom's. "Let's just hope the boys are as good at hiding their gifts as the girls are," she scoffed.

Grissom's right brow inclined. "You try and find the gifts?"

"Of course," Sara mewed. "It's all part of the fun. So I hope you've got a good hiding place because if I find your present, you have to get me a new one."

The rancher swallowed then frowned. That didn't sound very ideal. Fine, he'd got a little money now but could he afford to keep on buying her things if she kept finding them? He still had to consider where they were going to live after the wedding and whether he could afford a house for them or not.

Sara could see the sudden fear in his eyes and she laughed, holding up a hand. "Gil, I'm joking, calm down…If we find the gifts we're not allowed to open them, okay? But we can guess what's in them…"

Both the captain and Laura gave a little chuckle.

"Not very funny," Grissom complained. He really wasn't used to this.

"Well, let's get going," Laura said.

"Right," the captain agreed. "Farrell, Jeffers, you both stay by the wagons and look after the horses. If they get too cold, take them to the livery. Make sure they get some water and…" He pulled out two silver dimes and flicked them toward his staff. The older man caught them. "Get them some apples and something for you all to eat and drink once were done shopping."

The worker took off his hat, giving a quick bow of his head. "Thank you, sir," he said appreciatively.

"I'll see you in a little while," Sara said to Grissom with a grin as her mother tugged her away.

He gave a faltering smile back just wondering what on earth he was going to get Sara for Christmas. He'd been thinking about it for a while and yet, he still had no clue.

"You okay?" the captain asked him.

Grissom sighed. "Yeah, it's just…I'm not used to this and have absolutely no idea what to buy Sara."

The older man gave him a smile. "You don't always have to buy something, Gil. Precious gifts come from the heart and they are what are held most fondly. They don't have to be shinning gold or sparkling jewels. Family and love is what is most important." He draped an arm over the rancher's shoulders. "Come…let's take a look around. I'm sure you'll find something or at least come up with an idea…"

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Finishing their shopping, both Grissom and the captain watched as the workers loaded their purchases into one of the wagons. Initially, he'd struggled as to what to get for Sara because nothing had appealed to him. But then everything changed when he had an idea and found what would make that idea a reality. Well, half of it. The rest he'd have to complete himself.

After all, as the captain had said, it was what came from the heart that was most important and he knew handmade gifts were always that little bit extra precious. It was going to be a challenge but with some determination, a steady hand and a tiny bit of help from his future father-in-law, he should be able to pull it off.

Pulling his pocket watch from his pocket, the captain frowned. "We're late," he sighed. "It's gone 1:15." He glanced over the wagon. "I can see Laura and Sara have been back already because their boxes are here…"

"Sorry," Grissom apologized. "I didn't think I'd take so long…"

The captain scoffed, giving Grissom a healthy pat on the back. "Not to worry. At least you found something and I have to say…" He tugged on the brim of his hat, "…I think your idea is very touching.

"You do?"

"I do," the captain replied. "We have the tools if you have the capability and I know Sara will love it if you manage to pull it off."

Grissom gave a smile. "Well, I intend to do my best."

"Good." The older man looked over his shoulder. "Come…let's get to the restaurant or it will be too late to have lunch before we have to head home…"

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The two men reached the Brewster House restaurant as quickly as they could considering Grissom was still a little slow. Upon entering a clanging bell announced new customer arrivals and they were quickly greeted by the establishment's host.

"Ah, Captain Sidle," the middle age man said chirpily. "Such a pleasure to see you, sir. It's been quite some time since you have graced us with your presence." The man opened his arms and waited for the captain to remove his coat.

"Yes, I think it has, Andrew," the captain replied, slipping off his coat.

"Your wife's birthday if I recall…" the man continued.

The captain thought for a moment. "Yes, your right and that was a while ago wasn't it?"

Andrew gave a smile taking the garment. "Yes, sir."

"Is Laura here?" the ranch owner asked.

"Yes. She arrived about thirty minutes ago with Miss Sara and your nephews."

"Well, I'm surprised the boys made it," he replied. "Is she upset we're late?"

The restaurant host shook his head. "She is on her second glass of wine and the banter is rather pleasant within your group, so I'm sure she has no ill feelings about your timekeeping."

"Well, that's my fault anyway," Grissom cut in.

Andrew turned to the rancher and waited but Grissom just stared at him. "Your coat, sir?"

"Oh…um…sorry…" Grissom apologized, taking off his coat. He wasn't used to having such personal service. The captain gave a light chuckle.

"That's fine, sir," Andrew said, taking the garment "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Grissom's brow rose. "Oh?"

The older man gave a nod. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Grissom. I feel you have done a lot for our town and I, as well as many others, are happy to have you as a permanent part of our community."

Grissom was surprised at the kind comment not knowing how people were going to react to him but he managed a smile. "Call me Gil."

Andrew gave a nod. "Please…" he gestured into the dining room, "…follow me and I will show you to your table."

They did as asked and weaved their way through the crowded restaurant toward the back of the building. Several hushed whispers moved about the room and Grissom found dozens of glances falling on him. Increasing his pace, he breathed a sigh of relief when they reached their table near a grand open fireplace. Thankfully, it was reasonably private and the feeling of being stared at fell away.

"There you are," Laura announced.

Sara turned her head to pass her glance upon her fiancé, giving him a bright smile. He gave a smile back as two waiters pulled out their chairs and they sat.

"Anything to drink, gentlemen?" Andrew asked. "We have some excellent wines in for the season. A Zinfandel imported all the way from Italy. Or maybe I could recommend some of our selection of Californian whites?"

"The Zinfandel is excellent," Laura said cheerfully, holding up her glass.

The captain smirked, noting a tiny slur in his wife's words. She wasn't much of a day drinker. "Gil, what would you like?"

Grissom shrugged. "Um…that's fine by me," he replied timidly.

"I'll have that as well," the captain finished on.

"Excellent," Andrew said. "I'll have two more carafes brought right over. Margret will be over in few minutes to take your orders, okay?" He took menus from his staff and handed one to each man before stepping away.

"Sorry we're late, my dear," the captain apologized to his wife, glancing over the menu. "I presume you have already decided on your food?"

Laura took a sip from her glass. "We have," she replied. "But we haven't ordered yet and no apologies needed. We were actually having a nice pleasant conversation."

Looking around to his family, the captain gave a smile. "Didn't get too drunk then, boys?" he asked of his nephews.

"No, sir," Nicolas replied.

"Too afraid of missing out on lunch," Sara snickered and earned a snort from her father. "So did you find what you were looking for?" Sara asked her fiancé and he looked up from his menu.

"Sort of," he replied honestly.

Sara wasn't quite sure what to make of that answer. "Oh…" she mumbled with a tiny frown.

He gave a soft smile. "Did you find what you were looking for?" he countered.

Her lips pouted. Now he was playing with her. "Maybe," she retorted, giving as good as she got.

"I guess you'll both just have to wait until Christmas Eve," Laura said on a hiccup. "So stop teasing each other."

Sara smiled now, picking up her glass of wine to take a drink.

More wine was brought and everyone's glasses refilled.

"This all looks so expensive," Grissom mumbled, his eyes scanning over the menu.

"Of course it is," the captain laughed, placing his own menu down. "We're in the most expensive restaurant in town and one of the best in the state." Grissom's teeth bit into his bottom lip. That didn't make him feel any better. "Don't be worrying about cost, lad," the older man insisted. "This is our family tradition. We do this every year and it's always my treat."

Sara could see the conflict in Grissom's eyes. She knew he hated charity. Conspicuously, she reached her hand under the table and gently clasped his knee. "That's true," she said as his eyes shot to her. "Don't worry and just enjoy yourself. Please?"

He gave a small sigh but then a smile followed. "Okay."

"Good afternoon everyone," Margret said happily as she stepped up to the table. "Now before we all place our orders I have a few recommendations for you. We have a lovely roast pork or sirloin of beef, both freshly cooked this morning. The veal cutlet is also quite delightful."

"Beef," Gregory said along with his brother.

Margret gave them a smile. Every time they came in it was always the beef.

"It's rude to order before the ladies, boys," the captain grumbled. "I tell you this every, single, time…"

"Sorry," they both apologized, right at the same time Gregory's stomach made the biggest rumble, causing him to blush.

The captain snorted. "Well, at least I can see why you are so keen." He looked to his wife. "My dear?"

Laura ran her finger down the menu. "I will have the breast of lamb please, with greens and mashed potato."

Giving a nod, the server turned her attention to Sara. "And for you, Miss?"

"I'll have the vegetable broth, please," Sara began just knowing her father was rolling his eyes without even looking. "A portion of rice, a portion of spinach and an apple pie for afterwards."

"Oh, are we doing dessert?" Gregory piped up, grabbing the menu again.

Leaning over the table, the captain swiped the paper out of his hand. "You eat your main course first then I decide if you can have dessert."

Grissom grinned to himself as Gregory pouted. Margret too found it quite hard to keep a straight face as she turned to the rancher for his order.

"Um…" Grissom ran a hand over his forehead. Everything sounded so posh. "I'll have the corned beef and cabbage, please," he eventually said. At least that was something he was used to.

"Very good," Margret said now turning to the last but most important man at the table. "And for yourself, Captain?"

"I'll have the veal," he responded. "Extra potato and sauce and make sure it's not too overcooked."

"Yes, sir. Anything else for anyone?" She looked around and all at the table shook their heads. Giving another smile, she collected the menus and headed towards the kitchen to place the order.

Sara pulled her hand out from under the table to take a hold of her fiancé's. Her smile only for him.

The captain picked up his glass and raised it in the air. "A toast…"

Everyone glanced to him and raised their own glasses. "To Christmas, the future, love and happiness. May the Sidle's and…" He nodded towards his future son-in-law and daughter, "…the Grissom's prosper and may no one ever bring us undone again. To family…"

"Family," the group sounded, chinking their glasses together before everyone took a drink.

"Are you happy?" Sara whispered to Grissom.

His gaze fell back upon her and he gave a nod. "As long as your father's sentiments remain true then…I'm the happiest man in the world…"

*** "As to the future...I should have great hope. As it pleased Heaven in its mercy to restore him so soon, I should have great hope. He, yielding under the pressure of a complicated something, long dreaded and long vaguely foreseen and contended against, and recovering after the cloud had burst and passed, I should hope that the worst was over."

*** Extract taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Chalres Dickens (Slightly adapted)

A/N: So, will all be well? What is Grissom planning? Will anyone spoil the party? I want a kitten :( Lol. Have a great day!