A/N: I really do love writing this story when I can get into the zone. It's like being in a very fluffy time machine right now :) And so different to the super angst of my other story.

Christmas is almost upon our couple and an early surprise awaits and then…oooh the wedding is nearly here. Will everything go off without a hitch? I feel nerves a brewin' :-P

Thanks to Calim, as always for the spiffy beta :) My rock as always. Please keep your reviews coming, I love and I'm very grateful to all for the time you take to give me your input!

Enjoy :)

Chapter 128

December 21st

Sara's eyes fluttered open and she instantly sat up to investigate what had disturbed her slumber. A smile caught her lips when she immediately saw Dickens attempting to attack her feet through the sheets.

Laughing, she teased the kitten, shuffling her feet under the covers and he pounced in an attempt to catch what he couldn't see.

"Are you ever going to let me have a good night's sleep?" she questioned, leaning forwards to scoop him up into her hand.

The tiny animal offered a mew before leaping from her hand to land on her chest. Sniggering, she gave Dickens a good tickle before glancing at the mantel clock. It was actually later than she thought and time to rise anyway.

Her dress would be arriving from the fitters today. A few alterations had been needed so it had been sent to the shop. Her fingers were crossed that the amendments were correct because they barely had any time left to make any more. Her heart beat a little quicker suddenly. In exactly one week, her wedding day would arrive and she would be preparing to give her life to the man she loved. It was going to be a day no one would forget, she was pretty certain of that.

Swinging her legs from under the covers, she stood following with a stretch and a yawn. "Right little man…" she began, glancing to the kitten as he rolled over and over on the bed sheets, "…let's go say hello to your father, shall we? And, we need to get him out of the house. Wouldn't want him seeing my dress now, would we?"

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After knocking lightly, Sara entered the room with Dickens in her hand to see Grissom sitting by the window, pulling on his boots. He looked up, giving her a smile as she approached which she gave back.

"Good morning," she announced when she reached him, leaning down, edging her mouth towards his.

The kiss was gentle, serene but oh so long and delightful.

"Hmmmmm…" she hummed enjoyably as his soft lips worked over hers.

Dickens wasn't so patient. As their kiss began to intensify, he leapt from Sara's hand to land in a rather precarious place on Grissom's lap, causing him to startle and pull away.

"It's a good job you don't have claws yet, cat…" he said with relief, swiping the kitten up into his hand to hold him before his eyes.

Sara snickered, straightening herself out. "He's just saying hello…"

"Yeah…" he replied with a grin, eyeballing Dickens as he squirmed in his fingers. "But I'd prefer it if he put more thought into where he pounced…"

Bending, he dropped the kitten onto the floor and Dickens scampered away, skidding across the wooden floor boards to attack one of Grissom's socks.

Sara held out her hands to him and pulled him from the chair. "So…" she began, wrapping her arms around his waist, "…what are you up to today?"

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. He had plans but he didn't want her to know everything he was doing. "Why?" he asked.

"Because…" she began fiddling with the button on his shirt, "…my dress will be arriving before noon and…"

"You don't want me to see it…" he finished for her.

She gave him a smile. "It's bad luck."

"Actually, it's only bad luck for me to see you in it," he corrected her.

"Well…I don't want to push fate. Humor me, okay?"

His eyes were drawn to his right and Dickens throwing his sock up into the air like his life depended on it. He gave a low chuckle but also offered her a nod of his head. "Okay. There's something I need to do anyway."

Now her eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?"

"Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" he shot back.

"What are you up to?" she asked on a giggle.

"You'll just have to wait and see," he replied, stepping aside to grab his jacket which was hanging on the bedpost. "I'll take Dante and Pandora for a walk as well. I need to try daily if I can. Not only for their own exercise but to get myself back into being more mobile."

She pouted. "You're not going to tell me what you're doing?"

"No."

"Mean," she accused.

He gave a mock sigh but then his mouth worked into a grin. "So mean…"

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Grissom left Sara playing with Dickens, promising he'd return well after the time her dress would arrive giving her ample time to try it on without him seeing her.

He headed straight for the workshop, happy to find it empty when he got there. He liked to work in peace and really needed to get a move on if he was going to complete Sara's gift in time.

Moving to the corner, he grabbed a locked box from under the counter and pulled a key from his pocket. Opening it, he shifted to the furnace and fired it up…

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A little after 11am the dress arrived along with the town's finest dressmaker, Mrs. Banks, and an assistant to help with alterations. The minute they slipped the beautiful frock out of its casing and held it out for her to step into, Sara's nerves erupted. She bit her bottom lip and tried to keep her hands from trembling as she eased her arms into the sleeves, her mother carefully fastening the clips running down the back.

"Calm down, sweetheart," Laura said, her hands resting on Sara's arms. "I can feel you shaking. Why are you shaking?"

"I don't know," Sara sighed, smoothing her hands down the silk. "I'm just nervous I guess…"

Laura snorted. "Heaven's…if you're this nervous now, how are you going to be on the actual day?" Taking her daughter's shoulders, she turned her, cupping Sara's cheeks softly in her hands. "Take a breath and relax…" she soothed.

Swallowing, Sara nodded. "Okay…"

Doing as asked, she sucked in a deep breath, feeling the tightness of the corset underneath the dress. She'd never been a fan of corsets and this one was extra uncomfortable. However, she knew because of the occasion she would be expected to look her best and if that meant a tight corset then she'd just have to deal with it.

"Comfortable?" Laura asked, doing a full circle around her daughter along with Mrs. Banks who would now and again smooth down a part of the dress against Sara's body.

"Yes," Sara lied because the undergarments were making her less than comfortable but she wasn't about to make a fuss.

"You've done a wonderful job, Mrs. Banks," Laura commended.

"Thank you, Ma'am," the older woman replied proudly and with a smile.

Sara's eyes narrowed at both women. "Can I take a look now?" she asked with a hint of frustration.

Laura gestured towards the mirror with a smile. "Go ahead…"

Taking another breath, Sara carefully held up the skirt and slowly walked to the mirror. Her lips parted when she got a look at herself, a tiny whisper of air escaping her mouth.

"You look amazing," Laura said, coming up behind her. "It looks even better on you than I ever could have imagined."

Sara felt herself blush but she did actually agree with her mother. The dress did look good. "I…" she swallowed hard again, "…just hope Gil thinks the same…"

"Oh, I'm sure he won't have any complaints," Laura replied with confidence, placing her hand on the small of Sara' back. "You look absolutely stunning…"

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A little after mid-day, Grissom stood back from the workbench, wiped his brow on his shirt sleeve and put down the small hammer in his right hand. Looking over his handiwork, he smiled as he picked up Sara's gift and examined it. It was almost complete and looked a lot better than he expected. Just a half a day's more work and the piece he needed from the captain, and it would be ready.

Placing the item back into the box, he locked it and left the workshop, his feet crunching through the thawing snow as he headed towards the stables. Looking up to the sky, he wondered whether the snow would begin again. There was something about the winter time that usually put him on edge. Maybe because it was tough when you were a rancher at that time of year. Not much could be done because of the weather.

But, it felt different this year. He knew it was because his personal circumstances had changed and, even though they had been through a lot, it was nice not actually stressing. He'd make a point of giving Hodges and David some extra cash when he saw them so they didn't struggle through the cold months while caring for his land.

He reached the stables to find a very keen Dante poking his head out of his stall.

"Feel like a walk, lad?" Grissom asked, stroking the horse's neck.

Dante gave a jolly snort as the rancher unbolted the stall door and he immediately trotted to Pandora's stall next door.

Grissom gave a smile as Dante licked Pandora's nose. "Yes…she's coming too," he chuckled. "Just give me a second and I'll let her out…"

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Sara approached the living room deep in thought about her dress. Although it looked good, she couldn't help feeling a little nervous about whether or not Grissom would feel the same way she did and if he would like it or not. Although she knew it was silly to be thinking that, she just couldn't help it. When she reached the room she heard her parents chatting through the open door.

"Are you sure you want to do this now? Don't you want to wait?" she heard her mother say and stopped outside the door, listening.

"I think this will be best," the captain answered. "I know Gil is already concerned about it so I think it's best this way and…it's only a few days early."

Frowning and wondering what they were talking about, Sara entered the room and her parent's attention immediately shot to her. Approaching them, she gave an uneasy smile.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. "I heard Gil's name…"

"Oh…um…" Laura stuttered, shooting a quick glance to her husband. "Just…"

Sara's frown deepened at the lack of an answer. "What's going on?" she questioned now sounding worried.

The captain lightly folded his arms across his chest. "It's nothing bad," he insisted.

"Then just tell me," Sara answered.

"Okay," the captain agreed with a small shrug. "Where's Gil? This is something I need you together for and you need to get wrapped up to go outside."

Now Sara really was confused. "Gil went to the workshop and then he said he was taking the horses for a walk. I thought he'd be back by now but…" She thought for a second. "Why do we need to go outside?"

Taking his daughter's arm, the captain gave a smile and led her back towards the door, Laura following. "Just make yourself warm and all will soon be explained." He looked over his shoulder and gave Laura a nod. "You, too, my dear…"

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Wrapped up to face the elements, Sara quietly followed her parents out of the house. She wasn't happy despite her father's attempt to put her at ease. Lately, secrets were not things she enjoyed especially if they involved both she and Grissom.

Descending the steps, the captain called to a worker passing by and waved him over.

Quickly the young man scuttled towards his boss and removed his hat. "Yes, Captain?" he asked.

"Have you seen Mr. Grissom anywhere?" the ranch owner enquired.

"Yes, Sir," the worker answered. "He passed by about five minutes ago. I think he was taking the horses back to the stable."

"Excellent," the older man announced, clapping his hands together. "Carry on," he instructed the worker.

The man gave a nod and backed away to continue with his duties.

Laura took Sara's arm. "Stop looking so worried," she whispered. "You'll like this, I promise."

A few moments later, Sara and her parents arrived at the stable just as Grissom was exiting. He paused upon seeing their arrival and gazed at them.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, reaching behind him to bolt the stable door.

Clearing her throat, Sara gave a shrug. "I have no clue what's going on," she admitted.

A firm frown nipped Grissom's brow as he looked to each family member in turn.

"There's something I want to give to you," the captain finally admitted, earning glances from both his daughter and future son-in-law. "Call it your Christmas present."

Grissom's eyes narrowed.

"But it's not Christmas yet," Sara said.

"I know," the captain replied. "But…it feels right doing this now so, humor an old man."

Snorting, Sara stepped towards her fiancé and took his arm noting the suspicious look now upon his face. "You're not old, Father," Sara retorted.

Giving a smile, the captain held his arm out for his wife. "You up for another walk?" he asked Grissom. "Not far. Ten minutes or so, just over to the west."

"I guess," Grissom replied. "If it will answer what's happening…"

"Oh, it will," the captain replied immediately. "It will indeed."

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"Are we almost there, Father?" Sara asked, feeling a chill run down her spine. The air was certainly getting colder and the pathway icier. The last thing she wanted was for Grissom to fall. "It's getting very slippery," she continued, tightening her grip on her fiance's arm.

Grissom gave her smile knowing her concern was for him. "I'll be fine," he whispered in her ear.

"Almost there," the captain called back to her. "Just another minute."

"Why are we coming all the way out here anyway?" she then questioned. "It seems a little silly…"

The captain gave an unseen grin. "Patience…" he encouraged. "It'll be worth it."

The younger couple looked at each other and Grissom's jaw worked a touch. "This is all very strange," he mumbled. "I'm not a fan of surprises…"

"Oh…" Sara sniggered. "Not all surprises I hope…"

He gave her a small grin and she returned the gesture.

"Okay…we're here…" the captain announced as they reached a large open stretch of land boarding the outskirts of the estate.

Looking around to see what was so special they saw… well not a great deal.

"Where?" Grissom questioned, seeing nothing but snow and trees, hearing nothing but the chirping of the birds and the northeasterly wind.

Opening his arms out wide the captain gave a smile. "Here…"

"Father…" Sara looked around. "I think you might have to elaborate a bit…"

Looking to his wife, the captain gave a smile. "This is your Christmas present. Well…it will be come spring and we can begin building."

Sara's eyes shot to her father's. "Building?"

Grissom took a step back, taking another look around and trying to work out in his head exactly where they were. "Oh, no," he said firmly.

Sara glanced to him. "Oh, no, what? What's happening?"

Swallowing, Grissom gave the captain his attention and held up a finger. "Captain…you can't do that. It's too much."

The captain's smile broadened knowing Grissom had worked it out. "You always were sharp, Gil," he commended. "But no, it's not too much and this is something we want to do. For you both."

"Will someone please explain what you're talking about?" Sara huffed.

Sighing, Grissom bit down on his lip and waved at the captain to continue.

"This is yours, Sara," the captain said. "This whole area and, come the weather change, a house will be built for your future and your family."

Sara's mouth opened but nothing but cold air came out. Slowly, her head turned and she caught her man's expression. He looked worried. "Father, I…" She glanced back to her father, "…I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. We realize you need your privacy and this is the very least we can provide for our children and grandchildren. You deserve nothing less, both of you. And I know you have concerns, Gil, about where you would reside on a permanent basis so…"

The air turned silent as Grissom turned and looked over the land. He blew out a breath, sending a stream of white before his face. This was a lot to take in. No one had ever done something as huge as this for him and he wasn't used to excepting such a gift. He felt Sara's hand upon his back and his head turned to her.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

He swallowed again. "I don't know," he admitted quietly. "I'm not sure if we can accept this."

Her eyes lazily blinked and she gave him a small smile. "You'd rather we lived with my parents for the rest of our lives?"

"You know that's not what I meant," he argued. "I should be providing for us."

"This isn't about provision, Gil. It's about family and this is what family does. You have to learn to accept that."

He noticeably shivered. The temperature was finally getting to him.

Now Sara sighed, taking his hand. "Come. Let's get you back to the house before you catch a chill. We can talk about it more there if you want to."

He shook his head, turning back to his future father-in-law. "I'll admit this is pretty overwhelming," he began. "But…thank you both for the gift. This is more than…"

"You're welcome, Gil," Laura replied, cutting him short, seeing the struggle within him to accept what they were giving. "And please, don't try and over think this. It's not charity. It's parents looking after their children. Any mother and father would do the same if they were able. We want you to be happy."

Giving a bashful smile, he glanced to Sara. "I want us to be happy, too."

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The day passed by pretty quickly and Sara hadn't spent as much time with Grissom as she'd have liked. Once they got back to the house, she was pulled into more wedding planning and finalizing. Work had begun in the main hall to get the altar ready, food and flowers needed to be confirmed, guest seating needed organizing. Although her mother had taken the helm of planning, Laura still liked to discuss all decisions with her daughter. After all, it was her wedding.

So, Grissom had been left to do whatever he wanted and Sara hadn't managed to catch up with him until dinner and even that was a quiet affair. He barely said anything during the meal and afterwards made a quick excuse to retire to bed. That made her worry. Even though he'd said he was fine when she asked and just tired from the day, something inside her niggled that he wasn't being entirely truthful.

Now, as she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her right hand stroking over Dickens as he lay on her chest, sleep refused to come.

After a good hour of trying, she decided to get up. Carefully placing the sleeping kitten on her pillow, she grabbed her robe and headed downstairs. A mug of hot cocoa would help her sleep. But, as she walked through the hallway intent on going to the kitchen, she bumped into Rana who came out carrying a tray.

"Oh…" Rana said, spotting her. "Why are you out of bed, Miss?"

Sara looked over the tray noting a mug of cocoa and a glass of Brandy. "I couldn't sleep. Who's that for?"

"Mr. Grissom is in the lounge, Miss. Seems he couldn't sleep either. I said I'd get him something that might help."

Glancing towards the lounge, Sara reached for the tray. "I'll take it," she said.

"Are you sure, Miss?"

Sara gave a nod. "Could you get me some cocoa?"

Rana gave a smile. "Of course, Miss. I'll bring it to you as soon as it's ready. You'll be in the lounge, I presume?"

"Yeah," Sara answered.

Rana nodded before heading back to the kitchen and Sara slowly moved towards the lounge. Entering the room she saw Grissom by the fireplace looking down into the flames. The floor creaked as she moved and his head turned, his eyes catching hers. He blew out a breath when he saw her, his chest quickly rising and falling.

"Hi," she said softly, approaching him.

"Hi," he whispered back, his eyes moving up and down her body. For some reason, he thought she looked extra beautiful tonight. "What are you doing up?"

She smiled. "I could ask the same thing of you but I think we are both having the same problem."

"Couldn't sleep?"

"No," she admitted, placing the tray down. "I thought some cocoa might help."

"Me, too," he answered, smiling back.

"Come…" She grabbed his hand and moved them to the sofa. "Sit with me…"

He did so and Sara reached across to the tray to hand him the mug.

"Thank you," he said taking a sip.

"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?" she asked, shifting so her left knee clipped his. "Or do you want me to take a guess?"

Resting the mug on his lap, he sighed. "What makes you think something is wrong?"

Placing her hand on his knee, she snorted. "Gil…you have barely said a word to me since we got back to the house and then going to bed saying you' tired and now here we sit? I know you know I always figure out when something's on your mind. And…" Her fingers worked up his thigh, "…I know this is about the house."

He faced forwards, running his thumbs over the mug. "I'm just not entirely comfortable accepting such a huge…"

"I know," she said, stopping him. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't question such an offering."

Glancing back to her his eyes fell to her lips as she spoke. They looked so soft, so tempting…

"But for once, take something you are very deserving of."

He opened his mouth to speak but her hand covered it. "Don't even try and argue that with me," she began. "Your whole life you have worked so hard to try and please everyone else, the little you got for your efforts you took without complaint. But, no matter whether you want to admit it or deny it, you saved this family, Gil. This estate, this house, the people in it and…you saved me. Take a little something without guilt…for once in your life."

Her hand lowered and he just stared at her. Eventually he placed his mug down and as he turned back to her his hand rose to her face, palm flattening against her cheek.

"All I want is you," he whispered.

Feeling a tingle down her spine, Sara gave a gentle smile. "You have me. There are no arguments with that one."

Leaning in, his lips found hers and he reached out, taking her arms and pulling her close. As their mouths worked together Sara's fingernails dug deep into the material of his robe and not even Rana's arrival with a second cup of cocoa could even break up the moment.

***- "Do you think:" the uncomplaining eyes in which there is so much endurance, fill with tears, and the lips part a little more and tremble: "that it will seem long to me, while I wait for her in the better land where I trust you and I will be mercifully sheltered?"

"It cannot be; there is no Time there, and no trouble there."

"You comfort me so much! I am so ignorant. Am I to kiss you now? Is the moment come?"

"Yes."

*** - Quote taken from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (slightly adapted)